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Las Vegas Searching For Affiliate

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Part of putting together an expansion team in the NHL is building your farm system from the ground up. To establish that ground level, you first need a minor league affiliate. Just like the NHL, the AHL will grow by one in 2017-18, and the hunt has begun for that 31st member.

Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Las Vegas owner Bill Foley has begun to look for locations for his second franchise purchase, and there are pros and cons to many of the possibilities. The AHL has seen a western migration in recent years, making the establishment of a team near Las Vegas an easier mission. Foley does not want to share Las Vegas with the AHL franchise, like soon-to-be conference rival San Jose, but is looking at other locations nearby. Reno, Nevada, Fresno, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah are the leading candidates so far, and a move is expected shortly.

While free agents are not usually concerned about AHL locations when signing with an NHL team, Las Vegas will lack the full farm system that all of it’s competitors have when it begins operations next season. The AHL roster will only feature leftovers from the Expansion Draft and potentially an overage Entry Draft pick or two. Thus, GM George McPhee will have to work some magic on the open market next summer in order to help populate his new AHL team with some free agent prospects. The location that they end up choosing will be a big selling point for the new team, as many signing on will understand that they’re needed to keep the AHL team going in Year One.

Potential Landing Spots For Trouba

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After the report came out that Jets restricted free agent defenseman Jacob Trouba had asked for a trade out of Winnipeg, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff stated that he would do what’s “best for the team” in handling the situation. Although the Jets have all of the leverage – Trouba’s only choice other than to re-sign with Winnipeg or accept a trade and sign is to play overseas – they are on the clock to figure out what to do about the young blue liner. With Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers, and Paul Postma already on the roster, losing Trouba would not be as catastrophic for the Jets as it would be for most teams, but they are also not going to just give him away. A young, right-shot defenseman is one of the most valuable assets in the NHL, and the Jets should be able to get quite the package in return for Trouba. However, that price will inevitably drop the further the stand-off lasts into the regular season, and should the Jets fail to make a move by December 1st, the signing deadline for RFA’s, then Trouba will not be allowed to play at all in 2016-17 and the price will plummet.

Nearly every team in the NHL is probably kicking the tires on Trouba right now, but the list of teams who are actually willing and capable of making the deal is actually fairly short. Although Trouba’s agent Kevin Overhardt says that the main reason that Trouba wants out of Winnipeg is the lack of opportunity behind Byfuglien and Myers, the relationship between the team and the young defenseman began to break down last year when it was reported that Trouba was looking for $7MM per year. If the 22-year-old really is holding to a $6MM to $7MM yearly price tag, several D-needy teams with cap troubles, like the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Colorado Avalanche may have a difficult time making a deal without sending significant salary the other way. The problem with that is whether Winnipeg is willing to take on high-salary players. Their ideal package will likely include a young left-shot defenseman and a young forward, rather than any high-priced veterans. With that criteria in mind, here are the most likely destinations for Trouba if his trade request does pan out:

Arizona Coyotes

The Coyotes are actually very deep on the right side of the blue line, with Michael Stone, Connor Murphy, Luke Schenn and Zbynek Michalek in the fold, but have long been pursuing a true top-pair partner for Oliver Ekman-Larsson. They are also armed with the deepest prospect system in the NHL, and could offer the Jets any number of elite young forwards to make this deal happen. If Winnipeg holds tight to their request for a young lefty defenseman, it’s possible that GM John Chayka could part with 2016 first-rounder Jakob Chychrun. If he’s not, the pickings are slim at left defense. The Coyotes have the most quality young talent up front to offer the Jets, but would also have to suffer a high cost as a Western Conference competitor. Arizona has been connected to Trouba in the rumor mill for months, but are they willing to pay the price to get him?

