2023 NHL Draft Results By Team
A lightning round of sorts concluded today’s 2023 NHL Draft, with Rounds 2-7 getting completed in under four hours. If you want to see who your team got in this year’s draft haul, you’re in the right place:
Anaheim Ducks
1-2: F Leo Carlsson, Orebro (SHL)
2-33: F Nico Myatovic, Seattle (WHL)
2-59: F Carey Terrance, Erie (OHL)
2-60: G Damian Clara, Farjestad (Sweden U20)
3-65: F Coulson Pitre, Flint (OHL)
3-85: F Yegor Sidorov, Saskatoon (WHL)
4-97: D Konnor Smith, Peterborough (OHL)
5-129: D Rodwin Dionicio, Windsor (OHL)
6-161: D Vojtech Port, Edmonton (WHL)
Arizona Coyotes
1-6: D Dmitri Simashev, Yaroslavl (MHL)
1-12: F Daniil But, Yaroslavl (MHL)
2-38: G Michael Hrabal, Omaha (USHL)
3-70: F Jonathan Castagna, St. Andrew’s (CAHS)
3-72: F Noel Nordh, Brynas (Sweden U20)
3-81: F Tanner Ludtke, Lincoln (USHL)
3-88: F Vadim Moroz, Minsk (KHL)
4-102: D Terrell Goldsmith, Prince Albert (WHL)
5-134: G Melker Thelin, Bjorkloven (Sweden U20)
5-160: D Justin Kipkie, Victoria (WHL)
6-162: F Samu Bau, Ilves (Liiga)
6-166: G Carsen Musser, USA U-18 (NTDP)
Boston Bruins
3-92: F Christopher Pelosi, Sioux Falls (USHL)
4-124: F Beckett Hendrickson, USA U-18 (NTDP)
6-188: F Ryan Walsh, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
7-214: F Casper Nassen, Vasteras (Sweden U20)
7-220: D Kristian Kostadinski, Frolunda (Sweden U20)
Buffalo Sabres
1-13: F Zach Benson, Winnipeg (WHL)
2-39: F Anton Wahlberg, Malmo (Sweden U20)
2-45: D Maxim Strbak, Sioux Falls (USHL)
3-86: D Gavin McCarthy, Muskegon (USHL)
4-109: F Ethan Miedema, Kingston (OHL)
5-141: G Scott Ratzlaff, Seattle (WHL)
6-173: D Sean Keohane, Cape Cod (18U AAA)
7-205: D Norwin Panocha, Berlin (Germany U20)
Calgary Flames
1-16: F Samuel Honzek, Vancouver (WHL)
2-48: D Etienne Morin, Moncton (QMJHL)
3-80: F Aydar Suniev, Penticton (BCHL)
4-112: F Jaden Lipinski, Vancouver (WHL)
6-176: G Yegor Yegorov, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)
7-208: D Axel Hurtig, Rogle (J20 Nationell)
Carolina Hurricanes
1-30: F Bradly Nadeau, Penticton (BCHL)
2-62: F Felix Unger Sorum, Leksand (Sweden U20)
3-94: F Jayden Perron, Chicago (USHL)
4-100: F Alexander Rykov, Chelyabinsk (VHL)
4-126: F Stanislav Yarovoi, Vityaz Moscow (KHL)
5-139: D Charles-Alexis Legault, Quinnipiac (NCAA)
5-158: G Ruslan Khazheyev, Chelyabinsk (MHL)
6-163: F Timur Mukhanov, Omsk (MHL)
6-190: F Michael Emerson, Chicago (USHL)
7-222: G Yegor Velmakin, Novovoronezh (NMHL)
Chicago Blackhawks
1-1: F Connor Bedard, Regina (WHL)
1-19: F Oliver Moore, USA U-18 (NTDP)
2-35: G Adam Gajan, Chippewa (NAHL)
2-44: F Roman Kantserov, Magnitogorsk (MHL)
2-55: F Martin Misiak, Youngstown (USHL)
3-67: F Nick Lardis, Hamilton (OHL)
3-93: F Jiri Felcman, Langnau (Switzerland U20)
4-99: F Alex Pharand, Sudbury (OHL)
5-131: F Marcel Marcel, Gatineau (QMJHL)
6-167: F Milton Oscarson, Orebro (SHL)
7-195: D Janne Peltonen, Karpat (U20 SM-sarja)
Colorado Avalanche
1-27: F Calum Ritchie, Oshawa (OHL)
1-31: D Mikhail Gulyayev, Omsk (MHL)
5-155: D Nikita Ishimnikov, Yekaterinburg (MHL)
6-187: D Jeremy Hanzel, Seattle (WHL)
7-219: F Maros Jedlicka, Zvolen (Slovak Extraliga)
Columbus Blue Jackets
1-3: F Adam Fantilli, Michigan (NCAA)
2-34: F Gavin Brindley, Michigan (NCAA)
3-66: F William Whitelaw, Youngstown (USHL)
4-98: D Andrew Strathmann, Youngstown (USHL)
4-114: F Luca Pinelli, Ottawa (OHL)
5-156: G Melvin Strahl, MoDo Hockey (Sweden U20)
7-194: F Oiva Keskinen, Tappara (Finland U20)
7-224: F Tyler Peddle, Drummondville (QMJHL)
Dallas Stars
2-61: D Tristan Bertucci, Flint (OHL)
3-79: F Brad Gardiner, Ottawa (OHL)
4-125: D Aram Minnetian, USA U-18 (NTDP)
5-157: G Arno Tiefensee, Mannheim (DEL)
6-189: F Angus MacDonell, Mississauga (OHL)
7-221: F Sebastian Bradshaw, Elite Hockey Academy (18U AAA)
Detroit Red Wings
1-9: F Nate Danielson, Brandon (WHL)
1-17: D Axel Sandin Pellikka, Skelleftea (Sweden U20)
2-41: G Trey Augustine, USA U-18 (NTDP)
2-42: D Andrew Gibson, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
2-47: D Brady Cleveland, USA U-18 (NTDP)
3-73: F Noah Dower Nilsson, Frolunda (Sweden U20)
4-117: D Larry Keenan, Culver Military Academy (USHS)
5-137: D Jack Phelan, Sioux Falls (USHL)
5-147: F Kevin Bicker, Mannheim (Germany U20)
6-169: G Rudy Guimond, Taft School (USHS)
7-201: F Emmitt Finnie, Kamloops (WHL)
Edmonton Oilers
2-56: D Beau Akey, Barrie (OHL)
6-184: G Nathaniel Day, Flint (OHL)
7-216: F Matt Copponi, Merrimack (NCAA)
Florida Panthers
2-63: F Gracyn Sawchyn, Seattle (WHL)
4-127: D Albert Wikman, Farjestad (Sweden U20)
5-159: G Olof Glifford, HV71 (Sweden U20)
6-191: D Luke Coughlin, Rimouski (QMJHL)
7-198: F Stepan Zvyagin, Minsk (MHL)
Los Angeles Kings
2-54: D Jakub Dvorak, Liberec (Czech Extraliga)
3-78: F Koehn Ziemmer, Prince George (WHL)
4-118: G Hampton Slukynsky, Warroad (USHS-MN)
