Headlines

Go To MLB Trade Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Snapshots: Blackhawks, Islanders, Blue Jackets

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The Chicago Sun Times’ Mark Lazerus writes about the new young talent in Chicago, one of which includes an un-signed and undrafted gem. Alexandre Fortin, the nephew of former NHL netminder Jean-Sebastien Giguere, has turned some heads in camp. Fortin leads all scorers with five goals in three scrimmages, and the 19-year-old forward could be another great find by the Hawks front office. Fortin had 19 goals last season with Rouyn-Noranda of the QMJHL. Lazerus reports that the center posted 43 points but struggled with confidence and injuries. Lazerus also writes about towering goalie Wouter Peeters, who stands at 6 foot 5. Peeters was a third round pick of the Hawks, and is only 17-years-old. He will play in Sweden during the 2016-17 season, but is a prospect Lazerus believes the Hawks will be watching closer than others as their goaltending depth is thin.

In other news:

  • NBC’s Jason Brough reports that the New York Islanders ownership will spend every dollar they can in order to win a Stanley Cup. New owners Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin assumed control of the team July 1 from Charles Wang and Ledecky started by telling Peter Motte of the Daily News that they would not only be a “cap-max” team if necessary, but that the Isles would be staying in Brooklyn for the time being. Ledecky also stated that the focus would be on the fan experience as the ownership team works to bring a consistent Cup contender in.
  • The Bluc Jackets have hired Cameron Scholvin as a senior vice president and Chief Revenue Officer according to Aaron Portzline. Portzline adds that Scholvin served as the senior vice president of corporate development for the Jackets from 2008-12. Scholvin was working with IMG College as a Regional Vice President prior to his new position with Columbus.

Are NHL Super Teams Possible?

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Puck Daddy’s Ryan Lambert writes that the idea of an NHL super team in the mold of the new NBA craze is simply unattainable due to the economics and setup of the league. Lambert shows that while an NBA team can sign a young, future hall of fame player who can immediately impact a team, hockey does not have the same luxury. Lambert uses Sidney Crosby as an example. Should Crosby end up in Detroit, his impact would be felt, but would not guarantee Detroit as a Cup contender. Instead, it would take other pieces to solidify such a dominating force.

The setup of the sports are different as well. Lambert shows that a Pittsburgh team comprised of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel and Kris Letang struggled at times to get past teams that were not nearly as deep with talent. Lambert even went as as far to show “death lineups” of players who dominated while on the same side. Though they wore the same jerseys, their impact was different because in hockey, it’s rare that all of those players will appear on the ice at the exact same time. Of those six death lineups, five won a Cup. Only the 2012-13 Bruins, who lost in the Stanley Cup Final to the Blackhawks (also another death lineup), fell short.

Lambert doesn’t discount that having eight high end, perennial all-star caliber players could heavily favor a team. It’s just that the restrictive nature of the salary cap prevents it from happening. At best, Lambert writes, a team can have four or five high end players at a time.

Perhaps the bigger issue revolves around finances and marketing.

The financial structure of the league is significantly different than the NBA. Lambert shows that the league revenues have remained flat, and shows a gate revenue that is all but maxed out. The NBA, on the other hand, has seen a significant increase in revenue and also enjoy lucrative television deals. Additionally, the Canadian dollar, according to a Globe and Mail report, may have cost the NHL nearly $200MM in revenue. Though the numbers are from 2014, Fox Sports wrote up a report, along with graphics, that show the stark discrepancy in revenue between the NHL and other major sports.

Where Lambert really hits the point home is how the sport is marketed. It’s no secret that hockey is a niche sport. As parity has reigned during the salary cap era, the differences between a top team and a bottom feeder, while sometimes large, still afford the ability for an upset to occur.

Whether it’s fair or unfair, the lesser known teams in a Stanley Cup Final could be horrendous for the league as well. The idea of a Tampa Bay-San Jose Final this year would have wreaked havoc on ratings. Even though both teams boast high caliber players, they are both “non-traditional” markets that outside of their respective area, would generate little interest. Contrast that with a possible Pittsburgh-Chicago Final and it underscores the issue with the NHL: lack of familiarity in non-established markets.

As Lambert pointed out, Steph Curry jerseys are everywhere and his presence on television is a must see event. Ovechkin? Crosby? McDavid? Toews? Sure, hockey fans know them. But ask the average sports fan where Conor McDavid plays, and you might get a blank stare. Some might struggle to even say who he is.

Until revenues explode and familiarity is bred, superteams, whether they are a good or bad thing, are just not possible with the structure of today’s NHL.

Ducks Acquire Bernier From Maple Leafs

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Reported by several sources, the Toronto Maple Leafs have dealt goaltender Jonathan Bernier to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional 2017 draft pick.

