Who Is On Pace To Score 60 Points In 2017-18?
In 2016-17, only 42 NHLers hit the 60-point benchmark for the season. It was the lowest total since the 2012-13 lockout-shortened season (obviously), when only Martin St. Louis notched sixty, and down eleven from the 53 players who hit the mark two years earlier in 2014-15. However, with scoring up this season in the NHL, will the league increase it’s number of top scorers? Or will a greater depth and distribution of talent continue to limit players from reaching the high numbers of yesteryear?
As of now, with the 2017 segment of the season about to close, here are the players on pace for 60 points in 2017-18:
- Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning – Currently: 54 points in 37 games, Projection: 120 points
- Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning – Currently: 48 points in 37 games, Projection: 107 points
- John Tavares, New York Islanders – Currently: 49 points in 38 games, Projection: 106 points
- Josh Bailey, New York Islanders – Currently: 49 points in 38 games, Projection: 106 points
- Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers – Currently: 46 points in 38 games, Projection: 99 points
- Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers – Currently: 46 points in 38 games, Projection: 99 points
- Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers – Currently: 45 points in 38 games, Projection: 97 points
- Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche – Currently: 43 points in 37 games, Projection: 95 points
- Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets – Currently: 44 points in 39 games, Projection: 93 points
- Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames – Currently: 41 points in 38 games, Projection: 89 points
- Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins – Currently: 41 points in 39 games, Projection: 86 points
- Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals – Currently: 41 points in 40 games, Projection: 84 points
- Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings – Currently: 40 points in 39 games, Projection: 84 points
- Anders Lee, New York Islanders – Currently: 39 points in 38 games, Projection: 84 points
- Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks – Currently: 38 points in 37 games, Projection: 84 points
- Brock Boeser*, Vancouver Canucks – Currently: 38 points in 36 games, Projection: 84 points
- Brayden Schenn, St. Louis Blues – Currently: 41 points in 41 games, Projection: 82 points
- Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins – Currently: 32 points in 29 games, Projection: 82 points
- Jon Marchessault, Vegas Golden Knights – Currently: 34 points in 33 games, Projection: 81 points
- Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals – Currently: 39 points in 40 games, Projection: 80 points
- Taylor Hall, New Jersey Devils – Currently: 36 points in 36 games, Projection: 80 points
- Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers – Currently: 36 points in 38 games, Projection: 78 points
- Vincent Trocheck, Florida Panthers – Currently: 36 points in 38 games, Projection: 78 points
- Mathew Barzal*, New York Islanders – Currently: 36 points in 38 games, Projection: 78 points
- Sean Couturier, Philadelphia Flyers – Currently: 36 points in 38 games, Projection: 78 points
- Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins – Currently: 35 points in 35 games, Projection: 78 points
- Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues – Currently: 38 points in 41 games, Projection: 76 points
- Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres – Currently: 35 points in 38 games, Projection: 75 points
- David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins – Currently: 34 points in 37 games, Projection: 75 points
- Mark Stone, Ottawa Senators – Currently: 34 points in 37 games, Projection: 75 points
- Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning – Currently: 34 points in 37 games, Projection: 75 points
- Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins – Currently: 35 points in 39 games, Projection: 74 points
- Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars – Currently: 35 points in 39 games, Projection: 74 points
- David Perron, Vegas Golden Knights – Currently: 29 points in 30 games, Projection: 74 points
- Evander Kane, Buffalo Sabres – Currently: 34 points in 38 games, Projection: 73 points
- Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers – Currently: 33 points in 37 games, Projection: 73 points
- Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche – Currently: 33 points in 37 games, Projection: 73 points
- Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers – Currently: 32 points in 34 games, Projection: 73 points
- Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs – Currently: 29 points in 29 games, Projection: 72 points
