Headlines

Go To MLB Trade Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Minor Transactions: 1/27/2017

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

As is customary over the NHL’s All-Star weekend, many teams have begun the day with sending waivers-exempt players down to the minors for some salary cap savings over the next few days. No team has been as enthusiastic to move some bodies as the New Jersey Devils, who announced that nearly half of their defensive corps will take a short trip to Albany to visit the AHL Devils. Joining the recently demoted Yohann Auvitu this weekend will be Steve Santini, Seth Helgeson, and Karl Stollery. Although the trio has only played in a combined 26 games in 2016-17, Santini and Stollery have formed the bottom pair for the Devils of late with Auvitu, Andy Greene, and John Moore sidelined with injuries. Helgeson has generally been the seventh defenseman this season, spending most games in the press box, but getting to see the ice in five contests. The 29-year-old journeyman Stollery has played in just eight games, but is already having the best season of his NHL career, recording his first big-league points and playing about 16 minutes per night.The rookie Santini has shown promise so far in the first half, skating in 13 games and scoring two goals and three assists while playing a sound defensive game as well. Expect Santini and at least one of Stollery and Helgeson to be back up in New Jersey after a brief break.

Elsewhere in minor moves:

  • Another Metropolitan team has moved a majority of one position down to the AHL, but it should come as welcome news to the fans. The Carolina Hurricanes announced that, after a long hiatus dealing with concussion symptoms, goalie Eddie Lack has been activated from the injured reserve and has been assigned to the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers for a rehab stint. With Cam Ward having played in 41 of 48 games for the ’Canes, including 22 of the last 24, he, the organization, and the fans will be happy to have Lack back in the fold as soon as possible. Joining him in the minors will be his recent replacement, veteran Michael Leighton, whose demotion could be more of the permanent variety this time around. However, Leighton, who is the AHL’s all-time leading goalie in games played, will at least get to participate in the AHL All-Star Game upon his return.
  • The Washington Capitals have reassigned forward Chandler Stephenson to the Hershey Bears of the AHL for the time being. Unlike his last call-up to the Caps, Stephenson got to see some game action during this last trip. Though the young center was held scoreless and is still looking for his first NHL point through 11 games, Stephenson played confidently in the past two contests and has earned another promotion in the near future.
  • The Columbus Blue Jackets have again returned forward Markus Hannikainen to the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. The big Finnish winger, playing in just his second season in North America, scored his first NHL goal in the Jackets’ 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes last Saturday, his only game action on this trip to Columbus.
  • The Buffalo Sabres announced that defenseman Casey Nelson has been assigned to the Rochester Americans of the AHL. Nelson has done his best to help Buffalo out with their rash of blue line injuries this season, but has struggled to make much of a difference in nine scoreless games.
  • After his recent NHL debut and first career goal, the Arizona Coyotes’ Christian Fischer gets to continue his highlight-reel week by heading to the AHL All-Star Game. The Coyotes announced his demotion, but more than anything the move allows the AHL to honor the league’s top rookie in the first half of the season before he likely heads back to the NHL for the second half.
  • In addition to placing Michael Bournival and Gabriel Dumont on waivers, the Tampa Bay Lightning have demoted forward Erik Condra to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, which has become common this season. The bottom-six groupings are set to change drastically following the All-Star break.
  • The Ottawa Senators have activated Andrew Hammond from the injured reserve, and in a corresponding move and have sent down Chris Driedger to the Binghampton Senators of the AHL. However, this only partially helps the Sens’ logjam in net. Mike Condon has taken over as the starter with Hammond out and Craig Anderson on leave since early December, but with both soon back in the fold, Ottawa will still be carrying three goalies. Expect another move sooner rather than later.
  • The San Jose Sharks are using All-Star weekend to get a whole group of guys some play time. The team announced that Barclay Goodrow, Kevin Labanc, Timo Meier, and Tim Heed have all be reassigned to the AHL Barracuda and will join the team in Michigan tonight for a game against the Grand Rapids Griffins.
  • After just recalling Ivan Barbashev to replace the injured Kyle Brodziak, the St. Louis Blues have returns the AHL All-Star to the Chicago Wolves for this weekend. Expect he, or fellow All-Star Kenny Agostino, or possibly both, to be right back with the Blue after the break.
  • The Boston Bruins have recalled goalie Anton Khudobin from the Providence Bruins and reassigned rookie keeper Zane McIntyre to the AHL. While McIntyre’s demotion was expected, as he has been the best goalie in the AHL this year and a highlight of the AHL All-Star Game, the subsequent recall of Khudobin could signal that the Bruins are ready to return to the veteran as their backup to begin the second half of the season.
  • The Winnipeg Jets returned Brian Strait to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, one day after recalling the six-year veteran defenseman from the minors, the team announced via Twitter. Strait was a healthy scratch last night as the Jets took a 5-3 decision from Chicago. The 6-foot-1, 206-pound blue liner has yet to see action in the NHL this season but has appeared in 182 regular season contests over parts of six seasons with the Pittsburgh and New York Islanders organizations.
  • The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to flip-flop backup goalies, sending Joonas Korpisalo to Cleveland of the AHL and recalling Anton Forsberg from the same affiliate. The team announced the corresponding transactions via Twitter. Forsberg has made just one appearance this season for Columbus, allowing four goals on 27 shots in a 5-3 loss to Carolina. Korpisalo has won two of his three starts and has appeared in four games overall.
  • The Pittsburgh Penguins have sent Carter Rowney back to the AHL after just a day with the big club. The forward came up last night with Evgeni Malkin out, but didn’t make it into the game against the Boston Bruins. Rowney will need to wait for his next shot with the big club.
  • The Anaheim Ducks have signed some depth between the pipes, inking ECHL netminder Ryan Faragher to a one-year deal. The 26-year old Faragher has been in their system since 2014, but wasn’t under a pro-deal until now. He’ll earn $575K if he should ever make it to the NHL (which he most likely will not, unless something drastic happens in Anaheim) and $50K in the AHL.