Boston Bruins

The Bruins defense is nothing to write home about. In fact, a team that was the best two-way squad in the league a few short years ago has missed the playoffs is back-to-back years due mostly in part to poor play on the back end. Boston is slated to enter the 2016-17 season with Colin Miller, Kevan Miller, and Adam McQuaid as their starters on the right side, even though all three would be bottom pair or extra defenseman on most teams in the NHL. Colin Miller has potential, as does Brandon Carlo, who is looking to win a job this year, and 2016 first-rounder Charlie McAvoy looks like a future star. That won’t stop GM Don Sweeney from jumping at the chance to acquire a young right-shot stalwart though. The Bruins have the roster and cap space to bring in Trouba and put him on the top pair with Torey Krug or Zdeno Chara. The question for the Bruins is whether or not they have the pieces to make it happen. At left defense, Krug is untouchable and former top picks Joe Morrow and Linus Arnesson have yet to establish themselves as reliable pros. The Jets would have to accept a top prospect like Jakub Zboril or Jeremy Lauzon at the position, as well as one or more of the Bruins deep group of forward prospects. The Bruins do have more to choose from in quality centers in the system, Winnipeg’s biggest need up front, than the Coyotes or Maple Leafs do. The last time the Jets (read: Thrashers) made a deal with the Bruins, they ended up with captain Blake Wheeler. The pair could swing another big deal with Trouba.

Edmonton Oilers

The situation with Edmonton is pretty cut-and-dry. A young team on the cusp of finally putting it all together, the Oilers still have concerns on defense even after trading away Taylor Hall to get Adam Larsson. If they could add Trouba to the mix, it would be a great addition. However, the cost would be a young roster defenseman on the left side, whether that’s Darnell Nurse, Oscar Klefbom, or maybe Griffin Reinhart. Depending on which one, other picks and prospects would be involved as well. Not only a conference opponent, but also a Canadian rival, Edmonton will not get Trouba at a discount rate from Winnipeg. If GM Peter Chiarelli is unwilling to part with one of his current defensive core, the Oilers lack the ability to bring in Trouba.

New Jersey Devils

The Devils defense is perhaps the worst in the NHL. They also have more available cap space than nearly any other team. Acquiring Trouba makes too much sense for the Devils, but can they get it done? If the Jets aren’t interested in Jon Merrill, New Jersey has almost nothing to offer at left defense. GM Ray Shero could offer up a 1st-round pick instead, guaranteed to be a lottery pick, and a top prospect like Pavel Zacha or one of their two 2016 1st-rounders, but whether he would do that and whether Winnipeg would accept it is another thing. The Devils will likely try hard for Trouba, but are only as likely as the teams with no cap space to somehow force a deal. The fit doesn’t seem to be there.

Toronto Maple Leafs

It would be nearly impossible for the Red Wings to fit Trouba’s new contract on the books, and also very hard for the Rangers or Avs to find the flexibility. Just inside the range of teams who could somehow make it work are the Maple Leafs. With only import Nikita Zaitsev and veteran Roman Polak as right-shot defenseman on the roster, as well as no one resembling a future top-pair righty in the system, Toronto would love to capitalize on Trouba’s availability and acquire a long-term partner for Morgan Rielly.  Jake Gardiner or Martin Marincin might not be what Winnipeg is looking for, but like New Jersey, Toronto can offer a high first-rounder, or enough forward talent to offset a weaker left-shot defenseman. The fit is not great, but there are options there for GM Lou Lamoriello to make a suitable offer to the Jets.

Clarke MacArthur Suffers Concussion

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The Ottawa Senators have announced that winger Clarke MacArthur has suffered a concussion as the result of a hard, blindside hit in training camp earlier today. In an update with GM Pierre Dorion, he confirmed the diagnosis, and stated that MacArthur was sent home and that his condition will be treated as day-to-day until further notice. MacArthur missed most of the 2015-16 season with a concussion, playing in only four games, and was on-track to be healthy for the start of the season. That is now in doubt after another head injury.