5-150: D Matthew Mania, Sudbury (OHL)
6-182: F Ryan Conmy, Sioux City (USHL)
Minnesota Wild
1-21: F Charlie Stramel, Wisconsin (NCAA)
2-53: F Rasmus Kumpulainen, Pelicans (Finland U20)
2-64: F Riley Heidt, Prince George (WHL)
5-149: D Aaron Pionk, Waterloo (USHL)
6-181: D Kalem Parker, Victoria (WHL)
7-213: F Jimmy Clark, Green Bay (USHL)
Montreal Canadiens
1-5: D David Reinbacher, Kloten (NL)
3-69: G Jacob Fowler, Youngstown (USHL)
4-101: F Florian Xhekaj, Hamilton (OHL)
4-110: D Bogdan Konyushkov, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
4-128: G Quentin Miller, Quebec (QMJHL)
5-133: F Sam Harris, Sioux Falls (USHL)
5-144: G Yevgeni Volokhin, Khanty-Mansiysk (MHL)
6-165: F Filip Eriksson, Vaxjo (Sweden U20)
7-197: D Luke Mittelstadt, Minnesota (NCAA)
Nashville Predators
1-15: F Matthew Wood, UConn (NCAA)
1-24: D Tanner Molendyk, Saskatoon (WHL)
2-43: F Felix Nilsson, Rogle (Sweden U20)
2-46: F Kalan Lind, Red Deer (WHL)
3-68: F Jesse Kiiskinen, Pelicans (Finland U20)
3-83: D Dylan MacKinnon, Halifax (QMJHL)
4-111: F Joey Willis, Saginaw (OHL)
4-121: G Juha Jatkola, KalPa (Liiga)
5-143: F Sutter Muzzatti, Rensselaer (NCAA)
6-175: F Austin Roest, Everett (WHL)
7-218: F Aiden Fink, Brooks (AJHL)
New Jersey Devils
2-58: F Lenni Hameenaho, Assat (Liiga)
4-122: F Cam Squires, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
5-154: D Chase Cheslock, Rogers (USHS-MN)
6-164: F Cole Brown, Hamilton (OHL)
6-186: D Daniil Karpovich, Yekaterinburg (MHL)
New York Islanders
2-49: F Danny Nelson, USA U-18 (NTDP)
4-113: F Jesse Nurmi, KooKoo (Finland U20)
5-145: F Justin Gill, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
6-177: D Zach Schulz, USA U-18 (NTDP)
7-209: D Dennis Good Bogg, AIK (Sweden U20)
New York Rangers
1-23: F Gabriel Perreault, USA U-18 (NTDP)
3-90: D Drew Fortescue, USA U-18 (NTDP)
5-152: D Rasmus Larsson, Vasteras (J20 Nationell)
6-178: F Dylan Roobroeck, Oshawa (OHL)
6-183: F Ty Henricks, Fargo (USHL)
Ottawa Senators
4-108: D Hoyt Stanley, Victoria (BCHL)
5-140: D Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener (OHL)
7-204: F Owen Beckner, Salmon Arm (BCHL)
7-207: G Vladimir Nikitin, Astana (Kazakhstan U20)
7-215: F Nicholas VanTassell, Green Bay (USHL)
Philadelphia Flyers
1-7: F Matvei Michkov, St. Petersburg (KHL)
1-22: D Oliver Bonk, London (OHL)
2-51: G Carson Bjarnason, Brandon (WHL)
3-87: G Yegor Zavragin, Khanty-Mansiysk (MHL)
3-95: F Denver Barkey, London (OHL)
4-103: F Cole Knuble, Fargo (USHL)
4-120: F Alex Ciernik, Sodertalje (Sweden U20)
5-135: D Carter Sotheran, Portland (WHL)
6-172: F Ryan MacPherson, Leamington (GOJHL)
7-199: D Matteo Mann, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Pittsburgh Penguins
1-14: F Brayden Yager, Moose Jaw (WHL)
3-91: D Emil Pieniniemi, Karpat (Finland U20)
5-142: F Mikhail Ilyin, Cherepovets (MHL)
6-174: F Cooper Foster, Ottawa (OHL)
7-217: F Emil Jarventie, Ilves (Finland U20)
7-223: D Kalle Kangas, Jokerit (Finland U20)
San Jose Sharks
1-4: F Will Smith, USA U-18 (NTDP)
1-26: F Quentin Musty, Sudbury (OHL)
2-36: F Kasper Halttunen, HIFK (Liiga)
3-71: F Brandon Svoboda, Youngstown (USHL)
4-123: D Luca Cagnoni, Portland (WHL)
5-130: D Axel Landen, HV71 (Sweden U20)
5-132: D Eric Pohlkamp, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
7-196: F David Klee, Waterloo (USHL)
7-203: F Yegor Rimashevsky, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)
Seattle Kraken
1-20: F Eduard Sale, Brno (Czech Extraliga)
2-50: F Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener (OHL)
2-52: F Oscar Fisker Molgaard, HV71 (SHL)
2-57: D Lukas Dragicevic, Tri-City (WHL)
3-84: D Caden Price, Kelowna (WHL)
4-116: F Andrei Loshko, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
5-148: D Kaden Hammell, Everett (WHL)
6-168: G Visa Vedenpaa, Karpat (Finland U20)
6-180: F Zeb Forsfjall, Skelleftea (Sweden U20)
7-212: F Zaccharya Wisdom, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
St. Louis Blues
1-10: F Dalibor Dvorsky, AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
1-25: F Otto Stenberg, Frolunda (Sweden U20)
1-29: D Theo Lindstein, Brynas (SHL)
3-74: D Quinton Burns, Kingston (OHL)
3-76: F Juraj Pekarcik, Nitra (Slovak Extraliga)
4-106: F Jakub Stancl, Vaxjo (Sweden U20)
5-138: D Paul Fischer, USA U-18 (NTDP)
6-170: D Matthew Mayich, Ottawa (OHL)
7-202: F Nikita Susuyev, Spartak Moscow (MHL)
Tampa Bay Lightning
2-37: F Ethan Gauthier, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
4-115: F Jayson Shaugabay, Warroad (USHS-MN)
6-179: D Warren Clark, Steinbach (MJHL)
7-193: F Jack Harvey, Chicago (USHL)
7-211: F Ethan Hay, Flint (OHL)
Toronto Maple Leafs
1-28: F Easton Cowan, London (OHL)
5-153: F Hudson Malinoski, Brooks (AJHL)
6-185: D Noah Chadwick, Lethbridge (WHL)
Vancouver Canucks
1-11: D Tom Willander, Rogle (Sweden U20)
