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Snapshots: Toews, Mastrosimone, Allen

August 16, 2023 at 4:03 pm CDT | by Brennan McClain 8 Comments

For the next calendar year, the Colorado Avalanche and defenseman Devon Toews will be circulating in the rumor mill, as Toews is set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer. Finishing out the last season of a four-year, $16.4MM ($4.1MM AAV), the Avalanche have received incredible surplus value from Toews on this contract. Pairing up nicely with star-defenseman Cale Makar, and becoming one of, if not the best defensive defenseman in the organization, Toews will undoubtedly be looking for a much higher salary on his next contract.

In an article by Peter Baugh of The Athletic, he writes that Evolving-Hockey has projected an eight-year, $64.4MM contract for Toews on his next deal. Within the last three years, Dougie Hamilton, Seth Jones, and Charlie McAvoy have all signed max term extensions, all making north of $9MM a year. In a similar list, MacKenzie Weegar, Hampus Lindholm, and Morgan Rielly have signed similarly long contracts, but are making between $6.25MM-$7.5MM a year. Given the quality of these defensemen, somewhere between $7.75MM-$8.25MM seems right for Toews, but not at a maximum length deal.

At 30 years old already, Toews will be hard-pressed to find an eight- or seven-year deal on his next contract, or will at least have to lower his price to get an interested team to bite. In Colorado, with Mikko Rantanen, Alexandar Georgiev, and Bowen Byram all needing new deals within two years, the Avalanche will have a difficult time financially fitting Toews into their long-term plans, even with the salary cap set to increase by a larger degree than in years past.

Other snapshots:

  • Speculation has begun to increase on the landing spots for the college free agents that saw their exclusive rights expire yesterday. One of the most popular players on the list, Robert Mastrosimone, may be an interesting fit for the New York Islanders, at least according to Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News. Currently holding 44 of a possible 50 contracts heading into the season, Rosner notes that Mastrosimone would be a great fit for the Islanders and that Mastrosimone even grew up an Islanders fan. Struggling in his first three years in the NCAA with Boston University, Mastrosimone took it to the next level for Arizona State University last season, scoring 11 goals and 31 assists in 38 games.
  • In more unfortunate news, the Guelph Storm announced that defenseman Cameron Allen will miss a significant chunk of next season due to shoulder surgery. In the 2023 NHL Draft, Allen was drafted in the fifth round by the Washington Capitals, coming off a down year by his standards. Allen saw his goal-scoring numbers dip by eight between his freshman and sophomore year and will have limited time this upcoming season to continue improving.

Colorado Avalanche| New York Islanders| Snapshots| Washington Capitals Devon Toews| Robert Mastrosimone

8 comments

All Reserve List Expirees On August 15th

August 15, 2023 at 2:19 pm CDT | by Brennan McClain 4 Comments

Originally published August 8. Updated to reflect Harrison Blaisdell is returning to the University of New Hampshire for a fifth season, meaning the Winnipeg Jets will retain his rights until August 15, 2024.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the National Hockey League and its Players Association, every year on August 15th, certain players (if parameters are met) become unrestricted free agents at 5 pm ET. If a college-drafted player has not received a bona fide offer, and graduates from a four-year university, that player will have the freedom of pursuing a different organization via unrestricted free agency.

This does not typically happen for some of the higher-profile college-drafted prospects around the league, but has happened before most notably in the case of Kevin Hayes and Jimmy Vesey. This year, nine players find themselves headed for unrestricted free agency a week today:

F – John Farinacci (Arizona Coyotes, 76th overall, 2019)
F – Demetrios Koumontzis (Calgary Flames, 108th overall, 2018)
F – Kevin Wall (Carolina Hurricanes, 181st overall, 2019)
F – Jake Wise (Chicago Blackhawks, 69th overall, 2018)
F – Robert Mastrosimone (Detroit Red Wings, 54th overall, 2019)
F – Jay O’Brien (Philadelphia Flyers, 19th overall, 2018)
D – Ryan O’Connell (Toronto Maple Leafs, 203rd overall, 2017)
G – Jared Moe (Winnipeg Jets, 184th overall, 2018)

These players are seeing their NHL signing rights expire but have signed ECHL, AHL, or European contracts for the 2023-24 season:

D – Robbie Stucker (Columbus Blue Jackets, 210th overall, 2017) – Signed with ECHL Iowa
F – Skyler Brind’Amour (Edmonton Oilers, 177th overall, 2017) – Signed with AHL Charlotte
D – Christian Krygier (New York Islanders, 196th overall, 2018) – Signed with AHL Bridgeport
F – Jacob Pivonka (New York Islanders, 103rd overall, 2018) – Signed with AHL Bridgeport
F – Jakov Novak (Ottawa Senators, 188th overall, 2018) – Signed with AHL Laval
D – Jonny Tychonick (Ottawa Senators, 48th overall, 2018) – Signed with AHL Toronto
D – Arvid Henrikson (San Jose Sharks, 187th overall, 2016) – Signed with Västerviks IK in the HockeyAllsvenskan

An abundance of these individual players are destined for AHL or ECHL agreements for the 2023-24 season if they are able to play anywhere, but there are several that should garner some significant interest on the market leading up to training camp in September. The immediate being O’Brien, a recent graduate from Boston University, who tore up his United States Preparatory High School league in his draft year. Originally committing to Providence College, O’Brien would transfer to Boston for the last three years of his collegiate career.

In 79 total games with the Terriers, O’Brien put up 26 goals and 44 assists, nothing to shake your head about in the NCAA. O’Brien may not be ready for NHL minutes just yet, but there should be plenty of rebuilding clubs ready and waiting to give him a shot for next season.

Wise will also be another interesting name to keep an eye on in a week’s time. Originally committing to Boston University, his collegiate career did not get off to a great start with the club, and Wise transferred to Ohio State University for the remainder of his collegiate career. In his final season in the NCAA, Wise had a tremendous season, scoring 12 goals and 27 assists in 39 games. Garnering Second-Team All Big 10 honors for the 2022-23 season, Wise helped OSU make it all the way to the Frozen Four quarterfinals, losing to the eventual champions, Quinnipiac University.

Lastly, Mastrosimone is likely the player on this list most ready to crack an NHL roster next season. Originally looking to be a solid draft pick by the Red Wings back in 2019, the beginning of his college career with Boston University soured any chance of the team offering up a contract. In his final year of NCAA eligibility, Mastrosimone excelled, scoring 11 goals and 31 assists in 38 games for the Arizona State University Sun Devils.

One of the biggest knocks on Mastrosimone is his size, standing at 5’10” and 170 pounds, but his skill is apparently ready. The NHL is not as big on size as it had been previously, but some clubs may want him to fill out a bit more before giving him meaningful minutes.

NCAA| Prospects Free Agency

4 comments

Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Easton Cowan

August 11, 2023 at 4:13 pm CDT | by Brennan McClain 4 Comments

Aug 11: CapFriendly has the full breakdown of Cowan’s three-year entry-level contract, which carries a $935.8K cap hit. Cowan has an $82.5K minors salary in all three seasons of the deal, which is slide-eligible for two seasons if he plays less than ten NHL games in each season.

2023-24: $830K salary, $92K signing bonus
2024-25: $842K salary, $93.5K signing bonus
2025-26: $855K salary, $95K signing bonus

Aug 10: Being there only once in the first four rounds of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed 28th overall selection Easton Cowan to a three-year, entry-level contract, per a team announcement. Cowan will continue his junior career not too far from Toronto, as he is once again scheduled to suit up for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League next season.

In his first full season in the OHL, Cowan played well, scoring 20 goals and 33 assists in 68 games for the Knights as a 17-year-old. More impressive than his regular season point production, Cowan was incredible in the playoffs, scoring nine goals and 12 assists in 20 games. He would help lead the Knights all the way to the OHL Championship series, eventually losing to the Peterborough Petes in six games.

Two of the best qualities in Cowan’s game are his hockey intelligence and speed. He was largely able to out-maneuver most opponents due to his creativity matching up very well with his quickness. If the Maple Leafs are able to keep their current group intact, Cowan should fit in rather nicely to their top six down the line.

Per the NHL-CHL transfer agreement, Cowan is not yet eligible for the American Hockey League, and it is highly unlikely that he will get a look at the NHL level this season, even if only for nine games. At least for next year, and potentially the year after that, Cowan will likely continue to grow his game in the OHL, hoping to make his mark on the Original Six organization in the near future.

