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Arbitration Hearing Opens For Tyson Barrie

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The Denver Post’s Terry Frei reports that Tyson Barrie’s arbitration meeting opened this morning in Toronto. After failing to agree on terms with the Colorado Avalanche, arbitrator Elizabeth Neumeier was presented the arguments for both sides.

Barrie’s camp argues that the defenseman is due a one-year, $6MM deal while the Avalanche counter that the 25-year-old be paid $4MM in 2016-17, and $4.25MM in 2017-18.

Frei writes that Neumeier will make her decision within the next 48 hours. Meanwhile, James Mirtle tweets that the hearing could get “ugly,” though there are still some who believe a deal could get done. The Avs d-man should receive a hefty raise regardless of term.

PHR provided an arbitration preview for Barrie earlier in the week.

Colorado Avalanche Depth Chart

 

Red Wings Notes: Holland’s Signings, DeKeyser

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While the Red Wings are a good $4MM over the salary cap before the season begins, general manager Ken Holland doesn’t seem too concerned about getting cap compliant by the beginning of the season. Although many writers (mostly local) have remained neutral about Holland’s work this summer, there are a few who have registered their concern with what Holland has done.

Puck Daddy’s Ryan Lambert warns that the Red Wings burned a lot of money on players who were overpayed to either re-sign or sign on to the team. Lambert remembers a day where the Wings only had to wonder how much stalwarts like Nick Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg or Pavel Datsyuk would want for compensation. Instead, Holland scorched nearly $17MM in salary cap room with the likes of Darren Helm ($3.85MM), Frans Nielsen ($5.25MM), Luke Glendening ($1.8MM), Drew Miller ($1.03MM) Thomas Vanek ($2.6MM), Steve Ott ($800K), Danny DeKeyser ($5MM), and now Petr Mrazek ($4MM). Several of those deals were lampooned by fans, Helm and Glendening especially, for being severe overpayments. Worse, it’s the re-signing of marginal forwards, namely Miller and Glendening, that have caused many to wonder if Holland is slipping.

The Windsor Star’s Bob Duff goes further, revealing that Holland’s excessive loyalty to homegrown players could cripple the Red Wings for seasons to come. Duff writes (via Hockeybuzz) that Holland has locked in an astounding $28.3MM to bottom six forwards. Compare that with top heavy teams like Chicago ($20.8MM invested in generational talents Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane), or Pittsburgh ($25MM invested between Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel). Such an excessive amount promised to players like Helm, Glendening, Miller, and Ott, who combined registered only 51 points, spells doom during a grueling regular season.

Such is the problem in Detroit–as Justin Abdelkader, Jonathan Ericsson, Niklas Kronwall (though he once played up to his value), and Jimmy Howard seemed to have been “rewarded” for being Red Wings. While this strategy worked well before the salary cap, this has compromised the Wings for the future. Not only does it strangle the Red Wings financially, but it also blocks the chance for young forwards Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou, Martin Frk, and to a lesser extent, Tyler Bertuzzi, from reaching the big club.

Ken Holland, as Duff writes, has painted himself into a corner. Lambert goes further, wondering if the Wings excessive payments will lead to a disappointing season result–especially without an aging, but still very good Pavel Datsyuk. With Datsyuk, the Wings were much better. Without him, well, the results weren’t as positive. Should the Red Wings flounder this season, many have to wonder if Holland will be held accountable. After all, outside of building Stanley Cup teams in 2002 and 2008 (1998 was still technically a core built by Jimmy Devellano and Scotty Bowman), Holland’s work over the past half decade has yielded three second round exits and four first round exits, including the last three seasons.

Unless Holland can pull something out of his hat to acquire a top pairing defenseman, the playoff run might be in serious jeopardy.

  • Specific criticisms have also rolled in about Holland’s deal with Danny DeKeyser. TSN’s Travis Yost writes that DeKeyser shouldn’t have gotten the deal he did. Using analytics, and “the eye test”, Yost points out that while DeKeyser is an NHL caliber defenseman, he hasn’t truly grown into the top pairing blue liner that was expected–or warranted by a deal of this magnitude. Yahoo’s Greg Wyshynski agrees, wondering if it’s yet another example of Holland “overcompensating” his own player.

