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AHL Announces Pacific Division Playoff Format

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The AHL will only have a postseason in one of the five divisions this season, meaning the Calder Cup will not be awarded. Instead, the Pacific Division will be battling to take home the John D. Chick Trophy in an interesting tournament-style playoff.

All seven teams in the Pacific will compete, but the bottom four—likely the San Jose Barracuda, Colorado Eagles, Ontario Reign and Tucson Roadrunners—will play a single-elimination play-in to determine which one team joins the top three for the best-of-three semifinals. The finals will also be a best-of-three format. The play-in will be held May 18-19, with the semi-final round concluding by May 24. The division finals will conclude by May 29, meaning the trophy is going to be handed out this month. The full breakdown looks like this:

Play-In Series (May 18-19)
Game 1 – Tue., May 18 – #4 vs. #7, 1:00 PT (at Irvine, Calif.)
Game 2 – Tue., May 18 – #5 vs. #6, 7:30 PT (at Irvine, Calif.)
Game 3 – Wed., May 19 – Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 7:00 PT (at Irvine, Calif.)

Semifinal “A” (best-of-3; to conclude by May 24)
Game 1 – #1 vs. Play-In winner (at higher seed)
Game 2 – #1 vs. Play-In winner (at higher seed)
*Game 3 – #1 vs. Play-In winner (at higher seed)

Semifinal “B” (best-of-3; to conclude by May 24)
Game 1 – #2 vs. #3 (at higher seed)
Game 2 – #2 vs. #3 (at higher seed)
*Game 3 – #2 vs. #3 (at higher seed)

Pacific Division Finals (best-of-3; to conclude by May 29)
Game 1 – Semifinal winners (at higher seed)
Game 2 – Semifinal winners (at higher seed)
*Game 3 – Semifinal winners (at higher seed)

*if necessary

The other four divisions decided not to hold playoffs this season, meaning their schedules are coming to an end soon (if not already). The AHL plans on holding a full schedule in 2021-22, starting on October 15.

Philadelphia Flyers Recall Cam York, Felix Sandstrom

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May 7: York has been elevated from the taxi squad to the active roster as expected. He will wear No. 45 and make his NHL debut this evening.

May 6: The Philadelphia Flyers may not have much to play for over the last few days, but don’t tell Cam York that. The 20-year-old defenseman has been recalled to the taxi squad and is expected to make his NHL debut on Friday against the Washington Capitals. The team recalled goaltender Felix Sandstrom to the taxi squad as well, meaning another NHL debut could be in the works.

York was the 14th overall pick in 2019 and is coming off an outstanding season with the University of Michigan, where he tallied 20 points in 24 games. There was no slowing him down in the AHL, where he immediately found success with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, scoring five points in six games and earning the call-up. There is a lot to be excited about when it comes to York, who will quarterback the second powerplay unit on Friday as well.

An offensive threat every time he touches the puck, York will still need some time before he becomes a top option for the Flyers. Still, he’ll get a chance to dip his toe into the NHL waters here with an eye on cracking the roster out of 2021-22 training camp. With Shayne Gostisbehere suspended for his hit the other night, there is lots of opportunity for York to show what he can do over the last few games.

Sandstrom meanwhile is an interesting prospect in his own right, selected 70th overall in 2015. The Swedish goaltender played in the SHL through the 2018-19 season and spent last year in the ECHL acclimating to the North American game. This year, in nine appearances for Lehigh Valley, he has an .897 save percentage and 3.45 goals-against average. Now 24, Sandstrom is a restricted free agent this summer.

Taxi Squad Shuffle: 05/07/21

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There has been plenty of roster movement between NHL teams and the taxi squad on a daily basis this season. Although some major names may be highlighted in separate articles, this is where you’ll find the majority of that shuffle news each day:

West Division

North Division

  • The Ottawa Senators have recalled Cody Goloubef from the AHL, adding him to the taxi squad. Goloubef hasn’t gotten into a single NHL game this season but has played 160 in the past, picking up a handful of appearances each season. The 31-year-old has five points in 25 games for the Belleville Senators this year.
  • The Edmonton Oilers have assigned Patrick Russell to the taxi squad, per CapFriendly.  The 28-year-old saw his first NHL action in nearly two months on Thursday, logging 10:31 in Edmonton’s loss to Vancouver.

