John Quenneville Signs Tryout In Switzerland
One of the head-scratching choices by the Seattle Kraken at last month’s expansion draft came from the Chicago Blackhawks. Instead of taking RFA Nikita Zadorov, who was flipped by the Blackhawks for a third-round pick a few days after the draft, or Adam Gaudette, who accepted his $997K qualifying offer, the Kraken basically decided to forfeit the pick. They selected minor league forward John Quenneville, who was a Group VI unrestricted free agent and quite a bit removed from his first-round draft pedigree.
The Kraken never signed Quenneville, and now the 25-year-old forward is looking for work overseas. He has signed a tryout with the ZSC Lions to help them with their Champions League games later this month. Whether it goes beyond that remains to be seen, but it seems obvious that Quenneville won’t be helping the Kraken anytime soon.
A talented junior player, Quenneville was originally picked 30th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2014. He made his NHL debut during the 2016-17 season, but has just 44 games under his belt overall. With just two points in 16 AHL games for the Rockford IceHogs in 2020-21, his status has never been further from the NHL. Now he’ll try to get that career back on track overseas, playing for one of the most popular and successful teams in Europe.
Tampa Bay Lightning Avoid Arbitration With Ross Colton
7:00 PM: The Lightning have officially announced the contract.
1:30 PM: The Tampa Bay Lightning have locked up the player who clinched their recent Stanley Cup, signing Ross Colton to a two-year contract. The deal is worth $1MM in 2021-22 and $1.25MM in 2022-23, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Colton was scheduled for an arbitration hearing on August 16 that will no longer be required.
Colton, 24, scored the Cup-winning goal for the Lightning a month ago, tapping home a backdoor pass from David Savard. The young forward is another example of Tampa Bay’s strong development system, going from a fourth-round pick in the 2016 draft to a regular in the NHL lineup this season. In 30 regular season games as a rookie, Colton managed to score nine goals and 12 points. That goal pace likely won’t continue right away, but just the fact that the team has turned another mid-round pick into an NHL player is a win for the organization.
He didn’t really come out of nowhere though, as Colton found success in each of his years at the University of Vermont before starring for the Syracuse Crunch. In 2019-20 he registered 42 points in 62 games for Syracuse, throwing himself into the mix for a call-up if the Lightning ever needed a versatile player. The fact is that Colton has made himself a valuable player by being able to play center or the wing, score with the top-six, or check with the bottom-six.
Given the fact that Tampa Bay has been forced to watch Tyler Johnson, Yanni Gourde, Barclay Goodrow and Blake Coleman leave this summer, there should be even more minutes on the table for Colton this season. While it’s not certain how things shake out, he should get quite the opportunity with the defending champs.
For the Lightning, they have now finished their restricted free agent negotiations and can focus on preparing for the regular season. The team is technically over the salary cap right now, but can move Brent Seabrook‘s contract to long-term injured reserve when necessary. It appears as though the offseason work is done, but never count out GM Julien BriseBois.
Vancouver Canucks Sign Olli Juolevi
It wasn’t so long ago that Olli Juolevi was the fifth-overall pick in the NHL draft. Now, after finally showing he can play at the NHL level, he has signed a one-year contract worth the league minimum of $750K with the Vancouver Canucks. Canucks GM Jim Benning released a short statement on the deal:
Last season was an important step in Olli’s development as an everyday NHL defenceman. We’re glad to have him signed and look forward to his game progressing further next season.
Now 23, Juolevi actually made his NHL debut in last year’s bubble playoffs, playing one game on the Canucks’ run. This year he suited up 23 times for the team, recording two goals and three points in limited minutes. He hasn’t developed as quickly as the Canucks hoped—especially compared to some of the defensemen taken after him in 2016, like Mikhail Sergachev and Charlie McAvoy—but there’s still hope that Juolevi can be a valuable member of the Canucks blueline moving forward.
There will be plenty of competition this time around, after the Canucks brought in Brad Hunt and Luke Schenn as veteran depth options, but there is still a path to playing time for Juolevi. The fact that he’s on a league-minimum deal will only help his cause as Vancouver tries to navigate a tricky salary cap situation.
