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Archives for August 2019

Calgary Flames To Buy Out Michael Stone

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Friday: Stone has cleared waivers and was officially bought out by the Flames. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

Thursday: The Calgary Flames received a second buyout window after dealing with their arbitration cases and will use it to buy out Michael Stone. The veteran defenseman has been placed on unconditional waivers according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, which will be followed by a buyout tomorrow. Stone has one year remaining on his contract and carries a $3.5MM cap hit. The move will result in the following cap hits being applied to the Flames:

  • 2019-20: $1,166,667
  • 2020-21: $1,166,667

Stone signed a three-year $10.5MM contract with the Flames in the summer of 2017 after being acquired earlier that year from the Arizona Coyotes. The 6’3″ defenseman at that point was just a year removed from a solid 36-point campaign and looked like he could be a big part of the Flames’ blueline. Unfortunately that first full year in Calgary didn’t go according to plan and Stone was routinely limited to third-pairing duty, playing fewer than 16 minutes 40 of his 82 games. He registered just ten points on an extremely disappointing team that failed to even make the playoffs.

His second year with the team didn’t go much better, this time marred by injury and a blood clotting issue that kept him out for some time. Stone ended up playing just 14 games for the Flames all season. With the emergence of Juuso Valimaki and Rasmus Andersson as legitimate NHL options, there wasn’t a lot of room left for Stone to try and rehab his value. He’ll have to do that elsewhere.

For Calgary, a move like this was absolutely necessary in order to re-sign Matthew Tkachuk. The team currently projects to have just $4.67MM in cap space prior to a Stone buyout, leaving them little wiggle room to get the young star under contract. If they’re planning on signing Tkachuk to a long-term deal it will likely take up a huge amount of cap space and make him their highest-paid player, something that wasn’t possible without a trade or buyout of some sort.

Stone though shouldn’t have to wait around long to find work if he is truly healthy and ready for the season. The right-handed defenseman is still just 29 years old and could represent a bargain pickup if he can reclaim any of his past success. That’s obviously not guaranteed, but for cap-strapped teams looking for a defensive upgrade he may be an option.

Jake McCabe, Buffalo Sabres Submit Arbitration Figures

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The arbitration figures for the last few cases came out fast and furious today from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Finally, Jake McCabe was the final player Friedman reported on, indicating that the defenseman asked for $4.3MM while the Buffalo Sabres filed for a $1.95MM contract. McCabe is scheduled for a hearing on Sunday. It is important to remember that the two sides can continue to negotiate up to (and for a short period after) the hearing. The arbitrator does also not need to choose one filing or the other, but will almost always decide on a number near the mid-point of the two.

McCabe, 25, is asking for quite the raise on the $1.6MM salary he averaged on his previous three-year contract. The former University of Wisconsin and World Junior star hasn’t quite taken the steps to becoming a top-pairing option like many believed he could, but is still a valuable part of the Sabres blueline. How effective he is in that role and where his future lies is another question as the Sabres continue to bring in more players to improve their defense corps. The left-handed McCabe has already obviously been overtaken by young phenom Rasmus Dahlin, but even Lawrence Pilut showed some more upside in his limited opportunity last season.

It’s not that McCabe is without value however. Logging nearly 19 minutes a night again for the Sabres last season he recorded 14 points in 59 games and more hits than any defenseman other than Rasmus Ristolainen. When he was healthy enough to contribute he was a staple on the penalty kill, and was given some of the toughest deployment of any Sabres defender.

The huge divide between filings is indicative of how unclear McCabe’s future is (and also something of a trademark for the Sabres recent arbitration cases). Is he a second-pairing defenseman that can contribute offensively and face the toughest minutes on the team, or is he better suited to soak up 15-16 minutes at the bottom of the lineup and help on the penalty kill? With the Sabres already having six defensemen under one-way contracts for at least $2.25MM, there actually isn’t a ton of room for another one on the roster. The team has just over $3.1MM in cap space remaining, though obviously that can be worked around by sending players down in training camp.

One possibility that remains is the second buyout window that the Sabres will receive after their arbitration filings are complete. Several defensemen could be potential buyout candidates if the team can’t find a trade as they simply have too many to start the year with at the moment. Zach Bogosian, Marco Scandella and Matt Hunwick have all seen their effectiveness drop off considerably in recent years, and the Sabres seem committed to rebuilding the defense corps to give them a different look in 2019-20.

