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Logan Hutsko Linked To SHL

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When the Florida Panthers signed Logan Hutsko in 2021, he looked like an interesting forward addition who could quickly rise through the ranks and provide some NHL value. The third-round pick had played well at Boston College and, despite his small stature, seemed to fit in Florida’s fast, creative, and versatile system.

General manager Bill Zito said he had “dynamic skill” and “unmatched determination,” noting how his pace and compete level would serve him well.

Now, two years later, it appears he might be off to Europe. A Swedish report from Johan Svensson suggests that Hutsko will sign with IK Oskarshamn for next season. As a restricted free agent this summer, he is allowed to sign overseas. The Panthers can temporarily retain his exclusive NHL rights by extending a qualifying offer, though it is unclear if he has any future in the organization.

The 24-year-old has done rather well through his first two years of AHL action, scoring 38 points as a rookie last year and 26 this season in just 39 games.

Through his time in Florida, he has not received a single call-up, and it now looks like he’ll chase a new opportunity elsewhere. Whether he ever makes an impact at the NHL level—or even suits up for a single game—still remains to be seen.

Sergei Bobrovsky Will Be Game-Time Decision Tomorrow

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Thompson’s return to practice is a lifeline for the Sabres, who are still barely hanging in the Eastern Conference playoff race and have, arguably, their most important game in a decade tomorrow against the Florida Panthers. Per CapFriendly, Thompson is listed as a game-time decision. Thompson’s 44 goals still rank sixth in the league, and his 89 points lead the team. His impact in such a crucial game could be immeasurable, and if at all possible, he’ll be suiting up Tuesday night.

  • On the other side of the coin, the Florida Panthers could again be without goalie Sergei Bobrovsky against the Sabres as he continues to deal with a rather nasty illness, per Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards. He did not practice today and, like Thompson, is expected to be a game-time decision. The 34-year-old netminder has been sidelined for the past three games, but he’s been relieved well by Alex Lyon, who’s allowed just four goals in Bobrovsky’s absence.

Florida Panthers Sign Ryan McAllister

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The Florida Panthers announced the signing of forward Ryan McAllister to an entry-level contract on Monday, adding a promising young player to their system. The financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed, but it is a three-year contract commencing with the 2023-24 season.

McAllister, 21, was one of the more highly-touted undrafted college free agents on the market. He spent just one season with Western Michigan University after a lengthy junior career in the AJHL, where he broke out in his first campaign with 13 goals, 36 assists, and 49 points in just 39 games.

“Ryan is a talented playmaking forward who showcased his dynamic ability in his first season in college hockey,” said Panthers general manager Bill Zito. “We are looking forward to his continued development within our club.”

McAllister plays a confident game offensively and does good work on the rush, which, while not as much a hallmark of Florida’s attack as it was last season, is still an area where the Panthers excel. He’s able to make plays in tight spaces but can struggle in one-on-one defensive situations and puck battles.

McAllister is expected to begin his professional career next season with the Panthers’ AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, where he will have the opportunity to continue to develop his game and adjust to the pro level. He could compete for a roster spot with the Panthers during training camp next season, especially given the team’s tight salary situation, but will likely get his first taste of pro hockey in the minors.

AHL Shuffle: 3/30/23

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent defenseman Topi Niemela to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, the Marlies announced on Twitter. Niemela finished his season with Karpat of the Liiga, Finland’s top league, earlier this month, and is set to cross the pond to get his first taste of North American pro hockey. Drafted in the third round by Toronto in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Niemela played 58 games for Karpat this season, tallying 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points. It was a dip in production, as he recorded 10 goals and 22 assists in just 48 games in 2021-22. He will join a Marlies squad that has already punched a ticket to the AHL playoffs, and the chance for Niemela to learn while on a playoff run will only be more beneficial. He will likely spend a decent amount of time with the AHL squad before suiting up for the Maple Leafs.

 

  • The Florida Panthers recalled goaltender Mack Guzda from the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, according to Chris Johnston of NorthStart Bets. Johnston reported Wednesday that both Alex Lyon and Sergei Bobrovsky both took the morning skate before yesterday’s win against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Lyon got the start, stopping 40-of-42 shots in the 3-2 Panthers win. The Panthers are set to take on the Montreal Canadiens tonight. Guzda, 22, has appeared in 26 games with Charlotte this season, posting an .899 save percentage and 2.86 GAA. If Guzda were to get into a game, it would be his NHL debut.
  • The Anaheim Ducks have recalled defenseman Andrej Sustr on an emergency loan from the AHL, according to CapFriendly. Sustr, a veteran defenseman of more than 350 NHL games, has spent the entire season in the AHL. He played 39 games with the Iowa Wild, then was flipped to the Ducks in the John Klingberg trade, and has played seven games with the San Diego Gulls. Sustr suited up for the Ducks in both 2018-19 and 2021-22, making this his third stint with the team.

Sam Bennett To Miss Fourth Straight Game

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  • The Florida Panthers play-by-play commentator for the Panther Radio Network, Doug Plagens, reports Sam Bennett will miss another game this evening. The 26-year-old center last played a week ago and has since been listed as day-to-day though his injury has not been disclosed. Bennett has 16 goals and 40 points in 63 games for the Panthers, who are trying to chase down the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference. They are currently three points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Florida Panthers Extend Zac Dalpe

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The Florida Panthers have agreed to terms with veteran forward Zac Dalpe on a two-year, two-way contract extension, the team announced Monday morning. CapFriendly reports Dalpe will earn the league minimum $775,000 each season, with $400,000 in minors salary in 2023-24 and $350,000 in 2024-25. He’s guaranteed $400,000 in the second year of the deal.

