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Snapshots: Three Stars, College Stars, Presidents

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The NHL has released their three stars of the week, with Kyle Connor getting the top honors. The young Winnipeg Jets forward had five goals and eight points in four games, surpassing both of his impressive totals from last season. The 22-year old now has back-to-back 30-goal seasons, and is now a key part of the Jets attack on a nightly basis. While Patrik Laine may hit the headlines more for his upcoming restricted free agency, Connor’s pending negotiation looks to be just as (if not more) important.

Second star this week went to Steven Stamkos, who helped the Tampa Bay Lightning lock up the Presidents Trophy and became the franchise leader in goals with 387 and counting. The Lightning star is just one away from his fifth 40-goal campaign, and has six games remaining to try and crack the 100-point threshold for the first time in his career. Bringing up the rear in third was Philipp Grubauer, who has suddenly found his game and now holds a .914 save percentage on the year. That has allowed the Colorado Avalanche to climb back into the playoffs in the Western Conference.

  • Despite Boston University seeing a huge chunk of their team turn pro today—Jake Oettinger, Chad Krys, Joel Farabee and Dante Fabbro all signed contracts—they won’t be without some star power next year. According to Mike Chambers of the Denver Post, Shane Bowers is likely sticking around after a somewhat disappointing sophomore season. Cole Hults from Penn State is also expected to stay in college according to Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider, and the team is supportive of that idea. Hults, a fifth-round pick of the Kings in 2017, had 28 points in 39 games as a sophomore this season.
  • The Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators have had a ton of turmoil over the last year, changing coaches and front office members while struggling on the ice. It’s not surprising that both teams may be looking for upper management help according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, who reports each could be set to bring in a team president to run hockey operations above the general manager. Ottawa’s search in particular has apparently already been going on for a while, though it has not apparently put Pierre Dorion’s job as GM in jeopardy.

Chad Krys Signs With Chicago Blackhawks

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Another Boston University standout has decided to turn pro, as Chad Krys has agreed to a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Krys will be signing a three-year entry-level deal that starts next season and runs through 2021-22. He will join the Rockford IceHogs on an amateur tryout for the rest of this year.

Krys, 20, hasn’t had quite the development path that many expected since he was selected 45th overall in 2016. At that point he had come off an outstanding season in the US Development program and a somewhat surprising appearance at the World Juniors as a 17-year old. Unfortunately, Krys failed to make the World Junior squad the next two years despite being eligible and didn’t sign with the Blackhawks after either of his first two seasons with BU.

Now though, Krys comes to Chicago with quite a bit of experience in one of the best conferences in college hockey, but still some question marks around how quickly he’ll adjust to the professional ranks. Those questions are very important ones for the Blackhawks, who are hoping to turn around their franchise quickly with the next wave of talent. New teammate Alex DeBrincat will certainly be able to offer some words of advice to his fellow World Junior snub, and maybe help him transition in the highest league.

Chicago will have several young defensemen in the lineup next season, but it’s unclear where Krys will fit in. Henri Jokiharju, Gustav Forsling and Carl Dahlstrom have shown they can compete at the highest level, but Krys and young Adam Boqvist will be pushing for spots before long. With Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Connor Murphy all signed to long-term deals, there won’t be enough space for everyone.

Dante Fabbro To Sign With Nashville Predators

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It’s not a very good day to be a Boston University hockey fan. After Jake Oettinger and Joel Farabee both signed earlier today, Chris Johnston of Sportsnet is now reporting that Dante Fabbro will also forego his final season with the Terriers and sign a three-year entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators. Getting Fabbro under contract was extremely important for the Predators, as the highly touted defenseman could have become an unrestricted free agent next summer had he returned to BU.

There was some speculation that Fabbro was interested in waiting and testing the free market due to the depth on the Nashville blue line, but instead he’ll join an organization that has made a habit of developing high-end defensemen over the years. The 20-year old certainly has that pedigree, after being selected 17th overall in 2016 and steadily improving his game over three years at BU. In fact, Fabbro recorded 33 points in 38 games this season as captain for the Terriers and was a nominee for the Hobey Baker award.