Toronto Maple Leafs| Transactions Easton Cowan

4 comments

PWHLPA Expected To Hire Brian Burke

August 11, 2023 at 10:23 am CDT | by Brennan McClain 7 Comments

After spending the last three seasons serving as the President of Hockey Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Brian Burke will reportedly take his services outside the NHL for the first time since 1987. Breaking the news, Ian Kennedy of The Hockey News could not confirm if Burke would be the new President of the Player’s Union, but only that he would be taking a leadership role for the next several seasons.

This is another major step forward for professional women’s hockey in North America, continuing the momentum that started when the Premier Hockey Federation was purchased by the Mark Walter Group on June 30, 2023, creating a unified professional women’s hockey league that will start operations in January 2024. Kennedy theorizes that with Burke now at the helm of the PWHLPA, the league will grow faster than previously expected, and lead to more NHL involvement down the line.

Burke’s career history speaks for itself, serving in high-level roles with the NHL (1993-1999), Vancouver Canucks (1987-1992, 1999-2004), Anaheim Ducks (2005-2009, 2013), Toronto Maple Leafs (2009-2013), Calgary Flames (2013-2019), and finally the Penguins (2020-2023).

His longstanding time in the NHL has not been without controversy, especially during his time in Toronto and Pittsburgh, where media scrutiny of his direction of each team was a major reason for his ouster as a team executive on both occasions. Nevertheless, with a new era starting in professional women’s hockey in North America, Burke’s connection to the NHL and its teams, aided by his knowledge accrued over the past three decades, should help the sport grow significantly in the upcoming years.

PHF

7 comments

Carolina Hurricanes Sign Caleb Jones

August 10, 2023 at 5:44 pm CDT | by Brennan McClain 5 Comments

5:44 pm: The Hurricanes have made the deal official via team release. General manager Don Waddell said Jones’ “NHL experience will help boost our depth on defense.”

3:39 pm: Luke Fox of Sportsnet is reporting that the Carolina Hurricanes and defenseman Caleb Jones are in agreement on a contract for the 2023-24 NHL season. Shortly after that, PuckPedia says that the deal will be a one-year, $775K contract.

Right off the bat, it is fair to start wondering exactly how much depth the Hurricanes need on their blue line. Already carrying eight NHL-ready defensemen on their active roster, Jones joins the list as a defenseman that should receive minutes next season.

Playing on a below-average Chicago Blackhawks team last season, Jones averaged just over 19 minutes of ice time per night, sitting fourth among defensemen in that category. Only scoring 16 points in 73 games, Jones was much more respected for his play on the defensive side of the puck rather than any offensive contributions.

Much unlike his last four seasons in the NHL prior to last year, Jones also racked up 118 blocked shots and threw 116 hits, by far the most he’s ever achieved in either category up to this point. In Chicago, Jones also spent time on both the powerplay and penalty kill units, not something that should be expected of him in Carolina.

Even though Jones is a serviceable defensive option for most teams around the NHL, he is going to need to compete heavily in the Hurricanes training camp to be an everyday player. Unlike Chicago, Carolina is considered to be one of the heavy favorites to win the Stanley Cup next season.

Carolina Hurricanes| Transactions Caleb Jones

5 comments

Minor League Notes: Branch, Bjork, Stromwall

August 10, 2023 at 3:01 pm CDT | by Brennan McClain 1 Comment

Per an official statement from the Commissioner, David Branch will be stepping down as Commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. It will be the 45th and last year that Branch has served in that role, initially starting his term in 1979.

Branch has seen the league grow from 12 to 20 teams during his time serving as Commissioner and has seen such players ranging from Steve Yzerman and Eric Lindros to John Tavares and Connor McDavid graduate to the NHL level. However, per his letter to the public, it appeared as if Branch was more concerned with achievements off the ice, rather than on the ice, stating, “Countless players have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, emergency service workers, skilled tradespeople or other professionals that make tremendous contributions in our society, including participating in minor hockey as volunteer coaches and officials”.

His commitment to the game of hockey at the minor league level, as well as an appreciation for the personhood of the entirety of the league, will have a lasting impact on the OHL and junior hockey for the foreseeable future. The OHL Board of Governors thanked Branch for his time serving as Commissioner and organized Commissioner Search Committee to replace Branch.