3-75: D Hunter Brzustewicz, Kitchener (OHL)
3-89: D Sawyer Mynio, Seattle (WHL)
4-105: F Ty Mueller, Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)
4-107: F Vilmer Alriksson, Djurgarden (Sweden U20)
4-119: F Matthew Perkins, Youngstown (USHL)
6-171: D Aiden Celebrini, Brooks (AJHL)
Vegas Golden Knights
1-32: F David Edstrom, Frolunda (Sweden U20)
3-77: F Mathieu Cataford, Halifax (QMJHL)
3-96: D Arttu Karki, Tappara (Finland U20)
6-192: F Tuomas Uronen, HIFK (Finland U20)
Washington Capitals
1-8: F Ryan Leonard, USA U-18 (NTDP)
2-40: F Andrew Cristall, Kelowna (WHL)
4-104: F Patrick Thomas, Hamilton (OHL)
5-136: D Cameron Allen, Guelph (OHL)
7-200: F Brett Hyland, Brandon (WHL)
7-206: G Antoine Keller, Geneve-Servette (Switzerland U20)
Winnipeg Jets
1-18: F Colby Barlow, Owen Sound (OHL)
3-82: F Zachary Nehring, Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS)
5-146: F Jacob Julien, London (OHL)
5-151: G Thomas Milic, Seattle (WHL)
7-210: F Connor Levis, Kamloops (WHL)
Jack Quinn Undergoes Achilles Surgery
Per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Quinn underwent successful surgery to repair an Achilles tendon injury sustained in offseason training this week. His recovery time is expected to be four to six months, and he’ll miss the start of next season.
This is extremely unfortunate news for both the Sabres and Quinn, as it could just about halt the momentum he’d been building after a strong rookie season in the NHL. After tearing the AHL apart last season, Quinn scored 14 goals and 37 points in a 75-game NHL rookie season, earning some stray Calder Trophy votes in the process.
He also represented Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF Men’s World Championships, taking home the gold scoring seven points in 10 games, including one point in Canada’s final four games.
Quinn’s injury won’t knock him out for all of 2022-23, thankfully, but it will impact his availability for the Sabres early in the season. That could impact the Sabres’ desire to trade sniper Victor Olofsson, a 27-year-old forward who is on a contract that expires at the end of the season.
While the Sabres could still opt to get some compensation for Olofsson if they don’t see him in their long-term plans, this injury could very well keep Olofsson in Buffalo a little longer so the team can maintain its forward depth with Quinn out.
This injury could also impact the odds 2022 first-rounder Matthew Savoie gets some NHL games for the Sabres out of training camp. It looks somewhat unlikely at this point that Savoie is ready to make a difference at the NHL level, but with Quinn’s injury, it could be that the team is more eager to see what Savoie can do.
2023 NHL Draft Results
The Nashville Predators are hosting the NHL Draft for the first time in 20 years, and it’s shaping up to be a generational one yet again after the famed 2003 first round produced many future Hall of Famers. A potential top five of Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, Will Smith, and Matvei Michkov are all set to be possible franchise talents.
Tonight’s draft should also include a fair bit of intrigue with plenty of NHLers on the trade block and potential massive pick-for-pick trades on the draft floor.
Below, we’ll keep track of all 224 selections through tonight and all day Thursday.
Round One
- Chicago Blackhawks – F Connor Bedard, Regina (WHL)
- Anaheim Ducks – F Leo Carlsson, Orebro (SHL)
- Columbus Blue Jackets – F Adam Fantilli, Michigan (NCAA)
- San Jose Sharks – F Will Smith, USA U-18 (NTDP)
- Montreal Canadiens – D David Reinbacher, Kloten (NL)
- Arizona Coyotes – D Dmitri Simashev, Yaroslavl (MHL)
- Philadelphia Flyers – F Matvei Michkov, St. Petersburg (KHL)
- Washington Capitals – F Ryan Leonard, USA U-18 (NTDP)
- Detroit Red Wings – F Nate Danielson, Brandon (WHL)
- St. Louis Blues – F Dalibor Dvorsky, AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
- Vancouver Canucks – D Tom Willander, Rogle (J20 Nationell)
- Arizona Coyotes (via OTT) – F Daniil But, Yaroslavl (MHL)
- Buffalo Sabres – F Zach Benson, Winnipeg (WHL)
- Pittsburgh Penguins – F Brayden Yager, Moose Jaw (WHL)
- Nashville Predators – F Matthew Wood, UConn (NCAA)
- Calgary Flames – F Samuel Honzek, Vancouver (WHL)
- Detroit Red Wings (via NYI) – D Axel Sandin Pellikka, Skelleftea (J20 Nationell)
- Winnipeg Jets – F Colby Barlow, Owen Sound (OHL)
- Chicago Blackhawks (via TBL) – F Oliver Moore, USA U-18 (NTDP)
- Seattle Kraken – F Eduard Sale, Brno (Czech Extraliga)
- Minnesota Wild – F Charlie Stramel, Wisconsin (NCAA)
- Philadelphia Flyers (via LAK) – D Oliver Bonk, London (OHL)
- New York Rangers – F Gabriel Perreault, USA U-18 (NTDP)
- Nashville Predators (via EDM) – D Tanner Molendyk, Saskatoon (WHL)
- St. Louis Blues (via TOR) – F Otto Stenberg, Frolunda (J20 Nationell)