Fabbro also brings a wealth of international experience, as he was a key part of the last two world junior tournaments, winning a silver and gold medal as part of the Canadian contingent. Still even with all that success, it’s unclear where he stands in the Nashville pecking order. The Predators already have seven defensemen signed to one-way contracts for next season, including one of the best top-four in all of hockey. Fabbro could certainly slide into the third pairing, but wouldn’t be getting the kind of minutes that Nashville may want for him. That could lead to him at least starting the year in the AHL, where the Milwaukee Admirals would likely use him as an all-situations option including on the powerplay.

Philadelphia Flyers Sign Joel Farabee

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It won’t only be Jake Oettinger leaving Boston University to turn pro this season, as Joel Farabee has signed his entry-level contract. Farabee, a first-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, will be starting a three-year entry-level contract to begin the 2019-20 season. He could also join the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on an amateur tryout contract in order to recover from a recent injury and get some experience down the stretch.

While Oettinger’s departure may have been expected, Farabee’s certainly wasn’t so. The forward still had three years of college eligibility and is still even young enough to compete in the next World Juniors (where he already secured a silver medal this year). However, after dominating as a freshman—even winning the Hockey East Rookie of the Year award—he very well could feel as though he’s ready to take the next step in his development and even compete for a spot on the Flyers next season.

Selected 14th overall in 2018, there is a lot to like about Farabee’s game. A product of the US National Development Team program, the 6’1″ forward is an outstanding offensive contributor that can also be a game-changing defensive presence even when lining up on the wing. His active stick and incredible edge work results in turnovers and counter-attacks, while his willingness to engage physically when necessary allows his game not to be limited to the perimeter.

While there is no guarantee he can crack the Flyers lineup in 2019-20, recording 36 points in 37 games as a teenager was an very impressive performance for Farabee. Training camp for Philadelphia will be quite interesting, as the team will also have top CHL performer Morgan Frost vying for an opportunity. The pair of forward prospects have battled over the years on the international stage, but could very well be the key to the Flyers offensive attack in the years to come.

Minor Transactions: 03/25/19

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As we head into the very last stretch of regular season, the NHL is packed full of action. With teams jockeying for playoff positions and trying to secure home ice advantage for the first round, tonight’s schedule will be more must-see television. The St. Louis Blues and Vegas Golden Knights will do battle to try and show who is a real contender in the Western Conference. As they and the rest of the 11 teams in action tonight prepare, we’ll be here keeping track of all the minor moves.

  • The Washington Capitals have sent Tyler Lewington back down, a cap saving measure for the team as they grind towards the playoffs. With Lewington sent down, the team now has enough cap room to recall Jonas Siegenthaler, their preferred replacement on defense. Without Michal Kempny available the team was in a financial pinch, and could be in trouble if any other players get injured.
  • The Nashville Predators have assigned Miikka Salomaki and Austin Watson to the minor leagues on long-term injury loans. Watson of course was recently reinstated from his indefinite suspension and hasn’t played in an NHL game since late January. Salomaki too will need time to get back up to speed after sitting out for months due to injury.
  • Joey Anderson is on his way back to the NHL, recalled today by the New Jersey Devils. The 20-year old has played 29 games for the Devils this year, but dealt with injury and missed a good chunk of development time. Selected in the third round, Anderson developed into a legitimate two-way threat in college and looks to have a long future in New Jersey.

Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Joseph Woll To Entry-Level Deal

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Monday: The press release had conspicuously left out the word “future” that the Maple Leafs had been including in their other ELC announcements, and CapFriendly now lists Woll as starting his contract this season. That means the goaltender will burn the first year and become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2021.

Sunday: The Toronto Maple Leafs announced they have signed Boston College goaltender Joseph Woll to an three-year, entry-level contract. The highly-regarded prospect, a third-round pick out of the 2016 draft, gives them a powerful one-two punch (along with Ian Scott) of stud goalie prospects in their pipeline.

The 20-year-old Woll just wrapped up his junior season with the Eagles and has improved in each of the three years as he has been BC’s full-time goaltender since his freshman campaign. Despite the team’s struggles this year as Woll posted a record of 13-21-3, he put up solid numbers, including a 2.41 GAA and a .919 save percentage. He also played internationally several times, including leading Team USA to a bronze finish at the 2018 World Junior Championships and a gold medal in 2016.