Rocco Grimaldi, Nashville Predators Submit Arbitration Figures

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The arbitration figures for the last few cases came out fast and furious today from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Rocco Grimaldi was third, with Friedman reporting that the forward submitted a $1.275MM ask while the Nashville Predators filed for a $700K/$200K two-way contract. Grimaldi is scheduled for a hearing on Sunday. It is important to remember that the two sides can continue to negotiate up to (and for a short period after) the hearing. The arbitrator does also not need to choose one filing or the other, but will almost always decide on a number near the mid-point of the two.

Grimaldi, 26, received the biggest opportunity of his professional career last season with the Predators when the team dressed him for 53 games. The former University of North Dakota standout had previously played just 47 NHL games in his entire career, despite being the 33rd pick in 2011. It’s not like he hasn’t kept up his offense, as Grimaldi has routinely been one of the most dangerous players in the AHL. His height however—standing at a generous 5’6″—still likely plays a part in how teams and scouts evaluate him for the NHL.

Regardless of his stature, Grimaldi became a valuable part of the Predators this season. Though he recorded just 13 points when he was on the ice the shot totals were drastically shifted in Nashville’s favor, and though part of that is quality of competition there is nothing wrong with having your fourth line feed the other team’s their lunch on a regular basis. Grimaldi averaged just ten minutes per game, but was effective in that role.

In the postseason he was given even more responsibility and it paid off. Grimaldi scored three goals in five games for the Predators, which amazingly actually led the entire team. Roman Josi was the only other Predator to score more than one goal in their first round loss to the Dallas Stars.

Grimaldi is coming off a one-year, two-way contract with the Predators that carried a $650K salary in the NHL, meaning he’s going to get a raise no matter what happens through arbitration. The league minimum has increased to $700K this season and it seems likely that he will be able to secure a deal even higher than that. Whether he can keep his job on the NHL roster is another story, but one that he’s ready to fight for.

Anton Forsberg, Carolina Hurricanes Submit Arbitration Figures

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The arbitration figures for the last few cases came out fast and furious today from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Anton Forsberg came down second, with Friedman reporting that the goaltender filed for $833K while the Carolina Hurricanes submitted a $700K/$70K two-way offer. Forsberg is scheduled for a hearing on Sunday. It is important to remember that the two sides can continue to negotiate up to (and for a short period after) the hearing. The arbitrator does also not need to choose one filing or the other, but will almost always decide on a number near the mid-point of the two.

Forsberg, 26, came over to the Hurricanes earlier this offseason in a deal that saw Calvin de Haan head to the Chicago Blackhawks. While the biggest piece of that trade for Carolina may have been Gustav Forsling, Forsberg is not to be overlooked as a potential competitor for the NHL backup role. Petr Mrazek was re-signed as the primary starter for the Hurricanes, but Forsberg, James Reimer and Alex Nedeljkovic will all try to prove they’re the best option for that second spot.

Forsberg showed he could be a relatively reliable backup option last season with the Blackhawks when he started 30 games and registered a .908 save percentage. That number is actually substantially better than Reimer’s .900 from last season, though the former Florida Panthers netminder has a much longer track record. Nedeljkovic of course is the wild card having just won the AHL Goaltender of the Year award and a Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers. Nedeljkovic has only played in two NHL games, and posted a .916 save percentage in the minor leagues last season.

Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer tweets that Carolina GM Don Waddell expressed “some surprise and irritation” that the Forsberg situation was heading to arbitration at all when he met with the media yesterday. That may suggest that a deal is done at some point before the decision comes down, especially given the relatively small gap between the two sides. Forsberg is coming off a two-year, one-way contract that carried an average annual value of $750K.

Joel Edmundson, St. Louis Blues Submit Arbitration Figures

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The arbitration figures for the last few cases came out fast and furious today from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Joel Edmundson was first, with Friedman reporting that the player had submitted a $4.2MM while the St. Louis Blues filed for $2.3MM. Edmundson is scheduled for a hearing on Sunday. It is important to remember that the two sides can continue to negotiate up to (and for a short period after) the hearing. The arbitrator does also not need to choose one filing or the other, but will almost always decide on a number near the mid-point of the two.

