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Snapshots: Setoguchi, Rieder, Tortorella

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News and notes from around the NHL:

  • The Los Angeles Kings extended a training camp invitation to Devin Setoguchi, reports FOX Sports LA Kings Insider Jon Rosen. The former NHL winger played in Switzerland last season for HC Davos after flaming out in Calgary the year before and then failing to make the Toronto Maple Leafs roster on a PTO. Setoguchi was drafted 8th overall in 2005, and peaked in 2008-09 when he scored 31G and 34A in 81 games for the San Jose Sharks. He never attained that level again, however, and slowly declined over the next few years. Setoguchi has scored 127G and 122A in 471 NHL games over his career, and he’s looking for another chance to add to the tally.
  • Tobias Rieder says that he will not attend the Arizona Coyotes training camp without a new contract, reports Dhiren Mahiban. The Coyotes and Rieder seem far apart on the deal for the yet-unsigned RFA. Rieder cites visa issues as one of the reasons why he will not come to camp sans contract, but it could also be a negotiation tactic to put pressure on the Coyotes organization. The German forward will have a chance to make his case for a better contract offer this September as he suits up for Team Europe in the World Cup of Hockey.
  • Columbus Blue Jackets and Team USA coach John Tortorella told ESPN’s Linda Cohn that he would bench a player if they protested during the national anthems—alluding to the NFL’s Colin Kaepernick protesting the American national anthem by sitting, and then kneeling. Tortorella is no stranger to controversy, though, as he has sworn at a reporter on live TV, threw a water bottle at a fan, and tried to fight a fellow coach during an intermission.

Frederik Andersen Out 3-4 Weeks

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Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen will be out 3-4 weeks after suffering an upper body injury in an Olympic Qualifying game with Denmark. Andersen’s expected recovery time still puts him in line to start the season with the Leafs.

Andersen suffered the injury after being barrelled into by his own teammate during Denmark’s 3-0 loss to Slovenia in an Olympic Qualifying match. He then flew to Toronto to be examined by team doctors. Andersen was slated to play for Team Europe in the World Cup of Hockey this fall, and is instead replaced by Washington Capitals goaltender Philipp Grubauer.

The Maple Leafs acquired Andersen as an unsigned RFA from Anaheim for a 2016 1st and 2017 2nd round draft pick. They then signed the Danish goaltender to a five-year, $25MM contract. Andersen was expected to start for the Leafs this season, and with opening night not until October 12, he has ample time to recover. Speculating on the injury’s severity, however, should not be based on the proposed recovery time as many players in the last few days have announced injuries that take them out of the World Cup. Players (and teams) are exercising caution when it comes to injuries, and may not want to aggravate an injury for a pre-season tournament.

Top Ten 2017 UFAs (Part 2)

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With 2016’s free agency frenzy all but over, it’s high time to start looking at next year’s free agent crop. True, some of the following may sign extensions over the course of the year, but others may want to take advantage of the period before July 1st where players can talk with other teams. Another variable in the mix is the expansion draft, and teams may want to hold off of on signing players until after the draft to maximize protection slots. Here are the second five of our top-ten 2017 UFAs:

Patrick Marleau

Long-time San Jose Shark Patrick Marleau is entering his 18th season this year, and like teammate Joe Thornton, it is unclear whether the former Sharks captain will retire at its end. Unlike Thornton, however, Marleau’s numbers dropped, though he still managed 25G and 23A in 82 games—and an additional 5G and 8A in 24 playoff games.

He may not be the offensive powerhouse he once was, but Marleau still has a lot to offer. His previous contract was $6.66MM a year for three years but Marleau will most likely take a small pay cut to returns. With Brent Burns and Joe Thornton also needing new deals, however Marleau may be the odd man out in San Jose.

Karl Alzner

Karl Alzner sits as a top-three defenseman potentially available this summer, and like another potential UFA Kevin Shattenkirk, Alzner’s value is obscured by playing with other very good defenseman. The Washington Capitals have an embarrasment of riches on the blueline with John Carlson, Matt Niskanen, Dmitry Orlov (unsigned RFA), and Brooks Orpik. Alzner held his own, though, and put up 4G and 17A in 82 games while playing over 21 minutes a night.

Alzner’s last contract was for four years at $2.8MM a year. He’ll likely get a significant raise despite his low production because of his age and defensive prowess. He may have to take a hometown discount, however, if he wants to remain with the Caps—a team poised to challenge for the Stanley Cup for the foreseeable future.

