Blackhawks Sign Knott To Entry-Level Deal
The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have signed 2015 second-round pick Graham Knott to an entry-level contract. CapFriendly confirms that it is a standard three-year deal with the $925K maximum entry-level cap hit. The big left wing has looked good in camp, and is coming off of a 42-point season with the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs, who he helped lead to the league finals.
Although the 6’3″ 19-year-old is likely headed back to juniors this year, he is an interesting prospect for Hawks fans to keep an eye on. A power forward who plays a complete two-way game, Knott has the skill and hockey sense to be an effective NHLer. However, he may need more development on the finesse of his game before he’s ready for the next level.
With Knott signed on officially, he joins a massive list of young wingers fighting for a spot on the Blackhawks this season. Ryan Hartman, Vinnie Hinostroza, Mark McNeill, Nick Schmaltz, and Tyler Motte are all looking to fill a plethora of holes in Chicago’s bottom-six, and Knott hopes to keep his name in contention for as long as possible.
Injury Notes: Janmark & Schwartz
The Dallas Stars have had a tough off-season, and it just got worse. The team announced that young center Mattias Janmark is expected to miss up to six months as he recovers from knee surgery. It was first reported that Janmark had been seen on crutches and was then scratched from Dallas’ preseason match-up, but the extent of the injury was unknown. As it turns out, it wasn’t so much an injury, but a preexisting condition that has sidelined Janmark. Stars GM Jim Nill announced that Janmark has been diagnosed with Osteochondritis Dissecans, a structural issue in the knee joint that is present at birth. Although the condition is not considered career-threatening, after a promising rookie campaign, it is disappointing to hear that Janmark will be out until March or April at the earliest, and could end up missing his entire sophomore season. With Cody Eakin injured and expected to miss up to two months, and team leaders Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin both recovering from injuries, the Stars have had bad luck lately. Everyone will have to chip in to make up for the losses, as well as work hard to stay healthy, if Dallas wants any chance of repeating as Central Division champs.
One of their main competitors for that title, the St. Louis Blues, are having injury issues of their own. What seemed at first to be a minor upper body injury for young winger Jaden Schwartz, has now been announced as a serious elbow injury that will keep him out of the lineup through the first month of the season at least. Schwartz missed 49 games recovering from an ankle injury last season, and it off to a tough start in 2016-17. The 23-year-old has shown great scoring ability when healthy, but the Blues have to be worried about the durability of a player that they handed a five-year, $26.75MM deal to this summer. With Alex Steen recovering from off-season shoulder surgery and Robby Fabbri dealing with a day-to-day upper body injury of his own, the Blues depth at left wing may face some early challenges this season.
Training Camp Cuts: 9/30/16
With the last day of September upon us, expect many players to be sent home from NHL camps today, as teams look forward to October and the start of the 2016-17 season. Today is also the first day that waivers applies to any eligible players being sent down. Here is list of players that have been cut so far and where they have been assigned:
Columbus Blue Jackets (Via Team Release)
F Paul Bittner (Cleveland, AHL)
F Ryan Craig (Cleveland, AHL)
F Jordan Maletta (Cleveland, AHL)
D Blake Siebenaler (Cleveland, AHL)
C Alex Broadhurst (waivers -> Cleveland, AHL)
LW Brett Gallant (waivers -> Cleveland, AHL)
D Jaime Sifers (waivers -> Cleveland, AHL)
Minnesota Wild (Via TVA’s Renaud Lavoie)
F Marc Hagel (waivers -> Iowa, AHL)
