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Archives for December 2017

Pacific Notes: Gryba, Martin, Hjalmarsson, Goldobin

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Although the Oilers placed defenseman Eric Gryba on waivers on Friday, Postmedia’s Jim Matheson reports that the team did receive some trade interest in the veteran blueliner.  However, the teams that had interest are tight to the 50-contract limit and wanted to send a player under contract back to Edmonton.  Unfortunately for the Oilers, they’re pretty tight to the limit as well (48) and would undoubtedly prefer to either clear the contract off the books entirely via a waiver claim from elsewhere or keep him as injury insurance over accepting a minor league player of nominal value in return.  Because his waivers non-roster designation came after Friday’s waiver dispatch, he officially goes on the wire today with an announcement on whether or not he cleared coming on Sunday.

More from the Pacific:

  • Sharks blueliner Paul Martin has been a healthy scratch since being cleared to return to the lineup and head coach Peter DeBoer told Paul Gackle of the Mercury News that this will continue for the time being. San Jose is carrying eight defensemen for the time being and the expectation is that they will try to utilize all eight of them but barring injury, Martin appears to be on the outside looking in at their top-six.  With another year remaining on his contract at $4.85MM, he’s someone that they could look to try to include in a trade in the coming weeks although his lack of playing time and age (36) will make that a harder move to make.
  • Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson is slated to rejoin the team for practice on Saturday, notes Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports. The veteran has been out of the lineup since sustaining an upper-body injury November 28th.  One of Arizona’s key veteran acquisitions this offseason, Hjalmarsson has only played in 17 games so far in 2017-18.
  • Although the Canucks have lost a pair of Russian players back to the KHL over the last little while in Alexander Burmistrov and Nikita Tryamkin, don’t expect winger Nikolay Goldobin to follow suit. He told reporters, including Postmedia’s Patrick Johnston, that he has no plans to go back home, saying “I don’t want to go now, I’m in the NHL right now”.  Goldobin was acquired as part of the Jannik Hansen trade back near the last trade deadline and has split his time between the AHL (19 points in 18 games) and the NHL (one goal and two assists in nine contests) so far this season.

Poll: Did Outdoor Game Taint Result Of World Junior Championships?

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While there is still a lot of hockey to be played in the 2018 World Junior Championships, currently underway in Buffalo, New York, today’s game has many up in arms as to the validity of this year’s title. For those who missed the action this afternoon, the U.S. and Canada took part in a re-match of the 2017 WJC Final as part of round robin group play. Down by two in the third period, the Americans rallied back to tie the game 3-3. When overtime was not enough to decide a winner, the game went to a shootout, in which Dallas Stars goalie prospect Jake Oettinger stood tall and Team USA took home the comeback win.

Almost immediately, the result was met with negative response from many, particularly those in the media supporting the Canadians. It’s not the shootout that has people riled up though – the U.S. beat Canada via shootout to win the entire tournament last year – but instead the weather. Today’s game was held outdoors at New Era Field, home of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and, much like the Bill’s game against the Indianapolis Colts earlier this month, the game was greatly impacted by snow. It wasn’t blizzard conditions, but the consistent precipitation surely was enough to effect the pace and play of the game. The argument by many is that this outdoor game, particularly with the difficult weather, has spoiled the 2018 WJC. No other teams are set to play outdoor games and the U.S.-Canada match-up thus stands out as more of an individual event rather than part of an overarching tournament. The result will impact future rounds and, one way or another, the end result.

The counter, though, is that the only impact that mattered was the equal impact of the weather on each team. Neither team was given any specific advantage or disadvantage by the snow and the game, while unique in it’s location and conditions, is still a valid result. This message has been echoed by the players and coaches of both teams following the game. The best case for this perspective though is perhaps the timing of many of the complaints; few hated the concept of the outdoor game when it was announced to be a record WJC attendance and the Canadians got off to a quick 2-0 start. It was only after a long, drawn-out, snowy game in which the U.S. was able to mount a comeback when talks of the event “spoiling” the WJC came about.

So what do you think? Was the game a fun and fair spectacle and true evaluation of team talent? Or was it a gimmick which will taint the entire result of the tournament?

Injury Notes: Blackhawks, Coyotes, Flames

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While the most notable injury concern for Chicago is and will continue to be goaltender Corey Crawford, the struggling Blackhawks made other health-related transactions today. The team announced that defenseman Cody Franson, out since early December with an upper-body injury, has been activated and, in a corresponding move, forward Artem Anisimov has been placed on injured reserve with an upper-body issue of his own. While Franson will be a welcome addition to the blue line, the long-term loss of Anisimov will be felt much more. The Blackhawks have struggled on offense this season; they are a middling team in goal-scoring and one of the league’s worst power play producers. Forward depth, particularly down the middle, has been a cause for concern and that was prior to Anisimov’s absence. Although ten points behind the Nashville Predators in the Central Division, Chicago is not that far out from the Western playoff picture. However, that could change if the extended sidelining of Anisimov leads to even greater issues on offense on top of the already serious situation in net.