Though they have $13.3MM left in cap space, the Canucks still have to sign Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson, not to mention an arbitration hearing coming up with Jason Dickinson. Things will get tight in a hurry, meaning cheap options like Juolevi could come in handy if he can prove he’s able to hold down a regular spot on the bottom-pair.
Calgary Flames Sign Oliver Kylington
The Calgary Flames have reached an agreement with one of their many restricted free agents, signing Oliver Kylington to a one-year deal. The two-way contract will carry an NHL salary of $750K. Kylington, though eligible for salary arbitration this year, chose not to file.
Interestingly enough, that NHL salary is quite a bit lower than the $826,875 qualifying offer that Kylington would have received. The difference comes in the AHL salary, which Ryan Pike of Flames Nation reports is $300K, a healthy number for the minor leagues. That may suggest Kylington is expecting to see considerable time in the AHL, but also could actually help his case when trying to make the NHL club. A bottom-pairing or seventh defender at $750K is a valuable one for a team trying to fit everyone in under the cap.
Of course, Kylington won’t be surprised if he ends up on waivers once again, given he cleared at the beginning of this season even after playing 48 games for the Flames in 2019-20. He spent nearly the entire year on the taxi squad, suiting up for just eight games with the Flames and three with the Stockton Heat. Now 24, he’s transitioning out of the prospect phase of his career and is in trouble of being labeled a fringe NHL player.
This training camp will be key. If Kylington can establish himself as one of the Flames best six defenders and secure a full-time NHL role, there’s still a chance for him to fulfill his potential as a second-round pick. If he’s in the minor leagues once again, it’s hard to see him ever really becoming an impact player.
Calgary, Ottawa Announce ECHL Agreements
The Ottawa Senators have announced a new partnership with the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL, who will serve as their affiliate for the 2021-22 season. The deal is only for one year, though the release calls that an “initial duration,” suggesting there could be an extension if things go smoothly. Senators GM Pierre Dorion released a statement on the deal:
We’re pleased to partner with the Gladiators and to have Atlanta serve as our ECHL affiliate next season. Our prospects who spend time in the ECHL in 2021-22 will be well served under a coaching staff led by Jeff Pyle who we know will positively impact our players’ development.
The Senators needed a new affiliate after the Brampton Beast announced they were folding following a tough few years financially. Atlanta had previously been affiliated with the Boston Bruins, but they recently announced a new partnership with the Maine Mariners.
That wasn’t the only ECHL news today, as the Calgary Flames also announced an extension of their agreement with the Kansas City Mavericks. The one-year extension will make it five seasons the two have been together, initially partnering for the 2017-18 campaign. Flames AGM Brad Pascall released a statement explaining the move:
The Calgary Flames and the Stockton Heat are pleased to continue our affiliation agreement with the ECHL’s Kansas City Mavericks. Kansas City is a first-class franchise with quality ownership and management that shares the same winning culture and player development objectives as our organization.
The ECHL is a proving ground for prospects that still need development, especially goaltenders that can use the playing time a professional organization provides.
Boston Bruins Sign Fabian Lysell
The Boston Bruins have signed their 2021 first-round pick, inking Fabian Lysell to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal will carry an NHL cap hit of $925K, though it will slide forward should Lysell play outside the NHL this season. GM Don Sweeney released a short statement on his young prospect:
The Bruins are excited to have signed Fabian to his first NHL contract. Fabian is a talented young player, and we look forward to working with Fabian throughout the development process.
Lysell, 18, had three points in 26 games for Lulea HF in the SHL last season, but that vastly undersells his offensive upside. The young forward is an elite skater that should see more ice time and better scoring results if he stays in Sweden as expected this year. He’ll also could very well be heading to the World Juniors after participating for Sweden at the Summer Showcase, though he failed to record a single point in six games.
