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Archives for October 2016

Johnny Gaudreau Re-Signs With Calgary Flames

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According to Elliotte Friedman and the player himself, Johnny Gaudreau has re-signed with the Calgary Flames for six seasons.  He’ll earn approximately $6.75MM per season, bringing him in almost half a million higher than Sean Monahan who signed earlier this summer. Johnny Gaudreau

In Gaudreau, the Flames have a budding superstar at a reasonable price. The diminutive winger put up 78 points last season as a 22-year old, and has been likened to other smaller players like Martin St. Louis and Patrick Kane. While Gaudreau might not be a perfect parallel for either of those two, his production has already blown his draft position out of the water.

The Flames selected him in the fourth round before he completely dominated the college hockey ranks at Boston College, and proved that even at 5’9″ (allegedly) he can make an impact at the highest level. Pairing him with Monahan, the prototypical top-line center has built a duo that is almost unstoppable in the offensive end, the two combining for 141 points last season, despite being 22 and 21 respectively.

The contract will buy out one of Gaudreau’s free agent years and, like many of the contracts this summer, has a strong portion of the money allotted in signing bonuses, making it resistant to buyouts or work-stoppages. While he will become a free agent before his 29th birthday, the Flames have locked in some cap-certainty for the next six seasons without going over their negotiating limit of $7MM. If Gaudreau continues on his pace, and decides to hit the open market in 2022, he’ll easily make up any money he left on the table here. A good sign for Flames fans though, is that both he and Monahan have expressed the desire to stay in Calgary for their entire careers – though this is far from a certainty.

Radko Gudas Suspended Six Games

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After avoiding suspension for a hit earlier this pre-season on Jimmy Vesey of the New York Rangers, Radko Gudas has been given a six-game ban for his hit on Bruins’ forward Austin Czarnik.

This is not the first time Gudas has received discipline from the league. Last season he received three ejections in the span of a month, and was given a three-game suspension for a hit on Mika Zibanejad in December. Though he’s only technically a two-time offender now, the six-game ban is a strong message that his on-the-edge style will no longer be tolerated by the league.

The Flyers now have a lot of trouble on their blueline for the start of the season and will be hoping that Brandon Manning can play as soon as possible. With Michael Del Zotto out and now Gudas unavailable, 19-year old Ivan Provorov will be staying with the team. These injuries and suspensions are heaping even more responsibility onto sophomore Shayne Gostisbehere, as he looks to become the leader on the back-end for the Flyers this season.

New York Rangers Looking For McIlrath Deal

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As teams get ready for the start of the regular season, they have to submit final rosters and be cap-compliant on Tuesday evening. In New York, it seems this will cause the team to look for a deal for one of it’s young blueliners, despite having trouble in their own end last season.

According to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, the team is actively seeking a trade partner for Dylan McIlrath. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal also tweets that Adam Clendening has made the squad, lending credence to Brooks’ report, since the two were basically battling for the same spot.

McIlrath, on a one-year deal worth $800K this season, is a former 10th overall pick of the Rangers from 2010 but has not blossomed into the bruising shut-down defender they’d hoped for. He played in 34 games last season, though did show some promising signs late in the year; his possession numbers were quite strong, even without the consistent playing time.

For the Rangers, going with the cheaper, younger option in Clendening is also about versatility. As Brooks writes, the 23-year old free agent is able to play both sides of the ice, while McIlrath is strictly a right-side option. While that may scare off the Rangers, many teams (see: Edmonton) are looking desperately for right-handed options that can be effective in the NHL. McIlrath may not represent that right now, but with his pedigree and relative youth the Rangers will probably have no trouble finding a buyer.

Montreal Canadiens To Sign David Broll On AHL Deal

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Tough-guy David Broll will be back in the American Hockey League this year, as according to James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail, the former Maple Leafs draft pick will sign a minor-league deal with the Montreal Canadiens to skate with the St. John’s IceCaps this season (their last, before moving to Laval in 2017-18).