- Artemi Panarin, Columbus Blue Jackets – Currently: 34 points in 39 games, Projection: 71 points
- Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars – Currently: 34 points in 39 games, Projection: 71 points
- Vlad Namestnikov, Tampa Bay Lightning – Currently: 32 points in 37 games, Projection: 71 points
- Eric Staal, Minnesota Wild – Currently: 33 points in 39 games, Projection: 70 points
- Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks – Currently: 18 points in 15 games, Projection: 70 points
- Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames – Currently: 32 points in 38 games, Projection: 69 points
- Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings – Currently: 31 points in 37 games, Projection: 69 points
- John Klingberg, Dallas Stars – Currently: 32 points in 39 games, Projection: 67 points
- William Karlsson, Vegas Golden Knights – Currently: 29 points in 36 games, Projection: 66 points
- Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche – Currently: 28 points in 33 games, Projection: 66 points
- Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers – Currently: 29 points in 35 games, Projection: 66 points
- Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals – Currently: 31 points in 39 games, Projection: 65 points
- Alexander Radulov, Dallas Stars – Currently: 31 points in 39 games, Projection: 65 points
- Patrik Laine, Winnipeg Jets – Currently: 31 points in 39 games, Projection: 65 points
- Clayton Keller*, Arizona Coyotes – Currently: 31 points in 40 games, Projection: 64 points
- John Carlson, Washington Capitals – Currently: 31 points in 40 games, Projection: 64 points
- Reilly Smith, Vegas Golden Knights – Currently: 28 points in 36 games, Projection: 64 points
- Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets – Currently: 30 points in 39 games, Projection: 63 points
- P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators – Currently: 29 points in 38 games, Projection: 62 points
- Mats Zuccarello, New York Rangers – Currently: 29 points in 38 games, Projection: 62 points
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers – Currently: 29 points in 38 games, Projection: 62 points
- Teuvo Teravainen, Carolina Hurricanes – Currently: 29 points in 38 games, Projection: 62 points
- Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes – Currently: 29 points in 38 games, Projection: 62 points
- James Neal, Vegas Golden Knights – Currently: 27 points in 36 games, Projection: 62 points
- Kyle Turris, Nashville Predators – Currently: 27 points in 34 games, Projection: 62 points
- Danton Heinen*, Boston Bruins – Currently: 26 points in 33 games, Projection: 62 points
- Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings – Currently: 29 points in 39 games, Projection: 61 points
- Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings – Currently: 29 points in 39 games, Projection: 61 points
- Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs – Currently: 29 points in 39 games, Projection: 61 points
- Jordan Eberle, New York Islanders – Currently: 28 points in 38 games, Projection: 61 points
- Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks – Currently: 26 points in 35 games, Projection: 61 points
- Mikael Granlund, Minnesota Wild – 27 points in 34 games, Projection: 61 points
- Rickard Rakell, Anaheim Ducks – Currently: 27 points in 34 games, Projection: 61 points
- Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning – Currently: 27 points in 36 games, Projection: 61 points
- Erik Haula, Vegas Golden Knights – Currently: 25 points in 32 games, Projection: 61 points
- Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning – Currently: 27 points in 37 games, Projection: 60 points
- Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins- Currently: 25 points in 32 games, Projection: 60 points
- Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators – Currently: 25 points in 32 games, Projection: 60 points
Oilers Had Mild Trade Interest In Gryba Before Waiving Him
Although the Oilers placed defenseman Eric Gryba on waivers on Friday, Postmedia’s Jim Matheson reports that the team did receive some trade interest in the veteran blueliner. However, the teams that had interest are tight to the 50-contract limit and wanted to send a player under contract back to Edmonton. Unfortunately for the Oilers, they’re pretty tight to the limit as well (48) and would undoubtedly prefer to either clear the contract off the books entirely via a waiver claim from elsewhere or keep him as injury insurance over accepting a minor league player of nominal value in return. Because his waivers non-roster designation came after Friday’s waiver dispatch, he officially goes on the wire today with an announcement on whether or not he cleared coming on Sunday.