Central Division

  • The Detroit Red Wings have recalled Givani Smith from the AHL to the taxi squad after spending nearly a month in the minor leagues. Smith, 23, has played 15 games for the Red Wings this season, collecting one goal and four points. A few hours later, the Red Wings recalled Smith, Mathias Brome and Joseph Veleno from the taxi squad to the active roster.
  • The Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled Matiss Kivlenieks to the active roster under emergency conditions, giving them another goaltender for the game tonight against Detroit. Kivlenieks has yet to appear in an NHL game this season.
  • The Carolina Hurricanes returned Morgan Geekie to the taxi squad, per CapFriendly.  The 22-year-old has been a regular for large chunks of the season and has played in 34 games, picking up two goals and an assist.

East Division

  • The New York Rangers have returned Jonny Brodzinski to the AHL from the taxi squad, even though Hartford’s season ended yesterday. Armed with a cannon of a shot, Brodzinski has always scored at a high rate in the minor leagues. In the NHL though, he has just 13 points in 62 career games.
  • After the Pittsburgh Penguins ruled out both Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith today with injuries, Alex D’Orio was recalled from the AHL under emergency conditions. Maxime Lagace is expected to make the start in the final game of the season, while Jarry and DeSmith are both expected to be ready for the playoffs.
  • The New Jersey Devils have assigned Brett Seney and Colton White to Binghamton of the AHL from the taxi squad, per the AHL’s transactions log.  White has placed twice for New Jersey this season while Seney hasn’t seen any NHL action.  Their demotions were to make room for Matt Tennyson and Marian Studenic who were both sent down to the taxi squad, per CapFriendly.
  • With the Boston Bruins off tonight, they’ve returned Jeremy Swayman to the taxi squad, per CapFriendly.  Swayman has been dominant in his first taste of NHL action, winning seven of nine games while posting a 1.44 GAA with a .946 SV%.  Cameron Hughes was also sent to the minors.

This page will be updated throughout the day.

Canucks, Devils To Relocate AHL Teams

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May 6: The AHL Board of Governors has approved the relocations to Abbotsford and Utica, from Utica and Binghamton respectively. The new divisional alignment will be announced at a later date, but Vancouver will be using Abbotsford and New Jersey using Utica for the 2021-22 season.

In addition, Utica and New Jersey have announced a new ten-year affiliation agreement. The organization will remain the Utica Comets, but jersey designs and colors will be revealed later in the year.

May 4: Amidst speculation that their current AHL affiliate in Utica will become New Jersey’s affiliate next season, Vancouver has found a new home for their prospects.  The Canucks announced today that they will move their AHL squad to Abbotsford for next year, pending approval from the AHL’s Board of Governors on Thursday.  Team owner Francesco Aquilini released the following statement:

With momentum starting to build, we are pleased to confirm our goal to bring our AHL franchise and Canucks prospects home to the City of Abbotsford. The move would bring significant opportunities for both our team and the community and it would begin a new chapter, bringing Canucks hockey to even more fans throughout the Lower Mainland.

Vancouver intends to operate the team out of the Abbotsford Centre which hosted Calgary’s AHL team from 2009 through 2014 after previously playing in Moline, Illinois.  Travel was a concern as they were the westernmost city in the league and eventually, Calgary opted to head to New York.

Interestingly enough, the Canucks are taking the opposite approach, leaving New York to go to Abbotsford.  Clearly, the fact that they’ll be able to have their AHL prospects in the same province is certainly ideal from a development standpoint but travel shouldn’t be as significant of a concern now with there now being an entire Pacific Division.  At first glance, it would seem likely that Abbotsford would join that group, making it an eight-team division for next season with Palm Springs set to join that group for 2022-23.

Taxi Squad Shuffle: 05/06/21

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There has been plenty of roster movement between NHL teams and the taxi squad on a daily basis this season. Although some major names may be highlighted in separate articles, this is where you’ll find the majority of that shuffle news each day:

West Division

North Division

  • The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent Frederik Andersen to the AHL on a conditioning loan, where he is expected to play half a game for the Toronto Marlies. Meanwhile, they’ve returned Mac Hollowell to the AHL while recalling Semyon Der-Arguchintsev to the taxi squad.

