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Archives for December 2017

Jori Lehtera Available In Philadelphia

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Jori Lehtera hasn’t found his footing in Philadelphia since coming over from the St. Louis Blues, and now he seems to be available once again. Pierre LeBrun touched on the 29-year old in the recent edition of Insider Trading:

The Flyers are willing to listen on him. They’re not out there shopping him aggressively, but certainly given their depth up front for the right offer [he could be had]. He’s got another year on his deal at $4.7MM, that might scare off some teams.

Lehtera has just two points this season, and has been a healthy scratch several times. That comes just three years after he broke into the NHL with a 44-point season playing alongside Vladimir Tarasenko, earning himself that big extension. Those numbers have dropped in every season since, until he was used as a salary dump of sorts in the Brayden Schenn trade.

Still, there might be some interest in Lehtera because of his history and ability to play center. Without many impact options available down the middle, players like him may be all you can get at the deadline. It could need some salary retention from Philadelphia, but a fresh start could be what he needs to provide at least a little bit of value.

More Interest In Petr Mrazek; Detroit Could Retain Salary

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After hearing that there were at least some passing glances out of Edmonton for Detroit Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek, Craig Custance of The Athletic reports that there are still teams with “lukewarm” interest in pending RFA goaltender. Bob McKenzie of TSN adds that Detroit could be willing to retain salary in any Mrazek trade, in order to get the best deal.

Peter MrazekAs we discussed when hearing about the initial interest in Mrazek, his $4MM cap hit is an expensive add for any team, and essentially makes him an unrestricted free agent unless he shows something spectacular down the stretch. The $4.15MM qualifying offer that he’d need to remain under team control doesn’t look like it will be extended, regardless of which team he ends up on.

Custance has been told the likely price is either a third-round pick, or a second if the Red Wings were to retain a full 50% of Mrazek’s salary this season. That seems like a reasonable asset to spend on a goaltender that was once seen as an up-and-comer, but they’d need to see him “showcased” as Custance puts it. Mrazek has just an .888 save percentage this season, and hasn’t won a game for the Red Wings in more than a month.

Still, as we discussed in the linked article above, the goaltending market isn’t overflowing with talent at the moment and Mrazek still does have that intriguing past. In 2015-16 he posted a .921 save percentage in 54 appearances, a number most teams would take for their starter let alone a backup.

Remember that Detroit is right up against the cap, so retaining any salary is a tricky proposition. While moving Mrazek out of town would clear some room, they wouldn’t really be able to take any bodies back unless they made near the league minimum. Remember that they’ll need to pay someone to back up Jimmy Howard, even if that is Jared Coreau’s $612K cap hit.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

What Your Team Is Thankful For: Minnesota Wild

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As the holiday season approaches, PHR will look at what teams are thankful for as the season nears the quarter point of completion. There also might be a few things your team would like down the road. We take a look at what’s gone well in the first month and what could improve as the season rolls on. So far we’ve covered the following teams: ANA, ARZ, BOS, BUF, CGY, CAR, CBJ, COL, DET, EDM, FLA, LAK, NSH, NJD, NYI, NYR, PHI, PIT, SJS, STL, TOR, VAN, VGK and WSH.

Jordan GreenwayWhat are the Minnesota Wild most thankful for?

A deep prospect pool.

When the Wild approached the expansion draft last year, they were in trouble. They had too many assets that needed protection, and were destined to lose an excellent player. In order to sway the Vegas Golden Knights’ decision in a certain direction, they gave up prized prospect Alex Tuch. Though the team had drafted Tuch in the first round just a few years prior, his upside and potential impact wasn’t seen to be as high as some of their other prospects.

Well, six months later and Tuch is starring alongside Erik Haula (the other player lost in the expansion process) in Vegas, and the Wild are struggling to stay relevant in the playoff picture. Surely they’d like to have Tuch back, but luckily those other high-end prospects still remain.

Though the relationship with Kirill Kaprizov—or lack thereof—makes the Russian a complete wildcard, there are others who should have Minnesota fans excited for the next few years. Joel Eriksson Ek and Luke Kunin have both played roles in the NHL this season, while Jordan Greenway continues to dominate players even older than him in the college ranks. Ivan Lodnia was just signed after a blistering start in Erie, and the team has four picks in the top three rounds this upcoming draft.

Who are the Wild most thankful for?

Eric Staal.

General managers around the league must be hitting themselves over not pursuing Staal in the summer of 2016. Coming off a horrible season, in which he was traded from the team he’d been drafted by and captained for seven years, Minnesota happily scooped him up on July 1st. Much was said about how Staal might be on the way out of the game, until he immediately found success in Minnesota to the tune of 28 goals and 65 points.

The three-year, $10.5MM contract that he signed was just $1MM more in total than he’d earned in 2015-16 alone. Minnesota got a legitimate number one center, and borderline Hall of Fame candidate for the price of a third or fourth-line player. You can still hear Chuck Fletcher laughing to himself somewhere in St. Paul.