The hit in question took place in the corner of the ice during a scrimmage, when defenseman Patrick Sieloff appeared to hit MacArthur high and against the boards, causing his upper body to slam against the glass. MacArthur went down immediately and had to be helped off the ice. Bobby Ryan immediately went after Sieloff, starting a fight that ended with an angry, profanity-laced rant toward the defenseman. Chris Neil and Derick Brassard both went after Sieloff as well as the game continued, before he was asked to leave the ice. Sieloff, who was acquired by the Senators this summer from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Alex Chiasson, was hoping to earn a roster spot in camp. That seems extremely unlikely now, as the young blue liner has lost the locker room in Ottawa. Many members of the Senators were reportedly shaken by witnessing the injury, good friend Dion Phaneuf in particular, as MacArthur is very well-liked among his team mates. Although it is a rough start in a new place for a player who was likely just trying to show off his toughness, Sieloff’s hit would have been a major penalty in a real game and is simply unacceptable in a team scrimmage.

Hopefully the concussion is only low-grade, as MacArthur is a key piece of the Senator’s offense when healthy. In his first season in Ottawa, back in 2013-14, he scored 55 points, including a career-high 24 goals. However, injury concerns have slowed him down and another major concussion might not mean just another lengthy injury stint; it could derail his hockey career altogether. The Senators, their players, and fans are certainly hoping for the best for MacArthur. More information will likely be available in the coming week.

2016-17 Season Preview: Los Angeles Kings

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With training camp underway and puck drop on the new NHL season right around the corner, PHR continues to look at each team in-depth, with our focus today on the 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.

Last season: 48-28-6 (102 points), 2nd place in the Pacific Division. Lost in first round vs. San Jose Sharks (4-1)

Cap Space Remaining: $513K according to Cap Friendly

Key Newcomers: D Tom Gilbert (free agency, Montreal Canadiens), C Michael Latta (free agency, Washington Capitals), RW Teddy Purcell (free agency, Florida Panthers), D Zach Trotman (free agency, Boston Bruins), G Jeff Zatkoff (free agency, Pittsburgh Penguins)

Key Departures: G Jhonas Enroth (free agency, Toronto Maple Leafs), C Vincent Lecavalier (retirement), LW Milan Lucic (free agency, Edmonton Oilers), D Jamie McBain (free agency, Arizona Coyotes), D Luke Schenn (free agency, Arizona Coyotes), D Jeff Schultz (free agency, Anaheim Ducks), RW Kris Versteeg (PTO, Edmonton Oilers)

Player to Watch: Tanner Pearson – The Kings worked hard to re-sign Milan Lucic, but their cap situation put them in a difficult situation to be a competitive suitor on the open market. Lucic is now gone, as is Kris Versteeg, from a team that has also lost Justin Williams and Mike Richards since their run of two Stanley Cups in three seasons just a few short years ago. Dustin Brown is no longer the offensive force he once was, and has been relegated to a bottom-six role. A once-prolific offense is now very dependent on too few players, namely Anze Kopitar, Marian Gaborik, Tyler Toffoli, and (the injured) Jeff Carter. Someone needs to step up in 2016-17, and the top candidate is the young winger Pearson. Coming up through the system with Toffoli, Pearson has watched his team mate break out, while his own development has been slower. After a solid 36-point campaign in 2015-16, including being one of the few bright spots of the Kings’ disappointing playoff exit, Pearson appears ready to have his own “big leap” season ahead. The Kings will need it, as they will again face a tough challenge in the Pacific against the rival San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks.

Key Storyline: With Jonathan Quick in net and one of the best pairs in the league, Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin, leading the defense, the Kings finished third in the league in goals against in 2015-16. However, their offense was only middle-of-the-pack, and that was with Milan Lucic and his 55 points. No one doubts that L.A. will be a playoff team in 2016-17, but will they be a legitimate contender if their offense is below average? It will be difficult considering their tough divisional competition. The Kings had losing records against both the Sharks and Ducks (2-3 against both) last season, and then San Jose dominated the Kings in the playoffs, limiting them to just 11 goals in a quick five-game exit. The Sharks went all the way to the Stanley Cup final, and then added talent to their forward core through free agency and prospect development, whereas the Kings brought in only Teddy Purcell. If L.A. can’t find some unexpected production on offense this season, third place in the Pacific seems like the ceiling for the Kings.