Broll was originally selected by the Maple Leafs in the sixth round of the 2011 Entry Draft, as a gritty winger who could hopefully develop into at least a penalty killing presence at a professional level. While he’s never developed much of a scoring touch, he did enough to earn a five game call-up in 2013-14 for the Maple Leafs, where he recorded one assist.

One of the suspected victims of the AHL’s new fighting restrictions, Broll will need to keep his gloves on his hands this year; he’s had double digit fighting majors in each of his three professional seasons. The league now will suspend players who record more than three fighting majors in a single season, a strong step towards ridding the league of fighting almost entirely.  Broll will clearly need to contribute in other ways to stay relevant in hockey.

2016-17 Season Preview: New Jersey Devils

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With the start of the regular season two days away, we continue to look at each team’s off-season and preview the upcoming year. Today, we focus on the New Jersey Devils.

Last Season: 38-36-8 record (84 points), 7th in the Metropolitan Division.

Remaining Cap Space: $11.4MM per CapFriendly

Key Newcomers: C Vernon Fiddler (UFA, Dallas), LW Taylor Hall (trade, Edmonton), RW Beau Bennett (trade, Pittsburgh), D Kyle Quincey (UFA, Detroit), D Ben Lovejoy (UFA, Pittsburgh).

Key Departures: D Adam Larsson (trade, Edmonton), D David Schlemko (UFA, San Jose), RW Jordin Tootoo (UFA, Chicago), Patrik Elias (UFA, unsigned).

[Related: New Jersey Devils Depth Chart at Roster Resource]

Players To Watch: Taylor Hall. The Devils made waves this summer by trading defenseman Adam Larsson to the Edmonton Oilers for former number one pick Taylor Hall. Hall is an elite talent, scoring 132G and 196A in 381 NHL games for the Oilers, and he looks to continue to do that in New Jersey. The trade reflects more on the Oilers’ need for a team shakeup rather than a comment on Hall’s skill, so the Devils did not purchase damaged goods. In fact, most hockey pundits view this trade as a steal for New Jersey.

Hall was blindsided by the move, but has quickly acclimated himself to his new team, reported Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. He’ll immediately become the Devil’s top line threat alongside Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri. The Devils suffered down the stretch last season after Mike Cammalleri went down with a wrist injury, and went out and acquired more offensive help.

Key Storyline: Scoring. Namely, can the Devils score? The team finished last in goals scored last year (184) in large part because of injuries to aging Patrik Elias and the oft-injured Mike Cammalleri. Kyle Palmieri emerged as the team’s bright spot, potting 30 goals for the first time in his career, and the Devils will need him to continue his newfound offensive prowess if they expect to challenge for a playoff spot. The team also brought in Taylor Hall to boost its anemic offense and his goal-scoring touch should propel the Devils from the bottom of the offensive heap.

 

Colorado Signs Rene Bourque And Gabriel Bourque

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The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have come to terms on contracts for both Rene Bourque and Gabriel Bourque (no relation, and no relation to Ray Bourque either). The duo were both in Avs camp on PTO agreements, but have earned themselves a job for the 2016-17 season. Both players signed one-year deals for under $1MM, which could turn out to be a great deal for GM Joe Sakic and Colorado.

Rene signed a one-way contract worth $650K after leading the Avalanche in scoring in the preseason. The veteran of 660 NHL games was once a 50-point player for a few years with the Calgary Flames in the late 2000’s, but has bounced around the NHL since then, unable to find a good fit. He hopes to carve out a role for himself on a young, offensive Colorado team by bringing a strong two-way game, special teams experience, and a veteran presence into the fold.

Gabriel signed a two-way contract worth $800K at the NHL level, and was subsequently put on waivers with the hopes that he could be assigned to the Avs’ AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage. While Gabriel may start the season in the minors, don’t expect him to stay there. While he was never able to find consistency in his five years with the Nashville Predators, the young winger has shown offensive ability that could make him a 20-goal scorer on the right team. His style of play fits well with the makeup of the Avalanche roster, and both Gabriel and Colorado may benefit from this change of scenery more than they know.

