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Archives for June 2024

Morning Notes: Askarov, Tanev, Laine

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Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet is reporting that the Nashville Predators have told teams interested in goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov that they would like to get a current NHLer back in a trade or another highly touted forward or defensive prospect.

The 22-year-old Askarov appeared to be the Predators goaltender of the future, but with Juuse Saros expected to sign a long-term extension in Nashville, Askarov will not have a path to a starter job in the NHL until he is in his 30s. Given his pedigree as an 11th overall pick and his solid AHL numbers, Askarov figures to be an NHL goalie sooner than later, but it appears likely that it will happen in a different market than Nashville.

In other morning notes:

  • Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet is guessing that the Toronto Maple Leafs will look to sign recently acquired defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year, $24MM contract extension. Toronto acquired Tanev’s rights yesterday and early reports indicated that they could offer a deal of five to eight years in length. The 34-year-old Tanev wasn’t likely to sign in Dallas and the team elected to get something for him rather than letting him walk for free. Toronto has long sought after a defenseman like Tanev, and now that they’ve jumped the line to negotiate with him, they are expected to get a deal done.
  • Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic write that the Minnesota Wild have had talks with the Columbus Blue Jackets about potentially acquiring scorer Patrik Laine. The 26-year-old Laine hasn’t been the goal-scorer he was when he broke into the league with the Winnipeg Jets back in 2016-17 but hasn’t had much support in Columbus and was limited to just 18 games last season. A change of scenery could be just what Laine needs as he tries to get his career back on track. The Wild struggled to score last season and with limited cap space, they will be looking for bounce-back seasons from several current players. Acquiring Laine might provide a safety net for Minnesota if they aren’t able to get depth scoring from their current roster of players.

Free Agency Notes: Wedgewood, Girgensons, Necas

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Dallas Stars goaltender Scott Wedgewood is expected to test free agency on July 1st (as per Sean Shapiro of EP Rinkside). The 31-year-old is coming off a two-year, $2MM that was the first one-way NHL deal of Wedgewood’s career. The Etobicoke, Ontario native has made it clear that he would like a raise on his $1MM and given that he didn’t start making NHL money until he was 29, it makes sense that would attempt to maximize his earning potential while he has a window to do so.

Wedgewood wasn’t great last season, posting a 16-7-5 record with the Stars, a 2.85 goals-against average, and a .899 save percentage. However, the free-agent goalie market is very thin this summer and he should have an opportunity to get a multi-year deal at bigger money than his last contract.

In other free agency notes:

  • The Buffalo Sabres are still waiting to hear if forward Zemgus Girgensons plans to test free agency (as per Lance Lysowski). It was reported a month ago that the Sabres wouldn’t re-sign the 30-year-old, but they have reportedly offered him a contract to stay in Buffalo. The Riga, Latvia native has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Sabres, dressing in 688 games. Girgensons has only topped 20 points twice in his career and not since the 2014-15 season.  He signed a one-year $2.5MM last June to forgo free agency but had the worst offensive season of his career with just eight goals and six assists in 63 games. While he didn’t produce much offense, his possession numbers at even-strength weren’t awful with a CF% of 49.2%.
  • Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet writes that the Carolina Hurricanes could change their mind on trading forward Martin Necas. The Hurricanes have been trying to sign pending unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel and if he leaves Friedman believes the team could keep Necas and go to arbitration or sign a one-year deal. Carolina let the Columbus Blue Jackets negotiate a contract extension with Necas in an attempt to trade for the fourth overall pick, but the two sides weren’t able to reach an agreement.

Steven Stamkos To Hit Unrestricted Free Agency, Lightning To Pursue Jake Guentzel

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By trading away defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and forward Tanner Jeannot earlier this afternoon, the Tampa Bay Lightning have $11.165MM more to work with this summer than they did 24 hours ago. Much of the early conjecture perceived the cap-clearing moves as the Lightning making a concerted effort to keep captain Steven Stamkos in Tampa Bay for the rest of his career.

