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Archives for May 2017

Vegas Golden Knights Expect To Acquire Additional Draft Picks

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Going into their very first entry draft, the Vegas Golden Knights currently have just seven selections. It doesn’t sound like they will make just seven picks though, as GM George McPhee told Pierre LeBrun in a recent interview. George McPhee

Yeah we’re expecting to have more [picks]. Just in the conversations we’ve had to date, it looks like we’ll be able to pick up some picks—and good ones.

McPhee went on to say that he hopes to be able to announce some deals next week, confirming that he does have some side-dealing already in place surrounding the expansion draft. Obviously the Golden Knights don’t have any players to trade, and moving draft picks out of the system isn’t likely. That means the deals are expected to be teams basically trading an asset in order to protect the players they want in the draft.

We want to be a real competitive club, we want to be as good as we can, but we also have to be mindful that we’d like to be in a surplus situation here in the next two or three drafts where we have extra picks. Our best players are going to have to come through the entry draft. I don’t think we’re going to get our best players through the expansion draft.

The Golden Knights’ GM seems to be thinking right along the lines of many in the media who have claimed that the available players will be extremely short on high-end skill. While there should be some talented two-way defenders and a couple of legitimate starting goaltenders, top line forwards are almost completely unavailable.

Especially because the Golden Knights fell out of the first few picks in the entry draft this year (though they’ll pick third in rounds 2-7), high-end talent will need to come from a bit lower in the draft this season. Getting more picks increases your chances to hit an explosive talent, though it is still not guaranteed.

McPhee also touched on the free agent window his team will be granted starting on June 18th,  saying that he would be “aggressive” to try and sign talent. The team could sign any unrestricted free agent or unprotected restricted free agent, though it would forfeit its expansion pick from that team in the process. Remember that teams will be holding off on re-signing their free agents until after the draft because they can’t afford to have to protect them, giving McPhee a chance to change their mind. It’s not clear who they would go after, but again the idea of skilled forwards comes up if the team wants to compete right away.

Ottawa Senators Sign Christian Jaros To ELC

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The Ottawa Senators have brought in another intriguing defensive prospect, inking Christian Jaros to a three-year entry-level contract. The financials of the deal are still unknown. Jaros has played the last three seasons in the Swedish Hockey League, where he recorded 13 points in 36 games this year.

Just 21, Jaros was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 draft and has had two solid development years in the SHL. The 6’3″ 214-lbs defender has both the size and skating ability to compete at the next level. One of his biggest assets, open ice hitting, is something Ottawa Senators fans should be excited about as he can close a gap incredibly quickly and accelerates through the offensive player. His hits are already on highlight reels all over the internet, and many Canadian fans may remember him from the World Juniors when he caught Max Domi in the middle of the ice.

The Senators, who have a blue-chip defensive prospect in Thomas Chabot coming up next season, will have to decide whether to bring Jaros over to North America right away or allow him another development year in Sweden. The Slovakian defender might have an NHL future in the next few years, as his offensive game is also not to be overlooked. Armed with a big shot—that he sometimes has trouble getting off—he could develop into a solid all-around defender with the ability to compliment a more offensive player.

Winnipeg Jets Open To Trading First-Round Pick

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After a season that saw the emergence of several good young players in the wake of injury, the Winnipeg Jets are heading into the NHL Entry Draft with the 13th-overall pick. They dropped down a few spots, but GM Kevin Cheveldayoff isn’t upset about it, since the lottery moved him up last season and gave the Jets the chance to draft Patrik Laine second overall. This year, he’s open to any scenario on draft day including moving his first-round pick should he find a deal to his liking. In an interview with Pierre LeBrun of TSN, he said as much:

I think anything is possible…in this situation here, moving forward we’re open to anything. If the right situation is there we’ll look at it. We’ve drafted four players in the first round the last two years. We’ve had [Logan] Stanley and Laine, we had [Kyle] Connor and [Jack] Roslovic. We’ve had four first round picks in the last two years, so if there is the right situation to help us, whether it’s a piece or pieces we’ll certainly look at it.

Indeed, the Jets have been one of the most successful teams drafting in the first round since they came back to Winnipeg. After selecting Mark Scheifele with their first pick in 2011, they’ve added Jacob Trouba, Josh Morrissey and Nikolaj Ehlers, all who are now playing big roles on their NHL squad. While obviously time will still tell on several of the picks Cheveldayoff mentions, he’s built quite the depth chart with first rounders in recent years.

