San Jose Sharks Sign Antoine Bibeau To Two-Year Extension
The San Jose Sharks have signed goaltender Antoine Bibeau to a two-year contract extension, avoiding restricted free agency with the 23-year old goaltender. Bibeau will be the third Sharks goaltender to start an extension next season, after Martin Jones and Aaron Dell already inked contracts in the past year. Financial details have not been released.
Bibeau was signed to a one-year two-way deal last offseason after going unqualified by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and has posted strong numbers with the San Jose Barracuda. His .928 save percentage puts him third in the AHL behind only Michael Hutchinson and former teammate Garret Sparks, and has once again sparked his potential as a future NHL netminder. Though he wasn’t selected until the sixth round in 2013, his size—6’3″ 207-lbs—and athleticism is an intriguing combination for the Sharks. While they’re set at the NHL level for the next few seasons with Jones and Dell, every organization needs a solid #3 to step up if injuries should occur.
In two games with the Maple Leafs last season, Bibeau actually played quite well stopping 51 of 55 shots for a .927 save percentage. He’ll be tasked with the starting job for the Barracuda for the time being, but could play himself into a very interesting position after the 2019-20 season. Bibeau will finish this extension at the age of 26, and will qualify for unrestricted free agency. Even without much NHL experience, if his success at the AHL level continues he could be an interesting trade chip or piece in free agency for a club willing to take a risk.
Islanders Notes: Losing Streak, Tavares, Gibson, Leddy
Just over three weeks ago, the New York Islanders were clinging to a wildcard berth and now with an eight-game losing streak on hand, New York is looking up from a distance as they find themselves eight points back of a playoff spot, almost guaranteeing another disappointing year in New York. After being eliminated from the playoffs on the final game of the year last season, that makes for two disappointing years for soon-to-be unrestricted free agent John Tavares.
The Hockey News’ Jared Clinton writes that this eight-game losing streak comes at a one of the worst times of the year — right during their playoff run — which will only hurt the Islanders’ chances of re-signing the all-star, who has already broken the 30-goal plateau this year for the fourth time in his career. While it might have been exciting to play for one of the top offenses in the league earlier this year, Clinton writes that since Dec. 1, the Islanders offense has been average at best, tied 12th in the league, averaging 2.88 goals per game. Considering the holes in both the Islanders defense and goaltending, there definitely seems to be a lot of negatives that Tavares will have to sort out in the coming months.
- Newsday’s Neil Best tries to figure out the meaning of Tavares’ comments last Monday in Vancouver after the team suffered a disappointing overtime loss. Tavares said, “Obviously, this isn’t a whole lot of fun right now,” causing a frenzy of reaction from both unhappy Islanders fans and elated NHL fans hoping their team can steal the star player for themselves. Tavares was quick to say the comment had nothing to do with his feelings about the franchise or his willingness to re-sign. “I’m sure when people look at the way our team’s going, they want to speculate,” he said. “They speculate on teams that have won eight in a row, too. I just control what I control. It’s just other people talking. I’m sure there’s interest, but I can’t worry about that. That doesn’t have really much to do with me, what other people think or what they think what I say means. I have always said how committed I am to this team, this organization, the guys in the locker room. I mean, losing eight in a row isn’t very much fun.”
- After some impressive performances in goal for New York’s Christopher Gibson, several players were clamoring for the 25-year-old to get more playing time as the team is floundering over their past eight games, according to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple (subscription required). Gibson, who has led the team to two overtime games (both losses) has performed admirably as he boasts a 1.86 GAA and a .953 save percentage in his only two NHL appearances this season. He had a 2.31 GAA and a .909 save percentage in 33 AHL games this season. “He’s played phenomenal, starting in Pitt and again here tonight,” defenseman Brandon Davidson said. “I think he’s kind of earned the right to be the guy.” Gibson is sharing time with starter Jaroslav Halak, while backup Thomas Greiss is injured.
- In another piece, Staple points a finger at Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy, who is most likely the team’s top defenseman, writing that his game has slowly gone south like the direction the team is heading. After putting up 20 points in his first 28 games, both his offense and defense seems to have fallen off. Leddy, who still has four years remaining on his contract, holds a plus/minus rating of -33, which is second-worst in the league next to Arizona’s Oliver Ekman-Larsson. And despite his early offensive output, he also has had just 18 points in the last 40 games. Staple writes that Leddy is a key cog to the team’s defense and probably the most important as veteran Johnny Boychuk will be 35 next year and the team is likely to lose Calvin de Haan in free agency.
