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Archives for July 2018

Snapshots: Rangers, Wilson, Mitchell

July 17, 2018 at 1:50 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

The New York Rangers have hired David Oliver and Greg Brown as assistant coaches, rounding out David Quinn’s new staff in preparation for 2018-19. Lindy Ruff, a holdover from the last staff, will also be retained as an assistant. Oliver actually hired Quinn as head coach when working as GM of the Lake Erie Monsters, and even served as an assistant for him before the head coach was promoted to Colorado and then departed for Boston University.

Brown is coming in from Boston College where he has spent nearly a decade and a half, coaching elite collegiate talents including Rangers forwards Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes. Quinn should be quite familiar with Brown from their days coaching against each other at the college level, and will try to bring a new enthusiasm and style to the Rangers as they continue to rebuild their NHL organization.

  • Tom Wilson is still without a contract, and according to Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post the Capitals preference is to work out a long-term deal with the power forward. The two sides have had “steady dialogue” and GM Brian MacLellan admitted that he’s the top priority right now. Even if a deal isn’t imminent, it’s clear that there will be something done to keep Wilson playing for the Capitals for some time. After a successful season with 35 points, Wilson really dominated in the playoffs for the Capitals and recorded 15 points in 21 games while making an impact physically on almost every shift. Selected in the first round six years ago with a hope that he’d turn into a premiere power forward in the NHL, the Capitals and Wilson are starting to see the results of his hard work.
  • Torrey Mitchell has signed a one-year contract in Switzerland, leaving the NHL after a decade and 666 regular season games. The 33-year old forward recorded 11 points last season while suiting up for 60 games between the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings, but may not have received much interest in free agency. He’ll join Lausanne HC for next season to hit the ice with other former NHL players like Joel Vermin, Dustin Jeffrey and Christoph Bertschy.

David Quinn| Free Agency| Los Angeles Kings| New York Rangers| Snapshots| Washington Capitals Christoph Bertschy

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Flames Re-Sign Goaltender Jon Gillies

July 17, 2018 at 1:05 pm CDT | by Zach Leach Leave a Comment

Tuesday: The Flames have officially announced the contract, confirming the financial details reported by Lavoie.

Monday: The Calgary Flames may have hinted at who they feel their goalie of the future is with a contract inked this evening. TVA’s Renaud Lavoie reports that the Flames have signed 24-year-old Jon Gillies to a two-year contract extension worth $750K against the cap in each season. The first year of contract is of a two-way nature, while the second is a one-way deal, according to Lavoie.

Gillies made a career-high 11 NHL appearances last year in his third pro season, but his .896 save percentage, 2.88 GAA, and five losses were not overly impressive. However, Gillies enjoyed a second straight strong season with the AHL’s Stockton Heat, posting a .917 save percentage and 2.53 GAA in 39 games. Yet, fellow up-and-coming keeper David Rittich outplayed Gillies in the NHL and saw more action, even though he struggled in the AHL. Based on last season alone, many would have assumed that Rittich had the upper hand heading into training camp this fall, where the two are expected to battle for the backup spot behind Mike Smith. 

Yet, Gillies’ extension may prove otherwise. A one-way contract in 2019-20 could indicate that the Flames fully expect Gillies to be a full-time NHLer in two years. If he isn’t, then Calgary risks losing him on waivers at that time. Flames beat writer Ryan Pike also points out that Gillies needs 16 appearances – five more than last year – or he will otherwise become a Group 6 free agent at the end of the contract. If the Flames want to protect Gillies long-term, they need to get him into some games. Of course, this whole status quo all change with the arbitration decision in Rittich’s case, but it certainly seems as if the organization may be leaning toward Gillies as their goalie of the future.

AHL| Arbitration| Calgary Flames| Waivers David Rittich| Jon Gillies| Mike Smith

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San Jose Sharks Place Noah Rod On Unconditional Waivers

July 17, 2018 at 11:33 am CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

It sounds like the end of the line for Noah Rod in a San Jose Sharks uniform, as the team has placed him on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. Rod only signed his entry-level contract in March of 2017, but will likely return to Switzerland after playing just 11 games for the Sharks’ AHL affiliate. Selected in the second round in 2014, Rod is only 22 years old.