So, comes the question of moving out of this draft for an asset that can help them immediately. Like most drafts, the middle of the first round has very few talents that could step into the NHL next season. If they could move their first and a forward—something Cheveldayoff admits is a strength—for another defenseman or a goaltender, the team could be ready for real contention as soon as next season. With just over three weeks to the draft, there are many decisions to be made about how soon to pull the trigger and go for it in Winnipeg.

Boston Bruins Sign Anders Bjork To Three-Year Deal

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The Boston Bruins continue to convince their top NCAA prospects to leave school early, this time signing Anders Bjork to a three-year entry-level deal. Already the team has signed Charlie McAvoy and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson away from school this spring, and now have added one of the top players in the country before he turns 21. Bjork had previously been undecided on whether to return to Notre Dame for his senior season, in which he would have been an early favorite for the Hobey Baker award.

Bjork, just a fifth-round pick of the Bruins in 2014, has turned into an incredible scoring threat for the Fighting Irish, posting 52 points in 39 games. That number put him in the top-10 in the country in scoring and had him as a finalist for the Hobey Baker—the trophy would eventually go to Will Butcher. One of the more impressive things about Bjork’s run was his age, as he is several years younger than many of his contemporaries after entering college just after turning 18.

Though there is no guarantee he can step right into the NHL, Bjork did just complete a tour with Team USA at the World Championships where he was surrounded by other professional players (including McAvoy) and got into five games with the squad. Held pointless and without much ice-time to show for it, Bjork was invited in a similar fashion to Jordan Greenway and Cal Petersen to get experience for future tournaments. Make no mistake, Bjork has the skill set to be very successful in the NHL one day should he stay as committed to his craft as he was for Notre Dame. Getting him to leave school early is a big move for the Bruins in what has been a successful spring.

Drew Shore Headed Back To Europe, Signs In NLA

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After returning to North America this season to play 14 games down the stretch for the Vancouver Canucks, Drew Shore is headed back to Switzerland. The pending restricted free agent has signed a two-year deal with ZSC Lions (Zurich) of the NLA. The Lions are perhaps best known as being the Swiss club Auston Matthews spent a year playing for before being drafted, and employing Marc Crawford as head coach before he took a job with the Ottawa Senators this season.

Shore played most of the 2016-17 season in Switzerland, scoring 48 points in 50 games for Kloten HC before returning to the NHL in March to sign with the Canucks. Unfortunately, he was still unable to find much success and registered just two points in his 14 NHL games. Now, the eldest brother of a hockey-playing family—Nick Shore plays for the Kings, while Quentin Shore spends his days in the Los Angeles’ minor league system. Baker Shore, the youngest, will likely be drafted in just a few weeks—will continue his dream in Europe where he found more success than even in the AHL.

At just 26, the former second-round pick could theoretically make a return to the NHL and have an impact in a few years but it is unlikely. Leaving the NHL once for the European leagues is one thing, but heading across again after not making it is another. Though the NLA is a very competitive league filled with former NHL talent, it would be hard to see Shore make it back in any sort of important role. He will however likely be in consideration for an Olympic spot for Team USA if the NHL holds true to its promise to not go to the Games. He’s previously competed for the US in international tournaments including the World Championships. As he’ll be up against mostly college-aged kids, his experience at both the NHL level and European leagues would be invaluable.

Predators Without Colin Wilson; Penguins without Carl Hagelin

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The Nashville Predators reported that Colin Wilson will not play tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins due to an undisclosed injury. The NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti stated that Wilson was the only Predator to skip this morning’s optional skate. Wilson has 2G and 2A in 12 playoff games for the Predators this season. He will be replaced by forward Frederick Gaudreau (no relation to the Calgary Flames’ star Johnny Gaudreau).

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without Carl Hagelin, but Hagelin is a healthy scratch rather than suffering from injury. The Star Tribune’s Michael Russo tweeted that rookie Jake Guentzel will take his place on the fourth line. Guentzel has 9G and 7A in 19 playoff games this season for the Penguins, good for fourth in team playoff scoring, but scored only two points in the Eastern Conference Final against the Ottawa Senators.