D Zach Palmquist (waivers -> Iowa, AHL)
Nashville Predators (Via TVA’s Renaud Lavoie)
D Petter Granberg (waivers -> Milwaukee, AHL)
D Matt Irwin (waivers -> Milwaukee, AHL)
LW Mike Liambis (waivers -> Milwaukee, AHL)
F Adam Payerl (waivers -> Milwaukee, AHL)
LW Harry Zolniercyk (waivers -> Milwaukee, AHL)
New York Islanders (Via Newsday’s Arthur Staple)
F Ben Holmstrom (waivers -> Bridgeport, AHL)
F Bracken Kearns (waivers -> Bridgeport, AHL)
D Loic Leduc (Bridgeport, AHL)
F Kyle Schempp (Bridgeport, AHL)
C Carter Verhaeghe (Bridgeport, AHL)
LW Josh Winquist (released from PTO)
Philadelphia Flyers (Via TVA’s Renaud Lavoie)
D T.J. Brennan (waivers -> Lehigh Valley, AHL)
F Greg Carey (waivers -> Lehigh Valley, AHL)
RW Chris Conner (waivers -> Lehigh Valley, AHL)
C Andy Miele (waivers -> Lehigh Valley, AHL)
RW Petr Straka (waivers -> Lehigh Valley, AHL)
St. Louis Blues (Via NHL.com’s Lou Korac)
LW Andrew Agozzino (waivers -> Chicago, AHL)
D Chris Butler (waivers -> Chicago, AHL)
RW Jordan Caron (waivers -> Chicago, AHL)
C Alex Friesen (waivers -> Chicago, AHL)
D Morgan Ellis (waivers -> Chicago, AHL)
D Brad Hunt (waivers -> Chicago, AHL)
2016-17 Season Preview: Boston Bruins
With NHL preseason underway, PHR continues to look at each team in-depth and the focus now turns to a team making news recently, the Boston Bruins.
Last season: 42-31-9 (93 points), 4th in the Atlantic Division, 9th in the Eastern Conference
Cap Space Remaining: $5.832MM according to Cap Friendly
Key Newcomers: C/RW David Backes (free agency, St. Louis Blues), G Anton Khudobin (free agency, Anaheim Ducks), C Dominic Moore (free agency, New York Rangers), RW Peter Mueller (PTO), C/RW Riley Nash (free agency, Carolina Hurricanes)
Key Departures: RW Brett Connolly (free agency, Washington Capitals), RW Loui Eriksson (free agency, Vancouver Canucks), RW Landon Ferraro (free agency, St. Louis Blues), G Jonas Gustavsson (free agency, Edmonton Oilers), C Chris Kelly (free agency, Ottawa Senators), C Joonas Kemppainen (free agency, KHL), C Alexander Khokhlachev (free agency, KHL), D Dennis Seidenberg (free agency, unsigned), RW Lee Stempniak (free agency, Carolina Hurricanes), C Max Talbot (free agency, KHL), D Zach Trotman (free agency, Los Angeles Kings)
Player to Watch: Jimmy Hayes – The first season in Boston for the local boy Hayes did not go as well as he, or anyone for that matter, expected. After coming over from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Reilly Smith, the “pride of Dorchester” was expected to, at the very least, be a 20-goal scorer for the Bruins. Instead, he scored six less goals than the year before and watched his point total drop to just 29 points in 75 games. He also drew much criticism from Boston fans and media for his lack of a physical game an net-front presence despite his 6’5″ frame. Hayes has reportedly been working on his crash-the-net skills and skating ability this off-season, and hopes to rebound in 2016-17. Hayes has little choice but to improve his game, or his time back in his hometown could be cut short. With Loui Eriksson, Lee Stempniak, and Brett Connolly now gone and Frank Vatrano missing the first couple months of the season with an injury, the opportunities will be there for Hayes to prove himself as a top-nine contributor. While it remains to be seen where in the lineup coach Claude Julien sees newcomers David Backes and Riley Nash playing, Hayes should nevertheless have a shot at playing on the right side of a talented center to start the new season, whether that be Backes, Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, or Ryan Spooner. A strong camp for Hayes will be key, as he looks to establish himself as a top scoring option at right wing, holding off youngsters like David Pastrnak, Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Zach Senyshyn. If he’s able to find a good fit in the top nine, expect Hayes to put up good numbers this season. If not, expect Hayes to be spending a lot of time in the press box.