Trade Candidates: Ron Hainsey

at CDT | by 1 Comment

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that are likely to be dealt by March 1st.

Two weeks ago, the Carolina Hurricanes had been one of the bigger surprises of the NHL season. They were flying high, riding a four-game winning streak and sitting in playoff position, when many thought they would be one of the NHL’s worst teams in 2016-17. Then they hit a rough patch that could derail any team: a four-game stretch that included two road games against the Columbus Blue Jackets and a visit to the Washington Capitals, sandwiched around a home game against the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins. The Hurricanes were losers of five straight entering All-Star weekend and are now tied for last in the Metropolitan Division.

Back when Carolina was in postseason position, no one was more excited than veteran defenseman Ron Hainsey. The NHL’s 39th-ranked leader in games played among active players wit 883, Hainsey holds the unfortunate mark of having played the most regular season games without ever going to the playoffs. After 14 years on bottom-dwellers, the 35-year-old Hainsey may want to be traded to a contender and the Hurricanes may be willing to deal him.

Contract

Hainsey is in the final season of a three-year, $8.5MM deal signed with the Hurricanes back in 2014. The deal hold a cap hit of $2.83MM, but only a salary of $2.5MM in it’s final year. With the majority of the cap hit accrued by the Hurricanes by the time the Trade Deadline rolls around, nearly any team would be able to absorb Hainsey’s contract, which will be worth under $1MM. However, he has a limited No-Trade Clause that allows him to select 15 teams he would go to. Since only 16 teams make the playoffs, Hainsey stands a pretty good chance of being moved to a contender if he or the team chooses to do so.

2016-17

The Hurricanes boast one of the most impressive defensive units in all of hockey, led by All-Star Justin Faulk and highlighted by young phenoms Noah Hanifin, Jaccob Slavin, and Brett Pesce. However, it’s Hainsey that acts as the group’s mentor and ties everyone together. Usually paired with Faulk, Hainsey can still eat up minutes and knows how to sit back and play physical while Faulk handles the puck-moving. He can also be relied on for special teams responsibilities and makes the perfect outlet pass from time to time. Still a tough player who’s not afraid to block a shot or throw a check, Hainsey is capable of playing hard-nosed playoff hockey, if only given the opportunity.

Season Stats

48 games: 2 goals, 9 assists, 11 points, -10, 22:14 ATOI, 68 hits, 82 blocks

Potential Suitors

Even teams with ample defensive depth are often not opposed to bringing in veteran defensemen at the deadline to help out down the stretch and bring some maturity and leadership to the locker room. Although Hainsey has no postseason experience, he has played in close to 900 NHL games and has held leadership positions in Atlanta, Winnipeg, and now in Carolina. With a low cap hit and likely not a terribly high cost, Hainsey could be seen as very attractive to many teams.

The Toronto Maple Leafs in particular could be a logical destination for the left-shot blue liner. Though not as locked into a playoff spot as maybe Hainsey would like, their need for defensive depth and veteran leadership is clear. The Leafs are still a young, rebuilding team and may not be willing to part with much for a player of Hainsey’s caliber, but if their current starting six, which includes Matt Hunwick, Roman Polak, and Frank Corrado even resembles their playoff unit, they won’t go far.

The Dallas Stars are another fringe postseason team that Hainsey might hesitate to commit to, but that desperately needs a veteran with some ability on the back end. With Johnny Oduya injured and Dan Hamhuis struggling, the Stars could certainly use an upgrade over Esa Lindell or Patrik Nemeth come playoff time.