Central Division

  • The Detroit Red Wings have completed their usual goalie swap, sending Kevin Boyle to the AHL and recalling Kaden Fulcher to the taxi squad. The team has bounced the two back and forth for the last several weeks.

East Division

This page will be updated throughout the day

Ryan Poehling To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

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It wasn’t so long ago that Ryan Poehling was the star prospect for the Montreal Canadiens. On this day two years ago, after a strong junior season at St. Cloud State, Poehling burst onto the scene in his NHL debut, scoring three goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played just 11:22 that night, but expectations and excitement exploded, with many believing he would never leave the Canadiens lineup again.

After all, this was the 25th overall pick from 2017 and Poehling had the size and skill necessary to succeed at the NHL level. Now, two years later, Poehling has been passed on the prospect depth chart by several exciting Canadiens forwards and spent all of 2020-21 in the minor leagues. His AHL season is ending early, as the team announced he suffered a wrist injury that will require surgery.

Now 22, Poehling was dominant for the Laval Rocket this year. He scored 11 goals and 25 points in 28 games, leading the team in both categories. In his last game, which occurred on April 24, he had three assists and was the game’s first star.

Following the injury, Poehling now enters an uncertain offseason. He will be a restricted free agent for the first time but is not eligible for arbitration. His waiver-exempt status will not expire next year, meaning he could be on the way down the minor leagues once again. Luckily, because of his age when he made that 2019 debut, he is still exempt from the expansion draft and will not require protection. He’ll need a new contract through and with just five points in 28 career NHL games, doesn’t have much leverage to ask for a raise.

Snapshots: Kane, Morrow, Tangradi

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Evander Kane has had a tremendous season for the San Jose Sharks, recording a team-best 45 points in 52 games. The achievement is all the more impressive given the safe assumption that Kane’s focus has not solely been on hockey this year. The star forward has been mired in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding all season, filing in January and then in March motioning for an extension on the decision until June on the grounds that his contract with the Sharks could be terminated following the end of the season. While it remains to be seen whether this in fact occurs or not, the latest development in the case has the bankruptcy court deciding that Kane’s case will remain in Chapter 7 as opposed to Chapter 11. A lender had filed a motion for Kane to be treated as a business under Chapter 11 due to his debt mostly coming from gambling losses. Such a decision would have opened up Kane’s future income to his lenders in the bankruptcy decision, but such an outcome was avoided.

At least one lender has decided that if they can’t get to Kane’s future earnings via bankruptcy decision, they’ll go after a greater return on their defaulted loan another way. Per The Athletic’s Daniel Kaplan, Professional Bank has sued Kane for $15MM, alleging fraud on the basis of misrepresenting the Sharks’ role in his repayment plans. This amounts to ten times their initial loan due, justified as “punitive damages.” This is highly irregular in a case such as this, as punitive damages are not substantiated by a claim but rather are meant as punishment. Punitive damages to this massive extent are very unlikely to be awarded, especially with Kane’s bankruptcy proceeding still ongoing, but Professional Bank will try their best.

  • Winning a national championships comes with some added perks, the least of which is increased recruiting power. Defending champs UMass flexed their newfound market power today, convincing potential 2021 first-round pick Scott Morrow to flip on his commitment to North Dakota and got to Amherst. Multiple sources have confirmed the move, with the talented right-handed defenseman moving from one powerhouse to another. Morrow was expected to join a deep group of NHL-caliber defensemen at UND this year, but will have more of an opportunity to shine as a top blue line option at UMass. It has worked out nicely for Cale Makar, Mario Ferraro, Zac Jones, and several other NHL prospects over just the last few years.
  • Eric Tangradi, Real Estate Agent? In a unique twist, former NHL winger Tangradi announced his retirement by transitioning it into the reveal of his new career. A big, powerful winger who appeared to have NHL chops early in his career, Tangradi never could quite translate his AHL production to the next level. He still managed to play in 150 NHL games with the Penguins, Jets, Canadiens, Devils, and Red Wings, but recorded just 16 career points. Tangradi will likely be remembered more for his many years of dominance in the minors, recording over 350 points in 488 career NHL games.