Injuries are to be expected this time of year as teams battle towards the finals. Injured players are probably thankful that the NHL scheduled two two-day breaks between games during the Stanley Cup Finals. While fans may not appreciate the lull between games, it does give injured players an extra day to recover.

 

Bettman Discusses Olympics, Outdoor Games, Expansion Draft, And More

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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly addressed media today in the NHL’s annual press conference before Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals. Essentially a state-of-the-union update on the league, Bettman used the conference to formally announce events previously rumored but never confirmed, and both Bettman and Daly provided insight on other NHL topics of interest.

  • The NHL will release its 2017-18 regular season schedule during the NHL Draft Week (June 23-24). The draft takes place in Chicago, IL this summer.
  • The NHL officially announces that the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the 2018 NHL All-Star Game at Amalie Arena in Gasparilla, FL. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman first reported that Tampa Bay would get the all-star game. It will be Tampa Bay’s first all-star game since 1999. Most pundits agree that announcing the game’s location all but ends any possibility of the NHL participating in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Bettman further reiterated later in the question period that the NHL will not go to the Olympics.
  • Not only did the NHL formally announce an outdoor game on March 3, 2018 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals, but that the league plans to play outdoor games at other military academies down the line. Other Federal Service Academies that could serve as potential game sites include:
    • United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO;
    • United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT;
    • United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY; and
    • United States Military Academy in West Point, NY.
  • NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly announced that the Vegas Golden Knights will now have 72 hours to make selections in the expansion draft. Previously Vegas had only 48 hours to make its selections. Teams will release its protected list on Sunday June 18, 2017, and Vegas will have until Wednesday June 21st to complete all selections. According to Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal the window will open and close at 10am.
  • Bill Daly confirmed that next season’s salary cap will remain flat or increase slightly. The cap may increase to $77MM if the NHLPA uses its 5% inflator, but using the inflator creates a larger escrow withholding and exacerbates the NHLPA’s escrow concerns. This season’s salary cap was $73MM, and given Daly’s and the NHLPA’s comments, one should not expect it to rise above $74MM.
  • Afterwards, Bill Daly continued to speak to media, and Michael Russo of the Star Tribune tweeted that the NHL has not yet determined if players on NHL contracts but playing in the AHL could play in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Allowing AHL players to play in the Olympics could create a massive loophole for teams who want to allow its stars to play. Any team could just temporarily demote a player who wants to go to the Olympics, and recall that player after the Olympics are over.

Nolan Patrick, Nico Hischier To Take Part In All Combine Testing

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Just yesterday our Zach Leach provided a comprehensive breakdown on the NHL Scouting Combine and the effect it may have on players draft stock. Especially in a year that there is no consensus throughout the first round, the performance in the physical tests and team interviews may have a big impact on how the draft shakes out. Details are already leaking out about how many interviews certain players have, like Eeli Tolvanen who has an amazing 28 meetings scheduled according to Mike Morreale of NHL.com. Also from Morreale, the exciting news that Nolan Patrick and Nico Hischier will both take part in all the physical testing, provided that Patrick is medically cleared.

Patrick and Hischier are both still in real competition for the first-overall pick, even as New Jersey takes calls on a possible trade. While there is no indication that Ray Shero and the Devils will deal the selection, the top two players will take 13 and 14 interviews respectively, way more than usual for the top of the draft. That does lend some credence to the idea that they might be available, and also to the idea that Miro Heiskanen or someone else could be a draft-day surprise and find his way into the top 2.

We already know that the Stars are considering moving the third-overall pick, and with Heiskanen putting on a late push to be considered among the top players perhaps some think Hischier or Patrick will fall to third. For what it’s worth, Grant McCagg of Recrutes.ca now has Heiskanen as his top available player. While it would be a huge draft-day surprise to see Heiskanen go first (or Patrick fall out of the top two), the intrigue continues to build. The players will undergo the fitness testing on Saturday, June 3rd after a week full of interviews with teams. It’s busy for teams too, as Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports that Peter Chiarelli and the Oilers front office spoke with 20 players just today.

Snapshots: Bennett, Ryan, Housley

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One of the interesting nuggets from Elliotte Friedman’s latest “30 Thoughts” column for Sportsnet was that the Anaheim Ducks may have some interest in Calgary Flames’ underperforming Sam Bennett. While he didn’t go into detail on it in the column, he was asked about it today on Sportsnet 960 in Calgary.