There’s a lot of development left to do for the first-round pick, but getting his NHL contract done is a step in the right direction. Even if he plays in Sweden this season, he could come over at the end of the year to suit up for a few games with the Providence Bruins, or even potentially be a black ace if Boston goes on another long playoff run. This contract doesn’t change the team’s outlook for 2021, but is certainly a name to keep your eye on moving forward.
Janne Kuokkanen Signs With New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils have signed Janne Kuokkanen to a two-year deal. The contract will carry an average annual value of $1.825MM, paying the young forward $1.6MM in 2021-22 and $2.05MM in 2022-23.
Kuokkanen, 23, has found a home in New Jersey after beginning his career with the Carolina Hurricanes. The second-round pick became a full-time contributor in the NHL this year, posting 25 points in 50 games while lining up most often next to Jack Hughes and Yegor Sharangovich. The trio of youngsters could very well be a line again next season, though the addition of Tomas Tatar obviously gives the Devils another top-six option to work with.
No matter where he fits into the lineup, the key is that Kuokkanen has made it, finally escaping the rollercoaster between the AHL and NHL. Before arriving in New Jersey through a 2020 deadline trade he had played just 11 games with the Hurricanes and had failed to score a single point. He was a strong contributor at the minor league level, but could never land a spot on the NHL roster.
With his emergence, that deadline deal looks like a masterstroke by GM Tom Fitzgerald. The Devils retained half of Sami Vatanen‘s salary, but ended up receiving Kuokkanen, Fredrik Claesson, and a third-round pick. Vatanen, who was injured at the time, didn’t play a single game in the regular season for the Hurricanes, suiting up for just seven postseason contests in the bubble before re-signing with the Devils in free agency.
A two-year contract for Kuokkanen leaves him as a restricted free agent in 2023, but he will have arbitration rights at that point. He’ll also be in line for a $2.05MM qualifying offer, meaning he’ll have to continue to bring positive value over the next two seasons to be worth retaining at that price point.
New York Rangers Agree To Terms With Igor Shesterkin
The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a four-year contract. According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the deal will carry an average annual value of $5.65MM. Shesterkin had been eligible to file for arbitration but decided not to this offseason. CapFriendly reports that the deal breaks down as follows:
2021-22: $2MM, $1MM signing bonus
2022-23: $6MM
2023-24: $5MM, $2MM signing bonus, 10-team NTC
2024-25: $6.667MM base, 10-team NTC
As Seravalli notes, this is the largest second contract for a goaltender in league history. Shesterkin is signing away two UFA years with the deal given he is already 25, meaning it was never going to come cheap. The Rangers goaltender finished fifth in Calder Trophy voting this year after posting a .916 save percentage in 35 games, dropping his overall number to .921 in 47 career NHL appearances. That career number is an outstanding one for a young goaltender, and one that if it continues, will have him in the race for other awards in the future.
Success in the NHL shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given Shesterkin’s history at the professional level. In his 117 KHL games before coming to North America, which included three full seasons, he posted an 88-19-15 record, 1.68 goals-against average and .935 save percentage. In his short stint with the Hartford Wolf Pack during the 2019-20 season, he posted a .934 in 25 appearances, going 17-4-3. It’s hard to see anything but stardom in the future for Shesterkin, and the Rangers are betting on it with this huge early contract.
Of course, a commitment like this will raise questions about the other young netminder in New York, as Alexandar Georgiev approaches the end of his own contract. The 25-year-old will be an RFA for the final time next summer, coming off his two-year deal signed in 2020. There have been flashes of brilliance from Georgiev too, and with the starting role now blocked for the Rangers, it will be interesting to see if he even entertains a long-term deal, tries to reach free agency as quickly as possible, or if GM Chris Drury trades him before the decision needs to be made.
The Rangers have exited their rebuild and are now intending on competing for the playoffs and the Stanley Cup. Shesterkin was obviously their best chance at that, and he’ll now be locked up through 2024-25. That doesn’t represent the biggest window, given he could potentially leave as a UFA after that, but at least gives the team a goaltender they can feel confident in at a workable (though not inexpensive) price.
