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Archives for May 2017

Nashville Predators Recall Five Players

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With the Milwaukee Admirals eliminated from the AHL playoffs, the Nashville Predators have called up a group of “Black Aces”. Vladislav Kamenev, Alexandre Carrier, Jack Dougherty, Petter Granberg and Trevor Murphy are all on their way up to skate with the team as insurance against multiple game-time injuries.

Among the call-ups are several interesting prospects. Kamenev was the Admirals’ second-leading scorer this season, putting up 51 points in 70 games as a 20 year old just a few years removed from going 42nd overall in the 2014 draft. Kamenev has turned into about as good of a power forward prospect as you can find, and has transitioned into a center ice role in recent years—though it’s not clear if he’ll continue there at the NHL level. In two games for Nashville this year he was held scoreless.

It also includes Carrier, who has turned from undersized fourth-round flyer in the 2015 draft to dominant AHL offensive defenseman in the span of two years. His 39 points in 72 games puts him fourth in scoring from rookie defenders, and he has a chance of bringing that offensive game to the next level in the future. Carrier won’t turn 21 until October, and still has a long way to go to establish himself as an NHL defenseman, but could be another example of the Predators pipeline of slightly undersized players to find success on the blueline.

In all, it’s unlikely that any of these players get into a game for the Predators during the playoffs, but will learn from their veteran teammates about how to prepare for the postseason after the long grind they’ve already been through. Next year should Nashville return, these players may use this experience while playing every night as a member of the NHL team.

 

What Jakub Jerabek Means For Nathan Beaulieu

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Yesterday when the Montreal Canadiens signed Jakub Jerabek to a one-year deal, many fans wondered where exactly he would play next season. The team already has Alexei Emelin, Brandon Davidson and Nathan Beaulieu on the left side, with prospect Mikhail Sergachev surely destined for the NHL next season. Veteran Andrei Markov also made it clear that he wanted to return, and they’ll have to take a long look at him after another successful season. Eric Engels of Sportsnet writes that the Jerabek signing likely signals the end for Beaulieu, expecting the team to trade him before expansion draft next month. Nathan Beaulieu

When CapFriendly reported last night that Jerabek’s deal contained a European Assignment clause, it made it even more clear that the Canadiens would need to clear some room for him next season. The clause means that if the Canadiens want to send Jerabek down to the American Hockey League at any time, he instead can bolt and head back to the KHL or another professional league in Europe. Quite simply, it means he’s in the NHL to stay for next season.

Unless the Canadiens deem Sergachev unfit for full-time duty—which seems unlikely after his second outstanding year with the Windsor Spitfires—and choose not to bring back Markov, it does seem like Beaulieu is the most likely to be moved. The 24-year old actually had an excellent season, with 28 points in 74 games while skating over 19 minutes a night, and has shown the potential that made him a first-round pick in 2011. While he is set to become a restricted free agent this year, his next contract shouldn’t be prohibitive for whichever team that signs it.

For a team like the Canadiens who have been linked to several forwards over the past 12 months, Beaulieu seems a perfect candidate to be involved in the deal. Since they’re not going after the top Russian name to help up front, it is almost certain that Marc Bergevin will pursue names like Matt Duchene, Jonathan Drouin or James van Riemsdyk should they truly become available. While Beaulieu obviously isn’t enough for them straight up (at least not the first two), he could easily headline a package for them. It will be interesting to see what the league values him as; whether he’s a true top-4 with potential to be even more, or a role-player capable of providing solid minutes on the third pair.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Chicago Blackhawks Officially Sign David Kampf

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As reported by Darren Dreger of TSN last week, the Chicago Blackhawks have officially signed David Kampf to a two-year contract. The entry-level deal will expire following the 2018-19 season, after which Kampf will be a restricted free agent. The 22-year old was one of the more dangerous offensive players in his native Czech Republic last season, and will be expected to carry some of that over to North America.

After playing two full seasons without much offensive presence, Kampf broke out with 31 points in 52 games this season and immediately got the attention of NHL GMs. He provides NHL size and will be the next unheralded prospect that the Blackhawks try to turn into a legitimate role player. Kampf is not Artemi Panarin, but he could provide some depth on the wing for a team that relies on entry-level deals each year in order to afford their highly-paid core. With Panarin’s $6MM/year extension kicking in next season, it was crucial to find players like Kampf, John Hayden and Nick Schmaltz to fill in the roster gaps.