Edmundson, 26, is in the final year of team control with the Blues and will only be able to receive a one-year arbitration award. The 6’4″ defenseman is coming off his fourth straight season as a regular member of the Blues’ defense corps, playing between 64-69 games in each year. He also remained a constant on the blueline through their Stanley Cup run, suiting up in 22 games and recording seven points. A big part of the team’s penalty killing unit, he also led all Blues defensemen in hits for the 2018-19 season.

Like with any arbitration hearing, both numbers filed seem like stretches. There is no way the Blues can afford to pay Edmundson more than $4MM per season for the role he plays, but he deserves more than $2.3MM as well. If it goes to a hearing the result will likely come down somewhere in the middle, though that might not necessarily be the best option for the Blues. An arbitration decision would walk Edmundson right into unrestricted free agency next summer and though they do have some young players ready to contribute, losing one of their stalwarts would only set their blueline back.

The Blues have just over $5MM in cap space currently however and still have Ivan Barbashev to sign as well. Lou Korac of NHL.com tweets that Barbashev is looking for a four-year term like linemate Oskar Sundqvist received earlier this offseason at somewhere around $1.75-2MM per year. A deal like that for Barbashev and a ~$3.2MM award for Edmundson would put the Blues right up against the cap to start the year.

New Owner Alex Meruelo Promises To Keep Coyotes In Arizona

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New majority owner of the Arizona Coyotes Alex Meruelo made a great first impression on his fan base today. Meruelo took the stage this afternoon at Gila River Arena and, among other things, promised that he would keep the Coyotes in Arizona:

I am committed to stay here. I will do everything I can in my heart, and in my hard work to make sure that we can make it viable…I will not stop until we bring a Stanley Cup to the Valley.

Given the constant issues that the Coyotes franchise has had with both ownership turnover and attendance, the team has continually been rumored to be a candidate to re-locate to a new market. Although NHL expansion has quieted some of these whispers, cities like Houston and Quebec City remain interested in adding an NHL club and the Coyotes are always considered the top candidate. However, the league has remained dedicated to the state and the new owner has joined in.

Meruelo spoke openly and honestly in his press conference about many things, including his childhood dreams of owning a sports franchise and his role as the NHL’s first Hispanic owner. His commitment to keep the Coyotes in Arizona seems just as legitimate. While that doesn’t necessarily mean that the team will remain in Glendale, having previously expressed a desire to move to a new arena – an idea backed by the league – it seems that Arizona fans can rest easy for a while longer that their team isn’t going the way of the Thrashers.

Arbitration Breakdown: Linus Ullmark

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Salary arbitration season is underway, as hearings began on July 20th and extend through August 4th. While arbitration awards are very infrequent, with most cases settling beforehand, occasionally a binding decision is handed down by the arbitrator. What goes on behind closed doors before that point? The players, aided by their representation and the NHLPA, and their respective teams, aided by a select group of lawyers, each file at a certain salary over a one- or two-year term. The arbitrator may decide on any salary at or between those two points, based on the arguments in each sides’ written brief and oral presentation. While both sides will have themes to base their arguments on, rather than debate only the merits of the player, the bulk of the conversation in an arbitration hearing instead centers around comparable players. Each side will use a tailored group of statistical ranges, both career and platform year numbers, to show how the player compares to similar recent arbitration-eligible players. All statistics are available to use, but their persuasiveness is the key. The player side will look to show that the player is superior to a group of players at a salary lower than their filing number, while the team side will look to show that player is inferior to a group of players above their filing number. Whoever makes the most convincing argument will land the favorable decision.

The Buffalo Sabres are 50/50 on settling arbitration cases so far this summer, coming to an agreement with Remi Elie prior to a hearing, but going through the process with Evan Rodrigues. They remarkably have two cases left with just two hearing dates remaining. The first, scheduled for Friday, is with 26-year-old homegrown goaltender Linus Ullmark. Ullmark’s performance as well as his role with the team has been up and down over his career and there is no consensus as to whether he is still growing into a future starter or has settled into a backup position. That much was evident when the two sides exchanged filing numbers, as the two figures were drastically far apart. The Sabres prevailed against Rodrigues in a case that seemingly favored the player; will they do so again? Here is a closer look at the case:

The Case of Linus Ullmark

Career Statistics: 63 games played, 24 wins, .910 save percentage, 2.87 goals against average
Platform Statistics: 37 games played, 15 wins, .905 save percentage, 3.11 goals against average

