Blackhawks Sign German Forward Dominik Kahun
As expected for some time, Dominik Kahun has turned his success in his native Germany and at the 2018 Winter Olympics into his first NHL contract. The Athletic’s Scott Powers reports that the Chicago Blackhawks have signed Kahun to an entry-level deal. Both Kahun and the Blackhawks have confirmed the contract and CapFriendly reports that it is a two-year deal worth the ELC-max $925 base salary, but nothing has been publicly announced. Chicago has long been considered the favorite to sign Kahun and could be willing to give the affordable talent an NHL look sooner rather than later.
The 22-year-old forward is coming off quite the season. His DEL team, EHC Munchen, were league champions, as Kahun finished third in scoring with 41 points in 42 games, and Team Germany made an unlikely run to a silver medal at the Winter Games in Pyeongchang behind Kahun’s five points in seven games. All around, this has been the best season of Kahun’s career and he has caught the eye of many around the hockey world.
Now, the next test will be to see if his talent translates to the NHL. This year’s NHL-less Olympics and certainly the DEL are not comparable to the best hockey league in the world. However, Kahun also had past success in the OHL and at the World Juniors, which are better predictors of NHL success. What Kahun lacks in exceptional size, speed, or strength, he makes up for with great vision and intelligence and next-level stick skills. If Kahun continues to work hard and strive for success, expect him to find immediate success in the AHL and perhaps in Chicago as well.
Snapshots: Chayka, Zito, Aucoin
Despite another disappointing season for the Arizona Coyotes, GM John Chayka still has his job. However, he knows that the stakes have been raised and the upcoming NHL Draft will be an another important step toward making something of this long-term rebuild in Arizona. With the NHL Draft Lottery fast approaching, Chayka spoke with AZ Central’s Richard Morin about his options at the top of the draft. The ‘Yotes will pick somewhere in the top six selections on June 22, but like any GM, Chayka has an eye on that top pick. Chayka believes, as most do, that Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin will be the first player selected and, if it’s Arizona making the pick, believe he would make the roster out of camp and contribute immediately. As for the other top-six players, Chayka sounds prepared to take the top player on their draft board, regardless of position. However, if the Coyotes don’t land the top pick, Chayka admits that he will consider offers for the team’s top pick. Arizona traded their #7 overall pick last year, so a repeat would be surprising, but Chayka says that they will be “as prepared as possible” for potential offers.
- The Minnesota Wild need to make a decision on a GM before they make any decisions at the draft. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the Wild brought in another candidate to fill that vacancy on Thursday, speaking with Columbus Blue Jackets Assistant GM Bill Zito. Zito was a finalist for the Buffalo Sabres’ GM job last summer and is currently putting together the Team USA squad for the upcoming World Championships. Many people consider Zito to be one of the top GM candidates in hockey right now. However, the Wild already interviewed Nashville Predators AGM Paul Fenton, who is considered the favorite for the position.
- At 39 years old, Keith Aucoin is closer in age to some GM’s than some fellow players, but has continued to be a game-changing force while playing for EHC Munchen in Germany, the champions of the DEL. Aucoin has decided to go out on top, as the team announced that he has retired from pro hockey (link in German). North American fans will remember Aucoin as one of the most accomplished AHL players of all time, whose career featured nine seasons of NHL action with five teams, but more notably seven AHL All-Star appearances, and AHL MVP Award, and two Calder Cups. Aucoin is not only one of the most recognizable minor leagues of this century, he also is easily the best pro player to ever come out of Division III college hockey as an alumnus of Norwich University. EHC Munchen adds that Aucoin is headed back to the United States and don’t be surprised to see the accomplished veteran in the coaching ranks sooner rather than later.
Overseas Notes: Khokhlachev, Kupari, Great Britain
It was no secret that Alexander Khokhlachev and former Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien did not see eye-to-eye. The latter hesitated to trust younger players and the former struggled to play the responsible style that would have earned him some trust under the old regime. The result was Khokhlachev leaving the Bruins organization to return home to Russia in the summer of 2016. Despite very promising offensive totals in three AHL seasons, including 68 points in 60 games in his last year, Khokhlachev was only given nine NHL starts over those three seasons and failed to record a point (though he did score a shootout goal). His decision to head to the KHL came as only a mild surprise given his lack of use despite clear ability. After playing a minor role for the league champions SKA St. Petersburg last year, Khokhlachev moved on to Spartak Moscow this season and led the team in scoring with 50 point in 52 games. Given that impressive production, as well as the stylistic changes and the success of young players in Boston under Bruce Cassidy, there was some thought that perhpas Khokhlachev would return to the Bruins next season to fight for the NHL job he felt he deserved. Instead, “Koko” will remain in Moscow for at least one more year, as the KHL announced that he has inked an extension with Spartak. Boston made a qualifying offer to Khokhlachev when he left as a restricted free agent and will continue to retain his rights, should he decide he wants to return to North America in the future.
