Columbus Returns Dubois To Juniors
On the eve of their home opener, the Columbus Blue Jackets have announced they they have sent 2016 3rd-overall pick Pierre-Luc Dubois back to his junior team, the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. A high pick in his first pro experience, Dubois did not stick out in the preseason; still, many expected him to stay with the Blue Jackets, at least through the ten-game “tryout” period. Instead, the 18-year-old center will head back to juniors without an NHL game under his belt.
The Blue Jackets selection of Dubois with the #3 pick was believed to be a reach by many. However, that only added fuel to the fire for those who believed that Columbus really saw something in the young scorer. Having traded Ryan Johansen last season, it is no secret that the Jackets are on the hunt for a franchise center. It was believed that they planned on having Dubois step right into that role. In four preseason games though, Dubois was held without a point and was a -4, with the consensus being that he looked over-matched with the pro game. Rather than get a longer look this season, Columbus has elected to send Dubois back to Cape Breton, where he scored 99 points last season, and hope that he comes to camp next year ready to earn an NHL spot.
In a corresponding mover, the Blue Jackets have recalled Alexander Wennberg from Cleveland of the AHL. The 22-year-old will now play Dubois’ role of young center looking to be a difference-maker on a team without much depth and ability down the middle.
Jack Eichel Out 1-2 Months
While the Buffalo Sabres are still awaiting a more in-depth diagnosis for Jack Eichel, the early prognosis is that they young star will miss a minimum of four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain, according to TSN insider Bob McKenzie. As reported earlier, Eichel left practice this morning after suffering an injury, and the first impression was that it was a high ankle sprain. After a closer look, the injury was confirmed as such.
The diagnosis could be good or bad for the Sabres. A minor sprain is nothing compared to a break or Achilles injury, and Eichel could be back on the ice within a month. However, the same injury has been known to linger if it severe. Sidney Crosby missed over seven weeks with a high ankle sprain in 2008, and Eichel’s own teammate, goalie Robin Lehner, was out a full three months with a high ankle sprain last year.
Eichel’s injury is obviously a devastating blow for Buffalo, as big things were expected from the sophomore center, and multi-month injury and potentially lingering effects could derail his entire season. Youngsters Sam Reinhart, Zemgus Girgensons, and Johan Larsson will have to step up in his stead, and offensive leaders Ryan O’Reilly and the newly-acquired Kyle Okposo will have to carry the weight of the scoring until Eichel is back. The Sabres were never likely playoff-contenders this season, but any long-term absence for Eichel will surely shut the door on that possibility in 2016-17.
Gretzky Returning To Oilers In Official Capacity
On hand in Edmonton today for unveiling of his statue at the new Rogers Place, Wayne Gretzky was announced as officially joining the organization as the Vice Chairman of the Oilers Entertainment Group . While job capacity is still somewhat unknown, it is expected that he could fill a role similar to that of Kevin Lowe, the Vice President of Oilers Entertainment Group.
“The Great One” was last part of the Edmonton Oilers over 28 years ago. Gretzky played for the team for a decade, leading them to four Stanley Cup titles and establishing himself as the best player the game has ever seen. He was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, and had not returned to the team in any capacity until now.
Gretzky has not held an official position in the NHL since leaving the Phoenix Coyotes in 2009, but now holds two positions with the league. In September, he was named an official ambassador for the league’s centennial celebration, and now adds his position with the Oilers into the mix. Having Gretzky around the NHL can only be a positive for the league, and it seems as though hockey’s all-time greatest simply can’t get enough of the game.
Colorado Signs Rene Bourque And Gabriel Bourque
The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have come to terms on contracts for both Rene Bourque and Gabriel Bourque (no relation, and no relation to Ray Bourque either). The duo were both in Avs camp on PTO agreements, but have earned themselves a job for the 2016-17 season. Both players signed one-year deals for under $1MM, which could turn out to be a great deal for GM Joe Sakic and Colorado.