There were some questions whether the Missouri native would sign with Toronto or stay on for his final year. Many suspected that he would sign with the Maple Leafs as Boston College already received a commitment from top goaltending prospect Spencer Knight to attend there, which could have been a complicated tandem situation. However, at age 20 and ready to play in the AHL, the Maple Leafs could keep him playing professionally without any problems for three years, giving Toronto the much-needed goaltending depth at that position at the lower levels. That’s not even including Scott, who is also expected to arrive in Toronto’s system next year as well.

At 6-foot-4, Woll has the size that many NHL teams covet in their goaltending prospects, but is also great at positioning himself, which is one of the big reasons for his success.

Jake Oettinger To Turn Pro, Sign With Dallas Stars

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The Dallas Stars will be adding a top goaltending prospect to the organization in the coming days, as Sean Shapiro of The Athletic reports that Jake Oettinger will leave Boston University for the professional ranks in the coming days. Oettinger will join the Texas Stars on an amateur tryout, and sign a three-year entry-level contract with Dallas that begins in 2019-20.

Oettinger, 20, was the second Stars’ first-round pick in 2017 after they snatched up Miro Heiskanen at third overall. The first goaltender selected, Oettinger brings a mix of size—he stands 6’5″—and flexibility to the position and has tremendous upside. His college career was excellent, and culminated in a .926 save percentage this season through 36 games, despite a less than outstanding season from the Terriers overall.

With multiple international medals at junior tournaments, and three years as the starter for BU, Oettinger is considered more experienced than many of his contemporaries. The 20-year old will join Texas for the end of their season, though it is certainly not clear how things will shake out next season. Dallas already has Colton Point on his entry-level deal in the minor leagues, while Philippe Desrosiers and Landon Bow are both scheduled to become restricted free agents this summer. With the NHL net locked up, Dallas may be looking to move one of their prospects out or perhaps find another AHL team that will take one on loan in order to get them any playing time. For now, Oettinger will focus on making the transition to professional hockey and taking the next step towards the NHL.

NCAA Tournament Preview

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For the first time since 1970, Boston College, Boston University, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota have all failed to reach the NCAA postseason – and back then it was only a four-team field. The 2019 Tournament field has been announced and it is truly a changing of the guard in the college ranks. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t still considerable NHL talent on display for the 16 teams whose seasons are still alive. Here’s what the bracket looks like for next weekend’s slate of games:

West Regional – Fargo, North Dakota

1) St. Cloud State University
4) American International College

2) Denver University
3) Ohio State University

St. Cloud State is the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year. First-rounder Ryan Poehling (MTL) leads a well-rounded group that also includes fellow forwards Patrick Newell (undrafted) and Sam Hentges (MIN), defensemen Jimmy Schuldt (undrafted) and Nick Perbix (TB), and goaltender David Hrenak (LA). They have the easiest first round match-up in the tournament, facing Atlantic Hockey Champion American International. The team has done well for themselves this year, but are the lowest-ranked team in the field and lack any real NHL prospects outside of top scorer Blake Christensen (undrafted). The other half of the region features a tough contest between two talented teams. The Denver Pioneers, led by solid defensive prospect Ian Mitchell (CHI), also feature a deep corps of forwards like Mathias Emilio Pettersen (CGY), Cole Guttman (TB), Brett Stapley (MTL), and Liam Finlay (undrafted), as well as defenseman Slava Demin (VGK) and goaltender Filip Larsson (DET). They go up against the Ohio State Buckeyes and senior captain Mason Jobst (undrafted). The roster also includes forwards Tanner Laczynski (PHI), Carson Meyer (CLB), Dakota Joshua (TOR), and Miguel Fidler (FLA), along with defenseman Ryan O’Connell (TOR). Denver-OSU is arguably the most even first-round match-up.