Kings Depth Chart

Senators Notes: Stone, Russell, Seidenberg, Kelly, Vermette

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After it was first reported that young Senators forward Mark Stone suffered a concussion in training camp, his second in a six-month period, many were not optimistic about a speedy recovery. The phrases “no timetable” and “out indefinitely” seemed more likely to mean the injury was long-term than only minor. However, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports today that GM Pierre Dorion actually expects Stone to be in the starting lineup on opening night on October 12th. If this prediction rings true, it will not be a very long absence for Stone after all, rather less than three weeks before he’s ready for game action. Whether this projection is accurate (or safe) is up for debate, but having Stone ready to start the season would be very lucky for Ottawa. The top-six winger is coming off of back-to-back 60+ point seasons, and is one of the best all-around players on the team. A day-to-day diagnosis was the best case scenario for Senators fans.

In other Ottawa news:

  • Garrioch also reports that Dorion informed him that he has stayed in touch with the agents for defensemen Kris Russell and Dennis Seidenberg. While the Senators have a solid top four on the blue line, their depth is lacking after that. Dorion wants to see how the preseason goes for the Sens defense, especially when it comes to the performance of Chris Wideman, Michael Kostka, and invite Matt Bartkowski, before he makes the decision to sign one of the veteran defensemen left on the market. Russell has been one of the big stories of the off-season, as many are surprised that he is still available, and he would be a perfect fit on any team’s bottom pair, while the Senators have faced the veteran Bruin Seidenberg for years and may be interested in bringing him in for his experience and leadership.
  • Ottawa has already brought in one former veteran member of the Boston Bruins, and former-Sen, in Chris Kelly. Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun writes that Kelly may not be the strong two-way presence he once was, but brings a “maturity” and leadership that the Senators greatly needed. Kelly turned down an offer to return to the Bruins, coming off a season-ending injury in 2015-16, as he felt that his leadership ability made him a better fit on a young Senators squad than the veteran, captain-filled Bruins team.
  • Garrioch adds that, while Kelly was already in the fold, the Senators did reach out to Antoine Vermette when the experienced center became available late in the off-season. However, Dorion says that by the time he made contact, Vermette already felt comfortable with accepting the offer that the Anaheim Ducks had made him.

Trouba Asks Out Of Winnipeg

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Update (8:05pm): The Jets have indeed released a statement, which Custance shared via Twitter. In it, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff calls Trouba, “an important part of the long-term future of our club.” He continued by saying: “any decisions made regarding Jacob Trouba will be in the best interest interest of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club.”

Cheveldayoff also stated they would “continue to work dilligently to resolve this matter.”

It seems clear the Jets would much rather keep the young blue liner and the team holds nearly all of the cards in this situation. The only two options open to Trouba as a free agent are to sit out and not collect a paycheck or to sign in the KHL. Neither scenario is likely to hold much appeal for Trouba. The Jets might be open to moving Trouba but it sounds as if Cheveldayoff is ready to dig his heels in and only execute a deal if it makes sense for Winnipeg.

(7:04pm): Jacob Trouba’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, released a statement this afternoon officially asking the Winnipeg Jets to trade the restricted free agent defenseman. According to Darren Dreger, who just spoke with Trouba, the request has nothing to do with his feelings for the organization or the city of Winnipeg, but rather about opportunity and ice time. The Jets are deep in right-handed defensemen with Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers and Paul Postma all on the roster and capable of playing the right side.

Trouba was quoted by Dreger, again via tweet, saying: “I didn’t want it to get to this point. To not play is not what I want. This has nothing to do with money…it never has.”

Dreger later tweeted that several teams are unsurprisingly already interested in possibly acquiring Trouba. The Jets are expected to release a statement on the situation “shortly.”

