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Archives for July 2018

Buddy Robinson Signs Two-Year Contract With Calgary Flames

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The Calgary Flames have brought in a new friend, signing Buddy Robinson to a two-year contract. Robinson was a Group VI unrestricted free agent after failing to get a real opportunity in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets last season. The deal will carry a $700K cap hit at the NHL level.

Robinson, 26, is a big (6’6″ 230-lbs) winger that put up a career-high 25 goals and 53 points last season as part of a dominant Manitoba Moose team, but has just seven NHL games to his name. Though he’ll probably play much of the same role with the Flames—that is, spending the season in the minor leagues with the Stockton Heat—there is a chance he could contribute at the higher level if give the chance. Calgary has plenty of options on the wing at the moment, but should injuries strike Robinson is a valuable depth piece to have waiting in the wings.

At the very least he should be able to bring some of his offense over to Stockton. The Heat missed the playoffs last season and struggled to create goals at times, with their team leader in points being Andrew Mangiapane despite playing only 39 games. Robinson’s goal and point totals would have led the club, and though he might not get the same kind of opportunities on a weaker team, should still compete for the team lead.

Slater Koekkoek Re-Signs With Tampa Bay Lightning

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The Tampa Bay Lightning have locked up one of their restricted free agents, signing Slater Koekkoek to a one-year contract worth $865K. The deal is one-way, and could potentially take Koekkoek to Group VI unrestricted free agency next summer if he’s not given an opportunity with the Lightning this year. He needs just four games for the team to retain his rights as an RFA, but with a crowded blue line in Tampa Bay, it’s not a guarantee that he receives the chance.

Koekkoek, 24, was a first round pick of the Lightning in 2012, selected 10th overall. He was expected to become a top-pairing two-way defender, but hasn’t quite made the impact Tampa Bay had hoped. In 76 games he has recorded 13 points, but has now been bumped down the depth chart by additions like Ryan McDonagh. Tampa Bay is committed to contending for the Stanley Cup right now, and can’t wait around hoping Koekkoek continues to develop

If he’s going to ever fulfill his potential, he’ll have to take advantage of the next opportunity he’s given. If not, there might have to be a change of scenery for the left-handed defenseman. The signing doesn’t pose much risk to the Lightning as he can be completely buried in the minor leagues, but that’s certainly not the outcome GM Steve Yzerman is hoping for.

Carolina Hurricanes Sign Dan Renouf To One-Year Deal

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The Carolina Hurricanes have added some minor league depth, signing defenseman Dan Renouf to a one-year two-way contract. The deal will pay Renouf $650K at the NHL level. GM Don Waddell released a short statement on his new defenseman:

Dan is a sturdy, reliable defenseman. He’ll be a steady presence on the blue line in our system.

Waddell likely has few words about his newest player because Renouf should have little impact on the Hurricanes. The 24-year old will likely spend the entire season in the minor leagues with the Charlotte Checkers, replacing some of the outgoing talent like Jake Chelios. Renouf does have one NHL game under his belt with the Detroit Red Wings, but as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Maine has never shown enough upside to really get an opportunity at the highest level.

Still, he does give them another experienced defenseman at the AHL level to try and keep the Checkers competitive. The team went 46-26-4 last season, and will try to get past the second round next season and bring some success to the Carolina organization.

Florida Panthers Sign Jacob MacDonald, Paul Thompson

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The Florida Panthers have signed another pair of minor league players, inking Jacob MacDonald and Paul Thompson to two-year, two-way contracts. Both should add some much-needed depth to the Springfield Thunderbirds lineup, and even add some injury replacements for the Panthers if necessary.

Thompson, 29, is coming back to the Panthers after one year with the Vegas Golden Knights organization. He played 76 games for the Chicago Wolves, scoring 38 points and wearing an “A” as an alternate captain. The former standout University of New Hampshire player and Hobey Baker finalist, Thompson has been a solid professional minor league player for many years.

MacDonald, 25, represents a little more upside after scoring 20 goals and 55 points from the blue line last season. He’s come out of nowhere on the professional scene, after never really finding much offensive success in college or the low minor leagues. Now, as one the AHL’s most dangerous defensemen he should earn a call-up at some point to see if he can do it at the highest level. It may not be this season, but if he continues to produce for the Thunderbirds there’s no reason to not give him a shot. For a late-bloomer like MacDonald, getting a two-year NHL contract is quite an accomplishment.

Nashville Predators Sign Zac Rinaldo

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The Nashville Predators have given Zac Rinaldo another chance, signing him to a one-year two-way contract worth $650K at the NHL level. Rinaldo played 53 games for the Arizona Coyotes last season and was his usual physical self, collecting 188 hits and earning his fifth career suspension after sucker-punching Samuel Girard in December.