Spending Potential: New Jersey’s Free Agency Possibilities
When last offseason finally rolled around, and the free agent market was about to open, there was one name that clearly led the group. That was Kevin Shattenkirk, considered the only true top-end player available in an otherwise uninspiring group. The New Jersey Devils were rumored to be interested, as they had huge amounts of cap space and an obvious need on defense. Add in that Shattenkirk wanted to play in the northeast and there seemed to be a nice match.
The Devils did go after Shattenkirk, but ended up missing out when the free agent defenseman signed with the New York Rangers, always his first choice. Speaking to Chris Ryan of NJ.com, Devils’ GM Ray Shero explained as much:
In the end, he grew up a Ranger fan. And I’m pretty sure if the Rangers were capped out or the Rangers weren’t interested, he’d probably be here, on the right type of contract for the right reasons. But you know what? I respect the process, I like Kevin as a person, he’s a good player, and that’s where it goes.
Ultimately, it may have worked out better for the Devils in the long run. Shattenkirk has been a mild disappointment in New York, struggling through injury and inconsistency in his first season on a team that is now starting a rebuild. The 29-year old has three more seasons on his deal with the Rangers, but might not be in a playoff run the whole time depending on how bare the Rangers’ front office strips the roster.
In New Jersey, they found their defensive help in Sami Vatanen after sending Adam Henrique to the Anaheim Ducks, and have taken a huge step forward in the standings. Already six points ahead of their total from 2016-17 with 15 games remaining, New Jersey is in position to return to the playoffs for the first time since losing in the Stanley Cup Final in 2012. They bought at the deadline for the first time in a while, adding Patrick Maroon and Michael Grabner to their young group up front. They also find themselves in another envious position heading into the offseason.
With Maroon, Grabner, Drew Stafford, John Moore and others coming off the books as unrestricted free agents, and Ryane Clowe‘s contract finally expiring, the Devils project to have somewhere around $25MM in cap space depending on where the ceiling lands. Though they have to think about potential long-term deals for some of their young players down the road, 2018-19 doesn’t come with many of those decisions.
Miles Wood will be a restricted free agent this summer, and has shown enough in his second season to demand a substantial raise on his entry-level contract. But with just 44 points in 125 games, he’s hardly in a position to demand a huge cap hit. Any long-term deal with Wood would likely come at a relatively low salary, as he doesn’t even have arbitration rights yet.
Any of the aforementioned unrestricted free agents could be brought back, and Brian Gibbons will definitely get some consideration after something of a breakout first half. Gibbons has 23 points in 45 games during a season broken by injury, and could be signed to an inexpensive free agent contract if he decides to stick around.
Other than that, the Devils are free to pursue some of the more interesting names on the market this season. A quick look at our Midseason UFA Power Rankings shows a number of players who could dramatically improve the Devils attack, and give Taylor Hall some more support offensively. Talented wingers like James van Riemsdyk, James Neal and Evander Kane all remain unsigned, while there are several useful defensemen on the market who could strengthen the Devils blue line even further.
The Devils have just four players signed for three or more seasons after 2017-18, giving Shero ample flexibility to construct the team how he wants. After winning the draft lottery and seeing breakout rookie performances from Nico Hischier, Will Butcher and Jesper Bratt, New Jersey looks to be in as good a position as possible heading into the playoffs. Though any postseason games will surely be exciting for their fans, the months following may bring even more fireworks.
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Chicago Blackhawks Extend Erik Gustafsson, Sign Tyler Sikura
The Chicago Blackhawks announced a few contracts this morning, giving out a two-year extension to Erik Gustafsson, while signing Tyler Sikura to a one-year contract. Sikura had been playing under an AHL deal with the Rockford IceHogs, while Gustafsson was likely going to become a Group VI unrestricted free agent at season’s end.
If the last name rings a bell, it’s important to note that Sikura is not the well-regarded prospect currently playing at Northeastern. That’s his younger brother Dylan Sikura, who should also join the Blackhawks organization after his season is over. No, this is Tyler, the 25-year old minor league veteran who went undrafted before attending (and captaining) Dartmouth College. With 25 points in 57 games for the IceHogs this season, Sikura has earned himself an NHL contract and a chance to potentially play with his brother next season.
Gustafsson on the other hand has played 19 games for the Blackhawks this season, which wasn’t enough to eclipse the 80 (total) he needs to avoid hitting Group VI free agency. The 25-year old defenseman has shown enough ability to contribute to the NHL team, at least in a depth role, and will now be with them through 2019-20. He was making the league minimum this season on a two-way deal, and will see a slight raise as the extension carries a $1.2MM average annual value. According to Scott Powers of The Athletic the breakdown for Gustafsson is as follows:
- 2018-19: $800K salary + $200K signing bonus
- 2019-20: $1.0MM salary + $400K signing bonus
Poll: Will The San Jose Sharks Re-Sign Evander Kane?
