Minor Transactions: 11/11/18
With a busy 11-game schedule Saturday, the NHL remains busy on Sunday with another six games. With all that action, teams are going to make moves to re-stock their roster. Check out our updated transactions throughout the day:
- The Boston Bruins announced they have recalled defenseman Jeremy Lauzon from the Providence Bruins of the AHL on an emergency basis. The 21-year-old has already appeared in four games for Boston as well as another eight for Providence. In fact, if Lauzon gets called upon to play today, he’ll be playing in his third straight game in consecutive days. He was recalled as defenseman Brandon Carlo is listed as questionable after suffering an upper-body injury late in the game Saturday. Lauzon will play for Carlo, if he can’t go.
- The Dallas Stars announced they have assigned forward Denis Gurianov and defenseman Dillon Heatherington to the Texas Stars of the AHL. Gurianov has been a solid addition to the team, posting his first NHL goal Saturday in their 5-4 overtime loss to Nashville. He has been thriving in Texas, putting up six goals and 12 points 11 games there. Heatherington has appeared in five games for Dallas, posting one assist. He’s played in 10 games for Texas this season, accumulating four points. While there are no corresponding moves, it’s likely that the Stars hope that one of their injured forwards could return as both Alexander Radulov and Brett Ritchie both were practicing today, suggesting one, if not both, could be back soon. Heatherington’s demotion suggests the team was more impressed by defenseman Ben Gleason, who played well for Dallas Saturday.
- The Minnesota Wild announced they have assigned forward Matt Read to the Iowa Wild of the AHL. The 32-year-old Read played five games for Minnesota and had six shots on goal, but failed to tally a point in that time. In Iowa, he has two points in seven games. With Matt Hendricks feeling better and able to fill in when needed, Read became expendable.
- It looks like there may not be a “super line” in Bakersfield after all as center Cooper Marody, who many expected would center the elite line of Jesse Puljujarvi and Kailer Yamamoto, has been recalled by the Edmonton Oilers Sunday. Marody will be making his second appearance with the team this year as he played two games with the Oilers earlier, but failed to score. He has three goals and 10 points in seven Bakersfield games this year.
- CapFriendly reports that the Los Angeles Kings have assigned forward Matt Luff to the Ontario Reign of the AHL. The 21-year-old failed to score in three games and will return to Ontario where he compiled six goals and 12 points in just eight games.
Atlantic Notes: Weber, Athanasiou, Pysyk, Kovar
The Montreal Canadiens have had a nice start to the season with an 8-5-3 record to start the season. However, more good news could be on the way as there was a Shea Weber sighting today as the veteran defenseman took the ice this morning along with David Schlemko, Brendan Gallagher, Noah Juulsen and Carey Price, according to TVA’s Renaud Lavoie.
The team captain was originally scheduled to return sometime in December, so it still may be a while before he fully returns, but this is a step in the right direction for the veteran. Weber could add another key element to a young team that seems to have found some offense from a number of young names and gotten some solid goaltending from Price. Adding Weber to their blueline could only make the team stronger as they start hitting the middle of their season schedule.
- The Detroit Red Wings like what they see from winger Andreas Athanasiou so far this year. What the 24-year-old has always lacked was competive consistency, which they are finally starting to see everyday, according to MLive’s Ansar Khan. Athanasiou has always had the speed that many people felt he could put up big numbers if he figured things out. However, the best the Red Wings have gotten out of him has been 18 goals, two years ago. Through 13 games so far this season, he already has six goals and nine points and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. “I know those chances are going to come, so it’s just playing hard when I get out there and capitalizing on those chances,” Athanasiou said.
- George Richards of The Athletic (subscription required) writes that Florida Panthers defenseman Mark Pysyk remains a healthy scratch for the seventh straight time despite being medically cleared to play again on Thursday, but can’t seem to work his way back into Florida’s lineup. He was knocked out of the lineup after taking a hit from Washington’s Alex Ovechkin on Oct. 19. The hope is he will be in the lineup on Sunday.