We now know that is not the case as the Lightning never increased upon their original eight-year, $3MM AAV extension offer to Stamkos, as Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports confirms that the star forward will reach the free agent market for the first time in his career on Monday. In a clear case of pivoting away from their captain, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes Tampa Bay made their moves today to pursue Jake Guentzel once free agency opens up on July 1st (Article Link).

Before eventually signing his most recent eight-year, $68MM extension with the Lightning, Stamkos was poised to be the hottest name on the free agent market heading into the 2016-17 NHL season. Despite never hitting the open market, the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs were all interested in signing Stamkos nearly a decade ago. However, with Stamkos signing his contract on June 29th, 2016, he was prohibited from negotiating with any other team.

This time, Stamkos will earn the ability to talk to all 32 teams before finally deciding on his future. The Nashville Predators have been the most heavily linked to Stamkos so far, but the New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Red Wings, and Utah Hockey Club, among others, will all have interest in signing the star player. This does not count out the Lightning organization either as they will be in contact with Stamkos and his camp in the coming days.

On the other side of the report, the Lightning join the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Canucks as teams that are pursuing Guentzel this summer. The 29-year-old winger is coming off a season that saw him score 30 goals and 77 points in 67 games with 25 of those points coming in 17 games with Carolina after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Guentzel continued as a strong performer as he registered four goals and nine points through 11 games.

If Tampa Bay can sign Guentzel once free agency opens on July 1st, they will potentially start the 2024-25 NHL season with the best first line in the league. Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov are in no danger of losing their spots on the team’s first line — and adding Guentzel to it will have opposing teams scrambling to match up against it.

Both players’ situations will unfold over the next 48 hours but one item remains clear. After bowing in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs two years in a row, the Lightning are not afraid to make tough decisions to extend their contention window.

Metro Notes: Islanders, Dillon, Malenstyn, Smith

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Speaking with the General Manager of the New York Islanders Lou Lamoriello, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports that veteran forwards Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin are expected to hit unrestricted free agency on Monday. Each player has spent more than a decade with the Islanders’ organization but the team appears headed for a different direction this summer.

Additionally, on the restricted free agent front, Gross relays that New York is prepared to qualify Oliver Wahlstrom but will also look to trade him this summer. As the 11th overall pick of the 2018 NHL Draft, Wahlstrom may still hold some value as a change-of-scenery candidate; however, the prospects of that don’t look promising after numerous disappointing seasons with the Islanders. Over five years at the professional level, Wahlstrom has suited up in 193 games for New York but has only mustered 34 goals and 67 points over that stretch.

Even if Clutterbuck and Martin make it to the free agent market on July 1st, there isn’t a guarantee that either will leave the Islanders organization. Lamoriello has a habit of keeping his contract negotiations very close to the vest throughout his career and may wait to see how things play out after the first day. However, if New York does not retain either player, they are almost guaranteed a fourth-line role wherever they end up.

Other Metro notes:

  • With the New Jersey Devils already expected to make a hard run at free-agent defenseman Brett Pesce over the next couple of days, there is another defenseman that the team will be monitoring. Regardless of the team’s negotiations with Pesce, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reports the team is also prepared to extend an offer to Brenden Dillon. By moving out defenseman John Marino earlier today in a trade with the Utah Hockey Club, the Devils will have the roster spots and cap flexibility to bring both defensemen into the organization.
  • Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports that the Washington Capitals previously had zero intentions of moving forward Beck Malenstyn this summer but the Buffalo Sabres gave them an offer they couldn’t refuse. After scoring six goals and 21 points in 81 games for the Capitals this season in a middle-six role, the organization moved Malenstyn for the 43rd overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft. Washington used the pick to select defenseman Cole Hutson out of the US National Team Development Program after scoring 15 goals and 51 points in 51 games.
  • Back in New Jersey, the Devils will open up an additional spot on defense in the next few days as the organization is not expected to extend a contract offer to defenseman Brendan Smith (X Link). Smith has spent the last two years in the Garden State and recently concluded one of the more productive seasons of his career as he scored five goals and 15 points in 63 games while averaging 16:06 of ice time per night.