  • Although severely strapped for cap space, the Blackhawks are certainly looking around for ways to bring some depth into the fold. One option that can be cast aside for now is veteran Arizona Coyotes winger Brad Richardson. CapFriendly reports that Richardson has been placed on injured reserve after  he was forced out of the ’Yotes game against the Colorado Avalanche last Saturday with an upper-body injury. As the worst team in the NHL currently, Arizona is surely welcoming offers for their impending unrestricted free agents (and then some). It’s not a long list of soon-to-be-departing players, but the useful, two-way forward Richardson is at the top. His injury history could definitely scare away some suitors though and the Coyotes may have a tough time moving him until he has returned to full strength following his stay on IR.
  • There’s finally an update on the condition of Michael Frolik after the dependable forward took a shot to the face early in Calgary’s game against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, but it’s not what Flames fans were hoping to hear. Frolik left the game and did not return and, as it turns out, the shot fractured his jaw and knocked out several teeth. While he has yet to be formally placed on the injured reserve, head coach Glen Gulutzan opined that Frolik was “week-to-week” with no time table for a return. Frolik’s absence will have major repercussions on the lineup, not only due to the underrated winger’s ability, but also the team’s dire lack of right wingers. The forward lines are set to undergo major changes until Frolik is healthy enough to return to action.

2017 Year In Review: September

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2017 has been quite a busy year in the hockey world. There have been several big trades, the first expansion team in over 15 years, and much more. Over the coming days, PHR will take a look back at the top stories from around the game on a month-by-month basis. Next up is a look at the month of September.

Lupul Gets Lippy: After failing his medical early in the month, Joffrey Lupul took to social media to complain about the Toronto Maple Leafs integrity in the process. Lupul claimed the Maple Leafs “cheat” but quickly apologized for his comments and decided not to seek out a secondary medical opinion. The NHL ordered one anyway, which found no wrongdoing on the part of the Maple Leafs. Lupul remains on long-term injured reserve, and isn’t expected to play again in the NHL.

Robby FabbriFabbri Loses The Season: It looked like he might be able to make a comeback after re-injuring his knee in the summer, but in September the St. Louis Blues officially ruled Robby Fabbri out for the year. It was a huge setback for a player who looked ready to breakout, and we’ll have to wait and see what kind of return he can have.

Tallon Continues To Tear Down: When Dale Tallon was given control once again of the Florida Panthers, he seemed driven to undo many of the things that Tom Rowe’s staff had accomplished. First he jettisoned Reilly Smith and Jon Marchessault to the Vegas Golden Knights, and in September traded Jason Demers to the Arizona Coyotes. Demers had signed a five-year deal with the Panthers, but was traded for Jamie McGinn just a few weeks before season two of that contract began. The Panthers are still paying 12.5% of Demers’ salary, while McGinn has 13 points in 35 games.

Seattle Announces Arena Proposal: When Oak View Group announced that they would put forward a deal to put $600MM+ into an arena in order to draw NHL and NBA interest, suddenly Seattle became the darling of expansion enthusiasts everywhere. That deal has subsequently been approved by the city, and the NHL has announced they would accept an application for expansion. With a franchise seeming inevitable at this point, the only question is whether it will be through expansion or relocation.

Calgary Pulls Out Of Arena Talks: In an incredibly public feud with mayor Naheed Nenshi, the Calgary Flames announced they would no longer pursue an arena deal with the city. That suddenly threw the Flames into a relocation conversation, as veiled threats were hurled from both sides that hinted at the team possibly leaving. While that still seems almost impossible, there is no progress towards a new arena for the Flames, and with Nenshi winning re-election talks haven’t even been back on the table.

Boyle’s Diagnosis: Finally, in a shocking announcement, Brian Boyle revealed he had been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia just before the season began. One of the most well-loved teammates in the league, Boyle and his family received an outpouring of support from the entire hockey world. His diagnosis came early enough that it could be treated with medication, and Boyle returned to game action on November 1st. A week later he scored his first goal of the season, an emotional moment that brought even the 6’6″ behemoth to tears.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Edmonton Oilers Activate Klefbom, Place Gryba On Waivers

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The Edmonton Oilers have activated Oscar Klefbom off injured reserve, and to make room have waived Eric Gryba. Gryba wasn’t on waivers when they were reported earlier today, which means he’ll likely have to wait until Sunday to clear and be assigned to the minor leagues.