Provorov, Konecny To Stay With Flyers For 2016-17

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It’s official in Philadelphia: GM Ron Hextall has confirmed that preseason stars Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov have officially made the Flyers roster. The pair were both drafted in the first round in 2015 and are considered to be Philly’s finest prospects, but they’ll become more than prospects in 2016-17, as they’re set to be difference makers on this team. With the roster deadline coming tomorrow, Konecny and Provorov had done enough to solidify their spots over other veteran players and will now have a chance to show what they can do at the NHL level.

While it’s possible for either to be sent back to juniors, after ten games a year will be accounted for on their entry-level contracts. Usually players in this situation are either sent back after this ten-game “tryout” or do enough to stick for the whole season. When asked about this scenario, Hextall answered that he believes that both have “earned it” and should remain on the roster for the entire season. It seems as though the excitement that management and fans alike felt about Konecny and Provorov has translated into a faith in their ability to be impact rookies throughout 2016-17. 

Konecny, Philadephia’s 24th overall pick in 2015, is coming off a 56-point stint with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting and a strong performance with Team Canada in the World Junior Championships. He kept his roll going in training camp and preseason, where the flashes of his talent and ability were hard to miss. Konecny is expected to start the season on the Flyers’ second line with Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek, and has the potential to put up big points right away in his rookie season.

Provorov, at just 19 years old, plays with vision and awareness that is hard to find in a defenseman his age. The 7th overall pick in 2015, Provorov went on to score 73 points for the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings and led them on a deep playoff run. While he has the makings of a top-pair NHL defenseman, Provorov will not be asked to do too much in his rookie year, with 2016 rookie sensation Shayne Gostisbehere and the very capable Michael Del Zotto in the fold, but that won’t stop the Russian blue liner from making a name for himself eary in Philadelphia. He is expected to play alongside veteran role model Mark Streit in what could end up being the Flyer’s top pair by year’s end.

 

Crosby Diagnosed With Concussion

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The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that captain Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion. Coach Mike Sullivan said that the injury occurred in the Penguins’ Friday practice, but it was unclear at first that there was a head injury. What was orignally believed to just be sickness that kept Crosby out of the Pens’ preseason finale has now been officially diagnosed as a concussion. With so little time left before the start of the regular season, there is doubt as to whether or not Crosby will be healthy for the Pens’ home opener Thursday night against the Washington Capitals. There is no timeline for his return at this point. 

This is not the first time that Crosby has suffered a concussion as he has missed time in many seasons throughout his career due to head injuries. The worry with yet another concussion, even if it is minor, is that it could lead to an extended absence. The last thing that anyone wants to see is the player that most believe to be the best in hockey out with a head injury. Hopefully Crosby is back on the ice in no time.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh may have to do some line shuffling, but luckily for the defending Stanley Cup champs there is plenty of depth to go around. The diagnosis at this point in time allows the Penguins to re-analyze their roster situation prior to the cap deadline, perhaps preventing a player like Eric Fehr from hitting waivers. It could also allow the likes of Oskar Sunqvist, Teddy Blueger,  or college free agent Thomas Di Pauli to earn a role in the Penguins bottom-six. Should Crosby be unable to go on Thursday or even for an extended period of time, expect Evgeni Malkin to center the top line while Nick Bonino leads the “HBK line” in taking over second line duties. Matt Cullen, Fehr, or Wilkes-Barre/Scranton  reinforcements will center the bottom two lines. 

Ondrej Pavelec Placed On Waivers

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Winnipeg Jets goaltender Ondrej Pavelec was placed on waivers today, per TSN’s Bob McKenzie. The move was first rumored by the Winnipeg Sun’s Ken Wiebe. The move comes as a surprise, but will open the door for goalies Michael Hutchinson and Connor Hellebuyck to grab the starter’s role. Pavelec will have to report to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL.

Pavelec did not have an impressive year last season, posting a .904SV% and a 2.84GAA. He was outplayed by Hellebuyck and on par with Hutchinson. The Czech goalie has struggled to establish himself as a starter throughout his career. Aside from 2014-15 where he posted a .920SV% and a 2.28GAA, his numbers have consistently been among the worst of the NHL’s top 30 starting goalies. Winnipeg likely got tired of his inconsistency and decided to go with younger talent.