While there is no guarantee Kampf will be able to provide anything in the NHL, he may even get a chance to try and show his effectiveness next to Jonathan Toews. If the Blackhawks intend to put the Panarin-Artem Anisimov–Patrick Kane line back together, they’ll still need to try and find full-time fits for Toews next season. Schmaltz, Hayden and Ryan Hartman have all taken turns trying to fill the hole that’s been left since Marian Hossa started his decline, and since the Hawks will struggle to afford Richard Panik’s next contract, both Toews-wings could be empty.

No Hearing For Matt Niskanen In Crosby Incident

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According to Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post, Matt Niskanen will not receive a disciplinary hearing with the Department of Player Safety for his cross-check last night on Sidney Crosby. Niskanen was assessed a five minute major and game misconduct, while Crosby did not return to the game.

In the play, Crosby is knocked off stride as he cuts in front of the Washington net, and ends up being hit in the face by Niskanen’s stick. While it did end up in an injury, Niskanen said after the game that he had no intent there, and that he wasn’t even trying to cross check him. His hands aren’t separated on his stick like a normal check, and he told reporters that he hopes Crosby is okay.

Niskanen could still be fined for the incident, but it looks more like the league has deemed his penalty served as the Capitals played with just five defenders for most of the game and the short overtime period. The Penguins on the other hand have provided no update on Crosby’s status, and should he remain out will be leaning on Evgeni Malkin to help them through the series. After falling down 2-0, Malkin and the Penguins rallied late to score two goals with an empty net and send the game to overtime. A Trevor Daley penalty would eventually allow the Capitals to win on a powerplay goal from Kevin Shattenkirk, one of the most maligned players of the series so far.

Lightning Allow Assistant GM Pat Verbeek To Speak To Other Teams

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TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that the Tampa Bay Lightning have given Assistant GM Pat Verbeek permission to talk with other clubs. Verbeek has been the Lightning’s AGM for six years now but faces little prospects of internal promotion working under the much-revered Steve Yzerman.

Verbeek was hired by Tampa Bay after scouting for the Detroit Red Wings under Ken Holland. He’s worked under Yzerman and will be a hot commodity for those teams looking to loot from the Yzerman management tree.

If Verbeek were to accept a full GM role, his only option would the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres cleaned house last week, firing both GM Tim Murray and Coach Dan Bylsma after a disappointing 2016-17 campaign. He will have some competition, however, as the Calgary Sun’s Eric Francis reports that Calgary Flames Assistant GM Craig Conroy interviewed for the vacant Buffalo GM position as well. Conroy’s interview is in addition to the six candidates already reported to be interviewing for the position.

It is also possible that he takes another assistant role, but with more chances for upward mobility. The Colorado Avalanche, Arizona Coyotes, and Winnipeg Jets could present future GM opportunities for Verbeek in the upcoming season.

Hart Trophy Finalists Announced

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The NHL’s Hart Trophy finalists were released today and include Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby, and Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid.

The names surprise no one as all three were expected finalists. Crosby and McDavid were one and two in NHL scoring, and Bobrovsky led the league in GAA and SV% amongst starting NHL goaltenders.

Bobrovsky, as noted by the Blue Jackets’ Public Relations team, is the first MVP finalist in Blue Jackers history. He posted a .931 SV% and a 2.06 GAA in 63 games. He was considered Columbus’s best player in a surprising season for the Metropolitan Division team. He’s also a finalist for the NHL’s Vezina Trophy awarded to the league’s best goaltender.

Sidney Crosby finished tied for 2nd in league scoring with 44G and 45A in 75 games. He tied Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane in points with 89, but did it in seven fewer games. Crosby has already locked up the Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy for most goals this season. Crosby has been a Hart Trophy finalist six times, and won the award in 2007 and 2014

Connor McDavid led the NHL in scoring with 30G and 70A in 82 games. He led a Edmonton Oilers squad to its first playoff birth since 2006 in only his second pro season. This season he won the Art Ross Trophy for most points in the NHL.

Notable absences—thought to have finished fourth and lower—include Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, and Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand.

Flames Sign GM Brad Treliving To Multi-Year Contract

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The Calgary Flames announced via Twitter this afternoon that they have signed General Manager Brad Treliving to a multi-year extension. No specifics about term or salary yet, but PHR will update as soon as more details become available. Treliving has been Calgary’s GM since April 2014.

Treliving’s future in Calgary grew muddied this offseason when he finished the season without a contract. The Flames bowed out of the 2016-17 playoffs without winning a game, creating question marks as to whether the team moves in a different direction.