- Any team looking to draft Rasmus Kupari in the first round of the NHL Draft this June should know that they’re getting a project player and not a quick fix. Kupari is considered by many to be a top first-round talent and is expected to be drafted anywhere between the #10 and #25 picks or so. He is considered one of, if not the best puck-handling forward in this draft class and seems to be the only right-handed natural center worthy of a pick anywhere in the first round. However, NHL.com European insider Igor Eronko reports that the young Finn is committed to staying at home and playing for Karpat of the Finnish Liiga for two more years, stating that it is his preferred developmental path. In a draft class that is extraordinarily shallow in elite talent down the middle, it’s an interesting conundrum to have perhaps the top center state that he has no intention to cross the Atlantic until at least 2020. Yet, Kupari’s ability is such that a team with less immediate needs will be happy to scoop him up if he begins to fall past the midpoint of the first round this year. The long-term plan for Kupari is likely to pay off.
- The IIHF World Championships for the top division of teams is still a week away from beginning, but the tournament for Divisions 1-A and 1-B will wrap up today. Of all the story lines in those tournaments, none is as interesting as the success of Great Britain. The British squad only earned their promotion to Group A last year with a Group B victory, but already they’re looking to make another leap. After beating Italy yesterday, the British took a commanding lead of the Group and, with one game remaining against host Hungary today, look to have locked up a promotion to the elite division next season. All Great Britain needs is a single point against fifth-place Hungary today or an overtime finish to Italy-Slovenia and they clinch a berth in next year’s top tournament. It would be the first time in 25 years that the British would play against the best in the world should they get a favorable result today. A royal baby, a royal wedding, and now a royal promotion – exciting times in the UK.
Edmonton To Make Several Coaching Changes
1:40pm: The Oilers have confirmed the assignment for Woodcroft, and announced that Johnson and Ian Herbers would both not return to the team. McLellan will indeed remain head coach for the 2018-19 season. No word on who the new assistants will be so far.
8:30am: The Edmonton Oilers are expected to announce several changes to their coaching staff today, starting with the reassignment of Jay Woodcroft from NHL assistant to AHL head coach. Fellow assistant Jim Johnson will also not be back according to John Shannon of Sportsnet. The overwhelming belief is that recently fired Glen Gulutzan (Calgary Flames) and Trent Yawney (Anaheim Ducks) will be added to the NHL staff. If that happens, it likely means Todd McLellan would be staying on as head coach, though no one has confirmed his job yet.
It’s not clear exactly how everything will shake out in Edmonton, but there was clearly a need for some change after an incredibly disappointing season. The club was expected to be Stanley Cup contenders with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way, but despite outstanding offensive performances from both players they found themselves near the bottom of the standings.
Gulutzan was replaced in Calgary after just two seasons, but is still well respected around the league. Working his way up from the ECHL, he’ll have to take a step backwards and wait for another head coaching opportunity to present itself. Yawney has a long history as a coach in the NHL, dating back to 1999-00 when he was an assistant with the Chicago Blackhawks. His contract wasn’t renewed by the Ducks, but it isn’t surprising to see him land on his feet quickly.
Toronto Will Send Dermott, Johnsson To AHL
Friday: During his season-ending press conference, GM Lou Lamoriello announced that Dermott and Johnsson will re-join the Marlies for the playoffs, but Kapanen will be heading to Denmark to take part in the World Championships with Finland.
Thursday: The Toronto Maple Leafs lost a heartbreaking game seven last night against the Boston Bruins, failing to protect a lead in the third period. It’s the end of the season for many of their players, but three names should see some more hockey before they start their summer. Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson and Travis Dermott are all eligible for the AHL playoffs, and according to James Mirtle of The Athletic should be sent down before long. The Toronto Marlies continue their series against the Utica Comets tomorrow night.
By midway through the season Kapanen and Dermott had entrenched themselves as full-time players for the Maple Leafs, while Johnsson made his impressive NHL debut near the end of the year. All three look like they have good chances to begin the 2018-19 season in the NHL, though the offseason is an unpredictable period for the young Toronto team. After losing in the first round for the second year in a row, there are tough decisions to be made about the future of the club.
The Marlies meanwhile were one of the best teams in the history of the AHL while this trio was part of the club in the first half. While they dipped slightly down the stretch, Toronto should still be considered a favorite to win the Calder Cup. The added depth will only make them more so.
Nathan Walker Recalled From AHL
The Washington Capitals have recalled Nathan Walker from the AHL, though it is unlikely that he’ll get into a game unless several injuries strike. The Capitals are already carrying 16 forwards on their playoff roster, meaning Walker is likely just a “Black Ace” that will practice with the team for the duration of the postseason.
