2016 NHL Draft Results
Pro Hockey Rumors will be following and updating every selection of the 2016 NHL Draft. Below are the results of the first round.
Round 1
1. Toronto Maple Leafs: C Auston Matthews (Zurich Lions – SUI)
2. Winnipeg Jets: RW Patrik Laine (Tappara – SM-liiga)
3. Columbus Blue Jackets: LW Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton – QMJHL)
4. Edmonton Oilers: RW Jesse Puljujarvi (Karpat – SM-liiga)
5. Vancouver Canucks: D Olli Juolevi (London – OHL)
6. Calgary Flames: LW Matthew Tkachuk (London – OHL)
7. Arizona Coyotes: C Clayton Keller (USA NTDP – USHL)
8. Buffalo Sabres: F Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads – OHL)
9. Montreal Canadiens: D Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor – OHL)
10. Colorado Avalanche: C Tyson Jost (Penticton – BCHL)
11. Ottawa Senators (from New Jersey): C Logan Brown (Windsor – OHL)
12. New Jersey Devils (from Ottawa): C Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads – OHL)
13. Carolina Hurricanes: D Jake Bean (Calgary – WHL)
14. Boston Bruins: D Charlie McAvoy (Boston University – NCAA)
15. Minnesota Wild: C Luke Kunin (Wisconsin – NCAA)
16. Arizona Coyotes (From Detroit): D Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia – OHL)
17. Nashville Predators: D Dante Fabbro (Penticton – BCHL)
18. Winnipeg Jets (From Philadelphia): D Logan Stanley (Windsor – OHL)
19. New York Islanders: LW Kieffer Bellows (US NTDP)
20. Detroit Red Wings (from Arizona via New York Rangers): D Dennis Cholowski (Chilliwack (BCHL)
21. Carolina Hurricanes (from LA Kings): RW Julien Gauthier (Val-d’Or Foreurs – QMJHL
22. Philadelphia Flyers (From Winnipeg via Chicago): C German Rubtsov (Team Russia U-18)
23. Florida Panthers: C Henrik Borgstrom (HIFK – SM-liiga Jr)
24. Anaheim Ducks: LW Max Jones (London – OHL)
25. Dallas Stars: LW Riley Tufte (Blaine – USHSW)
26. St. Louis Blues (From Washington): C Tage Thompson (Connecticut – NCAA)
27. Tampa Bay Lightning: C Brett Howden (Moose Jaw – WHL)
28. Washington Capitals (From St. Louis): D Lucas Johansen (Kelowna – WHL)
29. Boston Bruins (from San Jose): C Trent Frederic (USA U-18 NTDP)
30. Anaheim Ducks (from Pittsburgh via Toronto): C Sam Steel (Regina – WHL)
Snapshots: Shattenkirk, Nugent-Hopkins, Bobrovsky
As we inch closer to the 2016 NHL Draft, trade speculation continues. Here’s a quick look at what’s being said around the league.
- Michael Russo tweets that the Wild and Oilers might pair up on a deal. Russo speculates that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is the likely target for the Wild. David Staples writes that he’s not the biggest fan of this move. While it would yield Mathew Dumba or Jonas Brodin (or possibly both), Staples doesn’t believe it benefits the Oilers in terms of obtaining the puck moving defenseman they need.
- Jimmy Murphy tweets that Kevin Shattenkirk remains a very high priority for several teams. Murphy indicated that the Bruins first round selection (14th overall) might just do the trick. Murphy includes the Red Wings, Rangers, Canadiens, and Coyotes as other possibilities. Joe Haggerty believes the Bruins will ultimately end up with Shattenkirk.
- Kevin Allen writes more about Cam Fowler moving to another team. Allen lists the Red Wings, Canadiens, Bruins, and Sabres as possible landing points. Allen also reports that the Blue Jackets will listen to offers for their 3rd overall pick. Kevin McGran tweeted this as well, adding that Columbus is looking for a proven center.
- Aaron Portzline reports that the Blue Jackets may want to look at offloading goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. The $7.425MM cap hit would be tough to unload on another team without either a weaker return or a willingness to take on some of the salary. Portzline also listed the four goalies who are being shopped: Bobrovsky, Jimmy Howard, Ben Bishop, and Marc-Andre Fleury.
Sabres, Ducks Discussing Cam Fowler
The Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres are engaged in trade talks surrounding Cam Fowler, reports Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News. Their GM’s are scheduled to meet on Friday to continue discussions. ESPN/TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports he could potentially move within the next 24-48 hours.
The 24 year old Fowler has spent his entire six year career with the Ducks after being their first round pick (12th overall) back in 2010. Last season, he played in 69 games with Anaheim, scoring five goals while adding 23 assists. His 28 points was a career low.