It’s a tough end to the relationship for a young prospect and team, given that there wasn’t much of an evaluation period. Rod made it clear that he only wanted to play for the Sharks, not the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, and returned to Switzerland quickly after failing to make the NHL. Though he wasn’t playing against the very top competition in the AHL or NLA, he did go up against some of the best in the world at the most recent World Championships where Switzerland took home a silver medal. He was held scoreless in the tournament, which isn’t very surprising given his relatively low point totals throughout his professional career.

Rod is a ball of energy on the ice, banging and crashing in all three zones. It’s that limited offensive ceiling that makes this loss easier to swallow for the Sharks, who while sinking some expensive draft capital into the player couldn’t have expected a top-six player at this point. There is a chance he catches on with another NHL team at some point, but if he remains unwilling to go to the minor leagues first there may not be a spot for him. Instead, the winger will likely continue to suit up in the NLA and for his country internationally, trying to develop his game further.

AHL| San Jose Sharks| Waivers

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Pittsburgh Penguins Re-Sign Three Players

July 17, 2018 at 9:56 am CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed three minor league players, inking Teddy Blueger, Thomas Di Pauli and Ethan Prow to one-year two-way contracts worth $650K at the NHL. All three signings had been noted previously, but are now officially on the books for the Penguins.

All three players are still waiting on their NHL debuts, but will continue to contribute to what has become a very successful minor league development system over the years. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins were among the AHL’s best teams last year, and the Wheeling Nailers have been a true lower-level development program for the Penguins for some time. In fact, Prow even played three games for the Nailers this season when there wasn’t enough minutes to go around in the AHL, something the Penguins have embraced in their three-tiered system. Prow, an undrafted defenseman out of the NCAA, also recorded 17 points in 40 games for WBS this season.

Out of the three players Blueger likely has the best chance at ever making an impact at the NHL level, though that chance remains quite low. The second-round pick scored 45 points in the AHL last season and continued to grow into a legitimate offensive threat. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him get a short call-up this season if the Penguins get into injury trouble, but all three players should spend the majority of the season in the minor leagues. The Penguins are fine with paying for experienced depth in the AHL though, and have continually brought in four-year college players to fill out their ranks.

AHL| Pittsburgh Penguins

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Blake Coleman, Stefan Noesen Re-Sign With New Jersey Devils

July 17, 2018 at 9:26 am CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

Blake Coleman scored 13 goals and 25 points in his first full NHL season and has now been rewarded for his success. The New Jersey Devils have agreed to terms with Coleman on a three-year contract that will pay him $1.8MM annually. The deal comes ahead of Coleman’s scheduled July 22nd arbitration hearing, which will no longer be required. The team also announced they’ve come to terms with Stefan Noesen on a one-year deal worth $1.725MM ahead of his August 1st hearing.

Coleman, 26, broke out last year as an extremely effective checking option for the Devils who continuously engages physically, has the speed to create offense from turnovers and is an excellent option on the penalty kill. His 216 hits led New Jersey and put him ninth among all league forwards, and his 22 of his points came during the 12 minutes a night of even-strength ice time he received. The other three points—all of which were goals—came while on the penalty kill, putting him among the league leaders in short-handed scoring as well.

Selected in the third round in 2011 (his second year of eligibility), Coleman spent four years in the NCAA honing his skills before even signing his first professional contract. He’s only now showing off the skills he can bring to the Devils’ bottom six, and has been rewarded with some stability in a two-year deal. If he can keep scoring highlight reel goals and shutting down the opposing forwards he’ll have more than rewarded New Jersey for their $3.6MM commitment.

Lining up beside him for many of the defensive draws was Noesen, who also played a key defensive role for the Devils this year. Once a top prospect selected in the first round, Noesen was placed on waivers during the 2016-17 season and claimed by New Jersey. The 25-year old found some great success this past season with 27 points despite his tough role, and is being rewarded for it handsomely. He’ll still be a restricted free agent at the end of the contract, but is likely just happy he’s with an organization who gave him a full-time role.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

New Jersey Devils Blake Coleman| Stefan Noesen

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Jason Zucker Hoping To Stay In Minnesota

July 16, 2018 at 7:06 pm CDT | by Zach Leach 8 Comments

Of all the players scheduled for salary arbitration in the coming weeks, perhaps no case is likely to go all the way through the hearing and the decision than that of Jason Zucker. The Minnesota Wild forward is coming off of an incredible year, scoring a career-high 33 goals and 64 points, both of which were top-three for Minnesota. However, he is also coming off of a $2MM salary and is due a substantial raise. The problem with this scenario is that the Wild are lacking in cap flexibility, facing less than $11MM in space with both Zucker and young stalwart defender  Matt Dumba yet to sign. A lack of cap space cannot be used as an argument in an arbitration hearing, but Minnesota will use whatever else they can to drive down the price on Zucker. If they are unsuccessful, Zucker is likely to land in the $5MM+ range that could make things difficult on the Wild and possibly force a trade.