Key Storylines: General Manager Don Sweeney surprised many critics with his big free agency acquisition of David Backes, savvy signings of Riley Nash and Anton Khudobin, and most recently, his astonishingly affordable extension of Brad Marchand. However, Sweeney has done nothing this off-season to address Boston’s biggest need: defense. The Bruins are more than likely very interested in the likes of Jacob Trouba, Hampus Lindholm, Cam Fowler and others, but as of now have yet to make a move to bring one of them in. Their current group of blue liners is the same as it was at the end of 2015-16, minus Dennis Seidenberg. How is it that the defense, which has been the main reason why the Bruins have missed the playoffs the past two years, has not been improved? Does Sweeney know something that we don’t? Other than the recently-extended Torey Krug, the defense lacks much optimism this season. Zdeno Chara is still an effective shutdown defenseman, but has slowed with age. As has John-Michael Liles, who begins his first full season with the Bruins, but with few expectations. On the right side, Kevan Miller has proved himself to be a serviceable defenseman, but far from a top option and Adam McQuaid has never been more than a good stay-at-home player for the bottom pair. A lot is riding on the success of young puck-mover Colin Miller, who will be given every opportunity to stick as an NHL regular this season, and perhaps establish himself as a future star. Those six leave little for the imagination though. It is possible that Sweeney expects big things from his prospect defenseman this season. Big 19-year-old bruiser Brandon Carlo, a 2015 2nd-round pick, has especially turned some heads, and may be on track to win a spot in camp after a strong junior season, excellent World Junior Championship performance, and brief stint with AHL Providence last year. Two other 2015 top picks, Jakub Zboril and Jeremy Lauzon, may also be NHL-ready with their strong possession ability, but would have to be returned to junior if they don’t make the team out of the gate. Something has to give with improving this defense, and sooner rather than later, or the Bruins fate could be the same as the past two seasons.
The Bruins are built to win now, and the team has continually shown their belief in that with big deals for Matt Beleskey and David Backes in back-to-back years and an unwillingness to trade away veteran pieces. However, should the Bruins struggle early in 2016-17, don’t be surprised to see a flurry of moves this season. Coach Claude Julien has been on the hot seat for longer than nearly any coach in the league, and the fuse could be very short for ownership and management this season. Armed with one of the deeper prospect systems in the NHL and with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand signed long-term to usher in the next generation, the Bruins may be comfortable dealing away pieces in their prime and injecting youth into the lineup. On the other side, if the Bruins reverse their fortunes and are leading a strong campaign in the new season, expect trade talk surrounding top pair defenseman to ramp up, as Boston has the top prospect pieces to interest a seller. Just as unlikely as it is that the Bruins stick with their current starters on defense too deep into the season, it is equally unlikely that they end this upcoming season without major additions or subtractions to the roster.
League News: Olympics, World Cup, Lockout, Gretzky, Outdoor Games
Dan Rosen of NHL.com spoke with deputy commissioner Bill Daly, who said that there has been little progress in talks about the league sending players to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, but that a decision will be made by November or December. The league is trying to speed up the decision-making process, Daly said, as the end of the year will be too late for schedule-makers who are trying to set up the 2017-18 season. Whether or not the NHL sends it’s players to the next Olympics will greatly impact the structure and length of next season. The reported hold up in those negotiations has been cost issues facing the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as the NHL is looking for fair value in putting a halt to their season and exposing their players to injury risks only for exposure in a non-traditional hockey country. While players, like Alex Ovechkin, have already committed to playing in the Olympics, regardless of the NHL’s stance, Daly has said that it would be a “club issue” for those players that choose to leave. As far as the league goes, Daly feels more negatively toward the situation now than he did just a few weeks ago, and the NHL skipping out on Pyeongchang is becoming a real possibility. However, it has been reported by multiple sources that not competing in 2018 might not signal the absolute end of NHL participation in the Winter Games. The 2022 Olympics are scheduled to take place in Beijing, and China is a very populous country that has just begun to embrace the sport of hockey, as shown by the establishment of KHL team Kunlun Red Star, who are currently taking part in their inaugural season. In 2026, Calgary, Canada, Stockholm, Sweden, and multiple cities in both the United States and Switzerland have been confirmed as potential bids for the Games, all of which would be strong markets for NHL hockey. Whether the NHL will (or should) take part in the 2018 games will be decided shortly, but regardless the NHL and the Olympic Games have a future together.
