Headlines

Go To MLB Trade Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Archives for March 2018

Daniel Brickley Narrows List To Five Teams

at CDT | by 10 Comments

Monday: Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports there are visits scheduled for Los Angeles, Detroit and San Jose, while two other clubs are still involved but don’t have any meetings on the books. One of those could be the Dallas Stars, as Sean Shapiro of The Athletic confirms that they’re still in the running.  McKenzie adds that the finalists are all US-based clubs, and Michael Russo of The Athletic reports that the Minnesota Wild didn’t make the final cut.

Sunday: Minnesota State defenseman Daniel Brickley is the top player available in college free agency and it appears he is getting closer to picking his new team.  TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports (Twitter link) that the 22-year-old has narrowed his list of NHL teams to sign with down to five with a decision expected to come in the next few days.

Brickley is coming off of another stellar season with the Mavericks, collecting ten goals and 25 assists in just 40 games.  He is eligible to return for his senior year but with it being reported earlier this month that 30 NHL teams had expressed an interest in his services, the timing is certainly right for him to make the jump.

He will be limited to signing a two-year, entry-level contract which carries a maximum base salary of $925K (including a 10% signing bonus).  It’s all but a foregone conclusion that Brickley will get that wherever he lands so the next question becomes how many performance bonuses will be in the deal.  Those are also capped at a maximum of $2.85MM.

As several top college players do each year, it’s likely that Brickley will sign a deal that burns the first year of his contract this season, allowing him to get to restricted free agency one year earlier.  However, even if he does that, he will not be eligible to play in the postseason so his NHL exposure this season will be limited to just the next two weeks.

Troy Terry Signs Entry-Level Deal With Anaheim Ducks

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

6:50pm: The Ducks have made it official, signing Terry to a three-year entry-level contract. He’ll join the Ducks this season, and could play for them in the playoffs.

2:21pm: The run on top NCAA producers is on after the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, and the Anaheim Ducks aren’t ones to be left behind. Darren Dreger or TSN reports that the Ducks are expected to sign University of Denver standout Troy Terry either today or tomorrow. Denver was eliminated by Ohio State yesterday, but it wasn’t certain that Terry would forego his senior season to turn pro. That decision has apparently been made, meaning the Ducks will be able to add the talented forward without worrying about him possibly testing free agency next summer.

Terry, 20, was a fifth-round pick of the Ducks back in 2015 but has developed into an NHL-ready forward over the past few seasons. After scoring the gold medal-winning goal in the World Juniors, recording 45 points for Denver and taking home the National Championship, Terry returned to DU for his junior year and was selected to the 2018 US Olympic squad as one of their few college-aged players. Though Team USA didn’t bring home a medal, Terry recorded five points and looked like one of the more dangerous players in the tournament.

The Ducks have a few high-end forward prospects, but lucking out on one like Terry in the fifth round gives their system a huge boost. The young center might still have some work to do to become an impact player in the NHL, but the fact that he could potentially skip the AHL entirely and be a full-time player on their squad in 2018-19 is an impressive feat. If he does sign today and join the club, look for him to get into some action down the stretch and even give them an extra boost for the playoffs.

Henrik Borgstrom Signs Entry-Level Contract With Florida Panthers

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Another University of Denver forward has decided to turn pro, as Henrik Borgstrom has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers. DU was eliminated from the NCAA tournament this weekend, meaning Borgstrom is free to start his professional career.

Borgstrom, 20, was selected 23rd-overall by the Panthers in 2016 after starring in the Finnish junior leagues, and immediately became a dominant presence in the collegiate ranks. Able to stickhandle his way out of trouble, Borgstrom is an elite offensive talent that can protect the puck and find his way through traffic to generate scoring opportunities. He’d be successful even as an undersized player, but stands 6’3″ 195-lbs and has improved his physicality over the last year. He’ll likely be a full-time player for the Panthers in short order, but could really become a key member of their forward group if he continues to round out his game and compete in the defensive end.