For what it’s worth, Zucker hopes that it won’t come to that. Speaking with Dane Mizutani of TwinCities.com, Zucker confirms that he and agent Eustace King are still busy negotiating with the Wild in hopes of coming to a resolution. Zucker states:

“I want to be in Minnesota; I love Minnesota. My family roots are now here. This is a second home to us and I want to be here. We have a great team. We have a lot of really good things going for us. … If it was my choice, I’d be here playing for the Wild next season.”

The 26-year-old met his wife in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and the couple now have two kids. Mizutani writes that Zucker is also very involved with the community, including leading a campaign to support a local children’s hospital. He clearly has strong ties to the area and a passion for the organization and would like to stay put.

With that said, Zucker also understands the reality of the situation. He adds that “it’s part of the business. If I get traded, it is what it is and I’ll look forward to a fresh start.” Zucker is confident in his ability, even stating that he feels he has room to get better and would likely expect to be compensated as such. Zucker sounds like he is honestly hoping to remain with Minnesota, but also doesn’t sound like a player about to take a hometown discount. Only time, and possibly an arbitrator, will tell what happens next with Zucker and the Wild.

Arbitration| Minnesota Wild| Paul Fenton Jason Zucker

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Colorado Avalanche Sign Three RFAs

July 16, 2018 at 5:58 pm CDT | by Zach Leach Leave a Comment

The Colorado Avalanche are down to one restricted free agent remaining – defenseman Patrik Nemeth – after announcing three contract extensions today with RFAs. Goaltender Spencer Martin, defenseman Ryan Graves, and defenseman Mason Geertsen, whose deal had already been leaked, have all signed one-year contracts for upcoming season. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Martin, the most well-known of the trio, has been a mainstay in net in the minors for the Avalanche for the past few years. Martin has made 84 starts for the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage over the past two seasons as well as three NHL appearances. Martin’s numbers at both levels are rather pedestrian, but the 23-year-old was Colorado’s top goaltender prospect until the team used a third-round pick on big Finnish keeper Justus Annunen this June. Between losing that title and the team’s additions of Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz in net, Martin is facing a big season in 2018-19 with his relevance in the Avs’ system in doubt.

Graves, 23, was just recently acquired by Colorado at the trade deadline in a swap of defensive prospects with the New York Rangers. The big blue liner was a 2013 fourth-round pick who has produced well in the AHL to this point in his pro career, but has yet to get a shot at the NHL. Graves is far from a polished prospect but still has some upside to his game that brings both physicality and play-making ability.

Like Graves, Geertsen has also failed to make it to the highest level yet in his career. Similar to Graves in size and experience, at 23 Geertsen still lacks a pro-caliber offensive game. Last season was his first spent entirely in the AHL, as Geertsen has previously spent extensive time in the ECHL.

AHL| Colorado Avalanche| ECHL| New York Rangers| Prospects| RFA Patrik Nemeth| Philipp Grubauer

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Snapshots: KHL, Steelheads, Buchberger

July 16, 2018 at 4:56 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

According to Igor Eronko of Sport-Express, Philip Holm has signed with the Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo of the KHL, ending his North American career before it ever really took off. After signing last summer with the Vancouver Canucks, Holm played in one NHL game and was eventually traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Brendan Leipsic. Given no NHL playing time in Vegas, he’s decided to go to the KHL where he should receive plenty of minutes and be able to show off his offensive upside. Holm was given a qualifying offer meaning the Golden Knights will retain his rights.

Former Canucks top prospect Nicklas Jensen will also be remaining in the KHL next year, after agreed to use his one-year option with Jokerit. Jensen scored 37 points to lead Jokerit last season, after failing to carve out a role with the New York Rangers in 2016-17. A talented offensive forward who has dominated the AHL at times, Jensen is now 25 and may not get another chance at the NHL level in his career.