Overseas Notes: Skelleftea, Khokhlachev, Langhamer

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After falling in the SHL semifinals, Swedish powerhouse Skelleftea AIK is already moving forward with their plans for next season. The team has announced a list of players who will not be returning in 2021-22 and it includes some notable NHL names. Edmonton Oilers’ defenseman Philip Broberg, Detroit Red Wings’ forward Jonatan Berggren, and Carolina Hurricanes’ defenseman Roland McKeown are all among those who will not return to Skelleftea next year and all are expected to instead be in the NHL. Broberg, 19, has in fact already made the jump, as he was recalled by the Oilers earlier this week. The 2019 No. 8 overall pick has been in Skelleftea on loan for two years since being drafted, but the big two-way defenseman is ready for the next step in his career. Berggren appears to be prepared to make that leap as well. Detroit’s 2018 second-round pick was Skelleftea’s leading scorer this season, recording 45 points in 49 games. The 20-year-old skilled play-maker is one of a number of promising Red Wings prospects, but Berggren’s dominance at the pro level this year should give him a leg up in training camp battles. McKeown is the outlier of the group; the 25-year-old blue liner made his European debut this season on loan from the Hurricanes. The former top prospect out of the OHL had faded from relevance among the Hurricanes’ deep defensive group and wished to stay in Sweden this year rather than play yet again in the AHL. While McKeown may join Carolina as a depth option in the playoffs now that his SHL season is over, his days with the organization are numbered. Slated for Group 6 unrestricted free agency this summer, McKeown may not be back with Skelleftea but he certainly won’t be staying in Raleigh either. He will have other options on the open market to find a more clear path to NHL opportunity.

  • Another prominent name in Europe who won’t be returning to his current team is Boston Bruins center Alexander Khokhlachev. The 27-year-old center was a key cog for Gagarin Cup champions Avangard Omsk this season, recording 34 points in 59 games as a top-six forward, but the team has nonetheless announced that Khokhlachev has decided to leave the club. This could very well mean that Khokhlachev is finally eyeing a return to North America after five years away, and the timing of the move is key. The Bruins’ rights to Khokhlachev finally expire on June 30th. While it’s not impossible that Khokhlachev could give the Bruins another shot under his old AHL head coach Bruce Cassidy, there are certainly better opportunities for an NHL role elsewhere if he instead waits to become a free agent this summer.
  • One player who isn’t rushing back to his NHL rights holder is goaltender Marek Langhamer. Despite the possibility that the Arizona Coyotes could have some more opportunity in net next season with Antti Raanta headed for free agency, Adin Hill expected to be exposed in the Expansion Draft, and Darcy Kuemper still a hot name on the rumor mill, Langhamer won’t be involved. Even after two strong seasons in the KHL, Langhamer has decided to stay in Europe, signing a one-year-deal with the Liiga’s Illves. It’s unclear if Langhamer is averse to re-joining the ’Yotes or just the NHL overall, but regardless he will see his rights expire on June 30th of next season and can then return to North America as a free agent if he chooses.

Taxi Squad Shuffle: 05/05/21

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There has been plenty of roster movement between NHL teams and the taxi squad on a daily basis this season. Although some major names may be highlighted in separate articles, this is where you’ll find the majority of that shuffle news each day:

West Division

  • The St. Louis Blues have recalled Dakota Joshua from the Utica Comets, placing him on the taxi squad. The 24-year-old forward has played in 11 games for the Blues this season, scoring his first NHL goal in the process.
  • The Los Angeles Kings have added Troy Grosenick to the active roster, while bringing Matt Villalta up to the taxi squad. Jonathan Quick missed practice today and is listed as day-to-day, so all the other goalies in the organization got a bump.
  • The Arizona Coyotes have recalled Victor Soderstrom from the taxi squad, sending Frederik Gauthier back to the AHL. Craig Morgan of AZ Coyotes Insider reports that Soderstrom isn’t actually going to be in the lineup tonight, but could play this weekend in San Jose should the Blues clinch the final playoff spot.

North Division

  • The Ottawa Senators have recalled Olle Alsing from the taxi squad, bringing up Jonathan Aspirot to take his spot. Alsing, 25, is expected to make his NHL debut after splitting this season between Austria and the AHL. Aspirot meanwhile will join the taxi squad after recording nine points in 22 games this season with the Belleville Senators.
  • The Winnipeg Jets have recalled top defensive prospect Ville Heinola from the taxi squad, backfilling with Joona Luoto from the AHL. Heinola has only played two games at the NHL level this season but could be a major factor in the playoffs for the Jets if they decide he’s worked his way into the regular lineup.

