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Archives for January 2017

Waivers: Terry, Gordon

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The Montreal Canadiens placed Chris Terry on waivers this morning. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers’ forward Boyd Gordon clears waivers. Both were first reported by ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun. Gordon was subsequently assigned to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

The Flyers forward Boyd Gordon has struggled to make a mark in Philadelphia this year. He has only one goal in 13 games, and is on track for his second straight season without achieving double-digit points. Last season Boyd scored 2G and 2A in 65 games for the Arizona Coyotes. The move coincides with the Flyers officially activating defenseman Mark Streit from the long-term injured reserve list.

The Canadiens forward Chris Terry has fared better. In 14 games with the big club, Terry has tallied 2G and 2A, alongside 26 points in 20 AHL games. Terry is merely a victim of scarce roster sports as both Alex Galchenyuk and Andrew Shaw return to the Canadiens lineup tonight. Because of Terry’s excellent AHL numbers, expect to see him back in Montreal soon.

 

Morning Snapshots: Canadiens, Lightning, Leafs, Patrick

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News and notes from around the NHL this morning:

Red Wings Notes: “Not Very Good”

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The Detroit Red Wings are facing the grim and realistic prospect that there will be no continuation to its playoff streak. While it’s a shock to a generation of fans who have never seen a Spring without the Red Wings in the playoffs, it will provide some relief in knowing that the Wings could be picking new talent in the top 5 of the NHL draft.  The Wings are cemented in last place, and with every passing game, look more and more like a team that needs to begin focus heavily on scouting young talent.

In Helene St. James’ recent article , several Red Wings are quoted and forward Gustav Nyquist says the team was “not very good” after a long road trip. The same could be said about the entire season. More from Nyquist via St. James:

“We know that if we play the way we should and we want to, we can be a good team. We have had stretches of showing that. I think a lot of guys in here are maybe squeezing their sticks — obviously, not producing like they want to over the course of the year. But you have to be stronger than that. You have to be mentally strong and get past that. Make sure you are helping your team out.

We’ve got half the season left, so we’ll stay positive here and win some home games.”

St. James adds herself that in seven games, the Wings only collected six points and worse, as they head home, it’s to another place where they haven’t fared well all season. St. James also reports that the Red Wings have to sustain consistency in order to gain some momentum if they are to play better.

Beyond games though, there are those who believe the Red Wings need to face the facts and realize what they are.

Wings Nation blogger Greg Brady writes that the Red Wings shouldn’t be focused on the playoffs at all and instead, begin operating in a way that favors a younger team learning to build. Brady projects that Detroit is only good for 80 points, which is not only a steep decline from last season, but also one that isn’t even close to a playoff spot.

While still playing for pride because they are professionals, Brady feels it’s coming to terms with the idea that playing for the future–while still giving their all–is the way to go. For Brady, optimism is welcome. But they should also be realistic as well.

Hayley Wickenheiser Announces Her Retirement

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At the age of 38, Hayley Wickenheiser – arguably the greatest female hockey player of all-time – has decided to hang up her skates. She sent out a tweet Friday night that (fittingly) showed her on a public rink bench with the caption: Hayley Wickenheiser

Dear Canada. It has been the greatest honour of my life to play for you. Time to hang em up!! Thank you! #grateful #graduationday #canada

If you haven’t followed women’s hockey over the past couple of decades, Wickenheiser is a name you need to learn. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist in consecutive winter games (and add a silver from 1998 for good luck), and the first woman to play full-time professional hockey at a position other than goal.

In 2003, Wickenheiser signed on with a Finnish men’s team and played 23 games with the club that season, breaking a barrier for women around the world. She scored 12 points for the team in those 23 games (including 7 in 11 playoff matches), but left the league after just 10 scoreless games the next season. Years later she would play for a Swedish men’s team, scoring three points in 21 games. In 26 Olympic matches, she scored 51 points.

An incredible athlete, Wickenheiser also represented Canada in softball at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Once offered a contract to play in the ECHL by Phil Esposito (though she would never play for the team), her journey in hockey simply outgrew where the women’s level was at that time.  She will be a no-brainer inductee to the Hockey Hall of Fame, with discussion already beginning on whether the waiting period will be waived for her.

If it weren’t for Wickenheiser, there is no guarantee women’s hockey would be as developed as it is today. She, and other legends like her, inspired a generation of young women to pick up a hockey stick, get on the ice, and challenge the notion that hockey was only for men.

Dear Hayley. It has been a great hono(u)r to watch you play. Thank you.