  • The Dallas Stars have reached a two-year agreement with the Idaho Steelheads to continue their minor league partnership, extending a long affiliation with the ECHL club. The Steelheads have won two Kelly Cups during their partnership with the Stars, and will be looking for another one in 2018-19 after going 44-20-8 last season. One of the most successful ECHL teams (and before that WCHL teams) in history, Dallas will continue to supply them with talented players for at least the next two seasons.
  • Kelly Buchberger is the latest New York Islanders assistant coach to find work elsewhere, hired as head coach of the Tri-City Americans of the WHL. When Barry Trotz was brought in as the new head coach of the Islanders it was expected he would bring an entire new staff, and Buchberger has found a nice landing spot as the bench boss of the Americans. Tri-City has been to the WHL playoffs in 14 of the last 15 seasons, though they are still looking for a championship; Buchberger will be asked to take them there.

AHL| CHL| Dallas Stars| ECHL| KHL| New York Islanders| Snapshots| Vancouver Canucks| Vegas Golden Knights| WHL Philip Holm

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Juuse Saros Signs Three-Year Deal With Nashville Predators

July 16, 2018 at 3:02 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee 1 Comment

The Nashville Predators continue to re-sign their young restricted free agents, this time inking goaltender Juuse Saros to a three-year $4.5MM ($1.5MM AAV) contract. That leaves just Miikka Salomaki as the team’s lone unsigned RFA after Ryan Hartman also signed earlier today.

Just like Hartman’s $875K deal, this appears to be an incredible bargain for the Predators. While Saros is still technically a backup goaltender as long as Pekka Rinne continues to put up Vezina-winning seasons, he also has been one of the league’s best netminders the last two seasons. Posting a .925 save percentage in 26 appearances, he ranked ninth in the entire league among goaltenders who saw at least 20 games. He and Rinne formed one of the best tandems in the league, and could again this season for a reasonable combined cap hit of $8.5MM.

It’s the final two years that could be really interesting for the Predators, as Rinne’s current contract expires after the 2018-19 season. If the team decides not to extend a contract to Rinne (who will be 36 at the end of the season) they would still have a potentially elite starter for an incredibly low cap hit of $1.5MM. The fact that Saros is still a restricted free agent at the end of this deal makes it even more impressive, as they are almost guaranteed to not have to pay him a big contract until he takes over as the full-time starter. That’s a perfect situation to be in for the Predators, who are right in the middle of a Stanley Cup contention window that looks like it will be wide open for quite some time. Though there are big extensions to come for the likes of Ryan Ellis and Roman Josi over the next two years, the rest of their core is already locked in to reasonably priced, if not bargain-basement contracts.

For Saros, he gets the chance to continue developing under an exemplary starter in Rinne and should still get a healthy raise when his contract expires. He’ll be 26 when the deal expires and on his final year of restricted free agency, meaning any long-term deal would be buying out almost exclusively UFA seasons. While that is a fine situation for the Predators, it still leaves Saros with plenty of earning potential for his career and a good chance to spend it behind a solid defense in Nashville.

Nashville Predators| RFA Juuse Saros

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Buffalo Sabres Re-Sign C.J. Smith

July 16, 2018 at 2:35 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

The Buffalo Sabres are making quick work of their restricted free agents, signing Danny O’Regan, Nicholas Baptiste and Justin Bailey over the last few days. Today they’ve scratched another one off the list by inking C.J. Smith to a one-year two-way contract worth $874K at the NHL level. That leaves just Sam Reinhart—who is expected to sign a much longer and more lucrative deal—left to sign among their 2018 RFAs.

Smith, 23, is coming off his first season of professional hockey and has done nothing but impress for the Sabres. Signed as an undrafted college free agent out of UMass-Lowell, he recorded 44 points in 57 games for the Rochester Americans and looked poised to dominate the minor leagues for a long time. It’s whether or not there is impact NHL upside that is still the question with Smith, who despite all his offensive talent still sometimes lacks consistency at the other end of the rink and doesn’t have a big frame or much physicality to offer.

The worst thing to happen for Smith this summer may have been the Sabres’ improvements, as Conor Sheary, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson and Patrik Berglund have all been added to the forward group, essentially pushing him down the depth chart. There is still a chance that Smith impresses in camp and head coach Phil Housley is forced to include him on the opening day roster, but the additions make it more likely that he’ll start in Rochester once again. Given the fact that he’s still waiver-exempt only adds to that likelihood, and will probably force Smith to wait for his chance later in the year.

Buffalo Sabres| RFA

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