- San Jose Sharks (via NJD) – F Quentin Musty, Sudbury (OHL)
- Colorado Avalanche – F Calum Ritchie, Oshawa (OHL)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (via BOS) – F Easton Cowan, London (OHL)
- St. Louis Blues (via DAL) – D Theo Lindstein, Brynas (SHL)
- Carolina Hurricanes – F Bradly Nadeau, Penticton (BCHL)
- Colorado Avalanche (via FLA) – D Mikhail Gulyayev, Omsk (MHL)
- Vegas Golden Knights – F David Edstrom, Frolunda (J20 Nationell)
Round Two
33. Anaheim Ducks – F Nico Myatovic, Seattle (WHL)
34. Columbus Blue Jackets – F Gavin Brindley, Michigan (NCAA)
35. Chicago Blackhawks – G Adam Gajan, Chippewa (NAHL)
36. San Jose Sharks – F Kasper Halttunen, HIFK (Liiga)
37. Tampa Bay Lightning (via MTL) – F Ethan Gauthier, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
38. Arizona Coyotes – G Michael Hrabal, Omaha (USHL)
39. Buffalo Sabres (via PHI) – F Anton Wahlberg, Malmo (J20 Nationell)
40. Washington Capitals – F Andrew Cristall, Kelowna (WHL)
41. Detroit Red Wings – G Trey Augustine, USA U-18 (NTDP)
42. Detroit Red Wings (via STL) – D Andrew Gibson, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
43. Nashville Predators (via VAN) – F Felix Nilsson, Rogle (J20 Nationell)
44. Chicago Blackhawks (via OTT) – F Roman Kantserov, Magnitogorsk (MHL)
45. Buffalo Sabres – D Maxim Strbak, Sioux Falls (USHL)
46. Nashville Predators (via PIT) – F Kalan Lind, Red Deer (WHL)
47. Detroit Red Wings (via NSH) – D Brady Cleveland, USA U-18 (NTDP)
48. Calgary Flames – D Etienne Morin, Moncton (QMJHL)
49. New York Islanders – F Danny Nelson, USA U-18 (NTDP)
50. Seattle Kraken (via WPG) – F Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener (OHL)
51. Philadelphia Flyers (via TBL) – G Carson Bjarnason, Brandon (WHL)
52. Seattle Kraken – F Oscar Fisker Molgaard, HV71 (SHL)
53. Minnesota Wild – F Rasmus Kumpulainen, Pelicans (U20 SM-sarja)
54. Los Angeles Kings – D Jakub Dvorak, Liberec (Czech Extraliga)
55. Chicago Blackhawks (via NYR) – F Martin Misiak, Youngstown (USHL)
56. Edmonton Oilers – D Beau Akey, Barrie (OHL)
57. Seattle Kraken (via TOR) – D Lukas Dragicevic, Tri-City (WHL)
58. New Jersey Devils – F Lenni Hameenaho, Assat (Liiga)
59. Anaheim Ducks (via COL) – F Carey Terrance, Erie (OHL)
60. Anaheim Ducks (via BOS) – G Damian Clara, Farjestad (J20 Nationell)
61. Dallas Stars – D Tristan Bertucci, Flint (OHL)
62. Carolina Hurricanes – F Felix Unger Sorum, Leksand (J20 Nationell)
63. Florida Panthers – F Gracyn Sawchyn, Seattle (WHL)
64. Minnesota Wild (via VGK) – F Riley Heidt, Prince George (WHL)
Round Three
65. Anaheim Ducks – F Coulson Pitre, Flint (OHL)
66. Columbus Blue Jackets – F William Whitelaw, Youngstown (USHL)
67. Chicago Blackhawks – F Nick Lardis, Hamilton (OHL)
68. Nashville Predators (via SJS) – F Jesse Kiiskinen, Pelicans (U20 SM-sarja)
69. Montreal Canadiens – G Jacob Fowler, Youngstown (USHL)
70. Arizona Coyotes – F Jonathan Castagna, St. Andrew’s (CAHS)
71. San Jose Sharks (via PHI) – F Brandon Svoboda, Youngstown (USHL)
72. Arizona Coyotes (via WSH) – F Noel Nordh, Brynas (J20 Nationell)
73. Detroit Red Wings – F Noah Dower Nilsson, Frolunda (J20 Nationell)
74. St. Louis Blues – D Quinton Burns, Kingston (OHL)
75. Vancouver Canucks – D Hunter Brzustewicz, Kitchener (OHL)
76. St. Louis Blues (via OTT) – F Juraj Pekarcik, Nitra (Slovak Extraliga)
77. Vegas Golden Knights (via BUF) – F Mathieu Cataford, Halifax (QMJHL)
78. Los Angeles Kings (via PIT) – F Koehn Ziemmer, Prince George (WHL)
79. Dallas Stars (via NSH) – F Brad Gardiner, Ottawa (OHL)
80. Calgary Flames – F Aydar Suniev, Penticton (BCHL)
81. Arizona Coyotes (via NYI) – F Tanner Ludtke, Lincoln (USHL)
82. Winnipeg Jets – F Zachary Nehring, Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS)
83. Nashville Predators (via TBL) – D Dylan MacKinnon, Halifax (QMJHL)
84. Seattle Kraken – D Caden Price, Kelowna (WHL)
85. Anaheim Ducks (via MIN) – F Yegor Sidorov, Saskatoon (WHL)
86. Buffalo Sabres (via LAK) – D Gavin McCarthy, Muskegon (USHL)
87. Philadelphia Flyers (via NYR) – G Yegor Zavragin, Khanty-Mansiysk (MHL)
88. Arizona Coyotes (via EDM) – F Vadim Moroz, Minsk (KHL)
89. Vancouver Canucks (via TOR) – D Sawyer Mynio, Seattle (WHL)
90. New York Rangers (via NJD) – D Drew Fortescue, USA U-18 (NTDP)
91. Pittsburgh Penguins (via COL) – D Emil Pieniniemi, Karpat (U20 SM-sarja)
92. Boston Bruins – F Christopher Pelosi, Sioux Falls (USHL)
93. Chicago Blackhawks (via DAL) – F Jiri Felcman, Langnau (Swiss U20-Elit)
94. Carolina Hurricanes – F Jayden Perron, Chicago (USHL)
95. Philadelphia Flyers (via FLA) – F Denver Barkey, London (OHL)
96. Vegas Golden Knights – D Arttu Karki, Tappara (U20 SM-sarja)
Round Four
97. Anaheim Ducks – D Konnor Smith, Peterborough (OHL)
98. Columbus Blue Jackets – D Andrew Strathmann, Youngstown (USHL)
