Headlines

Go To MLB Trade Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Summer Synopsis: Carolina Hurricanes

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

With the regular season now upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team accomplished over the offseason.  Next up is a look at the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes have been a Stanley Cup contender for a long time. While they’ve been knocking on the door for a while, they have remained on the periphery, never advancing to a Stanley Cup Final. The Hurricanes have never been afraid to be aggressive in their pursuit of winning, but have never put it all together despite excellent coaching, a terrific NHL roster and a standout prospect system. The Hurricanes were busy this summer, making some impact moves in pursuit of a Stanley Cup, but was it enough to push them just a little bit extra they need to reach their goal?

Draft

2-41 – G Semyon Frolov, MHK Spartak Moskva Jr. (MHL)
2-49 – C Charlie Cerrato, Penn State (NCAA)
2-62 – C Ivan Ryabkin, Muskegon (USHL)
3-67 – D Kurban Limatov, Dynamo Moscow Jr. (MHL)
3-87 – D Roman Bausov, Dynamo St. Petersburg Jr. (MHL)
6-183 – LW Viggo Nordlund, Skellefteå AIK J20 (Sweden Jr.)
7-221 – RW Filip Ekberg, Ottawa (OHL)

The Hurricanes didn’t pick in the first round this year but did have three selections in the second round, taking a goalie with the 41st overall pick. Frolov moves well laterally, has good size, and tracks the puck well. He is very composed in the crease and doesn’t deviate much from his structure, even when he is making a ten bell save. On the development side, there are some concerns about consistency, and he isn’t an excellent puck handler. He also gets beaten high sometimes, the result of moving into his butterfly too early. He projects to be an NHL goaltender, with a ceiling as a potential starter.

With their second pick in the second round of the draft, Carolina chose Cerrato, a two-way NCAA center with a high hockey IQ. Besides being a skilled passer with excellent playreading, Cerrato is also a good forechecker who can kill penalties and shut things down in the defensive zone. He isn’t much of a shooter and will likely need to add some muscle if he wants to compete at the NHL level.

With their final second-round pick, Carolina chose Ryabkin from the USHL. He has good size, plays with an edge, and has goal-scoring ability. He isn’t the smoothest skater and will need to improve his agility and mobility before progressing further. That said, he plays a pro-style game and can handle physical matchups. He could eventually become a second or third-line center, but he needs refinement in certain aspects of his game, which Carolina’s coaching staff has traditionally managed well.

In the third round, the Hurricanes selected a defenseman named Limatov. Standing 6’4” and weighing 190 lbs, Limatov will likely need to add some muscle, but he isn’t afraid to play physically and skates exceptionally well, especially for his size. He moves the puck confidently and isn’t hesitant to join transition plays. He also demonstrates decent defensive skills, but must boost his consistency in the defensive zone to make the jump to the NHL. Scouts are concerned that his defensive reads reveal a poor understanding of positioning, and he relies on stick checks too often.

Trade Acquisitions

D K’Andre Miller (from New York Rangers)
G Cayden Primeau (from Montreal)

People were quite divided over the Miller trade, with many arguing that the Hurricanes gave up too many assets for him and signed him to a vibrant contract extension. There is a valid point here, considering Miller’s decline in performance last season, which raises concerns about the hefty assets and dollars Carolina invested to secure his long-term commitment.

Miller is clearly very talented offensively and is arguably one of the best skaters in the NHL. He has size and reach, highly valued traits for any team. However, his defensive game isn’t strong; at times, it’s pretty poor, and it didn’t improve during his time with the Rangers, reflecting on both Miller and the team. In Carolina, Miller will have a real opportunity to play within a structure that complements his skills. There’s no guarantee it will work, but Carolina believed he was worth taking a chance on.

From the Rangers’ perspective, the trade made complete sense after they signed Vladislav Gavrikov as a free agent. They were able to unload a young, but flawed, defenseman who was due for a massive payday, while also recouping two high draft picks and a top defensive prospect in Scott Morrow.

The jury will be out for a while on who won this trade, but it’s one to watch, especially as Morrow develops in the Rangers system.

UFA Signings

G Frederik Andersen (one year, $2.75MM)^
D Gavin Bayreuther (one year, $775K)*
LW Nikolaj Ehlers (six years, $51MM)
F Juha Jaaska (two years, $1.55MM)*^
C Tyson Jost (one year, $775K)*
D Mike Reilly (one year, $1.1MM)
LW Eric Robinson (four years, $6.8MM)^
RW Givani Smith (one year, $775K)*

*-denotes two-way contract
^-denotes re-signing

Signing Ehlers was a significant victory for the Hurricanes after they missed out on Rantanen and Guentzel long-term in previous summers. Ehlers isn’t quite at the same level as those two players, but he’s a strong top-six option who has consistently put up around 60 points for much of his career.

The six-year term shouldn’t be too restrictive for Carolina, as Ehlers will only be 35 when the deal expires, meaning he could remain reasonably productive throughout its duration. The $8.5MM AAV isn’t high either, and it should look more attractive as the deal goes on and the salary cap rises. The deal also comes at a time when Carolina has plenty of room under the salary cap, which means this probably won’t be an overpay for a free agent, assuming Ehlers stays healthy, which remains a concern.

Aside from Ehlers, Carolina remained quiet during free agency, focusing on depth and minor signings. They did, however, re-sign veteran netminder Andersen, who will once again form a tandem with the much younger Pyotr Kochetkov. Andersen is still a capable goaltender when healthy, though durability is often a concern for the 36-year-old. He appeared in just 22 games last season, but was solid in the regular season, posting a +9.0 goals saved above expected (according to MoneyPuck), and was outstanding in the playoffs with a +8.6 goals saved above expected in 13 games. While he can’t be a full-time starter, he’s an excellent option for 30-40 games.

RFA Re-Signings

RW Jackson Blake (eight years, $40,936,016)
C Skyler Brind’Amour (one year, $775K)*
D Domenick Fensore (one year, $775K)*
RW Noel Gunler (one year, $813,750)*
G Amir Miftakhov (one year, $775K)*
G Cayden Primeau (one year, $775K)
D Ronan Seeley (one year, $813,750)*
C Logan Stankoven (eight years, $48MM)
C Ryan Suzuki (one year, $775K)*

*-denotes two-way contract

The Hurricanes secured some of their key young players this summer by signing Blake and Stankoven to eight-year contract extensions. Carolina saw enough from Blake in just one season to commit long-term, and while it’s always risky to pay a player based on one year of production, they believed his potential was too significant to overlook. Blake is a skilled playmaker and an effective forechecker, but he is also somewhat small and not particularly quick. How he will develop remains uncertain, but even if his ceiling is only slightly above last year’s output, Carolina should still gain value from the deal.

The Stankoven deal was another eight-year agreement, reflecting a pattern this summer for the Hurricanes as they bet heavily on their young talent and chose to extend them the maximum term before it drops to seven years in the near future. These deals also come ahead of potential massive salary-cap increases, meaning that if Miller, Blake, and Stankoven all develop as Carolina expects, they could position themselves to be competitive for a long time. However, with Blake and Stankoven on the smaller side, injuries are always a possibility, so the risk is significant.

Stankoven’s skill is evident in the eye test, and while he struggled to score last year, he is a good transition player and an excellent playmaker who won’t shy away from contact or a battle, even if he is undersized. He posted 14 goals and 24 assists in 78 games last year, split between Dallas and Carolina, which was good enough for 7th in the Calder Trophy voting. At 22 years old, Stankoven is just scratching the surface, and the Hurricanes have taken a big bet that he has a lot more to offer.

Departures

D Brent Burns (signed by Colorado, one year, $1MM)
G Spencer Martin (signed in KHL)
D Scott Morrow (traded to New York Rangers)
D Dmitry Orlov (signed by San Jose, two years $13MM)
G Yaniv Perets (signed in AHL)
F Jack Roslovic (signed by Edmonton, one year $1.5MM)
D Riley Stillman (signed by Edmonton, two-year $1.55MM)*
C Tyson Yost (claimed on waivers by Nashville)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Hurricanes experienced quite a bit of key depth movement this summer. Up front, the only notable loss was Roslovic, who became a free agent amid expectations of securing a lucrative multi-year deal. However, that contract never materialized, and Roslovic had to settle for another one-year prove-it deal. The Hurricanes might have shown interest in Roslovic’s $1.5MM asking price, but considering their depth at center, the 22-goal scorer from last season wasn’t a priority.

On the backend, Carolina saw the majority of their departures, with Burns, Morrow, Orlov, and Stillman no longer part of the team. Burns left as a UFA and signed a one-year deal slightly above the league minimum. He could have likely stayed with the Hurricanes and served as a third-pairing defenseman, but it’s fair to wonder if the Hurricanes were hoping to go a bit younger in that spot. Burns isn’t the Norris Trophy candidate he once was, but he is still an NHL player and can serve a purpose as he tries to chase his first career Stanley Cup.

Sticking with the defense, Orlov left after two years in Carolina. The 34-year-old had a rough playoff run last year but played reasonably well in the regular season, aside from some careless puck handling as he set a career high in turnovers. With Miller coming into the picture, it made sense for the Hurricanes to let Orlov go, as they opted to go younger and maybe tried to get bigger on the backend.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Hurricanes are in good shape regarding the salary cap, sitting about $8.8MM below the threshold (according to PuckPedia). That figure translates to $36.335MM at the NHL Trade Deadline, making Carolina a team to watch as the season progresses. The Hurricanes have made significant moves during the season over the past two years, neither of which turned out very well (Jake Guentzel in 2023, Mikko Rantanen in 2024), so they might avoid going big game hunting again. However, time will tell — they have the space and the cap room to make just about any move they want.

Key Questions

Can the goaltending steal playoff games for them?

Andersen and Kochetkov have been a solid pairing for the Hurricanes for several years, but they have never been able to steal a series late in the playoffs. It’s not the reason that Carolina has never advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, but if one of them were to stand on their head in the Conference Finals, it would go a long way to the Hurricanes finally getting over the hump. Goaltending certainly isn’t the problem in Carolina, but

Can they finally reach the Stanley Cup Finals?

It’s been a long time since Carolina was in the Stanley Cup Finals. It’ll be 20 years this spring, and they have come close to reaching the Finals in terms of the playoff bracket; however, they haven’t been competitive in any of the recent Eastern Conference Finals they’ve participated in, dating back to a 2009 sweep by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Overall, they are 1-16 in those four series and were never a threat in any of them. Teams like this have existed before—strong regular-season performers for over a decade—that ultimately fall short of winning a Stanley Cup. The Hurricanes hope they don’t become yet another cautionary tale.

Is Andrei Svechnikov going to rebound?

Svechnikov has faced a lot over the past few years, including an upper-body injury last season, which was a very inconsistent year. Coming into this season, the hopes were that the 25-year-old would bounce back, but so far, that hasn’t happened. In fact, Svechnikov is scoreless thus far and looks like a shell of his former self. Carolina is definitely concerned, but there’s plenty of season left, and maybe it’s just taking him some time to find his feet and get back up to game speed. Svechnikov is a key part of the Hurricanes’ quest to win another Stanley Cup, and if he becomes more of a liability than an asset, it could cause serious problems.

Photo by Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images

Summer Synopsis: Buffalo Sabres

at CDT | by 3 Comments

With the regular season now upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team accomplished over the offseason.  Next up is a look at the Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since 201o-11 and went into this season expecting to miss the postseason once again. It’s tough to be a Sabres fan right now, and it’s easy to feel indifferent about the future of this roster. That said, there are talented players in Buffalo, but management hasn’t been able to support them or find middle-tier players who can play alongside them. The Sabres have again started the season slowly, and if this keeps up into 2026, there could likely be significant changes in Buffalo.

Draft

1-9 – D Radim Mrtka, Seattle (WHL)
3-71 – D David Bedkowski, Owen Sound (OHL)
4-103 – C Matouš Jan Kucharcik, Slavia Praha Jr. (Czechia U20)
4-116 – G Samuel Meloche, Rouyn‑Noranda (QMJHL)
5-135 – D Noah Laberge, Acadie‑Bathurst (QMJHL)
6-167 – C Ashton Schultz, Chicago (USHL)
7-195 – LW Melvin Novotny, Leksands IF J20 (J20 Nationell)
7-199 – G Yevgeni Prokhorov, Dinamo‑Shinnik Bobruysk (MHL)
7-219 – C Ryan Rucinski, Youngstown (USHL)

The Sabres drafted in the top 10 once again, and it’s starting to feel like an annual tradition. This time, they picked a defenseman with excellent size, standing 6’6” and weighing 218 lbs. Mrtka moves well for such a big guy, skating smoothly and closing gaps easily, while showing a talent for moving the puck and making solid offensive reads. Despite his size advantage, Mrtka is still working on his strength and might have some way to go; he isn’t an overly aggressive defenseman in the corners and may take some time to develop that mean streak that could turn him into a real force.

The Sabres clearly targeted a specific type in this draft, selecting another big, right-shot defenseman with their third-round pick. Bedkowski is slightly shorter than Mrtka but has a mean streak, enjoying physical play and battling for pucks with high aggression. He hits to punish opponents, both along the boards and in open ice, and isn’t afraid to show some flair with his passing and skating. He can also shoot the puck, unleashing a heavy one-timer from the blue line that is sure to turn heads.

The issue with Bedkowski —and probably why he remained in the third round —is that he needs significant work on his mobility, and his decision-making is often lacking. He also has some injury history, which has limited his sample size and makes him somewhat an unknown commodity.