- Jan Kovar was brought overseas with the intention of plugging him in the New York Islanders’ lineup. Two months later has the 28-year-old Kovar playing on a PTO with the Providence Bruins of the AHL, but faring quite well with five goals and nine points in eight games. Could a promotion be in order? “Smart player,” said Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney (via Providence Journal’s Mark Divver). “I really like the skills, top of the circles down in the offensive zone. What probably surprises me a little bit, coming from (the KHL), is how gritty he is, as far as playing in high traffic, possession.”
- The Tampa Bay Lightning announced that defenseman Anton Stralman and forward Adam Erne were out tonight and are listed as day-to-day, both with upper-body injuries. With the return of defenseman Victor Hedman, it looked as if the team’s defense was almost healthy. Instead, the team will be without Stralman for the time being, who was the one to fill many of Hedman’s minutes. Slater Koekkoek remains in the lineup.
Minor Transactions: 11/10/18
As usual, it’s a busy Saturday around the NHL with 22 teams in action. As a result, there is bound to be plenty of roster movement throughout the day. We’ll keep tabs on those moves here.
- The Bruins announced that they have recalled goaltender Dan Vladar from Providence of the AHL on an emergency basis. He’s taking the place of Tuukka Rask who was granted a leave of absence on Friday. After spending most of last season at the ECHL level, Vladar is off to a solid start with Providence this season, posting a 2.52 GAA and a .909 SV% in seven appearances so far.
- Logan Shaw‘s time with Anaheim’s farm team has come to an end. The San Diego Gulls announced (Twitter link) that they have released the 26-year-old from his AHL contract. Shaw was off to a strong start with the Gulls, collecting five points in seven games to start the season. It’s likely that he will be looking for an opportunity with a team that is in need of some depth down the middle after playing in 72 games last season between the Ducks and the Canadiens.
- The Stars have brought up defenseman Ben Gleason, per a team release. The 20-year-old is off to a strong start to his first professional season, picking up six points in eleven games to lead all Texas blueliners. Gleason signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent back in September and should get an opportunity to play quickly with four defensemen currently injured.
- The Anaheim Ducks announced they have assigned forward Max Comtois to the San Diego Gulls of the AHL on a long-term conditioning loan. Comtois was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 27 after sustaining a lower-body injury and has already missed eight games with the injury. He will likely stick there for up to six days or up to three games. The impending return of the 19-year-old would be good news for Anaheim, who has struggled scoring goals. The second-rounder from 2017 put up an impressive two goals and seven points in 10 games this season.
Trade Rumors: Bruins, Kings, Hurricanes
After another humiliating loss last night, an 8-5 drubbing at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks, the pressure on the Boston Bruins has been ratcheted up even higher. The team is falling short of expectations so far this season due to a total lack of secondary scoring. While speaking on the topic, Sportsnet’s John Shannon reports that the team feels they have too many of the same style of player among their secondary scorer. Shannon is likely referring to young forwards Danton Heinen and Anders Bjork, who have both underwhelmed in middle-six roles, and potentially AHL options Trent Frederic and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, as well as the possible similarities between veterans Joakim Nordstrom, Chris Wagner, Sean Kuraly, and Noel Acciari. Shannon states that the team is not happy and that a trade centered around one of their redundant forwards in exchange for an established young forward is likely coming soon.
- Shannon also states that the Los Angeles Kings are not done making moves after firing head coach John Stevens. However, Shannon reports that the team is waiting to pull the trigger until their trade candidates can repair their market values. With the team struggling so severely to begin the campaign, the Kings would be trading the majority of their players while their stock is at its lowest. This is particularly true for the likes of struggling Tanner Pearson and ineffective Kyle Clifford. Once L.A. can string together some strong outings and potentially see some improvement from Pearson, Clifford and other names out there like Alec Martinez, Jake Muzzin, and Tyler Toffoli, they should become active players on the trade market.
