With AHL training camps getting underway, many players will be put on waivers over the next several days. We’ll keep track of all of them right here:
Florida Panthers
F Anthony Greco
D Ian McCoshen
G Chris Driedger
New York Rangers
Winnipeg Jets
Archives for September 2019
Seattle Hires Team Of Pro Scouts
The Seattle expansion franchise has hired a group of five professional scouts, adding more names to their growing front office. Stu Barnes, Ulf Samuelsson, Dave Hunter, John Goodwin and perhaps most notably Cammi Granato have all joined the team.
Granato becomes the first female pro scout in the NHL years after becoming one of the most decorated hockey players in USA Hockey history. The former forward captained team USA for many years and took home two Olympic and nine World Championship medals over her career. Granato is married to NHL analyst and former star forward Ray Ferraro and is the sister of Don and Tony Granato, both coaches after their own professional playing careers. The family is hockey royalty in the United States, and Cammi was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.
The rest of the group includes several other familiar names, including Samuelsson who played his early career with the Hartford Whalers alongside Seattle GM Ron Francis. He also served as Charlotte Checkers head coach for a time while Francis was running the Hurricanes, and was last employed under Joel Quenneville with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Minor Transactions: 09/25/19
As teams finish their final week of preparation before the 2019-20 season, there will likely be several transactions around the league. As always, we’ll keep track of all those moves right here:
- All of the players from yesterday have cleared waivers and can be assigned to the minor leagues.
- The Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled ten players as they prepare for their game against the Buffalo Sabres tonight. Markus Hannikainen, Paul Bittner, Zac Dalpe, Nathan Gerbe, Nikita Korostelev, Kole Sherwood, Kevin Stenlund, Gabriel Carlsson, Anton Karlsson and Veini Vehvilainen had already been cut from the NHL training camp, but will be back up with the team temporarily.
- 2004 third-overall pick Cam Barker hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2012-13 season, but that doesn’t mean his professional career is over. The 33-year old defenseman has signed in the Czech league for this season after spending the last several years in the KHL, NLA and Liiga.
- The San Jose Sharks have sent all eight of the players they recalled yesterday back to the AHL, after they helped fill out a roster last night. These names have already been cut from the training camp but were just temporary fill-ins.
- After sending Derrick Pouliot to the AHL following waivers, the St. Louis Blues have recalled Mitch Reinke who will play tomorrow night against the Detroit Red Wings. The Blues will obviously be without Joel Edmundson after trading him away this week, but Reinke still looks like a long-shot to see any legitimate action at the beginning of the season, thanks to the addition of Justin Faulk.
Training Camp Cuts: 09/25/19
Like always, we’ll keep track of all the training camp cuts right here. Keep checking back to see the updated list:
Boston Bruins (per team release)
F Jakub Lauko (to Providence, AHL)
D Josiah Didier (to Providence, AHL)
Dallas Stars (per team release)
F Ty Dellandrea (to Flint, OHL)
F Joel Kiviranta (to Texas, AHL)
F Joel L’Esperance (to Texas, AHL)
G Landon Bow (to Texas, AHL)
G Jake Oettinger (to Texas, AHL)
Detroit Red Wings (per team release)
D Alec Regula (to London, OHL)
Edmonton Oilers (per team release)
D Evan Bouchard (to Bakersfield, AHL)
G Shane Starrett (to Bakersfield, AHL)
Florida Panthers (per team release)
F Troy Brouwer (released from PTO)
Montreal Canadiens (per team release)
F Riley Barber (to Laval, AHL)
New Jersey Devils (per team release)
D Julian Melchiori (to Binghamton, AHL)
New York Islanders (per team release)
