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Snapshots: Söderberg, Mock Draft, Stadium Series

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The most transformative offseason in PHF history continued this morning, with the Connecticut Whale making a big splash in the goalie market. Goalie Emma Söderberg, a finalist for the 2022-23 IIHF Female Player of the Year award, has signed a two-year contract with the team, per an announcement Tuesday.

The 25-year-old Swede was among NCAA leaders this past season, recording a .938 save percentage and 12 shutouts in 33 appearances with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She also shined for Sweden at the Women’s World Championship, posting a .924 save percentage and a 2-3-0 record in five appearances. It’s a shrewd acquisition for Connecticut, which has finished in the league’s top three in the past three seasons. Söderberg’s services will help them remain in contention as they still seek to earn their first Isobel Cup.

Söderberg also represented Sweden at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

  • Two of the top public scouts around, The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman, have released a second two-round mock ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft. While the first two selections are apparent, Wheeler has the Columbus Blue Jackets using their third overall pick on American center Will Smith, letting the consensus no. 1 European forward, Leo Carlsson, slip to the San Jose Sharks at fourth overall. The best overseas forward based on talent alone is Russian winger Matvei Michkov, but the geopolitical climate and his well-reported contract situation (he’s obligated to his Russian team through 2026) lower his draft position. Pronman has Michkov falling to the Washington Capitals at eighth overall.
  • Next season’s Stadium Series game could actually be two, says The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta. Per his report, the 2024 edition will entail back-to-back days in February at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, first between the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers, followed by a New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers matchup. If confirmed, it will be the second outdoor appearance for the Devils and Islanders, the fifth for the Rangers, and the sixth for the Flyers.

Vitali Kravtsov Signs In Russia

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11:30 am: Kravtsov has officially signed in the KHL, per his now-former agent Dan Milstein. Kravtsov has switched representation as part of the deal.

9:55 am: Reports out of Russia this morning indicate Vancouver Canucks forward Vitali Kravtsov could sign a two-year contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL this offseason.

If the report comes to fruition, it’s very likely the end of the road in the NHL for the 6-foot-3 winger. Selected with the ninth overall pick of the 2018 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers, a tumultuous tenure there ended when the Rangers dealt him to Vancouver for William Lockwood and a seventh-round pick on February 25.

Things didn’t go well in a brief stint with Vancouver for Kravtsov either, recording just a goal and an assist in 16 games, and he wasn’t able to earn an uptick in ice time. Now 23, Kravtsov has managed to get into just 64 NHL games in parts of three seasons, notching six goals and 12 points almost exclusively in a bottom-six role.

It’s a return to a familiar place for Kravtsov, as Chelyabinsk has been his home for his entire development track in Russia. Prior to 2022-23, he’d spent at least a portion of every season in the organization dating back to 2014-15, either pre-draft or on loan after signing his entry-level contract with New York.

Chelyabinsk hopes they’re getting the version of Kravtsov that posted 13 points in 19 KHL games on loan in 2021-22, and he’s able to at least pan out as a top-six fixture in the KHL.

List Of NHL Prospects Attending 2023 Memorial Cup

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After the OHL’s Peterborough Petes and the QMJHL’s Québec Remparts took home their respective league championships yesterday, the field for the 2023 Memorial Cup is set. They’ll be joined by two WHL teams – the league champion Seattle Thunderbirds and the host team Kamloops Blazers – on their quest to capture the pinnacle of North American junior hockey.

Pitting best against best at the U21 level from across the continent, the tournament also gives NHL-drafted prospects an early taste of high-pressure hockey on a larger stage than regular junior play. If you’re looking to see your favorite team’s prospects have big performances at this tournament, which runs from May 26 to June 4, we’re providing a comprehensive list of NHL-affiliated prospects attending the tournament.

There will be a new champion this year after last year’s winner, the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs, lost to the Gatineau Olympiques in five games in their first-round series in the QMJHL playoffs. Chicago and Dallas lead the way with three representatives at the tournament, while nine teams (Boston, Colorado, Detroit, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, San Jose, and Tampa Bay) don’t have any prospects playing this year.