The Sabres kept their focus on drafting big players by selecting Kucharcik in the fourth round. The 6’4” center will need to bulk up if he wants to make it in the NHL, but he sees the ice well and is solid defensively. His ability to read plays as they happen could make him a dependable two-way center, although his scoring isn’t high, which might limit his ceiling. His potential as a top-end player could be as a middle six forward who can kill penalties and provide consistent play at both ends of the ice.

The Sabres have faced challenges in developing goaltenders and added to their pipeline in the fourth round by selecting Meloche, a goaltender who is slightly smaller than current NHL goalies but still has solid size at 6’3’’. He has good fundamentals, a calm net style, and the ability to stay composed and read plays well are probably his top assets. It still needs to be tested against more formidable opponents, which will give a clearer idea of whether he’ll be an NHL netminder. Goalies are notoriously difficult to project, but based on Meloche’s athleticism, reflexes, and demeanour, he has a solid shot at making the NHL.

Trade Acquisitions

D Isaac Belliveau (from Pittsburgh)
F Josh Doan (from Utah)
D Michael Kesselring (from Utah)
D Conor Timmins (from Pittsburgh)

Trading JJ Peterka was never expected to improve the Sabres more than the 23-year-old, but they did manage to add two roster players in Doan and Kesselring. The trade highlights a broader issue in Buffalo: their long, documented decade and a half of misery that has eroded the spirit of a once-proud NHL franchise.

Doan is the son of former NHL star Shane Doan and plays a very similar game to his dad, using his high motor to stay in motion and hope to unleash his heavy shot. Doan is also an underrated passer and a consistent pest on the forecheck, forcing turnovers or stripping pucks away for himself. Doan could benefit from working on his footspeed, but even as it is, he remains a solid NHL player.

Kesselring fits the profile of what the Sabres aimed for this summer, as he is a big right-shot defender who can keep the puck away from danger zones and does a decent job moving the puck. He isn’t a skilled playmaker, but he skates well and can chip in some offense from the back end. He played significant third-pairing minutes last year in Utah and is worth thinking about as a potential second-pairing option on the right side.

UFA Signings

F Justin Danforth (two years, $3.6MM)
D Mason Geertsen (two years, $1.55MM)*
G Alexandar Georgiev (one year, $825K)
D Zachary Jones (one year, $900K)*
C Jake Leschyshyn (one year, $775K)*
G Alex Lyon (two years, $3MM)
RW Carson Meyer (two years, $1.55MM)*
D Jack Rathbone (two years, $1.6MM)

*-denotes two-way contract
^-denotes re-signing

The Sabres didn’t make any significant moves in the UFA market this summer, and it’s reasonable to believe that their long history of missing the postseason played a role in their quiet free agency period. Even when Buffalo was a playoff team, it was never a top choice for many reasons largely beyond their control. However, given their record over the past 14 years, no top free agent is likely to choose Buffalo over numerous other offers, which is reflected in their efforts this year in the market.

No disrespect to the signed players, but the Sabres’ list of UFAs is underwhelming and raises questions about whether the Sabres truly believe they’ve finished rebuilding. Danforth was their most significant signing; he’s a high-energy player and hard to contain on the forecheck, but he isn’t considered an impact player and can best be described as a bottom-six option. Danforth’s speed will be an asset, and he might be the only player on the list of UFAs the Sabres signed who will make an NHL impact this season.

Lyon could have an impact in the NHL depending on how the Sabres’ goaltending develops early on. He was slightly above average over the last two seasons with Detroit and is definitely a capable NHL goalie and a decent backup option. It’s likely he’ll fill that role over the next two seasons with the Sabres, and at 32 years old, that’s probably his NHL ceiling.

RFA Re-Signings

D Bowen Byram (two years, $12.5MM)
D Ryan Johnson (three years, $2.325MM)*
C Tyson Kozak (three years, $2.325MM)*
G Devon Levi (two years, $1.625MM)
C Ryan McLeod (four years, $20MM)
D Conor Timmins (two years, $4.4MM)
RW Jack Quinn (two years, $6.75MM)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Sabres made several short-term signings this summer, with one medium-term deal given to McLeod, who had a career year last season with 20 goals and 33 assists in 79 games. It was McLeod’s first year with Buffalo, and he translated his previously efficient production into tangible results, earning him a four-year extension. McLeod remains one of the fastest players in the NHL and is strong on both sides of the puck, serving as a penalty killer and a two-way center. His offensive skills are also very evident as he continues to be a good puck distributor and a solid transition player. The deal takes McLeod into his late twenties and offers him some security as he continues to develop his game.

The Sabres postponed a significant decision by signing Byram to a two-year deal. They might still choose to sign the defenseman to a long-term contract, but they could also decide to move him before this deal expires. Byram is a talented player who skates well, handles the puck, and sets up scoring opportunities for his teammates. He exemplifies the typical offensive defenseman. However, despite these skills, he hasn’t consistently produced strong results on the ice in recent years, having difficulty controlling play for both Buffalo and his former team, Colorado. His advanced analytics don’t reflect his perceived impact, highlighting a discrepancy between his skill and results. Byram continues to rack up points and likely will attract interest if he becomes available via trade. Still, the Sabres may not receive the offers they anticipate, and they may also be cautious about the long-term cost.

The Sabres chose a short-term deal with forward Quinn, signing him to a two-year bridge contract for a player who is clearly talented but has experienced injuries. Quinn had a productive final season in the OHL with the Ottawa 67s; however, his junior career was interrupted by the pandemic, which may have impacted his development along with those injuries. Quinn is a highly creative player capable of generating offense from nearly anywhere on the ice. His stats from last season seem solid at first glance, but a closer look shows he struggled to control play and also had issues with turnovers.

Departures

D Jacob Bernard-Docker (signed with Detroit, one year $875K)
D Connor Clifton (traded to Pittsburgh)
F Mason Jobst (remains unsigned)
F Sam Lafferty (traded to Chicago)
F JJ Peterka (traded to Utah)
G James Reimer (remains unsigned)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Sabres lost several players from their roster, most of whom were at the bottom of their lineup. However, Peterka was at the top of the lineup and was one of the better young players in the NHL last season, recording 21 goals and 37 assists in 77 games. Some might wonder why Buffalo would trade an offensive young player, but Elliotte Friedman reported in the summer that Peterka was unhappy in Buffalo, which probably prompted the move. Despite his talent, Peterka has his flaws. He mainly scores on the rush and needs to improve his overall offensive game, despite his high skill. His defensive efforts in Buffalo left much to be desired, and it will be interesting to see if he can elevate his play in Utah.

Clifton and Lafferty were both salary dumps for Buffalo, with Lafferty moving to Chicago and Clifton heading to Pittsburgh, along with a draft pick to facilitate the deal. Clifton is an eight-year NHL veteran who has never been an analytics favourite but plays a brutal and honest game. Although considered a defensive defenseman, Clifton did have some skill with the puck, even if it didn’t always show on the scoresheet. He faced some very tough assignments last year, which likely affected his metrics and probably contributed to his trade to the Penguins.

Lafferty was never a good fit in Buffalo and was sent back to Chicago. His speed and forechecking ability were expected to boost the Sabres’ bottom six, but his overall play left a lot to be desired, so he was moved on. Lafferty has always felt like he had more to offer an NHL team, which is maybe why Buffalo signed him to his current contract. Once they realized their situation, the Sabres opted to cut ties and move on to other players.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Sabres are in a surprisingly poor position regarding the salary cap, considering they have built a roster that is average at best and among the bottom 10 in the league at worst. The Sabres currently have only $2.45MM available under the salary cap, which is projected to be $9.57MM at the NHL Trade Deadline (as per PuckPedia). Their long-term cap situation isn’t dire, as they have 18 players signed for 2026-27 and nearly $22MM in available cap space. However, they will need to address forward Alex Tuch’s next contract and Kesselring’s new deal. Tuch is expected to earn just over $8.5MM annually on a seven-year deal, while Kesselring is projected to sign a three-year extension at $4.27MM per season (as per AFP Analytics). Combined, that would total $12.77MM annually, leaving Buffalo with less than $10MM to sign three more players, which opens the possibility of adding one impact player.

Key Questions

Can they finally make the playoffs?

It’s fair to say that when it comes to making the playoffs, the Sabres are long overdue. They have been in a constant state of rebuilding for the last 14 years, and while they came close to making the playoffs a few years back, they have mostly stayed at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The team has some talented young players signed long-term, and eventually you have to believe they will make the postseason. However, considering the competition in the Atlantic Division, this doesn’t seem like the year they will end the streak.

Will they trade Owen Power?

Much of the trade chatter regarding Power has been precisely that, chatter. That being said, nothing feels more Buffalo than the idea of trading Power and then using the financial savings to lock up Byram long-term. That’s not to say that Byram is a terrible option, but to keep him as a mainstay over Power would be a disastrous decision. No one is saying that they will, but given the track record of the Sabres, I wouldn’t call it impossible either. Neither is trading Power, and while it would be a mistake to move the former first overall pick, you have to think that nothing is off the table in Buffalo.

Can Josh Norris stay healthy?

Norris is a terrific player when he’s healthy enough to play. However, so far in his career, that hasn’t been the case. Buffalo took a lot of risk when they acquired him from Ottawa at last year’s NHL Trade Deadline, giving up Dylan Cozens and a second-round pick in the process. They also received Bernard-Docker in the trade, but saying the results favour Ottawa is an understatement. The Sabres need Norris to be healthy and productive if they want to compete for a playoff spot, and so far, things don’t look promising.

Photo by Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Summer Synopsis: Chicago Blackhawks

at CDT | by 5 Comments

With the regular season now upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team accomplished over the offseason.  Next up is a look at the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks rebuild continues to chug along with Connor Bedard leading the charge. At this point, the Blackhawks’ deep prospect pool hasn’t yielded much NHL success, but given the depth of the system, it’s not unrealistic to think that upwards of 12-15 of their current prospects become NHL players in the next couple of years. That won’t do much for their fortunes this season, as the team may not be ready to compete for a playoff spot just yet, but make no mistake, they are trending in the right direction.

Draft

1-3 – F Anton Frondell, Djurgårdens IF J20 (J20 Nationell)
1-25 – RW Václav Nestrašil, Muskegon (USHL)
1-29 – F Mason West, Fargo (USHL)
3-66 – F Nathan Behm, Kamloops (WHL)
4-98 – C Julius Sumpf, Moncton (QMJHL)
4-107 – LW Parker Holmes, Brantford (OHL) 
6-162 – D Ashton Cumby, Seattle (WHL)
7-194 – G Ilya Kanarsky, AKM Tula (MHL)

The Blackhawks made a total of eight draft picks this offseason, three of which came in the first round. Frondell was the third overall pick and projects as a top-line player with a floor of being a second liner. He is an explosive skater with an excellent shot and terrific offensive instincts. He has the build of a power forward, and while this is undoubtedly an advantage, it can slow him down when he is trying to get back to the defensive zone to defend the transition game. There are also concerns about his agility, which might affect his ability to defend.

Nestrašil was the Blackhawks’ second first-round pick and also projects as a potential power forward with a tremendous reach. Despite his size and reach, he can work effectively around the net and has soft hands, using them to create chances for himself and his teammates. He projects as a power winger and likely a second-line scorer who will need development to reach his full potential, particularly with his skating, which requires improvement in acceleration and agility. At the very least, he should be an NHL player given his skill set at this stage of his career.

With their final third first-round pick, the Blackhawks pick another potential power forward in West, who moves very well for a big man and has an exceptional skating stride. He has a fantastic shot and sees the ice exceptionally well. His ability to create open looks for his teammates should translate well to the NHL, particularly if he is paired up with scorers. While he has a lot of upside and could be a massive steal if he fully develops, he is seen as somewhat of a project, as his consistency and puck handling have some question marks.

Behm was a third-round selection and is also a forward on the bigger side. He, too, can get around the ice effectively but is more of a pure shooter. He could be a solid value pick in the middle of the draft if he can get better at playing a two-way game. His work away from the puck leaves a lot to be desired and could be what prevents him from becoming a complete player. There is a small contingent of scouts who see Behm as more of an offensive specialist rather than a two-way forward, which means he will need to display consistency in the scoring department to justify his regular spot in an NHL lineup. Niche offensive players can find roles in the NHL and certainly have significant value. Victor Olofsson of the Colorado Avalanche is a good example of that; however, when they go cold, it is pronounced and can be problematic.

Trade Acquisitions

LW Andre Burakovsky (from Seattle)
F Sam Lafferty (from Buffalo)
D Ryan Mast (from Boston)

The Blackhawks added some pace to their lineup by reacquiring Lafferty from the Sabres. The 30-year-old was signed as a free agent last summer by Buffalo, but he scored just four goals and three assists in 60 games during a disappointing season. The seven-year pro has never been much of an offensive producer, but he is a reliable fourth-line player who plays with energy, hits, and can kill penalties. Lafferty has often shown glimpses of being more of an impact player, but has never been able to break through and become a consistent contributor.

Chicago also acquired Burakovsky from the Kraken in exchange for Joe Veleno. The deal brought an underperforming forward to the Blackhawks, but one with a strong track record of scoring. The two-time Stanley Cup champion hasn’t lived up to his $5.5MM cap hit on the free agent contract he signed back in 2022, but he remains an effective player who should carve out a role in Chicago and generate points.