Pavelec is in his final year of a $3.9MM contract. It is unclear whether a team is willing to take on that salary at the moment, but early injuries could force a GMs hand. By sending Pavelec down, the Jets saved around $300K in cap space—not that it matters much, as Winnipeg had $9MM freed up before the move.

Training Camp Cuts And Waiver Wire Placements: 10/10/16

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Keeping track of all the training camp cuts and waiver placements today before tomorrow’s NHL 23-man roster deadline.

Anaheim Ducks
F Michael Sgarbossa (waivers -> San Diego Gulls, AHL)

Arizona Coyotes
D Zbynek Michalek (waivers -> Tuscon Roadrunners, AHL)
 D Klas Dahlbeck (waivers -> Tuscon Roadrunners, AHL)

Boston Bruins
RW Tyler Randell (waivers -> Providence Bruins, AHL)
RW Seth Griffith (waivers -> Providence Bruins, AHL)
C Tim Schaller (waivers -> Providence Bruins, AHL)
D Christian Ehrhoff (released from PTO)

Buffalo Sabres
D Justin Falk (waivers -> Rochester Americans, AHL)

Calgary Flames
F Brandon Bollig (waivers -> Stockton Heat, AHL)
F Chris Higgins (released from PTO)

Chicago Blackhawks
F Alexandre Fortin (returned to Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)
F Brandon Mashinter (waivers -> Rockford Ice Hogs, AHL)
F Mark McNeill (waivers -> Rockford Ice Hogs, AHL)
G Ivan Nalimov (returned to Vladivostok Admiral, KHL)

Colorado Avalanche
D Duncan Siemens (assigned to San Antonio Rampage, AHL)
F Gabriel Bourque (waivers -> San Antonio Rampage, AHL)
F Michael Sislo (waivers -> San Antonio Rampage, AHL)

Columbus Blue Jackets
C Gregory Campbell (waivers -> Cleveland Monsters, AHL)

Dallas Stars
D Mattias Backman (waivers -> Texas Stars, AHL)

Detroit Red Wings
F Teemu Pulkkinen (waivers -> Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL)
F Ben Street (waivers -> Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL)

Edmonton Oilers
F Anton Lander (waivers -> Bakersfield Condors, AHL)

Florida Panthers
F Paul Thompson (waivers -> Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL)

Los Angeles Kings
D Rob Scuderi (waivers -> Ontario Reign, AHL)
C Michael Latta (waivers -> Ontario Reign, AHL)

Minnesota Wild
G Alex Stalock (waivers -> Iowa Wild, AHL)

Montreal Canadiens
F Michael McCarron (assigned to St. John’s Ice Caps, AHL)
G Mike Condon (waivers -> St. John’s Ice Caps, AHL)

New York Islanders
F P.A. Parenteau (waivers -> Bridgeport Sound Tigers, AHL)

New Jersey Devils
G Scott Wedgewood (waivers -> Albany Devils, AHL)

Ottawa Senators
F Fredrik Claesson (waivers -> Binghamton Senators, AHL)

Tampa Bay Lightning
RW Erik Condra (waivers -> Syracuse Crunch, AHL)
LW Cory Conacher (waivers -> Syracuse Crunch, AHL)
RW Joel Vermin (waivers -> Syracuse Crunch, AHL)

Washington Capitals
D Aaron Ness (waivers -> Hershey Bears, AHL)
F Zach Sill (waivers -> Hershey Bears, AHL)

Winnipeg Jets
F Andrew Copp (assigned to Manitoba Moose, AHL)
F Marko Dano (assigned to Manitoba Moose, AHL)
F Chase De Leo (assigned to Manitoba Moose, AHL)
F Anthony Peluso (waivers -> Manitoba Moose, AHL)
F Nic Petan (assigned to Manitoba Moose, AHL)
D Julian Melchiori (waivers -> Manitoba Moose, AHL)
D Brian Strait (waivers -> Manitoba Moose, AHL)
G Ondrej Pavelec (waivers -> Manitoba Moose, AHL)

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