The Maple Leafs and Ducks both announced the trade on their respective websites. The 27-year-old netminder was the odd man out once the Leafs acquired Frederik Andersen from the Ducks in June due to his cap hit. In Toronto last season, Bernier recorded 12 wins and posted a .908 save percentage. Helene Elliott tweets that the cap hit for Bernier is $4.1MM, while $2.1MM is the base salary due to signing bonuses that were paid by the Leafs last Friday.

CapFriendly reports that the Leafs now have just over $5.2MM in cap space after dealing Bernier.  The Ducks have $9.1MM of cap space after adding Bernier.

Now in Anaheim, Bernier is reunited with former coach Randy Carlyle and will presumably back up John Gibson.

Jets Re-Sign Brenden Kichton To One-Year Deal

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Per their website, the Winnipeg Jets announced the re-signing of defenseman Brenden Kichton. The deal is for one-year, $600K. It is also a two-way contract.

In 68 games with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, Kichton had 41 points (11-30) in 68 games. The 24-year-old defenseman led all blue liners in points, and spent the season with the Moose.

With Kichton’s signing, the Jets now only have six restricted free agents. This list includes Jacob Trouba, Brandon Tanev, Joel Armia, J.C. Lipon, Adam Lowry and Mark Scheifele.

Red Wings Snapshots: Vanek, Cholowski

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Though many blasted the term and money used to re-sign Darren Helm, and the idea to bring Steve Ott into the fold, there were some who appreciated the Detroit Red Wings signing of Thomas Vanek. While the Red Wings addressed a need by signing center Frans Nielsen to a six-year deal, the signing of Vanek was one that many labeled as a low risk, high reward. Vanek, who was bought out by Minnesota, inked a one-year, $2.6MM contract and is expected to boost a moribund Red Wings power play that struggled throughout the season and into the playoffs.

There is also a faction of the Wings fan base that believes Vanek prevents a young forward, namely Andreas Athanasiou or Anthony Mantha, from getting a full time spot on the roster. To answer this question and others, MLive’s Tom Mitsos quantified Vanek’s performance and possible future performance by using advanced stats. Mitsos found that as many have pointed out, Vanek appears to be on the downside of his career. Besides the obvious slide in goals, points, and being bought out by his previous team, the advanced measures of his ability don’t bode well for the 32-year-old forward.

Mitsos lists Vanek’s Corsi For percentage as the first indicator. Vanek registered a CF% of 45.45, which is considered below average in terms of puck possession metrics.  Further, Mitsos reveals a similar comparison when looking at it from a three year glance. Mitsos also points out that current forward Tomas Tatar, who has been speculated as a possible trade target, has Vanek beaten in almost every major category.

That’s not good, especially since the Red Wings are looking to move pieces to acquire a #1 defenseman, something the team has lacked for nearly five seasons. Moving a player who outpaces another who looks to be a one-year rental hardly helps the long term health of a franchise.

Mitsos concludes that should Vanek tally 20 goals this upcoming season, it would go a long way in justifying the signing. But a deeper statistical dive shows exactly what many suspected: Vanek’s better years are far behind him.

Other Red Wings news:

  • 2016 first round draft pick Dennis Cholowski has a lot to like about him writes MLive’s Brendan Savage. The Red Wings front office labeled him an “elite thinker” on the ice, and also spoke highly of his puck possession and offensive abilities. Cholowski is headed to St. Cloud State where he’s expected to develop into a top four defenseman the Red Wings can rely on to produce points. While Ken Holland cautioned fans that the Wings would take their time developing Cholowski, there’s no question their eyes are glued to the young defenseman as a future solution to their current woes on the blue line.

AHL Announces Rule Changes For 2016-17 Season

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The American Hockey League announced a number of changes heading into the 2016-17 season. The AHL announced division realignment and also indicated that light colored jerseys would be worn at home prior to the league’s Christmas break. After the break, teams will wear their dark jerseys on home ice.

One of the biggest changes that hockey fans will notice will be the crackdown on fighting. Changes to Rules 46 (Fighting) and 23 (Game Misconduct) are stated below:

• Players who enter into a fight prior to, at, or immediately following the drop of the puck for a faceoff will be assessed an automatic game misconduct in addition to other penalties assessed.
• During the regular season, any player who incurs his 10th fighting major shall be suspended automatically for one (1) game. For each subsequent fighting major up to 13, the player shall also be suspended automatically for one (1) game.
• During the regular season, any player who incurs his 14th fighting major shall be suspended automatically for two (2) games. For each subsequent fighting major, the player shall also be suspended automatically for two (2) games.
• In any instance where the opposing player was assessed an instigator penalty, the fighting major shall not count towards the player’s total for this rule.