Rene signed a one-way contract worth $650K after leading the Avalanche in scoring in the preseason. The veteran of 660 NHL games was once a 50-point player for a few years with the Calgary Flames in the late 2000’s, but has bounced around the NHL since then, unable to find a good fit. He hopes to carve out a role for himself on a young, offensive Colorado team by bringing a strong two-way game, special teams experience, and a veteran presence into the fold.
Gabriel signed a two-way contract worth $800K at the NHL level, and was subsequently put on waivers with the hopes that he could be assigned to the Avs’ AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage. While Gabriel may start the season in the minors, don’t expect him to stay there. While he was never able to find consistency in his five years with the Nashville Predators, the young winger has shown offensive ability that could make him a 20-goal scorer on the right team. His style of play fits well with the makeup of the Avalanche roster, and both Gabriel and Colorado may benefit from this change of scenery more than they know.
Provorov, Konecny To Stay With Flyers For 2016-17
It’s official in Philadelphia: GM Ron Hextall has confirmed that preseason stars Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov have officially made the Flyers roster. The pair were both drafted in the first round in 2015 and are considered to be Philly’s finest prospects, but they’ll become more than prospects in 2016-17, as they’re set to be difference makers on this team. With the roster deadline coming tomorrow, Konecny and Provorov had done enough to solidify their spots over other veteran players and will now have a chance to show what they can do at the NHL level.
While it’s possible for either to be sent back to juniors, after ten games a year will be accounted for on their entry-level contracts. Usually players in this situation are either sent back after this ten-game “tryout” or do enough to stick for the whole season. When asked about this scenario, Hextall answered that he believes that both have “earned it” and should remain on the roster for the entire season. It seems as though the excitement that management and fans alike felt about Konecny and Provorov has translated into a faith in their ability to be impact rookies throughout 2016-17.
Konecny, Philadephia’s 24th overall pick in 2015, is coming off a 56-point stint with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting and a strong performance with Team Canada in the World Junior Championships. He kept his roll going in training camp and preseason, where the flashes of his talent and ability were hard to miss. Konecny is expected to start the season on the Flyers’ second line with Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek, and has the potential to put up big points right away in his rookie season.
Provorov, at just 19 years old, plays with vision and awareness that is hard to find in a defenseman his age. The 7th overall pick in 2015, Provorov went on to score 73 points for the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings and led them on a deep playoff run. While he has the makings of a top-pair NHL defenseman, Provorov will not be asked to do too much in his rookie year, with 2016 rookie sensation Shayne Gostisbehere and the very capable Michael Del Zotto in the fold, but that won’t stop the Russian blue liner from making a name for himself eary in Philadelphia. He is expected to play alongside veteran role model Mark Streit in what could end up being the Flyer’s top pair by year’s end.
Crosby Diagnosed With Concussion
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that captain Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion. Coach Mike Sullivan said that the injury occurred in the Penguins’ Friday practice, but it was unclear at first that there was a head injury. What was orignally believed to just be sickness that kept Crosby out of the Pens’ preseason finale has now been officially diagnosed as a concussion. With so little time left before the start of the regular season, there is doubt as to whether or not Crosby will be healthy for the Pens’ home opener Thursday night against the Washington Capitals. There is no timeline for his return at this point.
This is not the first time that Crosby has suffered a concussion as he has missed time in many seasons throughout his career due to head injuries. The worry with yet another concussion, even if it is minor, is that it could lead to an extended absence. The last thing that anyone wants to see is the player that most believe to be the best in hockey out with a head injury. Hopefully Crosby is back on the ice in no time.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh may have to do some line shuffling, but luckily for the defending Stanley Cup champs there is plenty of depth to go around. The diagnosis at this point in time allows the Penguins to re-analyze their roster situation prior to the cap deadline, perhaps preventing a player like Eric Fehr from hitting waivers. It could also allow the likes of Oskar Sunqvist, Teddy Blueger, or college free agent Thomas Di Pauli to earn a role in the Penguins bottom-six. Should Crosby be unable to go on Thursday or even for an extended period of time, expect Evgeni Malkin to center the top line while Nick Bonino leads the “HBK line” in taking over second line duties. Matt Cullen, Fehr, or Wilkes-Barre/Scranton reinforcements will center the bottom two lines.