F Kieffer Bellows (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Arnaud Durandeau (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Scott Eansor (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Ryan Hitchcock (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Mason Jobst (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Otto Koivula (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Jeff Kubiak (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Kyle MacLean (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Nick Schilkey (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F John Stevens (to Bridgeport, AHL)
D Sebastian Aho (to Bridgeport, AHL)
D Grant Hutton (to Bridgeport, AHL)
New York Rangers (per team release)
F Phillip Di Giuseppe (to Hartford, AHL)
F Tarmo Reunanen (to Hartford, AHL)
G Adam Huska (to Hartford, AHL)
D Matthew Robertson (to Edmonton, WHL)
San Jose Sharks (per team release)
F Alexander True (to San Jose, AHL)
Toronto Maple Leafs (per team release)
F Nicholas Baptiste (to Toronto, AHL)
F Colt Conrad (to Toronto, AHL)
D Joseph Duszak (to Toronto, AHL)
D Mac Hollowell (to Toronto, AHL)
D Jesper Lindgren (to Toronto, AHL)
D Kristians Rubins (to Toronto, AHL)
Washington Capitals (per team release)
F Alexander Alexeyev (to Hershey, AHL)
Winnipeg Jets (per team release)
F Skylar McKenzie (to Manitoba, AHL)
F Jansen Harkins (to Manitoba, AHL)
D Jonathan Kovacevic (to Manitoba, AHL)
D Luke Green (to Manitoba, AHL)
D Leon Gawanke (to Manitoba, AHL)
G Mikhail Berdin (to Manitoba, AHL)
F Kristian Reichel (released from tryout, will report to AHL camp)
F Emile Poirier (released from tryout, will report to AHL camp)
F Cole Maier (released from tryout, will report to AHL camp)
D Jacob Cederholm (released from tryout, will report to AHL camp)
G Adam Carlson (released from tryout, will report to AHL camp)
F Seth Griffith (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Logan Shaw (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
Saku Maenalanen Signs In KHL
One of the unsigned restricted free agents that wasn’t getting nearly as much press recently was Saku Maenalanen of the Carolina Hurricanes. Well, unsigned no more, as Maenalanen has now inked a deal with Helsinki in the KHL. The contract is a one-year deal with another option year, and will get him playing hockey almost immediately. The Hurricanes will retain his rights after issuing a qualifying offer earlier this summer.
Maenalanen, 25, only came over to North America a year ago and split his time between the AHL and NHL in the Carolina organization. In 34 regular season games with the Hurricanes he recorded eight points, but did well enough to be included in nine postseason contests. The 6’4″ winger had shown real offensive promise during his days in Finland, but couldn’t quite seem to bring that same level of success to the NHL.
Even though the Hurricanes will own his rights for now, it does seem as though perhaps that is the end of the NHL experiment for the big Finn. He’ll turn 26 at the end of the 2019-20 season and will likely find more success in the KHL than he ever could in North America.
Calgary Flames Sign Matthew Tkachuk
The Calgary Flames have finally found some common ground with restricted free agent Matthew Tkachuk. The young forward has signed a three-year contract worth a total of $21MM, ending a long negotiation and getting him back in the fold before the season begins. Darren Dreger of TSN adds that like Brayden Point, Tkachuk will have a $9MM salary in the third year, securing a large qualifying offer that could take him right to unrestricted free agency.
A deal of this magnitude not only gives Tkachuk the highest three-year bridge deal in history (eclipsing Point, who signed for three years at $6.75MM), it also makes him the highest-paid player on the entire Flames roster. While that has more to do with the bargains that are Johnny Gaudreau ($6.75MM) and Sean Monahan ($6.375MM), it also shows just how good Tkachuk has been throughout his young career.
Still just 21 years old, the sixth-overall pick from the 2016 draft has now amassed 174 points in 224 NHL games and is coming off a 34-goal campaign. His offense has continued to improve while the rest of his game—most notably his physicality and ability to get under the skin of opponents—allows him to make an impact no matter the score. The fact that he is able to compete in that fashion while not taking a ton of penalties (his 62 PIM in 2018-19 put him alongside players like Nikita Kucherov, Blake Wheeler and Ryan Strome) makes him one of the unique talents in the NHL and incredibly valuable to the Flames.