Central Division

  • The Carolina Hurricanes have recalled Roland McKeown to the taxi squad, all the way from Sweden where his SHL season has ended. The 25-year-old defenseman will join the team once his requisite quarantine is over. McKeown hasn’t seen the NHL since the 2017-18 season, despite. posting strong offensive numbers at the AHL level.

East Division

This page will be updated throughout the day

Taxi Squad Shuffle: 05/04/21

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There has been plenty of roster movement between NHL teams and the taxi squad on a daily basis this season. Although some major names may be highlighted in separate articles, this is where you’ll find the majority of that shuffle news each day:

West Division

  • The Colorado Avalanche have recalled Hunter Miska to the taxi squad, giving them an extra practice goaltender as they prepare for action tomorrow night. Devan Dubnyk was added to the COVID protocol list yesterday, meaning he is currently unavailable for the team.  Kyle Burroughs was also sent back to the taxi squad, per CapFriendly.
  • The Los Angeles Kings have brought up Matt Villalta from the taxi squad, per CapFriendly.  This is his sixth stint on the taxi squad this year although he hasn’t had a look with Los Angeles yet and instead has played in 15 games with AHL Ontario.
  • After having him up on an emergency basis, the Minnesota Wild have sent Kyle Rau back to the taxi squad, per CapFriendly.  Rau has two assists in 13 games this season while averaging a little over nine minutes per game.
  • The San Jose Sharks have sent Alexander Barabanov, Alexander True, and Greg Pateryn to the taxi squad, per CapFriendly.  Jacob Middleton was sent from the taxi squad back to the minors in a corresponding move.
  • The Vegas Golden Knights have sent Peyton Krebs back to the taxi squad while sending Carl Dahlstrom to the minors, per CapFriendly.  Krebs had an assist in his NHL debut last night while on an emergency recall and could be brought back up for their next game against Minnesota tomorrow.

North Division

  • The Ottawa Senators have moved Filip Gustavsson to the taxi squad once again, while Kevin Mandolese is on his way back to the AHL. The Senators have just four games left in their season but after a strong surge, could potentially avoid finishing last in the North.
  • Alex Belzile has been moved to the Montreal Canadiens taxi squad, coming up from the minor leagues. The minor league veteran has still never played an NHL game during the regular season, despite suiting up for six postseason matches last summer.
  • The Edmonton Oilers have recalled Evan Bouchard and Kyle Turris from the taxi squad while sending James Neal down, per CapFriendly.  Turris and Neal have both cleared waivers and have been shuffled back and forth this season while Bouchard has four points in 12 games.

Central Division

  • The Columbus Blue Jackets have returned Matiss Kivlenieks to the taxi squad.  He has been up on an emergency basis with Joonas Korpisalo out for the season and could be recalled once again for their next game against Nashville on Wednesday.
  • The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled Mackenzie Entwistle from the taxi squad, per CapFriendly.  The 21-year-old made his NHL debut back in March and could get a longer look down the stretch.
  • The Florida Panthers have sent Philippe Desrosiers back to the taxi squad, per CapFriendly.  He dressed for his first career NHL contest on Monday and has a save percentage of .916 in 29 games with AHL Springfield this season.

East Division

  • The Boston Bruins have recalled Jeremy Swayman from the taxi squad, per CapFriendly. The designation is on an emergency basis with Tuukka Rask not dressing tonight.  Swayman has impressed in his first taste of NHL action, recording a save percentage of .942 with a 1.62 GAA in eight games.
  • The Buffalo Sabres have brought up Brett Murray to the taxi squad from AHL Rochester, per the AHL’s transactions log. The 22-year-old leads the Amerks in scoring this season with nine goals and ten assists in 23 games.
  • The New Jersey Devils have brought up Marian Studenic from AHL Binghamton to the NHL roster as well as recalling Matt Tennyson from the taxi squad on an emergency basis, per CapFriendly.  A.J. Greer was sent to the taxi squad in a corresponding move.
  • The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled Maxime Lagace from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.  The 28-year-old has played in nine minor league games this season and is taking the place of Casey DeSmith who is dealing with a lower-body injury.

This page will be updated throughout the day.

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