Sharks Acquire Letunov From Coyotes
1:35pm: General Fanager gives us this great little tidbit about the trade: Arizona can now fulfill a condition of the previous Sam Gagner–Nicklas Grossmann deal from 2015. Since they’ve acquired a 2016 fourth round pick, they can now choose to send Philadelphia that one instead of the original 2017 third rounder that was originally included.
1:25pm: Craig Morgan of AZ Sports gives us a quote from 27-year old Arizona GM John Chayka: “Signing an NCAA player with lots of development still left is always a concern. That becomes compounded when you have depth at center like we do with our prospects. It’s a good fit for San Jose.”
1:06pm: According to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, the San Jose Sharks have acquired Maxim Letunov from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a 2016 fourth round pick (120th overall), and 2017 third rounder. San Jose will also be sending back a sixth round pick in 2017.
Letunov, 20, was a former second-round pick of the St. Louis Blues back in 2014 and was dealt to the Coyotes in the Zbynek Michalek deal last year’s deadline. He put up a huge season in 2015-16 for the University of Connecticut with 40 points in 36 games as a freshman. The 6’2″ winger possesses an outstanding shot can score from anywhere in the offensive zone.
With the deal, Arizona will replace the fourth round selection that they dealt with Keith Yandle to the New York Rangers this past season. They’ll now have eight selections this weekend.
For the Sharks, they’ve added another young forward prospect and dealt away draft currency. The team will now have only five selections at this weekend’s draft, including only one in the first three rounds (60th overall).
Six Teams Have Interest In Bryzgalov
According to agent Rich Winter, via The Hockey News, there are currently six teams interested in the Ilya Bryzgalov comeback story. A decision could come within the month, as the 35-year old tries to make it back to the NHL after a period of more than a year.
Bryzgalov last played on February 10th, 2015 for Anaheim, in a game which he was pulled after allowing three goals on just eight shots. He was released just two weeks later.
A veteran of 12 NHL seasons, Bryzgalov was an all-star in 2009-10 and finished second the Vezina trophy voting. He finished that season with a 2.29 GAA and .920 save percentage on an excellent Phoenix Coyotes team.
If a comeback is made, Bryzgalov has been clear that he would play for a “modest salary” and that he’s just interested in coming back to the NHL. That willingness to play for league minimum (or close to it) might come from the fact that he’s still being paid $1.64MM by the Philadelphia Flyers following his 2013 buyout, and will continue to until 2026-27.
Snapshots: Anisimov, Mrazek, Gaudreau
The NHL released the home openers for many teams on Monday morning – Ben Whyte of The Score compiled a list of those announced. Among the highlights is the Stanley Cup Champion Penguins raising the 2015-16 banner in front of their rival Washington Capitals on October 13th. The league is set to release the full schedules for the 2016-17 season on Tuesday morning. Here is some more news from around the league:
- Cap Friendly reports that Artem Anisimov of the Blackhawks actually has a no-movement clause (NMC) for the next two seasons. Not only does this limit the options Chicago has this offseason, but makes Anisimov an automatic protection in next year’s expansion draft.
- While speaking to Torie Peterson, Flames’ GM Brad Treliving intimated that he’ll eventually get deals done with top RFAs Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau. “We’ll continue to bang away at it. We’ve got to get to something that makes sense for them and for us…I have every confidence that we will.”
- TB Times writer Joe Smith says that UFA Jonathan Marchessault “loves the place” and “wants to stay” in Tampa Bay this summer. Marchessault put up 18 points last season and is only 25.
- Matt Brown, producer of Sportsnet’s Hockey Central @ Noon reports that Ken Holland said Petr Mrazek will be the Red Wings’ #1 goaltender coming into camp this season. Mrazek played in 54 games for the Red Wings this past year, but is sure to earn less than Jimmy Howard‘s $5.29MM this season.
Top Draft Prospects: Jesse Puljujärvi
The NHL draft is now less than a week away with the first round set for this Friday. Over the next several days, we will be taking a closer look at the prospects who will hear their name called early on Friday night.
We’ve already published the profiles on Auston Matthews (link) and Patrik Laine (link), so let’s take a look at the expected #3 pick, Jesse Puljujärvi.
Bio
Position: Right Wing
Birthdate: May 7, 1998
Hometown: Älvkarleby, Sweden
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 200 lbs
2015-16
Puljujärvi suited up for his second season in the Finnish Elite league, and showed he belonged, helping Karpat to a second place finish and putting up 28 points as a 17-year old. As Karpat hit the playoffs, Puljujärvi was actually still recovering from an injury but upon his return he seemed to hit his stride, putting up 9 points (4-5) in just 10 games before eventually losing to Laine’s Tappara Tampere squad in seven games.
Puljujärvi led all players at the World Junior Championships with 17 points in just 7 games on the winning Finnish squad. Not only did he take home the tournament’s top forward award (beating out Laine and Matthews in the vote) he was crowed the tournament MVP as well.