Washington Capitals Sign Ilya Samsonov
The Washington Capitals have decided to go with a one-year deal for young goaltender Ilya Samsonov, signing him to a $2MM contract for 2021-22. The young goaltender had decided not to file for arbitration earlier this offseason, despite being eligible.
Samsonov, 24, has just 45 regular season games under his belt at the NHL level and is coming off a campaign that saw several interruptions. He ended up on the COVID list twice and was even benched along with teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov for disciplinary reasons. In 19 games, he posted a .902 save percentage, far from what was expected from him after his strong rookie season.
There’s still plenty of reason to believe in Samsonov’s upside, but the fact that Vitek Vanecek is back after an odd select-and-trade situation played out with the Seattle Kraken means that he may not be in line for the starting role. In fact, Vanecek outplayed Samsonov for most of this season, posting a .908 save percentage in 37 appearances. He was also the game 1 starter for the Capitals when the playoffs began, despite Samsonov technically coming off the COVID list in time.
After a Vanecek injury in game one and a heroic effort from veteran Craig Anderson in game two, Samsonov would take the net and lose three straight against the Boston Bruins to see the Capitals eliminated. There’s no doubt he has the talent to compete at the NHL level, but a short-term deal seemed prudent in this case to give him a chance to prove he can be a valuable (and reliable) piece for the Capitals.
There’s also the fact that Washington is operating on a tight budget, given how close they were to the cap before this signing. Buying out any additional years likely would have forced the cap hit higher, something they couldn’t really accommodate right now without making a different move. For $2MM, he can combine with Vanecek once again as one of the cheapest tandems in the league. He’ll also still be a restricted free agent at the deal’s expiry.
Anaheim Ducks Sign Max Comtois, Max Jones, Josh Mahura
The Anaheim Ducks have signed all three of their remaining restricted free agents. Eric Stephens of The Athletic reports that Max Comtois has signed a two-year deal for a total of $4.075MM, Max Jones has signed a three-year pact for a total of $3.885MM and Josh Mahura has signed a two-year deal worth $1.5MM total. Mahura’s contract will be two-way in 2021-22.
Selected in back-to-back drafts with the Ducks’ highest picks, Jones and Comtois represent two of the key players the team is hoping can lead them back to success.
The former was first, picked 24th overall in 2016, but hasn’t quite been able to reach his potential at the NHL level. Jones has just 28 points in 135 career games, mostly filling a depth role on the team. Now 23, he still isn’t used regularly on the powerplay or penalty kill, but did get a chance to skate next to captain Ryan Getzlaf for a good chunk of the season. While he has embraced a physical role on the team, getting more offense out of the former London Knight would be a huge boost for a Ducks team desperately looking for scoring threats.
In fact, Comtois actually led the team in scoring this season with 16 goals and 33 points, even if he was far from a dominant offensive player. The 22-year-old was picked 50th overall in 2017 but has proven himself already at the NHL level, scoring 51 points in 94 games. The 6’2″ winger saw some powerplay time this year but still wasn’t among the team leaders in ice time with the man-advantage, something that will likely change in the coming seasons. His $2.04MM cap hit will actually make him the fifth-highest paid forward on the team, checking in just ahead of Sonny Milano‘s $1.7MM deal.
Even though Ducks fans might already be looking to Trevor Zegras to be the offensive leader on the team, Comtois and Jones are still important pieces that need to be developed carefully.
Mahura on the other hand seems to be stuck on the outside looking in once again. The 23-year-old was a third-round pick in 2016 and has experienced plenty of success in the minor leagues, but sits behind a long defensive depth chart in Anaheim. He has played 41 games in the NHL, recorded 13 points, but still probably isn’t ticketed for full-time action in 2021-22. His league-minimum contract suggests that as well, though there is something working in Mahura’s favor.
For the first time in his career, he’ll be eligible for waivers this season, meaning the Ducks would have to risk him to the rest of the league in order to send him to the minor leagues. That very well may keep him in the NHL as a seventh defender to start the year even if there are no injuries during training camp.