Rinaldo, 28, has 34 points in 328 career games but was never expected to contribute offensively. He’ll be reunited in the Nashville organization with Peter Laviolette, the head coach that gave him his first opportunity in the 2011 playoffs. He took 12 penalty minutes in those two games, a sign of things to come. One of the last real enforcer-type players in the NHL, Rinaldo will likely spend time in the minor leagues before coming up for any especially physical matchups.

Free Agent Frenzy 2018: Day 1 Signings By Team

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Here are all of the signings of day one of the free agent frenzy, broken down by team, with a link to the individual stories:

Anaheim Ducks:

F Anton Rodin – One year, $650K (link)
D Luke Schenn – One year, $800K (link)
G Jared Coreau – One year, $650K (link)

Arizona Coyotes:

F Michael Grabner – Three years, $10.05MM (link)
D Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Eight years, $66MM (link)
D Niklas Hjalmarsson – Two years, $10MM (link)

Boston Bruins:

F Chris Wagner – Two years, $2.5MM (link)
F Joakim Nordstrom – Two years, $2MM (link)
F Mark McNeill – One year, $650K (link)
D John Moore – Five years, $13.75MM (link)
D Cody Goloubef – One year, $650K (link)
G Jaroslav Halak – Two years, $5.5MM (link)
D Axel Andersson – Three years, $2.775MM*

Buffalo Sabres:

G Carter Hutton – Three years, $8.25MM (link)
G Scott Wedgewood – One year, $650K (link)
D Brandon Hickey – Two years, $1.85MM*
F Scott Wilson – Two years, $2.1MM (link)

Calgary Flames:

F Derek Ryan – Three years, $9.375MM (link)
F Austin Czarnik – Two years, $2.5MM (link)
F Alan Quine – One year, $700K (link)
F Tyler Graovac – One year, $650K (link)

Carolina Hurricanes:

G Petr Mrazek – One year, $1.5MM (link)
F Andrei Svechnikov – Three years, $10.725MM*

Chicago Blackhawks:

F Chris Kunitz – One year, $1MM (link)
D Brandon Manning – Two years, $4.5MM (link)
G Cam Ward – One year, $3MM (link)
D Adam Boqvist – Three years, $2.775MM*

Colorado Avalanche:

F Matt Calvert – Three years, $8.4MM (link)
D Ian Cole – Three years, $12.75MM (link)
G Joe Cannata – One year, $665K

Columbus Blue Jackets:

D Adam Clendening – One year, $700K (link)
D Dillon Simpson – Two years, $1.35MM (link)
D Tommy Cross – One year, $650K (link)
F Riley Nash – Three years, $8.25MM (link)

Dallas Stars:

F Blake Comeau – Three years, $7.2MM (link)
F Valeri Nichushkin – Two years, $5.9MM (link)
F Michael Mersch – Two years, $1.35MM (link)
F Erik Condra – One year, $650K (link)
D Roman Polak – One year, $1.3MM (link)
D Joel Hanley – One year, $650K (link)
G Anton Khudobin – Two years, $5MM (link)
F Joel L’Esperance – Two years, $1.85MM*
G Colton Point – Three years, $2.775MM*

Detroit Red Wings:

F Thomas Vanek – One year, $3MM (link)
F Chris Terry – Two years, $1.35MM (link)
F Wade Megan – One year, $650K (link)
D Jake Chelios – One year, $650K (link)
G Jonathan Bernier – Three years, $9MM
G Harri Sateri – One year, $650K (link)
D Mike Green – Two years, $10.75MM (link)

Edmonton Oilers:

F Kyle Brodziak – Two years, $2.3MM (link)
F Tobias Rieder – One year, $2MM (link)
D Kevin Gravel – One year, $700K (link)
D Joey LaLeggia – Two years, $1.35MM

Florida Panthers:

G Michael Hutchinson – One year, $1.3MM (link)
F Jared McCann – Two years, $1.75MM

Los Angeles Kings:

F Ilya Kovalchuk – Three years, $18.75MM (link)
D Drew Doughty – Eight years, $88MM (link)

Minnesota Wild:

F J.T. Brown – Two years, $1.375MM (link)
F Mike Liambas – Two years, $1.35MM (link)
F Eric Fehr – One year, $1MM (link)
F Matt Hendricks – One year, $700K (link)
D Greg Pateryn – Three years, $6.75MM (link)
D Matt Bartkowski – One year, $650K (link)
G Andrew Hammond – One year, $650K (link)
D Nick Seeler – Three years, $2.175MM (link)

Montreal Canadiens:

F Tomas Plekanec – One year, $2.25MM + $1.25MM performance bonus (link)
F Matthew Peca – Two years, $2.6MM (link)
F Michael Chaput – Two years, $1.35MM (link)
F Kenny Agostino – One year, $700K (link)
D Xavier Ouellet – One year, $700K (link)
F Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Three years, $10.275MM*