Anaheim Ducks

C Nathan Gaucher (Québec, 2022 22nd overall)
LD Olen Zellweger (Kamloops, 2021 34th overall)

Arizona Coyotes

RW Dylan Guenther (Seattle, 2021 9th overall)
LD Jérémy Langlois (Québec, 2022 94th overall)

Boston Bruins

none

Buffalo Sabres

RD Vsevolod Komarov (Québec, 2022 134th overall)

Calgary Flames

LW Lucas Ciona (Seattle, 2021 173rd overall)

Carolina Hurricanes

C Justin Robidas (Québec, 2021 147th overall)

Chicago Blackhawks

LD Kevin Korchinski (Seattle, 2022 7th overall)
LD Nolan Allan (Seattle, 2021 32nd overall)
C Colton Dach (Seattle, 2021 62nd overall)

Colorado Avalanche

none

Columbus Blue Jackets

LW James Malatesta (Québec, 2021 133rd overall)

Dallas Stars

C Logan Stankoven (Kamloops, 2021 47th overall)
RD Gavin White (Peterborough, 2022 115th overall)
RW Matthew Seminoff (Kamloops, 2022 179th overall)

Detroit Red Wings

none

Edmonton Oilers

none

Florida Panthers

LD Evan Nause (Québec, 2021 56th overall)

Los Angeles Kings

none

Minnesota Wild

C Caedan Bankier (Kamloops, 2021 86th overall)
RD Kyle Masters (Kamloops, 2021 118th overall)

Montreal Canadiens

C Owen Beck (Peterborough, 2022 33rd overall)
C Jared Davidson (Seattle, 2022 130th overall)

Nashville Predators

LW Reid Schaefer (Seattle, 2022 32nd overall)
RD Luke Prokop (Seattle, 2020 73rd overall)

New Jersey Devils

RW Chase Stillman (Peterborough, 2021 29th overall)

New York Islanders

LW Daylan Kuefler (Kamloops, 2022 174th overall)

New York Rangers

LW Brennan Othmann (Peterborough, 2021 16th overall)

Ottawa Senators

none

Philadelphia Flyers

LD Brian Zanetti (Peterborough, 2021 110th overall)
C Jon-Randall Avon (Peterborough, undrafted)

Pittsburgh Penguins

none

San Jose Sharks

none

Seattle Kraken

C Tucker Robertson (Peterborough, 2022 123rd overall)

St. Louis Blues

C Zachary Bolduc (Québec, 2021 17th overall)

Tampa Bay Lightning

none

Toronto Maple Leafs

C Fraser Minten (Kamloops, 2022 38th overall)

Vancouver Canucks

C Connor Lockhart (Peterborough, 2021 178th overall)

Vegas Golden Knights

C Jordan Gustafson (Seattle, 2022 79th overall)
RW Jakub Demek (Kamloops, 2021 128th overall)

Washington Capitals

C Ryan Hofer (Kamloops, 2022 181st overall)

Winnipeg Jets

C Brad Lambert (Seattle, 2022 30th overall)

If Rangers Want To Keep Halak, A Pay Cut Is Likely

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  • Mollie Walker of the New York Post examines some low-cost goaltending options for the Rangers this summer, including a possible reunion with Jaroslav Halak. The 38-year-old posted a 2.72 GAA with a .903 SV% in 25 games this season and Walker suggests that there’s mutual interest in a return.  However, with cap space being at a premium next season, Halak would almost certainly have to take a pay cut from the $1.5MM in guaranteed money he had in 2022-23.

Peter Laviolette And Mike Babcock Have Had Their Interviews For Rangers Coaching Job

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  • Arthur Staple of The Athletic provides (subscription link) an update on the Rangers’ coaching search, noting that veterans Peter Laviolette and Mike Babcock both had their interviews this week. Staple suggests that Kraken assistant Jay Leach could also be on their radar but was unable to confirm if New York has reached out to get permission to interview him.  There are presently six teams looking for a new bench boss around the NHL so once one of the preferred candidates comes off the board, other teams might be looking to finalize their hires soon after.

New York Rangers Obtain Permission To Interview Spencer Carbery

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The New York Rangers are one of a handful of teams looking to secure a new head coach for 2023-24, although reports on whom they’ve interviewed for the role have been comparatively few and far between. Late last night, though, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the team had obtained permission to talk to Toronto Maple Leafs assistant Spencer Carbery for the vacancy.

Mike Sullivan Rules Out Possibility Of Joining Rangers

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There has been some speculation recently that a possible chain reaction of hirings could eventually result in Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan being let go and moving behind the bench for the Rangers.  However, the bench boss poured cold water on that idea, telling Mollie Walker of the New York Post that he is “here for the long haul” with Pittsburgh.  Sullivan has four years left on his contract with Pittsburgh and is expected to have some sort of say in who the team brings in to fill out their front office after dismissing GM Ron Hextall and Brian Burke at the end of the regular season.  Accordingly, it stands to reason that he’ll be behind the bench when the puck drops on the 2023-24 campaign in October.