- During the latest “Insider Trading” segment on TSN, Pierre LeBrun confirms that the Carolina Hurricanes are interested in more than just William Nylander. LeBrun says that the Hurricanes are worried about their scoring abilities and want to add a top-six scorer. Nylander is surely Carolina’s favored target, but they are looking elsewhere for help as well. The Hurricanes were recently rumored to be shopping young forward Valentin Zykov and, like the Bruins, may be looking to use his upside to swap for a more established young forward.
Bruins Notes: McAvoy, Rask, JFK
Charlie McAvoy has been out of the Boston Bruins lineup for quite some time under unclear circumstances, but today the team confirmed that the young defenseman has been dealing with concussion symptoms. McAvoy has been “in the protocol” since suffering the injury on October 18th against the Edmonton Oilers, but is working his way back to getting into the lineup.
The Bruins have kept their head above water in the interim, but could really use McAvoy and his minute-munching abilities. The team currently sits at 8-5-2, but have fallen seven points behind the Atlantic Division leading Tampa Bay Lightning and gave up eight goals to the Vancouver Canucks last night. McAvoy has been their best defenseman on most nights he’s in the lineup, and has left a big hole with his absence.
- The Bruins have granted a leave of absence for goaltender Tuukka Rask, meaning he won’t be with the team for the next few days. GM Don Sweeney confirmed it is not health related, and instead is just a personal matter that Rask had to deal with. The team will be leaning on Jaroslav Halak for at least Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and will have to recall a goaltender from Providence to serve as the backup.
- Lastly, the team recalled Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson today to give them some more help up front, and will be starting him as the third line center tomorrow night. “JFK” as he is referred to has just four points in nine games for the Providence Bruins this season, but still holds plenty of promise as a future top-six player. Boston has struggled to find offense from anyone outside of their top line, and will now try just about anything to spark their group up front.
Minor Transactions: 11/06/18
The NHL saw a coaching shakeup this morning when Joel Quenneville was removed from his position with the Chicago Blackhawks, but will quickly move on to other things with nine games on the schedule. As teams prepare for their games, we’ll be right here keeping track of all the minor moves.
- Dakota Mermis has been recalled by the Arizona Coyotes, giving the team a full 23-man roster once again. Mermis, 24, played in nine games for the Coyotes last season and is off to a great start with five points in his first nine games for the Tucson Roadrunners. The Coyotes start a road trip on Thursday when they travel to Philadelphia.
- The Boston Bruins have returned both Anton Blidh and Jeremy Lauzon to the AHL, which could mean good news for some of their injured players. The Bruins are down to just 20 players on the active roster and don’t play until Thursday night, meaning there could be another recall if someone isn’t activated in the next day or so.
- Chase De Leo has been recalled by the Anaheim Ducks, prior to the team’s game tonight in Los Angeles. De Leo has five points in his first eight games in the minor leagues, and will try to fight for a spot in the NHL for the first time this year. The 23-year old forward has just two NHL games under his belt, both with the Winnipeg Jets.
- Christoffer Ehn has been recalled by the Detroit Red Wings, following the move to injured reserve for Jonathan Ericsson. Ehn played nine games with the Red Wings earlier this season, and has shown good ability in the minor leagues. A fourth-round pick from 2014, he’s been performing well this season, his first in North America.
- The Buffalo Sabres have assigned Sean Malone to the Rochester Americans, meaning he must be ready to start playing again. Malone suffered an injury early in training camp and had already been rehabbing in Rochester, but will now be able to suit up for game action.
Minor Transactions: 11/05/18
Ten teams are back in action tonight, kicked off by the reigning Stanley Cup champions welcoming Connor McDavid and the red hot Edmonton Oilers into Washington. Before the games start, we’ll be here keeping track of all the minor moves:
- Tom Kuhnhackl has been recalled by the New York Islanders in time for their game tonight against the Montreal Canadiens. Kuhnhackl scored three points in his lone AHL contest, and will try to reestablish himself in the Islanders bottom six. Unfortunately, he’ll have to wait for at least one game as the Islanders will go with the same lineup that won on Saturday night.