Staal has been everything for the club this year, leading the team in points with 26 through their first 30 games and coming through with one of the best possession seasons of his career. Playing nearly 19 minutes a night and hitting the ice in all circumstances, Staal’s contract is one of the best in the entire league. While now 33 years old, he’ll still be exceptionally valuable in the final year of his deal next season.

Mikko KoivuWhat would the Wild be even more thankful for?

Some “puck luck” for Mikko Koivu.

Despite still being an excellent possession player, used in all situations, Koivu can’t seem to get much going offensively this season. Coming off another one of his patented solid-if-not-spectacular seasons with 58 points, he only has 15 in his first 30 games and eight of those are on the powerplay. He’s now been held pointless in his last eight games despite being on the ice for more than 147 minutes, and hasn’t found the back of the net himself since October.

Amazingly, a lot of that has to do with pure bad luck. Koivu is carrying a pathetic 5.1% shooting percentage this season, far below his career average. Though he’s never been a sniper that carries a high percentage, he’s due for some luck going his way at some point. During his 21-game goalless streak he’s fired 58 shots on net without a single one trickling through.

He’s not only used for his offense, but a bounce here or there would be a big help for the Wild as they try to claw their way back into the playoff picture.

What should be on the Wild’s Holiday Wish List?

Another center.

When the Wild lost Haula and let Martin Hanzal walk in free agency, their center depth was tested. Though they brought in Matt Cullen, who has done a fine job for them so far, their unyielding ability to throw an effective center over the boards every single shift has left them. Charlie Coyle can play the position but the team likes him better on the wing, and Kunin isn’t quite ready for a full-time role.

There is the possibility that when Zach Parise eventually returns from injury they’ll move Coyle back to the middle, but an addition would be the best option. It’ll be tough, as the Wild are pressed right up against the cap thanks the the hefty cap hits of Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno, both who’ve been healthy scratches at times this year. That fact may force them to go with what they have right now, but it will be interesting to see if they find a way to get involved as the deadline approaches.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Poll: Which Would You Watch First–World Juniors Or Olympics?

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The U20 World Junior Championships start on December 26th, and camps have already started to determine the final rosters that will be heading to Buffalo this year. USA, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Belarus and Switzerland will have dozens of scouts keeping a close eye on the next wave of hockey stars, as they do battle in what has turned into one of the premiere international tournaments available.

This year, the World Juniors will be followed by the Olympic Games in February. With the NHL not allowing their players to head to the tournament, rosters are filled with former prospects and older professionals looking to represent their country one last time. Many have expressed outrage at the NHL’s decision, but many others have a new excitement over the tournament. Some of the best Olympic hockey moments in history were performed by amateurs, and though this tournament will be filled mostly by European professionals, it could have its fair share of intrigue.

So which will you watch with more fervor? Which would you stay up late to watch? What tournament are you more excited for? Vote below and make sure to share your feelings in the comments section.

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Morning Notes: Neil, Chara, Jokiharju

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Chris Neil has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, ending his career after more than 1,000 games with the Ottawa Senators. The team made the decision not to bring him back early in the offseason, and though he was offered a professional tryout with the Montreal Canadiens (which he declined), never could find a full-time contract offer.

Neil, 38, was beloved by teammates for his work ethic and willingness to protect them on the ice, but will be remembered by the Senators’ organization for more than just his fists. Neil scored 250 points in his career, including a 16-goal season in 2005-06. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Neil around the alumni game on Friday, when two teams of Senators’ legends will take to the ice on Parliament Hill.

  • Zdeno Chara is still enjoying life in the NHL, and told Joe McDonald of Boston Sports Journal recently that though extension talks haven’t come up yet he believes one will be signed with the Bruins eventually. Even at 40, Chara is still logging more than 23 minutes a night for the Bruins and seems ready to continue his career. Earning just $4MM this season in the final season of his seven-year deal, he’s been a relative bargain for the Bruins. If he’s willing to take something similar—or even cheaper—there could still be some value to be added for the next couple of seasons.
  • Scott Powers of The Athletic caught up with Chicago Blackhawks prospect Henri Jokiharju ahead of the World Junior tournament at the end of the month, and discussed a wide variety of topics. Jokiharju is starring for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, but will try to make the NHL squad out of camp next season. At just 18-years old, the Finnish defender has 36 points in 31 games, trailing only Kale Clague and Colby Sissons among WHL defensemen. For any Blackhawks fans wondering about the next wave of prospects, he’ll be a must-watch at the junior tournament, when he is part of an excellent defensive corps for Team Finland.

Minor Transactions: 12/14/17

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The Ottawa Senators got off the schneid last night, defeating the New York Rangers 3-2 for just their second regulation win in 14 games. Perhaps that can build them a little bit of momentum as they head into the NHL 100 Classic on Saturday night, outside against the Montreal Canadiens. As the Senators and the rest of the league prepares for an eventful weekend, we’ll keep track of all the minor movement right here. Check back throughout the day.