Earlier today we updated the Trouba situation with Winnipeg with club executives saying they expected to sit down with the RFA defender and try to hammer out a new deal. Clearly Trouba’s trade request changes that outlook significantly.

It’s not clear what Winnipeg would demand from interested clubs in exchange for Trouba, but the price is likely to be high. Craig Custance of ESPN suggests the team could look for a comparable, young left-side defender in return. If not a fellow blue liner, perhaps the Jets would want to add a young goal-scorer as the team is returning just three wingers who topped 30 points or 15 goals, though that’s just my own speculation.

Trouba is coming off a 21-point campaign and averaged 22:04 of ice time per game for the Jets. Curiously, he ranked third among Winnipeg blue liners in ice time, just :33 less than Myers, which would seem to contradict part of Overhardt’s statement indicating the request was based on Trouba’s desire to be a top-four blue liner.

 

Ekblad Practicing With Panthers

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Evidently the upper-body injury which prevented Aaron Ekblad from playing in either of Team North America’s final two games at the World Cup of Hockey is healing just fine. According to Alain Poupart, writing for the Panthers team site on NHL.com, Ekblad is back in Florida and was on the ice today doing some individual work.

Ekblad absorbed a hit from Team Finland’s Leo Komarov during North America’s first game of the round-robin portion of the tournament and was thought to have suffered a concussion as a result. However, it was later reported by Mark Spector of Sportsnet that was not the case and in fact was simply a neck injury.

The first overall selection in the 2014 draft, Ekblad is already one of the league’s best young defensemen and is a vital cog for Florida. He had a sensational debut campaign, scoring 12 goals and 39 points in 81 games and winning the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie for the 2014-15 season. Ekblad followed that up with an equally impressive sophomore year, potting 15 goals and assisting on 21 more.

The 20-year-old blue liner has been solid in his own end too with a plus-minus rating of +30 combined over his first two NHL seasons. Although plus-minus can be unreliable in gauging the quality of defensive play, Ekblad has performed well in the puck possession department, posting a career Corsi For % of 52.9% reinforcing the notion of Ekblad’s steady play in his own zone.

Central Notes: Wiercioch, Fleischmann, Jets Goalies

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The biggest hockey headline out of Colorado this summer was the unexpected departure of head coach and VP of operations Patrick Roy. Mike Chambers of The Denver Post told PHR in an earlier interview that his belief was that Roy insisted on acquiring a top defenseman this summer, perhaps at the cost of one of their top young forwards, but that GM Joe Sakic and his “support staff” wanted to stick with the core. In fact, the only blue line addition of note was the signing of free agent Patrick Wiercioch, who wore out his welcome in Ottawa and was not qualified as a RFA. But as Chambers writes, Weircioch may come to Colorado with little fanfare but his skill set is exactly what the Avalanche needs.

Wiercioch is a big defenseman – listed at 6-foot-5, 202 pounds – who can move the puck and contribute on the power play. Chambers also notes that the five-year veteran is a quality stick-handler and passer, which will hopefully help the team’s transition game. According to Chambers, Wiercioch was looking for a fresh start after five mostly disappointing seasons in Ottawa, and is looking forward to again playing in Colorado, where he played his college hockey for the University of Denver.

“Even before the trade deadline we were talking about what our avenues were. We both kind of decided if nothing were to happen, it’s not the end of the world because I have a wife and kid and it’s a tough transition to pick up and move for eight weeks.”

“But going into the summer I think we were both ready for the next chapter — for their organization and my career as well. It ended up being Colorado. When we looked at the options and the offers with more money, this was the franchise I really wanted to come play for. I really wanted to be excited about the opportunity here.”

Colorado agree to a one-year deal with Wiercioch worth $800K after which he will again become a RFA, thus giving the Avalanche additional contractual control. Wiercioch may not be the big name Roy wanted but he’ll have a tremendous opportunity to play a significant role for the Avalanche and could end up being a nice free agent bargain.