Dallas Stars Expected To Re-Sign Matt Duchene

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Per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, forward Matt Duchene is not expected to reach unrestricted free agency on Monday as he and the Dallas Stars are making significant process on a contract extension. The news comes shortly after the Stars organization made a hard pivot away from pending UFA Chris Tanev as they traded his signing rights to the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this afternoon.

Last offseason, Duchene had the final three years and $24MM of his contract with the Nashville Predators bought out shortly before the start of free agency. The Stars organization quickly pounced as they signed Duchene to a one-year, $3MM contract. As a rare low-risk, high-reward move; Duchene promptly became one of the better value contracts from last summer’s offseason.

One season removed from scoring 22 goals and 56 points for Nashville in 71 games, Duchene got out to a scorching start in the Lone Star State that lasted nearly two-thirds of the season. Through his first 55 games in Dallas, Duchene put up 22 goals and 55 points while averaging less than 17 minutes of ice time per game. Not only was Duchene strong on the puck’s offensive side, but he also put up quality defensive and possession metrics as evidenced by his 92.1% on-ice save percentage in all situations and 54.0% CorsiFor%.

Unfortunately, Duchene could not keep the good times rolling down the stretch as he managed only three goals and 10 points over his last 25 games of the regular season. Despite the slow ending to the season for Duchene personally; Dallas still managed to capture the best record in the Western Conference and guaranteed home ice through the Conference Finals.

Through Round One of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Duchene was held to two points in total in seven games as the Stars knocked out the defending Stanley Cup Champions Vegas Golden Knights. Duchene appeared to pick up some steam in Round Two as he scored one goal and four points in six games against Dallas’ Central Division rival — the Colorado Avalanche. The fire that Duchene may have caught during Round Two was quickly extinguished in the Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers as Duchene failed to put up any points and was limited to only nine shots in six games.

Regardless of some slight inconsistency towards the end of the season and the Stanley Cup playoffs, it was clear that Duchene blended well on and off the ice with the Stars organization. With the team expected to lose out on veteran Joe Pavelski to retirement at some point this offseason, Duchene might have access to a larger opportunity in Dallas for the next several years.

2024 NHL Draft Pick Tracker By Team

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Now that the 2024 NHL Draft officially concluded earlier this afternoon, we can break down every draft pick by each team. Utah Hockey Club led the way with 11 picks in total (with six of those coming in the top 100) and the Dallas Stars selecting three individuals. The following list breaks down every selection for each team over the 2024 NHL Draft:

Anaheim Ducks

1-3: RW Beckett Sennecke / Oshawa Generals (OHL)
1-23: D Stian Solberg / Vålerenga (Norway)
2-35: C Lucas Pettersson / MoDo Hockey J20 (J20 Nationell)
3-66: RW Maxim Massé / Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
3-68: C Ethan Procyszyn / North Bay Battalion (OHL)
3-79: D Tarin Smith / Everett Silvertips (WHL)
4-100: C Alexandre Blais / Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
6-182: RW Austin Burnevik / Madison Capitols (USHL)
7-214: D Darels Uļjanskis / AIK J20 (J20 Nationell)

Boston Bruins

1-25: C Dean Letourneau / St. Andrew’s College (U18 AAA)
4-110: D Elliott Groenewold / Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
5-154: C Jonathan Morello / St. Michael’s Buzzers (OJHL)
6-186: D Loke Johansson / AIK J20 (J20 Nationell)

Buffalo Sabres

1-14: C Konsta Helenius / Jukurit (Liiga)
2-42: D Adam Kleber / Lincoln Stars (USHL)
3-71: RW Brodie Ziemer / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
4-108: D Luke Osburn / Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
4-123: D Simon-Pier Brunet / Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
6-172: D Patrick Geary / Michigan State (NCAA)
7-204: RW Vasily Zelenov / RB Hockey Juniors (AlpsHL)
7-219: G Ryerson Leenders / Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Calgary Flames