99. Chicago Blackhawks – F Alex Pharand, Sudbury (OHL)
100. Carolina Hurricanes (via SJS) – F Alexander Rykov, Chelyabinsk (VHL)
101. Montreal Canadiens – F Florian Xhekaj, Hamilton (OHL)
102. Arizona Coyotes – D Terrell Goldsmith, Prince Albert (WHL)
103. Philadelphia Flyers – F Cole Knuble, Fargo (USHL)
104. Washington Capitals – F Patrick Thomas, Hamilton (OHL)
105. Vancouver Canucks (via DET) – F Ty Mueller, Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)
106. St. Louis Blues – F Jakub Stancl, Vaxjo (J20 Nationell)
107. Vancouver Canucks – F Vilmer Alriksson, Djurgarden (J20 Nationell)
108. Ottawa Senators – D Hoyt Stanley, Victoria (BCHL)
109. Buffalo Sabres – F Ethan Miedema, Kingston (OHL)
110. Montreal Canadiens (via PIT) – D Bogdan Konyushkov, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
111. Nashville Predators – F Joey Willis, Saginaw (OHL)
112. Calgary Flames – F Jaden Lipinski, Vancouver (WHL)
113. New York Islanders – F Jesse Nurmi, KooKoo (U20 SM-sarja)
114. Columbus Blue Jackets (via WPG) – F Luca Pinelli, Ottawa (OHL)
115. Tampa Bay Lightning – F Jayson Shaugabay, Warroad (USHS-MN)
116. Seattle Kraken – F Andrei Loshko, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
117. Detroit Red Wings (via MIN) – D Larry Keenan, Culver Military Academy (USHS)
118. Los Angeles Kings – G Hampton Slukynsky, Warroad (USHS-MN)
119. Vancouver Canucks (via NYR) – F Matthew Perkins, Youngstown (USHL)
120. Philadelphia Flyers (via EDM) – F Alex Ciernik, Sodertalje (J20 Nationell)
121. Nashville Predators (via TOR) – G Juha Jatkola, KalPa (Liiga)
122. New Jersey Devils – F Cam Squires, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
123. San Jose Sharks (via COL) – D Luca Cagnoni, Portland (WHL)
124. Boston Bruins – F Beckett Hendrickson, USA U-18 (NTDP)
125. Dallas Stars – D Aram Minnetian, USA U-18 (NTDP)
126. Carolina Hurricanes – F Stanislav Yarovoi, Vityaz Moscow (KHL)
127. Florida Panthers – D Albert Wikman, Farjestad (J20 Nationell)
128. Montreal Canadiens (via VGK) – G Quentin Miller, Quebec (QMJHL)
Round Five
129. Anaheim Ducks – D Rodwin Dionicio, Windsor (OHL)
130. San Jose Sharks (via CBJ) – D Axel Landen, HV71 (J20 Nationell)
131. Chicago Blackhawks – F Marcel Marcel, Gatineau (QMJHL)
132. San Jose Sharks – D Eric Pohlkamp, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
133. Montreal Canadiens – F Sam Harris, Sioux Falls (USHL)
134. Arizona Coyotes – G Melker Thelin, Bjorkloven (J20 Region)
135. Philadelphia Flyers – D Carter Sotheran, Portland (WHL)
136. Washington Capitals – D Cameron Allen, Guelph (OHL)
137. Detroit Red Wings – D Jack Phelan, Sioux Falls (USHL)
138. St. Louis Blues – D Paul Fischer, USA U-18 (NTDP)
139. Carolina Hurricanes (via VAN) – D Charles-Alexis Legault, Quinnipiac (NCAA)
140. Ottawa Senators – D Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener (OHL)
141. Buffalo Sabres – G Scott Ratzlaff, Seattle (WHL)
142. Pittsburgh Penguins – F Mikhail Ilyin, Cherepovets (MHL)
143. Nashville Predators – F Sutter Muzzatti, Rensselaer (NCAA)
144. Montreal Canadiens (via CGY) – G Yevgeni Volokhin, Khanty-Mansiysk (MHL)
145. New York Islanders – F Justin Gill, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
146. Winnipeg Jets – F Jacob Julien, London (OHL)
147. Detroit Red Wings (via TBL) – F Kevin Bicker, Mannheim (DNL U20)
148. Seattle Kraken – D Kaden Hammell, Everett (WHL)
149. Minnesota Wild – D Aaron Pionk, Waterloo (USHL)
150. Los Angeles Kings – D Matthew Mania, Sudbury (OHL)
151. Winnipeg Jets (via NYR) – G Thomas Milic, Seattle (WHL)
152. New York Rangers (via EDM) – D Rasmus Larsson, Vasteras (J20 Nationell)
153. Toronto Maple Leafs – F Hudson Malinoski, Brooks (AJHL)
154. New Jersey Devils – D Chase Cheslock, Rogers (USHS-MN)
155. Colorado Avalanche – D Nikita Ishimnikov, Yekaterinburg (MHL)
156. Columbus Blue Jackets (via BOS) – G Melvin Strahl, MoDo Hockey (J20 Nationell)
157. Dallas Stars – G Arno Tiefensee, Mannheim (DEL)
158. Carolina Hurricanes – G Ruslan Khazheyev, Chelyabinsk (MHL)
159. Florida Panthers – G Olof Glifford, HV71 (J20 Nationell)
160. Arizona Coyotes (via VGK) – D Justin Kipkie, Victoria (WHL)
Round Six
161. Anaheim Ducks – D Vojtech Port, Edmonton (WHL)
162. Arizona Coyotes (via CBJ) – F Samu Bau, Ilves (Liiga)
163. Carolina Hurricanes (via CHI) – F Timur Mukhanov, Omsk (MHL)
164. New Jersey Devils (via SJS) – F Cole Brown, Hamilton (OHL)
165. Montreal Canadiens – F Filip Eriksson, Vaxjo (J20 Nationell)
166. Arizona Coyotes – G Carsen Musser, USA U-18 (NTDP)
167. Chicago Blackhawks (via PHI) – F Milton Oscarson, Orebro (SHL)
168. Seattle Kraken (via WSH) – G Visa Vedenpaa, Karpat (U20 SM-sarja)
169. Detroit Red Wings – G Rudy Guimond, Taft School (USHS)
170. St. Louis Blues – D Matthew Mayich, Ottawa (OHL)
171. Vancouver Canucks – D Aiden Celebrini, Brooks (AJHL)
