Islanders Return Mathew Barzal to WHL
The New York Islanders have sent top prospect Mathew Barzal back to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL, according to Arthur Staples.
Barzal made the team out of training camp, but only appeared in two of the Islanders’ 13 games, going pointless with 6 PIM and a -2 rating. Meanwhile, fellow rookie Anthony Beauvillier has 5 points in 10 games and appears to be sticking with the Islanders for the rest of the season
The Thunderbirds will be very happy to get their top center Barzal back; they’re in last place of the WHL’s Western Conference with a 7-7-1 record. Barzal has 199 points in 161 WHL games, and should be a catalyst for their offence. No player on the Thunderbirds is currently at or over a point-per-game.
Barzal was the 16th overall pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The Islanders acquired that pick (originally Pittsburgh’s) and a high second rounder from the Edmonton Oilers for Griffin Reinhart. They traded the second round pick alongside their own third round pick to move up to take Beauvillier. Meanwhile Reinhart has yet to crack the Oilers defence, and is in danger of not becoming even an everyday NHL defenseman.
Early Returns: The Best Deals Of The Offseason
When teams go into free agent frenzy each season, their boards are filled with superstar names and dream scenarios. “If we could only get..” say the fans, filling out possible lineups and trying out the squads in their favorite hockey simulator. Millions and millions of dollars are spent bringing in players who are expected to lead the team.
It’s the ones who don’t earn millions that we’ll take a look at here though; the players who barely got an NHL contract but are still providing solid results early on. Here are some of the best deals of the offseason, a dozen games in.
Jon Marchessault (FLA): 13GP-7G-6A-13P, $750,000
With 13 points in 13 games, Marchessault is the biggest story out of Florida these days. Skating alongside Jaromir Jagr and Alexander Barkov will help anyone, but he’s been effective nonetheless. The diminutive forward scored just 18 points for the Lightning in 2015-16 but is sure to blow by that this season. More upside for Florida, as they have the 25-year old for another year.
Matt Cullen (PIT): 12GP-3G-6A-9P, $1,000,000
Cullen hasn’t seemed to slow down any after another long season with the cup champions. Suiting up for 106 games between the regular season and playoffs, he keeps showing that even at 40 he can be a positive contributor in the NHL. Off to a great start, Cullen has a shot of surpassing the 32 points he put up last season, which seemed impossible coming into the year. Even if he doesn’t get 16 goals once again, he’s obviously a big part of the Penguins this season.
Michael Grabner (NYR): 13GP-7G-3A-10P, $1,650,000
How does a 29-year old, former 34 goal scorer only get a deal which pays $1.65MM per season? Score only 31 points in two seasons and establish yourself as a penalty kill-only type player. While Grabner isn’t expected to be that 34-goal man anymore, he’s off to a blistering start in New York and will almost surely post his first double-digit goal year since 2013-14. The Rangers have him for another year at the low price.
Dennis Seidenberg (NYI): 13GP-4G-4A-8P, $1,000,000
After being bought out from the remainder of his deal, Seidenberg had to look for a deal in a good situation to try and rebuild his value. At 35, he’s showing that he’s not done yet. The German defender has been logging almost 20 minutes a night for the Islanders and has been an effective even-strength player, something that couldn’t always be said about him. Four goals is already the most he’s scored since 2012-13, and he’s on track to contribute at least 20 points for the first time since 2011-12.
Nashville Returns Harry Zolnierczyk To Milwaukee
The Nashville Predators have assigned Harry Zolnierczyk to the AHL today, after playing just one game for the big club this season. The forward was originally called up when the team came down with food poisoning, but was a scratch for most of the season.
The 29-year old has been in limbo between the AHL and NHL for the last few years, able to jump onto a fourth line at any time but hardly getting any chances. Once a pretty strong scoring threat in the AHL, Zolnierczyk has only played 29 games since the end of the 2014-15 season.
The demotion might mean that captain Mike Fisher is close to a return; he’s been out with an upper-body injury since last Tuesday. Listed as day-to-day, getting Fisher back into the lineup would be an important move for a struggling Predators team.