Even so, this deal certainly isn’t a perfect scenario for the Flames. Not only does it keep them in an extremely difficult cap situation this season, Tkachuk could now potentially get to unrestricted free agency as soon as possible by accepting that $9MM qualifying offer. The team will have to open extension talks at some point before that happens or risk their prize hitting the open market. Coincidentally, both Gaudreau and captain Mark Giordano have contracts that expire in 2022 as well, giving the team some real flexibility when it comes to extensions.
There’s no doubt that getting Tkachuk back under contract is cause for celebration in Calgary, but the new structure of these bridge deals is something to be concerned about for many teams. Introduced really for the first time by Timo Meier earlier this year, restricted free agents have found a way to create leverage for themselves as they near UFA status. Meanwhile those who sign long-term and give up UFA years like Mitch Marner are getting huge dollar figures right up front, meaning teams will have to be more and more conscious of leaving enough room to get their young players signed.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Poll: Which Head Coach Has The Hottest Seat Entering 2019-20?
Every game has a winner and a loser and not every team can meet or exceed expectations each year. Even entering a new season in which every team has a clean slate, it’s not incorrect to state that some NHL teams will struggle in 2019-20. And when that happens, the head coach is usually the first one to go. There are 31 head coaches in the league and one of them will inevitably be the first one fired this season. Who has the best chance of earning that unfortunate title?
Several names can likely be ruled out immediately – although anything can happen. Anaheim’s Dallas Eakins, Buffalo’s Ralph Krueger, Edmonton’s Dave Tippett, Florida’s Joel Quenneville, L.A.’s Todd McClellan, Ottawa’s D.J. Smith, and Philadelphia’s Alain Vigneault are all beginning their first season with a new team. In most cases, that affords them at least one year of job security before their seat can start warming up. However, in the event of a massive collapse or poor locker room dynamics, it’s not unheard of in hockey for a coach to be one and done.
It was a strong season for rookie head coaches last year though. Calgary’s Bill Peters, Carolina’s Rod Brind’Amour, Chicago’s Jeremy Colliton, Dallas’ Jim Montgomery, Washington’s Todd Reirden, and of course, reigning Jack Adams Award-winner Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders all excelled in their first year on the job. It’s hard to imagine any of the group having a hot seat, barring a major disappointment against expectations. The New York Rangers’ David Quinn had a much tougher task for a team that internally had an eye on moving assets and developing young players, but the former top college coach will likely be given another year to work with a revamped lineup.
Other names whose seats are probably very cold: Stanley Cup combatants Craig Berube of the St. Louis Blues and Bruce Cassidy of the Boston Bruins. Both exceeded expectations last year and were rewarded with multi-year extensions in the off-season. Gerard Gallant, whose Golden Knights made a magical run to the Cup Final two years ago in their inaugural season, is likely safe as well.
Who does that leave as a candidate for the hottest of seats? Despite a record-breaking regular season, all eyes will be on Jon Cooper and the Lightning as they look to bounce back from a shocking first-round sweep. Cooper is the NHL’s longest-tenured head coach, but he could lose that mantle if Tampa Bay isn’t a top-ten team all season and at least an Eastern Conference finalist. Similarly, Toronto and Mike Babcock had a strong regular season, but again could not fight their way past Boston in the first round. Babcock may to avoid any regular season struggles to even get back to a likely postseason re-match with the Bruins, as many feel his seat has warmed considerably. John Tortorella got his franchise their first ever playoff series win last year, but the Blue Jackets watched a ton of talent walk away this summer and Tortorella faces the tough task of getting the team back to the postseason. Winnipeg’s Paul Maurice, the second-longest tenured coach behind Cooper, faces the same difficulty of leading a team whose Stanley Cup hopes have been shaken this summer. Jared Bednar’s Avalanche were a surprise in the playoffs as well, but moved in the opposite direction this off-season and are a popular dark horse pick to win it all this year. High expectations demand results and Bednar’s job could hang in the balance if Colorado cannot take a step forward this year. The Devils’ John Hynes is certainly under a lot of pressure as well, as New Jersey missed the playoffs – by a wide margin – last year and responded with arguably the most impressive off-season in the league. Many will expect the Devils not only to make the playoffs, but to be competitive. Other coaches whose teams need to take a step forward via playoff success are Nashville’s Peter Laviolette, San Jose’s Peter Deboer, and perhaps even Pittsburgh’s Mike Sullivan. Coaches whose jobs could depend on making the playoffs include Arizona’s Rick Tocchet, Minnesota’s Bruce Boudreau, and Montreal’s Claude Julien.