172. Philadelphia Flyers (via OTT) – F Ryan MacPherson, Leamington (GOJHL)
173. Buffalo Sabres – D Sean Keohane, Cape Cod (18U AAA)
174. Pittsburgh Penguins – F Cooper Foster, Ottawa (OHL)
175. Nashville Predators – F Austin Roest, Everett (WHL)
176. Calgary Flames – G Yegor Yegorov, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)
177. New York Islanders – D Zach Schulz, USA U-18 (NTDP)
178. New York Rangers (via WPG) – F Dylan Roobroeck, Oshawa (OHL)
179. Tampa Bay Lightning – D Warren Clark, Steinbach (MJHL)
180. Seattle Kraken – F Zeb Forsfjall, Skelleftea (J20 Nationell)
181. Minnesota Wild – D Kalem Parker, Victoria (WHL)
182. Los Angeles Kings – F Ryan Conmy, Sioux City (USHL)
183. New York Rangers – F Ty Henricks, Fargo (USHL)
184. Edmonton Oilers – G Nathaniel Day, Flint (OHL)
185. Toronto Maple Leafs – D Noah Chadwick, Lethbridge (WHL)
186. New Jersey Devils – D Daniil Karpovich, Yekaterinburg (MHL)
187. Colorado Avalanche – D Jeremy Hanzel, Seattle (WHL)
188. Boston Bruins – F Ryan Walsh, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
189. Dallas Stars – F Angus MacDonell, Mississauga (OHL)
190. Carolina Hurricanes – F Michael Emerson, Chicago (USHL)
191. Florida Panthers – D Luke Coughlin, Rimouski (QMJHL)
192. Vegas Golden Knights – F Tuomas Uronen, HIFK (U20 SM-sarja)
Round Seven
193. Tampa Bay Lightning (via ANA) – F Jack Harvey, Chicago (USHL)
194. Columbus Blue Jackets – F Oiva Keskinen, Tappara (U20 SM-sarja)
195. Chicago Blackhawks – D Janne Peltonen, Karpat (U20 SM-sarja)
196. San Jose Sharks – F David Klee, Waterloo (USHL)
197. Montreal Canadiens – D Luke Mittelstadt, Minnesota (NCAA)
198. Florida Panthers (via ARI) – F Stepan Zvyagin, Minsk (MHL)
199. Philadelphia Flyers – D Matteo Mann, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
200. Washington Capitals – F Brett Hyland, Brandon (WHL)
201. Detroit Red Wings – F Emmitt Finnie, Kamloops (WHL)
202. St. Louis Blues – F Nikita Susuyev, Spartak Moscow (MHL)
203. San Jose Sharks (via VAN) – F Yegor Rimashevsky, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)
204. Ottawa Senators – F Owen Beckner, Salmon Arm (BCHL)
205. Buffalo Sabres – D Norwin Panocha, Berlin (DNL U20)
206. Washington Capitals (via PIT) – G Antoine Keller, Geneve-Servette (Swiss U20-Elit)
207. Ottawa Senators (via NSH) – G Vladimir Nikitin, Astana (Kazakhstan U20)
208. Calgary Flames – D Axel Hurtig, Rogle (J20 Nationell)
209. New York Islanders – D Dennis Good Bogg, AIK (J20 Nationell)
210. Winnipeg Jets – F Connor Levis, Kamloops (WHL)
211. Tampa Bay Lightning – F Ethan Hay, Flint (OHL)
212. Seattle Kraken – F Zaccharya Wisdom, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
213. Minnesota Wild – F Jimmy Clark, Green Bay (USHL)
214. Boston Bruins (via LAK) – F Casper Nassen, Vasteras (J20 Nationell)
215. Ottawa Senators (via NYR) – F Nicholas VanTassell, Green Bay (USHL)
216. Edmonton Oilers – F Matt Copponi, Merrimack (NCAA)
217. Pittsburgh Penguins (via TOR) – F Emil Jarventie, Ilves (U20 SM-sarja)
218. Nashville Predators (via NJD) – F Aiden Fink, Brooks (AJHL)
219. Colorado Avalanche – F Maros Jedlicka, Zvolen (Slovak Extraliga)
220. Boston Bruins – D Kristian Kostadinski, Frolunda (J20 Nationell)
221. Dallas Stars – F Sebastian Bradshaw, Elite Hockey Academy (18U AAA)
222. Carolina Hurricanes – G Yegor Velmakin, Novovoronezh (NMHL)
223. Pittsburgh Penguins (via FLA) – D Kalle Kangas, Jokerit (U20 SM-sarja)
224. Columbus Blue Jackets (via VGK) – F Tyler Peddle, Drummondville (QMJHL)
Chicago Blackhawks Acquire, Buy Out Josh Bailey
11:10 AM: Per The Athletic’s Scott Powers, the Blackhawks are going to buy out Bailey, which is a bit of a surprise move. The Blackhawks will be reducing their cap obligation to $2.66MM this season instead of $5MM, at a cost of a $1.16MM cap hit next season.
9:50 AM: The New York Islanders have parted ways with their longest-tenured player, trading forward Josh Bailey and a 2026 second-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations.
In a pure cap dump deal, the Islanders have essentially traded a future second-round for an immediate $5MM in cap space. Bailey had been a consistent middle-six threat for the Islanders throughout a 15-year career there, but after just eight goals and 25 points in 64 games this season and multiple healthy scratches, both the player and organization felt it was time to move on.
Once a high-end playmaker, Chicago is still getting a player that might be effective in their current situation. Bailey was a well-respected leader in the Islanders’ room and has made it to multiple Eastern Conference Finals. Alongside Nick Foligno and Taylor Hall, Chicago is quickly putting together an ancillary group of some veteran skill and leadership to surround yesterday’s first overall pick, Connor Bedard.