Jonathan Huberdeau Out 3-4 Months
October 9: Huberdeau will miss 3-4 months with a lower body injury, reports Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel.
October 8: A Panthers-themed day continues, but in the worst way for Florida fans. Star winger Jonathan Huberdeau suffered a leg injury in a scuffle along the boards early in tonight’s preseason match-up against the New Jersey Devils. Huberdeau could put no weight on his leg, and had to be helped off the ice and into the locker room.
Examining what occurred, it looked as if the skate of Devils forward Sergey Kalinin came down on Huberdeau’s left ankle. The way he reacted when he first re-planted his leg could indicate, in a worst-case-scenario, a torn or injured Achilles tendon. Such an injury would be devastating for the Panthers, as it is a long road to recovery when there is damage to the Achilles. The best-case-scenario still seems bleak, as any injury that leaves a player unable to get himself off the ice usually leads to an extended absence.
With top center Nick Bjugstad already out for the first month of the season with a broken hand, the injury to first-line left winger Huberdeau would leave the Panthers seriously short-handed to start the 2016-17 season. The left side on offense already stands as Florida’s weakest position, and without 50-plus-point man Huberdeau, they could have a tough time reaching the high ceiling many have set for them in this upcoming year.
2016-17 Season Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets
With the NHL season finally about to start this Tuesday, PHR makes its way towards finishing up our 2016-17 team previews. Next up: the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Last season: 34-40-8 (76 points), 8th in the Metropolitan Division, 15th in the Eastern Conference
Cap Space Remaining: $3.8MM according to Cap Friendly
Key Newcomers: C Pierre-Luc Dubois (draft, 3rd overall), C Sam Gagner (free agency, Philadelphia Flyers), D Scott Harrington (trade, Toronto Maple Leafs)
Key Departures: RW Jared Boll (free agency, Anaheim Ducks), LW Rene Bourque (PTO, Colorado Avalanche), C Michael Chaput (free agency, Vancouver Canucks), D Justin Falk (free agency, Buffalo Sabres), D Michael Paliotta (free agency, New York Rangers), RW Kerby Rychel (trade, Toronto Maple Leafs), D Fedor Tyutin (free agency, Colorado Avalanche)
Player to Watch: Sam Gagner – A once-promising career took an ugly turn after Gagner signed his last contract – a three-year, $14.4MM pact that led to a frustrating end in Edmonton and spanned disappointing stints in Arizona and Philadelphia – and now he looks to right the ship in Columbus with a new contract. The one-year, $650K deal has the makings of an absolute bargain for the Blue Jackets if Gagner can return to his career average of about 40 points. They may need him to do just that too. After trading Ryan Johansen and Artem Anisimov last year, an undeniable void was created at center for the Jackets. While they have high hopes for 2016 first round pick Pierre-Luc Dubois, as well as 2013 first-rounder Alexander Wennberg, Columbus has only Greg Campbell as a veteran option down the middle behind Brandon Dubinsky. Gagner could be asked to center the second or third line this season for the Blue Jackets, and will surely have a top nine role to start the season at least. A career resurgence would be beneficial long and short-term for both sides, but a repeat of his 16-point performance last season will greatly limit what Columbus is able to do on offense this year. Gagner’s contract is low-risk and high-reward, but his role carries far more weight than his contract would indicate. How it all plays out will be key.
Key Storylines: The Blue Jackets are set to begin the season with four former first-rounders on defense. While Jack Johnson has certainly established himself as an NHL star and the leader of the blue line in Columbus, it is the three more recent top picks that will make the difference this year and for years to come. Beginning his first full season with the team is young stud Seth Jones, who signed a six-year extension worth over $30MM this summer and will look to continue his ascent to NHL stardom. His teammate in Columbus and with Team North America is Ryan Murray, Columbus’ 2012 first-round pick. Murray led all Blue Jackets defenseman in points last season, but is still working on developing a complete defensive game. As of now, it looks like 2014 top pick Zach Werenski is set to join the team this season as well, and he too will bring great offensive talent, but will have his fair share of struggles in his own end. If the trio of young defenseman all play to their potential, then the Blue Jackets could have the best young defensive core in the league. However, if they hit a developmental wall, the result would be some major difficulties on the back end this season.