Atlantic Notes: Beleskey, Leafs, St. Louis

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Since being injured on December 6th, Matt Beleskey hasn’t skated with the team once – until now. Beleskey returned to practice today to the cheers of his teammates, though he still was in a non-contact sweater. According to Joe Haggerty of CSNNE, the 28-year old winger was skating alongside David Krejci and David Backes when he did get into some rushes; otherwise that spot went to Frank Vatrano.

Beleskey was originally given a six-week timeline, which would be up on Tuesday, which looks like a possibility for the Bruins forward. Late next week might be more realistic, with Friday against Chicago being a likely target.

  • The Maple Leafs are back in action tonight after their bye week, and new backup Curtis McElhinney will wear #35 according to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun. The Maple Leafs claimed McElhinney off waivers and are expected to give him his first start tomorrow against the Ottawa Senators.
  • The Maple Leafs are playing tonight at Madison Square Garden, where the Rangers are honoring Steven McDonald, a former police officer who passed away Tuesday. He had been a big fan of the Rangers since he was shot in the line of duty 20 years ago, and the team honored him by wearing throwback sweaters in warm-up that had #104 on the back – the number of McDonald’s precinct. McDonald was paralyzed from the neck down in the shooting, but instead of despair he has spread a message of forgiveness since his injury. Adam Graves and Mark Messier were on hand to escort McDonald’s wife and son to center ice.
  • In other pre-game ceremony news, the Tampa Bay Lightning retired Martin St. Louis’ number tonight with former head coach John Tortorella on hand to speak (Torts’ Columbus Blue Jackets are in town to face the Lightning). “He is a man who has been told ’no’ so many times in his career… I just have so much respect for him in how he did it.” Steven Stamkos also spoke about St. Louis, saying “He was, he still is, and he forever will be the heart and soul of this organization.” 

Snapshots: Olympics, St. Louis, Florida Injuries, Oleksiak

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While the International Olympic Committee was originally hoping to have a firm answer regarding the NHL’s participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics by January 15th, there is no specific deadline for the league to make their decision, an IOC rep told ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.

The league continues to work on two different schedules for next season, one that would accommodate the NHL stopping midseason and one that would not.  While that might sound like reason for optimism, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly isn’t as bullish on the league heading to South Korea:

“The fact of the matter is that we have never at any time received a direct communication from the IOC on the prospect of NHL Player participation in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, and we still do not have the details of precisely how the expenses related to our possible participation would be funded as they have been in the past in the event we decided to go.

“In addition to that, and as we have said on numerous occasions, while those logistical and funding details are obviously important, absent there being some new and compelling reason for the Board [of Governors] to potentially reconsider the issue, there does not appear currently to be anywhere near the requisite support from our clubs that would be necessary for the league to commit to Olympic participation in 2018.”

While there hasn’t been a firm announcement yet regarding the funding, it is believed that International Ice Hockey Federation President Rene Fasel has a plan in place to cover the costs although it remains to be seen if that alone will be enough to sway NHL owners to participate.  At any rate, it’s looking like this may not be as close to being resolved one way or the other as originally anticipated.

Other news and notes from around the league:

  • The Tampa Bay Lightning will retire Martin St. Louis’ jersey tonight. He will be the first player in team history to receive the honor.  Louis spent parts of 13 seasons with the Lightning while also seeing time with the Flames and Rangers (after requesting a trade there in 2014) and has the most assists and points in franchise history.  Among those scheduled to speak at the ceremony tonight is former head coach John Tortorella and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
  • Panthers GM and interim head coach Tom Rowe provided an update to George Richards of the Miami Herald regarding several of their injured players. Left winger Jonathan Huberdeau, who has missed the entire season with a torn Achilles tendon, is now expected to be back in the lineup in early March instead of sometime in early-to-mid February.  Blueliner Alex Petrovic (ankle) could be back following the All-Star Break while center Nick Bjugstad (groin) is still out at least a couple more weeks.  The team didn’t have as much of an update on center Aleksander Barkov, who remains week-to-week with a lower body issue.
  • Though the original report suggested he’d miss only a couple of weeks, the Stars will be without defenseman Jamie Oleksiak will miss three to six weeks with a hand injury, head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters, including Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News. The injury occurred on Tuesday against Anaheim.  While Oleksiak spent a lot of time early on as a healthy scratch, he had been playing more frequently as of late.  The 24 year old has five goals and an assist in 20 games with Dallas this year.

2017 Midseason UFA Power Rankings: 1-10

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With many teams having hit the halfway point of the season and the trade deadline fast approaching, it’s time to take a preliminary look at the UFA Class of 2017.  Here is the second half of our top-20 rankings, based on votes from our writers.

For rankings 11-20, click here.