Treliving was not afraid to make splashes in the trade market. Last offseason he traded for starting goaltender Brian Elliott and the offseason prior he acquired young defensman Dougie Hamilton.

The Buffalo Sabres will now cross off another candidate in the team’s GM search. It was speculated that had Calgary not signed Treliving that Buffalo would go after him.

 

Columbus Blue Jackets Trying To Sign Vladislav Gavrikov

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Not to be outdone by the other Metropolitan Division teams that have been going after KHL talent, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports that the Blue Jackets have offered a contract to Vladislav Gavrikov. The former sixth-round pick has now played two full seasons in the KHL, and is believed to have an NHL future should he decide to come over to North America. Portzline adds that agent Dan Milstein of Gold Star will meet Gavrikov at the World Championships to discuss the offer in person.

Despite being just 20 when this season started (he has since turned 21), Gavrikov saw his icetime increase to over 18 minutes a night on his hometown Yaroslavl team and was named the top defenseman in the league for March. His development in his own end has been steady, though he still hasn’t flashed much offensive prowess. In 54 games this season he registered just seven points.

If Columbus can get him to make the trip across the pond, Portzline opines that Ryan Murray may be on the move out of town. The former second-overall pick has become somewhat redundant since the successful debuts of both Zach Werenski and Gabriel Carlsson, but retains his tremendous trade value. Should the team move on from Murray, they could likely get a king’s ransom for the 23-year old defender. This season saw Murray’s point totals drop to just 11 through 60 games, mostly because he skated very rarely on the powerplay.

Should another team come calling, the Blue Jackets are in the enviable position of having a stockpile of young defenders still coming, including Gavrikov, Ryan Collins and NCAA draft pick Andrew Peeke. They could move on from Murray and still have one of the deepest groups in the league, and signing Gavrikov would make it even deeper.

NHL Fires Back At NHLPA In Concussion Lawsuit

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In the ongoing lawsuit between the NHL and over 100 former NHL players, the league has begun to try and shift blame to the NHLPA for impeding rule changes that may have better protected its members. In the latest report from Rick Westhead of TSN who has been following this story from the beginning, he includes sections of an affidavit from Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly filed with the court on Thursday. The plaintiffs are trying to get the case certified as class action which—similar to the recent certification of the OHL lawsuit—would automatically include over 5000 former players as plaintiffs.

In the affidavit, Daly writes:

A history of the playing rules, supplemental discipline, equipment standards, playing environment characteristics and/or the league’s approach to player safety that fails to consider and account for the NHLPA’s role with respect to these matters is inherently incomplete and profoundly misleading.

Westhead also added on Twitter documents that point to players refusing concussion testing in the past, adding to the idea that it was the players themselves who slowed down concussion prevention and diagnoses. Recently, the courts denied the NHL’s request for all research and communication from Boston University’s study of CTE, saying that it would be a “staggering” task for the study to complete because of the retractions they would have to make on each document to protect patient confidentiality.

Should the case be certified class action, the NHL could possibly be liable for much more than if individual players had to pursue individual claims. Westhead reports that the courts could decide this summer over whether or not to certify it. While this is obviously far from decided at the moment, it does seem to point to a bigger strategy by the league to implicate that the players themselves are a party to any and all concussion issues the hockey world has faced.

Cam Dineen Signs Entry-Level Contract With Arizona Coyotes

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The Arizona Coyotes have locked up another draft pick from last summer, inking Cam Dineen to an entry-level deal. Dineen was selected in the third-round, 68th overall last June, and follows fellow picks Jakob Chychrun and Clayton Keller in signing with the organization. After the disappointment of dropping all the way to seventh overall in this year’s draft lottery, Dineen should give some excitement to a franchise despite a down year.

Coming off a huge draft year that saw him register 59 points in 68 games, Dineen suffered a terrible knee injury in December that required surgery and ended up only playing 29 games this season. It was on a hit from the Oshawa Generals’ Robbie Burt for which he was suspended eight games, and it cost Dineen much of this important development season. That doesn’t mean he’ll be any less exciting in the future though, after being a finalist for the OHL Rookie of the Year in 2015-16.

The Coyotes are continuing their slow rebuild, and Dineen will return to the OHL next season to show that he still has the big upside that led them to take him in the third round. With the NHL squad not expected to truly compete for a few more seasons, they can take it slow with many of their prospects and hope for the best. This summer, the team has an extra first-round pick from the Martin Hanzal deal plus two third rounders (Calgary, Detroit). They’ll continue to stock the cupboards, and look to make a push for the playoffs down the road.

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