Nashville Predators:

F Connor Brickley – One year, $650K (link)
D Jarred Tinordi – One year, $650K (link)
F Rocco Grimaldi – One year, $650K (link)

New Jersey Devils:

F Kurtis Gabriel – One year, $650K (link)
D Eric Gryba – One year, $700K (link)
D John Ramage – One year, $650K (link)

New York Islanders:

F Leo Komarov – Four years, $12MM (link)
F Valtteri Filppula – One year, $2.75MM (link)
F Matthew Lorito – Two years, $1.35MM
D Thomas Hickey – Four years, $10MM (link)

New York Rangers:

D Fredrik Claesson – One year, $700K (link)
F Vladislav Namestnikov – Two years, $8MM (link)

Ottawa Senators:

F Paul Carey – One year, $700K (link)
G Mike McKenna – One year, $700K (link)

Philadelphia Flyers:

F James van Riemsdyk – Five years, $35MM (link)

Pittsburgh Penguins:

F Matt Cullen – One year, $650K (link)
F Jimmy Hayes – One year, $650K (link)
D Jack Johnson – Five years, $16.25MM (link)
D Stefan Elliott – One year, $650K (link)
G John Muse – One year, $650K (link)
D Zach Trotman – One year, $650K (link)

San Jose Sharks:

F Logan Couture – Eight years, $64MM (link)

St. Louis Blues:

F David Perron – Four years, $16MM (link)
F Tyler Bozak – Three years, $15MM (link)
F Brian Flynn – One year, $650K (link)
D Tyler Wotherspoon – One year, $700K (link)
G Chad Johnson – One year, $1.75MM (link)

Tampa Bay Lightning:

F Kevin Lynch – One year, $650K (link)
D Ryan McDonagh – Seven years, $47.25MM (link)
D Cameron Gaunce – One year, $650K (link)

Toronto Maple Leafs:

F John Tavares – Seven years, $77MM (link)
F Josh Jooris – One year, $650K (link)
F Adam Cracknell – One year, $650K (link)
D Jordan Subban – One year, $650K (link)
D Martin Marincin – One year, $800K (link)

Vancouver Canucks:

F Antoine Roussel – Four years, $12MM (link)
F Jay Beagle – Four years, $12MM (link)
F Tim Schaller – Two years, $3.8MM (link)
F Sven Baertschi – Three years, $10.1MM (link)

Vegas Golden Knights:

F Paul Stastny – Three years, $19.5MM (link)
F Daniel Carr – One year, $750K (link)
F Curtis McKenzie – One year, $650K (link)
F Alex Gallant – One year, $650K (link)
D Nick Holden – Two years, $4.4MM (link)
D Jimmy Oligny – One year, $650K (link)
G Zach Fucale – One year, $650K (link)
G Maxime Lagace – One year, $650K (link)

Washington Capitals:

F Nic Dowd – One year, $650K (link)
F Michael Sgarbossa – One year, $650K (link)
F Jayson Megna – One year, $650K (link)
D Martin Fehervary – Three years, $2.775MM*
F Travis Boyd – Two years, $1.6MM (link)

Winnipeg Jets:

F Seth Griffith – One year, $650K (link)
F Dennis Everberg – One year, $650K (link)
D Cameron Schilling – One year, $650K (link)
G Laurent Brossoit – One year, $650K (link)

*Indicates entry-level contract

Matt Martin “In Demand” As Maple Leafs Try To Trade Him

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The Toronto Maple Leafs added a whopping seven-year, $77MM contract to the books when they landed top free agent John Tavares yesterday, and will have to be careful how they spend their cap space going forward. One of the players who is taking up a good chunk without giving much back to the team is Matt Martin, who became a healthy scratch part way through the 2017-18 season and doesn’t look to have a role on the team going forward. Yesterday, in a piece talking about how the Maple Leafs can fit Tavares in with their other young stars, James Mirtle of The Athletic (subscription required) wrote that the team was trying to move Martin’s contract and he’d heard the New York Rangers in connection with it.

Today Larry Brooks of the New York Post tweets that Martin is actually “in demand” on the trade market, after the Maple Leafs paid out a $1.5MM signing bonus. That drops Martin’s salary this season to just $750K, while next season would cost $1.75MM for any acquiring team. The cap hit involved with Martin is $2.5MM, an obvious contract to shed if the Maple Leafs are trying to save cap space.

Martin, 29, has been a fixture on the fourth line with the New York Islanders and Maple Leafs for years, leading the league in hits several times. While he’s never recorded 20 points in a single campaign, he was well-regarded as an on and off-ice leader and valuable asset to have on the bench. Unfortunately as the Maple Leafs gave more and more ice time to young wingers like Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson, Martin’s role on the team was almost completely eradicated. If Toronto is really looking to move him at this point, it could signify that they have even more plans for their forward group in free agency, since he’s one of only 10 NHL forward currently under contract.