1-9: D Zayne Parekh / Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
1-28: RW Matvei Gridin / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
2-41: LW Andrew Basha / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
2-62: RW Jacob Battaglia / Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
3-74: D Henry Mews / Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
3-84: G Kirill Zarubin / AKM Tula (MHL)
4-106: RW Trevor Hoskin / Cobourg Cougars (OJHL)
5-150: C Luke Misa / Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
6-170: C Hunter Laing / Prince George Cougars (WHL)
6-177: D Eric Jamieson / Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Carolina Hurricanes

2-34: D Dominik Badinka / Malmö Redhawks (SHL)
2-50: LW Nikita Artamonov / Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
3-69: D Noel Fransén / Färjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)
4-124: D Alexander Siryatsky / Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)
5-133: LW Oskar Vuollet / Skellefteå AIK J20 (J20 Nationell)
5-156: RW Justin Poirier / Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
6-168: D Timur Kol / Omskie Krylia (VHL)
6-184: D Roman Shokhrin / Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)
6-188: LW Fyodor Avramov / Kapitan Stupino (MHL)
7-220: LW Andrei Krutov / Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)

Chicago Blackhawks

1-2: D Artyom Levshunov / Michigan State (NCAA)
1-18: C Sacha Boisvert / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
1-27: LW Marek Vanacker / Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
3-67: C John Mustard / Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)
3-72: RW AJ Spellacy / Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
3-92: RW Jack Pridham / West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL)
5-138: C Joel Svensson / Växjö Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell)
6-163: D Ty Henry / Erie Otters (OHL)

Colorado Avalanche

2-38: G Ilya Nabokov / Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)
3-76: LW William Zellers / Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep (USHS-Prep)
4-121: C Jake Fisher / Fargo Force (USHL)
5-132: G Louka Cloutier / Chicago Steel (USHL)
5-137: G Ivan Yunin / Yastreby Omsk U18 (Russia U18)
5-161: C Maxmilian Curran / Tri-City Americans (WHL)
6-185: D Tory Pitner / Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
7-215: C Christian Humphreys / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
7-217: C Nikita Prishchepov / Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

Columbus Blue Jackets

1-4: C Cayden Lindstrom / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
2-36: D Charlie Elick / Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
2-60: G Evan Gardner / Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
3-86: D Luca Marrelli / Oshawa Generals (OHL)
4-101: D Tanner Henricks / Lincoln Stars (USHL)
6-165: D Luke Ashton / Langley Rivermen (BCHL)

Dallas Stars

1-29: RW Emil Hemming / TPS (Liiga)
5-158: D Niilopekka Muhonen / KalPa U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
7-222: C William Samuelsson / Södertälje SK J20 (J20 Nationell)

Detroit Red Wings

1-15: RW Michael Brandsegg-Nygård / Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
2-47: LW Max Plante / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
3-80: C Ondřej Becher / Prince George Cougars (WHL)
4-126: G Landon Miller / Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
5-144: D John Whipple / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
6-176: LW Charlie Forslund / Falu IF J18 (J18 Region)
7-203: LW Austin Baker / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
7-208: D Fisher Scott / Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

Edmonton Oilers

1-32: RW Sam O’Reilly / London Knights (OHL)
2-64: G Eemil Vinni / JoKP (Mestis)
5-160: LW Connor Clattenburg / Flint Firebirds (OHL)
6-183: D Albin Sundin / Frölunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell)
6-192: C Dalyn Wakely / North Bay Battalion (OHL)
7-196: C William Nicholl / London Knights (OHL)
7-218: D Bauer Berry / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Florida Panthers 

2-58: C Linus Eriksson / Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
3-97: D Matvei Shuravin / Krasnaya Armiya Mosvka (MHL)
4-129: C Simon Zether / Rögle BK (SHL)
6-169: C Stepan Gorbunov / Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)
6-193: LW Hunter St. Martin / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
7-201: G Denis Gabdrakhmanov / Tyumenski Legion (MHL)

Los Angeles Kings

1-26: RW Liam Greentree / Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
2-57: G Carter George / Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
6-164: D Jared Woolley / London Knights (OHL)
7-198: RW James Reeder / Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