LeBrun’s Latest: Budaj, Trouba, Hanzal
When the Los Angeles Kings lost not just Jonathan Quick but Jeff Zatkoff as well in the span of a few days, panic immediately set in for a franchise known for its excellent goaltending over the years. Even with Peter Budaj, an experienced NHL netminder coming in to start, the team was looking everywhere to find some help in net. That might have come to an end, says Pierre LeBrun in his latest column, as Budaj has performed extremely well and Zatkoff is back from injury. The team has stopped looking for help and is at least somewhat comfortable with the Budaj/Zatkoff tandem for now.
Budaj, the AHL goalie of the year in 2015-16, has posted a .912 save percentage and 2.06 GAA in ten games, including a shutout of the Calgary Flames on Saturday. The former Colorado and Montreal netminder has a ton of NHL experience over the years, and at 34 is still playing well enough to help the Kings. Zatkoff will likely figure in a bit more as the season stretches on, though he does have much less experience.
- Even though Jacob Trouba has signed on for two years and said that he’s ‘committed’ to the Winnipeg Jets, doesn’t sway LeBrun from thinking he’ll eventually be dealt. Though head coach Paul Maurice has said he’ll use Trouba in a variety of situations in order to keep him involved, the conviction that led to his holdout can’t possibly have all dissipated at this point. Trouba still wants to be a top pairing blueliner on the right side, something that simply won’t happen in Winnipeg, at least not right now.
- It’s an open competition in Colorado now, as the net will be shared between Semyon Varlamov and Calvin Pickard. Though Varlamov came into the season as the clear No. 1, the younger Pickard has played extremely well and forced himself into the conversation. A .946 save percentage even if it is just a few games. With the Avalanche going after a playoff spot this year, they can’t afford to wait for Varlamov’s game to come around.
- When you turn your calendar over to February in a few months, make sure you make a note to watch for Martin Hanzal rumors. LeBrun feels as though the Coyotes center – who’s injured at the moment – is an easy pick for a deadline deal. An unrestricted free agent at season’s end, he’s always had the talent to change a game. Health has always been a factor for Hanzal though, who just can’t seem to stick in a lineup for a full year. LeBrun believes that the Coyotes would need a young player, and not just picks, in return.
Predators Demote Mazanec And Fiala
The struggling Nashville Predators are making some changes. The team announced today that young forward Kevin Fiala and backup goaltender Marek Mazanec have been sent down to the AHL. In return, they have recalled forward Pontus Aberg and goalie Juuse Saros from the Milwaukee Admirals.
Fiala, the first-round pick of the Predators in 2014, had only played in a handful of games with Nashville over the past two seasons, but was expected to stick in 2016-17 and be an important piece on offense. However, through ten games this season, Fiala has just two points, both of which came in one two-goal game. The Predators hope that he can rediscover his scoring touch in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, the Predators felt comfortable enough in the potential of Mazanec to make him their primary backup for this season and let Carter Hutton walk in free agency. So far, the gamble has not paid off. Mazanec has saved only 29 of the 36 shots that he’s faced in two appearances, for an .806 save percentage and 5.06 goals against average. The 25-year-old Mazanec is not guaranteed to see NHL time again this season if the 21-year-old Saros outplays him.
Saros, who made his NHL debut last season with just one game, was called up a few weeks ago to make a start against the defending-champion Pittsburgh Penguins and allowed only one goal on 35 shots in the win. Meanwhile, he has six wins with a 1.99 goals against average and .929 save percentage for the Admirals this season. Saros actually outplayed Mazanec last season in Milwaukee, where the pair shared starting duties in net, and now appears to be the preferred backup to Pekka Rinne. Fiala’s replacement, Aberg, will be making his regular season debut for the Predators after being called up in the playoffs last season. A 2012 second-round pick, the 23-year-old forward leads the Admirals in points and goals thus far this season after posting 40 points last season in the AHL. If Aberg can continue to produce in his NHL tryout, he has a good chance to remain on the roster for the rest of the season.
The Predators are performing shockingly poorly so far this season, with the league’s second-to-worst point total of just nine in eleven games. Their scoring has been abysmal and their middling defense has been a disappointment as well. Nashville will do just about anything to right the ship, and they hope that Aberg can jump-start the offense and that Saros can provide some reliable relief for an overworked Rinne.