Likelihood Of A Trade

Dependent on how the Hurricanes perform from here on out, Hainsey may be more valuable to them than in a trade. If Carolina can take advantage of a February schedule that isn’t too difficult, they can creep back into the postseason conversation. If they hold on to Hainsey, they face another light schedule in March and could potentially make the playoffs. Hainsey would be one of the more valuable assets on the roster should that happen. However, it won’t be easy.

What makes Carolina’s defense so appealing is also what makes a player like Hainsey so expendable. With a young core and the likes of Haydn Fleury, Roland McKeown, and Jake Bean waiting in the wings, the Hurricanes are not desperate to hold onto defensemen. If they’re not going to make the playoffs, it seems extremely likely that they will move Hainsey, for the good of the team and to give a long-time reliable player a shot at postseason glory. Besides, he’s a free agent; they can always bring him back if they want to.

Lightning Place Bournival, Dumont On Waivers

at CDT | by 2 Comments

The Tampa Bay Lightning appear to be cleaning house. Well, not really, but in their own way. A day after trading defenseman Nikita Nesterov to the Montreal Canadiens, GM Steve Yzerman and the Bolts’ brass appear willing to lose a couple more players, as they have placed Michael Bournival and Gabriel Dumont on waivers, according to TVA’s Renaud Lavoie. While the team is certainly not hoping that either player is claimed and are just trying to return them to the AHL, the moves signal to the team that changes are being made and no one is safe. The decision marks the first time since October that any team has had two players on waivers on the same day.

Bournival and Dumont are not to be mistaken for players that one would be shocked to see on the waiver wire. The former Canadiens teammates chose to sign with the Lightning this summer as free agents in an effort to find a place where they could carve out bottom-six roles, but to this point neither has earned their keep. Bournival, a 24-year-old left winger, has played in 17 games and has just a goal and an assist, while playing about ten minutes per night. Dumont, a 26-year-old center, has played in just eight games and has just one assist, while playing even less than Bournival. The pair has been less than spectacular and Tampa Bay faces little risk of losing them on waivers.

However, the message that it sends, in addition to the Nesterov trade, is that the role players for the Lightning are not playing up to snuff and have become expendable. Yzerman has made a point, through the return on Nesterov and the double-waiver placement, that he’s willing to give away his under-performing depth for just about nothing in return. At the All-Star break, Tampa Bay has 50 points in 50 games, currently sixth in the Atlantic Division, but in reality tied with the Detroit Red Wings for last when counting games played. The team sits well outside the playoff picture right now, and the lack of contribution from everyone outside the top-six forwards and top defensive pair has a lot to do with it. The Lightning are staring down the distinct possibility that they will not just miss the playoffs, but also stand to lose a top scorer like Alex Killorn in the upcoming Expansion Draft too and have to hammer out new contracts with Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, Jonathan Drouin and possibly unrestricted veteran Brian Boyle. Yzerman clearly understands that developing bottom-six depth that can actually score and help the team is vital for this season and the future and if you can’t cut it, like Bournival and Dumont, he’s not afraid to lose you.

What To Watch For: AHL All-Star Game, CHL Top Prospects Game

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

Once all the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles have died down on Sunday, hockey fans will be left facing the worst kind of Monday: one without NHL action. However, those with an eye on the future, interested in watching some future NHL All-Stars, will be happy to know that all is not lost. Both the American Hockey League (AHL) All-Star Game, featuring the best of the best of those on the cusp of being NHL regulars, and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Top Prospects game, showcasing the top 40 2017 draft-eligible prospects across the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Western Hockey League (WHL), are set to take place on Monday night. Here is a preview of what to watch for in these two talented contests:

The AHL All-Star Game, in the same mold as the NHL’s new model, includes a skills competition on Sunday night and a 3-0n-3 tournament between divisional squads on Monday night. Many current NHL stars got their start in the minor leagues and found All-Star-caliber success before taking advantage of their opportunities at the next level, and 2017 should be no different. So who are the future phenoms participating? Though he has yet to be demoted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, it is expected that Jake Guentzel will get to participate in the All-Star game and no player has had quite the impact that Guentzel has in 2016-17. Not only an All-Star, but also a first-year pro, Guentzel has made the transition from the NCAA to the AHL (and NHL) a seamless one. After scoring 46 points in 35 games for the University of Nebraska-Omaha a year ago, Guentzel has an almost identical 42 points in 33 games in the AHL this season. A player in a similar position is Guentzel’s Atlantic Division teammate Zane McIntyre of the Boston Bruins. McIntyre was promoted to the backup in Boston due to his amazing AHL success and has yet to be demoted, but is likely to get his chance to shine at the All-Star game. McIntyre is 10-0 in AHL play this season, with a league-best .951 save percentage and 1.41 goals against average in 12 appearances. The other Atlantic Division goalie, and Guenztel’s actual teammate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is Tristan Jarry, who has a .920 SV% and 2.22 GAA in 26 games. Yet another member of the stacked Atlantic team is the Philadelphia Flyers’ Jordan Weal, who has 42 points in 38 games. Outside of the Atlantic, St. Louis Blues prospect Kenny Agostino leads the AHL with 40 assists and 57 points for the Chicago Wolves. The 24-year-old is working hard for another shot at the NHL and will get the chance to further show what he can do at the All-Star game for the Central squad. Danny O’Regan of the San Jose Barracuda, who has gotten a chance to play in a few games this season for the team down the hall, trails only Guentzel in rookie scoring with 36 points in 32 games, while recent Arizona Coyotes call-up Christian Fischer sits in third with 32 points in 31 games and will join him on the Pacific Division team. Finally, keep an eye on defenseman Matt Taormina of the Syracuse Crunch, a Tampa Bay Lightning prospect who leads all AHL blue liners in points and will be dangerous for the North Division unit. The AHL All-Star game brings together the best players who are just an injury or slump away from making a difference in the NHL and it promises to provide a lot of skill and exciting action.