- Anton Blidh is the latest call-up for the Boston Bruins, giving them another option up front. The 23-year old forward has six points in 11 games for the Providence Bruins this season, but adds some energy and physicality to whatever lineup he joins.
- The Florida Panthers are no longer carrying three goaltenders, as Michael Hutchinson has been returned to the minor leagues. Roberto Luongo was activated just before the team went to Europe, meaning Hutchinson is no longer required to stay with the group at the NHL level. Unfortunately, his short opportunity didn’t go well, as the 28-year old goaltender registered just an .839 save percentage in four appearances. He’ll still serve as quality depth at the position, but needs to get his game back on track.
- Travis Boyd is back with the Washington Capitals after finishing his conditioning stint in the minor leagues. The 25-year old forward played two games with the Hershey Bears, but now will re-join the Capitals in time for their game against the Edmonton Oilers tonight. Nathan Walker has been reassigned to the AHL in the meantime, after clearing waivers today.
Eastern Notes: Nylander, Elliott, Hedman, Rask
The Toronto Maple Leafs are running out of time to sign restricted free agent William Nylander and as each day passes, general manager Kyle Dubas may be more and more inclined to look to deal Nylander before they lose him for the season.
In Saturday’s Hockey Night in Canada segment, Elliotte Friedman said that if/when the Maple Leafs decide to move Nylander, expect the Carolina Hurricanes to be ready to make a deal.
“When the time does come — if the time does come that Toronto decides they are going to deal [Nylander] — Carolina has made it very clear that they are all in,” said Friedman.
Carolina has a number of key assets that might interest Toronto, including defensemen Justin Faulk and Brett Pesce. Nylander would be another key piece for the Hurricanes to build up their forward core that already includes Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov.
- The Philadelphia Flyers lost one of their goalies Saturday when Michal Neuvirth was sent back home to Philadelphia for medical reasons. Now, Sam Carchidi of Philly.com writes that Brian Elliott left practice early today after he collided with teammate Travis Konecny. The injury-prone goalie left holding his head, but there is no update, nor is it known if he can play in Monday’s game against Arizona. If not, Calvin Pickard will fill in for him and the team may have to recall Alex Lyon from Lehigh Valley of the AHL. The 33-year-old Elliott has been adequate at best so far in 10 appearances this year. He has a 3.10 GAA and an .893 save percentage.
- The Athletic’s Joe Smith (subscription required) reports that Tampa Bay Lightning head coach said defenseman Victor Hedman, who has been out since Oct. 26 when he collided with Vegas’ Ryan Reaves will be out on Tuesday, but could be ready to return later this week.
- With lots of mailbag questions about Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask, NBC Sports Joe Hagerty writes that he doubts the team would be able to trade the struggling Rask in any upcoming deal. The 31-year-old Rask, who has been outplayed by free agent Jaroslav Halak so far this season, has a 3.15 GAA and a .902 save percentage in six appearances. However, his contract ($7MM AAV for two more years after this one), but more particularly his no-trade clause will prevent Boston from moving him. While many teams might want to give Rask a new opportunity, Haggerty writes he doesn’t believe that Rask has any interest in leaving Boston and wouldn’t be willing to waive his no-trade clause.
Boston Bruins Won’t Wait To Add Help Up Front
By most standards, the Boston Bruins are off to a strong start in 2018-19, sharing the fourth best record in the NHL. By their own standards, the campaign has been less than spectacular thus far due to the heavy reliance on the first line. The grouping of Patrice Bergeron between Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak is considered by many to be the best line in the NHL. Through twelve games, Pastrnak is tied for the league lead in goals with 11 and has a total of 16 points, Bergeron is third in the league in scoring with 19 points, and Marchand has hardly looked himself and has still contributed 15 points. However, beyond those three, scoring has been hard to come by. According to Matt Kalman of WEEI Boston, it’s not a problem that president Cam Neely and company are willing to “wait too long” to solve.