The extension keeps him a Panther until the summer of 2025 when he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. Dalpe, 33, has suited up in 14 NHL games for Florida this season, his highest total since he played 21 games with the Buffalo Sabres in 2014-15.

A 2008 second-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, Dalpe has never carved out a lengthy full-time NHL career. He’s become one of the most recognizable names in the minors, however, and he’s become one of the highest-scoring players in Charlotte Checkers history, given they are Florida’s current AHL affiliate and the former affiliate of the Hurricanes.

Dalpe has been Charlotte’s captain for the past two seasons, and he’ll likely hold that title for the duration of his contract. With 14 AHL seasons and nearly 500 games under his belt, Dalpe is a valuable presence to developing Panthers making their way through Charlotte.

In the big leagues this season, Dalpe has scored two goals and two assists. He’s added 18 goals and 13 assists for 31 points in 41 games with Charlotte, sitting among the team’s points-per-game leaders.

General manager Bill Zito gave the following statement on Dalpe’s extension:

Zac is a natural leader and his impact on our franchise is felt on and off the ice. A high-character athlete and relentlessly competitive forward, we are grateful for his continued dedication to our organization.

Los Angeles Kings Acquire Rights To Cole Krygier, Sign To AHL Tryout

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Mar 21: The Ontario Reign announced the signing of Cole Krygier to an amateur tryout. This will allow him to join the AHL roster for the remainder of the season, but he is still slated to be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Kings hold his NHL rights until August 15, and Krygier will become a UFA at that point if he is not signed for the 2023-24 season.

Mar 20: The Los Angeles Kings have made a minor move ahead of college signing season, acquiring the rights to defenseman Cole Krygier from the Florida Panthers in exchange for future considerations, per a team release.

Krygier, 22, was initially drafted by the Panthers in the seventh round of the 2018 NHL Draft. He has since played five seasons with Michigan State University, establishing himself as a hardworking, physical defender with a late-blooming goal-scoring touch.

Krygier wore an “A” on his sweater for his final season at Michigan State, leading the team’s defensemen in goals with 10. Across five seasons at Michigan State, Krygier has totaled 20 goals, 21 assists, and 193 penalty minutes in 160 games.

The trade likely occurred either because the Panthers had no interest in signing Krygier to an entry-level contract or Krygier had informed the Panthers he would not sign with them. Either way, it seems the Kings are interested in adding the 6’3″ left-shot defender to their organizational pool of prospects.

Krygier is the son of former Hartford Whalers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and Washington Capitals winger Todd Krygier. His brother Christian Krygier was also selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders.

Bennett Day-To-Day, Smith Returns From IR

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  • According to a team statement, the Florida Panthers will be without a key forward this evening. Sam Bennett left last night’s win over the Detroit Red Wings early, and will not dress tonight when the Panthers face the Philadelphia Flyers. The 26-year old center is ruled out with a lower-body injury, and is officially listed as day-to-day. Bennett has scored 16 goals and 40 points in 63 games for the Panthers who are trying to chase down the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The team also mentioned Givani Smith has been activated from injured reserve and will return to the lineup.

Panthers Recall Alex Lyon, Assign Mack Guzda To AHL

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The Panthers have once again flipped their backup goalies, announcing (Twitter link) that they’ve recalled Alex Lyon from AHL Charlotte while sending Mack Guzda back to the Checkers.  Lyon was sent down on Wednesday to get in some game action with starter Sergei Bobrovsky in the middle of a 12-game consecutive start streak.  Lyon has a 3.89 GAA with a .887 SV% in six starts with Florida this season while he has been much better in the minors, putting up a 2.43 GAA with a .910 SV% in 23 contests.  Guzda, meanwhile, is in his first professional season after signing as an undrafted free agent a little over a year ago.  He hasn’t seen any NHL action while posting a 2.85 GAA and a .900 SV% in 25 games with Charlotte.

Minor Moves: Red Wings, Bruins, Kraken, Coyotes, Panthers

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This morning, the Detroit Red Wings assigned Matt Luff and Austin Czarnik to the AHL, as they await a game later this week. The Red Wings don’t play again until Saturday afternoon against the Colorado Avalanche, giving them a chance to save some money in the meantime.

Here are some other minor moves from around the league today:

  • The Boston Bruins have recalled Jakub Lauko under emergency conditions, after sending him down yesterday. Lauko hasn’t played since March 2 and has just 12 appearances this season, but has been bounced back and forth between leagues whenever the team is dealing with injuries. Through those 12 matches, he has five points in his first taste of NHL action.
  • The Seattle Kraken have recalled John Hayden from the AHL, as they hit the road for a game in San Jose tomorrow night. The Kraken are coming off consecutive losses to the Dallas Stars and have now slipped below the Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division playoff race. Hayden, 28, has just two points in five NHL games this year.
  • The Arizona Coyotes have reassigned forward Bokondji Imama to their AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners. The 26-year-old is an alternate captain for the Coyotes’ farm team, where he has provided hard-working physical play and 12 points of offense at that level. He’s played the last two games for the Coyotes, seeing time in both of the team’s consecutive overtime wins.
  • The Florida Panthers have swapped goalies on their NHL roster, sending down 2022 Calder Cup Champion Alex Lyon in favor of rookie Mack Guzda. The move allows the team’s AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, to get the more experienced goaltender as they look to clinch a spot in the Calder Cup playoffs.

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