Statistics
Karpat: 50 GP, 13 goals, 15 assists, 28 points, 22 PIMS, +5 rating
Playoffs: 10 GP, 4 goals, 5 assists, 10 points, 2 PIM
WJC: 7 GP, 5 goals, 12 assists, 0 PIM, +8 rating
Scouting Report
Puljujärvi has been reported as one of the best skaters in the draft, despite his 6’3″ frame. His long stride and efficient motion lets him get around with ease, and allows him to get into prime offensive positions. While he’s known as a scoring winger, his two-way game is advanced for such a young player and is ahead of Laine on the defensive end.
His offensive game comes not only from an above average shot, but his playmaking abilities with the puck on his stick. Many scouts think this is the attribute most likely to set Puljujärvi apart in the NHL, allowing him to ride shotgun with an elite goal scoring talent, while covering up some defensive liabilities. His elite skating ability allows him to get back quickly and he almost never coasts when chasing an opponent, using his long wingspan to take pucks away.
If there is one complaint about Puljujärvi it’s that he doesn’t use his large frame to throw enough body checks. While using it as a leverage tool down low, he sometimes shies away from the physical side of the game. If he continues to learn how to use his size he may eventually develop that edge, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever be a dominant physical presence.
Projected Future Role
Top six, two-way winger with elite playmaking ability.
NHL Timeline
After establishing himself against Men in the Finnish Elite League the past two years, Puljujärvi will be heading directly into the NHL next season. He may start on a lower line, due to his ability to contribute defensively but will crack the top six before long. Knee surgery has limited his ability to take part in camps this summer, but he should be ready for the start of the regular season.
Minor Transactions: 06/20/16
Here is where we’ll keep track of today’s minor transactions, updating as they happen.
- The Penguins have re-signed F Kevin Porter to a one-year, two-way deal worth $575,000 at the NHL level. Porter is coming off a season where he played 41 games for the Penguins, in a bottom six and penalty killing role. He’s put up 58 points across 247 career NHL contests.
- After playing in 13 contests this season for the Canucks, the team has sent a qualifying offer to Andrey Pedan reports Cat Silverman of Today’s Slapshot. The former third round pick has progressed well the past year, and put up 21 points in just 45 AHL games this season.
Mirtle’s Latest: Chayka, Demers, Yandle
The busiest time of the year is starting over the next few weeks, with the Entry Draft and July 1st free agency. Rumors are swirling already about almost every player in the league and James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail mentions that the salary cap isn’t going to rise much more than $1.5MM even if the NHLPA exercises their 5% bump. That’ll give a lot of teams pause about locking in long-term to free agents, while their own cap situation isn’t settled. Here’s more from Mirtle:
- Youngest GM in NHL history John Chayka (only 27-years old) has already begun to make an impact on the Arizona Coyotes, moving to acquire the rights to Alex Goligoski last week, and Mirtle believes he’s aiming at a return to the playoffs as soon as next season. Martin Hanzal, his biggest trade chip has been dangled recently and doesn’t look like a long-term option in the desert.
- Jason Demers, one of three exceptional Dallas blueliners that are reaching free agency this summer has apparently priced himself out of the Stars’ market, asking for an annual value close to $5.5MM. Demers, along with Goligoski and Kris Russell are three of the top five defense options this offseason.
- Number 1 on that list, Keith Yandle is believed to be seeking a seven-year deal on the open market, Mirtle suggests. The Avalanche are an option for the Rangers’ blueliner, as they look to add to their team coming off a disappointing 39-39-4 season.
- Mirtle mentions that despite the Jets best efforts to re-sign restricted free agent Jacob Trouba, teams around the league still believe he is available for the right price. The former 9th overall pick has been a steady presence on the Jets back-end and is only 22.
Vladimir Sobotka Coming Back To NHL
According to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Dispatch, and confirmed by KHL Insider Aivis Kalniņš, Vladimir Sobotka has opted out of his deal with Avangard Omsk of the KHL and is headed back to North America. Sobotka originally signed a three-year deal for $4MM per season after leaving the NHL in 2014, but after a dispute with his Russian club, has decided to opt out and return to the NHL.
Because he was signed to a $2.725MM contract through arbitration before he left for Russia, the 28-year old winger will have to fulfill that contract before hitting the NHL free agent market. One season for the Blues would be a big help for a team set to lose captain David Backes along with wingers Troy Brouwer and Steve Ott.
Sobotka had 24 points in his final season before departing for the KHL and has never found much scoring success in the NHL. He found some in KHL however, where last season he scored 18 goals in just 44 games. Time will tell whether he will be able to replicate that in the different NHL game.
Top Draft Prospects: Patrik Laine
The NHL draft is now less than a week away with the first round set for this Friday. Over the next several days, we will be taking a closer look at the prospects who will hear their name called early on Friday night.
Next up is potentially the top goal scoring threat in the draft, Patrik Laine.
Bio
Position: Right Wing
Birthdate: April 19, 1998
Hometown: Tampere, Finland
Height: 6’3.75”
Weight: 201 lbs
2015-16
Laine was one of the go-to scorers on a deep Tappara team during the regular season (17 goals in 46 games); his 33 points was good for 37th overall in league scoring – no small feat for a 17 year old. He then found another gear in the postseason, adding ten more goals in 15 games to lead all postseason players in scoring, earning himself MVP honors in the process.