Filing Numbers: Ullmark – One year, $2.65MM, Sabres – One year, $800K (midpoint: $1.725MM)

Player Side

Themes:

  • Starting-Caliber Goaltender: strong 2017-18 numbers in NHL and AHL; comparable numbers to starter Carter Hutton in platform season; higher quality start percentage than Hutton in platform season
  • Lacking Opportunity: strong numbers in 20 appearances as a rookie in 2015-16, made only six appearances over the next two seasons; Sabres were ninth-worst in shots allowed in platform season, lacked opportunity to play behind competent defense

Team Side

Themes:

  • Backup-Caliber Goaltender: inferior statistics to starter Hutton in platform season; SV% and GAA ranked in bottom ten among 48 goalies with at least 30 appearances in platform season; unable to earn more appearances in prior seasons
  • Unreliable Goaltender: cannot handle regular NHL workload, numbers in five appearances in 2017-18 far superior to numbers as primary backup in 2018-19; allowed four or more goals in 15 appearances, including seven of final twelve appearances and five times in back-to-back appearances

Potential Comparable Player:

David Rittich (2019)
Career Statistics: 67 games played, 35 wins, .909 save percentage, 2.70 goals against average
Platform Statistics: 45 games played, 27 wins, .911 save percentage, 2.61 goals against average
Salary: $2.75MM

  • Player’s argument: Similar career numbers; similar age, size, developmental path
  • Team’s counter: Rittich had substantially better numbers in the platform season; has shown steady improvement at NHL level, eventually winning starting role; Rittich has better quality start percentage, more reliable and consistent performances

Prediction

There are not many great cases for arbitration-eligible goaltenders with Ullmark’s level of NHL experience. That serves to benefit him though, as one such player is a case settled last week in Rittich. Although Rittich’s new $2.75MM salary is more than Ullmark’s side filed for, they can acknowledge Rittich’s superior play in the platform season and still argue that the career numbers are similar enough to warrant their  $2.65MM ask. As for the Sabres, they can easily argue that Rittich is on a much better trajectory than Ullmark, but the player side may admit to that themselves. They’ll have to really hammer home the contrast between the two goalies if they are to use Rittich’s case to their advantage. Otherwise, Buffalo will have to dig deep to find a different case that both fits the criteria for a case that can be used in a hearing and also makes sense as a comparable player, so they can add additional points to their argument. It’s going to be tough, though. The Sabres pulled out a surprise against Rodrigues, but don’t expect them to do it again. Anticipate a potential award to land somewhere in the $2.1-2.3MM range.

Hurricanes Notes: Williams, van Riemsdyk, Forsberg

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Now one month into free agency, the top scorer left on the unrestricted free agent market is Carolina Hurricanes veteran Justin Williams. After Hurricanes GM Don Waddell spoke with the media today, The Raleigh News & Observer’s Chip Alexander writes that it is Carolina waiting on Williams and not the other way around. The 37-year-old is reportedly still weighing whether or not he wants to return for a 19th NHL season. However, Waddell indicated that Williams is at least leaning toward another year. The decision is not based on finances either, but rather just on whether Williams is physically up for another season. In fact, Waddell stated that the two sides have not talked contract terms at all, but is confident that a deal can be figured out despite the team’s lacking salary cap space. The Hurricane have just under $2.5MM open, but CapFriendly’s projection includes 23 players and Williams’ addition would bump another forward down to AHL Charlotte, meaning there’s slightly more space than it would appear. Waddell noted that an incentive-laden contract would allow the team to maneuver around the cap to fit Williams in. Williams is expected to be in Raleigh next week, likely with his decision made, so expect an announcement, one way or another, in short order. Given that he posted his highest point total since 2011-12 last season, it’s safe to assume that the respected veteran is not done just yet.