UFA Signings

C Ryan Donato (four years, $16MM)
D Matt Grzelcyk (one year, $1MM)
C Dominic Toninato (two years, $1.7MM)*

*-denotes two-way contract
^-denotes re-signing

The Blackhawks didn’t do much business in the free agent market this offseason, but they secured a key player before he could hit the market by signing Donato. The 29-year-old chose to stay in Chicago, passing up what could have been a more lucrative opportunity on the open market. However, considering the market’s unpredictability, Donato probably made the right decision by playing it safe and accepting a guaranteed payday. He doubled his most productive season, tallying 62 points in 80 games last year (31 goals and 31 assists), and even if he reverts to his career norms around 30-35 points, the contract wouldn’t be an overpay. Nonetheless, if he produces 50-60 points annually in the coming years, the $4MM AAV will be an absolute bargain.

Now, speaking of the market’s unpredictability, we have Grzelcyk, who was expected to get a multi-year contract this summer that would top $3MM per season. He didn’t come close to that figure, instead signing a PTO with Chicago before converting it to a one-year deal. It was a surprising outcome for a player who had a career-high in points last season and seemed destined for a decent-sized payday. His size and defensive play likely contributed to the lack of a market for his services, and Chicago was more than happy to step in and scoop him up at a bargain.

RFA Re-Signings

D Louis Crevier (two years, $1.8MM)
D Wyatt Kaiser (two years, $3.4MM)
G Spencer Knight (three years, $17,499,999)
F Frank Nazar (seven years, $46,199,937)
G Arvid Soderblom (two years, $5.5MM)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Blackhawks chose to lock in a couple of players early, including Nazar and Knight. The Nazar contract was a risk, considering the 21-year-old had only played 56 NHL games before signing and hadn’t been a prolific scorer. Picked 13th overall in 2022, Nazar had a solid first full NHL season, posting 12 goals and 14 assists in 53 games. Although some of his underlying stats weren’t ideal, it was enough to persuade the Blackhawks to sign him long-term. There is significant risk on the Chicago side with this deal, but if he develops as they hope, it could be a massive win for the Blackhawks, especially with a rising salary cap.

Knight was also a 13th overall pick, and like Nazar, the Blackhawks re-signed him before he reached restricted free agency. The 24-year-old faced some setbacks early in his career but settled in last year after a midseason trade to Chicago and has been hot to start this year. Knight has good size and all the tools to be a star NHL netminder, and the Blackhawks are hopeful that the same is true so that they can see value in his three-year extension.

Departures

F Andreas Athanasiou (remains unsigned)
F Cole Guttman (signed with Los Angeles, two years, $1.55MM)*
F Philipp Kurashev (signed with San Jose, one year, $1.2MM)
F Pat Maroon (retired)
D Alec Martinez (retired)
F Aku Raty (signed in Finland)
LW Zach Sanford (signed in Switzerland)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Blackhawks didn’t add much this summer, but they didn’t really suffer many losses either, and most of the players who left will be replaced by young prospects moving up to the NHL. Maroon’s retirement was somewhat unexpected at the time. Still, his last two seasons showed a significant decline in his overall performance, so it wasn’t surprising that he decided to hang up his skates. He was a solid pro for many years, often taking well below market value to stay in advantageous positions, especially with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The sacrifice paid off, though; he won three Stanley Cups and leaves behind a career to be proud of. In the NHL, Chicago will miss his veteran leadership and the physicality he brought to the bottom of the lineup.

Martinez was another three-time Stanley Cup champion who retired at the end of last season. It wasn’t all that surprising, considering he was 37 at the time and had struggled to stay healthy in the later stages of his career. Martinez didn’t play an easy game, blocking numerous shots, killing penalties, and taking on complex defensive assignments throughout his career. He had a knack for playing alongside really good defensemen, finding chemistry with Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore in Vegas, which might seem straightforward, but playing with offensively skilled defensemen can be pretty challenging due to the many odd-man situations that arise. Martinez had a terrific NHL career and left a veteran void in the Blackhawks dressing room similar to Maroon’s, but he didn’t leave much of a defensive void thanks to his level of play towards the end of his career.

Athanasiou, Raty, and Sanford weren’t significant losses to the Blackhawks’ depth since none of them managed to secure NHL jobs or stay in North America. Athanasiou remains unsigned, and there isn’t much news on him, so his future is unclear. However, he hasn’t looked like an NHL player for quite some time. Given the current NHL landscape and teams’ preference for developing younger players, Athanasiou might need to look overseas to continue his playing career.

Kurashev’s meteoric rise and fall were compelling to watch in Chicago, as the Blackhawks chose not to tender him, leading to his move to the Sharks. After scoring 54 points in 2023-24, his numbers plummeted last season, tallying just 14 points in 51 games. His underlying stats have never been impressive, and when he isn’t scoring on the rush or drawing penalties, his game is somewhat limited, which is why Chicago was comfortable moving on. Depending on his role, Kurashev could rise again, but his 54-point season now seems like an outlier—possibly the exception, as he hasn’t been a great fit in San Jose so far this season.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Blackhawks have just over $17.3MM in available cap space (as per PuckPedia), giving them the flexibility to make moves during the season if they choose to add or subtract from their roster as their season unfolds. The figure moves north of $71MM at the NHL Trade Deadline, which would be a remarkable sum if Chicago decided to go on a buying spree. Even if they don’t, that cap space could be used to take on bad contracts if other teams are eager to offload salary, potentially allowing Chicago to acquire more assets.

Key Questions

What will Connor Bedard’s contract extension look like?

Bedard’s contract talks will be interesting to follow. Many fans expected he would sign an extension this past summer, but nothing materialized. There are a few reasons why Bedard hasn’t signed yet; the most likely is that he and the team are weighing their options before finalizing an agreement. Bedard might be waiting to see the team’s direction and what he would be playing with in the long term, while the Blackhawks could be assessing their comfort level with terms and dollars. It’s challenging to know what both sides are thinking, but the deal will eventually be completed.

Will any young players step up?

As mentioned above, Chicago has an excellent prospect pipeline, but most of their key pieces have yet to reach the NHL. Make no mistake, reinforcements are coming to the Windy City, but the question is whether they will make that trip this season. Bedard and Nazar are already NHL players, supported by defensemen Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel, both of whom are former first-round picks, with Levshunov being the second overall in 2024. Oliver Moore is another player making the jump, but the question remains: Who else is coming this year?

How will Knight perform full-time?

Knight’s talent is clear to anyone who watches him or evaluates his numbers. The skill is there, so the question becomes, how will he perform as a full-time NHL starter? Knight seems ready to seize the opportunity, and with a new extension signed, the Blackhawks are betting that he is prepared as well. Goaltending has been a concern in Chicago for some time, and they’ve had a revolving door of goalies for a decade. Knight securing the position and holding it would go a long way toward helping Chicago become a contender again.

Photo by Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Summer Synopsis: Colorado Avalanche

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

With the regular season now upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team accomplished over the offseason.  Next up is a look at the Colorado Avalanche.

The Avalanche had a shocking end to their season this past spring and are looking to put it behind them and resume their quest for another Stanley Cup. The Avalanche aren’t mentioned in the upper echelon of NHL teams like they were a few years ago, but on paper, they are very much in the conversation. They don’t boast the depth that they used to, but their top six remains one of the strongest in the league, and they still have a top defensive pairing in Devon Toews and Cale Makar.

Draft

3-77 – D Francesco Dell’Elce, UMass (NCAA)
4-118 – D Linus Funck, Luleå HF J20 (J20 Nationell)
7-214 – F Nolan Roed, Tri-City (USHL)

The Avalanche didn’t have many picks this year, which is the result of doing business when you’re in the Stanley Cup window. With their third-round pick, Colorado chose an offensive defenseman who already moves like a pro and stays very calm under pressure. He has an excellent first pass and can lead the transition game with his skating and passing. You might wonder why he was drafted in the third round after reading that. Firstly, he’s an older prospect at 20. He’s also better with the puck than without it, suggesting that his defensive game could improve.

With their fourth-round pick, the Avalanche selected Funck from Sweden. The mobile defenseman is another good transition player, with a strong first pass and good ice awareness. He’s a solid defender and appears to transition smoothly from offense to defense, which might explain his significant jump of 36 spots in the spring rankings. While he has considerable potential, he may face some challenges. Funck is lean and will likely need to add strength to handle net-front battles and NHL forecheckers.

Expectations are rarely high for seventh-round picks, but there is a lot to like about Roed’s game. He can move around the ice with speed and plays a north-south style of hockey. He creates separation with his skating and remains poised under pressure when carrying the puck. While he performs well in open spaces, the biggest critique of Roed is that he struggles with physical contact and is easily knocked off the puck in board battles and net-front confrontations.

Trade Acquisitions

RW Gavin Brindley (from Columbus)
LW Danil Gushchin (from San Jose)

The Avalanche made a few trades this summer, with the Brindley acquisition aimed mainly at shedding the contracts of Coyle and Wood rather than Brindley, the player. The 21-year-old Brindley is a former second-round pick (34th overall) and is expected to see NHL action this season, even though he is undersized at just 5’8” and 173 lbs. The Avalanche lack a well-established bottom six, so they are open to giving young players in that role opportunities if they believe they can be long-term solutions.

Gushchin is another small player Colorado was willing to take a chance on. The 23-year-old, a former third-round pick (76th overall) in 2020, has been a consistent scorer in the AHL over the past three seasons. Gushchin had a lengthy stint in the NHL with San Jose, but he managed only one point in 12 games and wasn’t a significant presence. At 165 lbs, there are concerns that he might get pushed around in battles and easily be knocked off the puck. However, given his skill level, Colorado was willing to take the gamble on him.

UFA Signings

D Jack Ahcan (one year, $775K)*
D Ronald Attard (one year, $775K)*
C Alex Barre-Boulet (one year, $775K)
D Brent Burns (one year, $1MM)
C Parker Kelly (four years, $6.8MM)^
F Joel Kiviranta (one year, $1.25MM)
D Josh Manson (two years, $7.9MM)^
C Brock Nelson (three years, $22.5MM)^
F Victor Olofsson (one year, $1.575MM)
C TJ Tynan (one year, $775K)*

*-denotes two-way contract
^-denotes re-signing

The most significant move for the Avalanche in free agency was re-signing veteran center Nelson, who fit well after joining from the New York Islanders at the NHL Trade Deadline. Spending $7.5MM annually on a 34-year-old is definitely a gamble, but given their position in the contention window, the signing makes sense for the Avalanche. It provided them with a second-line center and a reliable player driver, which they’ve been looking for since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.

In terms of new faces, signing Burns to a one-year deal was a smart gamble even though he’s 40 years old. The former Norris Trophy winner remains a very effective offensive defenseman with his shot and passing still quite good, even if his skating isn’t what it used to be. Burns can’t log 26 minutes a night anymore, but he can probably handle around 20 minutes and still be effective, which is a steal for $1MM. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs in the later stages of the season, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him finish with 30-40 points.

Olofsson is another intriguing addition who could have some upside in Colorado. The 30-year-old is a three-time 20-goal scorer who could reasonably reach a 40-point pace over an 82-game season. The problem with Olofsson has always been that if he hits a slump, he doesn’t do enough without the puck to secure a spot in an NHL lineup; however, last season, he disproved that notion by significantly improving his defensive play and posting excellent defensive numbers. It’s uncertain if he can keep this up, but only time will tell.

Finally, the Avalanche decided to re-sign veteran defenseman Manson for another two years. The 34-year-old is in his fifth season with the Avalanche and continues to be a defense-first defenseman who isn’t afraid to hit. Manson missed half of last season but reduced his penalties when he did play. His puck control was poor last year, as he was responsible for many turnovers in limited ice time. Right-shot defensemen are hard to find, and at the very least, Manson remains a third-pair defender.

RFA Re-Signings

F Danil Gushchin (one year, $775K)*
D Sam Malinski (one year, $1.4MM)
G Trent Miner (two years, $1.55MM)*
RW Jason Polin (one year, $775K)
C Matthew Steinburg (one year, $775K)*

*-denotes two-way contract

There isn’t much to comment on regarding the Avalanche’s RFA list from this past offseason. Malinski is essentially the only RFA who could make an impact at the NHL level this season. The 27-year-old is a bit small, but he’s swift and isn’t afraid to use his skills to create plays with the puck. Malinski is clearly talented with the puck on his stick, and he’s willing to jump into the play from the point or lead the team in transition. This upcoming season is crucial for Malinski as he aims to break into Colorado’s top four.

Outside of Malinski, the remaining RFAs re-signed and will spend most of their time in the AHL. Gushchin might get a look at the NHL level given his skill set, but with his size, it’s hard to see him getting an extended opportunity.

Departures

F Charlie Coyle (traded to Columbus)
F Jonathan Drouin (signed with Islanders, two years $8MM)
D Erik Johnson (retired)
D Ryan Lindgren (signed with Seattle, four years $18MM)
D John Ludvig (signed in Czechia)
D Calle Rosen (signed with Washington, one year $775K)*
D Devante Stephens (signed in Austria)
F Miles Wood (traded to Columbus)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Avalanche’s forward group suffered significant losses this offseason as Coyle, Wood, and Drouin moved on. This causes pressure on the team’s bottom six, which will look quite different this year. Whether that turns out to be a good thing remains to be seen, but currently, several questions surround the team’s fourth line, specifically regarding Zakhar Bardakov and Brindley. Parker Kelly is an established player on that fourth line and is likely to serve as a mentor to the other two as they work towards becoming regular NHL players.