It’s a tough break for Gryba, who hasn’t suited up in the AHL since 2012-13. The 29-year old defenseman has played 21 games for the Oilers this year, and could be an option for another team around the league. Making just $900K this year and next, a big-bodied veteran could be of use for another team dealing with defensive injuries.

Getting Klefbom back is a step in the right direction for the Oilers, who still find themselves near the bottom of the Pacific Division despite better play of late. For a team that was expected to compete for the Stanley Cup, they’re in danger of dropping right out of the playoff race if they don’t get back on track quickly.

Snapshots: Brassard, Dahlen, Vilardi

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With the news that Ottawa is willing to listen on basically everyone except Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone, rumors have swirled around players like Derick Brassard for the last few days. One of the rumored destinations is Columbus, where Brassard played early in his career and who are in need of center help with both Brandon Dubinsky and Alexander Wennberg still out of the lineup. Brassard spoke to George Richards of the Columbus Post-Dispatch about the idea of going back to the Blue Jackets:

Let’s say it this way: I will play hockey anywhere. I have good memories but my job is to play hockey here. I’ll play anywhere. I wouldn’t refuse to go anywhere in the world or anywhere in the east. I have really good memories of playing in Columbus, we had a lot of fun.

Brassard played 309 games in Columbus to start his career, but really came into his own with the New York Rangers before heading to Ottawa. The center has one more year on his deal after this one, which carries a $5MM cap hit. He also has a partial no-trade clause, but it seems like that wouldn’t be a problem for the Senators if they decided to deal him.

  • The Vancouver Canucks went after prospect Jonathan Dahlen last trade deadline, and acquired him when they dealt Alex Burrows to the Ottawa Senators. Now other teams in Sweden are after him this year, as he continues his development. Rick Dhaliwal of NEWS 1130 reports that several teams are making a “big push” to bring Dahlen in, likely to give him a chance in the SHL. The 20-year old forward has scored 27 points in 23 games for Timra in the Allsvenskan (Sweden’s second league) and looks ready to take the next step.
  • It’s trade season in the OHL, and Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider believes that top prospect Gabe Vilardi is about to be sent to the Kingston Frontenacs. Vilardi was part of the Memorial Cup-winning Windsor Spitfires team last season, but hasn’t yet made his season debut due to injury. With him close to a return, it seems like he’ll be joining the surging Frontenacs.

Pittsburgh Not Actively Shopping Kris Letang

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Though there never was a report that said any trade was imminent, the Pittsburgh Penguins clearly weren’t happy about the rumors that have surrounded Kris Letang recently. Almost simultaneously, both Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Josh Yohe of The Athletic reported that a Penguins source had shut the door on the idea that Letang was being shopped. This comes just a day after a report that he was “definitely available,” which, while still obviously possible, seemed unlikely to result in anything at the time.

As we discussed yesterday, any potential Letang deal already has some pretty substantial issues preventing it. Not the least of which is Letang’s contract, which still has four more years at a $7.25MM and a partial no-trade clause. The 30-year old defenseman is a big part of the Penguins when he’s fully healthy and playing his best, unfortunately that hasn’t been very often the last few years.

A long history of injury follows Letang, who is currently on injured reserve and out of the lineup for the Penguins. Any potential acquiring team would be taking quite the risk by giving up assets and cap space for a player who has little chance of staying healthy for the net four years.

Obviously, the fact that a team source reached out to both Mackey and Yohe does not necessarily mean that Letang won’t be traded. The Penguins could be looking to build back some leverage in negotiations, or still could be blown away by an offer at some point this season. Pittsburgh is likely to make a move of some sort over the next two months, but it’s still unclear if GM Jim Rutherford will make his big splash, or just tweak a roster for a potential playoff run.

2017 Year In Review: August

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2017 has been quite a busy year in the hockey world. There have been several big trades, the first expansion team in over 15 years, and much more. Over the coming days, PHR will take a look back at the top stories from around the game on a month-by-month basis. Next up is a look at the relatively slow month of August.

Post-Graduate Studies: After the frenzy that is the beginning of July, by August the free agent market had slowed down considerably. There were a few interesting names left over, but the real intrigue surrounded expiring draft rights for NCAA graduates. Will Butcher and Alex Kerfoot led the way, with near daily visits and rumors around the league. Butcher would eventually sign with the New Jersey Devils, while Kerfoot would head to Denver for some Avalanche action. The Devils are certainly happy with Butcher’s choice, as he’s recorded 23 points in 36 games to easily pace their defense corps.

Shane DoanCaptains Say Goodbye: Though it may not have been completely their decision, both Shane Doan and Mike Fisher hung up their skates in August. The two combined for 1,728 regular season games without winning a Stanley Cup, but were both beloved in their respective “non-traditional markets.”