Minnesota Wild

1-12: D Zeev Buium / University of Denver (NCAA)
2-45: RW Ryder Ritchie / Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
4-122: D Aron Kiviharju / HIFK (Liiga)
5-140: D Sebastian Soini / KOOVEE (Mestis)
5-142: G Chase Wutzke / Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
6-174: D Stevie Leskovar / Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Montreal Canadiens

1-5: RW Ivan Demidov / SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)
1-21: C Michael Hage / Chicago Steel (USHL)
3-70: C Aatos Koivu / TPS U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
3-78: C Logan Sawyer / Brooks Bandits (BCHL)
4-102: D Owen Protz / Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
5-130: RW Tyler Thorpe / Vancouver Giants (WHL)
5-134: G Mikus Vecvanags / Tukums (Latvia2)
6-166: C Ben Merrill / St. Sebastian’s School (USHS-Prep)
7-210: RW Makar Khanin / Dynamo St. Petersburg (VHL)
7-224: D Rasmus Bergqvist / Skellefteå AIK J20 (J20 Nationell)

Nashville Predators

1-22: C Yegor Surin / Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
2-55: C Teddy Stiga / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
3-77: D Viggo Gustafsson / HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell)
3-87: RW Miguel Marques / Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
3-94: RW Hiroki Gojsic / Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
4-99: G Jakub Milota / Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL)
4-127: LW Viktor Nörringer / Frölunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell)
7-213: C Erik Påhlsson / Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

New Jersey Devils

1-10: D Anton Silayev / Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
2-49: G Mikhail Yegorov / Omaha Lancers (USHL)
3-85: RW Kasper Pikkarainen / TPS U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
3-91: RW Herman Träff / HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell)
5-139: C Max Graham / Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
5-146: G Veeti Louhivaara / JYP U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
6-171: C Matyáš Melovský / Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)

New York Islanders

1-20: LW Cole Eiserman / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
2-54: D Jesse Pulkkinen / JYP (Liiga)
2-61: C Kamil Bednarik / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
4-115: G Dmitry Gamzin / Zvezda Moskva (VHL)
5-147: G Marcus Gidlöf / Leksands IF J20 (J20 Nationell)
6-179: D Xavier Veilleux / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

New York Rangers

1-30: D EJ Emery / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
4-119: C Raoul Boilard / Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
5-159: LW Nathan Aspinall / Flint Firebirds (OHL)
6-191: LW Rico Gredig / HC Davos (NL)

Ottawa Senators

1-7: D Carter Yakemchuk / Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
2-39: D Gabriel Eliasson / HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell)
4-104: LW Lucas Ellinas / Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
4-112: LW Javon Moore / Minnetonka High (USHS-MN)
4-117: LW Blake Montgomery / Lincoln Stars (USHL)
5-136: D Eerik Wallenius / HPK U18 (U18 SM-sarja)

Philadelphia Flyers

1-13: C Jett Luchanko / Guelph Storm (OHL)
2-51: C Jack Berglund / Färjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)
2-59: D Spencer Gill / Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
4-107: C Heikki Ruohonen / Kiekko-Espoo U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
5-148: RW Noah Powell / Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
6-173: RW Ilya Pautov / Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
7-205: D Austin Moline / Shattuck St. Mary’s U18 Prep (USHS-Prep)

Pittsburgh Penguins

2-44: D Harrison Brunicke / Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
2-46: LW Tanner Howe / Regina Pats (WHL)
4-111: D Chase Pietila / Michigan Tech (NCAA)
6-175: D Joona Väisänen / Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
7-207: C Mac Swanson / Fargo Force (USHL)
7-223: D Finn Harding / Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

San Jose Sharks

1-1: C Macklin Celebrini / Boston University (NCAA)
1-11: D Sam Dickinson / London Knights (OHL)
2-33: LW Igor Chernyshov / Dynamo Moskva (KHL)
2-53: D Leo Sahlin Wallenius / Växjö Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell)
3-82: RW Carson Wetsch / Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
4-116: G Christian Kirsch / Zug U20 (U20-Elit)
5-131: D Colton Roberts / Vancouver Giants (WHL)
5-143: D Nate Misskey / Victoria Royals (WHL)
7-194: G Yaroslav Korostelyov / SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)