Other notes:

  • Even after an impressive end to the 2022-23 regular season with the Chicago Blackhawks, forward Anders Bjork has settled on a one-year AHL contract with the Rockford IceHogs according to Charlie Roumeliotis of NBC Sports Chicago. Bjork is no stranger to AHL hockey, as he spent most of last season playing for the Buffalo Sabres AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans. Nevertheless, it is surprising to see Bjork not land at least a two-way NHL contract after scoring eight points in 13 games for the Blackhawks year.
  • According to a team release, forward Malte Stromwall has agreed to a contract with Frolunda HC of the SHL. Last season, Stromwall played for the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, the Chicago Wolves, and had a solid season. Playing in 68 games, Stromwall scored 18 goals and 33 assists, leading the team in scoring. Now returning back to his native Sweden, Stromwall will look to grow his value overseas.

 

AHL| Chicago Blackhawks| OHL| Transactions Anders Bjork

1 comment

Previewing The Top 2024 Restricted Free Agent Class

August 10, 2023 at 12:25 pm CDT | by Brennan McClain 2 Comments

Similarly to the exciting talent that is currently projected to hit the open market next summer, the restricted free-agent market carries some big names as well. This summer alone, even with a relatively flat salary cap increase, we have seen the likes of Cole Caufield, Jesper Bratt, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Timo Meier, and Troy Terry all sign extensions for seven-plus years, all with AAV’s of $7MM or more.

Next offseason, the NHL salary cap is reportedly projected to increase by $4MM or more, paving the way for more young players to get locked up by their current clubs. Although arbitration rights give the player a bit more control of their financial future, it has not prohibited younger players from securing long-term high-salary deals. We will take a look at some of the best restricted free agents available, whether or not they have arbitration rights and some incredibly early theories on their next contract.

F Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks) – The unquestionable future of the Canucks, Pettersson has set himself up for a record contract extension. Only a week ago, Pettersson’s agent, J.P. France, believes that extension talks won’t begin with Vancouver until the end of the season. This year, Pettersson will be entering the final year of a three-year, $22.05MM contract signed with Vancouver shortly before the start of the 2021-22 regular season, and will surely get a healthy raise from his current $7.35MM AAV. Garnering the best individual output of his five-year career, Pettersson scored 39 goals and 63 assists last year, good for 10th in the league, also earning Hart Memorial Trophy votes as well. If the Canucks are serious about committing to Pettersson as their franchise player, and with only $48.6MM currently on their books for the 2024-25 NHL season, Pettersson will get one of the largest contracts in NHL history with his next deal.

Arbitration Rights: Yes
Projected Contract: Eight years, $92MM ($11.5MM AAV)

F Matthew Beniers (Seattle Kraken) – The first-ever selection made by the Kraken back in the 2021 NHL Draft, Beniers has quickly become the top center in Seattle. Jumping from the NCAA to a full NHL season, Beniers did appear to slow down a bit towards the end of the season but still had an impressive year nonetheless, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy. In 80 games played, Beniers scored 24 goals and 33 assists, also chipping in seven points in 14 playoff games. If there is any knock on Beniers from last season, his faceoff percentage left a lot to be desired, but with only 36.7% of his draws taken in the defensive zone, the Kraken are not utilizing Beniers in a manner that faceoff percentages will be a major drawback long-term. A group of misfits similar to the original group of the Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle could make a strong statement committing to Beniers long-term as the face of their franchise.

Arbitration Rights: No
Projected Contract: Eight years, $74MM ($9.25MM AAV)

D Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres) – A consistently solid offensive weapon from the blue line for the Sabres since his first year in the league back in 2018-19, Dahlin has shored up his defensive metrics to an impressive degree as well. Last year, topically speaking, Dahlin set career highs in goals, assists, plus/minus, blocks, hits, and takeaways. Looking at even deeper stats, his 56.4% CF% was higher than his career average, and his PDO in All Situations was also a career-high at 101.4. Buffalo has already locked up his defensive partner, Mattias Samuelsson, to a long-term contract, and for the most part, Buffalo has done a fantastic job over the past several years getting their younger players locked up to very affordable long-term deals and the same should be expected for Dahlin.