  • Alexander also relays from Waddell some news on injured defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk. Despite early reports that van Riemsdyk could miss the beginning of the regular season, Waddell stated that he has already resumed skating. TVR suffered a serious shoulder injury in the postseason and went under the knife in early May. At the time, he was give a four-to-six month recover period that would have extended into November in the worst case scenario. Instead, he is clearly rehabbing well and is back on the ice after just three months. Waddell did warn that van Riemsdyk could be held out of contract drills early in training camp, but it certainly seems like the start of the regular season in October is well within his reach. Waddell added that forward Jordan Martinook is also doing well in his recovery from core surgery in late May.
  • The Hurricanes’ front office is keeping busy still at this point in the summer, with a possible Willams negotiation still to come and ongoing talks with restricted free agents Saku Maenalanen, Trevor Carrick, Roland McKeown, and Anton Forsberg. The latter is new to the organization, coming over from the Chicago Blackhawks in the Calvin de Haan trade. The goaltender may get a rough start to his tenure in Carolina, as he is currently slated for a salary arbitration hearing on Sunday. The 26-year-old Forsberg is currently expected to play behind Petr Mrazek and fellow new addition James Reimer, as well as possibly top goalie prospect Alex Nedeljkovic. The Hurricanes are likely willing to go through arbitration with Forsberg to argue for a two-way contract, so as to avoid paying an NHL salary to a player who is likely to be buried in the minor leagues next season. Forsberg, who did not make an NHL appearance last season, is still likely to argue that not only does he deserve a one-way contract, but he deserves a raise on his previous $750K salary, given his NHL experience and stout AHL numbers.
  • There is of course a chance that Forsberg could win the backup role behind Mrazek in training camp, as could Nedeljkovic. However, one of the key evaluators in that position battle is not yet in place. After goaltending coach Mike Bales resigned from his post in June to join the Buffalo Sabres, the Hurricanes have been on the hunt for his replacement. While a replacement has yet to be named, the announcement is imminent. Alexander writes that Waddell said the team is “close” to hiring a new goalie coach. Whoever that man is will play a key role in sorting through an intriguing situation in net, one that is unlikely to be completely decided in training camp alone.

Minor Transactions: 08/01/19

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As August begins and we get closer to the end of arbitration hearings and contract holdouts, teams continue to fill our their organizational depth charts. Here are some minor moves from around the league. We’ll keep updating as more come in:

  • The Tucson Roadrunners have signed Matt Berry, Ryker Killins and Vince Pedrie to one-year two-way minor league contracts. This will be Killins’ first full professional season after four years at Ferris State University where he recorded 35 points in 102 NCAA games. Both Berry and Pedrie were also collegiate standouts but haven’t yet found their way to the NHL.
  • Adam Musil is returning to the Czech Republic to play in 2019-20 after finding himself on unconditional waivers in late June. The latest in a huge hockey family that includes former NHL players Frantisek Musil (father), Bobby Holik (uncle) and David Musil (brother), the 22-year old forward spent the last two seasons in the AHL with the San Antonio Rampage but will pursue new opportunities overseas.
  • The Hershey Bears have added Ed Wittchow and Matthew Weis on AHL contracts, bringing in two more experienced minor league players to give them some more depth. Wittchow spent last season in Finland playing in their highest professional league where he registered 18 points in 47 games. He’ll return to the AHL where he last played for the Springfield Thunderbirds in 2018.
  • Minor league forward Wade Megan has announced his retirement, instead becoming a youth instructor for NoCo Hockey camp according to Cap Carey of NNY360. Megan was picked in the fifth round by the Florida Panthers back in 2009 and actually suited up for 15 NHL games over the years. The 29-year old even saw 11 of those games in 2018-19 with the Detroit Red Wings, but will leave his playing days behind to focus on the next part of his hockey career.

St. Louis Blues Agree To Terms With Nikita Alexandrov

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The St. Louis Blues have agreed to terms on a three-year entry-level contract with recent draft pick Nikita Alexandrov. The 18-year old forward was selected 62nd overall in June and has spent the last two seasons playing for the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL.

Despite having Russian heritage, Alexandrov was actually born and raised in Germany while his father was playing in the DEL. He played in the German junior ranks where he was a star offensive player before eventually going 50th overall in the 2017 CHL Import Draft. After two years with Charlottetown the young forward was ranked 29th among all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, but ending up dropping to the very end of the second round.

Last year for Charlottetown Alexandrov recorded 68 points in 70 games, putting him second on the club only behind undrafted overage forward Daniel Hardie. If he returns to the team in 2019-20 he could very well be looked at as their top offensive weapon. Returning to junior would also allow Alexandrov’s contract to slide foward, something that can happen twice. That seems a likely scenario given his unpolished game, though with some careful coaching there’s a chance he is ready for a professional league sooner than that. Of course, Alexandrov and the Blues could decide that he’s ready for a European pro league right now and send him overseas (perhaps to Germany). That would still allow his deal to slide forward.

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