Seattle Kraken

1-8: C Berkly Catton / Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
2-40: C Julius Miettinen / Everett Silvertips (WHL)
2-63: C Nathan Villeneuve / Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
3-73: D Alexis Bernier / Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
3-88: G Kim Saarinen / HPK U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
4-105: C Ollie Josephson / Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
5-141: LW Clarke Caswell / Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
7-202: D Jakub Fibigr / Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

St. Louis Blues

1-16: D Adam Jiříček / HC Plzeň (Czechia)
2-48: D Colin Ralph / Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep (USHS-Prep)
2-56: D Lukas Fischer / Sarnia Sting (OHL)
3-81: LW Ondrej Kos / KOOVEE (Mestis)
3-95: C Adam Jecho / Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
4-113: C Tomas Mrsic / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
5-145: D William McIsaac / Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
7-209: C Antoine Dorion / Québec Remparts (QMJHL)
7-211: C Matvei Korotky / SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)

Tampa Bay Lightning

4-118: D Jan Goličič / Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
4-128: RW Hagen Burrows / Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
5-149: C Joona Saarelainen / KalPa U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
6-181: C Kaden Pitre / Flint Firebirds (OHL)
7-195: LW Joe Connor / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
7-199: LW Noah Steen / Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
7-206: G Harrison Meneghin / Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)

Toronto Maple Leafs

1-31: D Ben Danford / Oshawa Generals (OHL)
4-120: D Victor Johansson / Leksands IF J20 (J20 Nationell)
5-151: C Miroslav Holinka / HC Oceláři Třinec U20 (Czechia U20)
5-152: LW Alexander Plesovskikh / Mamonty Yugry (MHL)
5-157: G Timofei Obvintsev / Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
7-200: D Matthew Leahy / Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL)
7-216: LW Sam McCue / Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
7-225: D Nathan Mayes / Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Utah Hockey Club

1-6: C Tij Iginla / Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
1-24: C Cole Beaudoin / Barrie Colts (OHL)
2-65: D Will Skahan / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
3-89: D Tomas Lavoie / Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL)
3-96: D Veeti Väisänen / KooKoo (Liiga)
4-98: D Gregor Biber / Rögle BK J20 (J20 Nationell)
4-103: C Gabe Smith / Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
5-135: C Owen Allard / Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
5-153: D Aleš Čech / BK Mladá Boleslav (Czechia)
6-167: C Vojtěch Hradec / BK Mladá Boleslav (Czechia)
6-190: D Ludvig Lafton / Färjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)

Vancouver Canucks

3-93: RW Melvin Fernström / Örebro HK J20 (J20 Nationell)
4-125: C Riley Patterson / Barrie Colts (OHL)
6-162: RW Anthony Romani / North Bay Battalion (OHL)
6-189: D Parker Alcos / Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
7-221: D Basile Sansonnens / Gottéron U20 (U20-Elit)

Vegas Golden Knights 

1-19: LW Trevor Connelly / Tri-City Storm (USHL)
3-83: G Pavel Moysevich / SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (VHL)
6-180: LW Trent Swick / Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
7-197: C Lucas Van Vliet / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)

Washington Capitals

1-17: RW Terik Parascak / Prince George Cougars (WHL)
2-43: D Cole Hutson / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
2-52: D Leon Muggli / EV Zug (NL)
3-75: LW Ilya Protas / Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
3-90: LW Ēriks Mateiko / Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
4-114: G Nicholas Kempf / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
6-178: C Petr Sikora / HC Oceláři Třinec U20 (Czechia U20)
7-212: C Miroslav Šatan / HC Slovan Bratislava U20 (Slovakia U20)

Winnipeg Jets

2-37: D Alfons Freij / Växjö Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell)
4-109: LW Kevin He / Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
5-155: C Markus Loponen / Kärpät U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
6-187: C Kieron Walton / Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Follow NBA Free Agency At Hoops Rumors

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NBA teams can begin negotiating with outside free agents on Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. CT, and our sister site Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors on Twitter) has all the latest news, rumors and transactions for each of the league’s 30 teams.