Neely knows that the Bruins cannot possibly top their performance from last season, a Round Two defeat at the hands of the division rival Tampa Bay Lightning, with just one line of production. Yet, that is more or less what they have had so far. Beyond the top line, second line mainstay David Krejci has been playing well with nine points to date. However, he has had little help, as frequent linemates Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen have failed to build upon breakout rookie campaigns and have been held to just three points apiece. Calder hopeful Ryan Donato has been anything but and was recently demoted after recording just a single point in eleven games. Even surprise top-nine regulars Joakim Nordstrom and Anders Bjork have just two points each. This also comes after prospects Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Trent Frederic, and Jack Studnicka all failed to claim an open third-line center spot in camp, a role initially held by veteran David Backes, who was scoreless through seven games before getting injured. Kalman recently opined that Backes should not necessarily even return to the Bruins lineup once healthy.
Neely told Kalman that “we recognize we don’t want to sit around, wait too long, for something that may or may not happen”, as management’s patience with the lack of secondary scoring is running out. He spoke individually on each of the four struggling younsters – DeBrusk, Heinen, Donato, and Bjork – expressing varying degrees of trust in their ability to bounce back, but simply said as a group the young forwards need to improve in all three zones. There is no reason to think that any of the four will turn things around, especially without some shakeup to the roster.
So what could be the next move? Speaking with TSN 1050 in Toronto yesterday, insider Darren Dreger stated that he thinks the Bruins would be willing to part with one of Heinen, 23, or Bjork, 22, in the right deal. The pair share a similar skill set and ceiling and neither has made much of an impact thus far. Of the two, Heinen’s stock is higher, fresh off of a 47-point campaign that placed him among the top ten in rookie scorers. However, Bjork himself was on pace for a 30+ point season prior to season-ending injury and has looked the better of the two thus far this season. Using the last-place Los Angeles Kings as an example, Dreger speculates that a cap-strapped club like L.A. might be willing to part with a Tyler Toffoli or Tanner Pearson for a package based around a young, affordable, and controllable asset like Heinen or Bjork. Beyond Dreger’s hypothetical, the Bruins could also deal from their wealth of defensive prospects or dangle a mid-round draft pick in order to land some help. Established young forwards of any kind would likely be the primary target group, but impending unrestricted free agent centers could also make an immediate difference. The Bruins could kick the tires on the likes of Matt Duchene, Kevin Hayes, Jason Spezza, and Brock Nelson before too long. Neely has made it clear that the team won’t wait to fix their secondary scoring and a deal could occur any time now.
Boston Bruins Send Ryan Donato To AHL
With no game on the schedule until Saturday night, the Boston Bruins have decided to send Ryan Donato to the AHL. It’s not clear how long this demotion will be for, but he’ll likely at least be in the lineup for the Providence Bruins when they take the ice on Friday night. Donato has faced early struggles at both ends of the rink, and may need a boost to his confidence and playing time that can only be found at the lower levels.
Donato, 22, had a whirlwind of a season last year, when he was a Hobey Baker finalist with Harvard after scoring 43 points in 29 games, tied for the goal scoring lead at the Olympics with five, and then exploded onto the NHL scene with three points in his first game. He’d record nine total in the 12 games he played for the Bruins down the stretch, but was held scoreless in the playoffs. This season hasn’t gone nearly as well for the young forward, as he’s been held to just a single goal in 11 games and is a -4 on the year. Those struggles have led to the demotion, but he’s by no means out of the Bruins long-term plans.
Originally selected 56th overall in 2014, the Bruins know that Donato is capable of providing offense at the NHL level. He just needs to find his game and not be limited to diminished ice time and linemates. In Providence he’ll likely be given huge responsibility and prime powerplay opportunities to get his confidence back, while also being able to focus on his play away from the puck. The move may come as a shock to some fans, but it likely will help Donato’s overall game down the road.