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Training Camp Cuts: 09/22/17

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The cuts keep coming from training camps around the league as the season draws near, with less than two weeks from opening night. Teams are starting to whittle down the players they’ll take in the regular season. Like every day, we’ll keep track of all the cuts right here:

Anaheim Ducks

F Antoine Morand – Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

Colorado Avalanche

F Travis Barron – Ottawa (OHL)
F J.C. Beaudin – San Antonio (AHL)
F Julien Nantel – San Antonio (AHL)

Columbus Blue Jackets

F Hayden Hodgson –  released from PTO

Dallas Stars

F Nick Caamano – Flint (OHL)

Los Angeles Kings

F Shane Walsh – released from PTO
F Evan Weinger – released from PTO
D Clayton Kirichenko – released from PTO

Minnesota Wild

D Gustav Bouramman – Iowa (AHL)
D Dylan Labbe – Iowa (AHL)
D Hunter Warner – Iowa (AHL)
F Adam Gilmour – Iowa (AHL)
F Pavel Jenys – Iowa (AHL)
F Chase Lang – Iowa (AHL)
F Mario Lucia – Iowa (AHL)
F Gerald Mayhew  – Iowa (AHL)
F Dante Salituro – Iowa (AHL)
G Adam Vay – Iowa (AHL)

Montreal Canadiens

F Niki Petti – Laval (AHL)
F Yannick Veilleux – Laval (AHL)
F Thomas Ebbing – Laval (AHL)
F Antoine Waked – Laval (AHL)
D Stefan Leblanc – Laval (AHL)
D Simon Bourque – Laval (AHL)
D Tom Parisi – Laval (AHL)
F Markus Eisenschmid – Laval (AHL)
G Michael McNiven – Laval (AHL)

New York Islanders

F Kieffer Bellows – Portland (WHL)
F Arnaud Durandeau – Halifax (QMJHL)
D David Quenneville – Medicine Hat (WHL)

New York Rangers

D Sean Day – Hartford (AHL)
D Sergey Zborovskiy – Hartford (AHL)
F Dawson Leedahl – Hartford (AHL)

Vancouver Canucks

F Carter Bancks – Utica (AHL)
F Wacey Hamilton – Utica (AHL)
D Jaime Sifers– Utica (AHL)

Vegas Golden Knights

D Dylan Coghlan – Tri-City (WHL)
F Bryce Gervais – Chicago (AHL)
F Cody Glass – Portland (WHL)
D Nicolas Hague – Mississauga (OHL)
F Stephen MacAulay – Chicago (AHL)
D Kenney Morrison – Chicago (AHL)
D Dmitry Osipov – Chicago (AHL)
F Nick Suzuki – Owen Sound (OHL)

Winnipeg Jets

F Patrice Cormier – Manitoba (AHL)
F Francis Beauvillier – Manitoba (AHL)
F Brody Sutter – Manitoba (AHL)
D Kirill Gotovets – Manitoba (AHL)
D Peter Stoykewych – Manitoba (AHL)
G Eric Comrie – Manitoba (AHL)

Latest On Matt Duchene Trade Front

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While Matt Duchene continues to practice with the Colorado Avalanche and take it “one day at a time” several other teams are pursuing the 26-year old forward. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that the Senators are one of those teams after Duchene, writing that GM Pierre Dorion “has been aggressive in his pursuit.” The Senators lost Colin White for several weeks last night, who could have been an option in their top-six to start the season; perhaps that will increase their offer ever more, though Garrioch is quick to point out that nothing is close at present.

It’s not clear if the Duchene saga is moving towards an end, but Mike Chambers of the Denver Post was on radio again today saying how players are getting frustrated with the situation. Duchene has been trying to avoid the media as much as possible since reporting to Avalanche camp, issuing only short statements and even changing in a different room. Chambers told Mike Halford and Jason Brough of TSN 1040 that players have expressed some disdain for that decision:

I think his teammates understand that he’s got issues with management and wants a trade. I think his teammates are okay with that, as it is. But I think his teammates cannot handle the fact that Duchene is undressing in another part of the building, so he won’t undress in the locker room where the media has access. I’ve spoken to a couple players—I’m not going to name names—but they think that’s a little off and that’s drawing too much attention to this saga.

While his teammates might not like exactly how he’s dealing with this, that certainly won’t force the hand of Avalanche GM Joe Sakic anymore than it already is. He’s clearly waiting for a deal that satisfies what he believes Duchene is worth, and won’t make a move before he absolutely has to. Garrioch notes that the Avalanche have shown interest in Cody Ceci before, but that the Senators are wary of moving what they believe is a building-block defenseman.