In other league news:
- Continued participation in the Winter Olympics will not deter the extended existence of the World Cup of Hockey. ESPN’s Pierre Lebrun reports that the NHL and NHLPA have agreed that the World Cup is “here to stay”. Although the structure of the tournament could change, the games will continue to be played every fourth year. Building off the successes – and failures – of this World Cup, decision-makers moving forward will have to evaluate the viability of teams like Europe and North America, as well as consider many different locations and formats for the tournament. One way or another, expect the World Cup of Hockey to become a regular event in the future of the sport.
- While the NHL and the Player’s Association agree on the World Cup, that may be where their good terms end. At least one insider believes that another lockout is a “foregone conclusion” in 2020. Octagon Sports player agent Allan Walsh stated as much in a recent tweet, though no further evidence was provided to support it. With recent labor struggles having put a prominent stain on the league’s reputation, one has to think the commissioner Gary Bettman will do all that he can to avoid yet another lockout, which would be the third since the turn of the century.
- In happier news for hockey fans, the game’s most legendary player has returned to a role with the NHL. The league announced that it’s ambassador for it’s centennial celebration in 2017 will be none other than “The Great One”, Wayne Gretzky. The legendary player will make a multitude of appearances throughout the year, trying to bring together generations of fans for the league’s 100-year celebration.
- Part of that celebration is the addition of a second outdoor game around the holidays. The Winter Classic, between the host Blues and the Blackhawks will take place on January 2nd of 2017, as opposed to it’s regular date of January 1st, as New Year’s Day will be reserved for the Centennial Classic in Toronto between the Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings. Later in the month, the Penguins and Flyers will also face-off in an outdoor showdown. The league released the logos for both the Centennial Classic and Stadium Series game today, as the PR machine is already running for the year-long celebration that’s on the horizon. Additionally, the league is reportedly looking to schedule yet another outdoor game, in Montreal, for the beginning of the 2017-18 season.
Las Vegas Searching For Affiliate
Part of putting together an expansion team in the NHL is building your farm system from the ground up. To establish that ground level, you first need a minor league affiliate. Just like the NHL, the AHL will grow by one in 2017-18, and the hunt has begun for that 31st member.
Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Las Vegas owner Bill Foley has begun to look for locations for his second franchise purchase, and there are pros and cons to many of the possibilities. The AHL has seen a western migration in recent years, making the establishment of a team near Las Vegas an easier mission. Foley does not want to share Las Vegas with the AHL franchise, like soon-to-be conference rival San Jose, but is looking at other locations nearby. Reno, Nevada, Fresno, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah are the leading candidates so far, and a move is expected shortly.
While free agents are not usually concerned about AHL locations when signing with an NHL team, Las Vegas will lack the full farm system that all of it’s competitors have when it begins operations next season. The AHL roster will only feature leftovers from the Expansion Draft and potentially an overage Entry Draft pick or two. Thus, GM George McPhee will have to work some magic on the open market next summer in order to help populate his new AHL team with some free agent prospects. The location that they end up choosing will be a big selling point for the new team, as many signing on will understand that they’re needed to keep the AHL team going in Year One.
Potential Landing Spots For Trouba
After the report came out that Jets restricted free agent defenseman Jacob Trouba had asked for a trade out of Winnipeg, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff stated that he would do what’s “best for the team” in handling the situation. Although the Jets have all of the leverage – Trouba’s only choice other than to re-sign with Winnipeg or accept a trade and sign is to play overseas – they are on the clock to figure out what to do about the young blue liner. With Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers, and Paul Postma already on the roster, losing Trouba would not be as catastrophic for the Jets as it would be for most teams, but they are also not going to just give him away. A young, right-shot defenseman is one of the most valuable assets in the NHL, and the Jets should be able to get quite the package in return for Trouba. However, that price will inevitably drop the further the stand-off lasts into the regular season, and should the Jets fail to make a move by December 1st, the signing deadline for RFA’s, then Trouba will not be allowed to play at all in 2016-17 and the price will plummet.