Northeast Regional – Manchester, New Hampshire

1) University of Massachusetts
4) Harvard University

2) Clarkson University
3) Notre Dame University

Cale Makar (COL), considered by many to be the top prospect in college hockey, heads up a strong UMass team enjoying its best season in program history. Fellow defensemen Mario Ferraro (SJ) and Ivan Chukarov (BUF) are part of a deep blue line, while John Leonard (SJ) and Mitchell Chafee (undrafted) lead the forward corps. They have their work cut out for them though, facing in-state rival Harvard and another elite prospect in blue liner Adam Fox (CAR). He’s not alone either; Reilly Walsh (NJ), Jack Rathbone (VAN), and John Marino (EDM) form a formidable top-four, while Jack Drury (CAR) and Jack Badini (ANA) are capable forwards as well. Elsewhere in the region, Clarkson and star two-way forward Nico Sturm (undrafted) are fresh off an ECAC title. They may need a strong effort from another forward, Nick Campoli (VGK), and starting goalie Jake Kielly (undrafted) to avoid an upset though. The Big Ten champions Notre Dame are a tough out, featuring eight NHL draft picks and several more pro prospects. The blue line is stacked with Andrew Peeke (CBJ), Bobby Nardella (undrafted), Matt Hellickson (NJ), Spencer Stastney (NSH), Nick Leivermann (COL), and Nate Clurman (COL). Meanwhile Cale Morris (undrafted) has been stellar in net, and the forward group including Cam Morrison (COL) and Jake Pivonka (NYI) have been solid as well. It feels like UMass got a relatively easy draw however, especially considering they were the final No. 1 seed.

East Regional – Providence, Rhode Island

1) Minnesota State University – Mankato
4) Providence College

2) Northeastern University
3) Cornell University

The reward for a top seed for Minnesota State? A meeting with Providence in their home city. Fortunately, the Mavericks have defied the odds all season long. Despite lacking any NHL draft picks, the team has gotten strong play in net and in all three zones. Keeper Dryden McKay (undrafted) and high-scoring German forwards Marc Michaelis (undrafted) and Parker Tuomie (undrafted) will continue to be the keys to success. Providence is a strong team even without home ice advantage though; the Friars have ten draftees, including forwards Jack Dugan (VGK), Brandon Duhaime (MIN), Kasper Bjorkqvist (PIT), and Jay O’Brien (PHI), defensemen Jacob Bryson (BUF), Ben Mirageas (NYI), Vincent Desharnais (EDM), and Michael Callahan (ARI), and starting goalie Hayden Hawkey (MTL). Throw in sought-after free agent forward Josh Wilkins (undrafted) and Providence is a dangerous threat. The other two teams in the region are no joke either. Northeastern, another Hockey East power house, is led by star goalie Cayden Primeau (MTL) and freshman forward Tyler Madden (VAN). Add in a blue line that features Jeremy Davies (NJ), Ryan Shea (CHI), and Jordan Harris (MTL) as well as forwards Matt Filipe (CAR) and Zach Solow (undrafted), and the Huskies are a real threat. They face off with Cornell and leading scorer Morgan Barron (NYR), as well as forward Beau Starrett (CHI) and defensemen Matt Cairns (EDM) and Alex Green (TB). Whoever emerges from this region will be battle-tested heading into the Frozen Four.

Midwest Regional – Allentown, Pennsylvania

1) University of Minnesota – Duluth
4) Bowling Green State University

2) Quinnipiac University
3) Arizona State University

The defending champs are a top seed again, as the UMD Bulldogs begin their title defense against Bowling Green. The team lost considerable talent after last season, but still sport a very talented lineup. The team is deep and balanced on the blue line with Scott Perunovich (STL), Mikey Anderson (LA), and Dylan Samberg (WPG) and have top forwards like Noah Cates (PHI), Nick Swaney (MIN), Riley Tufte (DAL), and Cole Koepke (TB) as well. Bowling Green isn’t as loaded, but has enjoyed great seasons from forward Brandon Kruse (VGK) and Max Johnson (undrafted) and have experienced defenseman Adam Smith (NSH) and standout goalie Ryan Bednard (FLA) to fall back on as well. Arizona State makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance in just its third year as a Division I program and could very well pick up their first tourney win behind the tremendous play of goalie Joey Daccord (OTT) and forwards Johnny Walker (undrafted) and Demetrios Koumontzis (CGY). Quinnipiac won’t be easy to beat, though. Goalie tandem Andrew Shortridge (undrafted) and Keith Petruzelli (DET) and a defense core of Chase Priskie (WSH), Karlis Cukste (SJ), and Peter DiLiberatore (VGK) make the Bobcats hard to score against, while Odeen Tufto (undrafted) is a dynamic presence up front. If Quinnipiac can bounce back from an early exit from their conference tournament, they could knock off the defending champs next weekend.