Buffalo GM Tim Murray has made it known that he is willing to move the 8th overall pick in Friday’s NHL Entry Draft for a top end, left shot defenseman (Fowler does shoot left handed). However, TSN’s Bob McKenzie notes that the Sabres are not believed to be keen on giving up that pick in this trade. He also adds that a number of other teams have shown an interest in Fowler.
Fowler has two years left on his contract with a cap hit of $4MM and will be an unrestricted free agent at its conclusion. The Ducks already have over $21MM committed to their defensemen for next season according to Cap Friendly and still have pending restricted free agent Hampus Lindholm to re-sign.
Atlantic Notes: Maple Leafs, Murray, DeKeyser
National Post writer Steve Simmons spoke with Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello about the slew of choices facing the Maple Leafs. Simmons expects the Leafs, along with everyone else in the hockey world, to select Arizona native Auston Matthews with the first overall pick. Simmons compares Matthews to former Leafs icon Mats Sundin. Lamoriello also told Simmons that the acquisition of goalie Frederik Andersen from Anaheim secures the Leafs’ goaltending for at least the next five years. After that, the decisions are murky. Simmons writes that the $25MM in contractual obligations to players who may never wear the jersey is just one of several problems Lamoriello must solve.
Other news around the Atlantic Division:
- As Buffalo prepares to host the NHL Draft tomorrow evening, Sabres general manager Tim Murray ponders what moves he has to make next. Buffalo News reporter Mike Harrington writes that Murray has “reeled in” a number of big names to construct a powerful young core, but that his work is far from over. Harrington reports that Murray may be targeting Anaheim defenseman Cam Fowler, and that the Sabres might be willing to part with their eighth overall pick in the draft to do so. Additionally, Harrington lists St. Louis Blues d-man Kevin Shattenkirk and even New York Rangers forward Rick Nash as potential targets.
- Detroit Red Wings restricted free agent Danny DeKeyser told MLive’s Brendan Savage that he doesn’t anticipate any issues signing a new deal with Detroit. Speaking to Savage after throwing out the first pitch at the Detroit Tigers game, DeKeyser indicated that while negotiations have yet to get serious, the 26-year-old defenseman expects to be suiting up for the Winged Wheel once training camp begins. DeKeyser is one of four restricted free agents that the Wings have yet to lock up.
Free Agent Focus: Buffalo Sabres
The 2015-2016 Buffalo Sabres finished with a 35-36-11 record, good for 81 points and 7th in the Atlantic. After finishing dead last the season before, the Sabres improved their record by 27 points. They will no doubt be looking to continue their upward climb and shift their rebuild into the next gear.
Cap Space: $21,871,309 (according to CapFriendly)
Key UFAs: G Chad Johnson and F Jimmy Vesey. After offseason acquisition Robin Lehner went down with an ankle injury in the Sabres’ opening game, Johnson stepped in and held down the fort admirably. He finished with a .920 SV% and a 2.36 GAA in 45 games. Given that Lehner is still an unproven commodity, the Sabres still need a capable backup in case things go sour. The Sabres have made big splashes in the past two off-seasons, so it is not be out of the question for the Sabres to go after a high-profile goalie and relegate Lehner to a backup role. That would leave Johnson as the odd man out, especially with young prospect Linus Ullmark waiting in the wings.
The Sabres traded for Jimmy Vesey’s negotiating rights on Monday June 20th, which we reported here. Vesey won the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top hockey player, and was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2012. Nashville traded the young prospect after they failed to sign him late in the season. Despite the trade however, Vesey’s camp maintains that he still plans to explore unrestricted free agency.
Other UFAs: F David Legwand, D Carlo Colaiacovo.
Key RFAs: F Marcus Foligno, F Zemgus Girgensons, and D Rasmus Ristolainen. Foligno is fresh off an ELC and looking for a reasonable raise as he enters his RFA years. The young forward finished last year with 10G and 23P in 75 games. Girgensons is also coming off an ELC and 7G and 18P in 71 games. While the Sabres would like to bring him back, the Latvian centerman is rumored to be considering signing in the KHL. Finally, Finnish defenseman Ristolainen finished fourth in team scoring with 9G and 41P in 82 games. He lead the team in playing time with over 25 minutes—three minutes more than any other player. Re-signing the former first-rounder is Buffalo’s main RFA priority.
Other RFAs: D Casey Nelson, D Jake McCabe, G Jason Kasdorf.
Sabres GM Talks Vesey, Draft
Buffalo GM Tim Murray spoke to the media on Tuesday to talk about the upcoming draft and yesterday’s acquisition of Jimmy Vesey’s negotiating rights. John Vogl of the Buffalo News has the highlights.
On Vesey, the Hobey Baker winner for the best college player last season:
“It’s a gamble,” He can sign with somebody else August 15, but it was a third-round pick and we can debate the value of third-round picks. Between 30 percent and 10 percent of them play.