Bardakov has good size and could bring a bit of a power-forward feel to the fourth line. He doesn’t have a long history of scoring, but last season he was a solid depth scorer in the KHL, recording 17 goals and 18 assists in 53 games. The 24-year-old was a seventh-round draft pick and isn’t highly touted, but if he can competently fill the fourth line role for Colorado, it would check off one of their shopping list items and provide a solid return on that late-round pick.

On the defensive end, the most notable loss was Lindgren, who bolted to Seattle on what can best be described as an overpayment. Lindgren has traditionally been a decent middle-pair option, but he was a disaster last year in New York with the Rangers and damaged many of his partner, Adam Fox’s, numbers. He was moved at the deadline to Colorado, where he posted arguably the worst results of their entire defense core. Colorado could have probably received better results from the player they traded for Lindgren (Calvin de Haan) and correctly moved on during the off-season. That’s not to say Lindgren is a bad player by any means, but for $4.5MM annually, Colorado could find a better fit.

Former first overall pick Johnson also retired after playing 1023 NHL games. The 37-year-old split his time between Philadelphia and Colorado, performing respectably with the Avalanche, though a 101.3 PDO helped him. It seemed like he might continue his career this season, but ultimately, he chose to hang up his skates. For Colorado, Johnson isn’t a significant loss, as they have plenty of options to fill the role he played last season in his limited time.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Avalanche are close to the salary cap, but isn’t in the worst position with just over $1.1MM available currently (as per PuckPedia). That figure multiplies to $4.665MM at the NHL Trade Deadline, meaning the Avalanche can add an impact player without needing to shed salary and could even acquire a player with a cap hit above $8MM if the other team is willing to retain. Next summer, the Avalanche will once again face a cap crunch with just under $27MM available and 14 players signed. One of their free agents is forward Martin Necas, who could consume more than one-third of that remaining cap space, indicating a summer squeeze once again in Colorado.

Key Questions

Do the Avalanche have another deep playoff run in them?

The Avalanche don’t have a perfect roster, and no NHL team does in a salary cap world. As mentioned earlier, there are question marks on the lower tiers of their roster, but the top end remains elite, giving them a chance for a deep playoff run unless significant injuries occur. A concern for the Avalanche in the Central Division is that they could face either the Dallas Stars or Winnipeg Jets in one of, if not both, of the first two rounds of the playoffs, and those teams are also top-tier NHL clubs.

How will Mackenzie Blackwood perform for a whole season?

Blackwood performed exceptionally well after joining the Sharks in a midseason trade. His performance was so impressive that it prompted the Avalanche to sign him to a long-term extension. It was somewhat risky, considering the early struggles Blackwood faced in his career, but the Avalanche are betting that last year’s version of Blackwood is the one they’ll see moving forward. It’s a significant gamble; some might say they are staking their Stanley Cup hopes on him because if he falters, they won’t have much cap space left to find a suitable replacement. While that might be a bit of hyperbole, Blackwood’s play could indeed be a key factor in where the Avalanche finish the season.

How will Gabriel Landeskog perform full-time?

It’s been four years since Landeskog began the regular season in October, having missed three full seasons before returning last year for the playoffs. The 32-year-old played well in five games, scoring a goal and adding three assists before the Dallas Stars eliminated the Avalanche in the first round. It was an incredible comeback, one that seemed impossible at one point. Now, with the calendar turned back to the regular season, it will be interesting to see how many games Landeskog plays this year and how effective he will be as the season goes on. He’s off to a slow start this season, but if Landeskog has taught us anything, it’s not to underestimate his grit.

Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Summer Synopsis: Columbus Blue Jackets

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

With the regular season now upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team accomplished over the offseason.  Next up is a look at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets were a heartwarming story last year after being underestimated, as they made a playoff push before narrowly missing out. The team improved by 23 points from the previous year, and while they likely won’t see that same jump again, only a slight improvement is needed to make the playoffs. Such progress boosts internal confidence, but it also raises expectations for the group, which could add pressure for the young players to handle.

Draft

1-14 – D Jackson Smith, Tri-City (WHL)
1-20 – G Pyotr Andreyanov, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
3-76 – D Malte Vass, Färjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)
5-160 – F Owen Griffin, Oshawa (OHL)
6-173 – D Victor Hedin Raftheim, Brynas (SHL)
7-198 – F Jeremy Loranger, Sherwood Park (BCHL)

The Blue Jackets drafted Smith with the 14th overall pick and are hoping that he fills out and can continue to develop on the defensive side of his game to become a top-four defenseman. Smith is a natural athlete and a very talented skater who could become a two-way defender at the NHL level. He has good patience with the puck and shows a lot of good instincts on the offensive side of the game. Defensively, his gap control and defensive instincts need some work, but if the Blue Jackets are patient in his development, he should be an NHL defenseman.

With their second first-round pick, the Blue Jackets drafted a goaltender. There’s a lot to like about Andreyanov, who has been dominant in the MHL thanks to his athleticism and tracking skills. Andreyanov is aggressive in the crease but stays calm under pressure, making tough saves look easy. He’s not very tall at 6’1″, which could limit his potential, but it’s not completely disqualifying. Goaltenders are hard to predict, which makes taking one in the first round a gamble, but for a team that has struggled to develop goalies, it’s a worthwhile risk for Columbus.

The Blue Jackets selected another defenceman in the third round, choosing Vass from Sweden. The stay-at-home defender isn’t flashy, but he plays with high energy, can hit, block shots, and kill penalties. He has solid instincts in the defensive zone and effectively defends in front of the net, which should make him a favorite among his goales. His skating might be an issue in the NHL, but if he can improve there, he could become an NHL regular.

Trade Acquisitions

F Charlie Coyle (from Colorado)
G Ivan Fedotov (from Philadelphia)
F Brendan Gaunce (from Minnesota)
F Miles Wood (from Colorado)

The Blue Jackets acquired both Coyle and Wood from the Colorado Avalanche in what was essentially a cap dump. Columbus was more than happy to add the two veterans to their roster and can now slot them in alongside their young up-and-comers. Coyle is a solid middle-six forward who isn’t afraid to go to the net or get physical. While his defensive impact isn’t significant, he possesses good offensive instincts and some skill to back it up. He is in the final year of a six-year contract and is counting $5.25MM against the salary cap. Based on his level of play, Coyle is expected to get a slight raise in free agency next summer, with AFP Analytics projecting him to earn a three-year deal worth $5.28MM.

Wood was a more long-term acquisition since he still has three years remaining on his contract after this season at $2.5MM annually. Wood is a bottom-six player and won’t score many goals; he’s also not exactly an analytics darling, but he has endured pretty tough deployments for much of his career. On the positive side, the 30-year-old skates with a lot of pace and is a strong forechecker. The length of his original contract (six years) that he signed with Colorado was a bit of a head-scratcher, and it was no surprise to see the Avalanche cut ties this summer.

Columbus acquired Fedotov to serve as backup for Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins. The Blue Jackets clearly had worries about their goaltending entering this season, and although Fedotov has some flaws, he provides Columbus with a third option.

UFA Signings

F Hudson Fasching (one year, $775K)*
D Dysin Mayo (one year, $775K)*
D Christian Jaros (one year, $775K)*
F Isac Lundestrom (two years, $2.6MM)
F Owen Sillinger (one year, $775K)*

*-denotes two-way contract

The Blue Jackets didn’t make much noise in free agency, opting to sign depth players and make trades for players like Coyle and Wood. Fasching faced a lot of bad luck last year and is a reasonable gamble on a two-way contract. He probably won’t score much and may not see much NHL ice time, but since the risk with his contract is minimal, Columbus thought it was worth taking a chance. He’s 30 years old, so at this point in his career, he’s unlikely to surprise anyone, but he makes a decent, versatile option in Columbus and will likely be used as such.

Lundestrom is another worthwhile gamble given the low cost to acquire. He isn’t likely to make a significant impact offensively, which is a generous way to describe his scoring contributions. He has one season with 16 goals, but it’s unfair to expect him to post more than 20 points a season. He plays with a lot of pace and can play center, but his faceoff skills aren’t great, and his underlying numbers are an eyesore. Columbus hopes that a change of scenery can help the 25-year-old unlock more in his game, but it seems like wishful thinking at this point. Again, the cost is low, and having speedsters in the bottom six never hurts, so we’ll see if this works out for the Blue Jackets.

RFA Re-Signings

D Daemon Hunt (one year, $775K)*
D Mikael Pyyhtia (one year, $775K)*
F Dmitri Voronkov (two years, $8.35MM)
F Hunter McKown (one year, $800K)*

*-denotes two-way contract

The Blue Jackets only signed one notable RFA in Voronkov, who is still developing towards his NHL potential after a solid season last year that saw him score 23 goals and 24 assists in 73 NHL games. The 25-year-old is under contract for two more years, and if he continues to improve, he might cash in during the summer of 2027. Voronkov is big and skilled, with pretty good hands for a player who can play a remarkably rugged style. He certainly looks the part of a top-six forward, and if he can work a bit on his mobility and consistency, he could become a regular 60-point player.

It seems Voronkov will see plenty of first-line minutes this season, including significant time on the top-unit power play, which should help him continue to build his value in the first year of his new contract. If all goes well this year, Voronkov could very likely sign a big multi-year deal next summer.

Departures

F Justin Danforth (signed with Buffalo, two years $1.8MM)
F Christian Fischer (retired)
D Jordan Harris (signed with Boston, one year $825)
D Jack Johnson (unsigned free agent)
F Luke Kunin (signed with Florida, one year $775K)
D Sean Kuraly (signed with Boston, two years $3.7MM)
F Kevin Labanc (signed in KHL)
F James van Riemsdyk (signed with Detroit, one year $1MM)
G Daniil Tarasov (traded to Florida)
F Trey Fix-Wolansky (signed with New York Rangers, one year $775)*

*-denotes two-way contract

The Blue Jackets didn’t experience any significant losses this past summer, mostly losing depth players through free agency. One of the more effective players Columbus lost was van Riemsdyk. His exit was a bit surprising since he was a good fit and was very valuable in limited minutes last season, recording 16 goals and 20 assists in 71 games. While no one will mistake JVR for a speedy skater, he remains an effective net-front presence and is expected to score around 0.5 points per game while playing about 12 minutes each night.

Kuraly was another more well known player who left Columbus. The 32-year-old won’t put up many points, with just six goals and 11 assists in 82 games last season, but he will make an impact and often faces tough zone starts. Kuraly has only surpassed 30 points once in his career, but in Boston, he will probably play fourth-line minutes most of the season unless the team suffers major injuries. He isn’t a significant loss for the Blue Jackets and was one of several low-scoring forwards Columbus let go this offseason.

Speaking of low-scoring forwards, Kunin left the Blue Jackets this summer and found that the demand for his services as a free agent was tepid at best. The Blue Jackets acquired the 27-year-old at the NHL Trade Deadline, sending a fourth-round pick to the San Jose Sharks in the deal, which, in hindsight, was an overpay. Kunin’s contributions were relatively limited in 12 games with the Blue Jackets; he registered no points and was a -4. He did throw 24 hits during that time, but didn’t leave enough of an impression to warrant a longer look. With Florida, Kunin won’t be asked to do too much and should settle into a fourth-line role where he can play to his strengths.

Goaltender Tarasov will join Kunin in Florida after being traded to the Panthers for a fifth-round pick. The Blue Jackets did well to get anything for the goalie, as they were likely to non-tender the 26-year-old. Tarasov has been below league average during his brief NHL career, but has shown signs of being a dependable backup, which is what the Panthers are counting on. He will back up Sergei Bobrovsky, whom he idolized growing up, creating an interesting dynamic this season and offering Tarasov some comfort and motivation. He has good size and mechanics, and now he has a chance to put everything together behind a much stronger team.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Blue Jackets enter the season with just under $15MM in available cap space, which roughly amounts to $65MM at the NHL Trade Deadline. While it’s unlikely they’ll use all of that, they will certainly retain flexibility whether they’re in contention or not. Columbus is positioned well for the long term, as it’ll have plenty of room to re-sign Cole Sillinger next summer.

Key Questions

How will the goaltending perform?

Jet Greaves seems to be on the verge of becoming a solid NHL starter, and the Blue Jackets need that. Columbus hasn’t had reliable goaltending since 2021-22, and although Greaves has shown above-average performance in the last three seasons, his sample size is small. Heading into this season, Greaves has appeared in 21 NHL games, with a .924 SV% and a 2.62 GAA, along with a 10-9-2 record. The limited sample size makes it hard to judge, but it will be interesting to see how he performs over a full NHL season. If he can keep up these numbers in 40-50 games, the Jackets could stay in the playoff hunt for much of the year.

Will the young core step up?

Columbus has a group of talented young players on the verge of NHL stardom. Kirill Marchenko, a sizable forward, has consistently improved over his three NHL seasons and nearly reached a point-per-game pace last year with 74 points in 79 games. If he continues to develop this season, he could become an 80–90-point scorer.

Besides Marchenko, the Jackets have Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli, and Voronkov, who all scored around or over 50 points last season. If each of those players takes another step, the Blue Jackets could improve on their seventh-ranked offense from last season.

Is the defense good enough?

The Blue Jackets know what they have in Zach Werenski and Ivan Provorov, but beyond that, they face many questions. Damon Severson has been a disappointment since signing a big deal in the summer of 2023, Jake Christiansen and Denton Mateychuk are still figuring out how to be regular NHL players, and Dante Fabbro was a waiver wire pickup less than a year ago. It’s a strange mix, and one that could leave many questions that will be answered over the next six months.

Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Summer Synopsis: Dallas Stars

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

With the regular season now upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team accomplished over the offseason.  Next up is a look at the Dallas Stars.