Duchene Speaks To Media; Doesn't Say Much

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  • BSN Denver’s Adrian Dater reported that Matt Duchene spoke to media today, but said little to illuminate the uncomfortable situation surrounding his trade rumors. Duchene is taking things “one day at a time” and “not looking that far into the future.” The Colorado Avalanche center has been mired in trade rumors for much of the past year, and was expected to be traded at the deadline last season. Nevertheless, he is still with the Avalanche for now, and is focusing on training camp. The Avalanche are reportedly asking a high ransom for Duchene, and want to ensure a better return then what they received for Ryan O’Reilly.

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Minor Transactions: 09/18/17

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As teams start into their preseason schedule, the first round of cuts will send mostly junior-aged players back to their respective clubs. Rosters will be pared down slightly, with teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville Predators already making moves earlier today. Below we’ll list some of the other cuts, as well as any minor moves around the league.

Afternoon Notes: Yakupov, Stralman, Scandella, Lazar

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Nail Yakupov’s story is quite well known. Edmonton’s first-overall pick in the 2012 draft, who started his career off right with 17 goals in a 48-game strike-shortened season, started a downward spiral that led to him getting traded to St. Louis and then finding himself getting benched and sitting in the press box not long after coach Mike Yeo took over. Now, signing a one-year “prove it” deal with the offensively challenged Colorado Avalanche, the 23-year-old is out to show that he still belongs in the NHL.

After that 17 goal season in 2012-13, his numbers tapered off, dropping to 11, then up to 14 and down to eight. His three goals in 40 games was a sign that he may be running out of time. However, according to AJ Haefele of BSN Denver, Yakupov is doing everything he can to resurrect his career in Colorado. “This is a chance I have to take,” the normally chatty Yakupov said succinctly.

Early reports say that Yakupov’s effort and skills are showing in training camp. During today’s scrimmage, BSN’s Adrian Dater tweeted that Yakupov was diving in front of pucks and showed his hunger. He had two assists in the scrimmage. The Avalanche need the youngster to rebound as the team finished last with 165 goals and managed just 48 points as a team. He is currently partnered with Matt Duchene and while that matchup is likely not going to stick, he looks like he is heading for regular minutes again.

  • Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times writes that Tampa Bay veteran defenseman Anton Stralman missed his third straight practice today with an undisclosed injury, but he did skate and stickhandle on his own. The 31-year-old defenseman had a down year with just 22 points, but is still considered to be a top-pairing defenseman.
  • Another defenseman who is also missing time is Buffalo’s Marco Scandella missed practice, according to John Vogl of the Buffalo News. The 27-year-old blueliner, who came over from Minnesota this offseason had arthroscopic surgery on his left hip in May was forced to take a day off. After putting up 13 points in limited minutes with the Wild a year ago, the Sabres hope Scandella can take that next step this year.
  • Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald writes that Curtis Lazar is ready to make the Calgary Flames roster. The 22-year-old center and former 2013 first-round pick of the Ottawa Senators had mononucleosis last year, missing all of training camp and the early part of the season and was never able to regain his form, prompting a trade from Ottawa to Calgary. According to Odland, he has regained the weight he lost from the illness and bulked up and has looked good in camp so far.

Nikita Zadorov Signs With Colorado Avalanche

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The Colorado Avalanche have signed Nikita Zadorov to a two-year contract worth $2.15MM per season. Zadorov was one of three remaining restricted free agents who are currently not in camp with their respective teams. The two sides had been going back and forth between $2MM and $2.5MM, but finally settled closer to the Avalanche’s offer.

Nikita ZadorovThis week Avalanche GM Joe Sakic said that negotiations were close enough that he expected Zadorov to be in camp, and though the big defender has missed the very beginning a deal today allows him to participate in almost the entire thing. That’s good news for a club who have had nothing but turmoil lately, including both Tyson Barrie and Tyson Jost leaving the ice today with injuries (both are minor). Zadorov’s return will be a boon to an Avalanche defense corps that right now looks like it will employ several minor league players.

Zadorov, 22, is coming off a season in which he showed off both sides of his potential. A hitting machine, Zadorov filled up highlight reels with big open ice collisions, but also recorded just 10 points and at times struggled to get the puck out of his own end quickly. His offensive upside, something that he was expected to grow into as he learned to use his 6’5″ frame more effectively, has still been absent on most shifts. The Avalanche are hoping that with more development time he can become a more effective shutdown player, and every day in training camp with the team helps that.

A big part of the Ryan O’Reilly trade, Zadorov’s progression—or lack thereof—is now impacting the way Sakic handles his Matt Duchene trade negotiations. Several reports have come out that say Sakic is only willing to deal his star center for a huge package, partly because of the lackluster performance of Zadorov and J.T. Compher to this point. While neither player has developed into the kind O’Reilly is, both still have plenty of potential to make an impact on the Avalanche going forward.

Signing a two year deal will keep Zadorov a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the contract, allowing both him and the team to reevaluate his play down the road. Though bridge deals have seemingly taken a back seat to long-term extensions this summer, Zadorov’s play doesn’t warrant it at this point. Instead, he’ll still have two years of restricted free agency left after the contract, though will be eligible for arbitration. Should he breakout into the player many thought he would be, a long-term extension next summer isn’t out of the question.