 

Detroit Red Wings Depth Chart

Snapshots: Marchand, Kreider, Monahan, Gaudreau

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Joe Haggerty reports that the Bruins and forward Brad Marchand are inching closer to a deal and that all signs point to something getting done sooner rather than later. While on Boston’s 98.5 The Sports Hub with Toucher and Rich, Haggerty indicated that while the asking price is hefty, Marchand and the Bruins have a strong mutual interest in one another. He points to Marchand’s recruitment of David Backes, as a paramount reason Marchand is in no hurry to leave Boston. Further, Haggerty writes that the Bruins wouldn’t want to let go of a player who plays in any situation on the ice and is still in his late 20’s. He also points out his knack for goal scoring as 37 of his 61 points last season ended up in the back of the net. While he won’t come cheap, Haggerty expects the B’s to pony up.

In other news around the league:

  • Larry Brooks reports that Chris Kreider is approaching the 2016-17 season with a new mindset–one that will get him more on the scoresheet and less into his own head.  Brooks writes that Kreider says he “knows the type of player he wants to be.” Brooks recalls a NY Post article last season where Kreider lamented his inability to play well on a given night, revealing a bruised psyche.
    Too often, Brooks reports, Kreider was not on the scoresheet and failed to play with “authority,” on the ice. Brooks points to the crease crash with Carey Price during game one of the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals as a possible turning point in Kreider’s net presence. Kreider injured Price on the play when he slammed into the goaltender after being tripped on a breakaway. Brooks wonders, as he puts on his amateur psychologist hat, if that moment scared Kreider away from driving harder to the net.
    Despite the psychological concerns, Kreider didn’t fall off in goal production (21) and only slightly fell below his 2014-15 numbers, where he had 46 points (21-25) compared to his 43 points (21-22) in 2015-16. Perhaps the four-year, $18.5MM investment the Rangers made with him could serve as another buoy to Kreider’s confidence.
  • The Calgary Flames are still trying to put deals together for restricted free agents Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan writes NBC’s Joey Alfieri. Calgary general manager Brad Treliving says that there is “no real update there” and that the Flames will keep plugging away to get a deal done. Both forwards are considered the foundation of the Flames offense and will not come at a cheap price, though Monahan did indicate he would take a discount from the fair market price. What should excite Flames fans is that both Monahan and Gaudreau are seeking long term deals–guaranteeing a pairing of high scoring forwards in the Calgary fold for years to come.

Boston Bruins Depth Chart

New York Rangers Depth Chart

Calgary Flames Depth Chart

 

 

 

 

 

Oilers Notes: Captain Candidates, Larsson

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Who will be the Oilers new captain? Chris Wescott writes that the Oilers have a multitude of players who could sew the C on the sweater.  Last season, Andrew Ference, Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins all served as alternate captains by committee and definitely deserve a look. But what about Connor McDavid?

While Wescott confirmed that head coach Todd McLellan would indeed name a captain this season instead of having a plethora of alternate captains, Jared Clinton of the Hockey News penned an article back in April anointing McDavid as the most logical choice for captain. Clinton writes that McLellan extolls the winning and leadership virtues that McDavid displays and goes onto report that the 19-year-old center didn’t crumble under the expectations of a success-starved city weighing on his shoulders.

Clinton speculates that had McDavid played a full season (he broke his clavicle in November which sidelined him for close to three months), his projected performance could have been around 80 points. Though McDavid appeared in 45 games, he was slightly over a point-per-game player as he notched 48 (16-32). Aside from performance, both his head coach and general manager have vouched for his leadership qualities, making him the favorite. Naming a young captain wouldn’t be an oddity as Clinton points out that Jonathan Toews, Sidney Crosby, and Gabriel Landeskog all wore the C very early in their respective careers.