  1. Kevin Shattenkirk, D, St. Louis – Shattenkirk has been no stranger to speculation about where he will wind up next year. He was part of trade discussions dating back to the draft and isn’t expected to be back with the Blues next season; some have wondered if they’d even consider trading him by the trade deadline to avoid losing him for free in July. He’s a premier offensive blueliner who should have numerous suitors if he makes it to the open market and was the only player to be ranked first or second by every writer.
  2. Alexander Radulov, RW, Montreal – One of the more controversial signings last summer, Radulov has had a very strong return to the NHL this season. Not only are the questions about his attitude going away, he has been a legitimate front line player for the Canadiens. He was forced to take a one year, ‘show me’ contract last July – he certainly has been showing teams that he can be a core player and should have more luck landing a long-term contract this summer.
  3. Joe Thornton, C, San Jose – Although he’s not playing at a point-per-game pace like he did last year, Thornton has been a high end playmaker once again this season. It’s believed that he’s seeking another three year contract despite the fact he’ll turn 38 in July. One thing to keep an eye on in the second half will be his goal scoring or lack thereof.  He has struggled considerably in that regard so far (both of his goals have been empty netters) and a repeat of that in the second half and the postseason will likely have him dropping in the rankings come the summer.
  4. T.J. Oshie, RW, Washington – Oshie continues to be a model of consistency when it comes to his production. He has picked up at least 50 points in four of the last five seasons and he’s on track for yet another 20+ goal campaign for the Capitals again this year. He will be one of the younger high-end wingers to hit the market and could be in line for one of the longer contracts to be handed out this summer.
  5. Ben Bishop, G, Tampa Bay – Although Bishop’s numbers are down this year, we saw how important he is to the Lightning when he missed nine games and the team fell out of a playoff spot. Bishop has been one of the top netminders in the league since joining Tampa Bay and given their salary cap situation, he’s all but guaranteed to be going elsewhere for next season. One thing that could hurt Bishop is the number of goalies that are slated to hit the market – although he is the best one, there will be more cap-friendly options for teams to choose from.
  6. Karl Alzner, D, Washington – The open market hasn’t been too kind to stay-at-home defensemen in recent years but Alzner is likely to buck that trend. He’s a key part of the Caps’ back end and there’s a chance he’ll be back with them next year. If he does get to the open market, Alzner is the type of player that a shutdown pairing can be built around.  Considering how many teams are looking for blueline help, he should be in line for a strong payday.
  7. Sam Gagner, RW, Columbus – When he signed with the Blue Jackets, some speculated the deal could prove to be one of the better bargains of the past offseason but no one expected the breakout year he’s currently having. Gagner is being used in an offensive exploitation role and is making the most of it as he is on pace for a career year. Some teams may be wary that his resurgence is a one-time thing but he still should have more suitors if he makes it to the open market in July.
  8. Thomas Vanek, RW, Detroit – There have been quite a few underachievers in Detroit this season but Vanek isn’t one of them. He sits second on the team in scoring despite missing 11 games due to injury. While his days of being a high end front line player have come and gone after struggling in that role with Montreal and Minnesota (who bought him out in June), he’s still set to be one of the better pure goal scorers on the market this summer.
  9. Martin Hanzal, C, Arizona – Hanzal’s name has been involved in trade rumors all season long and that’s likely to continue through to the trade deadline. Moving past that into free agency, he projects to be one of the top centers available and at 6’6, his size will certainly be appealing to many teams. He’s not a top line player but would slot in as a strong middle six forward pretty much anywhere.  He’ll be 30 in July and should be able to secure another long-term contract.
  10. Andrei Markov, D, Montreal – Despite being 38, Markov is still going strong for the Canadiens. He’s still an above average point producer that can help run a power play and while he is slowing down, he is still capable of playing 20 minutes a night in a second pairing role. Markov has eschewed free agency to re-sign with Montreal twice before so if there’s mutual interest in him sticking around past this season, history could wind up repeating itself here.

Minor Transactions: 1/13/17

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Here is where we’ll keep tabs on today’s minor roster moves:

  • Following their loss to Minnesota, the Canadiens announced (Twitter link) that they assigned right winger Nikita Scherbak and left winger Bobby Farnham to their AHL affiliate in St. John’s. Scherbak played in three games with Montreal, picking up a goal while Farnham was held off the scoresheet in his three outings though he recorded 17 PIMS.  It’s believed the team is likely to have at least one of center Alex Galchenyuk or right winger Andrew Shaw back in the lineup shortly and these moves open up the roster spots for them to be activated off injured reserve.
  • The Lightning have recalled right winger Erik Condra from AHL Syracuse per a team release. The 30 year old has been up and down a lot recently but has yet to see much NHL action overall, skating in just eight games with Tampa this season.  He has collected 23 points (7-16-23) in 24 minor league contests but isn’t expected to be in the lineup tonight against Columbus.
  • Winnipeg announced that they have recalled blueliner Julian Melchiori from Manitoba of the AHL. He will take the roster spot of rookie winger Patrik Laine, who was placed on injured reserve retroactive to January 7th.  Melchiori has seen action in four games with the Jets this season but has spent most of the year with the Moose, picking up two goals and four assists in 31 minor league games.
  • The Sharks announced (Twitter link) that they have sent defenseman Mirco Mueller back to the San Jose Barracuda, their AHL affiliate. This marks the fourth separate occasion that he has been sent back to the minors this season.  He has got into just three NHL games this year, scoring a goal while adding an assist.  He also has eight helpers in 25 AHL contests.
  • New Jersey announced via Twitter that they have assigned right winger Nick Lappin to Albany of the AHL in order to activate center Jacob Josefson off injured reserve.  The 24 year old Lappin made his NHL debut earlier this year and has spent the bulk of this season with the Devils, collecting four goals and three assists in 35 games.

Pacific Notes: Arizona Rentals, Burrows, DeMelo, Kopitar

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While many teams have hoped Arizona’s asking price regarding center Martin Hanzal would have come down by now, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman told 630 CHED in Edmonton that the price remains the same and that the team is still looking for someone who can play right away as part of the return (transcription via Fan Rag’s Chris Nichols):

“John Chayka has held steadfast that Hanzal is going to have to get them a young player who can play in the NHL right now – preferably a center. So I think teams have balked at that.”

Friedman adds that Los Angeles, St. Louis, and San Jose are among the Western Conference teams that have inquired about Hanzal’s availability.

There are teams also showing an interest in pending UFA blueliner Michael Stone (who ranks 15th in our Midseason UFA Power Rankings), Tampa Bay among them, but like Hanzal, the price is too steep for anyone to meet just yet.

Of course, the salary cap may be playing a role in these two not getting moved yet as both players have sizable cap hits; Hanzal comes in at $3.1MM while Stone is earning $4MM this season and most teams don’t have the ability to absorb those hits in their entirety at the moment.

More from the Pacific:

  • Teams have started to call Vancouver to inquire about the availability of pending UFA winger Alex Burrows, reports Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Sun. While Burrows has no-trade protection, it has long been speculated that he would be a candidate to move by the trade deadline if the Canucks fall out of the playoff picture.  However, with a cap hit of $4.5MM, it’s likely that any move involving him would occur closer to the deadline to make it easier for the acquiring team to fit him in on their payroll.
  • Sharks defenseman Dylan DeMelo underwent surgery to repair a broken right wrist today, the team announced. The injury was originally sustained on Tuesday against the Oilers.  He’s expected to miss roughly eight weeks.  DeMelo has spent the season primarily as San Jose’s seventh blueliner as he has played in just 14 games this year, recording four points (1-3-4) while averaging 15:04 per night.
  • The Kings are at a loss when it comes to trying to figure out what has caused center Anze Kopitar to struggle as much as he has offensively this season, writes Elliott Teaford of the LA Daily News. Kopitar has just 21 points in 37 games this year and has had just three multi-point games.  That’s hardly the level of production they were expecting when they handed him an eight year, $80MM extension last January, even if his defensive game is still strong.  Head coach Darryl Sutter ruled out the possibility that Kopitar’s wrist/hand issue has crept back up, nor does he believe assuming the captaincy has created any extra pressure on the 29 year old Slovenian.

Predators Place Roman Josi And Colin Wilson On IR

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The Nashville Predators that they have placed defenseman Roman Josi and left winger Colin Wilson on injured reserve, reports Adam Vingan of The Tennessean.

Josi was injured last night on a high hit from Bruins winger Anton Blidh late in the first period.  Blidh was assessed a major penalty for interference but will not receive any supplementary discipline from the league, CSNNE’s Joe Haggerty reports via Twitter.

As a result of the IR placement, Josi will be out for at least a week as a result of his upper body injury.  The timing of the injury is far from ideal for the Predators as the team already is without P.K. Subban for likely another week at a minimum although he skated for the first time on Thursday.  Josi leads all Nashville blueliners in points (22) and average ice time (25:15) this season.

As for Wilson, he has missed the last three games with a lower body injury and last played on January 6th.  As a result, he’s eligible to be activated following their next game.  In 38 games this season, he has six goals and 11 assists and has already matched his goal output from last season.  GM David Poile doesn’t believe Wilson will be out long-term but there is no firm timetable for his return.

Wilson’s spot on the active roster will likely go to winger Cody McLeod, who was acquired from Colorado earlier today.  As for Josi’s replacement, the team will likely need to bring someone up from their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee.

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