Brian Elliott

Brian Elliott posted excellent numbers last year—a 2.06GAA and a league leading .930SV%—and yet he was shipped off to Calgary to make way for the younger Jake Allen. Elliott has dodged criticism his entire career that his numbers belied his true talent, but he has consistently performed in both Ottawa and St. Louis.

Now that Elliott is the clear starter in Calgary, he has an opportunity to silence his doubters and earn a large pay raise in the offseason. Elliott is in his last year of a three-year, $2.5MM AAV contract, and a strong performance this season should net him a significant raise. If Calgary is prudent they will lock Elliott up midseason if he is performing well.

Alex Steen

Alex Steen put up above-average career numbers last season, scoring 17G and 35A in 67 games for the Blues, and an additional 4G and 6A in 20 playoff games. He may not produce like a top line forward but his two-way skills are invaluable in today’s NHL. Steen is a dependable and responsible playmaker that consistently performs.

Steen enters the final year of a three-year $5.8MM AAV contract with the St. Louis Blues and will probably take a small pay cut to stay with the team. St. Louis has enough cap room next year to re-sign both Steen and Shattenkirk, and there’s no glaring reason why the Blues would part ways with their alternate captain.

Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller may be in the twilight of his career, but the 36 year-old goaltender still has enough to offer teams looking for a one or two year stopgap veteran goaltender. Miller put up a 2.70GAA and a .916SV% in 51 games for the Vancouver Canucks—numbers similar to his dominant years in Buffalo. The Canucks will probably reduce Miller’s playing time this season to make way for future starter Jacob Markstrom, which may hamper his negotiating position come summertime.

Miller, Bishop, and Elliot represent the cream of the free agent goaltending crop next summer, so Miller should find some suitors looking for a starter or 1B goaltender. He will probably take a pay cut from his current three-year, $6MM a year contract as he will be 37 at the start of next season.

Top Ten 2017 UFAs (Part 1)

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With 2016’s free agency frenzy all but over, it’s high time to start looking at next year’s free agent crop. True, some of the following may sign extensions over the course of the year, but others may want to take advantage of the period before July 1st where players can talk with other teams. Another variable in the mix is the expansion draft, and teams may want to hold off of on signing players until after the draft to maximize protection slots. Here are the first five of our top-ten 2017 UFAs:

Brent Burns

Brent Burns is peaking at just the right time. The versatile defenseman scored 27G and 48A in 82 games last season playing over 25 minutes a night. Burns continued his scoring prowess in the playoffs by potting an additional 7G and 17A in the Sharks’ Cup Finals run. It was his best season stat-wise to date, and hockey writers agreed as they placed him 3rd in Norris voting.

Elite defenseman are always a hot commodity in the NHL, and Burns will cash in no matter where he lands. His current expiring contract was a five-year deal worth $5.76MM a year, and he should receive a substantial raise. San Jose understands his value and should lock him up before he reaches free agency, but it is doubtful that Burns takes a hometown discount.

Kevin Shattenkirk

Kevin Shattenkirk is an interesting player to gauge because he plays on a team with two other excellent defenseman: Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester. He scored 14G and 30A in 72 games last season and still managed to play over 21 minutes a night. The American defenseman may not receive all the accolades that Pietrangelo does, but Shattenkirk can hold his own. He has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason, so it will not be a surprise if he walks at the end of the season.

Shattenkirk’s last contract was for four years at $4.25MM a year. He’ll likely receive a nice raise as teams are always in the hunt for top-line defensemen. The market for blueliners precipitously drops after the first few names, so teams will be willing to shell out the big bucks to avoid missing out.

Brad Marchand

Brad Marchand had himself a career year last season, scoring 37G and 24A in 77 games. The Boston Bruins left-winger is looking to build off of that to garner a large contract next off-season, but it might not be with the Bruins. Boston already has four players—Tuukka Rask, Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and David Backes—signed for $6MM and more each. The team may not be able to afford Marchand’s asking price, and signing Backes this summer may have been a backup plan in case they cannot come to terms.

Look for Marchard to receive Milan Lucic money next season somewhere with a more prominent playing role. Marchand’s a gifted scorer with a bulldog demeanor that excites old-school and new-school fans alike. His skills will be in high demand as long as he maintains his current production.