The Stars have been knocking on the door of the Stanley Cup Finals for a few years now, but haven’t managed to get there since the 2020 playoffs, which were played in a pandemic bubble. While the team has made some decent playoff runs, it hasn’t lived up to expectations so far and is approaching the later stages of its competitive window. Now, there’s no doubt they remain a Stanley Cup contender with such a highly talented roster, but with a couple of expensive extensions coming up, there’s a good chance that their depth could start to weaken as more of their star players cash in.

Draft

3-94 – RW Cameron Schmidt, Vancouver (WHL)
4-126 – LW Brandon Gorzynski, Calgary (WHL)
5-146 – C Atte Joki, Lukko U20 (U20 SM-sarja).
5-158 – G Måns Goos, Färjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)
6-190 – RW Dawson Sharkey, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
7-222 – RW Charlie Paquette, Guelph (OHL)

The Stars didn’t pick until the third round this past off-season, and with their first selection, they chose a highly talented but undersized forward from the WHL. Schmidt has an incredible release on his shot and is accurate whether he’s in motion or working off the rush. Despite his size, he’s very capable of creating open space for himself to set up one-timers or catch passes and release them quickly. Schmidt would likely have been drafted higher if not for his 5’8”, 161 lb frame, and he could be a steal for Dallas, whether he adds more size or not.

Gorzynski is a high-energy forward who moves quickly on the ice and plays a very north/south style. He doesn’t shy away from physical play and seems to enjoy any chance to engage physically with opponents. He creates space for his linemates both on the rush and in the offensive zone, which should make him popular among his teammates.

Joki probably won’t be a regular scorer in the NHL, but not everyone who makes it does, and that doesn’t mean he’s not valuable. His off-the-puck effort is outstanding, even if his puck handling is simple. He’s not much of a playmaker or passer and won’t be leading the Stars’ transition game anytime soon, but he can shoot accurately if given the chance to finish plays.

In the fifth round, the Stars picked a goaltender named Goos, who is 6’5” tall and weighs 198 lbs, giving him a solid NHL-sized frame. Goos doesn’t shrink in the net like some other bigger goaltenders; he makes himself appear larger through good technical positioning. His main weakness is rebound control, and he also struggles with in-zone plays and puck tracking. If he can improve in these areas, there’s a real chance he could develop into an NHL netminder.

Trade Acquisitions

D Vladislav Kolyachonok (from Pittsburgh)

Kolynachonok’s acquisition through trade was more about moving on from veteran defender Matt Dumba’s contract than gaining a young defenseman. Dumba was a healthy scratch in the playoffs and couldn’t fit under the salary cap in Dallas, which led the Stars to trade him along with a second-round pick in exchange for Kolyachonok.

Kolyachonok might not be part of the Stars’ plans for the future, but that doesn’t mean they should completely close the door on him. The 24-year-old posted decent underlying numbers in Utah but didn’t fit well with the Penguins and struggled to finish the year. He has the potential to develop into a sixth- or seventh defenseman if given the opportunity, which would be a bonus for Dallas, since they acquired him primarily to facilitate the trade.

UFA Signings

RW Nathan Bastian (one year, $775K)
F Adam Erne (one year, $775K)*
C Radek Faksa (three years, $6MM)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Stars didn’t have much extra cash this summer and had to take a cautious approach to free agency. They brought back a familiar face, Faksa, a defensive center who doesn’t contribute much offensively. The 31-year-old spent the first nine years of his NHL career in Dallas before being traded to St. Louis in July 2024. He spent just under a year with St. Louis before signing with Dallas on July 1, 2025, as an unrestricted free agent. His return gives the Stars a player who is very limited offensively but strong defensively. Faksa hasn’t exceeded 30 points since 2018-19 and has only surpassed 20 points in two of the six seasons since 2019.

The Stars also signed Bastian to a one-year deal at the NHL minimum. The 27-year-old provides good size and physicality to Dallas and should see some time in the team’s bottom six, likely in a limited fourth-line role. Bastian won’t score much and isn’t the best skater, but he is a solid defensive player and can contribute on the penalty kill, winning puck battles in the corners and in front of the net.

RFA Re-Signings

C Mavrik Bourque (one year, $950K)
G Benjamin Kraws (one year, $775K)*
D Nils Lundkvist (one year, $1.25MM)
G Remi Poirier (two years, $1.55MM)*
LW Antonio Stranges (one year, $775K)*

*-denotes two-way contract

The Stars likely preferred a longer-term deal with Bourque, but due to salary cap constraints, they chose a low-cost, one-year agreement. In the short term, this should work well for the Stars, but if Bourque makes a significant leap this season, a longer-term contract could become more costly. Bourque didn’t impress many during his rookie year, tallying just 11 goals and 14 assists in 73 games. However, he achieved this while playing only 12:43 per game and starting nearly 60% of his shifts in the defensive zone. If he gains better offensive opportunities, there’s a strong chance his scoring will increase noticeably.

The Stars took a short-term gamble with defenseman Lundkvist, who remains somewhat of a mystery despite being several seasons into his time with the team. There have been glimpses of the talent that convinced Dallas to trade a first-round pick for the 24-year-old, but between those glimpses, he’s had stretches where he takes too many penalties, gets caught out of position, or turns the puck over. He might never reach his full potential, but for now, Lundkvist seems to have an opportunity to prove to the Stars that he can become a top-four defenseman, which is what they hoped for when they made the trade for him.

Departures

F Matej Blumel (signed with Boston, one year $875K)
D Cody Ceci (signed with Los Angeles, four years $18MM)
F Evgenii Dadonov (signed with New Jersey, one year $1MM)
D Matt Dumba (traded to Pittsburgh)
F Mikael Granlund (signed with Anaheim, three years $21MM)
G Magnus Hellberg (signed in Sweden)
F Mason Marchment (traded to Seattle)
F Mathias Emilio Pettersen (signed in Sweden)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Stars experienced several significant departures this past summer, and while a few of them created gaps in their lineup, most of the players who left were overpaid and either shipped out of town or signed elsewhere for better deals.

The Granlund contract surprised many this summer after he signed for $7MM annually on a three-year deal. Granlund is a reliable offensive player, but beyond his passing and playmaking, there isn’t much else. Some may forget, but two years ago, when Kyle Dubas was hired in Pittsburgh to fix Ron Hextall’s mistakes, he traded Granlund to the San Jose Sharks as part of a salary dump during the Erik Karlsson trade. Granlund performed well in San Jose, netting 105 points in 121 games on some bad Sharks teams, but he still demonstrated slow skating and weak defensive play. In Dallas, he was a valuable depth scorer, but with the Stars already at the cap, there was no way they could come close to matching the deal Granlund signed with the Ducks.

Ceci was another player who was heavily overpaid in free agency, and considering his playoff run last year in Dallas, it doesn’t seem like the Sharks will miss him. However, they might need to rely on Alex Petrovic on the right side of their defense quite often. Ceci was arguably the biggest overpay in free agency and could end up being a contract that the Kings regret or be forced to buy out later.

Dumba was another right-shot defender who had a turbulent time with the Stars. The 31-year-old is now on his fourth team in two years and could be traded again before the end of this season, depending on how his year unfolds. A former seventh overall pick, it wasn’t that long ago that Dumba looked like a genuine top-tier right-shot defenseman. However, in recent seasons, that shine has faded, and Dumba has become more of a depth defenseman than a top-tier one. Dumba is still a valuable NHL player, but with him earning $3.75MM this season, the Stars were forced to move his contract, and the Penguins were more than happy to acquire it along with a second-round pick.

The Marchment trade to Seattle was mainly about dollars going out for the Stars, who likely understood Marchment for what he is—a solid offensive contributor with valuable skills. The Stars probably wanted to keep him, but given his salary, age, and closeness to free agency, they clearly thought it was best to move on. Marchment remains a handy player capable of producing offense and playing a physical game, but he tends to turn the puck over and is not a playmaker.

Lastly, Dadonov was an interesting case because he scored 20 goals and 20 assists the previous season and seemed like an excellent fit for the Stars. He left to sign a $1MM deal with the Devils that also includes another $2.25MM in potential bonuses. His departure was surprising because he can still produce, and for the price tag, he should outperform his contract. It’s easy to speculate about what could have happened. Still, Dallas and Dadonov both likely expected he would do better financially this summer and might have parted ways before the financial realities set in. In any event, the Stars will miss the offensive depth Dadonov provided last year, but they should have some younger players who can step in and replace some of that missing offense.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Stars faced a significant cap crunch this past summer. They will need to navigate additional salary cap challenges throughout the season, as they currently have only $341K in cap space. Injuries and call-ups will be challenging to manage with such limited flexibility, and adding depth won’t be easy. Currently, any in-season move by the Stars would have to be dollar-for-dollar, or they could attempt to dump salary on teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have already taken on bad contracts from the Stars and other clubs.

Key Questions

How will Jake Oettinger respond after the end of last season?

Oettinger’s season ended about as badly as it could last year when he gave up two goals on two shots in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final before former Stars head coach Pete DeBoer pulled him. They were the only two shots he faced in the game, and much was made in the media about DeBoer’s decision to pull Oettinger, as well as his comments after the game, where he said he was hoping a goalie switch would spark the Stars and that Oettinger had lost six of seven games against Edmonton. From a development perspective, there are two ways that Oettinger can respond. One way would be to let the comments rattle him and affect his game, while the other would be to let them motivate him going forward, and hopefully something he can look back on as a learning experience. How he responds is up to him, but so far this season, he appears to be responding well.

Is the championship window shrinking?

The Stars have several of their top players locked up long-term. Still, with Thomas Harley and Jason Robertson expecting significant raises next summer, it’s fair to wonder how much longer they can keep the band together, especially if this year ends in another playoff disappointment. The Stars are built with a ton of offensive talent and wouldn’t be the first powerhouse team to have a terrific decade of success without any Stanley Cups to show for it. They are probably a few years away from that reality, but time moves fast, and every season without a title is one year closer to the competitive window slamming shut.

Will Robertson re-sign in Dallas?

The Stars will have some time to decide Robertson’s future as he is an RFA for one more year after this season, meaning Dallas doesn’t have to sign the forward until next summer. It appears that both sides are comfortable waiting until the summer to decide the long-term plan, which allows Robertson to put up elite numbers one more time before he heads back to the negotiating table. He is currently earning $7.75MM, and while that figure is healthy, he will certainly exceed it on his next long-term deal. How much of a raise he gets will depend on his production this year, and it’s up to the Stars to decide if they give him that raise or if he finds it elsewhere.

Photo by Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Summer Synopsis: Detroit Red Wings

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

With the regular season now upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team accomplished over the offseason.  Next up is a look at the Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings’ rebuild has not gone as planned, at least not yet. Given their summer and the progress of their division rivals, it’s hard to see this being the year they break their playoff drought. The once-proud franchise is approaching a full decade without playoff action, and it seemed poised to turn the corner on its rebuild, but it has stalled and now appears stuck in mediocrity. Detroit isn’t a terrible team, but they’ve finished just outside the playoffs for a few years and haven’t been bad enough to secure top picks. Fans and media alike are questioning the direction GM Steve Yzerman has taken the team, and it’s hard to say Detroit made any progress this offseason.

Draft

1-13 – F Carter Bear, Everett (WHL)
2-44 – F Eddie Genborg, Linköping HC (SHL)
3-75 – G Michal Pradel, Tri-City (USHL)
4-109 – RW Brent Solomon, Champlin Park High School (USHS-MN)
4-119 – F Michal Svrcek, Brynäs IF J20 (J20 Nationell)
5-140 – D Nikita Tyurin, Moscow Spartak Jr. (MHL)
6-172 – D Will Murphy, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
7-204 – F Grayden Robertson-Palmer, Phillips Academy Andover (USHS-Prep)

The Red Wings had a full slate of draft picks this past summer, enabling them to make eight selections across seven rounds. Their top pick, Bear, is a two-way forward with abundant offensive talent that could become a top-six player with some improvement in his skating and consistency. At the very least, he seems destined to be a top-nine forward, but it will take some time for him to reach that level. Bear has a lot of pace in his game and plays a high-energy style that can frustrate his opponents. He won’t shy away from contact and is relentless in his effort to get to the front of the net. He dealt with a serious injury last season, but it shouldn’t hinder his development moving forward.

Genborg has all the physical tools to develop into a power forward. He is strong on the forecheck and can make life miserable for opposing defensemen in his pursuit of the puck. He isn’t afraid to battle for position in front of the net and has good puck skills in tight spaces. At the very least, he should be able to develop into a checking line forward, but if he continues to develop his offensive tools, he might become more of a scorer than an energy guy.

Picking Pradel in the third round could prove to be a real steal, especially if he fills out his 6’5” frame. Pradel reads the play well and moves smoothly in the crease without scrambling as he dodges screens and traffic in front of him. He doesn’t seem to panic or get overly tense in the crease, which bodes well for the Red Wings if they reach the playoffs and need a big-game goalie. Pradel has some flaws, like rebound control, but if he improves that, he could develop into a top-notch netminder.

With their first pick in the fourth round, Detroit selected Solomon, who posted impressive goal-scoring numbers in high school and scored six points in eight USHL games. He is on the smaller side and will need to fill out significantly, but despite that, he has no trouble battling to the front of the net and isn’t afraid to take a hit if it means a scoring chance. He has a good shot and instincts for shooting, getting to the soft areas of the ice for open looks or the gritty areas when needed. He will need to adapt to faster levels of hockey, but at this stage, he looks ready to score goals at any level.