Should the Blue Jackets struggle this season, watch for several big names to potentially hit the trade block. The most predictable deal would obviously be Scott Hartnell, a player that Columbus has been looking to move for a while now. However, with a full re-build in progress, Hartnell is not the only veteran who could bring back some valuable picks and prospects. The aforementioned Johnson is now surrounded by up-and-coming young defensemen and may be seen as expendable for the right price. Cam Atkinson’s name seems to come up at the trade deadline every year, and this could finally be the season that he’s moved. Same goes for Matt Calvert and a potentially-resurgent Sam Gagner. The Blue Jackets are unlikely to be a playoff team this year, so some tough calls await GM Jarmo Kekalainen in 2016-17 about how to move forward with his re-build.
League Notes: Ovechkin, Olympics, Las Vegas, Gudas
Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis is standing by his star player, pledging his support for Alex Ovechkin and his commitment to playing in the 2018 Winter Olympics, regardless of whether the NHL plans to participate. Ovechkin has officially stated that he plans to suit up for Russia in the next Olympics, with or without his NHL peers playing alongside him. In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Alex Prewitt, Leonsis said that he hopes the NHL and IOC can come to an agreement on the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, but if they can’t, he is okay with Ovechkin or any of his players choosing to participate:
“The Olympics are incredibly meaningful to Alex and his family. So my commitment to them was, I will always do what’s in Alex’s best interest, and I said it 10 years ago, I’ll say it today: If Alex Ovechkin says this is really important to me to go represent and play for my country, I’m going to support him. What’s the worst that could happen? We’ll get fined or something. I hope it doesn’t get to that. But I’ve got to have my captain’s back, and I will.”
The IOC has given the league until January to make a decision on their participation, and with the pressure or high profile players and now an owner in Washington fighting for inclusion, the NHL may have to bite the bullet and commit to the 2018 Games. With Beijing, China and potentially Calgary or Salt Lake City after that as the two Winter Olympics following Pyeongchang, continued NHL participation seems likely, but skipping South Korea continues to be an option for the NHL. However, if many players plan to go regardless in 2018, the league may as well stay the course as Olympic participants.
Other news around the league:
- The Las Vegas expansion franchise is set to finally reveal it’s name to the world on November 11th, according to NHL.com’s Nick Cotsonika. Owner Bill Foley shared that the name has indeed been chosen, as has the logo, and the team’s colors are in the final stages of becoming official as well. Everything will be made public in about a month, as Las Vegas will truly begin to transform from an idea to reality. It was previously reported that the team will likely take up either Golden Knights, Silver Knights, or Desert Knights, but with all the secretive strategy that has surrounded the process, don’t be surprised if another moniker is revealed on 11/11.
- The NHL is reviewing a high, late hit on Bruins roster-hopeful Austin Czarnik in last night’s preseason finale between Boston and Philadelphia by, who else, Radko Gudas. This is the second time already this preseason that Gudas has had a bad hit along the boards reviewed, the first being on Ranger’s rookie Jimmy Vesey. This time though, Gudas seems more likely to be punished by the league, as Czarnik took a shoulder to the face well after he had passed the puck, and was forced to leave the game because of the hit. Bruins coach Claude Julien was especially critical of the hit, saying that “this seems to be happening to (Gudas) every game”. With a strong stance by one the league’s most well-respected coaches adding fuel to the fire, expect Gudas to miss some time and miss quite a few dollars after a decision is handed down this time. The Department of Player Safety offered him an in-person hearing (which allows for a suspension of five or more games) but he declined and will have a telephone hearing on Monday (Twitter links).
2016-17 Season Preview: Carolina Hurricanes
With the NHL season finally about to start this Tuesday, PHR continues to finish up our in-depth looks at each team and the focus now turns to a team that people are greatly under-rating in 2016-17, the Carolina Hurricanes.
