Headlines

Go To MLB Trade Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Archives for May 2021

Brad Shaw Not Returning To Columbus Blue Jackets

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

It’s not just John Tortorella leaving the Columbus Blue Jackets coaching staff. The team announced today that assistant Brad Shaw will not return in 2021-22. No other coaching decisions have been made.

Shaw, 57, has been coaching professionally since his retirement from the NHL in 1999. He served as the head coach of the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the AHL for three seasons before joining the New York Islanders in 2005, where he quickly took over from the fired Steve Stirling. While he wasn’t given the permanent job with the Islanders following that season, he became a staple at the NHL level, serving as an assistant/associate coach with the St. Louis Blues for nearly a decade. Shaw joined the Blue Jackets’ staff in 2016 in Tortorella’s first full season and will leave the organization at the same time.

With his departure, it adds another potential head coaching name to the market this summer. In 2019, after the Blue Jackets swept the powerhouse Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs, Shaw told Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun that he would like to be a head coach at the NHL again, but wasn’t focused on it. His name has been brought up over the last few seasons as a potential candidate, but it is unclear if he will be pursuing the current vacancies around the league.

For Columbus, there are still assistants leftover from the Tortorella group, but perhaps their fate won’t be decided until a new head coach is brought in.

Reece Newkirk Signs With New York Islanders

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The New York Islanders have agreed to terms with Reece Newkirk on a three-year entry-level contract, now that his WHL season has come to an end. Newkirk spent this season with the Portland Winterhawks.

Selected 147th overall in 2019, Newkirk will likely be ticketed for the minor leagues to begin his professional career next season. In 24 games with the Winterhawks this year, the 5’11” forward ended up with 27 points, tied with first-round pick Seth Jarvis for third on the team.

The Islanders needed to sign Newkirk before the end of the month to avoid losing him to unrestricted free agency, but there’s certainly reason to believe he can be a good depth player for the organization. While reaching the NHL is still a lofty goal, he’s been a point-per-game player in the WHL over the last three seasons and will try to take that production to the AHL next year.

Patrick Marleau Could Play Next Season

at CDT | by 8 Comments

Earlier this season, Patrick Marleau became the NHL’s all-time leader in games played. After playing in last night’s season finale, the record now sits at 1,779. The ageless wonder hasn’t missed a game in over a decade as he chased down that record, even if his playing time in those games diminished.

Last night, Marleau was presented with a stick from Gordie Howe’s final game. He saluted the crowd in San Jose, an emotional moment for many as the season came to a close. If you assumed, like many others, that was likely it for the 41-year-old forward, you might be mistaken.

Speaking to reporters including Curtis Pashelka of the Mercury News, Marleau didn’t sound ready to retire, saying he’s “looking forward to a rebound season next year.”

Of course, there is another games played record within his reach. Though Howe was the leader for regular season games, Marleau still sits 18 games behind Mark Messier for the combined record of regular season and playoffs. He would obviously break that record with another full season and would become the only man to ever suit up 2,000 times in the NHL.

If Marleau is to return, he’ll need a new contract. He signed a one-year, $700K deal before this season, but would actually be due a raise even though his play didn’t warrant one. The NHL minimum increases to $750K next year.

In 56 games, Marleau recorded just four goals and nine points, easily the worst season of his 23-year career. He did admit to reporters that he was dealing with a high ankle sprain and a groin injury by the end of the season, but it seems unlikely that he will be able to provide much offense even if fully healthy.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Chicago Blackhawks Sign Arvid Soderblom

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The Chicago Blackhawks have nabbed one of the top goaltenders in the SHL, agreeing to terms with Arvid Soderblom on a two-year entry-level contract. Soderblom, an undrafted free agent, will join the organization for the 2021-22 season and carry a cap hit of $883,750.

A casual fan would be forgiven for not knowing much about Soderblom, given he had rarely even appeared at the SHL level before this season, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been on the radar of NHL teams. The 21-year-old posted a dominant .924 save percentage at the Allsvenskan level (AHL equivalent) last season and then continued that performance in the SHL this year. In 22 appearances for AIK Skelleftea, he recorded a 2.03 goals-against average and .921 save percentage. In two playoff starts he stopped 58 of 61 shots.

After a brilliant start to the season, Kevin Lankinen came back to earth a bit for the Blackhawks, finishing with a .909 save percentage. Though a rookie, Lankinen is already 26 and will be an unrestricted free agent after next season. The same can be said for both Collin Delia and Malcolm Subban, meaning there is still an opening in the Chicago net down the line. Soderblom has a lot more to prove before he takes that spot, but adding another talented player to the depth chart is always worth it.

NHL Releases First Round Playoff Schedules

at CDT | by 1 Comment

Even though the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights don’t know exactly who they will be playing just yet, the NHL has released the playoff schedules for the first round. Things will kick off on Saturday with a game between the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals, while the North Division won’t get going until May 19—the same day the regular season ends.