Trade Acquisitions

G John Gibson (from Anaheim)

Gibson was finally traded to the Red Wings at the NHL Entry Draft after years of speculation. Detroit was directly linked to Anaheim in all those trade rumours, with whispers following Gibson for most of the past five seasons. Gibson had a bit of a bounce-back last season in limited action, which prompted the Ducks to finally make a move while his value was at its peak.

Gibson was a force early in his career, posting elite numbers from 2015 to 2019 and signing an eight-year, $51.2MM contract extension in August 2018 that almost immediately turned into a disaster for the Ducks. Gibson produced below-average results from 2019 to 2024 before his rebound last season, when he played 28 games, registered a .911 SV%, and a 2.77 GAA. Those numbers don’t exactly stand out or scream ’starter,’ which makes the move for Gibson a risky one for Detroit, especially given the revolving door they’ve had in the crease over the past decade.

Detroit didn’t give up much for Gibson, but they’re also betting on a return to the playoffs with a veteran goalie who hasn’t played well for seven years and has only one average season since the start of the decade. There’s a chance Gibson regains his form when given a fresh start, but there’s also a chance that last year was a fluke and the Gibson from 2019-2024 was the real version traded to Detroit. If that’s the case, the Red Wings’ playoff drought will likely hit the ten-year mark.

UFA Signings

F Mason Appleton (two years, $5.8MM)
D Jacob Bernard-Docker (one year, $875K)
D Travis Hamonic (one year, $1MM)
F John Leonard (one year, $775K)
D Ian Mitchell (one year, $775K)
F James van Riemsdyk (one year, $1MM)

*-denotes two-way contract

Despite having plenty of cap space for a big addition, the Red Wings were relatively modest in free agency this summer. Reports later in the offseason indicated that Detroit was ready to make a sizeable offer to defenseman Aaron Ekblad, although he eventually re-signed with the Florida Panthers. Instead, the Red Wings added around the fringes of their lineup.

Appleton turned out to be the biggest fish Detroit brought in this offseason, and the reasoning is two-fold. Outside of J.T. Compher, the Red Wings didn’t have another right-handed forward to put in the bottom-six, and Yzerman has historically appreciated a balanced handedness across the lineup. Furthermore, given that he averaged a 92.6% on-ice save percentage across all situations during his time with the Winnipeg Jets, Appleton was brought aboard to assist the Red Wings’ penalty kill, which finished dead last in the league last year.

Outside of Appleton, Detroit added a few veterans in van Riemsdyk and Hamonic, as well as took a flyer on Bernard-Docker. The former was brought in to replace the lost offense from Vladimir Tarasenko, while the latter two are expected to stabilize the defensive core. Unfortunately, the Hamonic signing has sprouted more questions than answers, given his disastrous play in the team’s season opener.

RFA Re-Signings

F Jonatan Berggren (one year, $1.825MM)
D Albert Johansson (two years, $2.25MM)
F Elmer Soderblom (two years, $2.25MM)
D Antti Tuomisto (one year, $813,750)*

*-denotes two-way contract

Detroit moved quickly in re-signing two of its best defensive forwards from last year, Berggren and Soderblom. Both youngsters recorded an on-ice save percentage above 91.0% during even-strength play last season, marking two of the best performances on the team. Unfortunately, unless the Red Wings receive more offense from Berggren this year, it may become his last season with the team that drafted him.

He was relatively productive on that front during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 12 goals and 24 points in 75 games, averaging 12:59 of ice time per game. Unfortunately, that’s well below the point-per-game average he managed during his time in the AHL and SHL. If he isn’t able to find another gear offensively, he could become a trade candidate for Detroit during the deadline season.

Meanwhile, Johansson earned himself a two-year deal after a solid debut last year. He offered little offensively, scoring three goals and nine points in 61 games, but was much better on the defensive side of the puck. He was one of Detroit’s most physical defensemen last year and managed a 90.2% on-ice save percentage at even strength. Unfortunately, he’s lacking the talent to work into a top-four role. Still, he’s an effective spark plug that the Red Wings can utilize at the bottom of their defensive core.

Departures

F Timothy Gettinger (signed in DEL)
G Alex Lyon (signed with Buffalo, two years, $3MM)
G Petr Mrazek (traded to Anaheim)
D Jeff Petry (signed with Florida, one year, $775K)
F Joe Snively (signed in SHL)
F Vladimir Tarasenko (traded to Minnesota)

Not only was Tarasenko the most disappointing signing for the Red Wings ahead of the 2024-25 season, but he was one of the most disappointing league-wide. Before joining Detroit, Tarasenko scored 23 goals and 55 points between the Ottawa Senators and Panthers in the 2023-24 campaign, winning the second Stanley Cup championship of his career after scoring five goals and nine points in 24 postseason contests for Florida.

Unfortunately, the Red Wings didn’t get anything close to that level of production. Tarasenko finished the year with 11 goals and 33 points in 80 games, far and away the lowest output of his career across a full season. During last year’s trade deadline, Tarasenko found himself in trade rumors, though Detroit waited until the offseason to finalize the much-needed divorce.

Aside from Tarasenko, the Red Wings didn’t lose too much this offseason, nor did they stand to do so. Detroit is gambling that Gibson can effectively replace the lost value of Lyon and Mrazek, though the former is dramatically outplaying him to begin the 2025-26 campaign. Meanwhile, there was little chance of the Red Wings pursuing an extended relationship with Petry this summer, as he, along with Ben Chiarot, were the only two defensemen on the team last season to not average higher than a 50.0% xGoals%.

*-denotes two-way contract

Salary Cap Outlook

Because Detroit didn’t hand out any big-ticket contracts this summer, the team has ample cap space for the 2025-26 season. According to PuckPedia, the Red Wings have $12.37MM in cap space, the fifth-most in the league. That flexibility is expected to grow dramatically next summer.

Assuming the upper limit of the salary cap only reaches $104MM for the 2026-27 season, the Red Wings will enter the summer with approximately $42MM in cap space. They’ll need to use some of that for Simon Edvinsson and Kane if there’s mutual desire for a reunion. Regardless, Yzerman will have plenty of cash to pursue high-tier options, such as Artemi Panarin, Adrian Kempe, and Martin Necas, among others, if they make it to the open market.

Key Questions

Is John Gibson The Answer In Net?

Over the past several years, the Red Wings have utilized several different placeholders in the crease, like Alex Nedeljkovic, Ville Husso, and James Reimer, among others. The team is clearly waiting for the emergence of prospects Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine, though there’s no guarantee they’ll reach their ceiling at the NHL level. They took a swing at Gibson this summer, hoping that his 2024-25 season wasn’t a fluke. Unfortunately, Gibson had been relatively disappointing in the five years prior, managing a 74-129-33 record with a .900 SV% and 3.36 GAA with the Ducks. Further, it would have been difficult to have a worse debut than the one he had with Detroit, allowing five goals on 13 shots before getting pulled in the second period.

How Will They Fare Under A Full Season Of Todd McLellan?

After getting off to a 13-17-4 start through the first three months of the campaign, the Red Wings fired former head coach Derek LaLonde. The team performed much better under McLellan (26-18-4), though it wasn’t enough to overcome the hole they had already dug for themselves. Still, although the team performed much better offensively under McLellan, their defense remained weak after the transition. McLellan has previously found success in his career, particularly with the San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers. However, given Detroit’s roster makeup, there’s no guarantee he’ll find success with this current iteration of the Red Wings’ lineup. This season is an important litmus test of whether Yzerman hired the right man for the job.

Is Axel Sandin Pellikka Ready For Top-Four Minutes?

Given their brief pursuit of Ekblad this summer, there’s no question the Red Wings are looking to bolster the right side of their defensive core behind Moritz Seider. Since Detroit is compelled to pair Chiarot with Seider, as he is the only one capable of compensating for the veteran’s defensive weaknesses, Edvinsson swiftly becomes the prime candidate for Detroit’s second unit. Still, the Red Wings are taking a significant gamble by thrusting Axel Sandin Pellikka into a top-four role alongside his countryman. There’s no questioning his talent, as the former first-round pick scored four goals and 10 points in seven games as the captain for Team Sweden during last year’s IIHF U20 World Junior Championships, and another 12 goals and 29 points in 46 games for the SHL’s Skellefteå AIK. Still, Sandin Pellikka only had two games of professional experience in North America before this season, and there’s no guarantee he’s ready for top-four minutes at the NHL level. He’s gone scoreless through three games to start his rookie season, though he’s averaged a 54.2% CorsiFor% at even strength, and a 90.0% on-ice save percentage at even strength while averaging 21:02 of ice time per game.

Photo courtesy of Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports (Gibson).

Photo courtesy of Brett Holmes-Imagn Images (Tarasenko).

PHR’s Brennan McClain contributed to this article.

Summer Synopsis: Edmonton Oilers

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

With the regular season now upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team accomplished over the offseason.  Next up is a look at the Oilers.

The Oilers have experienced heartbreak in each of the past two seasons and are optimistic that this year they can finally secure the last few wins needed to reach 16. Goaltending has been the team’s Achilles’ heel in recent years, and whether it’s popular or not, general manager Stan Bowman and his team are committed to that approach in hopes of a different result this time. On paper, the Oilers lost significant depth this summer by trading away high-paid underperforming players to redirect funds towards their star players. It’s not ideal, but that’s how the NHL salary cap functions, and Edmonton has managed it well enough to keep its stars under contract for the foreseeable future.

Draft

3-83 – RW Tommy Lafrenière, Kamloops (WHL)
4-117 – F David Lewandowski, Saskatoon (WHL)
5-131 – D Asher Barnett, U.S. NTDP (USHL)
6-191 – G Daniel Salonen, Lukko U20 (Liiga)
7-223 – C Aidan Park, Green Bay (USHL)

The Oilers didn’t have much in the way of draft capital for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but they did come away with five players. Lafrenière projects as a potential middle-six forward with versatility across various roles. He could provide the Oilers with some depth scoring at the bottom of their lineup and fill a penalty-killing role if he develops into the player Edmonton is hoping he will become. Lafrenière can play either center or wing, but given his size, he might be better suited to the wing. He sees the ice well and has a good ability to anticipate how a play will develop, which allows him to beat the puck to various areas of the ice. He’ll be a competitor for the Oilers, but he can get pushed around and will need to fill out more if he hopes to stay in the NHL.

Lewandowski projects as a potential middle-six forward, but that would likely be his ceiling given that his skating is a limiting factor. His stride is a bit awkward, and he lacks the explosiveness you’d expect from a forward playing at or near the top of the lineup. Despite that, there is plenty to like in Lewandowski’s game: he protects the puck well and doesn’t hesitate to take a hit to make a play. He possesses good hockey sense, versatility, and is responsible defensively, which could be his ticket to becoming an everyday NHL player.

Trade Acquisitions

LW Isaac Howard (from Tampa Bay)
G Connor Ingram (from Utah)

The expectations for Howard are high in Edmonton after he won the Hobey Baker Award last year as the top NCAA men’s hockey player. The 21-year-old isn’t a finished product at all, which means the Oilers will have their work cut out for them if they decide to use him in the NHL. Howard is an excellent skater and puck handler who can play in tight spaces, making plays to set up teammates. He can also put the puck in the net, having scored 26 goals in 37 games last season.

There is no guarantee that Howard will make the NHL, and his game does have some shortcomings. The first is his size. Howard tends to shy away from board play, and this flaw could very well be exposed this season. His puck handling is good; however, he sometimes struggles under pressure and may need to improve his ice vision or wait that extra second to absorb a hit and make a play.

The Oilers’ goaltending struggles have been well-documented, and they have been unable to address them in any meaningful way. It was reasonable to assume Edmonton would look for a third-string goaltender, and they made that move when Ingram became available. The 28-year-old has had a couple of decent seasons in Arizona and could serve as a good backup for the Oilers if their top two netminders falter. Ingram probably isn’t going to dominate, but he’s a capable NHL goalie who could get hot, and that’s about the best the Oilers can hope for, given their salary cap constraints.

UFA Signings

F Curtis Lazar (one year, $775K)
F Andrew Mangiapane (two years, $7.2MM)
F Jack Roslovic (one year, $1.5MM)
D Riley Stillman (two years, $1.55MM)*
G Matt Tomkins (two years, $1.55MM)*

*-denotes two-way contract
^-denotes re-signing

There is a lot to like about the Mangiapane signing in Edmonton. The 29-year-old forward can play on either side of the ice, which should give the Oilers some flexibility in their winger deployment. Mangiapane can also provide top-six minutes or slot into the bottom two lines, depending on what the team requires. He should give the Oilers speed, a strong forecheck, and tenacity, making things challenging for opponents and offering Edmonton an offensive forward who can also kill penalties and play some defense. The contract for Mangiapane is relatively modest at $3.6MM per year, and if he can return to his offensive numbers from a few seasons ago, it will be a real bargain.

Beyond Mangiapane, the Roslovic signing could also work out well for Edmonton. The 28-year-old can skate and score, which should fit in well with the rest of Edmonton’s forwards. Off the puck, Roslovic won’t do much as his defensive play is often a concern. But if he can produce offense the way he’s capable of, it will help offset some of his game’s weaknesses.

Many folks will criticize signing players like Roslovic and Mangiapane instead of focusing on goaltending. Still, the truth is that impact goalies weren’t available in free agency, and many trade market options had as many, if not more, flaws than Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.