Arbitration Rights: Yes
Projected Contract: Six years, $55.5MM ($9.25 MM AAV)

D Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings) – The former-sixth overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, Seider was the first surprise off the board, going 15-17 picks ahead of predicted. The Red Wings’ confidence in their selection paid off, as Seider took off for 50 points in his first season, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the top rookie in the NHL. Last year, Seider appeared to be experiencing a ’sophomore slump’ in the first half but still finished with a respectable 43 points, as well as increasing total blocked shots and hits. Taking into account his size, skating ability, and vision on the ice, Seider is surely becoming a franchise defenseman for Detroit, if he hasn’t cemented himself in that role already. An extension shouldn’t be on anybody’s radar until next summer given the operating record of General Manager Steve Yzerman, but with an ample amount of cap space, expect the Red Wings to continue to invest heavily in their future.

Arbitration Rights: No
Projected Contract: Eight years, $67.2MM ($8.4MM AAV)

F Martin Necas (Carolina Hurricanes) – A potential trade candidate only one summer ago, Necas quieted all doubters this year, scoring 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 games, leading the Hurricanes in scoring. In a team lacking in total scoring, Necas has become a player that Carolina must hold on to if they wish to remain a regular Stanley Cup contender. At the end of last month, the Hurricanes committed to his teammate, Sebastian Aho, to an eight-year, $78MM contract, becoming the highest-paid player in franchise history. Given the team’s hierarchy, it is doubtful the team would be willing to pay a player more than Aho, but Necas should check in close to that number when all is said and done.

Arbitration Rights: Yes
Projected Contract: Eight years, $66MM ($8.25MM AAV)

Pro Hockey Rumors Originals

2 comments

Snapshots: Marchessault, Ellis, Kerfoot

August 10, 2023 at 10:40 am CDT | by Brennan McClain 3 Comments

During the Vegas Golden Knights run to their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history, forward Jonathan Marchessault played a vital role in that effort. Finishing as the Conn Smythe Trophy winner of the 2022-23 Stanley Cup playoffs, Marchessault has cemented himself as a fan and locker room favorite in Vegas. With one year remaining on his current contract with the club, Marchessault should be one of the more important extension candidates for the team.

In an interview with TVA Sports, Marchessault spoke on extension talks, and also his relationship with head coach Bruce Cassidy. In his article on this relationship, Chris Gawlik of VegasHockeyNow reports a quote from Marchessault saying, “It hasn’t always been the rainbow and the good weather between us. We got into each other a couple of times, on the bench, during games, during the playoffs. But I think he wanted the best out of me and we managed to be able to work together“. Although interesting, it is hardly a surprising take from Marchessault, as Cassidy was regularly noted as an incredibly difficult coach to play for during his time with the Boston Bruins.

On the extension front, it does not sound like anything is close between the two parties. Marchessault said, “There are no negotiations that have been done. I know that sometimes the Golden Knights like to take their time with that. We will see what it will give“. Over the years, the Knights have been known to move some of their veteran original members, such as Reilly Smith and Marc-Andre Fleury, and if an extension cannot be agreed upon at a reasonable price for both player and team, Vegas may need to make another difficult decision with Marchessault this upcoming season.

Other snapshots:

  • Speaking with the new President of Hockey Operations for the Philadelphia Flyers, Keith Jones, Adam Kimelman of the NHL reports that Jones firmly believes that the playing days of defenseman Ryan Ellis are over. Due to a back injury, Ellis has only been able to suit up in four games for the Flyers during the 2021-22 season and missed the entirety of last year. Ellis still has four years and $25MM remaining on his current contract and will spend the rest of that time on LTIR if his contract is not moved off the team before then.
  • One of the several signings made by the Arizona Coyotes this offseason, Alexander Kerfoot is more than excited to get started with his new club. Speaking with Patrick Brown of the NHL, Kerfoot shed some light on his choosing Arizona over other offers saying, “It just feels like they’re in a different spot now. It feels like they’re trying to take the next step. Being part of that change and helping grow the culture is fun to be a part of. Things are trending really well for this group, and I’m happy to be part of it“. It is hard to envision the Coyotes returning to the playoffs anytime within the next two years, but they have set themselves up nicely by developing their core players and bringing in solid auxiliary pieces.

Injury| Philadelphia Flyers| Snapshots| Utah Mammoth| Vegas Golden Knights Alexander Kerfoot| Jonathan Marchessault| Ryan Ellis

3 comments

West Notes: Kadri, Dea, Halttunen

August 9, 2023 at 4:01 pm CDT | by Brennan McClain Leave a Comment

In an interview with Mike Zeisberger of the NHL, Nazem Kadri lamented about the lack of success for the Calgary Flames last season, both as an individual and as a team. One of the most important quotes from Kadri came when he said, “For whatever reason, we got a little restricted last year, so I’m just looking forward to a clean slate and starting the year off strong”.