After just two seasons in the NCAA, Borgstrom was named NCHC Player of the Year and is a finalist for the Hobey Baker award. He was also one of the most asked about prospects at the trade deadline, as GM Dale Tallon explained earlier this month. In the release announcing the signing Tallon spoke again about his prize prospect:

Henrik is a highly-talented, exciting and dynamic young forward who has been a dominant player over his last two seasons in Denver. In a short time he has put together an accomplished career in the college game, including a national championship. We are thrilled to have him take the next step in his development with the Panthers. Henrik’s addition to our skilled, young core of players further strengthens our foundation for success for years to come.

The young core that Tallon mentions is getting more impressive every day. Led by 22-year old Aleksander Barkov, who has morphed into a legitimate MVP candidate, and supported by others like Jonathan Huberdeau and Vincent Trocheck, the Panthers have a group that seems destined for some playoff appearances even if they miss out again this season. With Borgstrom, Owen Tippett and Aleksi Heponiemi ready to make an impact before long, that group could be one of the most dangerous in the NHL in the offensive zone.

Dylan Gambrell Signs Entry-Level Deal With San Jose Sharks

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The NCAA signing madness continues, with Dylan Gambrell officially inking his entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks. Gambrell was expected to turn pro after his junior season at the University of Denver, and will sign the maximum two-year entry-level deal. It’s not clear if the contract will start this season or next, which will determine whether or not he suits up for the Sharks or San Jose Barracuda down the stretch.

Gambrell, 21, was selected in the second round in his final year of eligibility in 2016 and is a dynamic offensive player. Recording at least 40 points in each of his three seasons at DU, and was a nominee for the 2018 Hobey Baker Memorial Award as one of the best players in the country. Part of a trio of talented DU forwards heading for the NHL (Troy Terry, Henrik Borgstrom), Gambrell is sometimes considered a byproduct of the solid Denver program and doubted for his ability to continue producing at the next level.

Still, there is something to be said about the ability to perform alongside talented players and Gambrell has basically never disappointed in that role. He’ll likely need to be featured on a scoring line to really reach his NHL ceiling, but his versatility and work ethic could allow him to fit into a role in the bottom six. His vision and ability to get the puck to teammates in space is excellent, and though there are few standout physical skills that would separate him from the pack in the professional ranks—except perhaps his first few strides, which are quick and powerful—he always seems to drive play in the offensive zone.

St. Louis Blues Sign Three College Prospects

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The St. Louis Blues have announced a trio of signings yesterday, inking draft picks Nolan Stevens and Austin Poganski to two-year entry-level contracts, while also signing free agent Mitch Reinke to a two-year entry-level deal. Stevens’ and Reinke’s contracts will begin this season and will both report to the Blues this week, while Poganski will head to the AHL on an amateur tryout, and see his contract start in the 2018-19 season.

Stevens, son of Los Angeles Kings head coach John Stevens, could have become an unrestricted free agent this summer had he waited until the middle of August. He has just finished his senior season at Northeastern, where he captained the team after his brother, also named John Stevens, left for the New York Islanders organization last year. The younger Stevens is a better offensive player than his brother, and put up a college career-high 24 goals this season, trailing only Vancouver Canucks prospect and potential Hobey Baker winner Adam Gaudette for the team lead. The 21-year old is a big bodied forward that could use some time in the minor leagues, but likely used his pending free agency as leverage to start his entry-level deal this season.

Like Stevens, Poganski also could have become a free agent after four years at the University of North Dakota. The 22-year forward isn’t as creative in the offensive zone, but plays a heavy game with an emphasis on a punishing forecheck and driving to the net. Selected in the fourth round four years ago, he put up solid if unspectacular offensive numbers at UND while filling a two-way role behind more heralded prospects.

Reinke on the other hand was never drafted, but instead starred at Michigan Tech and was a big part of getting them into the NCAA tournament this year. The 22-year old defenseman moves the puck quickly and effectively, and recorded 24 points in 35 games as a sophomore this season. As the NHL sees more and more smaller, mobile defensemen enter the league, Reinke will try to be the latest to make an impact from the college ranks.