RFA Re-Signings

F Vasily Podkolzin (three years, $8.85MM)
D Evan Bouchard (four years, $42MM)
F Noah Philp (one year, $775K)*
LW Roby Jarventie (one year, $775K)*

*-denotes two-way contract

The Oilers prioritized signing Bouchard before free agency opened, and it was clear they feared an offer sheet, even though one was unlikely to happen given the high compensation needed to secure a deal with the talented defenseman. Simply put, Edmonton couldn’t afford to have Bouchard’s contract fall outside their comfort zone, nor could they afford to lose him. The 25-year-old has been a key player for the Oilers, tilting the ice in their favor and posting excellent offensive numbers. His defensive play isn’t perfect, and he does have the occasional blunder, but he more than compensates with his overall performance, which remains unmatched mainly in today’s NHL.

The Oilers chose to extend Podkolzin a year early, which was a decisive vote of confidence for the 24-year-old. Podkolzin scored eight goals and 16 assists in 82 games last season but demonstrated considerable versatility and provided Edmonton with glimpses of the upside that made him their tenth overall pick in 2019. He led the team with 211 hits and was very effective in plays, registering 10 points in 22 games. If Podkolzin has a breakout season this year, the Oilers could have saved a lot of money in the future, but even if his numbers stay similar to last season, his value remains high given all the intangibles he offers.

Departures

F Viktor Arvidsson (traded to Boston)
D Ronnie Attard (signed with Colorado, one year $775K)*
F Connor Brown (signed with New Jersey, four years $12MM)
F Drake Caggiula (signed in Switzerland)
D Connor Carrick (signed in Switzerland)
G Collin Delia (signed in Sweden)
LW Evander Kane (traded to Vancouver)
D Philip Kemp (signed with Pittsburgh, two years $1.55MM)*
D John Klingberg (signed with San Jose, one year $4MM)
C Lane Pederson (signed with Philadelphia, one year $775K)*
F Jacob Perreault (signed in AHL)
F Corey Perry (signed with Los Angeles, one year $2MM)
C Sam O’Reilly (traded to Tampa Bay)
G Olivier Rodrigue (signed in KHL, contract terminated)
F Derek Ryan (retired)
F Jeff Skinner (signed with San Jose, one year $3MM)
RW Cameron Wright (signed in Finland)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Oilers saw a parade of veterans leave this summer due to salary cap constraints and individual success, which priced many of their forwards out of the lineup. Perry moved to Los Angeles, and while he is now a depth forward in his career, he has been very effective. Perry doesn’t score many goals, but he is a disruptive agitator who has unsettled opposing teams in the past two playoff runs. The Oilers will miss his tenacity come playoff time, as the Perry the Oilers brought to the lineup is not easily replaceable.

Brown is another depth forward the Oilers might miss. He also didn’t score much, but he was a good skater for a bottom-six role, providing the Oilers with a defensively responsible forward who could also kill penalties. Brown was also a good transition player, which is something the Oilers might miss given their style of play.

Skinner signed with the Oilers in San Jose after an uneven season. The 33-year-old scored 16 goals and 13 assists in 72 games and didn’t seem like a good fit. Skinner’s skill set, while valuable, didn’t align well with the speedy Oilers, and while he can still shoot and pass effectively, he looked lost at times and wasn’t a significant factor in the playoffs, appearing in just five games and posting 2 points. Losing Skinner probably won’t have too much impact on the Oilers, given the poor fit, but there was a chance for him to be an effective player in Edmonton, and for some reason, it just didn’t work out.

Kane was traded to Vancouver in exchange for a fourth-round pick. Salary cap concerns clearly drove the move, as Kane remains a productive, albeit imperfect, forward. Kane performed decently in the playoffs last year after missing the entire regular season, but had an abysmal showing in the Stanley Cup Final, as did most of his teammates. Kane had one year left on his contract and will be a motivated player in Vancouver as he searches for what could be his final NHL contract. For the Oilers, they lose a top-six player who probably wasn’t part of the team’s future after this year and likely believed they could replace his production with Mangiapane, for two-thirds of the price.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Oilers have very little cap space entering this season, as PuckPedia projects they will have only $325K available, making injury call-ups challenging and complicating management’s ability to address Edmonton’s apparent goaltending issues. The Oilers have Zach Hyman on LTIR, but even with that, their cap room remains nearly exhausted.

For next summer, the Oilers have approximately $17.67MM in cap space with 16 players already signed. Given the challenges they’ve faced in net, that would be a good opportunity for Edmonton to address the goaltending issue that has long plagued them.

Key Questions

Can the Oilers finally go all the way?

The Oilers have lost in two straight finals and are likely a weaker team than they were in previous seasons. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals, but it does mean they’ll have their work cut out for them. Despite losing a chunk of their depth this summer, the Oilers remain a skilled, battle-tested team eager to claim a championship that has eluded them over the past two years. The window hasn’t slammed shut for the Oilers, but they only have so many runs left and will be hungry to secure a title.

Will the goaltending hold up?

It’s no secret that the Oilers’ goaltending has been mediocre to below average for several seasons now. While they’ve largely been able to outscore their issues in the crease, goaltending has still been their weakness, and it might well be the same case this season. It’s not fair to assume that Skinner and Pickard will falter this year, but considering their recent performances, it would be irresponsible to expect anything better than average. That raises the question: if the Oilers make a deep playoff run, can their goaltending hold up, or will it let them down once again?

How will they replace the depth scoring they lost?

The Oilers had many veterans in their lineup last season who left this past summer for more money than they could get in Edmonton. While it didn’t create significant gaps, it definitely weakened a strong forward group and reduced the Oilers’ overall depth. With limited cap space, few promising prospects, and little draft capital, the question is: How will they replace the depth they lost this summer?

Photo by Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports

Summer Synopsis: Florida Panthers

at CDT | by 3 Comments

With the regular season now upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team accomplished over the offseason.  Next up is a look at the Florida Panthers.

The Panthers are poised to make history as they aim for their third consecutive Stanley Cup title this season. They are only the third team during the salary cap era to repeat as champions and hope to become the first to three-peat. It’s within the realm of possibility for the Panthers to make history, as they are bringing back almost all the key components of last year’s roster after Bill Zito orchestrated a masterclass by locking up key free agents below market value. While some might say it’s easier to attract players to a city with advantageous tax benefits, players hadn’t been eager to sign with the Panthers in the 25 years before 2022, which reflects the culture of winning that the team has fostered in Florida.

Draft

4-112 – LW Mads Kongsbak Klyvø, Frölunda HC (J20 Sweden)
4-128 – LW Shea Busch, Everett (WHL)
5-129 – RW Shamar Moses, North Bay (OHL)
6-192 – RW Arvid Drott, Djurgårdens IF (J20 Sweden)
7-197 – D Brendan Dunphy, Wenatchee (WHL)
7-224 – G Yegor Midlak, Spartak Moscow Jr. (MHL)

The Panthers didn’t get to pick until the fourth round of the draft, and with their first pick, they selected what they hope will be a power forward in Klyvø. The native of Frederikshavn, Denmark, is an above-average skater and is difficult to move off the puck thanks to a stride that relies on a low center of gravity. He doesn’t have high-end skill, but he could develop into a net front presence as well as a relentless forechecker.

Also in the fourth round, the Panthers selected another potential power forward in Busch. The North Vancouver, British Columbia native is strong on his skates and tough to knock off the puck. He has all the tools to become a net-front presence and has an underrated touch around the net.

In the fifth round, the Panthers chose to pick another forward in Moses. Moses is a savvy late-draft choice because he is the type of high-reward player who could develop into a skilled NHL player if his growth continues to progress nicely. Moses has good hands, solid vision, and a terrific shot, but whether he can carry these talents beyond the OHL remains uncertain. If he can, the Panthers might have found a steal.

In the sixth round, the Panthers selected another power forward in Drott, who may not stand out in any one area but has a well-rounded game. Drott willingly takes the puck to the net to create scoring opportunities and uses his solid frame to set picks, giving his teammates chances to score. He battles along the boards and in the defensive zone to gain puck possession and is likely to be popular with his teammates because of his selfless style of play.

Trade Acquisitions

G Daniil Tarasov (from Columbus)

The Panthers acquired Tarasov from the Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. It was a worthwhile gamble for Florida as they aimed to add depth behind Sergei Bobrovsky. Not long ago, many believed Tarasov was a future starter for the Blue Jackets, but after moving to North America, he was used sparingly, which slowed his development. Tarasov dressed in 21 games over his first two NHL seasons and never managed a prolonged, solid stretch of play. In the 2023-24 season, Tarasov found some consistency, posting an 8-11-3 record with a .908 SV% and 3.18 GAA. While his traditional stats weren’t remarkable, his underlying numbers told a different story—he posted a goals saved above expected of 0.0 in 24 games. Tarasov was likely a non-tender candidate in Columbus and is essentially playing for his NHL career this season. He will look to prove himself in Florida behind a much stronger team, which he hasn’t experienced during his brief NHL career.

UFA Signings

G Brandon Bussi (one year, $775K)*
F Nolan Foote (one year, $775K)*
F Noah Gregor (one year, $775K)*
F Luke Kunin (one year, $775K)
F Tomas Nosek (one year, $775K)^
D Jeff Petry (one year, $775K)
F Jack Studnicka (one year, $775K)*

*-denotes two-way contract
^-denotes re-signing

The Panthers faced the formidable challenge of starting the offseason with three key players from their championship roster about to become unrestricted free agents. General manager Bill Zito worked hard to secure long-term contracts for Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad, and Sam Bennett, leaving him with little to worry about on July 1st. Nonetheless, he still pursued inexpensive depth options, aiming to strengthen the lower end of his roster with the remaining cap space.

Petry was signed to play bottom-pairing minutes for league minimum, and he represents a worthwhile gamble given his resume. At 37, he is no longer a top-four defenseman, but given his role with Florida, he doesn’t need to be. In Detroit, Petry was averaging nearly 19 minutes per game, which was excessive considering his age and skill set. However, with the Panthers, it appears Petry will settle into roughly 14-15 minutes per game, which is more reasonable. He isn’t going to control play like he once did, but he should be a steady presence on the bottom pair, and if he isn’t, the Panthers can easily move on and look for another option.

Bringing back Nosek was an obvious choice for the Panthers, given the low cost and minimal maintenance required. Nosek is a straightforward forward who won’t score much but is steady and dependable on the fourth line. He is expected to play around 10 minutes a night once he recovers, but it seems likely that he will miss the first few months of the season. Versatile, Nosek can also fill in on the wing, but he shouldn’t be moved up the lineup and, unless injuries occur, he probably won’t be.

Kunin’s signing offers another affordable option who can play in the bottom six. The 27-year-old, surprisingly in his ninth NHL season, continues to find opportunities in the league but did take a significant pay cut for the upcoming season after earning over $2.75MM in each of the previous three years. Kunin hits hard and has no trouble reaching the front of the net, which will be valuable in Florida, where he will play alongside skilled depth players who can pass the puck to that area. While Kunin won’t produce much offense, he can contribute on the forecheck and serve as a leader in the Panthers’ dressing room. They could certainly improve by finding a more skilled option than Kunin, but given where the team stands, his signing aligns with their current needs.

RFA Re-Signings

D Mike Benning (one year, $775K)*
D Toby Bjornfot (one year, $775K)*
F Mackie Samoskevich (one year, $775K)
F Wilmer Skoog (one year, $775K)*
G Daniil Tarasov (one year, $1.05MM)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Panthers didn’t have much work to do this summer on the RFA front since most of the deals they signed were two-way contracts with cap hits at the NHL minimum. The exceptions were Samoskevich and Tarasov, who both signed one-way contract extensions.

After finishing 11th in Calder Trophy voting for rookie of the year, Samoskevich was probably hoping to secure a contract above the NHL minimum. However, with his 10.2(c) status, he lacked significant leverage in negotiations. He chose a guaranteed one-way salary instead of a two-way qualifying offer, which would have provided a higher NHL salary but only a fraction of the league minimum if demoted to the AHL. While this is a bit of a setback for a player who had a strong rookie season, it opens the door for the 22-year-old to earn significantly more next summer when he has more rights as a restricted free agent. Hopefully, the Panthers will also have more room under the salary cap by then. Samoskevich scored 15 goals and 16 assists in 72 games last season and has already had a strong start this year. If he can improve on last year’s production, he might be looking at a multi-year deal with a salary five times (or more) his current $775K rate.

Departures

G Brandon Bussi (claimed off waivers by Carolina)
F Rasmus Asplund (signed in Switzerland)
G Evan Cormier (signed with AHL Charlotte)
G Kaapo Kahkonen (signed with Montreal, one year $1.15MM)
D Matt Kiersted (signed with Minnesota, two years $1.55MM)*
F William Lockwood (unsigned free agent)
D Jaycob Megna (signed with Vegas, two years $1.6MM)
F Jesse Puljujärvi (signed in Switzerland)
D Nate Schmidt (signed with Utah, three years $10.5MM)
F Justin Sourdif (traded to Washington)
F Nico Sturm (signed with Minnesota, two years $4MM)
G Vitek Vanecek (signed with Utah, one year $1.5MM)

*-denotes two-way contract

The most significant loss for the Panthers came in the form of defenseman Schmidt, who turned a solid season in Florida into a multi-year deal at $3.5MM per year. The Panthers couldn’t have asked for more from Schmidt, who arrived after a buyout and was excellent in a third-pairing role. The 34-year-old remains a decent playmaker, responsible with the puck, and capable of defending the zone, especially against entries and plays on the rush. As long as he isn’t asked to play too much in Utah, his signing should be a win for them. It did create a hole for Florida, but that’s what happens when depth players outplay their contracts and need to go elsewhere to get paid.