Edmonton Oilers Activate Klefbom, Place Gryba On Waivers
The Edmonton Oilers have activated Oscar Klefbom off injured reserve, and to make room have waived Eric Gryba. Gryba wasn’t on waivers when they were reported earlier today, which means he’ll likely have to wait until Sunday to clear and be assigned to the minor leagues.
It’s a tough break for Gryba, who hasn’t suited up in the AHL since 2012-13. The 29-year old defenseman has played 21 games for the Oilers this year, and could be an option for another team around the league. Making just $900K this year and next, a big-bodied veteran could be of use for another team dealing with defensive injuries.
Getting Klefbom back is a step in the right direction for the Oilers, who still find themselves near the bottom of the Pacific Division despite better play of late. For a team that was expected to compete for the Stanley Cup, they’re in danger of dropping right out of the playoff race if they don’t get back on track quickly.
Mark Scheifele Out Six To Eight Weeks
One of the worst things imaginable for Winnipeg Jets fans has happened, as Mark Scheifele will be out six to eight weeks with an upper-body injury. Scheifele suffered the injury last night when he crashed hard into the boards against the Edmonton Oilers and had to leave the game. He’s been placed on injured reserve already.
With the Jets success this season Scheifele has started to shed his extremely underrated reputation and get some league-wide recognition as one of the very best centers in the league. With 38 points in 38 games he is a huge part of the Jets offensive attack, and plays nearly 21 minutes a night for the club. In his absence the Jets will at least temporarily move Blake Wheeler to the middle, but that’s taking their captain away from his best position and the place where he’s racked up 42 points this season.
The Jets do have depth down the middle, with Adam Lowry, Bryan Little and Mathieu Perreault all capable players that can move up and down a lineup. But without Scheifele, the team’s claim to the top of the Central Division might be hard to make. They currently sit just one point behind the Nashville Predators and two points out of the top seed in the Western Conference, but will have to find some new offensive contributors for the next two months.
One player who could see some additional time is Joel Armia, who scored two goals last night and has yet to really show the powerful presence that made him the 16th-overall selection in 2011. Easily on pace to set a career-high in points and goals already this season, he’s earned himself more ice time of late and is putting up the best possession numbers of his career. As always, one player’s injury is another’s opportunity—perhaps Armia can take advantage.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Edmonton Oilers Sign Cameron Hebig To ELC
Another 20-year old undrafted CHL forward has signed an entry-level contract, this time with the Edmonton Oilers. Cameron Hebig, the leading scorer for the Saskatoon Blades has signed his three-year deal, joining the Oilers organization after an impressive first half of his WHL season.
Hebig is an excellent skater, who despite his size has always found offensive success in junior. While he’s not an elite NHL prospect by any means, taking a chance on him to see if he can bring his scoring touch to the next level is a worthwhile risk for Edmonton as they look to build back their prospect ranks.
It does take the Oilers to 48 contracts, meaning they have just two spots remaining if they are looking to add players for a potential playoff run. That could change negotiations as we get near the trade deadline, as the team wouldn’t want to push themselves right up against the limit. Hebig will continue to try and win a WHL Championship with the Blades, who are currently in first place in their division.
McDavid Expected To Be Available On Wednesday
- Although Oilers center Connor McDavid left Saturday’s game late being able to put very little pressure on his foot following a blocked shot, indications are that he should be fine. Speaking with the media (including Postmedia’s Jim Matheson) following the game, head coach Todd McLellan indicated that x-rays were negative and that they fully expect him to suit for their next game on Wednesday against Winnipeg.