It’s worth noting that a buyout for Bailey was rather palatable. Per CapFriendly, buying out the final season of Bailey’s six-year, $30MM contract would have cost them $2.67MM this season, providing $2.33M in savings. It would have cost them $1.167MM against the cap in 2024-25. Instead, they cut ties entirely, although it’s for the cost of a decent draft pick.
This is Chicago’s second significant move to weaponize cap space in the last few days, acquiring Hall and Foligno from the Boston Bruins for a pair of minor-league defensemen.
It’s the end of an era for the Islanders, who selected Bailey with the ninth overall pick in 2008. He would go on to play 1,057 games as an Islander, ranking third in franchise history behind Bryan Trottier and Denis Potvin. In that time, Bailey recorded 184 goals and 580 points.
The Islanders now have close to $10MM in projected cap space, per CapFriendly, which could go to re-signing their quartet of notable UFAs in Pierre Engvall, Zach Parise, Scott Mayfield, and Semyon Varlamov.
West Notes: Shattenkirk, Coyotes, Canucks
Speculation regarding a potential reunion between the Anaheim Ducks and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has been put to rest. A league source tells Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic that the 34-year-old is expected to hit the free-agent market this Saturday.
Some had wondered whether a Shattenkirk return made sense for Anaheim, given the patchwork state of their largely inexperienced defense. Aside from longtime Duck Cam Fowler, none of Anaheim’s projected top six defensemen to start the year are over the age of 25, and Simon Benoit leads the rest in NHL games played with 137. Shattenkirk is finishing up a three-year, $11.7MM deal he signed with the Ducks in 2020, and he won’t command a raise on his previous AAV of $3.9MM. Still a serviceable defender, there are much worse options out there for teams looking to bolster their second or third pairings and special teams units.
After lifting the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020, Shattenkirk went on to record 14 goals, 63 assists, and 77 points in 212 games with the Ducks, averaging 20:37 per game and posting a -37 rating across three seasons.
More from the West:
- The Arizona Coyotes remain engaged in discussions regarding potential locations for a new arena, focusing on six sites in the East Valley of the Phoenix metro area, according to team president Xavier Gutierrez. The Coyotes aim to avoid a public referendum, as experienced with the unsuccessful Tempe proposal, and plan to present their finalized plan to the NHL by January 1, 2024. Gutierrez emphasized the team’s commitment to constructing a state-of-the-art facility that encompasses an arena, practice rink, entertainment venues, retail shops, and more, with the goal of providing a premier fan experience – all things the team was hoping to achieve with their failed entertainment district-type plan in Tempe.
- Speculation continues around the future of the Vancouver Canucks defense corps after the team bought out Oliver Ekman-Larsson earlier this month. Per Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, the Canucks have an expected interest in Seattle Kraken defenseman Carson Soucy, who will likely become a free agent on Saturday. Seravalli also believes the Canucks have engaged in discussions regarding a potential trade involving Tyler Myers, which would clear an additional $6MM of cap space by moving the final season of the 33-year-old defenseman’s contract.
Metro Notes: Killorn, Michkov, Konecny, Toffoli
Following yesterday’s trade of forward Ross Colton, the Tampa Bay Lightning have again turned their attention towards securing a contract extension for pending unrestricted free agent winger Alex Killorn, Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic said last night. Things will likely go down to the wire, but this will be one of the tougher negotiations in recent Lightning history. Killorn has reportedly turned down a longer-term extension offer at a low average annual value.
Moving Colton didn’t clear any cap space for Tampa. He was a pending restricted free agent, though, and the team didn’t have the salary cap flexibility to get an extension done. With the contract of retired defenseman Brent Seabrook on their books providing significant cap relief via long-term injured reserve, the team still has just $7.325MM in projected cap space, per CapFriendly – which will be barely enough to re-sign RFA Tanner Jeannot, re-sign or replace their three UFA wingers including Killorn, and re-sign or replace netminder Brian Elliott as Andrei Vasilevskiy‘s backup.
With Killorn being one of the top five UFAs available on this year’s market, it’s highly doubtful Tampa can make him a reasonable offer to stay. It would require quite a creative solution from general manager Julien BriseBois, who’s no stranger to cap gymnastics at this stage in his managerial career.
Elsewhere in the Metropolitan Division today:
- Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere was exuding confidence last night after his decision to draft Matvei Michkov with the seventh overall pick, revealing that he didn’t believe the Russian winger would fall and attempted to trade up. He wasn’t the only one – brand-new Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz was also reportedly trying to leverage assets to move into the top five of last night’s first round. Briere emphasized that the Flyers’ focus on rebuilding allows them to patiently await Michkov’s potential NHL debut, which could come as late as the 2026-27 season after his three-year contract with KHL team SKA St. Petersburg expires.
- Staying with the Flyers, LeBrun also mentioned in his midnight column they’ve been receptive to trade offers for winger Travis Konecny, but Briere is inclined to retain him for the upcoming season unless an overwhelming offer emerges. Philadelphia has been the most active team on the trade market thus far in the offseason, already moving Kevin Hayes and Ivan Provorov while still aggressively shopping defenseman Travis Sanheim. The 26-year-old winger matched a career-high in 2022-23 with 61 points and provides high-end contract value at $5.5MM per season through 2025.
- Lastly, per LeBrun, recently acquired right winger Tyler Toffoli has expressed his desire to begin contract extension talks with the New Jersey Devils at the earliest opportunity. Toffoli, seeking stability after playing for four teams in the past four years, sees the Devils as a team poised for long-term success. However, LeBrun predicts Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald will encourage Toffoli to familiarize himself with the team and market before initiating extension discussions – similar to the team’s approaches with Erik Haula and Timo Meier as recent examples.
Nashville Predators Trying To Acquire Top Five Pick
This is a huge night for the Nashville Predators franchise, hosting the 2023 NHL Draft – the first under the leadership of new general manager and franchise coaching legend Barry Trotz. Over the past few hours, it’s become clear Trotz is looking to make an earth-shattering move on the draft floor tonight to move up in the first round.
Multiple reports suggest the Predators have called the Montreal Canadiens about trading up to fifth overall, and Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli now reports Nashville’s put goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov into play. The Russian netminder, who was the 11th overall pick in the 2020 draft, is one of the best netminder prospects in the world and posted a .911 save percentage in 48 games with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals this season.