Zeisberger notes that Kadri would not elaborate if the use of the word ’restrict’ was mostly attributed to former-head coach Darryl Sutter, but most would guess this is the case due to Sutter’s infamous coaching style. Nevertheless, after experiencing a 31-point drop year-on-year in his first season with the Flames, Kadri is excited about once again getting a clean slate coming into the season.

Although Calgary did miss the playoffs last season, they were not far off from crossing the finish line, finishing two points out of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. As much as the team would like to make its way back to the postseason, all signs are pointing to a year of transition rather quickly, as Mikael Backlund, Elias Lindholm, and Noah Hanifin have all refused to sign extensions, causing them to see their names pop up in trade rumors rather frequently.

Other notes:

  • Only four days ago, word came out that the Arizona Coyotes had put forward Jean-Sebastien Dea on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating the final year of his contract. Going several days without a home for the upcoming season, we now have clarity on Dea’s future. Per the team’s X account, Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL has announced a one-year contract agreement between them and Dea. A 10-year veteran of the American Hockey League, this will be Dea’s first time playing professionally overseas, perhaps finishing his time in North American hockey.
  • A few months after being drafted in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, San Jose Sharks prospect, Kasper Halttunen, will be joining the London Knights of the OHL for the 2023-24 season (X Link). Halttunen spent last season playing for HIFK of the Finnish Liiga, producing one assist in 27 games. Although not much of a speed threat on the ice, Halttunen is a power forward through and through, providing a lot of physicality and a heavy shot from the wing.

Calgary Flames| KHL| London Knights| OHL| San Jose Sharks| Transactions Jean-Sebastien Dea| Kasper Halttunen| Nazem Kadri

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East Notes: Lauzon, Sabres, Lambert, DiGiacinto

August 9, 2023 at 2:50 pm CDT | by Brennan McClain Leave a Comment

In an announcement from General Manager Kyle Dubas this morning, the Pittsburgh Penguins have announced the hiring of Marty Lauzon as the team’s new Director of High Performance. Lauzon will now oversee the team’s strength and condition, nutrition, mental fitness, injury prevention, and injury rehabilitation.

Although this will be his first stop with an NHL organization, Lauzon has accrued over 25 years of experience in similar roles with both professional and collegiate athletes. His career initially began back in 1997, spending three years with the University of California – Los Angeles as the Director of Rehabilitation for all of the school’s athletic programs. Garnering some eyes during his time at UCLA, he would then spend the next 10 years working for the Cleveland Browns of the NFL, originally working as the team’s Assistant Athletic Trainer, and finally getting promoted to the Head Athletic Trainer in 2005.

After his time with the Browns, Lauzon embarked on an 11-year stretch with the Atlanta Falcons, also of the NFL, transferring from the team’s Head Athletic Trainer to the team’s Director of Sports Medicine and Performance. During his time with the Falcons, the team would reach Super Bowl LI in 2017, eventually losing to the New England Patriots. His last stop before finally joining the Penguins organization was a two-year stint with the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA.

  • A little over a month ago, former-NHL defenseman, Zach Redmond, terminated his contract with EHC Red Bull Munich of the DEL. At the time, it was thought that Redmond would be making his way back to North American hockey, but not in the way that many thought. In an official team announcement, the Buffalo Sabres have added Redmond as one of their new Player Development coaches for the 2023-24 season. In the same announcement, Buffalo states they have added former Princeton University Associate Coach, Brad Dexter, as a scout.
  • University of Michigan alumni, Jimmy Lambert, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League. Last season, Lambert split time between the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL and the Worcester Railers of the ECHL. His most successful stint came in Worcester, scoring 11 goals and 13 assists in 27 games.
  • The Hartford Wolf Pack have extended forward Cristiano DiGiacinto for the 2023-24 AHL season. Over the last two years, DiGiacinto has split time between both the Wolf Pack and the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL. This season, if DiGiacinto is once again a bubble player for Hartford, he will be playing for the Cincinnati Cyclones as opposed to Jacksonville.

AHL| Buffalo Sabres| Pittsburgh Penguins| Transactions Zach Redmond

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