Rangers Trade Dylan McIlrath To Panthers For Steven Kampfer
The New York Rangers and Florida Panthers struck a deal today, swapping disappointing defenseman. Dylan McIlrath is on his way to Florida with Steven Kampfer the return going back to NYC, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. The deal also includes a conditional 2018 seventh-round pick going to the Rangers. McKenzie reports that New York will receive the pick only if McIlrath plays in 30 games for the Panthers this season.
McIlrath is a 2010 first-round pick of the Rangers, but was never able to solidify himself as an everyday player at the NHL level. McIlrath played just three games combined in New York in his first two pro seasons, before finally getting the chance to stay on the roster in 2015-16. Last year, he recorded only four points playing about 14 minutes per night in 34 games with the Rangers. Although the two sides agreed to a one-year deal this off-season, going into this season, McIlrath was not guaranteed a roster spot. After the preseason gave the Rangers a chance to look at their depth on the blue line, they made it clear that they were open to dealing McIlrath. Having played only one game with the team to this point, his status within the organization became clear last week when the former top prospect was put on waivers. Now, McIlrath gets a fresh start with the Panthers and will look to show that his lack of production so far was a product of the Rangers depth and system rather than his own inability. Not too far gone from being a first-rounder, McIlrath still has some raw talent that Florida will try to develop further, as well as invaluable toughness.
Returning for a second stint in the Big Apple is Kampfer, who was traded to Florida by the Rangers not too long ago. The University of Michigan product appeared to have a bright future in front of him playing for the Boston Bruins right out of college. However, as his play dropped off, the Bruins sold high on him at the 2012 NHL Trade Deadline in a deal with the Minnesota Wild for Greg Zanon. After two seasons playing in the AHL for the Wild’s affiliates, Kampfer signed with the Rangers prior to the 2014-15 season. After he lost a roster battle to former Bruins teammate Matt Hunwick in training camp, the Rangers shipped Kampfer to Florida for veteran forward Joey Crabb. Kampfer played in 72 games with the Panthers over the past two seasons (with very little production), but had only played in one game so far this season and had requested a trade out of Florida. He got his wish, but has been sent back to a team that traded him before he could play a single regular season game for the organization. This time around, Kampfer will provide some experienced depth for the Rangers, but seems likely to still see significant AHL minutes throughout 2016-17.
Hoops Rumors Seeking Part-Time Writer
Our NBA site, Hoops Rumors, is looking to add a part-time contributor to its writing team. The position pays on an hourly basis. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Exceptional knowledge of all 30 NBA teams, with no discernible bias.
- Knowledge of the NBA salary cap, collective bargaining agreement, and transaction-related concepts.
- At least some college education.
- Extensive writing experience, with professional experience and a background in journalism both preferred.
- Keen understanding of journalistic principles, ethics, and procedures. Completion of basic college-level journalism classes is preferred.
- Attention to detail — absolutely no spelling errors, especially for player and journalist names.
- Ability to follow the site’s style and tone.
- Ability to analyze articles and craft intelligent, well-written posts summing up the news in a few paragraphs. We need someone who can balance quick writing with thoughtful analysis. You must be able to add value to breaking news with your own insight, numbers, or links to other relevant articles.
- Ability to use an RSS feed reader. Ability to use Twitter. Both of these are crucial.
- Availability. You must be available to work Saturday and Sunday daytime hours. Weekday daytime availability is also strongly preferred.
- Flexibility. You must be available to work on short notice.
If you’re interested, email hoopsrumorsparttimers@gmail.com by Wednesday, November 16 (9:00am central time) and take a couple of paragraphs to explain why you qualify and stand out. Many will likely apply, so unfortunately we cannot respond to every applicant.
Justin Faulk Out “Week-To-Week”
The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that All-Star defenseman Justin Faulk is considered “week-to-week” with an upper body injury. Faulk was injured in the third period of the Hurricanes game against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday and will be out of the lineup for the rematch tonight. Although Faulk has not yet been placed on injured reserve, that does not mean that he will not be out of the lineup long-term. Coach Bill Peters said that more will be known about the undisclosed injury once preliminary MRI results come back.
Carolina’s second-round pick in 2010, Faulk has quickly developed into a star on the blue line in Raleigh. After becoming a regular player at just 19, the 24-year-old now sits in a leadership position as the centerpiece of a young defense core for the Hurricanes. Faulk has 161 points in 337 career games, all while logging top pair minutes. Thus far in 2016-17 he leads the ‘Canes in ice time and is fourth on the team in goals (3) and points (3).