Nearly every team in the NHL is probably kicking the tires on Trouba right now, but the list of teams who are actually willing and capable of making the deal is actually fairly short. Although Trouba’s agent Kevin Overhardt says that the main reason that Trouba wants out of Winnipeg is the lack of opportunity behind Byfuglien and Myers, the relationship between the team and the young defenseman began to break down last year when it was reported that Trouba was looking for $7MM per year. If the 22-year-old really is holding to a $6MM to $7MM yearly price tag, several D-needy teams with cap troubles, like the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Colorado Avalanche may have a difficult time making a deal without sending significant salary the other way. The problem with that is whether Winnipeg is willing to take on high-salary players. Their ideal package will likely include a young left-shot defenseman and a young forward, rather than any high-priced veterans. With that criteria in mind, here are the most likely destinations for Trouba if his trade request does pan out:
Arizona Coyotes
The Coyotes are actually very deep on the right side of the blue line, with Michael Stone, Connor Murphy, Luke Schenn and Zbynek Michalek in the fold, but have long been pursuing a true top-pair partner for Oliver Ekman-Larsson. They are also armed with the deepest prospect system in the NHL, and could offer the Jets any number of elite young forwards to make this deal happen. If Winnipeg holds tight to their request for a young lefty defenseman, it’s possible that GM John Chayka could part with 2016 first-rounder Jakob Chychrun. If he’s not, the pickings are slim at left defense. The Coyotes have the most quality young talent up front to offer the Jets, but would also have to suffer a high cost as a Western Conference competitor. Arizona has been connected to Trouba in the rumor mill for months, but are they willing to pay the price to get him?
Boston Bruins
The Bruins defense is nothing to write home about. In fact, a team that was the best two-way squad in the league a few short years ago has missed the playoffs is back-to-back years due mostly in part to poor play on the back end. Boston is slated to enter the 2016-17 season with Colin Miller, Kevan Miller, and Adam McQuaid as their starters on the right side, even though all three would be bottom pair or extra defenseman on most teams in the NHL. Colin Miller has potential, as does Brandon Carlo, who is looking to win a job this year, and 2016 first-rounder Charlie McAvoy looks like a future star. That won’t stop GM Don Sweeney from jumping at the chance to acquire a young right-shot stalwart though. The Bruins have the roster and cap space to bring in Trouba and put him on the top pair with Torey Krug or Zdeno Chara. The question for the Bruins is whether or not they have the pieces to make it happen. At left defense, Krug is untouchable and former top picks Joe Morrow and Linus Arnesson have yet to establish themselves as reliable pros. The Jets would have to accept a top prospect like Jakub Zboril or Jeremy Lauzon at the position, as well as one or more of the Bruins deep group of forward prospects. The Bruins do have more to choose from in quality centers in the system, Winnipeg’s biggest need up front, than the Coyotes or Maple Leafs do. The last time the Jets (read: Thrashers) made a deal with the Bruins, they ended up with captain Blake Wheeler. The pair could swing another big deal with Trouba.
Edmonton Oilers
The situation with Edmonton is pretty cut-and-dry. A young team on the cusp of finally putting it all together, the Oilers still have concerns on defense even after trading away Taylor Hall to get Adam Larsson. If they could add Trouba to the mix, it would be a great addition. However, the cost would be a young roster defenseman on the left side, whether that’s Darnell Nurse, Oscar Klefbom, or maybe Griffin Reinhart. Depending on which one, other picks and prospects would be involved as well. Not only a conference opponent, but also a Canadian rival, Edmonton will not get Trouba at a discount rate from Winnipeg. If GM Peter Chiarelli is unwilling to part with one of his current defensive core, the Oilers lack the ability to bring in Trouba.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils defense is perhaps the worst in the NHL. They also have more available cap space than nearly any other team. Acquiring Trouba makes too much sense for the Devils, but can they get it done? If the Jets aren’t interested in Jon Merrill, New Jersey has almost nothing to offer at left defense. GM Ray Shero could offer up a 1st-round pick instead, guaranteed to be a lottery pick, and a top prospect like Pavel Zacha or one of their two 2016 1st-rounders, but whether he would do that and whether Winnipeg would accept it is another thing. The Devils will likely try hard for Trouba, but are only as likely as the teams with no cap space to somehow force a deal. The fit doesn’t seem to be there.