Sturm was another depth loss for the Panthers, but he likely wasn’t part of their long-term plans after he was acquired at last year’s Trade Deadline. Sturm remains a solid faceoff man who can still skate and get in on the forecheck. He will never produce much offense, topping 20 points just twice in his seven-year NHL career, but he battles hard for the Wild and lays the body fairly often. The Panthers shouldn’t have trouble replacing his production, and if they can’t find a suitable replacement, they should be able to acquire a depth player midseason to fill the gap.

Finally, the Panthers decided to let goaltender Vanecek go in favour of Tarasov, who will serve as the backup for now. It’s uncertain if Tarasov can handle the role, but Vanecek wasn’t exactly a reliable option either, posting modest numbers over the last two seasons with three different teams. Vanecek’s underlying numbers last year were probably worse than his traditional stats, as he recorded a -8.5 goals saved above expected in 25 games, indicating he was a below-average choice in limited duty. Suppose the Panthers need to find a goaltender later in the season. In that case, they should have no shortage of backup options, as players like Alex Nedeljkovic and possibly Vanecek will be available at a low cost.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Panthers are technically over the salary cap this season by about $6.1MM, but have Tkachuk and Barkov on LTIR for now. Tkachuk will return at some point this season, while Barkov could be out for at least seven months or more, which means he might return for the playoffs. The LTIR placements give the Panthers roughly $2.267MM in cap space (all figures via PuckPedia), allowing them to navigate injuries and call-ups and possibly make a midseason addition to their lineup. It’s not a ton of room for Florida, but their roster is pretty set as it is.

Next summer, the Panthers will have over $18MM available in cap space with 15 players signed, which means they will need to do some work. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is a UFA and should demand a significant deal, which could use up half of the available cap space.

Key Questions

Can they win a third straight Stanley Cup?

It would be silly to dismiss the Panthers this season, considering they’ve won back-to-back titles and reached three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. However, the odds are against them in several ways this year. The injuries to their top players are difficult to overlook (we’ll address them later), and at some point, fatigue will likely catch up with them. Many forwards will need to play beyond their usual roles, which will be hard on their bodies, especially against more formidable opponents than they’re used to. Add to that the fact that many Panthers players have played a lot of hockey over the past three years, creating numerous challenges they must overcome to win another championship.

How will they navigate Barkov’s injury?

How do you navigate losing one of the best players in the world for an entire season? The Tampa Bay Lightning achieved this in 2021 for two-thirds of a season (a pandemic-shortened season) and made it work. But just because it worked elsewhere doesn’t mean it will work here. Florida will need the likes of Sam Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell, and Eetu Luostarinen to elevate their games to the next level and take on a heavier workload, as the team may need to adjust lines to address holes created.

When will Matthew Tkachuk return?

Tkachuk is expected to be out until December, although GM Bill Zito’s timeline seems more like his best guess. Tkachuk is sidelined with a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia on the same side he injured during the 4 Nations Face-Off. His absence isn’t definite, but it seems unlikely to extend past January, given that the 2026 Olympics are approaching. Tkachuk is expected to return in the latter half of the season. Although the Panthers will face challenges with him and Barkov out for an extended period, they should have sufficient depth to remain competitive in the standings.

Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Summer Synopsis: Los Angeles Kings

at CDT | by 6 Comments

With training camps now almost upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team has accomplished this offseason.  Next up is a look at the Los Angeles Kings.

The Kings made a major shuffle in this front office, opting to part ways with general manager Rob Blake mutually in favor of former Detroit GM Ken Holland. It was an interesting direction for the Kings to take, but they were clearly drawn to Holland’s championship pedigree and the decades of experience he brings to the position. The Kings are hoping that Holland can provide more innovative roster construction to a team that has been bounced from the playoffs in the first round by the Edmonton Oilers in four consecutive seasons. Whether or not Holland can do that remains to be seen, but some of his roster decisions this summer raised eyebrows.

Draft

1-31 – D Henry Brzustewicz, London (OHL)
2-59 – F Vojtěch Čihař, HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czechia Extraliga)
3-88 – F Kristian Epperson, Saginaw (OHL)
4-120 – D Caeden Herrington, Lincoln (USHL)
4-125 – F Jimmy Lombardi, Flint (OHL)
5-152- G Petteri Rimpinen, Kiekko-Espoo (Liiga)
6-184 – F Jan Chovan, Tappara U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
7-196 – F Brendan McMorrow, Waterloo (USHL)
7-216 – D Will Sharpe, Kelowna (WHL)

The Kings used a first-round pick on a right-shot defenseman, which is probably what they should be doing with their top picks. Brzustewicz is a mobile, two-way defender who plays a cautious, risk-averse game. He avoids unnecessary chances but jumps into the rush when it’s right. The downside of being so careful is that it can cause poor decisions under pressure, something Brzustewicz needs to improve—especially when opposing forwards apply pressure on the forecheck. He can work on this back in London this season, and if he adds size, it should boost his confidence when taking hits to make plays.

Čihař does a lot of good things away from the puck, using his speed and footwork to pivot quickly and engage in the forecheck. He won’t shy away from the front of the opposition’s net and is a tough player to play against along the wall. His offense is a bit raw right now, but he does display good hockey sense, and if his playmaking and passing improve, he could become a middle-six forward in the NHL.

Epperson could become a valuable pick after recording 27 goals and 53 assists in 58 OHL games last season. He works hard and is tenacious on the forecheck, as well as in transition. Epperson is the perfect complement to high-end skill players, as he can force turnovers and create trouble in the offensive zone. This worked well last season with the 2025 second overall pick, Michael Misa. If he keeps up the same work ethic, he could become a regular on the Kings’ bottom six.

Fourth-round pick Herrington is another right-shot defenseman with offensive upside. He is aggressive on the rush and eager to contribute to the attack. Although there are concerns about his defensive game, with good coaching and guidance, Herrington could develop into an offensive NHL defenseman. This type of player is worth taking a chance on late in the draft because his natural offensive skills can be improved through coaching, and his weaknesses can hopefully be addressed.

UFA Signings

F Joel Armia (two years, $5MM)
D Cody Ceci (four years, $18MM)
F Martin Chromiak (one year, $775K)*
G Pheonix Copley (one year, $775K)
D Brian Dumoulin (three years, $12MM)
G Anton Forsberg (two years, $4.5MM)
F Corey Perry (one year, $2MM)

Ken Holland was busy during the first few days of free agency, signing several depth veterans and using up cap space in the process. The decisions to sign Dumoulin and Ceci drew significant criticism, with many pointing out the length and cost of contracts for two veterans who are likely to be the Kings’ bottom pairing this season. The issue for Los Angeles, and probably the reason for signing players like Dumoulin and Ceci, is that they had gaps to fill in their defense, and their depth problems (especially on the left side) could force Dumoulin to log top-four minutes. However, Ceci should be on the third pairing if everyone stays healthy, playing behind Drew Doughty and Brandt Clarke.

Dumoulin remains a capable player, but at 34 years old, he’s not suited for top four minutes. He has two Stanley Cups to his name and played significant minutes on those Pittsburgh teams, but that was nearly a decade ago, and Dumoulin hasn’t been that defenseman since 2020. Over the past five years, Dumoulin has struggled with possession metrics as his even-strength play has fluctuated. Once, he had the skating ability to consistently maintain reasonable gap control and break away from forecheckers to make strong first passes. Still, as he’s slowed down, both skills have become less impactful. Dumoulin can still disrupt plays and keep the puck out of dangerous areas, but he often takes penalties trying to do so, which wasn’t an issue when he was quicker on his feet.

The Ceci signing remains confusing and might be a move Holland regrets quickly. Ceci has many tools that make him an interesting player and has always managed to earn his coaches’ trust, despite inconsistent results. He isn’t as bad as he’s often accused of being, but he’s not a top-four NHL defenseman either, and he’ll be paid like one until he’s 35. Ceci’s performance varies significantly from year to year; in many seasons, his results indicate he’s a below-replacement player. In other seasons, when he’s sheltered, he posts good results (for example, 2020-21 with Pittsburgh), but at $4.5MM a season, you expect some consistency. Ceci isn’t that far removed from one of the best seasons of his career, but his last three playoff runs (two with Edmonton and one with Dallas) have been horrendous and have led to him being a healthy scratch at times. Not ideal for a player being paid the way he is.

Moving on to the forwards, the Kings made two depth signings for Armia and Perry. Perry guarantees a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals; at least, that’s what recent history suggests. Perry has appeared in five finals over the past six years with four different teams, consistently proving himself as a warrior come playoff time. The 40-year-old recorded 19 goals and 11 assists in 81 regular-season games last year, then exploded for 10 goals and four assists in 22 playoff games. Perry should continue to be a reliable agitator come playoff time, which could be interesting if the Kings face the Oilers for a fifth straight playoff.

Armia won’t score much in Los Angeles, having topped 30 points only once in his NHL career. The 32-year-old should reach around 25 points and will contribute on the penalty kill. He isn’t afraid to engage physically and should boost the Kings’ forecheck while remaining defensively aware. Armia is a reliable signing for the Los Angeles team. It should handle some of the Kings’ more challenging defensive duties, which could be beneficial against a potent offensive team like the Oilers.

RFA Re-Signings

F Alex Laferriere (three years, $12.3MM)

There might not be a player in the NHL who enjoys skating the puck more in transition than Laferriere. He made significant progress last year, both physically and mentally, shaking off scouts’ concerns about his skating and establishing himself as a talented playmaker with good speed. Although there were doubts about his skating style being awkward, after recording 19 goals and 23 assists in 77 games last season, Laferriere is proving his critics wrong. The Chatham, New Jersey native is a strong forechecker and has become more responsible defensively over the past year. This should help him start the season in the top six and likely also on the Kings’ second power play unit.

Departures

D Vladislav Gavrikov (signed with New York, seven years $49MM)
F Tanner Jeannot (signed with Boston, five years $17MM)
D Caleb Jones (signed with Pittsburgh, two years $1.8MM)
G David Rittich (signed with New York Islanders, one year $1MM)
D Jordan Spence (traded to Ottawa)
F Jack Studnicka (signed with Florida, one year $775K)*
F Samuel Fagemo (signed with Winnipeg, one year $775K)*

*-denotes two-way contract

The Kings’ signing of Ceci and Dumoulin was essential after Spence was traded and Gavrikov left via free agency. The loss of Gavrikov will significantly affect the Kings, as it forces Mikey Anderson into the top pairing and disrupts the depth on the left side, likely pushing Dumoulin into the top four. Gavrikov’s departure and Dumoulin’s signing effectively amount to a swap from the Kings’ perspective—and it’s not a particularly good one. While both play a straightforward stay-at-home game, Gavrikov can handle shutdown minutes at the top pairing, whereas Dumoulin is better suited for third-pairing roles. The 29-year-old Gavrikov doesn’t hit much or do much with the puck, but he can produce around 30 points and is very disruptive defensively, especially at the blue line, where he can disrupt transition plays and zone entries. The Kings will feel Gavrikov’s absence deeply.

The Spence trade to Ottawa is one that Holland might want to revisit someday. While it was hard to see him playing third-pairing minutes again next year, it was probably the best move for Spence, who was going to earn just $1.5MM this year—significantly less than new third-pairing defender Ceci. The Kings protected Spence last year, and his defensive metrics were excellent during those minutes, as he led all Los Angeles defensemen in goal share and xGoal share. However, he was behind Brandt Clarke on the depth chart and thus seen as expendable, even though the trade return was underwhelming.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Kings currently have just under $1.9MM available in cap space with one roster spot open (according to PuckPedia). If they add an entry-level contract (ELC) or a league minimum deal to reach 23 players, it will leave them with approximately $1MM in cap space. This should be enough of a buffer to handle injuries, but it won’t leave much room if they want to make a mid-season acquisition.

In the long run, the Kings have $33.725MM available in cap space for next summer (assuming no trades or signings before then), with 15 players already signed. That might seem like a sizable amount, but it doesn’t include a potential replacement for Anze Kopitar or an extension for Adrian Kempe, which AFP Analytics estimates to be around $9.2MM mark per season. The Kings will also need to decide on Clarke’s future, who is projected for a long-term deal around $7MM or a bridge deal around $3.5MM.

Key Questions

Is the older defense actually better?

Moving on from Gavrikov and Spence to Dumoulin and Ceci makes the Kings’ defense older and slower, which isn’t ideal when many teams in the Western Conference prioritize speed. It remains to be seen if the Kings are a better team than they were last season, but on paper, it’s hard to say they are. Their defense definitely isn’t better, and while they didn’t make wholesale changes on the backend, the moves they did make could reveal some flaws in their lineup.

Have the Kings already passed their window of contention?

A few years ago, the Kings were a team on the rise, seeming poised to become a force in the Western Conference for years to come. However, some poor trades and unfortunate player development have caused them to fall behind Edmonton, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Colorado. It’s possible the Kings could still have some deep playoff runs, but given the strength of their competition and the flaws in the roster, they might never make a significant playoff push with this group.

How hot is Jim Hiller’s seat?

Hiller’s seat was likely warm when the Kings and general manager Rob Blake mutually agreed to part ways. As this season kicks off, the pressure is expected to intensify. Hiller is only in his second full season as the Kings’ bench boss, but traditionally, general managers prefer to hire their own coaches, and Ken Holland has inherited Hiller. If the Kings start slowly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make a change for a new head coach.

Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

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

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

scroll to top