For those looking even further into the future, especially fans of teams with strong lottery chances in this year’s NHL Entry Draft, the CHL Top Prospects Game is for you. Featuring the best players in the CHL, the conglomerate of the three league’s that provide the majority of NHL talent, the All-Star game of sorts guarantees to provide an insight into at least 20 upcoming first-round picks. The game features Team Don Cherry and Team Bobby Orr, comprised of randomly selected players within NHL Central Scouting’s top 40 prospects. Captaining Team Cherry, and getting his first chance at real spotlight after missing much of the early season, is presumptive #1 overall pick Nolan Patrick. The big center has 17 points in 11 games for the Brandon Wheat Kings, but his limited action hasn’t stopped many from naming him the best available player. He’ll be joined by Owen Tippett of the OHL’s Mississigua Steelheads, the top-scoring draft-eligible player in the OHL, historically the best of the three leagues. Another OHL star and suspected top-ten pick, Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires, will skate with team, as will Maxime Comtois of the QMJHL’s Victoriaville Tigres, ranked No. 15 by Central Scouting. Rounding out the squad is defenseman Callan Foote, son of former NHLer Adam Foote and one of the top defenseman available in 2017. Team Bobby Orr will be headed up by Swiss star Nico Hischier, who excelled at the World Juniors and has kept it going with the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads to the tune of 67 points in 39 games. Hischier’s alternate captains will be center Michael Rasmussen of the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, who has flown up the rankings to No. 6 overall, and another top blue line prospect, big Nicholas Hague, also of the OHL’s Steelheads. Other WHL superstars Cody Glass of the Portland Winterhawks and Nikita Popugaev of the Moose Jaw Warriors round out a deep forward group, while the OHL Spitfires’ goalie Michael DiPietro in net presents another potential first-rounder. There will be no shortage of action in this contest, the best option to see top draft prospects prior to their selection in June.

Injury Updates: Rask, Krug, Carlson, Rielly, Gallagher

at CDT | by 1 Comment

After exiting the Boston Bruins’ 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins yesterday midway through the game with a migraine, Tuukka Rask was also not in attendance at practice today. The Bruins are losers of four straight games and have an important re-match with the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, who they gave up a three-goal lead to last Wednesday en route to a shootout defeat. The last thing they can afford is to lose their best player this season, as Rask has been excellent with 22 wins, a .920 save percentage, and 2.11 goals against average, especially when rookie backup Zane McIntyre has struggled to adjust to the NHL thus far with an .860 save percentage and 3.95 goals against average. There has been no word on Rask’s availability for tomorrow night’s game and no recall has yet to be made, so Rask may just be taking the day off to rest and recover. The Bruins certainly hope that’s the case and they need their star keeper at full strength if they want to right the ship.

Torey Krug was another notable name who did not practice for the Bruins today. The speedy defenseman was the recipient of a bad hit yesterday by the Penguins’ Jake Guentzel (who deservedly got a boarding penalty). Not only did Krug continue playing, but he led all Bruins in ice time. That effort combined with a harsh hit likely earned him the day off today. Krug is tenth among NHL defensemen in points this season with four goals and 25 assists and is another player the Bruins cannot afford to lose right now. On a positive note, all of the Bruins other defensemen were full participants in practice today, including both Colin Miller and Kevan Miller who have missed the last few games with injury.