Toronto Maple Leafs
It would be nearly impossible for the Red Wings to fit Trouba’s new contract on the books, and also very hard for the Rangers or Avs to find the flexibility. Just inside the range of teams who could somehow make it work are the Maple Leafs. With only import Nikita Zaitsev and veteran Roman Polak as right-shot defenseman on the roster, as well as no one resembling a future top-pair righty in the system, Toronto would love to capitalize on Trouba’s availability and acquire a long-term partner for Morgan Rielly. Jake Gardiner or Martin Marincin might not be what Winnipeg is looking for, but like New Jersey, Toronto can offer a high first-rounder, or enough forward talent to offset a weaker left-shot defenseman. The fit is not great, but there are options there for GM Lou Lamoriello to make a suitable offer to the Jets.
Clarke MacArthur Suffers Concussion
The Ottawa Senators have announced that winger Clarke MacArthur has suffered a concussion as the result of a hard, blindside hit in training camp earlier today. In an update with GM Pierre Dorion, he confirmed the diagnosis, and stated that MacArthur was sent home and that his condition will be treated as day-to-day until further notice. MacArthur missed most of the 2015-16 season with a concussion, playing in only four games, and was on-track to be healthy for the start of the season. That is now in doubt after another head injury.
The hit in question took place in the corner of the ice during a scrimmage, when defenseman Patrick Sieloff appeared to hit MacArthur high and against the boards, causing his upper body to slam against the glass. MacArthur went down immediately and had to be helped off the ice. Bobby Ryan immediately went after Sieloff, starting a fight that ended with an angry, profanity-laced rant toward the defenseman. Chris Neil and Derick Brassard both went after Sieloff as well as the game continued, before he was asked to leave the ice. Sieloff, who was acquired by the Senators this summer from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Alex Chiasson, was hoping to earn a roster spot in camp. That seems extremely unlikely now, as the young blue liner has lost the locker room in Ottawa. Many members of the Senators were reportedly shaken by witnessing the injury, good friend Dion Phaneuf in particular, as MacArthur is very well-liked among his team mates. Although it is a rough start in a new place for a player who was likely just trying to show off his toughness, Sieloff’s hit would have been a major penalty in a real game and is simply unacceptable in a team scrimmage.
Hopefully the concussion is only low-grade, as MacArthur is a key piece of the Senator’s offense when healthy. In his first season in Ottawa, back in 2013-14, he scored 55 points, including a career-high 24 goals. However, injury concerns have slowed him down and another major concussion might not mean just another lengthy injury stint; it could derail his hockey career altogether. The Senators, their players, and fans are certainly hoping for the best for MacArthur. More information will likely be available in the coming week.
2016-17 Season Preview: Los Angeles Kings
With training camp underway and puck drop on the new NHL season right around the corner, PHR continues to look at each team in-depth, with our focus today on the 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.
