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Winnipeg Jets Recall Goaltender Eric Comrie

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Another goaltender is injured for the Winnipeg Jets, as Michael Hutchinson had to leave last night’s game with an upper-body injury. The team has recalled Eric Comrie under emergency conditions to fill the backup role for the time being, while Hutchinson and Steve Mason remain sidelined. No word yet on how long Hutchinson will be out.

There is also no update yet on the status of Paul Stastny, who didn’t play in the game after suffering some sort of injury in warm up. The Jets were unable to hold off the onslaught of the Nashville Predators, and now sit six points back in the race for the Western Conference top seed. Winnipeg has dealt with goaltender injuries all season, and will have to continue to rely on Connor Hellebuyck to get them through the end of the season and into the playoffs.

Comrie has played two NHL games in his short career, but boasts a solid .918 save percentage at the AHL level this year. The 22-year old second-round pick has developed nicely for the organization over the last few years, and looks poised to take over as the club’s #3 option if Hutchinson goes somewhere else in free agency.

Minor Transactions: 03/14/18

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We saw a few more hat tricks last night, as both David Pastrnak and J.T. Miller lit the lamp three times, though the latter couldn’t overcome the Ottawa Senators’ offensive onslaught. Will we see another performance like that tonight in one of the five games on the schedule? As you prepare to watch some hockey tonight, make sure to check back right here where we’ll be keeping track of all the minor moves around the league.

  • The Buffalo Sabres have recalled Justin Bailey, bringing up the 22-year old forward after just a few days in the minors. Bailey has four points in eight games for the Sabres this season, and is expected to be a real contributor down the road. His development is something to watch for frustrated Sabres fans over the remaining few weeks.
  • The Dallas Stars have recalled Dillon Heatherington as they deal with injuries suffered last night. Marc Methot was hit by a shot and had to leave the game after just 7:32 of ice time, but there is no word on how long he’ll be out. Heatherington had one point in five games earlier this season when Methot was dealing with a knee injury, and could be asked to step back in if needed.
  • After coming up yesterday under emergency conditions, Calle Rosen has been sent back to the minor leagues. The Toronto Maple Leafs had brought Rosen up as Nikita Zaitsev and Travis Dermott were dealing with illnesses, but will not need his services after all. Dermott returned to the Maple Leafs’ optional skate this morning and should play tonight against the Stars.
  • The Ottawa Senators have sent Erik Burgdoerfer back down, even after recording his first NHL point last night. The 29-year old defenseman is nothing more than a depth piece for the Senators at this point.
  • As the Pittsburgh Penguins start to get healthier up front, they’ve sent Josh Jooris back to the minor leagues to help Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Jooris played just five minutes in Sunday’s game, given just nine shifts through the entire match.

Shea Weber To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

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March 13: Weber has finally undergone surgery, and will now face a recovery period of six months. That still leaves him with time to spare to get ready for the start of next season, but does make it a little more risky should he face any setbacks. Weber’s surgery was completed in Wisconsin, by Dr. Robert Anderson.

February 22: Shea Weber will not be able to help the Montreal Canadiens again this season. The high-priced defenseman will undergo surgery to repair a tendon in his left foot, and will be shut down for the remainder of 2017-18. Weber is expected to be ready for the start of the 2018-19 regular season.

Shea WeberThis ends a long struggle for Weber, who hasn’t played since December 16th and will end the year with just 26 games. In those 26 he was off to a great start offensively, with six goals and 16 points while playing more than 25 minutes a night. His absence left a huge hole in the Canadiens lineup, one that hasn’t been able to be filled by any of the other names on the scoresheet.

Unfortunately for Montreal, even making the decision to shut him down now comes with some distressing outlooks. Weber will be 33 when next season starts, and about 10 months removed from a regular season NHL game. He’ll be coming off one of his first major injuries, and will still have eight years on his current contract that comes with a cap hit of nearly $7.9MM. It’s tough to project anything but a decline for the perennial Norris candidate, which could cause Montreal to take another step backwards.

The Canadiens have had a terrible season, but committing to anything but a playoff run for 2018-19 seems impossible with Weber’s contract and Carey Price just starting his eight-year $84MM extension. The team will have to try and find a way to get better, and though Weber’s return will help it’s not guaranteed to get them there by itself.

The next few days will set the tone for next season, with names like Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk still floating out their as possible trade bait. Both players are under contract for next year and could be part of the solution, though carry enough value to bring back several future assets. Whether draft picks and prospects are the target of GM Marc Bergevin is still to be seen, as his team looks like it needs more immediate help.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

NCAA Notes: Mittelstadt, Belpedio, Hillman

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After an impressive rookie season in the collegiate ranks, and an MVP performance at the World Junior Championships, Casey Mittelstadt has staked a claim as one of the best prospects in hockey. His latest accomplishment is being named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and will soon have to decide whether or not to become a professional or return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore season.