Other notes from the NHL’s Central Division:

  • As we noted yesterday, Tomas Fleischmann, who had agreed to a PTO with Minnesota, failed his physical. Mike Russo of the Star Tribune provides a further update saying the Czech-born forward will not be attending camp with the Wild, according to GM Chuck Fletcher. Neither head coach Bruce Boudreau nor Fletcher specified what issue caused the failed physical though Russo speculated it might be a recurrence of blood clots that Fleischmann had been diagnosed with in the past. Fletcher said about the veteran winger: “He’s such a good person, it’s unfortunate. So I hope he catches on somewhere else. It’s just a disappointment. I like him enough that I want to see him succeed somewhere.” Russo inferred from these comments that whatever the issue, it doesn’t seem as if it would necessarily keep Fleischmann from playing elsewhere, if another opportunity presents itself.
  • Ondrej Pavelec and young Connor Hellebuyck are expected to compete for the starters job between the pipes for the Jets this season. Both goalies participated in the World Cup of Hockey – Pavelec for the Czech Republic and Hellebuyck as part of Team North America – and say that experience has helped them as they prepare to battle for the #1 job, writes Mitchell Clinton for the Jets team site on NHL.com. Pavelec, who finished with a disappointing 90.4% save percentage in 33 games – 31 of which were starts – and would appear to be behind Hellebuyck entering camp. The rookie, who was a two-year starter at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, made 26 starts for the Jets and recorded a save percentage of 91.8%. Michael Hutchinson, who has started 68 contests over the last two seasons, is under contract with Winnipeg for two more years and is a solid backup should the Jets choose Hellebuyck as the starter and find a way to move Pavelec’s contract.

 

 

2016-17 Season Preview: Arizona Coyotes

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With training camps opening around the league and the new season less than three weeks away, we continue our series of team previews with a look at the Arizona Coyotes.

Last Season: 35 – 39 – 8 (78 points), fourth place in the Pacific Division. Missed the playoffs.

Salary Cap Space Remaining: $2.347MM (per Cap Friendly). The Coyotes will be able to free up to an additional $10.5MM by placing Dave Bolland and Chris Pronger on LTIR.

Key Newcomers: Alex Goligoski (D) – trade with Dallas; Jamie McGinn (LW) – free agent from Anaheim; Luke Schenn (D) – free agent from L.A. Kings; Radim Vrbata (RW) – free agent from Vancouver; Lawson Crouse (LW) – trade with Florida.

Key Departures: Antoine Vermette (C) – contract buyout – signed with Anaheim as free agent; Alex Tanguay (LW) – free agent; Boyd Gordon (C) – signed with Philadelphia as a free agent.

Players to Watch: Mike Smith and Goligoski. The Coyotes allowed the third most goals in the entire league which was a function of substandard goaltending and a mediocre defense corps. GM John Chayka addressed the defense, dealing a fifth-round pick to Dallas in exchange for the negotiating rights to Goligoski and subsequently signed the veteran puck-mover to a five-year contract.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is the Coyotes #1 blue liner but Goligoski adds a reliable veteran to the mix who can play in all situations and will strengthen the team’s top-four. Last season he tallied 37 points for the Stars and has averaged 40 points for every 82 games he has played during his career. Goligoski was a horse on the back end in 2015-16, averaging nearly 24 minutes a game for the Central Division champs.

Meanwhile, the team is hopeful Smith will be healthy and provide steady play between the pipes for the Coyotes. The team finished 23rd overall in goalie save percentage with Smith appearing in just 32 games. On a promising note, Smith led all NHL goalies with 15 or more games played in 2015-16 in High Danger Save % (HDsV%) with a mark of 87.4% and has stopped at least 84% of those high quality chances in three of the last four seasons.

Smith was superlative in 2011-12 – the last season the Coyotes qualified for the playoffs – winning 38 games and finishing with a Sv% of 93.0%. He has the ability to single-handedly keep the Coyotes in games and if Goligoski can help clean up the defensive end, the Coyotes will be a contender.