Last season: 48-28-6 (102 points), 2nd place in the Pacific Division. Lost in first round vs. San Jose Sharks (4-1)
Cap Space Remaining: $513K according to Cap Friendly
Key Newcomers: D Tom Gilbert (free agency, Montreal Canadiens), C Michael Latta (free agency, Washington Capitals), RW Teddy Purcell (free agency, Florida Panthers), D Zach Trotman (free agency, Boston Bruins), G Jeff Zatkoff (free agency, Pittsburgh Penguins)
Key Departures: G Jhonas Enroth (free agency, Toronto Maple Leafs), C Vincent Lecavalier (retirement), LW Milan Lucic (free agency, Edmonton Oilers), D Jamie McBain (free agency, Arizona Coyotes), D Luke Schenn (free agency, Arizona Coyotes), D Jeff Schultz (free agency, Anaheim Ducks), RW Kris Versteeg (PTO, Edmonton Oilers)
Player to Watch: Tanner Pearson – The Kings worked hard to re-sign Milan Lucic, but their cap situation put them in a difficult situation to be a competitive suitor on the open market. Lucic is now gone, as is Kris Versteeg, from a team that has also lost Justin Williams and Mike Richards since their run of two Stanley Cups in three seasons just a few short years ago. Dustin Brown is no longer the offensive force he once was, and has been relegated to a bottom-six role. A once-prolific offense is now very dependent on too few players, namely Anze Kopitar, Marian Gaborik, Tyler Toffoli, and (the injured) Jeff Carter. Someone needs to step up in 2016-17, and the top candidate is the young winger Pearson. Coming up through the system with Toffoli, Pearson has watched his team mate break out, while his own development has been slower. After a solid 36-point campaign in 2015-16, including being one of the few bright spots of the Kings’ disappointing playoff exit, Pearson appears ready to have his own “big leap” season ahead. The Kings will need it, as they will again face a tough challenge in the Pacific against the rival San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks.
Key Storyline: With Jonathan Quick in net and one of the best pairs in the league, Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin, leading the defense, the Kings finished third in the league in goals against in 2015-16. However, their offense was only middle-of-the-pack, and that was with Milan Lucic and his 55 points. No one doubts that L.A. will be a playoff team in 2016-17, but will they be a legitimate contender if their offense is below average? It will be difficult considering their tough divisional competition. The Kings had losing records against both the Sharks and Ducks (2-3 against both) last season, and then San Jose dominated the Kings in the playoffs, limiting them to just 11 goals in a quick five-game exit. The Sharks went all the way to the Stanley Cup final, and then added talent to their forward core through free agency and prospect development, whereas the Kings brought in only Teddy Purcell. If L.A. can’t find some unexpected production on offense this season, third place in the Pacific seems like the ceiling for the Kings.
Senators Notes: Stone, Russell, Seidenberg, Kelly, Vermette
After it was first reported that young Senators forward Mark Stone suffered a concussion in training camp, his second in a six-month period, many were not optimistic about a speedy recovery. The phrases “no timetable” and “out indefinitely” seemed more likely to mean the injury was long-term than only minor. However, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports today that GM Pierre Dorion actually expects Stone to be in the starting lineup on opening night on October 12th. If this prediction rings true, it will not be a very long absence for Stone after all, rather less than three weeks before he’s ready for game action. Whether this projection is accurate (or safe) is up for debate, but having Stone ready to start the season would be very lucky for Ottawa. The top-six winger is coming off of back-to-back 60+ point seasons, and is one of the best all-around players on the team. A day-to-day diagnosis was the best case scenario for Senators fans.
In other Ottawa news:
- Garrioch also reports that Dorion informed him that he has stayed in touch with the agents for defensemen Kris Russell and Dennis Seidenberg. While the Senators have a solid top four on the blue line, their depth is lacking after that. Dorion wants to see how the preseason goes for the Sens defense, especially when it comes to the performance of Chris Wideman, Michael Kostka, and invite Matt Bartkowski, before he makes the decision to sign one of the veteran defensemen left on the market. Russell has been one of the big stories of the off-season, as many are surprised that he is still available, and he would be a perfect fit on any team’s bottom pair, while the Senators have faced the veteran Bruin Seidenberg for years and may be interested in bringing him in for his experience and leadership.
- Ottawa has already brought in one former veteran member of the Boston Bruins, and former-Sen, in Chris Kelly. Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun writes that Kelly may not be the strong two-way presence he once was, but brings a “maturity” and leadership that the Senators greatly needed. Kelly turned down an offer to return to the Bruins, coming off a season-ending injury in 2015-16, as he felt that his leadership ability made him a better fit on a young Senators squad than the veteran, captain-filled Bruins team.
- Garrioch adds that, while Kelly was already in the fold, the Senators did reach out to Antoine Vermette when the experienced center became available late in the off-season. However, Dorion says that by the time he made contact, Vermette already felt comfortable with accepting the offer that the Anaheim Ducks had made him.