Though he gives no pretense of inside knowledge, Mike Morreale of NHL.com believes there is a “good chance” that Mittelstadt turns pro next season, something that will come as music to the ears of Buffalo Sabres fans. Buffalo has struggled through another terrible season, and will have a good shot at drafting Rasmus Dahlin or one of the other top names this June. Mittelstadt’s appearance on the NHL squad would give them another piece to build around, and someone to support Jack Eichel and company in their quest for the playoffs.

  • Louis Belpedio doesn’t have a decision to make over whether or not to turn pro this summer, but instead how long he’ll wait before doing it. After completing his senior season at Miami University (Ohio), the Minnesota Wild draft pick could delay signing until August when he would become an unrestricted free agent. Michael Russo of The Athletic (subscription required) reports that scenario seems unlikely at this point, as the two sides are moving towards a two-year entry-level contract. Belpedio scored 30 points in 37 games during his senior season, and could be a useful piece of the Minnesota defense in the coming years.
  • Scott Powers of The Athletic (subscription required) also gives us a long in-depth profile on Blake Hillman, a Chicago Blackhawks prospect who looks ready to turn pro in the coming weeks. Powers believes Hillman will “likely sign after this season” and even his head coach at the University of Denver Jim Montgomery seems to agree. Montgomery called Hillman “extremely close to being ready” for his pro transition, meaning Blackhawks fans could see another legitimate NHL prospect enter the system before long.

San Jose Sharks Sign Antoine Bibeau To Two-Year Extension

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The San Jose Sharks have signed goaltender Antoine Bibeau to a two-year contract extension, avoiding restricted free agency with the 23-year old goaltender. Bibeau will be the third Sharks goaltender to start an extension next season, after Martin Jones and Aaron Dell already inked contracts in the past year. Financial details have not been released.

Bibeau was signed to a one-year two-way deal last offseason after going unqualified by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and has posted strong numbers with the San Jose Barracuda. His .928 save percentage puts him third in the AHL behind only Michael Hutchinson and former teammate Garret Sparks, and has once again sparked his potential as a future NHL netminder. Though he wasn’t selected until the sixth round in 2013, his size—6’3″ 207-lbs—and athleticism is an intriguing combination for the Sharks. While they’re set at the NHL level for the next few seasons with Jones and Dell, every organization needs a solid #3 to step up if injuries should occur.

In two games with the Maple Leafs last season, Bibeau actually played quite well stopping 51 of 55 shots for a .927 save percentage. He’ll be tasked with the starting job for the Barracuda for the time being, but could play himself into a very interesting position after the 2019-20 season. Bibeau will finish this extension at the age of 26, and will qualify for unrestricted free agency. Even without much NHL experience, if his success at the AHL level continues he could be an interesting trade chip or piece in free agency for a club willing to take a risk.

 

Boston Bruins Sign Trent Frederic To Entry-Level Deal

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In a move that could have an impact on the Boston Bruins as soon as next season, Trent Frederic has signed his three-year entry-level contract and an amateur tryout with the Providence Bruins for the remainder of this season. Frederic only recently finished his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin, but is already a two-way force that could jump right to the NHL.

Though he was a controversial first-round selection when he was taken 29th-overall in 2016, Frederic has shown exactly what the Bruins saw in him since joining Wisconsin. In two years at the college level, Frederic has scored 65 points in 66 games while showing a responsibility in his own end and the ability to play in all situations. He scored five goals for Team USA at the latest World Junior Championships, taking home a bronze medal in the process.

Whether he was taken too early or not, the Bruins look to have another good young forward on his way to the professional ranks. Already one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, much of Boston’s success has been predicated on the play of a group of rookies like Charlie McAvoy, Danton Heinen, and Jake Debrusk. With other collegiate talents like Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson and Anders Bjork just as close to making an impact, and players like Frederic still coming, the Bruins talent level should be as high as it has been in quite some time.

The 6’3″ 215-lbs Frederic is another center prospect for the Bruins, and will immediately get some experience in professional hockey with the P-Bruins. Providence is in the hunt for a playoff spot in the AHL, and should be able to give a good amount of experience to the 20-year old forward. If he does well down the stretch, he could challenge for a spot with Boston out of camp.

Philadelphia Flyers Sign Maksim Sushko

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The Philadelphia Flyers have announced a three-year entry-level contract with Maksim Sushko, which will begin during the 2018-19 season. Sushko is currently playing for the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL, where he has 55 points in 57 games.

Selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft, Sushko has made quite the impact on the hockey world this season. After winning a gold medal at last year’s second division World Juniors, he captained Belarus this time around in the main tournament and recorded eight points in six games. Unfortunately, despite his strong play the club went winless in the tournament and will be relegated once again.

Now he’s back with the Attack and is on his way to the OHL playoffs, as one of the team’s top players. His 30 goals include six short-handed tallies, which ties him for the lead in the entire CHL. That comes as evidence of his frenetic work ethic, which has Sushko always moving his feet and looking for opportunities to create offense. Though he has some trouble drifting out of position in his own end, his talent in the offensive zone will immediately make him a prospect to watch in the Flyers’ system. He only turned 19 last month, meaning he is likely headed back to the OHL for another season in 2018-19.

Snapshots: Futa, Seattle, Ference

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As he did last year when interviewed by the Buffalo Sabres for their GM job, Mike Futa has reportedly pulled out of the running for the Carolina Hurricanes vacancy. That’s according to Elliotte Friedman and John Shannon of Sportsnet, who explain that Futa is focused on the Los Angeles Kings’ playoff run instead of getting caught up in a possible promotion.

Last year, Futa said that he was excited for his new role with the Kings as he’d just recently been promoted to assistant General Manager, and now it looks like they’re in no danger of losing him. The Kings are in third place in the Pacific Division and are still among the league leaders in fewest goals against.

  • Tod Leiweke, brother of Tim Leiweke who is heading the group applying for an expansion franchise in Seattle, has left his role in the NFL and will join the group bringing hockey to the Pacific Northwest. As Shannon reports, Tod Leiweke has been involved with several NHL teams in the past including Tampa Bay and Vancouver. The brothers are joined by David Bonderman, a billionaire investor, and several other high-profile names determined to bring hockey back to Seattle. The expansion application has already been filed, and the city’s season ticket drive was a huge success.
  • Andrew Ference was a respected leader during his playing career, and will now join the NHL as Director of Social Impact, Growth & Fan Development. Ference played parts of 16 years in the NHL, suiting up for 907 regular season games and raising the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011. He served as captain in Edmonton for two seasons, where he grew up and still resides.

Pro Football Rumors: Your Source For NFL Offseason Coverage

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NFL free agency doesn’t officially begin until Wednesday, but the league’s top free agents are already negotiating with teams and lining up new deals. Our sister site Pro Football Rumors has all the latest breaking news and rumors to keep you up to date.

Already, some of this year’s marquee free agents are primed to change teams. Prized quarterback Kirk Cousins is reportedly on the verge of an unprecedented fully guaranteed three-year contract with the Vikings, leaving the Jets and Cardinals to scramble for other options. Minnesota’s own standout quarterback, Case Keenum, has agreed to join the Broncos. The Bears, meanwhile, are adding this year’s top wide receiver in Allen Robinson, as well as No. 1 free agent tight end Trey Burton. Sammy Watkins, an accomplished receiver in his own right, is headed to the Chiefs.

And that’s not all. Tons of names on PFR’s list of 2018’s top 50 free agents remain on the market! To keeps tabs on all the latest NFL offseason news and rumors, be sure to visit Pro Football Rumors and follow along on Twitter @PFRumors.

ECHL Announces Changes For 2018-19 Season

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The ECHL is slowly getting more of a reputation as a development league vital to NHL success. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins have put a lot of resources into creating a sort of “AA” squad, where players can work on specific skills before making the jump to the AHL. Next year, the league will make some changes to their alignment, while also introducing and saying goodbye to various clubs.

St. John’s, Newfoundland in Canada will welcome minor league hockey back, as the ECHL will expand to the maritime city. The Maple Leafs are expected to change their affiliation from the Orlando Solar Bears to St. John’s, where they previously housed their AHL team for many years.

The Quad City Mallards, affiliated with the Vegas Golden Knights this season, have withdrawn their membership from the ECHL and will cease operations. The Mallards actually signed a multi-year partnership with Vegas, who will now be left to find another affiliate for next season.

Alignment will change with the team changes, and the league will be as follows in 2018-19:

North Division

Adirondack Thunder
Brampton Beast
Maine Mariners
Manchester Monarchs
Reading Royals
St. John’s (TBA)
Worcester Railers

South Division

Atlanta Gladiators
Florida Everblades
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Jacksonville Icemen
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
South Carolina Stingrays

Central Division

Cincinnati Cyclones
Fort Wayne Komets
Indy Fuel
Kalamazoo Wings
Toledo Walleye
Wheeling Nailers

Mountain Division

Allen Americans
Idaho Steelheads
Kansas City Mavericks
Rapid City Rush
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wichita Thunder

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