“He’s got top-six potential. He’s the type of player we’re looking for.”
Since the trade occurred, Vesey’s agent acknowledged that he still intends to test the free agent market in mid-August, according to WKBW’s Nick Filipowski.
On the 8th overall pick, Buffalo’s first selection in Friday’s NHL Entry Draft:
“If somebody offers us a top-end, young, left-shot” defenseman “and they demand our eighth overall pick and we feel it makes us better, we’ll do the trade.”
Murray added that the team has a shortlist of three players at that selection should they hold onto the pick. The team isn’t willing to move any of their top young players to move up in the draft, notes Mike Harrington, also of the Buffalo News.
Murray also noted that the team has been in talks with D Rasmus Ristolainen, D Jake McCabe, and F Zemgus Girgensons on new contracts. The team has not yet started negotiations with F Marcus Foligno, reports Shawn Stepner of WKBW.
Sabres Ink Nicolas Deslauriers To A Two-Year Deal
UPDATE: 6:39 PM CST: Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports that Deslauriers will make $775,000 per year for two years.
After trading for the rights to Jimmy Vesey, the Buffalo Sabres have also re-signed forward Nicolas Deslauriers to a two-way deal, according to the team site. Deslauriers was a useful bottom-six piece for the Sabres the past couple of years, putting up 25 points over 162 games. While he’s not an offensive threat, he plays an up-tempo game and has logged over 200 hits in back-to-back seasons.
Buffalo Acquires Jimmy Vesey From Predators
UPDATE 3:52 PM CST: Bob McKenzie throws a little water on the fire of Vesey signing, with a couple of quotes from Sabres GM Tim Murray: “Why not us? Why not give it a shot? We have a spot in our Top 6 for him. We had four 3rd-round picks.” and “If I could’ve traded (rental) Jamie McGinn for Vesey’s rights at deadline, I’d have done it. We’ll give it our best shot.” While it still seems likely that Buffalo will sign him, perhaps it’s not quite as certain.
3:48 PM CST: In addition to being close with Eichel, Michael Russo of the Star Tribune adds that he’s been skating with him for a month already.
3:33 PM CST: According to Nashville Predators’ Twitter, the team has dealt the rights to NCAA winger Jimmy Vesey to Buffalo for a third round pick in this year’s draft. Tom Gulitti of NHL.com adds that it is Minnesota’s pick that is being dealt, 76th overall.
After much speculation that the Harvard winger would wait until August 15th, when he would be come an unrestricted free agent it seems Buffalo is certain they can get him signed before then. Vesey is close with Jack Eichel, the Sabres’ top pick from a year ago.
If the Sabres can get him signed, it’s a big addition to a club already brimming with young talent. Vesey 46 points this past year for Harvard, coming third in overall scoring in the ECAC. Now 23-years old, Vesey will be expected to step right into the Buffalo lineup and contribute. His size and skill will lead him to a top-six role quickly in the NHL, though there may be some doubt in his ability to become an elite winger.
For the Predators, it’s a fairly decent return for a player who was clearly not going to sign with them. Vesey was determined to become a free agent in August, meaning that the Predators would have lost him for nothing. Instead, they replace the 66th overall pick they spent on him with a 76th a few years later. While obviously not as good as getting Vesey for themselves, they’ll take what they can get at this point.
Rumor Roundup: Bogosian, Kulikov, Trouba
Rumor season is alive and well as we head towards the NHL Entry Draft and free agency. While fans salivate at the possibilities, and reporters fight for any scrap of information, here are some of the rumors that are floating around the league right now:
- In an offseason that will be spent trying to find a number one (not to mention two, three, and four) defenceman, David Staples of the Edmonton Journal hears that the Oilers are interested, at least somewhat, in Buffalo Sabres blueliner Zach Bogosian and have been since last season. While it doesn’t seem likely that the former third overall pick would be on the move to Edmonton due to his no-movement clause, Buffalo may try to get him to waive it in order to move his contract.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com hears that the Boston Bruins have interest in Florida defenceman Dmitry Kulikov and have at least been kicking the tires on a possible trade. The 25-year old has just one year remaining on his contract at $4.3MM before he would become a (much sought after) UFA. The Panthers have a lot of young players that they need to get signed over the next year and a half, with Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, Reilly Smith and Alex Petrovic all restricted free agents after next season.
- After rumors swirled this week about the Colorado Avalanche’s interest in Jets’ defenceman Jacob Trouba, Mike Chambers of the Denver Post asked GM Joe Sakic about it: “There’s a lot of speculation out there. All I can tell you is we’ve had conversations with different teams and we want to try to improve our crop.”. Trouba is sure to be sought after by many teams if the Jets do indeed make him available this summer. The 22-year old is a former ninth overall pick, is an RFA for the first time this summer and has performed well in his three NHL seasons.