Evan Vierling Signs AHL Contract With Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

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The AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have made an intriguing add, signing former New York Rangers prospect Evan Vierling to an AHL contract for the 2023-24 season. Vierling joins Wilkes-Barre/Scranton as one of the most highly sought-after free agents entering the pro ranks from juniors this offseason.

In his final season in the OHL with the Barrie Colts in 2022-23, Vierling demonstrated the offensive prowess the Rangers had envisioned in him when they selected him 127th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. He led the Colts with 60 assists and 95 points, and his 35 goals ranked second on the team behind San Jose Sharks prospect Ethan Cardwell. Vierling also led Colts forwards in playoff scoring, tallying 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in seven games.

Born in Aurora, Ontario, Vierling also received the esteemed William Hanley Trophy this season, awarded to the OHL’s most sportsmanlike player. He became the first player from the Barrie Colts to receive the award in its 48-year history.

The Rangers allowed his rights to expire last June by not extending him an entry-level contract. After registering just over a point per game in his draft year, split between Barrie and the Flint Firebirds, COVID stripped Vierling of a crucial development season in 2020-21, and his offensive pace took a step back the following season.

Nevertheless, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and, likely by extension, their NHL affiliate Pittsburgh Penguins, see remaining potential in Vierling’s abilities after a bounce-back season in juniors. A relatively well-rounded player, Vierling’s focus now turns toward acclimating to the professional game and trying to earn an NHL look, either with Pittsburgh or elsewhere.

NHL Announces 2023 King Clancy Memorial Trophy Nominees

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In an announcement made Tuesday afternoon, the NHL unveiled the list of nominees for the 2023 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is presented annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities both on and off the ice, as well as making a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to their community.

The list of nominees for this year’s award is an impressive one, featuring some of the league’s most well-respected captains, such as Boston’s Patrice Bergeron and Florida’s Aleksander Barkov.

One notable nominee is one of the youngest captains in the league – Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk, in a few short years as a Senator, has already implanted himself in the community, especially in recent seasons. Working with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, Tkachuk hosts the ’Tkachuk’s Captains’ program, which works with kids at club locations across Ottawa to help develop leadership skills.

That’s not to diminish the off-ice efforts of anyone else named on the full list of nominees, found below. While an often-overlooked award, it’s a great way to highlight some players who focus on making positive contributions to their communities.

Anaheim: Kevin Shattenkirk
Arizona: Travis Boyd
Boston: Patrice Bergeron
Buffalo: Alex Tuch
Calgary: Mikael Backlund
Carolina: Jordan Staal
Chicago: Connor Murphy
Colorado: Devon Toews
Columbus: Zach Werenski
Dallas: Jason Robertson
Detroit: Dylan Larkin
Edmonton: Darnell Nurse
Florida: Aleksander Barkov
Los Angeles: Mikey Anderson
Minnesota: Matt Dumba
Montreal: Jordan Harris
Nashville: Juuse Saros
New Jersey: Jack Hughes
NY Islanders: Anders Lee
NY Rangers: Jacob Trouba
Ottawa: Brady Tkachuk
Philadelphia: Scott Laughton
Pittsburgh: Evgeni Malkin
San Jose: Luke Kunin
Seattle: Chris Driedger
St. Louis: Brayden Schenn
Tampa Bay: Victor Hedman
Toronto: Morgan Rielly
Vancouver: Elias Pettersson
Vegas: Reilly Smith
Washington: Tom Wilson
Winnipeg: Blake Wheeler

New York Rangers Expected To Make More Coaching Changes

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The New York Rangers are making more modifications to their coaching staff after parting ways with head coach Gerard Gallant, says The New York Post’s Larry Brooks. The Rangers are expected to relieve assistants Mike Kelly and Jim Midgley of their duties, while assistant Gord Murphy will remain on staff pending the determination of their next head coach.

This latest move comes after the Rangers finished the 2022-23 season by losing their First Round series against the New Jersey Devils in seven games despite holding a 2-0 lead in the series. The decision to part ways with Gallant came as a surprise to many, as he had been with the team for two successful regular seasons, but multiple reports later said exit interviews with Rangers players weren’t kind to Gallant.

The Rangers will now make some deeper structural changes behind the bench as they look to revamp their coaching staff. Kelly, who worked with Gallant during his times with the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights, heads to the open market with 10 years of experience as an NHL assistant. Midgley, 45, had been with the Rangers since Gallant’s hiring in 2021 but has no previous NHL coaching experience.

Murphy, who also spent the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons as an associate coach with the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, remains in the fold for now.

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