In other Oilers news:

  • Wescott also reports that McLellan expects newly acquired defenseman Adam Larsson to play against top competition come October. McLellan doesn’t expect Larsson to be a force on the score sheet, but instead, expects that he will “grow his game” along with the rest of the younger Oiler players. McLellan also urged patience with the young Swedish defenseman who many forget is only 23. The Oilers bench boss is more interested in making sure Edmonton’s new acquisition is comfortable in his new surroundings, and isn’t measured simply by who the Oilers traded to get him. Instead, Wescott writes, McLellan will only add pressure as Larsson’s comfort level increases.

 

Snapshots: Versteeg, Senators, Red Wings

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Darren Dreger tweets that unrestricted free agent Kris Versteeg may be leaving the NHL for the Swiss League. Versteeg is rumored to be heading to Bern and it could happen sometime this weekend. PHR listed Versteeg at #25 out of the top 50 free agents.  Last season, Versteeg had 33 points (11-22) in 63 games with Carolina. While with Los Angeles after a late February trade, he had 5 points (4-1) in 14 games. In the playoffs, Versteeg registered 2 points (1-1) in five games.

In other news:

  • NHL.com featured the Ottawa Senators as a team to watch in the Eastern Conference. Arpon Basu writes that with new coach Guy Boucher in the fold, the Sens look to return to the playoffs after missing out last season. Boucher’s first order, Basu writes, is to improve a team that hemorrhaged goals. Despite a younger team, general manager Pierre Dorion feels the Sens are poised to take the next step. Dorion recently added Derick Brassard in a trade with New York and believes that the Senators are “going to surprise some people.”
  • MLive’s Brendan Savage writes about recently acquired forward Dylan Sadowy, and his ascent through the OHL. Sadowy was acquired by the Red Wings from the Sharks for a 2017 third round draft pick after the Sharks realized they were not going to come to terms with Sadowy. The young forward turned some heads in prospect camp when he notched a hat trick during a scrimmage. But it’s the impressive numbers he put up as a member of the Barrie Colts and Saginaw Spirit that caught the Wings attention. Between both teams last season, Sadowy recorded 70 points (45-25) in 64 games.  Despite the scoring prowess, Sadowy indicates that he wants to be a two-way player. While a number of forwards are in his way,  Savage writes that Sadowy still intends to do whatever it takes to make the Red Wings roster. Even though it would be a tall order with a number of forwards already penciled in, Sadowy will work hard to make his NHL dream a reality.

Maple Leafs Waive Peter Holland

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Elliotte Friedman tweets that the Toronto Maple Leafs have waived forward Peter Holland. He is set for an arbitration hearing next Monday July 25.  James Mirtle posted a number of different tweets regarding the Leafs’ reason for making the move.  Mirtle does not believe Holland will return to the Leafs and believes he will be claimed or moved following the hearing.

Last season, Holland had 27 points (9-18) in 65 games. A season prior, he registered 25 points (11-14) in 62 games.

Holland becomes the second player waived prior to an arbitration hearing. On Tuesday,  Jordan Schroeder was waived by the Minnesota Wild.

Evander Kane Charged With Misdemeanor Trespassing

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The Buffalo News reports that Sabres forward Evander Kane has voluntarily turned himself in to the authorities in Buffalo. Several other sources have confirmed the news as well. The News writes that Kane will face one misdemeanor count of criminal trespass and up to four counts of non-criminal harassment.

Kane’s lawyer told the News that Kane maintains his innocence, and plans to fight the charges.

The News reports that Kane turned himself in at around 11am. The charges stem from an incident in a bar this past June where Kane purportedly placed his hands on a bouncer and three different women during an early morning incident.

Two incidence reports were filed. Kane allegedly tried to engage in a physical confrontation with the bouncer and then reportedly became combative with two different women both inside and outside the bar. The News reports that authorities declined to comment when asked about Kane being intoxicated.

The Buffalo Police Department have released a statement indicating the charges.

Weeks ago, ESPN reported that Sabres general manager Tim Murray was displeased with the latest round of legal issues surrounding the 24-year-old forward.  The story was written prior to the charges being filed. Darren Dreger tweets that while the NHL is monitoring the situation, they are not expected to take any disciplinary action at this time. They will, however, recommend him for behavioral health professionals for counseling if necessary.