Goalie Notes: Talbot, Dubnyk, Hutton, Lehtonen

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Oilers goalie Cam Talbot is aiming to return to Edmonton’s lineup within the next week, notes Postmedia’s Robert Tychkowski.  He acknowledges that he may not be 100% recovered at that time but as long as there’s no risk of re-aggravating his injury, he will be prepared to play.  That may take some of the pressure off GM Peter Chiarelli who has been scouring the league for extra goaltending depth in recent weeks.  As it turns out, one of the goalies he was looking into – Winnipeg’s Michael Hutchinson – happens to be hurt himself now on a day-to-day issue.

Other goaltending notes from around the league:

  • Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk has been ruled out of playing on Thursday against Toronto as a result of a lower-body injury sustained on Thursday night, head coach Bruce Boudreau told Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press. Dubnyk told his bench boss that he doesn’t think it’s a particularly bad injury although an MRI will ultimately determine the extent of it.  Unless they think Dubnyk can dress as the backup, Minnesota will have to call up a goaltender before puck drop tomorrow, likely one of Niklas Svedberg or Steve Michalek, their current tandem with AHL Iowa.
  • Blues goalie Carter Hutton took part in practice on Wednesday which signals that he is nearing a return to the lineup, notes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Hutton is eligible to be activated off injured reserve on Friday and could be in line to start one of their upcoming back-to-back games against Winnipeg over the weekend.
  • Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen has seen his workload reduced this season with the addition of Ben Bishop but told Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News that he’s happy with where he is even with his role being reduced. The 34-year-old has posted a .909 SV% heading into Wednesday’s start against the Islanders, his highest mark since 2013-14.  Speaking of that start, Lehtonen set a new NHL record for most appearances made by a Finnish-born goaltender with 624, passing Miikka Kiprusoff.

No Extension Talks Expected Between Toronto And James Van Riemsdyk

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There has been little discussion between the Maple Leafs and pending unrestricted free agent winger James van Riemsdyk, reports Frank Seravalli of TSN.  He adds that despite a mutual desire for van Riemsdyk to stay in Toronto, there aren’t likely to be talks any time soon.

Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Maple Leafs 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsThe 28-year-old has been one of the more consistent goal scorers in recent years and is off to a strong start in 2017-18 as well, tallying 15 times in 31 games.  Not only does that lead the team, his goal total places him for a tie for ninth in the entire league despite averaging his lowest ice time per game since 2010-11, his sophomore season.  As a result, he’s positioning himself to be one of the most sought-after free agents next July and will be poised to land a big raise on his $5MM salary and $4.25MM cap charge.

Meanwhile, Toronto is looking at a situation where they will have to hand out significant second contracts to top young forwards Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander within the next two years with a price tag that could approach $25MM between the three of them.  With that in mind, the sense is that the team may not want to commit to another big-ticket deal at this time knowing that these contracts are on the horizon.  It certainly seems like van Riemsdyk is well aware of this, saying that “At this point, I’m just playing it out”.

Seravalli adds that there is an understanding that van Riemsdyk isn’t expected to be dealt by the February 26th trade deadline.  Instead, with Toronto believing that they can contend for a Stanley Cup this season, they’ll use him as an internal rental which is something they’ll likely do with center Tyler Bozak as well.  In doing so, they’ll run the risk of potentially losing him for nothing but if the trade-off is a long playoff run, it’s certainly an understandable call to make.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Metropolitan Notes: Hall, Palmieri, Samsonov, Tavares

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On top of still missing winger Marcus Johansson (who was transferred to injured reserve today) and winger Kyle Palmieri who isn’t ready to return just yet, the Devils will also be without the services of Taylor Hall for their next game on Thursday night, reports Andrew Gross of The Record.  Hall has been diagnosed with a right knee contusion after a collision with Kings defenseman Kurtis MacDermid on Tuesday and while tests revealed no structural damage, he did not travel with the team to Montreal for Thursday’s contest.  He has been listed as day-to-day.

As for Palmieri, Gross reports that the winger expects to be in a walking boot for at least another week.  While he has started skating with the Devils recently (and did make the trip to skate with the team again tomorrow), it appears he’ll be out for several more games at the very least.

More from the Metropolitan:

  • On the heels of Tuesday’s report that Capitals GM Brian MacLellan was in Moscow to speak to top goalie prospect Ilya Samsonov about signing for next season, TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports (Twitter link) that it’s reasonably safe to believe that Samsonov will be on an NHL contract for 2018-19. The 20-year-old, Washington’s first-round pick in 2015, is off to a slower start to his season with a .909 SV% in 17 KHL games but is still viewed as one of the top goalie prospects in the league, if not the best.  If management shares the same belief that Samsonov will be able to sign, it will be interesting to see if they make current backup Philipp Grubauer available between now and the trade deadline or if they wait until Samsonov officially signs before doing so.
  • Although Islanders center John Tavares is expected to vastly surpass his $5.5MM cap hit on his next contract, Rob Vollman of ESPN argues that in terms of what he’s expected to provide moving forward, his next deal should be close to $8MM per season despite some of the bigger deals handed out to other top pivots. However, with front-line centers in short supply and extremely high demand, many teams won’t hesitate to go higher than that and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him hit the $10MM mark on his next deal.  Tavares is slated to become a UFA on July 1st and projects to be the top player available in that free agent class.

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