The two outliers of the group: the Red Wings’ Jeff Blashill and the Canucks’ Travis Green. Neither team is expected to be a legitimate playoff contender, but at the same time both men need to show a marked improvement in their teams. Blashill has been in Detroit for four years but has little to show for it. Green enters his third season in Vancouver having fallen short of ownership and management’s lofty expectations in the previous two. It’s hard to set benchmarks for what would either save or end both coaches’ jobs.
All 31 coaches have a seat to start the year. Whose is hottest and in the most danger of being lost before the others?
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Snapshots: Milano, Bergeron, Krejci, Officials
One way or another, Sonny Milano’s time in Columbus could be drawing to a close. The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline writes that the Blue Jackets are ready to move on from the talented, but inconsistent winger. Milano, 23, was a 2014 first-round pick who entered the pro ranks with high expectations. However, in the years since Milano has struggled to stick in Columbus. He played in just seven combined NHL games in his first two seasons and played in only eight games last year, with a 55-game 2017-18 campaign sandwiched in between. Yet, even in that season Milano had a hard time with consistency and work ethic, scoring in bunches for a total 22 points. It was a major step forward for the prospect, but wasn’t exactly a season that left the Blue Jackets with visions of grandeur. As such, his regression last season was far from a surprise. Portzline notes that while Milano has struggled, rookies Emil Bemstrom and Alexandre Texier have passed him up on the organizational depth chart. For the first time this season, Milano is no longer waiver exempt, but there doesn’t seem to be much room for him on the NHL roster. Portzline feels that on raw talent alone a team would be likely to take a chance on him via waivers. Unsurprisingly, he reports that Columbus would prefer to trade him rather than lose him on the wire. If they are successful, such a move would likely be occurring by the start of the regular season next week.
- While the Blue Jackets are anticipating the departure of Milano, the Bruins are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Patrice Bergeron. The team’s top center has been sidelined for much of training camp with a lingering groin injury, but Boston held out hope that he would be ready for the start of the regular season. After steadily increasing his participation in practice over the last week, the team announced that Bergeron is expected to see his first (and only) preseason action in Chicago on Saturday. This is very positive news for the Bruins, as many questioned whether Bergeron would even be ready to begin the real season, nevertheless healthy enough to play in an exhibition game. The timing could not be better either, as No. 2 center David Krejci suffered an injury in the team’s preseason contest on Monday night and he availability to begin the year is now in question. Head coach Bruce Cassidy does not believe the injury to be serious, but the team will take their time with Krejci. Boston is better prepared for the absence of a top-six center this year than in years past with Charlie Coyle in the fold, but it would be a tough start to the year if both Bergeron and Krejci were sidelined for the Bruins.
- After the NHL and the Officials’ Association agreed to terms on a new contract on Friday, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the officials have voted to ratify the proposed deal. The NHL owners must now do the same, although the vote is expected to be consistent. A new, four-year deal between the league and its on-ice officials will be formalized before the start of the season, avoiding any drama to take away from the beginning of a new campaign.