I’ve heard that the Ducks like Sam Bennett. I’ve heard there’s people in that organization who like him. So I could see the possibility of something being there. But if you look at [Ducks GM] Bob Murray’s history, he’s done two deals with Vancouver. [Ryan] Kesler and [Kevin] Bieksa. He did one with Edmonton.  Patrick Maroon. The rest of his deals are all East: Bobby Ryan to Ottawa. Frederik Andersen to Toronto.  James Wisniewski to Carolina. Kyle Palmieri to New Jersey. He prefers to send guys out East.

Friedman does admit again that the Ducks would be interested in Bennett, but throws cold water on the whole idea saying that Murray wouldn’t want his defenseman “torturing him” for the next few seasons. It is interesting though that the Ducks would have interest in Bennett, who has had trouble at the center ice position and struggled to contribute offensively this year. Perhaps they would convert him to a winger, something that Calgary will need to consider once again going into next season.

  • As we wrote about earlier today, Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan may have pushed himself back into the discussion about expansion protection with his standout playoffs. Jared Clinton of The Hockey News doesn’t think so though as he lists Ryan among his players that have built-in protection due to their cap hits. Ryan himself thinks he’s “pretty safe”, telling the media that he doesn’t think Vegas would want his $7.25MM cap-hit. Ryan currently has a no-movement clause of sorts, but it is not the same as say, Dion Phaneuf’s clause that will force him to be protected should he not waive it. Ryan is not on the list of automatic protection, as his clause only stops movement to the minors. He doesn’t need to waive it to be exposed.
  • Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinal reported yesterday that the Florida Panthers are indeed waiting for Phil Housley to finish his current run with the Nashville Predators before interviewing him for the vacant head coaching job. Panthers’ GM Dale Tallon would need to get permission from the Predators to talk to their assistant head coach, but most organizations don’t stand in the way as long as it is a promotion. Housley has been with the Predators for four years, and is considered a lock for a future head coaching job. The Hall of Fame defenseman put up 1232 points in 1495 games and is one of the greatest American-born players of all-time.

KHL Saying Ilya Kovalchuk Now Wants To Stay In Russia

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In the ongoing saga of Ilya Kovalchuk, an interesting new entry has been spoken by SKA St. Petersburg president Alexander Medvedev. As Slava Malamud reports, the executive says Kovalchuk has “changed his mind” and that he “wants to stay now.” That would be an incredible shift after several months of saying he’s set on returning to the NHL.

As always, news from a club should be taken with a grain of salt as we have still yet to hear from Kovalchuk or his representation on the matter. It is interesting though as there has been recent speculation from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet that the New York Rangers, once thought of as a favorite to land him, may not have much interest. Malamud himself wonders if his interest in staying may be because of the lack of such interest in North America, though it would still be surprising to see him stay in Russia after such public declarations of his intended return.

Either way, it’s clear that the KHL is attempting to keep him there even as they try to bring players like Dmitry Orlov back from their NHL squads. Bringing Kovalchuk home was a big win for the KHL in legitimizing it as an option for players outside of the NHL, and losing him once again would weaken their position as a real competitor. Though they’ve brought back Nikita Tryamkin this spring, they’ve also seen an exodus of many young defensemen and watched one of their top forwards, Vadim Shipachyov head overseas after a long career.

Since it’s expected that Kovalchuk’s camp is after a big-money deal, there is a ton of risk for NHL clubs even on a relatively short-term. There is no guarantee that he’s up to his previous level, in fact his age and relatively poor performance in the playoffs should make many pause before offering anything. The Devils also stand in the way, as they hold the final decision in where the move him to. If they don’t get an asset up to their standards, they could stonewall both sides and force Kovalchuk back to the KHL.

It’s also important to note that should Kovalchuk spend one more year in the KHL, he’ll hit the market next summer as an unrestricted free agent and able to sign anywhere without going through New Jersey. He’d be 35 and because of that would likely have a smaller market due to the restrictions on 35+ contracts, but would at least be able to talk to teams without them having to give up an asset to sign a contract. He’d also get to play in the Olympics, likely a factor of some relevance as he nears the end of his career.

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