Veteran Free Agent Contracts Not Working Out Well In 2017-18
There is no doubt that the game of hockey is getting faster and, as a result, younger. Yet, in 2016-17 that didn’t stop 44-year-old ageless wonder Jaromir Jagr from outscoring his age, 40-year-old Matt Cullen and 37-year-old Chris Kunitz from contributing to a second straight Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup title, 39-year-old Zdeno Chara from skating in more than 23 minutes per game, or 36-year-old Henrik Zetterberg and 37-year-old Joe Thornton from finishing among the league’s best in assists. Several teams who witnessed the impact that older players had on their teams last year went out and signed older free agents this summer in hopes of a repeat performance. It hasn’t happened for most of those teams. The majority of players age 36 and older who signed with new teams this off-season have struggled to meet expectations.
Jagr, of course, is the poster boy of the anti-youth movement. The 28-year NHL veteran has somehow remained consistent throughout his career even into his mid-40’s, but despite a 46-point campaign last year, got little attention this summer and it looked like his illustrious career was over. However, the Calgary Flames swooped in at the last minute, signing Jagr to a one-year deal in early October. At $2MM for the year, it was a low-risk, high-upside singing. Yet, through 36 games, that upside has not shown up. Jagr has only been healthy for 19 games, in which he has only one goal and six assists. Even if Jagr was magically healthy for each of the Flames remaining games this season, he would be on pace for a career-worst 24 points. It seems that Jagr’s days are finally done.
He’s not alone though. The Penguins aging role players also decided to leave Pittsburgh this off-season, with Cullen heading home to Minnesota to join the Wild and Kunitz chasing a fourth Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Both players have been nothing short of a disappointment so far. Cullen, who was a major contributor to the Pens’ success last year as a dependable checking center and 30-point scorer. So far with the Wild, Cullen has been a non-factor offensively (7 points) and defensively (team worst -11) through 35 games and was even a healthy scratch earlier this month. Despite the incredible talent around him, Kunitz has just 10 points this season, a pace which is a far cry from his recent back-to-back 40-point seasons.
Who else is on the list? Defenseman Mark Streit was a complete disaster in Montreal, released by the Canadiens after just two games. Journeyman goalie Michael Leighton hasn’t done much better, already on his third team in 2017-18 and without an NHL appearance thus far. Despite the time-tested theory that Radim Vrbata always performs his best in Arizona, the aging scorer bolted the Coyotes for the Florida Panthers, who so far have only received 12 points and 29 games from the signing.
The jury is still out on a few veterans. Francois Beauchemin returned home to Anaheim this summer and many expected him to improve his game back on a familiar roster. While Beauchemin’s 7 points through 30 games pale in comparison to the better seasons of his career, it’s similar to the production he showed last year with the Colorado Avalanche. With the Ducks struggling as a team, it seems fair that Beauchemin’s play has also been a bit lacking. That hasn’t been the case for Ryan Miller, another aging addition in Anaheim. His .928 save percentage and 2.23 GAA has been very good. However, Miller has only gotten the win in four of his ten appearances and missed much of the early season due to injury. Miller has performed better than the rest of his team, but had he been healthy it may have reversed the Ducks’ fortunes early on. Matt Hendricks has already matched his point total with the Edmonton Oilers last season now with the Winnipeg Jets last season. He’s playing a valued energy role and the Jets likely don’t have many gripes. With that said, Hendricks needed only seven points to match that total from a down year in 2016-17 and has a been playing a less-physical game than he has in the past. Hendricks hasn’t been bad, but Winnipeg would undoubtedly rather see 2014-15 Hendricks, who posted 16 points and 220 hits.
The one team who has had great success with veteran signings in 2017-18 is the Toronto Maple Leafs. San Jose Sharks legend Patrick Marleau chose to sign in Toronto, leaving the only team he had ever played for, but the Leafs had to give him three years and $18.75MM to get it done. So far, it hasn’t been a bad investment. Marleau has 19 points in all 36 games, including 12 goals, and the 38-year-old should easily reach 40 points for the 18th time in his career. However, the real breakout veteran performance has been from the 36-year-old Ron Hainsey, whose signing was initially panned by many. Yet, Hainsey is on pace for one of, if not the best offensive campaigns of his career with 15 points so far. Forming a dynamic duo with Morgan Rielly, Hainsey seems rejuvenated late in his career and it has shown in an improvement on Toronto’s back end. But even the Leafs weren’t perfect though; the signing of Dominic Moore has been a disappointment. Moore has only nine points and has been a frequent scratch after a season with the division rival Boston Bruins in which he put up 25 points and played in all 82 games.