Joe Thornton

It is unclear whether Thornton will retire after this season, but if he returns his skill set will also be in high demand. The 37 year-old Sharks forward had his best season in years, scoring 19G and 63A while playing all 82 games. He continued to shed his (undeserved) playoff-choker role by potting an additional 3G and 18A in 21 games in the Shark’s Cup Finals run.

Thornton still had gas left in the tank, and any team looking for veteran help and superb playmaking skills would benefit from his presence. The forward is coming off a three-year deal worth $6.75MM a year, and will most likely command similar money for another two or three year deal. Some teams may be wary of Thornton’s age, however, as he is over 35 and any contract he signs remains on the cap if he retires early.

Ben Bishop

Ben Bishop enters this season as the top goaltender with an expiring contract. The Vezina Trophy runner-up had a 2.06GAA and a .926 SV% in 60 starts last season. He posted 8 wins and 2 losses in the playoffs before suffering a knee injury. That knee injury was key as it allowed Tampa Bay’s backup Andrei Vasilevskiy to shine. The Lightning go forward knowing that if they do not re-sign Bishop, they can rely on Vasilevskiy.

Bishop was also the subject of trade rumors this offseason, including a potential draft-day trade with the Flames. Top-notch goaltending is another hot commodity in the league, so look for Bishop to enter free agency with many suitors. Teams with perennial goaltending woes may overpay for a solid starter to provide stability.

Ryan Carter Signs PTO With Minnesota Wild

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The Minnesota Wild have extended a training camp invitation to forward Ryan Carter. Carter has played on two consecutive one year deals with the Wild, and put up 7G and 5A in 60 games last year.

The undrafted free agent signed with the Anaheim Ducks out of the NCAA in 2006, and joined the team for its Stanley Cup run in 2007. He has since played for Carolina, Florida, and New Jersey. Two seasons ago the Devils brought Carter back on a PTO, but eventually declined to sign him. The Wild, however, swooped in with a one-year deal.

Carter will be fighting for a fourth-line spot in Minnesota this season and may prove to be a stop-gap until the team’s prospects are ready. The Wild have just over $2MM in cap space, but signing Carter will not break the bank—his past performance indicates he will get somewhere close to the league minimum.

Snapshots: Drury, Rundblad, Andersen

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News and notes around the NHL this morning:

  • The New York Rangers have promoted former NHL Chris Drury to Assistant GM this morning. Drury was previous the Rangers’ Director of Player Development, and played a large role in landing coveting NCAA free agent Jimmy Vesey. Drury played four of his twelve seasons in the NHL with the Rangers, and collected 255G and 360A in 892 games overall with the Rangers, Avalanche, Flames, and Sabres.
  • David Rundblad has officially signed with the ZSC Lions in Switzwerland. Rundblad, a former 1st round draft pick, never found success in the NHL, scoring only 4G and 21P in 113 games. He played nine games for the Chicago Blackhawks last season—and put up two points—before both parties mutually agreed to terminate the contract. Rundblad joins another former NHLer in Marc-Andre Bergeron on the Lions as they try to defend their Swiss Cup championship.
  • Aivis Kalnins first reported that Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen was injured today in a Olympic qualifying game. Andersen’s Denmark was playing Slovenia today and the goalie left the ice with just over four minutes remaining after being run into by his own player. Denmark ended up losing 3-0. The Leafs traded a 1st and 2nd rounder to Anaheim for Andersen for the former RFA before signing him to a five-year, $25MM deal. Andersen is projected to be the Leafs starter out of training camp, but the team may have to ride Jhonas Enroth if Andersen’s injury is significant.

Snapshots: Jets, Las Vegas, Devils

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News and notes from around the NHL:

  • Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff commented on the Jacob Trouba negotiations today on Winnipeg’s TSN 1290. The Jets GM said that contract negotiations are “sacred” and that the back and forth details between the club and the still unsigned RFA are meant to be private. He intimated that just because little has leaked regarding the negotiation status, it doesn’t mean that progress is not being made. Trouba represents one of Winnipeg’s prized young defenseman, though he only scored 6G and 15A last season. The defensive prospect is only 21 and has room to develop, but with contract talks still going on, Winnipeg may have to consider moving Trouba if the price is right.
  • Las Vegas continued building its front office today by hiring Dan Labraaten as its European Scout. Labraaten, a Sweden native, has worked in the New Jersey Devil’s scouting department for thirty years, and brings his much-needed experience to the new expansion club. Labraaten also played in the NHL during the late 70’s / early 80’s for the Red Wings and Flames.
  • Devils prospect Ben Johnson was found guilty of sexual assault in Windsor, Ontario today. The assault occurred in 2013 when Johnson was playing for the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. He has since moved on to the Devils’ AHL affiliate in Albany. It is unclear at the moment whether this ruling will affect his ability to play hockey—sexual assault cases may limit a person’s ability to travel in and out of Canada, something integral to professional hockey players.