Storylines: The John Chayka experiment and the development of the kids. Chayka is not only the league’s youngest GM but he’s also the first to come from a more analytically-oriented background. Fair or not, how the Coyotes perform with the roster he has assembled will have a major impact on how analytics and advanced stats are perceived in the league. If he can build a winner in Arizona with a limited payroll, it might encourage more clubs to actively embrace the role of analytics in the game.

By all accounts Chayka is a bright guy and most of his offseason moves were met with positive reactions from hockey pundits. His actual reliance on analytics in roster construction may be overstated but there is no question old school managers and coaches will be watching with interest.

Although improved goaltending and more contributions from the club’s blue liners will be important, perhaps the key to this upcoming season is the continued development of its young talent. Max Domi and Anthony Duclair are already well on their way to becoming stars in this league but the team does lack an established #1 center. Fortunately, they do have Dylan Strome, the third overall pick in the 2015 entry draft and one of the game’s top prospects. Strome has been among the most explosive scorers in junior hockey, totaling 240 points in 124 games with Erie of the OHL, averaging nearly two points per contest. No one expects the young pivot to immediately fill the void at #1 but if he can establish himself as a legitimate NHL regular it will take some of the pressure of the team’s returning centers. Assuming Duclair, Domi and the team’s other young players take the next step in their development and Strome proves to be ready for the NHL, Arizona has a realistic shot at playoff contention.

Players Changing Positions Up Front In 2016-17

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Often, players around the league will be thrust into new situations and responsibilities because of injury or ineffectiveness on the part of someone else. Sometimes they thrive in this new role, and sometimes they just can’t quite make it work.  Here are a few players who will be changing roles this season:

Dylan Larkin – Moving to C – As Ansar Khan of Mlive writes in his latest column, the Red Wings are looking for an answer down the middle after the departure of Pavel Datsyuk to the KHL. Larkin, originally drafted as a centerman out of the US development program, will be moved back to the position for the upcoming year.

In his own words, he’s “going to have to work on faceoffs and little details that are going make me a better player all around and better in the defensive zone.” Indeed, if the Red Wings want to replace Datsyuk’s excellent two-way game, Larkin will need to concentrate on the defensive end a little bit more. He clearly has all the talent to make it work offensively.

William Nylander – Moving to W – In a case of the opposite transition, Nylander of the Maple Leafs is preparing to play much of this season on the wing of Auston Matthews, a pair that head coach Mike Babcock wants to keep together for a while to see if he can create some chemistry. While Babcock admits that Nylander may still take some draws on the right side, he won’t have to be as responsible for the defensive side of the centering a line – something that he struggled with last season.

Another possible Maple Leafs candidate for the transition is Mitch Marner, the uber-prospect who some think is too small to play center in the NHL. If he makes the squad, he’d be hard pressed to knock one of Matthews, Nazem Kadri or Tyler Bozak out of that role, leading to a potential pairing with one of them to start his young career.

Tomas Hertl – Moving to C – While this one actually happened midway through last season, it’s important to note that Hertl will be coming into this camp as a center, and will be pushed to develop and stay at the spot.  He’s spent much of his career thus far on Joe Thornton’s wing, but will now be a big piece of the Sharks down the middle. Even on the third line, Hertl can provide impact with his blazing speed and nifty offensive hands; if he’s to become a future first line centerman though, he’ll have to develop the defensive game just like Larkin.

Mikael Granlund – Moving to W – Another player who made the switch late last year, Granlund excelled on the wing and impressed GM Chuck Fletcher so much that he’ll be moved there again this year. The Wild’s signing of Eric Staal makes sure of that, as they now have a handful of centers that could suit up on the top two lines. Granlund will be allowed to focus on his offense, something that the Wild think will do him wonders. The 24-year old has provided strong play-making ability in his short career, racking up 101 assists in 240 games; from the wing, perhaps he’ll be able to build on his career-high goal total of 13 last season.

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