The NHL has been an increasingly difficult place for mediocre older players to find work. There has been a movement toward younger rosters, with veterans settling for minimum contracts, tryouts, or simply heading to Europe. Yet, exceptions continue to be made, especially for some talented older players. After the results this elderly free agent group has shown, veteran signings – especially those demanding big money and term – will surely become even less frequent.
Despite Getting Treatment Friday, Sekera Will Play Saturday
- Although Oilers defenseman Andrej Sekera needed treatment yesterday on his recently-repaired knee following his season debut on Thursday, he will be able to suit up tonight against Montreal, reports Postmedia’s Jim Matheson. The treatment was just precautionary. After playing 16 minutes in his first game, it will be interesting to see if he gets a bigger workload tonight or if they wait until after the holiday break; he has logged more than 21 minutes per night in each of the last five seasons.
Morning Notes: Walsh, Juniors, KHL
USA Hockey has made another cut from their World Junior squad, sending defenseman Reilly Walsh back to Harvard. Walsh is a third-round pick of the New Jersey Devils, but was one of the younger players in development camp and will have a shot at the team again next year (provided he isn’t in the NHL).
The team is down to 26 players, with the final cuts expected after tomorrow’s final pre-tournament tune up game against Sweden. Walsh, 18, will return to his freshman year at Harvard where he has eight points in his first ten games. The undersized, but elite-skating son of former NHL player Mike Walsh, he’ll be one to watch as his NCAA career progresses.
- In terms of other World Junior players to watch, Mike Morreale of NHL.com gives us a breakdown of the names eligible for the 2018 draft. Rasmus Dahlin and Andrei Svechnikov obviously lead that group, but there are quite a few other top prospects set to play in the tournament. One to especially keep an eye on is Rasmus Kupari, the 17-year old Finnish forward who is already playing regularly for Karpat. He has his blemishes, but owns one of the highest offensive ceilings in the draft if everything clicks and could go in the top-10.
- Speaking of offensive upside, KHL insider Aivis Kalnins reports that Admiral Vladivostok has released bought out three key players, Vladimir Tkachev, Ivan Nalimov and Oskars Bartulis. Vladivostok is one of the teams that has had trouble paying its player salaries in the past. Tkachyev, 22, is an extremely undersized forward that has huge offensive skill, and was once heavily courted by the Edmonton Oilers. Kalnins believes that Tkachev has another deal in the KHL already, but Nalimov, a Chicago Blackhawks goaltending prospect, could come overseas. Many will also remember Bartulis from his short stint with the Philadelphia Flyers, after being selected in the third round of the 2005 draft.
Washington Capitals Claim Nathan Walker
The Washington Capitals have reclaimed Nathan Walker off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers and will report to the NHL squad for now, since the roster freeze is in effect.
Walker was acquired by the Oilers for a short period after being waived by the Capitals earlier this season due to a roster crunch, but was never unwanted by his previous organization. The fact that he is now back with them is no surprise.
Interestingly though, Walker’s addition puts the Capitals right up against the salary cap for the moment according to CapFriendly. The team won’t get to bank cap space for the next week the way it has this season unless they assign Madison Bowey or Jakub Vrana to the minors. Both players were sent down for just a single day earlier this week, meaning (since it was after December 11th) they can still be loaned to the minor leagues until December 23rd.
The Capitals likely don’t want to send either young player down due to their recent success, so we’ll have to wait to see what their decision is or if there is another way to get around the cap issue. For now, we know that Australian Walker is with the Capitals and will be for at least a week.