All times ET

East Division:

NYI @ PIT – Sunday, May 16, 12:00pm
NYI @ PIT – Tuesday, May 18, 7:30pm
PIT @ NYI – Thursday, May 20, 7:00pm
PIT @ NYI – Saturday, May 22, 3:00pm
NYI @ PIT – Monday, May 24, TBD*
PIT @ NYI – Wednesday, May 26, TBD*
NYI @ PIT – Friday, May 28, TBD*

BOS @ WSH – Saturday, May 15, 7:15pm
BOS @ WSH – Monday, May 17: 7:30pm
WSH @ BOS – Wednesday, May 19, 6:30pm
WSH @ BOS – Friday, May 21, 6:30pm
BOS @ WSH – Sunday, May 23, TBD*
WSH @ BOS – Tuesday, May 25, TBD*
BOS @ WSH – Thursday, May 27, TBD*

Central Division:

NSH @ CAR – Monday, May 17, 8:00pm
NSH @ CAR – Wednesday, May 19, 8:00pm
CAR @ NSH – Friday, May 21, 7:00pm
CAR @ NSH – Sunday, May 23, TBD
NSH @ CAR – Tuesday, May 25, TBD*
CAR @ NSH – Thursday, May 27, TBD*
NSH @ CAR – Saturday, May 29, TBD*

TBL @ FLA – Sunday, May 16, 7:30pm
TBL @ FLA – Tuesday, May 18, 8:00pm
FLA @ TBL – Thursday, May 20, 6:30pm
FLA @ TBL – Saturday, May 22, 12:30pm
TBL @ FLA – Monday, May 24, TBD*
FLA @ TBL – Wednesday, May 26, TBD*
TBL @ FLA – Friday, May 28, TBD*

West Division:

STL @ COL/VGK – Monday, May 17, 10:00pm
STL @ COL/VGK – Wednesday, May 19, 10:30pm
COL/VGK @ STL – Friday, May 21, 9:30pm
COL/VGK @ STL – Sunday, May 23, TBD
STL @ COL/VGK – Tuesday, May 25, TBD*
COL/VGK @ STL – Thursday, May 27, TBD*
STL @ COL/VGK – Saturday, May 29, TBD

MIN @ COL/VGK – Sunday, May 16, 3:00pm
MIN @ COL/VGK – Tuesday, May 18, 10:00pm
COL/VGK @ MIN – Thursday, May 20, 9:30pm
COL/VGK @ MIN – Saturday, May 22, 8:00pm
MIN @ COL/VGK – Monday, May 24, TBD*
COL/VGK @ MIN – Wednesday, May 26, TBD*
MIN @ COL/VGK – Friday, May 28, TBD*

North Division:

MTL @ TOR – Thursday, May 20, 7:30pm
MTL @ TOR – Saturday, May 22, 7:00pm
TOR @ MTL – Monday, May 24, TBD
TOR @ MTL – Tuesday, May 25, TBD
MTL @ TOR – Thursday, May 27, TBD*
TOR @ MTL – Saturday, May 29, TBD*
MTL @ TOR – Monday, May 31, TBD*

WPG @ EDM – Wednesday, May 19, 9:00pm
WPG @ EDM – Friday, May 21, 9:00pm
EDM @ WPG – Sunday, May 23, TBD
EDM @ WPG – Monday, May 24, TBD
WPG @ EDM – Wednesday, May 26, TBD*
EDM @ WPG – Friday, May 28, TBD*
WPG @ EDM – Sunday, May 30, TBD*

*If necessary

Taxi Squad Shuffle: 05/13/21

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

With the playoffs just around the corner, the taxi squad shuffle will start to look a little bit different. Instead of constant swapping between the active roster and taxi squad, teams will likely just make mass additions the way they usually recall “Black Aces.” That is, players who will practice with the playoff roster but aren’t expected to actually suit up for any game action. We’ll still keep track of any moves right here:

This page will be updated with further transactions

USA Hockey Announces World Championship Roster

at CDT | by 9 Comments

The IIHF World Championship roster is always a little different. Because the tournament takes place during the NHL playoffs, many players are unable to attend. Many others choose not to participate because of injuries they sustained during the season, meaning there are often some interesting choices that compete for their country.

This season is perhaps even more difficult for U.S. Men’s National Team general manager Chris Drury. Not only does he have injuries and the postseason to deal with, but many players haven’t seen their families for months and just want to spend some quality time at home. With that in mind, this year’s team has both players not yet drafted and others that have already aged out of the NHL.

The full roster is as follows:

G Jake Oettinger
G Cal Petersen
G Anthony Stolarz

D Adam Clendening
D Matt Hellickson
D Zac Jones
D Connor Mackey
D Matt Roy
D Ryan Shea
D Matt Tennyson
D Chris Wideman
D Christian Wolanin

F Justin Abdelkader
F Matthew Beniers
F Colin Blackwell
F Brian Boyle
F Sasha Chmelevski
F Ryan Donato
F Jack Drury
F Conor Garland
F Kevin Labanc
F Trevor Moore
F Jason Robertson
F Eric Robinson
F Kevin Rooney
F Tage Thompson

The U.S. team will be coached by Jack Capuano. The tournament kicks off on May 21 in Riga, Latvia.