This is the first step by the board of governors to address fighting in the AHL. Suspensions are handed out for accruing 10 fighting majors. Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski notes that the AHL had 22 players with 10 or more fights. After a player receives his 14th fighting major, the automatic suspension becomes two games.

One other game change revolved around icing calls. On an icing call (Rule 82), offending teams not only cannot make player substitutions, but cannot use a time out.

Central Notes: Blackhawks, Stars

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Enter the Chicago Blackhawks into the number of teams interested in Jimmy Vesey reports Mike Harrington. Harrington cites the Providence Journal story that placed Hawks general manager Stan Bowman at the Foxboro Sports Center watching Vesey compete. Additionally, Harrington uses Chicago’s signing of Artemi Panarin as another clue into the Hawks’ interest in the Hobey Baker Trophy winner.

Chicago reaped the benefits of inking Panarin who complemented Patrick Kane well on a line, notched 77 points (30-44) and won the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie. Vesey would be an intriguing signing as the Hawks can promise ice time and instant success since the Blackhawks window to win remains wide open with Jonathan Toews, and Kane still being in the prime of their careers. As it stands, the Blackhawks remain just one of many teams looking into Vesey’s services. Harrington reports that Vesey seems willing to listen to every interested team before he inks a deal, and not just signing with the Sabres because they hold his rights.

Other Central news:

  • The Blackhawks have added Derek King as an assistant coach for AHL affiliate Rockford. Tracey Myers tweets that King spent 2009-2015 on the Toronto Marlies coaching staff. The Blackhawks also released a statement announcing King’s hiring with the Icehogs.
  • Mike Heika answered a number of questions about the Stars goaltending situation during a chat session. Among the several goaltending questions he received, Heika indicated that while the Stars are apparently content with their situation in net for now, it shouldn’t be ruled out that they could try to upgrade later. Heika says that while rumors cannot be discounted about Ben Bishop or Marc-Andre Fleury, Heika is “guessing” when he thinks the Stars would pass on Fleury due to playoff inconsistencies. He also speculates that a mid-season deal for Bishop would be more likely, especially if the Lightning cannot come to terms with him.
  • Heika also writes extensively about who the Stars need to develop between the pipes as the Stars dealt former prospect Jack Campbell after years of trying to make him the organization’s franchise goalie. Heika lists Max Lagace, Philippe Desrosiers, and Landon Bow as the three prospects the Stars must bring along in order to solve their goaltending woes. Both Bow and Desrosiers are both invitees to the Stars development camp and then the prospects tournament in Traverse City. Lagace intrigues because it was him who usurped Campbell, and helped the decision to jettison him to Los Angeles. Heika also lists Lagace as the favorite to be the #1 goalie in the AHL.

Canucks Sign Markstrom To Three-Year Extension

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The Vancouver Canucks announced the re-signing of goalie Jacob Markstrom. The extension is for three years, $11MM. Markstrom will finish his current contract, which holds a hit of $1.55MM through the 2016-17 season. The new cap hit starting in the 2017-18 season will be $3.67MM.

The Canucks announced the re-signing this morning. General manager Jim Benning reported that Markstrom “loves playing in Vancouver and is excited.” Benning also lauded Markstrom’s skill set and efforts in the crease.

Last season, Markstrom appeared in 33 games and posted a .915 save percentage. He had 13 wins.

Senators Sign Chris Kelly To One-Year Deal

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Chris Kelly will return to the Ottawa Senators on a one-year, $900K deal. Kelly played for the Senators from 2003-04 until 2010-11 before he was shipped off to Boston.

Last season, Kelly had two goals in 11 games. He was limited to only 11 games after fracturing his femur. Prior to that, Kelly had 28 points (7-21) in 80 games during the 2014-15 Bruins campaign.

Kelly returns to a Senators team seeking a chance at going back to the playoffs after missing in 2015-16. The 900K contract is a bargain for a player, who if healthy, could replicate his 2014-15 efforts with Boston.

Flames Sign Matthew Tkachuk To Entry-Level Deal

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The Calgary Flames signed their 2016 first round draft pick Matt Tkachuk today. CapFriendly reports the deal as three years, $2.78MM. The cap hit will be $925K.

Tkachuk was the sixth overall pick in the draft and recently played with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. Tkachuk had 107 points (30-77) in 57 games. London captured the Memorial Cup on Tkachuk’s game winning goal in overtime. Tkachuk finished the playoffs with 40 points (20-20) and had five goals and three assists in four games during the Memorial Cup Tournament.

 

Pro Hockey Rumors is not affiliated with National Hockey League, NHL or NHL.com

scroll to top