In other injury news around the league:

  • Another struggling team who needs a healthy roster is the St. Louis Blues. However, prominent contributors Jaden Schwartz and Jay Bouwmeester did not skate today. Schwartz took a shot to the inside of the knee in Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets and was reportedly limping badly after the game. Bouwmeester remains out with a lower-body injury, though is considered day-to-day. Both players appear questionable to suit up for St. Louis against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
  • Capitals fans will be happy to hear that top defenseman John Carlson skated with the team today, but should not expect to see the big blue liner back in the lineup right away. With Washington rolling of late (11-0-2 in their last 13), the team can afford to ease Carlson back into the lineup. He has been ruled out for both tonight’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes and tomorrow’s against the Ottawa Sentors. He may play Thursday against the New Jersey Devils, but it seems likely that they will hold him out through the All-Star break to give him another week of rest.
  • Another defenseman on the mend is Toronto’s Morgan Rielly, who was a full participant at Maple Leafs practice today. While he’s been ruled out for tonight’s match-up with the Calgary Flames, coach Mike Babcock has left open the possibility that he could return before the All-Star break as the Leafs play twice later in the week.
  • The Montreal Canadiens were happy to have hard-working Brendan Gallagher back at practice today, but Habs fans should not hold their breath for a swift return. Gallagher still appears to be a ways out from game action, as he wore a white non-contact jersey and used a stick with no blade. Gallagher admitted that when returning from a similar injury to his left hand last year, he began shooting too soon and caused damage. The team doctors didn’t take that chance this time around, removing the blade to also remove the temptation. Even when he returns, Gallagher said he will likely have to wear protection on his hand for the rest of his career after multiple surgeries. An eight-week timeline was set for the gritty winger when he was injured at the beginning of January, so Gallagher could still be a month away from playing for the Canadiens again.

Vanek, Larkin Out With Injuries

at CDT | by 1 Comment

With two key divisional games coming up this week, the Detroit Red Wings will be without a pair of their top offensive weapons. According to Red Wings beat writer Ted Kulfan, Detroit GM Ken Holland has announced that both Thomas Vanek (lower-body) and Dylan Larkin (upper-body) are struggling with injuries and are considered day-to-day. Both forwards are staying home from the team’s trip to Boston for a Tuesday night game against the Bruins, while Larkin has already been ruled out of the return to Joe Lewis Arena to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday as well.

Vanek was hurt in the second period of last night’s 1-0 overtime loss to the New York Rangers and did not return, missing more than half of the contest. However, head coach Jeff Blashill said after the game that he did not think Vanek’s injury was serious, which may lend some hope to Vanek being back for Wednesday night’s game. On the other hand, Larkin played a full game last night, seemingly without incident, and he and linemates Riley Sheahan and Tomas Tatar led all forwards in ice time. Yet, Larkin has been ruled out for the next two games, meaning he won’t skate with the Red Wings for over a week as a result of the upcoming All-Star weekend.

The loss of their two leading goal-scorers comes at a tough time for the Red Wings. Things appeared to finally be coming together last week with three big wins in a row: a rout of the Pittsburgh Penguins, a shutout of the Montreal Canadiens, and a shocking comeback against the Boston Bruins. However, Detroit has been unable to close out back-to-back games in overtime against the Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers and still find themselves sitting in sixth place in the Atlantic Division, just a point ahead of Buffalo and the Tampa Bay Lightning. It may be difficult for the Red Wings to keep picking up points with free agent surprise Vanek and sophomore stud Larkin out of the lineup as they go up against the desperate Bruins and upstart Maple Leafs. Detroit is 23rd in scoring and dead last on the power play as it is, set to face Boston’s 10th-ranked defense and second-best penalty kill and Toronto’s 4th-ranked penalty kill and high-flying offense. Two divisional losses would certainly put a damper on the recent comeback attempt and could send the team into All-Star weekend on a sour note. If other forwards can’t step up and score some goals over the next couple of games (or longer), the Red Wings could be back in the basement of the division before they know it.

Bruins Scouting Ducks-Wild Game

at CDT | by 3 Comments

It would be a surprise to no one that the Boston Bruins’ brass are out watching other teams. While the Bruins are still clinging to a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division, currently tied with the Ottawa Senators for second with 52 points, that position is only temporary. The Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs, just two points behind, have six games in hand on Boston. They are currently doing battle with each other, which could result in a three-way tie with a Toronto win, a drop to third in the division with a Senators win, or the worst-case scenario, a Leafs OT-win in which both results would occur. Regardless, the Bruins are not going to be able to hang on to their spot long with the way they have been playing. Boston has lost three straight, including shutouts by the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Islanders and a crushing 6-5 shootout defeat to the Detroit Redwings wherein they blew two three-goal leads. The Bruins have only won six of their last sixteen games and those six wins have come against four teams that are struggling as much or more than they are: the Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers (twice), and Buffalo Sabres (twice). Beyond just wins and losses, there are rumors about coach Claude Julien, reported turmoil in the front office surrounding president Cam Neely, injuries on defense to Kevan and Colin Miller, a 16-game goal-less streak for early-season superstar David Pastrnak, and ongoing issues with line chemistry. The Bruins need a shake-up to save their season, and everyone knows it.