Patrick Kane Played Through Injury In 2020-21

at CDT | by 2 Comments

You wouldn’t know it by his 66 points in 56 games, but Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane played through a nagging injury all season. According to NBC Sports’ Charlie Roumeliotis, Kane disclosed in his exit interview that he had been dealing with an “issue” since before the 2020 playoff bubble. He opted to persevere through the pain of the undisclosed injury and it seems that was the right choice. Kane remarked that he does not need off-season surgery, nor will he miss time in his summer training. Instead, Kane believes that he will merely focus on more off-ice work in the off-season.

Kane, 32, only showed the slightest hint of wear and tear, as Roumeliotis points out that Kane had several maintenance days down the stretch. Yet, Kane still managed to play in every game for the Blackhawks. He has now missed one game or less in five of his past six seasons, showing no signs of slowing down in his 14th season. Again, even while battling injury, Kane also posted his third consecutive season of scoring at a point-per-game pace or better. It was the tenth time that he has achieved this mark.

Of course, Kane’s nagging injury begs the question of what he may have been able to do at full strength this year. Even without career running mate Jonathan Toews, Kane was still Chicago’s leading scorer by a wide margin and even adjusted his game to be more play-maker than scorer. The Blackhawks were in the playoff mix for a good portion of the season, so with a healthy Kane (and Toews) next season, the team could be a threat to return to the postseason next year.

Minnesota’s Marco Rossi Cleared To Resume Hockey Activities

at CDT | by 2 Comments

Of all the NHL players to test positive for COVID-19 this season, no one took the virus harder than Marco Rossi – before he was even able to make his NHL debut. The ninth overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild, Rossi was expected to compete for a roster spot right away this year. Instead, he never even made it to camp. After testing positive in November, Rossi was still cleared for the World Junior Championship, but after just four games with Team Austria he was removed from the lineup due to COVID symptoms. The complications grew so severe that the young center was sent back home to Austria in January, considered out indefinitely. As he continued to struggle with the virus, it became clear that Rossi would not play at all this season as he as reportedly busy fighting for his life.

More than six months since his initial diagnosis, things are finally looking up for Rossi. The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler reports that doctors have told the talented forward that he can resume hockey activities. Rossi is expected to begin skating and training immediately. A full off-season regiment may just be enough to get him back in shape for next season as he looks to actually get a chance to compete for a roster spot in Minnesota.

Of course, expectations should be tempered. The Wild are in need of a future first line center and will give their top prospect every opportunity to make the team. However, Rossi is not just another prospect who was unable to play this season. His bout with COVID has surely taken a toll physically and even with an off-season of full hockey activities, it may still take him time to get up to game speed. Minnesota can only hope that the OHL phenom has no lasting effect and can make good on his draft stock, even if takes some time.

COVID Protocol Related Absences: 05/12/21

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Each day, the NHL will publicly release the list of players that are unavailable to their respective teams due to being in COVID-19 Protocol. Here is today’s list:

Colorado – Devan Dubnyk
St. Louis – Jake Walman
Washington – Evgeny Kuznetsov

As a reminder, inclusion on this list does not mean that a player has tested positive for Coronavirus or even that they have been confirmed as a close contact to another positive person. Included in the NHL’s list of possible reasons for someone being on the list is are the following:

(1) an initial positive test which remains unconfirmed until confirmatory testing is completed pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (2) mandated isolation for symptomatic individuals pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (3) required quarantine as a high-risk close contact in accordance with the Positive Test Protocol; (4) isolation based on a confirmed positive test result and/or; (5) quarantine for travel or other reasons as outlined in the COVID-19 Protocol

Players removed today: None

Despite the Blues originally believing that Walman was in the protocol due to a false positive, they released this statement today:

After additional testing, it has been confirmed that Jake Walman has tested positive for COVID-19. Walman, who has been vaccinated, will now fall under the NHL/NHLPA quarantine protocols. Per the NHL/NHLPA agreement, the League will provide all updates.

A positive test result for Walman likely means that he will be unavailable for at least two weeks. He will not be in the Blues’ lineup when they face the Wild tonight or tomorrow, nor when they open the playoffs in the coming days.

Kuznetsov remains in the protocol for his ninth day and it is unclear whether he will be cleared in time for Washington’s series opener against Boston on Saturday. At the very least, he will have not played in a game since May 1. Teammate Ilya Samsonov was also put into the protocol, but since he is on the taxi squad does not need to appear on this list. It will not be clear that he has been removed until he arrives at practice with the Capitals, or the team releases the information.

*denotes new addition

Pro Hockey Rumors is not affiliated with National Hockey League, NHL or NHL.com

scroll to top