Adrian Dater of BSN Denver was first to report the deal was finished, with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic providing the financial details. 

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Poll: Where Will Matt Duchene Start His 2017-18 Season?

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Matt Duchene showed up for the start of training camp this morning with the Colorado Avalanche, clearly frustrated with how this offseason has played out. Duchene and agent J.P. Barry have made it clear they would like a resolution to the ongoing trade speculation, and instead of face countless more questions from the media, had a simple statement:

I’m here to honor my contract. I’m here out of respect for the fans, and I’m here for my teammates. I had a great summer training and I’m in great physical condition.

Duchene will take part in training camp now that he’s there, but questions continue to swirl around his future with the club. With only two years left on his current contract, the asking price of GM Joe Sakic has yet to be matched. Sakic has reportedly been looking for a first-round pick, a young NHL caliber defenseman and a top prospect, and while that may have changed slightly there still doesn’t seem to be any deal in sight. Many teams around the league could benefit from having Duchene on their roster, but giving up all that for two years of a player coming off a down season is almost impossible for anyone to do.

The question is asked nearly every week in our live chats (of which we’ll hold the latest in about an hour’s time), where will Duchene eventually end up? Does he end up going to one of the oft-rumored destinations like Columbus or Carolina? Will another team swoop in and snatch him up in a last second move? Or will he have to start the season with Colorado and hope his play draws more interested parties in? Vote below on where you think Duchene will play his first game this season, and make sure to leave your reasoning behind in the comments.

[Mobile users click here to vote!]

Zadorov To Miss Start Of Camp; Duchene In Denver

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10:50am: Duchene indeed reported to camp, but would not take questions from the media. His statement, from Mike Chambers of the Denver Post:

I’m here to honor my contract. I’m here out of respect for the fans, and I’m here for my teammates. I had a great summer training and I’m in great physical condition.

8:13am: Even though Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic said yesterday that he thought Nikita Zadorov could attend camp because the two sides were so close, Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reports that this will not be the case. The restricted free agent remains unsigned, and will not suit up with teammates today when camp opens.

Matt Duchene on the other hand is in town according to Adrian Dater of BSN Denver, and is expected to be with the team today. Duchene had been skating on his own in Toronto, skipping both the optional “captain’s skate” and team’s charity golf tournament.

The last report has Zadorov and the Avalanche just $500K apart, meaning Sakic is probably correct in his assumption that the deal is close. Still, that has seemed to be the gap between the two sides for some time. If a contract can’t be reached, Zadorov has said in the past that he will play in the KHL, something the Avalanche want to avoid if possible. While they’re not expected to compete this season, letting Zadorov walk and get a taste of life in the KHL is a risky proposition. Not only would his development with the team stall, but there is always a chance of him never returning to the NHL.

Colorado's Asking Price From Nashville For Matt Duchene

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  • It’s no secret that Avalanche GM Joe Sakic is seeking a big return for center Matt Duchene. Speaking with WGR 550 in Buffalo (audio link), Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that the Avalanche are seeking one of Nashville’s top-four defensemen plus another asset in order to ship Duchene to the Predators.  While Duchene would certainly give them a top-six replacement for James Neal, that would certainly be a steep price to pay, especially with Ryan Ellis out until early 2018.

Sakic Speaks On Nikita Zadorov, Matt Duchene

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Before the Colorado Avalanche report to training camp tomorrow, GM Joe Sakic met with the media to discuss various things including Milan Hejduk’s sweater retirement ceremony planned for this season. Inevitably, the conversation turned to the pressing issues of Matt Duchene and Nikita Zadorov, both of whom could miss part of camp with various holdouts. According to Mike Chambers of the Denver Post though, Sakic expects both to be present early on.

Matt DucheneOn Duchene, nothing has changed yet and Sakic expects everyone under contract to report to camp. The 26-year old center has been the topic of continuous trade speculation since before last year’s deadline, and several reports have come out saying that there is a possibility of a holdout. Duchene didn’t report to an optional “captain’s skate” earlier this month, and was one of the only ones not present for the club’s annual charity golf tournament.

Zadorov on the other hand is still negotiating his contract for next season, with the latest reports still having the two sides around $500K apart. For his part, Sakic says that they’re close enough together to expect him to be in camp, though whether that means he’ll be there on day one is still to be seen. While there has been a lot of speculation that Zadorov could return to the KHL this season if a contract can’t be done, it has seemed for a while like the two sides would eventually get something done.

Even though the Avalanche aren’t projected to be Stanley Cup or even playoff contenders this season, having players away from training camp is never a good thing. Having Duchene not report would only weaken Sakic’s position in trade talks, while Zadorov needs as much development time with the team as possible. Both players are already skating on their own, but showing up with teammates tomorrow is an important next step.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

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