Laine suited up at the World Juniors where he finished third in tournament scoring (behind teammates Jesse Puljujarvi and Sebastian Aho), notching 13 points in just seven games. On top of that, he also represented Finland at the World Championships where he led the team in scoring (12 points in 10 games) and made it to the tournament All-Star team.
Statistics
Tappara: 46 GP, 17 goals, 16 assists, 33 points, 6 PIMS, +6 rating
WJC’s: 7 GP, 7 goals, 6 assists, 13 points, 6 PIMS, +8 rating
Worlds: 10 GP, 7 goals, 5 assists, 12 points, 4 PIMS, 4 rating
Scouting Report
Laine is the best pure goal scorer in the draft. He has a bullet for a slap shot, a lethal one-timer, and a quick, accurate wrister. That type of shooting versatility will give NHL goalies fits for a long time. On top of that, he’s a quality skater whose stride when in motion allows him to beat his defenders to the wide side. His first stride needs some work but improved during the season.
Overall offensively, Laine is more of a scorer than a playmaker but he’s comfortable with the puck on his stick and has a good feel for passing. He has a tendency to get a little too cute in terms of his stickhandling and will slow down his stride to do so but those are correctable as he continues to develop.
Defensively, Laine isn’t a liability as he’s comfortable battling around the boards, knows how to play the passing lanes, and will lay out to block shots. He improved considerably in his own end this past year and should continue to improve as he gets more comfortable with the physical side of the game as he learns to deal with bigger, stronger opponents.
Projected Future Role
Top line scoring winger.
NHL Timeline
Laine is capable of stepping into an NHL lineup as soon as next season and should play in a top six role right away. He should contend for the league lead in rookie scoring in 2016-17.
Week In Review: 6/12/16 – 6/18/16
Here’s a look back at the past week at PHR.
Expansion
- Las Vegas – expected to join the league in 2017-18 (Link)
Trades
- Coyotes – Acquired the negotiating rights to D Alex Goligoski from Dallas in exchange for a 2016 5th round pick. (Link)
- Hurricanes – Acquired F Bryan Bickell and F Teuvo Teravainen from Chicago in exchange for a 2016 2nd round pick and a 2017 3rd round pick. (Link)
Head Coach Hirings
- Blues – Mike Yeo – effective starting in 2017-18 (Link)
- Ducks – Randy Carlyle (Link)
- Flames – Glen Gulutzan (Link)
Buyouts
- Flyers – R.J. Umberger (Link)
- Maple Leafs – Jared Cowen (Link)
Re-Signings
- Blackhawks – Richard Panik (Link)
- Blues – Dmitrij Jaskin (Link)
- Canucks – Sven Baertschi (Link)
- Ducks – Sami Vatanen (Link)
- Hurricanes – Cam Ward (Link)
- Red Wings – Riley Sheahan (Link)
Prospect Signings
- Panthers – Ian McCoshen (Link)
Retirements
- Red Wings – Pavel Datsyuk (Link)
Free Agent Focus: New Jersey Devils
The first post-Lou Lamoriello year didn’t go as well as many fans in New Jersey would have hoped as the team missed the postseason by a dozen points. GM Ray Shero has some work to do to if he wants to turn this roster into a playoff contender for next season. Here is a look at their free agent situation.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Kyle Palmieri was a major bright spot for the Devils after being acquired at the 2015 draft from Anaheim. The 25 year old winger posted a career best 57 points (his previous high was 31) while adding 30 goals, leading the team in both of those categories. Palmieri earned just $1.6MM and could potentially triple that on a long-term deal.
Blueliner Jon Merrill is coming off his entry-level contract and has spent the last two years strictly in the NHL. However, various injuries (including shoulder surgery back in March) limited him to 47 games last year. Merrill is a candidate to move into a top-4 role for 2016-17 but may have to settle for a one year pact, allowing the team to evaluate how his shoulder heals and he how he fares in a bigger role.
Other RFA’s: F Reid Boucher, F Jacob Josefson, F Sergei Kalinin, F Devante Smith-Pelly
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Patrik Elias missed most of last season with knee problems (and underwent surgery again back in May) but still managed to pick up eight points in 16 games, a similar points-per-game mark as 2014-15. The 40 year old forward is clearly on the downswing of his career but still has the potential to be a second liner moving forward if he’s fully healthy.
David Schlemko was largely an unnoticed pick up for New Jersey last offseason but he wound up playing an important role for them, averaging 18:38 per game, good for fourth amongst Devils defensemen. He also picked up a career high in points with 17 in 67 games. Schlemko made just $625,000 last year but should be poised to receive a decent raise in free agency.
Other UFA’s: F Bobby Farnham, F Stephen Gionta, F Tyler Kennedy, F Tuomo Ruutu, F Jiri Tlusty, F Jordin Tootoo, D David Warsofsky
Cap Situation: The Devils find themselves with over $25MM in projected cap space, according to Cap Friendly. They have 6-7 roster spots to fill but New Jersey is not typically a spend-to-the-max team so while they have a lot of cap space, their actual budget room is likely considerably lower.