Faulk’s rank among Carolina skaters is a good indication as to how well the team is playing. At 3-5-3, the Hurricanes sit at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. Not only have they been unable to score, but even with a healthy Faulk the defense has struggled. Carolina is currently allowing 3.5 goals per game, and with Faulk out of the lineup, the pressure is on for youngsters Jaccob Slavin, Brett Pesce, and Noah Hanifin to prevent that mark from further inflation. Replacing the minutes and production of Faulk is a daunting task, and it seems like more hard times are on the way for the rebuilding Hurricanes.
Jets Notes: Trouba, Myers, Armia
Amid speculation that his re-signing did not mean he wanted to be in Winnipeg, Jacob Trouba has set the record straight. According to Jets beat writer Ken Wiebe, Trouba has rescinded his trade request. The 22-year-old defenseman ended his holdout by agreeing to a new two-year, $6MM contract yesterday, and with it, Trouba insists that he is “committed” to Winnipeg.
What is curious about the situation is that nothing has changed in regards to Trouba’s original complaints. The young righty blue liner felt that he was blocked from playing to his full potential by the depth of Winnipeg’s defense. Fellow right-handers Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers had relegated Trouba to third-pair duty on the right side or off his natural side at left defense, which he was unhappy about. As of now, Byfuglien and Myers are still Jets and Trouba is still looking at less responsibility than he would like. Wiebe does report that head coach Paul Maurice will consider giving Trouba play time on both sides, including top-four time on the right side, to maximize his play time and effectiveness.
While Trouba may have rescinded his trade request, that does not necessarily mean that Winnipeg will stop taking call on him. The potential star is worth more to the Jets on the team than as a trade chip, but given the contentious relations over the past few months and the likelihood that these complaints will continue, they may not want to go through the whole process again in less than two years. Trouba would be worth a lot should the Jets choose to trade him away, and many teams have reportedly been very interested. With a new, affordable deal in place, Trouba could be even more valuable on the market right now. All signs point to both sides being happy with their reunion for now, but don’t be surprised if one side or the other returns to trade talks before the end of this new contract.
In other Winnipeg news:
- Speaking of Tyler Myers and Winnipeg’s D depth, the Jets announced today that they have activated Myers from the injured reserve. The big defenseman was placed on IR retroactively this past Friday after missing multiple games with a lower body injury, but has already been deemed healthy enough to play. In a corresponding move, the team sent Julian Melchiori back to the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, after he filled in for Trouba for four games.
- One of the group that came over from Buffalo with Myers in the blockbuster trade a few years ago, Joel Armia, will not be on the ice to see his long-time teammate return. Armia has now been placed on injured reserve, retroactive to earlier in the week, with an undisclosed lower-body injury. Wiebe reports that Maurice does not expect to see Armia or Shawn Matthias (also on IR) back anytime soon. The pair could be out through the end of the calendar year.
Calgary Puts Grossmann On Waivers
The Calgary Flames have placed veteran defenseman Nicklas Grossmann on waivers, reports Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The 31-year-old has played in only three games thus far for the Flames and has yet to record a point. It seems likely that Grossmann will clear waivers and report to the AHL’s Stockton Flames, but a team has a chance to scoop up the experienced defensive defenseman today.
Grossmann joined the Flames in training camp this fall on a PTO, but was rewarded with a one-year minimum contract in early October for the 2016-17 season. His time in Calgary may already be over though, as he has failed to make an impact in limited time so far. The entire Flames squad has gotten off to a disappointing start in the new campaign with a 5-8-1 record and offensive, defensive, and special teams numbers near the bottom of the league. Recently, Flames president Brian Burke called out his team for their lack of performance and is now acting on his frustration with the waiving of Grossmann.
A veteran of nine NHL seasons, spent mostly with the Dallas Stars and Philadelphia Flyers, Grossmann has never been much of an offensive juggernaut, but has built a career around being reliable in his own end. A second-round pick in Dallas back in 2004, Grossman was a starter for parts of five seasons with the Stars before being traded to the Flyers in 2011-12, where he also played major minutes. However, a trade to the Arizona Coyotes prior to last season in a salary dump for Philadelphia saw Grossman become more of a part-time player. He then needed a PTO to find a home this season, and with this demotion it could be the last of Grossman in the NHL.