Last season: 35-31-16 (86 points), 6th in the Metropolitan Division, 10th in the Eastern Conference
Cap Space Remaining: $16.9MM according to Cap Friendly
Key Newcomers: LW Bryan Bickell (trade, Chicago Blackhawks), G Michael Leighton (free agency, Chicago Blackhawks), RW Viktor Stalberg (free agency, New York Rangers), LW Lee Stempniak (free agency, Boston Bruins), D Matt Tennyson (free agency, San Jose Sharks), LW Teuvo Teravainen (trade, Chicago Blackhawks
Key Departures: LW Nathan Gerbe (free agency, New York Rangers), D Michal Jordan (free agency, KHL), RW Brad Malone (free agency, Washington Capitals), RW Riley Nash (free agency, Boston Bruins), LW Chris Terry (free agency, Montreal Canadiens), D James Wisniewski (free agency, unsigned)
Player to Watch: Victor Rask – The 22-year-old Rask finished just three points behind Jeff Skinner for the team lead in points in 2015-16, and ended up tied with veteran center Jordan Staal. The Hurricanes rewarded him with a six-year, $24MM contract. If Rask continues to trend upward, then that deal will be one of the best bargains in hockey. If not, it could stymie a re-building franchise. All signs point to the former though, as Rask has played big minutes and put up solid numbers in each of his first two NHL seasons. Now expected to center the top line in Carolina, the pressure will be on for Rask to live up to role and lead his fellow young skill players. The Hurricanes have put together a great, young roster, and with Eric Staal gone, Victor Rask has the chance to be the young center that steps in to become the face of the franchise and lead the team to playoff success, just as Staal did over a decade ago.
Key Storylines: No one is expecting much of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2015-16. In fact, Las Vegas odds-maker Bovada has the ‘Canes finishing last in the Eastern Conference, tied for the worst Stanley Cup odds in the league. So really, Carolina has nothing to lose. With few expectations, the pressure is off of the league’s youngest team. But should we really expect them to be bottom-dwellers?
In 2015-16, the Hurricanes finished tenth in the Eastern Conference, just seven points out of a playoff spot. They led the league in overtime losses with 16, meaning that if the goal had gone the other way in even half of those games, Carolina would have been a postseason team. They accomplished all of that while ditching veterans Eric Staal, John-Michael Liles, and Kris Versteeg along the way. Granted, those players helped them get to where they ended up, but the Hurricanes only lost five games in regulation out of the eighteen games following the NHL Trade Deadline. This goes to show that the young players in Carolina are willing and able to win.
Since the end of the season, it’s hard to find any way to say that the Hurricanes have gotten worse. Riley Nash was their only impact player lost in free agency, while they added consummate veteran Lee Stempniak on the open market and made a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks to bring in the young, skilled Teuvo Teravainen, as well as Bryan Bickell, who could get back to his better ways with the change of scenery. Add those difference makers to a top nine that features proven scorers Jordan Staal and Jeff Skinner, great young centerpieces Victor Rask and Elias Lindholm and a potential Calder candidate in Sebastian Aho, and Carolina seems far from a team that will struggle to put up points. On the back end, Justin Faulk leads a young defensive core that features Noah Hanifin, Jaccob Slavin, Brett Pesce, Ryan Murphy, and likely at least one of top prospects Haydn Fleury and Roland McKeown, while the Hurricanes boast one of the strongest goalie duos in the league in Cam Ward and Eddie Lack.
So where does the doubt come from? The fact of the matter is that only six skaters on the roster are over the age of 25 (Staal, Stempniak, Stalberg, Bickell, Jay McClement, Ron Hainsey) and a lot is riding on players without much NHL experience. Without the same level of veteran leadership throughout the season, that responsibility may show more in the stats and standings. However, the point still stands that this young team has proven they can win. They seem much more capable than the likes of New Jersey and Columbus in the Metropolitan anyway. There is no disputing that the future is bright for the Hurricanes. The question in 2016-17 is simply how close can they get to that success this early in the re-building process. The answer may surprise many. Stay tuned.