AHL Expansion: The AHL announced that it would follow in the NHL’s footsteps and expand to 31 teams in 2018-19, bringing the Colorado Eagles into the fold. The Eagles, who are still currently an ECHL team, will be the affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche after some reshuffling next season. It could be a pretty smooth exit for them, who are looking like a real contender to win a second consecutive Kelly Cup. After sweeping South Carolina in the finals last season, the Eagles are sitting at 21-5-4 and first place in the entire league this time around.

Murray Passes At 74: The hockey world suffered quite a loss on August 12th, when long-time coach and executive Bryan Murray died following a long battle with cancer. Part of quite a successful hockey family that also includes former head coach Terry Murray (brother) and former Buffalo GM Tim Murray (nephew), Bryan had a long list of accomplishments in the NHL. He won the Jack Adams trophy as Coach of the Year in 1983-84, and Executive of the Year 1996. He was instrumental in building winning franchises in Detroit, Florida, Anaheim and Ottawa, and was one of the most well respected men among NHL front offices.

$68MM For #29: After locking up Connor McDavid for another eight seasons, the Edmonton Oilers quickly went to work on a new contract for Leon Draisaitl. Though he was only just hitting restricted free agency, the team decided to offer an eight-year deal worth $68MM to ensure Draisaitl would be there for all of his prime years. Combined, the pair will carry a $21MM cap hit for nearly a decade, a number that is difficult to work around—though not impossible, as the Chicago Blackhawks have proven.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Philadelphia Flyers Place Mark Alt On Waivers

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The Philadelphia Flyers have placed Mark Alt on waivers today, likely in hopes of sending the defenseman back to the minor leagues. Dalton Prout and Dennis Rasmussen, who were both waived yesterday, have cleared and can now be assigned to the AHL for their respective teams.

Alt has played eight games for the Flyers this year, but is likely the odd man out if Brandon Manning is nearing a return. The 26-year old has shown some ability to play at the NHL level, but has never grabbed a full-time spot and held onto it. Selected in the second round in 2010, his career has been almost exclusively spent in the minor leagues.

There is a chance someone puts in a claim if they’ve seen something in Alt’s game that warrants a longer look, but it’s more likely he’ll return to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms tomorrow. They’ll welcome him back as they continue their Calder Cup chase, which is going well so far this season. The Phantoms currently have the most points in the Atlantic Division and sit at 20-9-4 on the season. A healthy Alt will only strengthen their defensive unit, and push them closer to the playoffs.

Minor Transactions: 12/29/17

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After another wild night in the NHL that saw the Vegas Golden Knights defeat their division rival Los Angeles Kings to secure top spot in the Pacific and second in the entire league, you can be sure there will be some roster movement. As always, we’ll keep track of all the minor moves throughout the day right here. Make sure to refresh regularly.

  • Gabriel Carlsson has been sent back to the minor leagues by the Columbus Blue Jackets, which could signal a return for Zach Werenski. Werenski had been skating as part of the scratch pair for a few days alongside Dean Kukan, who is the other option to enter the lineup in Carlsson’s absence. The Blue Jackets take on the struggling Ottawa Senators tonight.
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled Calvin Pickard from the minor leagues, announcing that Curtis McElhinney has a lower-body injury. McElhinney was the backup last night when the Maple Leafs took on the Arizona Coyotes and didn’t enter the game, but was expected to start in the second half of a back-to-back against the Colorado Avalanche tonight. Instead, it seems likely that Pickard will make his Maple Leafs debut against his old team.
  • After recording an assist in his return to action for the the Iowa Wild last night, Zach Parise has been recalled by the Minnesota Wild. His conditioning stint was not expected to be very long, but he remains on long-term injured reserve as he continues to work his way back. It’s not clear when he’ll be activated by the Wild, but it was a good step towards recovery yesterday for the veteran forward.
  • With Lee Stempniak not ready to go for the Carolina Hurricanes, the team has recalled Lucas Wallmark from the minor leagues. Wallmark played eight games for the club last season, but hasn’t yet suited up this year. In 20 AHL contests, Wallmark has 23 points and continues to prove that he can nearly score at will in the minor leagues.
  • Dalton Prout, having cleared waivers, has been assigned to the minor leagues by the New Jersey Devils. Prout could be called back up in case of injury, but for now will need to ply his trade in the minor leagues.
  • With Martin Hanzal dealing with a minor injury, the Dallas Stars have recalled Jason Dickinson from the AHL. Dickinson, 22, has played five games for the Stars this season but is still looking for his first point.
  • Washington has once again sent Madison Bowey and Jakub Vrana to the minor leagues, but it is likely just a paper transaction. Both players have full-time roles with the Capitals, and are only sent down on off days as a cap saving measure.

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