David Desharnais, Others Sign In KHL

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Another center option is off the market, but David Desharnais isn’t going anywhere in the NHL. The diminutive center is headed overseas to join HC Lokomotiv in the KHL on a one-year contract. Iiro Pakarinen and Patrice Cormier have also signed one-year deals in the KHL, for Magnitogorsk and Barys Astana respectively. Victor Antipin, after trying one season with the Buffalo Sabres, is back with Magnitogorsk for three more seasons. Anton Slepyshev has also returned, signing a two-year contract with CSKA.

The KHL has become a landing spot for plenty of players unwilling to return to the minor leagues, but it’s kind of surprising that Desharnais decided so quickly to take his talents overseas. Scoring 28 points for the New York Rangers last season, he’s still only 31 and is a fine bottom-six center in the NHL. Perhaps he doesn’t want to play that type of role, as he’ll likely get much more ice time even powerplay experience in the KHL. Desharnais remember was once a 60-point player in the NHL, and put up some legendary seasons in the QMJHL as a junior player.  There is plenty of offensive talent in his game, something that was unlikely to show playing 12 minutes a night on the fourth line.

Antipin’s departure from Buffalo is a bit disappointing, given that he actually was fairly successful in his limited role there last season. Though he only played a little over 15 minutes a night in his 47 games, he looked like there could be a future for him in the NHL as a two-way defenseman. Instead, he’ll return to the KHL where he can continue to log big minutes for Magnitogorsk. There’s no guarantee that he doesn’t attempt to come back in three seasons, and since the Sabres didn’t extend him a qualifying offer he will be free to sign with whoever he wants.

Calgary Flames Sign James Neal

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The Calgary Flames worked through the night to secure another free agent asset, signing James Neal to a five-year deal. The average annual value of the contract will be around $5.75MM.

Neal was the highest ranked player left on our Top 50 UFA List after day one of free agency, and is the picture of offensive consistency in the salary cap era. Scoring at least 21 goals in each of his ten seasons, Neal was once again a positive possession player and an on-ice leader for the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017-18. Though he’s almost never been his team’s leading scorer, he quietly goes about his business at both even-strength and on the powerplay providing excellent secondary scoring and reliable two-way play. That’s huge for the Flames, who have rebuilt their roster over the last few weeks with the additions like Neal, Derek Ryan, Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm.

The Flames enter 2018-19 with a new head coach behind the bench in Bill Peters, and several new faces up front. Where Neal fits into the group isn’t clear, but he’ll be another option for the middle-six, or potentially even spend time on the top line if Lindholm doesn’t fit as well as expected with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. It will be interesting to see what this means for Troy Brouwer, who still has two years at $4.5MM on his contract but is coming off back-to-back seasons of 25 or fewer points.

Even with Neal’s remarkable consistency, this deal does bring some substantial risk. The 30-year old winger has seen his assist totals decline in recent years as he tends to create less room for himself and teammates, and he isn’t the same dynamic powerplay scorer that he was earlier in his career. There’s no guarantee that as he enters the latter part of the contract he’ll still be an effective second-line option, but at a near $6MM price tag will still be paid like one.

The Flames are obviously disappointed with their lack of success in 2017-18, and have done some hard work this summer to put themselves in a better position come the fall. After waiting until the middle rounds to even make a selection at the draft, they’re clearly in a win-now mode and can’t deviate from that plan.

New York Islanders Sign Valtteri Filppula

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The New York Islanders have to look elsewhere for their center depth now that John Tavares is gone and they missed out on Ryan O’Reilly, and they’re looking at Valtteri Filppula. The team has signed the veteran center to a one-year, $2.75MM contract that will also include a full no-move clause.

Filppula, 34, is a calculated risk by GM Lou Lamoriello and the Islanders after missing out on some of the other top names. Though he’s certainly not as flashy of a signing, he still did record 33 points for the Philadelphia Flyers last season and has a long history of production in the NHL. The decision to bring him in isn’t to replace Tavares, but to give the team some more depth behind Mathew Barzal as they still try to stay competitive next season. The no-movement clause is definitely an impediment to any potential trade should the team struggle and look to move out assets at the deadline, but it could be waived should Filppula want to go to a team who is trying to win the Stanley Cup.

It may be underwhelming for Islanders fans, but there isn’t a ton of risk in a one-year deal for a veteran forward. At worst Filppula is a fine fourth-line option that will still help offensively, and at best he can be a contributing middle-six center that has experience on both the powerplay and penalty kill. The team has plenty of cap space—among the most in the league in fact—and can afford to pay out a few million to a veteran of 876 NHL games.

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