For the first time in 2024, NBA teams were permitted to negotiate with their own free agents one day after the NBA Finals ended (the Celtics won their 18th championship on June 17). That’s why several of 2024’s top free agents — including Pascal Siakam (Pacers), OG Anunoby (Knicks) and Immanuel Quickley (Raptors) —  have already agreed to new contracts.

However, there are some huge names heading for unrestricted free agency, including LeBron James, James Harden, Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, and Klay Thompson. James is widely expected to return to the Lakers; there hasn’t been much news about Harden, but the Clippers hope to re-sign him; George’s future is unclear after spending the past five years with the Clippers; there has been “growing buzz” that DeRozan won’t be back with the Bulls; and the Warriors are reportedly preparing for Thompson’s departure after he spent his first 13 years with Golden State, winning four championships.

We’ve already seen a flurry of trade activity this offseason, both leading up to, during, and after the NBA draft, which took place over two days (on Wednesday and Thursday) for the first time this week. Former Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Mikal Bridges (Knicks), former All-Star Dejounte Murray (Pelicans), rising forward Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), and defensive ace Alex Caruso (Thunder) are among the players on the move.

For the latest updates on NBA free agency, check out Hoops Rumors today! There will be a whirlwind of activity over the next couple of weeks as teams reshape their rosters for next season, and we’ll be covering it all. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter – @HoopsRumors.

Central Notes: Predators, Drouin, Pavelski, McGroarty

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Nearly one year ago, the Nashville Predators made some surprise additions in free agency by bringing in veteran forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist on multi-year contracts. Expect much of the same from the Predators organization this summer as Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports Nashville is looking to be aggressive once free agency opens up on Monday.

Lavoie specifically cites Steven Stamkos as a player that the Predators will take a run at — a rumor that has been picking up some steam over recent days. With just over $26MM in cap space and only a few notable pieces to retain, Nashville could do some damage on the free-agent market this summer.

Outside of Stamkos, the Predators will likely be checking in on multiple free agents over the next few days as the team could use additional help in the form of a top-six forward and top-four defenseman. Thankfully, the team captain, Roman Josi, can still be counted on for the most minutes on Nashville’s blue line but the team could certainly use some help behind him in the form of a veteran talent to lessen the burden.

Other Central notes:

  • Despite both parties’ willingness to agree on a contract extension, the cap situation for the Colorado Avalanche may be pushing Jonathan Drouin out the door (Article Link). For the second summer in a row, the Avalanche are scrambling to sign cheap depth at every position with the team only carrying $10.47MM in cap space into the summer months. Without factoring in the potential return of forward Valeri Nichushkin and his $6.125MM salary, it appears improbable that Colorado will be able to retain Drouin. After only playing on an $825K salary for the 2023-24 NHL season, Drouin has earned a considerable raise after scoring 19 goals and 56 points in 79 games.
  • If everything is to go as expected, Joe Pavelski of the Dallas Stars has already played his last game in the National Hockey League. He will not have to wait long for a job offer though as Sean Shapiro of EP Rinkside reports the Stars organization is more than willing to give Pavelski an opportunity in the front office if he officially decides to retire. It would not be surprising to see Pavelski land a front-office job after his playing career officially concludes, as the veteran star has largely operated in a leadership role throughout his professional career as a player.
  • After nearly a week of trade chatter, the Winnipeg Jets could not find an optimal trade to move prospect Rutger McGroarty out of the system during draft weekend. Looking for updates on the matter, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press could only confirm that McGroarty would not be present at the Jets’ development camp this summer. Due to McGroarty not being eligible for unrestricted free agency for another two seasons, Winnipeg can be patient when it comes to moving his contract rights.

