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Archives for April 2019

Nico Sturm Signs With Minnesota Wild

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The Minnesota Wild have inked a top college free agent, signing Nico Sturm to a one-year entry-level contract. The deal will kick in this season meaning Sturm is scheduled for restricted free agency this summer, but the Wild will happily welcome him into the organization. Sturm recently finished his junior season at Clarkson, where he served as captain.

Sturm, 23, was one of the most sought after names in college free agency this season after a particular effective campaign. With 45 points in 39 games he was named a Hobey Baker finalist and took home several conference honors including Best Defensive Forward. The two-way center brings size and an impeccable work ethic that should help him transition quickly to the professional ranks. In fact, Sturm may get into a game this season for the Wild despite his inexperience.

It’s important to note that if Sturm does play in a game he would no longer be exempt from the expansion draft in 2021. While that is obviously a concern for the Wild, the chance to jump right into NHL action very well could have been the deciding factor in his negotiation. Even if he does need protection a few years from now, Minnesota has added a legitimate NHL prospect for nothing more than a contract slot.

Minnesota has dramatically revamped their forward position this season by trading away core pieces like Nino Niederreiter, Charlie Coyle and Mikael Granlund, and will now add another young name to the group for next season. Sturm should compete with players like Joel Eriksson Ek and Victor Rask for playing time down the middle, though there is certainly no guarantee he’ll be able to bring the same level of offense.

Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Andrew Peeke

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have convinced a top college defenseman to leave school a year early, signing Andrew Peeke to his three-year entry-level contract. Peeke recently finished his junior season with Notre Dame where he served as captain. The deal will kick in this season, meaning the first year will be burned and Peeke will become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2021. GM Jarmo Kekalainen released a statement on his newest player:

Andrew is a mobile defenseman who has the ability to make plays at both end of the ice. He also possesses great character and leadership qualities and we are excited to see his game continue to grow in the coming years.

Peeke, 21, is one of the Blue Jackets’ top prospects and getting him into the organization will help after the recent loss of several top prospects. The Blue Jackets pushed their chips to the middle by acquiring Matt Duchene, Ryan Dzingel and others at the deadline, but managed to maintain Peeke’s rights. He’ll try to follow in the footsteps of fellow NCAA defenseman Zach Werenski and make a quick impact on the Blue Jackets in one way or another.

It’s not clear if he’ll get into any action for Columbus this season, but Peeke is certainly ready to compete for a spot in the near future. The 6’2″ defenseman recorded 24 points in 40 games for Notre Dame this season and took home a bronze medal with the American World Junior team last year. Originally selected 34th overall in 2016, he has developed a real physical presence in his own end and can still move the puck quickly and effectively. He has also been praised for his leadership and was handed the captaincy by several alumni earlier this season, an especially big honor for a junior.

Minor Transactions: 04/01/19

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Welcome to April and the end of the NHL regular season. There are just a handful of games remaining before the 2018-19 playoffs begin and teams have started locking up their first round opponents. Still, for teams battling on the edge of postseason contention the next week may be just as important as any other. Today eyes will be drawn to the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues’ game, which very well could decide the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. The Avalanche currently hold the spot with a one-point lead over Arizona, but have this game in hand on them. As teams prepare for action, we’ll keep track of all the minor moves.

  • The Carolina Hurricanes are just one point ahead of the Montreal Canadiens in the East and have recalled Haydn Fleury under emergency conditions to help them stay there. The team was defeated last night and need to get back on track tomorrow night when they travel to Toronto, but will be without Calvin de Haan who is heading back to Carolina after suffering an upper-body injury.
  • With Louis Domingue banged up the Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled Eddie Pasquale from the minor leagues. The team obviously wants their backup goaltender healthy, but all eyes are on Victor Hedman as he deals with an upper-body injury. Pasquale has played in one game for the Lightning this year but has a solid .916 save percentage through 43 appearances for the Syracuse Crunch.
  • The Calgary Flames are set to rest several regulars after clinching a playoff spot, and Juuso Valimaki has been recalled to take their place. Mikael Backlund, Matthew Tkachuk, Mark Giordano, T.J. Brodie, Travis Hamonic and Noah Hanifin will all be out of the lineup.
  • The Detroit Red Wings have recalled Joe Hicketts from the minor league under emergency conditions, and CapFriendly believes they have moved Mike Green to long-term injured reserve in order to fit him in. Hicketts’ recall follows an injury to Danny DeKeyser, who looks like he may miss the last few games of the season.
  • The Nashville Predators have recalled forward Miikka Salomaki from the minor leagues, bringing him back from a conditioning stint. Salomaki hasn’t played an NHL game since early January but could be an option for the team down the stretch and into the playoffs.
  • With Nico Sturm set to join the Minnesota Wild immediately, Matt Read has been sent back down to the AHL. The team is expected to put Sturm into the lineup as soon as possible, though since he hasn’t yet practiced with the team it is not clear when exactly that will be. Read meanwhile will be on call for the next opportunity as he has been all season.
  • The Anaheim Ducks have returned Sam Carrick back to San Diego of the AHL.  He had been recalled on Saturday and suited up that night, logging just over 12 minutes against Edmonton while picking up an assist.

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