So, when Minnesota Wild beat writer Michael Russo reported that Bruins GM Don Sweeney was on the press box list at tonight’s game, with the Wild hosting the Anaheim Ducks, it came as no surprise. Both teams are known for their immense lack of talented depth on defense, something that Boston would definitely be interested in. While the team has been shut out three times this month, their scoring has actually been trending upward. Patrice Bergeron has begun to shake off his early struggles, Frank Vatrano has been a shot in the arm since his return from injury, and Brad Marchand and Torey Krug have remained on fire. The recent return of Matt Beleskey should help to add some scoring and balance out the forward lines (much-needed), while the AHL’s Providence Bruins, who won 9-1 tonight, have been explosive and could potentially offer support up front. That’s not to say that the Bruins, who will have about $17MM in cap space by the time the NHL Trade Deadline rolls around, won’t still look to add an impending free agent forward with some finish, but despite appearances, the offense should be able to figure itself out in the short-term. The defense is a different story. While the Bruins are loaded with defensive talent in the system, none of it is on its way this year and maybe not next year either, and the Bruins need some help now. Krug has four goals and 25 assists, but has also had his issues in his own end. His pair mate Adam McQuaid has had a nice bounce-back season, but offers little in the way of puck movement and offense. Same goes for the top pairing of Zdeno Chara and Brandon Carlo, who have been one of the better shutdown duos in the league this season, but are slowing down as a 39-year-old and a rookie respectively. John-Michael Liles, an impending free agent, has just recently returned from injury and has yet to make a major difference. Colin Miller, though he has upside, was in and out of the lineup even before his injury, and Kevan Miller, also injured, is likely better suited as an extra man. The Bruins need a legitimate top-four defenseman for this year and for the near future, and both the Wild and Ducks provide intriguing trade partners.

As it stands right now, Anaheim and Minnesota are both guaranteed to lose a top-four caliber defenseman in the upcoming NHL Expansion Draft, if the Vegas Golden Knights choose to select that player. A team can either protect seven forwards and three defenseman or eight skaters total, allowing them to protect a fourth defenseman. Neither situation works out particularly well for either team. The Ducks will be forced to protect veteran Kevin Bieksa, due to his no-movement clause, and will likely choose to protect young cornerstone blue liners Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen, and Cam Fowler as well, even if it means leaving a promising forward like Jakob Silfverberg exposed. However, Vegas could choose to instead take another good young defenseman in Josh Manson or potentially Simon Depres. Similarly, the Wild too are expected to protect four defenseman, selecting from Ryan Suter (a veritable lock), Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, Marco Scandella, and Matt Dumba. One way or another, one of those d-men will be exposed and almost certainly scooped up by the Golden Knights. So, with both teams fighting for position atop the Western Conference and with their eye on a Stanley Cup, Anaheim and Minnesota also have to be thinking about trading a defenseman. They would much rather get something in a trade rather than nothing in the draft, even if that means dealing away talent in a Cup-contender season. Armed with a deep prospect system and quality forwards they may willing to part with, such as David Krejci, Ryan Spooner, and Jimmy Hayes, the Bruins would be an interesting suitor for either team. With Don Sweeney in attendance, watching two teams that are facing a difficult situation and may feel like pressured to make a move, an important shake-up trade could be on the horizon in Boston. Could it be the revitalized Fowler? The youngster Dumba? A more Bruin-like player like Scandella or Manson? Only time will tell, but the connection between the Bruins and these defense-deep teams will be something to keep an eye on as we head toward the Trade Deadline in just over a month.

Blackhawks Trade Schilling To Kings For Latta

at CDT | by 2 Comments

A pair of Western Conference contenders have swung a deal to help each other out with their depth. The Chicago Blackhawks are reporting that they have acquired forward Michael Latta from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Cameron Schilling. The Blackhawks have confirmed that Latta will remain in the AHL for now and will report to the Rockford Ice Hogs, while there has been no word yet from the Kings on Schilling, as they struck the deal just prior to their game against the New York Islanders tonight.

While the trade is somewhat of a minor one, it is interesting in a couple different ways. The first, is that it is an exchange of former teammates. Both Latta and Schilling made their NHL debuts with the Washington Capitals and played for the team for three years, including playing together in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Schilling signed with Washington as a college free agent out of Miami University in 2012, while Latta was acquired by the Caps alongside Martin Erat in a trade with the Nashville Predators for Filip Forsberg (a trade they would rather forget). The second interesting detail is that both players left Washington via free agency, only to land with teams who had yet to give them a shot at NHL play time. Schilling had only played in six games with the Capitals over three seasons and had zero points to show for it, but halfway through his second year with the Chicago Blackhawks, the blue liner had yet to even be promoted to, nevertheless actually play for, the team. Latta, on the other hand, skated in 113 games for Washington in his three seasons, mostly playing an energy line role and contributing just 17 points, but was a starter nonetheless and a fan favorite. In his first season with the L.A. Kings, Latta too had yet to earn a call-up despite having a regular NHL role in his previous location.