Overseas Notes: Holtz, Riat, Ramo
Alexander Holtz is expecting to be selected early in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft. However, he may not be expecting to make the jump to the NHL right away. The 17-year-old forward, considered by many to be a guaranteed top-ten pick next June, is already playing at Sweden’s highest level, suiting up for Djurgardens IF of the SHL. The team was excited to announce that their young star could be in the fold for several more years as well. Holtz has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him with Djurgardens through the 2021-22 season. Of course, the NHL and SHL have a transfer agreement that would allow the future top prospect to move across the Atlantic when he is ready. However, the length of the deal was compounded further by comments from Djurgardens GM Joakim Eriksson, who says that Holtz’ plan is “to continue his talent development here for as long as possible.” Holtz’ development track can change greatly between now and 2022, depending on his performance at the top level this season and where and to whom he is drafted this spring. However, at the very least, the talented forward seems willing to take his time in his native Sweden if that is what he feels is best for his playing future. A skilled player who can line up at any forward position and can score from seemingly anywhere on the ice, it’s hard to imagine that whichever team ends up with Holtz won’t try to convince him otherwise and get him in an NHL lineup as soon as possible.
- Swiss winger Damien Riat was cut from Washington Capitals training camp, but he is feeling no shortage of attention and appreciation in his career. The 22-year-old, a fourth-round pick of the Capitals in 2016, is entering the final season of his contract with the NLA’s EHC Biel-Bienne and already competitors are lining up to sign the young forward. Riat recorded 25 points in 48 games last season and was among the top young players in the league. Swiss Hockey News reports that SC Bern is just one of many NLA teams hoping to land him on the open market as he continues to develop into a top offensive talent. Of course, Riat is also still interested in the NHL. Washington has until June 30, 2020 to sign Riat to his entry-level contract, otherwise he could become a UFA by NHL standards, as well as NLA. It would not be a surprise to see other teams in North America pursue the young forward, especially if he has another strong season. It will be up to Washington to decide whether or not to extend Riat an ELC or instead let the bidding war commence from teams in Switzerland as well as possibly the NHL.
- Swiss Hockey News also reports that veteran goaltender Karri Ramo is back to work in his native Switzerland. Ramo, 33, has over 100 NHL appearances to his credit and last played in the NHL as an equal part of a Calgary Flames tandem from 2013-2016. A free agent this summer, there was some thought that Ramo was interested in a return to the NHL, especially after a stellar season with Jokerit of the KHL in 2017-18 in which he proved he did not need consistent starts to maintain an elite level of play. However, the UFA goalie market was anything but active this off-season and Ramo could not even earn a PTO, nevertheless a contract with a shot at the backup role for an NHL team. Part of the reason is because he missed all of last season with a knee injury and it seems health concerns have scared off more than just NHL teams. Ramo is still without a club for this season, but Swiss Hockey News states that he is currently practicing with SC Rapperswil and is likely to sign with a team in the NLA, the Lakers or otherwise. Ramo has proven to be a reliable keeper during many stops in his journeyman international career, so hopefully a team steps forward ready to give him a shot to play.
Pittsburgh Penguins Announce Scouting Changes
The Pittsburgh Penguins have made several changes to their front office and scouting departments as the season approaches. Derek Clancey has been promoted from director of pro scouting to director of player personnel, while Ryan Bowness will take his old job after serving as a pro scout. Kevin Stevens, Jay McClement and Duane Sutter have all been added as pro scouts, while Al Santilli will be a global crossover scout. Erik Heasley, who serves as manager of hockey operations, has also been promoted to the assistant general manager of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL.
McClement may stand out to recent hockey fans, given he last played in the NHL just two years ago. The 36-year old spent the 2017-18 season in Switzerland before hanging up his skates, but had previously played 12 seasons in the NHL. A veteran of 906 games, he scored just 244 points but was always heralded for his hard-nosed play and work ethic on the third or fourth line.
Sutter too will stand out as a pretty notable addition, after spending the last eight seasons with the Edmonton Oilers. One of the famed Sutter brothers, Duane has spent several decades in the hockey world as a player, coach, scout and front office executive. The 59-year old was most recently the vice president of hockey operations in Edmonton.