Utah Signs Juuso Valimaki To Two-Year Extension

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7:50 PM: TSN’s Chris Johnston reports Valimaki will earn an AAV of $2MM on his new deal.

5:09 PM: Continuing with a busy day on the blue line, the Utah Hockey Club has agreed to a two-year contract with pending restricted free-agent defenseman Juuso Valimaki. The team did not disclose any financial terms regarding the deal.

Even with Valimaki likely sliding down the depth chart today with the team’s addition of Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning and John Marino from the New Jersey Devils, the young defenseman may excel in a more limited role. During the 2022-23 NHL season, Valimaki scored four goals and 34 points in 78 games while averaging 18:11 of ice time per night, and saw his production slip to two goals and 17 points in 10 fewer games played while averaging more than a minute more of ice time per game.

Although it is unlikely, if all things stay the same on the blue line for Utah, Valimaki should be able to partake in a top-four role on the left side of the defensive core. However, there are rumblings that even after the trades today, Utah is still interested in Brandon Montour once he hits the free-agent market on Monday (X Link). If the organization can land Montour, they would likely shift Sean Durzi to the left side while demoting Valimaki to a bottom-pairing role.

Whatever the case may be, Utah has dramatically improved its defensive core over the last 24 hours. Despite the probable demotion coming to Valimaki on the depth chart, he is a flexible defenseman with the ability to play in nearly any situation.

Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports was the first to report that Utah and Valimaki had agreed on an extension. 

Leafs Among Teams Interested In Nikita Zadorov

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It was announced yesterday that defenseman Nikita Zadorov will be testing the open market, after not finding agreeable terms with the Vancouver Canucks. Now, TSN’s Darren Dreger has reported the specifics of those negotiations – sharing that Vancouver’s highest offer to Zadorov was $5MM. The veteran defender feels he can up that price in free agency, where Dreger adds at least 10 teams have expressed interest, including the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto’s interest comes as no surprise. General manager Brad Treliving has shared that the team will be prioritizing size and grit in their defensive additions this year – two traits that Zadorov brings in abundance, even if he may need reigned in elsewhere. Toronto were among the teams pushing to trade for Zadorov before his move to the Canucks, though they were joined by the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and New York Islanders in the race.

Each of those competitors should be expected to return to Zadorov this summer. The Devils recently drafted highly acclaimed Russian defender Anton Silayev – who plays a similarly brazen and aggressive style to Zadorov. That could make the older Russian a great mentor, though it’d also likely limit New Jersey to a short-term deal, as they anticipate the emergence of both Silayev and Seamus Casey in the NHL. Dallas and New York could be in better spots to give Zadorov term – with the Stars facing the possibility of losing Chris Tanev to the market while the Islanders could use all of the defensive help they can get.

It’s that kind of desperation that Zadorov will be banking on, looking to inspire a bidding way among teams in need of stout top-four defenders. But teams could run a risk of buying in a player’s market. In his age-29 season, Zadorov posted six points in 21 games with the Flames and 14 points in 54 games with the Canucks. What’s more, he added a career-high 125 penalty minutes in those matchups. It was one of Zadorov’s most eventful seasons, though 2021-22 still stands as his career-year, when he recorded 22 points and 77 penalty minutes in 74 games.

With July 1st just days away, Zadorov has set his price north of $5MM. Even with his low scoring, he’ll still stand as one of the market’s top defensemen, behind players like Tanev, Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, and Shayne Gostisbehere. It will be likely in Zadorov’s best interest to sign as quickly as he can, before more acclaimed defenders have a chance to set the market price.

Toronto could also be pushed off the scent here, after acquiring the rights to pending UFA Chris Tanev for Max Ellis and a seventh-round pick. The Leafs haven’t yet engaged in talks with Tanev, per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic (Twitter link), though the two sides will have through the weekend to find Tanev a deal in his hometown. Tanev is likely pushing for a similar dollar figure as Zadorov, and fills a like role on the right-side of the top four. Even then, TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that both Zadorov and Oliver Ekman-Larsson could remain in Toronto’s plans (Twitter link).

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