Both players are now heading to new teams with new possibilities for NHL ice time. While Latta is not quite what the Blackhawks are looking for in their search for an impact top-six forward, he is a reliable bottom-six player and the team can bring out the best in just about every forward who plays there. Already, Chicago fans have expressed their delight with the deal, excited to see how an experienced center with some physicality and grit can help out a lineup that is littered with young, streaky players. Latta has just six points with the AHL’s Ontario Reign so far this year, but has continued to play a smart, two-way game in the minor leagues. While he’ll remain in the AHL for now, expect Latta to step in and play well for the Blackhawks when he gets the chance. Meanwhile, Schilling is likely itching to get into a game with the Kings as soon as possible. The 28-year-old has just six NHL contests on his resume, despite an ability to move the puck and contribute in all three zones at the AHL level. Schilling has scored at least 16 points in each of his five AHL seasons, but has 17 points already in 2016-17, on pace for his best AHL season to date. However, he hopes to instead contribute at the top level, and Los Angeles may need him too. Though the Kings have a strong defensive core of Drew Doughty, Jake Muzzin, Alec Martinez, and breakout blue liner Derek Forbort, there are questions behind them. Brayden McNabb has been limited to just 17 games this season due to injury, while veterans Matt Greene and Tom Gilbert have played little and contributed even less. Rookie Kevin Gravel has played 30 games, but is very limited in his offensive ability. If the Kings need another puck-mover in the lineup, Schilling appears to be the next man up. While the trade is a win-win for Chicago and Los Angeles, it appears to be so for Latta and Schilling as well.

Ducks Notes: Silfverberg, Shaw, Tropp, Theodore

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The Anaheim Ducks are just hours away from one of their biggest games so far this season, as they prepare to square off with the Central-leading Minnesota Wild. A win tonight in Minnesota will give the Ducks 63 points on the year, pulling them into a three-way tie atop the Western Conference with the Wild and Chicago Blackhawks. It would also extend their Pacific Division lead to five points over the rival San Jose Sharks and the upstart Edmonton Oilers. The team is so excited for the match-up, they’re even hosting a watch party for fans back at the Honda Center in Anaheim, featuring former greats Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer.

However, when the puck drops on the big game tonight, one player fans won’t be watching is dynamic winger Jakob Silfverberg. The team announced yesterday that Silfverberg is considered day-to-day with an upper body injury was left behind in Anaheim, ruled out for the team’s two-game road trip to Minnesota and Winnipeg, where they’ll face the Jets on Monday night. This marks the first game that Silfverberg has missed in 2016-17. The durable winger played all 82 games for the Ducks last year and missed just one game the year before, so back-to-back absences are a rare occurrence in his young career. Silfverberg has 13 goals and 16 assists so far this season, which puts him on pace for his best year to date.

It will be difficult for the Ducks to replace the young scorer, but early-season acquisition Logan Shaw will be given the first try.  Shaw will line up alongside Andrew Cogliano – yet another Anaheim iron man – and Ryan Kesler on the Ducks’ mighty second line. Although Shaw has just two points on the season, he is a big physical player who head coach Randy Carlyle likely hopes can crash the net and capitalize on some of the chances created by Cogliano, Kesler, and company.

  • To fill the roster spot currently vacated by Silfverberg, the Ducks have also recalled winger Corey Tropp from the AHL’s San Diego Gulls. If Tropp makes an appearance for Anaheim, it will be his first in the NHL for almost two years. Tropp’s recent career has been somewhat of a wild ride; he carved out a role for himself as a reliable bottom-six winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2013-14 and 2014-15, only to be traded away to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the package for Brandon Saad in 2015. Chicago stashed Tropp in the minors and then traded him to the Ducks at the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline for veteran Tim Jackman. Although Tropp did not make an appearance in Anaheim last season, he chose to re-sign for two years with the team this summer. It seems he has finally earned his first Ducks call-up, as he is scoring at nearly a point-per-game pace in the AHL with 8 goals and 21 assists in 32 games. Whether or not Tropp sees any NHL action on this recall remains unknown, but he certainly seems like a player who deserves another shot at the big time.
  • The Ducks promoted defenseman Shea Theodore from the Gulls as well. This has become a weekly/nearly daily ritual by Anaheim as they balance cap savings with exposing their young defensemen to as much NHL action as possible given their extreme depth on the blue line. Theodore may not have to put up with the balancing act much longer though, as many recent reports have indicated that teams are calling the Ducks about he and fellow young and under-utilized defenseman Brandon Montour. Anaheim has not been shy about their desire to add another impact forward before the Trade Deadline, and offering up an NHL-ready defenseman like Theodore may be their best bet at finding a team to deal with.