Askarov would make tremendous amounts of sense for the two teams Nashville’s called about in the top five – Montreal and the San Jose Sharks, who Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic says are getting multiple calls about their fourth overall selection. Both teams have a decent pool of goalie prospects but no surefire starter in their future.
It’ll take much more than Askarov to get either of those teams to part with their picks, though. Nashville holds the 15th and 24th overall selections tonight, with the latter acquired from the Edmonton Oilers for Mattias Ekholm. It’ll take at least Askarov plus the 15th pick, potentially a tad more given the game-breaking, franchise-changing talent available with each of the first five picks in this draft.
With Trotz’s public posturing of wanting high-upside, skilled players in Nashville’s prospect pool, it’s fair to wonder if Nashville is targeting Matvei Michkov if they do move up. While there are some concerns about his defensive engagement (depending on who you ask) and obvious off-ice questions given his contract status and geopolitical uncertainty, he’s the highest-upside prospect in this draft not named Connor Bedard.
Florida Panthers Showing Interest In Noah Hanifin
For the past few weeks, it’s seemed a matter of when, not if, the Calgary Flames would trade defenseman Noah Hanifin. The left-shot blueliner made it known earlier this month he wasn’t particularly interested in signing an extension, and he’ll likely join Tyler Toffoli as players slated for unrestricted free agency in 2024 finding their way out of the organization a year early.
It’s also been clear that the Florida Panthers are seeking another puck-moving defenseman for their top four, mainly to help buoy the group, while Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour are sidelined with injuries to start the season. They’ve inquired with Calgary about Hanifin to fill that gap, says Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic, confirming some speculation earlier in the week about a potential fit.
Hanifin to Florida is far from a sure thing, though, as LeBrun notes trade interest is high in the 26-year-old, who has one season remaining at a $4.95MM cap hit. As LeBrun notes, a potential trade could see winger Anthony Duclair heading the other way, who the Panthers have been shopping to clear some additional cap space. It would still be a tight salary cap dance for the Panthers, depending on what other moves they make in free agency, and they don’t have many other assets on the block the Flames would be particularly interested in. The potential is high here for Florida to get outbid.
If he does end up in the Sunshine State, though, Hanifin would be an immeasurable upgrade in the team’s top four on pending UFA Marc Staal, who’s posted middling advanced numbers despite an increased role alongside Montour. The 26-year-old has averaged over 20 minutes per game in each of the past five seasons, and he’s totaled 86 points and a +29 rating in 162 games since 2021-22.
Duclair would also be a solid addition to a deep Flames top nine, although it’s poised to potentially lose some talent by way of Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund. For now, he’d replace the top-six spot vacated by Toffoli after dealing him to New Jersey yesterday. Duclair notched 20 points in 40 combined regular-season and playoff games in 2022-23 after recovering from a severe Achilles tear sustained during off-season training.
Vegas Golden Knights Extend Ivan Barbashev
After dealing Reilly Smith just hours earlier, the Vegas Golden Knights have put their cap space to use. They’ve signed top pending unrestricted free agent forward Ivan Barbashev to a five-year, $25MM extension, earning him $5MM per season. That’s significantly shorter and cheaper than what Barbashev was expected to earn on the open market. PuckPedia has the breakdown of the deal:
2023-24: $3MM base salary, $4MM signing bonus, eight-team no-trade clause
2024-25: $5.4MM base salary, eight-team no-trade clause
2025-26: $4.2MM base salary, eight-team no-trade clause
2026-27: $4.2MM base salary, five-team no-trade clause
2027-28: $4.2MM base salary, five-team no-trade clause
This has now become a money-in, money-out move for the Knights, who’ve swapped Smith’s $5MM cap hit for Barbashev’s, retaining the younger player (with more term) in the process. The move takes Barbashev, who was ranked eighth on our list of the top 50 UFAs, off the open market sooner than most had expected.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion has seemingly sacrificed a bit on his big payday in hopes of running it back. It’s quite a cheap deal, especially considering the lack of significant trade protection included in the contract.
That being said, it’s a good bit of business here for Vegas to keep Barbashev in the organization after he emerged as a true top-six threat down the stretch. While he’s not incredibly strong defensively, extended time on the wing has done Barbashev well, and he seems likely to be a consistent long-term fixture – just not as a center as the St. Louis Blues tried with him many times.
The Blues’ 2014 second-round pick was one of the hotter commodities at this year’s trade deadline, where Vegas picked him up in a one-for-one swap for prospect Zach Dean, who the Knights selected 30th overall in 2021. Barbashev proceeded to find a home as the left wing on a line with Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault, finishing fifth on the Knights in playoff scoring with 18 points in 22 games. He also recorded 16 points in 23 regular-season games with Vegas after notching 6o points in a full season for the first time in 2021-22 with St. Louis.
Barbashev will undoubtedly reprise his first-line role next season, and he’ll look to start his new extension off strong by setting a career-high in points alongside one of the best centers in the league and the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
Of significance, the Golden Knights will once again be over the salary cap once Adin Hill‘s reported two-year, $4.9MM average annual value extension becomes official. That could be alleviated, though, if Robin Lehner and his $5MM cap hit are destined for long-term injured reserve next season.
San Jose Sharks Re-Sign Eetu Makiniemi
The San Jose Sharks have re-signed 24-year-old netminder Eetu Makiniemi to a one-year, two-way contract, per PuckPedia. The deal will carry a $775K NHL cap hit and includes $145K in guaranteed salary.
Makiniemi was a pending restricted free agent. The one-year extension comes in below his qualifying offer of $840K.
Choosing to keep Makiniemi in the organization is an expected decision after the Finnish goalie made his NHL debut this season, posting a .906 save percentage across two appearances. Acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in the Brent Burns trade last offseason, Makiniemi unfortunately didn’t get to finish out the season with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda after sustaining a labrum tear. He’s expected to be healthy for training camp.
After San Jose acquired Mackenzie Blackwood, Makiniemi is slated for the starting role with the AHL Barracuda, assuming the team holds onto Kaapo Kahkonen at the NHL level too. In 22 appearances last season, Makiniemi led the team with a .900 save percentage and 2.96 goals against average, holding his own behind a squad that struggled defensively.
At 24, the 2017 fourth-round pick still has some room to grow and could viably be a long-term backup option for the Sharks someday, should he continue on his development path.