Eric Robinson Signs With Columbus Blue Jackets

at CDT | by 2 Comments

The Columbus Blue Jackets have wasted no time jumping into the college free agent market, signing Princeton University captain Eric Robinson to a two-year entry-level contract. Princeton was eliminated from the NCAA tournament this weekend, meaning the senior captain could turn pro. Robinson will join the Blue Jackets right away, meeting them in Edmonton on Tuesday. The deal is worth an average annual value of $925K, with maximum bonuses according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.

Robinson, 22, couldn’t get his club past Ohio State on Saturday, but completed his senior season with a solid 31 points in 36 games. Though he wasn’t used as the primary offensive weapon on his club, there are some who believe that he can grow into a bigger scoring role in the future. Instead, Robinson was tasked with a two-way role that has prepared him for life at the professional level. His heavy game fits nicely with what the Blue Jackets have built over the last few years, and he could get right into the lineup for them now that Nick Foligno is out for the next few weeks.

Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen had this to say about the young forward:

Eric is a power forward with excellent speed who plays a very reliable two-way game and brings the type of character and leadership we value as an organization. He will join our team for the rest of the regular season and we are excited about his future with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets are likely heading to the playoffs again this season, and Robinson could give them some extra depth during a run towards what will be a brutal Eastern Conference bracket. Right now, the team is scheduled to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round though that could easily change in the next few days.

Chicago Blackhawks Sign Joni Tuulola To Entry-Level Deal

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Monday: The Blackhawks have officially announced the signing, and that Tuulola will report to the Rockford Icehogs for the rest of the season.

Thursday: According to Scott Powers of The Athletic (subscription required), the Chicago Blackhawks have signed Joni Tuulola to a two-year entry-level contract. Tuulola is expected to head to the AHL for the rest of the season, now that his year in Finland is over.

Tuulola, 22, was selected in the sixth round in the 2015 draft but broke out this season playing in Vaasa, Finland. After previously recording a career-high of 14 points, he registered 30 in 58 games for Sport, leading their defense corps in scoring while taking on a much bigger role. Part of the 2016 gold medal-winning Finnish World Junior Squad, Tuulola has developed nicely over the last few years and will now try professional hockey in North America.

Though he could potentially show enough at training camp to earn a spot with the Blackhawks, Tuulola’s role is more likely on the Rockford IceHogs next season as he adapts to the different league. The Blackhawks already have six NHL defensemen under contract for next season, and will have quite a battle for playing time in the AHL.

Minor Transactions: 03/26/18

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

As teams around the league continue to snap up their college recruits and add them to the NHL roster, others are just playing out the string hoping for better odds at the draft lottery. Still, the league will continue to make minor transactions right up until the end of the season and we’ll keep track of them all right here. Check back throughout the day to stay up to date.

  • After announcing that Nick Foligno will be out for two to four weeks, the Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled Alex Broadhurst from the minor leagues. Broadhurst has yet to make his NHL debut, but leads the Cleveland Monsters in scoring this season with 41 points in 66 games. Foligno will try to get back in time for the playoffs, but in the meantime the Blue Jackets will need to sort out their center position without his help.
  • Pheonix Copley is on his way back to the minor leagues, now that Braden Holtby has overcome the minor injury he was dealing with. Copley didn’t get into a game in his short stint, and is still waiting to make his Washington Capitals debut. The 26-year old goaltender could get a chance next season, if the Capitals decide that a new contract for Philipp Grubauer—who is scheduled to be a restricted free agent once again—is too expensive.
  • The Calgary Flames have swapped goaltenders, sending David Rittich to the minor leagues while recalling Jon Gillies. The Flames are all but eliminated from postseason contention after losing five in a row, and will have a tough offseason to deal with after trading several future draft picks to try and contend for the Stanley Cup this season.
  • Roberto Luongo is healthy for the Florida Panthers, as they have assigned Harri Sateri back to the minor leagues. The Panthers are in action tonight against the New York Islanders, with James Reimer starting in goal.