Mike Harrington tweets that Kane will not be going anywhere. He reiterates that the charges stem from the incident on June 24th, and that nothing new was added. Harrington also bristles at the thought of Buffalo dealing Kane to another team.

The Sabres have issued a statement regarding Kane’s arrest: “We are aware of the charges against Evander Kane stemming from an incident last month. Our organization will have no further comment at this time.”  Obviously, the team will collect all pertinent information before responding to the situation.

Canadiens Sign Bobby Farnham

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The Montreal Canadiens signed forward Bobby Farnham to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial details were not released.  The deal is worth the league minimum $575K at the NHL level, reports General Fanager.  He’ll earn $300K in the AHL while the total guarantee in the contract is $350K.

The 27-year-old forward spent time with both Pittsburgh and New Jersey last season. In 50 games with New Jersey, Farnham registered 10 points (8-2). He appeared in three games with the Penguins before being waived in October.

Montreal Depth Chart

Rangers Re-Sign Chris Kreider To Four-Year Deal

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The New York Post reports that the New York Rangers have re-signed restricted free agent Chris Kreider to a four-year, $18.5MM deal.  The contract has an annual hit of $4.625MM. According to the report, it also buys out two years of his unrestricted free agency. Rangers beat writer Larry Brooks tweets that Kreider insisted on a four-year deal instead of five. Brooks also reports that it lowered the financial side of the deal, saving some cap room for New York.

The Rangers and Kreider agreed to the deal prior to the scheduled arbitration meeting at 9AM. Last season, Kreider had 43 points (21-22) in 79 games. In five playoff games, he had two goals.

The signing ensures another young forward strengthening the Rangers’ future writes James O’Brien. O’Brien notes that only Rick Nash (32) and Tanner Glass (32) are above age 30, while the younger core of Kreider, Derek Stepan, newly acquired Mika Zibanejad, Kevin Hayes, Mats Zuccarello, and J.T. Miller are all under 28. Only Zuccarello and Stepan are over 25.

Arbitration Tracker

New York Rangers Depth Chart

Free Agent Profile: Brad Richards

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Brad Richards is one of several free agent forwards still available to sign. PHR ranked Richards #43 out of the top 50 available free agents. Richards inked a one-year, $3MM deal with the Detroit Red Wings for the 2015-16 season. While the deal looked good on paper, Richards and the Red Wings never really worked together. Instead, Richards noted that “the season didn’t go the way I wanted it to or the team wanted it to.”

Richards lack of production didn’t help matters, as he recorded 28 points (10-18), hardly what the Wings expected. It was the second consecutive season of declining performance for Richards, who acknowledged that after playing for three teams in three seasons, he would have to “recharge his batteries” before making his next move.

Potential Suitors

This is where it gets dicey. As the free agent market dries out and younger forwards like Jiri Hudler or Kris Versteeg haven’t be re-signed, Richards doesn’t look to have a lot of suitors lining up. That isn’t to say he couldn’t produce for the right team. Richards failure with the Red Wings was two sided; Richards didn’t fit the system as well as he did in Chicago and the Red Wings are more of a team in transition than a contender. Richards would be best suited on a team making a run for the Cup. Los Angeles is one potential fit if he’d agree to a cheaper deal, but their lack of cap room would make it difficult. The St. Louis Blues could also be another option. The New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres could add him for depth at a discounted price; the Sabres could also benefit greatly by adding his leadership. Finally, if he was really looking for another Cup and willing to take a significant pay cut, the Chicago Blackhawks could be an ideal fit. Stan Bowman is creative enough to make an interesting and cap friendly pitch.

Projected Contract

PHR guessed that Richards would fetch a one-year, $2MM deal from the Colorado Avalanche. As the summer drags on and a deal doesn’t happen, don’t be surprised if Richards seriously considers retirement. Richards mentioned how the retirement of Vincent Lecavalier causes retirement to “creep into your mind.” After winning two Cups, most recently with Chicago in 2015, odds on Richards hanging up his skates might not be too far off.

If Richards is offered a deal, expect it to be something between $1.5MM and $2MM. With declining production, any team looking for a depth move probably wouldn’t offer much more.

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