Snapshots: Kuraly, Gardiner, Merzlikins

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When looking at the injury report for the Boston Bruins, most people won’t spend too much time pausing on the name Sean Kuraly when going down the list of injured players. After all, the 26-year-old has just eight goals and 21 points on the season as the team’s fourth-line LW — hardly a key figure as they close in on the playoffs. However, Kuraly, who will be out a month after undergoing hand surgery, is a critical player to the team’s playoff hopes.

The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa (subscription required) writes that the combination of Kuraly, Chris Wagner and Noel Acciari have become head coach Bruce Cassidy’s second-favorite line, which had received the second-most minutes in 5-on-5 play. The top line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak have played 421:22 minutes of 5-on-5 time together, while the Kuraly-Wagner-Acciari line are second on the team with 401:55 of playing time. Cassidy often plays that fourth line against the other teams’ top lines, which includes the Toronto Maple Leafs’ top line of Zach Hyman, John Tavares and Mitch Marner.

With a significant matchup coming up with Toronto in the first-round of the playoffs, the loss of Kuraly could radically affect that fourth line’s play against Toronto’s top line. Regardless of how Cassidy replaces the fourth line, it’s unlikely he’ll match it up with Toronto’s top line now, so that will complicate Boston’s plans for the immediate future.

  • Toronto Sun’s Lance Hornby reports that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner, who has been out since Feb. 25 with a back injury, was sighted on the ice Sunday. The 28-year-old blueliner was working out after Maple Leafs’ practice with team skills coach Mike Ellis, but there remains no timeline for his return. The team could use him back as they have dropped five of their last seven games without him as well as fellow defenseman Travis Dermott, who could be back soon.
  • The Columbus Dispatch’s Brian Hedger reports that Columbus Blue Jackets’ new goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has an appointment Monday with the embassy in Bern, Switzerland to get a visa and hopes to join the Blue Jackets’ roster at some point this week. Merzlikins, who has been playing in the Swiss National League for the past six seasons, signed his entry-level contract and depending on the roster moves that Columbus makes in goal, could be a candidate to challenge for playing time as soon as next season. Merzlikins finished this year with a 2.44 GAA and a .921 save percentage in 43 appearances in the NLA.

Poll: Should Ken Hitchcock Get Another Year To Coach The Edmonton Oilers?

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The Edmonton Oilers have been a team surrounded by controversy for the last couple of years. It came to a head in November when then-general manager Peter Chiarelli fired head coach Todd McLellan and replaced him with retired head coach Ken Hitchcock. Then in January, the team opted to fire Chiarelli with the intention of making wholesale changes.

Hitchcock, who retired at the end of the 2017-18 season after coaching Dallas for one season, was the perfect experienced coach to put a fire under a struggling Edmonton franchise. Hitchcock had 823 wins as a head coach, eight divisional titles and one Stanley Cup championship, which he won in his first stint in Dallas back in the 1998-99 season. If anyone could help Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl back to the playoffs, Hitchcock would be the guy. It looked like the answer at first as Hitchcock led the team to a 7-2-1 record to start his tenure. Despite that start, however, the team has struggled since then, often frustrating Hitchcock and the team has gone 24-24-7, so far during his tenure.

However, when pressed by the media about whether he wanted to return next season, Hitchcock responded by saying that he did, “For the record, I feel if I’m good I can coach until I’m 99,” Hitchcock said. While Edmonton will also be looking for a new general manager, the question is whether Hitchcock, who has had a history of wearing out his welcome with younger players, is the right coach to return to coach the Oilers next season. Many could easily site the fact that the team’s roster isn’t acceptable in its current state and an offseason of turnover could do Hitchcock, who favors defense more than anything, quite a bit of good.

So should Hitchcock get another year to coach the Edmonton Oilers?

Pro Hockey app users, click here to vote.

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