Adam Gaudette Signs Entry-Level Deal With Vancouver Canucks

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Now that his junior season with Northeastern is over, Adam Gaudette has decided to turn pro and sign his entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks. The deal is for three years, and he will join the Canucks right away, burning the first season in 2017-18.

Gaudette, 21, is the odds-on favorite to take home this year’s Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the best collegiate player in the country. Though his Northeastern squad was eliminated from the NCAA tournament this weekend at the hands of Michigan, his 60-point season did not go unnoticed. The fifth-round pick has developed into an all-around talent that can contribute defensively and create offensive opportunities on seemingly every shift. Vancouver GM Jim Benning released the following statement on Gaudette:

Adam has had a remarkable season and college career playing at Northeastern. He’s a very talented player and has shown an ability to score, make plays and contribute in all situations at the collegiate level. We’re excited to have him join our team and continue his development as a professional.

Leading the nation in scoring and potentially winning the Hobey Baker is an accomplishment to be sure, but Gaudette’s real text will come at the NHL level. He’s expected to get into some games before the end of the season, similar the the path taken by new teammate Brock Boeser last year. While there is no guarantee those two play together, they do seem like a fit that could work down the line. Though he scored 30 goals this season, Gaudette isn’t armed with the same type of pure goal-scoring ability that Boeser possesses, and instead could turn into more of a facilitator for his linemates by using his strength and speed to create room in the offensive zone.

Vancouver, like Buffalo who signed fellow NCAA superstar Casey Mittelstadt earlier today, is looking ahead to the draft lottery and next season already. While getting Gaudette into some NHL action to see what he can do is important, the team is hoping for much better things in 2018-19 when they can forget about this season and build towards the future. With top prospects Elias Pettersson and Olli Juolevi already in the pipeline, another top pick will make quite the bright future for the Canucks and Gaudette is certainly part of that.

Casey Mittelstadt Turns Pro, Signs Three-Year Entry-Level Contract

at CDT | by 1 Comment

Buffalo fans rejoice. Casey Mittelstadt has decided to turn pro and sign his three-year entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres. He’ll report immediately to the NHL team, and according to CapFriendly will burn the first season of the deal despite being just 19. That’s because of a clause in the CBA making his contract ineligible to slide as he turns 20 between September 16 and December 31 of the year it was signed.

Arguably the top prospect in the entire league, Mittelstadt has gone from eighth-overall pick to potential franchise-changing talent in the span of less than a year. One of his biggest critiques going into the draft last summer was the fact that he spent much of the 2016-17 season playing at the high school level, one that is generally regarded as lower competition than the elite junior leagues of his contemporaries. His fitness was questioned at the combine, while some questioned whether he’d be able to survive at center in the NHL. All that went out the window as soon as Mittelstadt joined the University of Minnesota, where he starred immediately and was nominated for the Hobey Baker award as a freshman.

Playing for Team USA at the World Juniors, Mittelstadt was the most dangerous player on the ice and took home tournament MVP after an 11-point performance. He would take home a bronze medal, but once again showed he could dominate whoever he came up against. He’ll face the toughest challenge of his life as he jumps right to the NHL, but will likely be surrounded by Buffalo’s most talented players.

Mittelstadt is a natural playmaker who loves to hold the puck on his stick just an extra second to open up room for teammates. Though it is still to be seen whether the NHL will afford him the time to make those plays, Buffalo is getting an extremely talented player to fit in alongside the Jack Eichel-led rebuild.

The Sabres are currently sitting in last place in the entire NHL and have the best odds at securing Rasmus Dahlin in June, which, along with Mittelstadt’s early exit from Minnesota, could push the team to new heights in 2018-19. Though there is more work to be done this summer to address the defensive group and goaltending situation, Buffalo looks more poised than ever to climb out of the basement and fight for a playoff spot.

Pro Hockey Rumors is not affiliated with National Hockey League, NHL or NHL.com

scroll to top