Walker made his NHL debut this season, becoming the first Australian player in NHL history. He ended up playing in seven games for the Capitals, while also spending two games with the Edmonton Oilers between waiver claims. The 24-year old forward scored his first NHL goal and recorded 22 points for the Hershey Bears, but isn’t known only for his offense.
Despite his small stature, Walker is an energy player capable of grinding down defenders with his unending forecheck and using his speed to be responsible at both ends of the rink. Though he didn’t make much of an impact this season, there is a chance he could play a more regular role with Washington next season while they deal with a cap crunch. Signed through next season, he’ll become a Group VI unrestricted free agent in 2019 if he doesn’t play in 71 games.
Washington Capitals Will Not Bring Back AHL Coaching Staff
The Washington Capitals were expected to make sweeping changes if they didn’t perform well in another playoff run, with Barry Trotz‘ coaching staff feeling the heat of perennial postseason disappointment. Those changes have begun in the AHL, as the organization announced it would not renew the contract for Hershey Bears head coach Troy Mann or assistant coach Ryan Murphy.
The Bears failed to reach the postseason this year, finishing last in the Atlantic Division with a 30-37-9 record. Interestingly, that was the team’s first playoff miss under Mann, who assumed head coaching duties in 2014 after previously serving as an assistant with the club. In his previous three seasons the team had progressed to the second round each year, including reaching the Calder Cup Finals in his second year as head coach.
Mann likely won’t be out of work for long, but it will be interesting to see how long it takes the Capitals to replace him. The AHL replacement should be one that can work well with his NHL counterpart, using similar systems and player development. If the team is still entertaining thoughts of removing Trotz from his position behind the bench, his replacement should likely be in place before an AHL coach is hired.
Snapshots: Sweden, Voynov, Yawney
Sweden released their preliminary roster for the upcoming World Championships, and it is loaded with NHL talent. John Klingberg, Adam Larsson, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Erik Gustafsson, Adrian Kempe, Mikael Backlund, Johan Larsson, Mattias Janmark, Lias Andersson, Jacob de La Rose, Magnus Paajarvi and Mika Zibanejad will all be heading to the tournament for the Swedes.
Though obviously this group is missing some of their top options like Erik Karlsson and Henrik Zetterberg, it will also have some very interesting young players filling the gaps. Vegas Golden Knights draft pick Erik Brannstrom will be among the defense corps, and Rick Dhaliwal of News 1130 in Vancouver expects Elias Pettersson will be added soon.
- There have been some conflicting reports on Slava Voynov‘s potential return to the NHL, but Arthur Staple of The Athletic can make one thing very clear. The New York Islanders have not reached out to anyone connected to the former NHL player, and have “zero interest” in bringing him aboard. Whether or not any team will actually sign the 28-year old defenseman is still unclear.
- The Anaheim Ducks will not bring back assistant coach Trent Yawney next season, choosing not to renew his contract. Yawney has been with the Ducks organization for seven seasons, first as head coach of their AHL affiliate (Syracuse, then Norfolk) and the last four seasons as an assistant to Bruce Boudreau and Randy Carlyle in the NHL.
Reid Boucher Clears Waivers, Assigned To AHL
Reid Boucher was placed on waivers yesterday by the Vancouver Canucks, after he recovered from a broken hand that robbed him of the last few games of the season. Boucher has cleared, and will be assigned to the Utica Comets to help them try and dig their way out of a 0-2 series deficit against the Toronto Marlies.
Boucher was a point-per-game player once again in the minor leagues, registering 46 points in 45 games for the Comets this season. Signed to a one-way deal last summer, he only played 20 games for the Canucks after spending the 2016-17 season bouncing around the league.
Still only scheduled to be a restricted free agent, it will be interesting to see what kind of offer the Canucks extend to Boucher. Through 132 NHL games he has amassed just 42 points, but has solid offensive talent that shows when given the opportunity. He’ll be 25 next season, and needs to prove he belongs on an NHL roster full-time.
Philadelphia Flyers Send Lindblom, Sanheim To AHL
Now that the Philadelphia Flyers have been eliminated, the focus of the organization turns to Lehigh Valley and their attempt to win a Calder Cup. To that end, the team has sent Oskar Lindblom and Travis Sanheim back down to help the club in their first round matchup against the Providence Bruins. The series is tied 1-1 and will resume this Friday.
Lindblom and Sanheim each made their NHL debuts this season, but also played substantial time with the Phantoms throughout the year. Lindblom was especially impactful, scoring 34 points in 54 games in his first full season in North America.
Both players will add another weapon to an offense that already boasts the league MVP in Phil Varone and one of the AHL’s all-time best offensive defensemen in T.J. Brennan. Though they’ll have to beat a solid Providence team in the next few games, Lehigh Valley are legitimate Calder Cup contenders this season.