Update: Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports that the New Jersey Devils are initiating the termination process for Johnson’s contract.

Snapshots: Player Agent, Marlies, Kings Goaltending

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News and notes from around the NHL:

  • NHL Player Agent Steve Bartlett spoke to WGR 550 in Buffalo today on how the NHL is now a buyer’s market when it comes to free agents. Bartlett points out that the GMs hold all the cards and predicts that more players will be forced to sign professional tryouts instead of deals between now and the start of training camp. Bartlett has represented Ryan Callahan and Thomas Vanek, and nearly became the NHLPA head in the 1990s.
  • The Toronto Marlies, AHL affiliate for the Toronto Maple Leafs, bolstered its defensive corps by signing NCAA grad Jonathan Jutzi. The Tavistock, ON native put up 5G and 10A in 41 games with the Minnesota State University—Mantako last year. The Maple Leafs’ defense is anybody’s game this year, and Jutzi has a chance to log key minutes in the AHL as players get called up.
  • Kings goaltending development coach Dusty Imoo spoke to Sheng Peng of Today’s Slapshot on recent Kings’ goalie acquisitions Jack Campbell and Tom McCollum. Both goalies were highly-touted prospects who failed to live up to expectation, but Imoo is confident that he can work with the goalies to rediscover their talent. Imoo is credited with turning aroud Peter Budaj’s season last year in the AHL. The veteran Slovak goalie struggled early before winning the AHL’s top goaltender award.

Snapshots: Guptill, Gaudreau, Jones

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News and notes from around the NHL:

  • Perennial AHL forward Alex Guptill has signed with the ECHL’s Manchester Monarchs. The Monarchs moved from the L.A Kings’ AHL affiliates to its ECHL affiliate after the Kings created the Ontario Reign for the AHL’s new Pacific Division. Guptill was originally drafted by the Dallas Stars 77th overall in 2010, and was included in a package going back to the Ottawa Senators for Jason Spezza. Guptill mired in the Sens system before being traded to Buffalo, where he spent time with the AHL Rochester Americans. The forward put up 3G and 6A in 23 AHL games last year.
  • Part of the holdup in Johnny Gaudreau’s contract negotiation is the length of the contract. Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The FAN in Calgary looks at the effects of a long term contract and what that means for both the Flames and Gaudreau. If the Flames do sign their young forward long-term, expect the value to be higher than teammate Sean Monahan and closer to Vladimir Tarasenko’s eight-year deal worth $7.5MM a year.
  • Former NHLer Blair Jones has joined the Iserlohn Roosters in the German DEL. Jones was drafted 102nd overall in 2005 by the Tampa Bay Lightning, and bounced between Tampa and Norfolk for five years before being traded to Calgary. He played three seasons for the Flames and the AHL Abbotsford Heat. Jones last saw NHL action with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2014-15, going pointless in a four game call-up. Jones had success in the AHL but could never translate that success in the NHL. He amassed 294 points in 466 games in the AHL, but only 17 points in 132 games in the NHL.

Goalies Moved During 2016 NHL Offseason

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The annual goalie shuffle this offseason has ostensibly settled with most rosters set as to who will be between the pipes. Many goalies will wear different crests this upcoming season, and remembering who went where is a lot easier if you consult PHR’s list below:

The biggest story here is that Calgary completely traded in its goaltending by declining to re-sign Ortio and Ramo, and instead acquiring starters Brian Elliott and Chad Johnson. Elliott will be the clear starter but Johnson performed well enough in Buffalo to warrant competition if Elliott falters. The second biggest name changing teams was Frederik Andersen. The Anaheim Ducks traded the RFA to Toronto for a 1st and 2nd round pick, and then Toronto immediately signed him to a five-year deal. The Leafs sent Bernier back the other way—but delayed that move so that Anaheim would not be on the hook for Bernier’s signing bonus.

Most of these moves involve backup goaltending for two reasons. GMs consider the backup position easily replaceable, and goalies like to move to other teams for better odds of becoming a starter. Injuries may thrust some of these names into the limelight, and teams will hope that their transactions pan out.

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