Bruins Notes: Julien, Beleskey, Becker

at CDT | by 1 Comment

As was reported earlier, the Boston Bruins are set to address the public tomorrow about their coaching situation. The announcement will be made regardless of the result in tonight’s match-up against the Original Six rival Chicago Blackhawks. ESPN New Hampshire’s Jimmy Murphy has been keeping a close eye on the situation and believes that, good or bad, a decision has already been made on head coach Claude Julien and the bench boss knows what it is. However, no one else seems to know what it is and speculation is running rampant. Murphy added fuel to the fire by releasing a picture of the Bruins’ internal PR schedule, which features Julien’s name specifically throughout the coming week. So is Julien safe?

Julien has seemingly been on the hot seat for three seasons. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2011, returning to the final in 2013, and winning the President’s Trophy as the league’s top regular season team in 2013-14, back-to-back seasons of missing the playoffs has been unacceptable in Boston, and a possible third in the making requires swift handling. By slim margins or not, the Bruins missing the postseason draws much attention in a city where, since the turn of the century, every pro sports team is expected to not just make the playoffs, but challenge for a championship every year. While many still believe the Bruins will qualify in 2016-17, heads will roll if they don’t and the front office may decide to cut the coach loose before that happens to lessen the blow of missing the playoffs once again. Boston is currently tied for second place with the Ottawa Senators in the Atlantic Division with 52 points, which may not seem so bad, but the Sens have five games in hand, as do the Toronto Maple Leafs right behind them with 50 points. Even the Florida Panthers with 49 points and game in hand and the red-hot Detroit Red Wings, who came back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the B’s on Wednesday to move within six points with three games in hand, are starting to threaten the Bruins playoff hopes. The Bruins are 4-4-2 in their last ten, including that devastating loss to Detroit and shutouts at the hands of bottom-dwellers like the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils.

However, is firing Julien really the right move? The long-time Bruins coach is approaching his 1,000th NHL game behind the bench and has won far more than half of those games, including more than 400 wins in Boston. He won the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year in 2009 and is well-respected around the world of hockey. Many have claimed that Julien’s greatest weakness is that he does not work well with young players. However, David Pastrnak, Frank Vatrano and rookies Brandon Carlo and Austin Czarnik have been bright spots for the Bruins in 2016-17. Julien was also not the one who traded Tyler Seguin or Blake Wheeler, both of whom were playing well with him as their head coach, but simply still developing. The Bruins organization has not done well with young talent, but the head coach is not wholly to blame. Many have also argued that Julien has struggled with the power play, and well that has been true from time to time, the Bruins scored on both man-up tries against Detroit on Wednesday and their power play has been increasingly better over the past month. Some Julien mistakes, like the mismanagement of Ryan Spooner and Colin Miller and an inability to find good balance in the forward lines this season, are more inexcusable, but the Bruins struggles reach far beyond that. Does Julien deserve some blame? Yes. However, firing the most successful coach in team history in a season where they still have a very good chance of making the playoffs may be ill-advised for Boston. The decision appears to have been made and the announcement will come tomorrow.

  • With the decision on his coach’s fate already made, Matt Beleskey’s return to the Bruins lineup may be coming a few games too late. However, the team will greatly benefit from having the big forward back in the lineup tonight against the Blackhawks. Beleskey has been out with a knee injury since earlier December, but is returning just in time with the Bruins struggling to both find scoring and to play a more physical defensive game. With Frank Vatrano suffering an injury prior to the beginning of the season and Beleskey getting hurt before Vatrano’s recent return, tonight marks the first time in 2016-17 that the Bruins will have the full complement of forwards that they had expected to have at the ready all season. Although Beleskey is expected to skate alongside Dominic Moore and Austin Czarnik on the fourth line tonight, the Bruins are still trying to find a balance up front and can afford to ease Beleskey back in while they hunt for line chemistry. After scoring a career-high 37 points as a top-nine player for the Bruins last season, he’ll be back in that role sooner rather than later.
  • Bruins prospect Jack Becker has announced his commitment to play college hockey at Michigan Tech.  Drafted by the Bruins in the seventh round of the 2015 NHL Draft with little experience beyond high school hockey, Becker was supposed to follow fellow Bruins prospects Trent Frederic and Cameron Hughes to the University of Wisconsin. However, slow development at the junior level with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede changed those plans. Becker is still Division I-bound though, as he heads to Michigan Tech next season. Becker does not project to be an NHL player as of now, but the Bruins signed Frank Vatrano as an undrafted underclassmen out of just an average college program in UMass-Amherst and so far he looks like a sure-fire NHLer. The B’s can only hope that Becker develops late in the same way.

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

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

scroll to top