When the NHL trade deadline finally came around, one name that was expected to be the big prize was all but out of the news. Evander Kane‘s rumor mill had quieted tremendously in the weeks leading up to the deadline, with Rick Nash taking over as the top rental option. The Buffalo Sabres might have waited too long, as they ended up being unable to secure a first-round draft pick for Kane when they eventually did deal him.
The San Jose Sharks were the eventual buyers, and apparently were the only team to submit a real offer for the enigmatic winger. Much of that probably has to do with the fact that in the 21 games leading up to the deadline, Kane had just five points. It looks like a steal for San Jose now, as Kane has already matched that number in his first three games for the Sharks and provides a scoring boost while the team tries to lock up their position as a Western Conference contender.
The condition on the second-round pick Buffalo did send, is that if the Sharks re-sign Kane the Sabres will receive that much-coveted first rounder. Is that going to happen? No one can tell you for sure, but Kevin Kurz of The Athletic believes that GM Doug Wilson would like to try.
One of the biggest red flags in Kane’s history on the open market would be his lack of playoff experience. The 26-year old has now played 560 games in the NHL without advancing to the postseason, something that the Sharks intend on changing this year. If he helps get them to the playoffs, and shows his capability as a big-bodied scoring threat therein, he could fetch a long-term big money deal on the open market. Even without a long playoff run, he still stands to enter free agency as one of the top offensive options, and ranked third on our Midseason UFA Power Rankings.
Do you believe San Jose will make it work with Kane and convince him to stay? Should they even be considering it? What happens if they get knocked out early, or Kane is a no-show come playoff time? Vote below on whether you think Kane will re-sign with the Sharks, and explain why in the comment section.
Will Evander Kane re-sign with the Sharks?
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Yes 58% (542)
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No 42% (400)
Total votes: 942
[Mobile users click here to vote!]
Resurgence: Eric Staal’s Battle Back To The Top
Two years ago, when the New York Rangers acquired the face and captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, it wasn’t universally regarded as a good move. Staal had scored just 33 points in 63 games with Carolina that season, and looked like his career was rapidly trending down. Head coach Alain Vigneault had to somewhat sell the move to the Rangers faithful, explaining to Sports Illustrated and the Associated Press what he thought Staal brought to the hockey club.
The fact that he can play in the middle, play on the left side, has won a Cup, has won a world championship, has won an Olympic medal, you’re talking about an elite player that’s been captain of his team, (and he) is going to bring that leadership to our group. He’s going to fit in real well.
The Rangers had paid two second-round picks and a prospect for Staal, who was supposed to put them over the hump and get them back to the Stanley Cup Finals. Fans were worried though, as Staal looked like a shadow of the player who had raised the Cup with Carolina a decade prior, that 21-year old superstar who posted 28 points in 25 games to bring the franchise their first championship. Staal just wasn’t built for the speedy new NHL, and had seen his impact decline drastically. As it turns out, those fears were warranted.
Staal scored just six points in the 20 games after the trade deadline, and then was a complete no-show in the playoffs. The Rangers would bow out in five games against the Pittsburgh Penguins, in which Staal registered zero points and was a team-worst -7. He generated just seven shots on goal despite playing more than 16 minutes per night. As a pending unrestricted free agent, his time was over in New York.
When it came to free agency, Staal’s market was incredibly clouded. It wasn’t clear at all if anyone would be willing to give him a long-term contract, and even more doubtful that he could secure a top-line salary like he’d earned for years in Carolina. In PHR’s inaugural Free Agent Power Rankings, we listed Staal as #13 because of his history in the league, but behind players like Mikkel Boedker and Alex Goligoski. A huge fall for a player who was once one of the very best in the entire league. As it happens, there would be at least one team who offered him a three-year deal.
Staal signed a three-year, $10.5MM deal with Minnesota on July 1st, and the mission to reclaim his spot at the top of the league was on. Minnesota would surprise much of the league in 2016-17 by taking a 19-point leap in the standings to post a franchise-best 106 on the season. That came in only behind Chicago in the Western Conference, and some of that success had to be directly tied to Staal’s performance. In all 82 games, Staal posted 65 points including 28 goals, his highest total since 2010-11. He was second on the Wild in scoring only behind the breakout Mikael Granlund, and suddenly looked like one of the best contracts in the NHL.
Despite that strong first impression with Minnesota, some questioned whether he’d be able to do it again since he was turning 33 and had just posted the second-highest shooting percentage of his career. He’s put an end to all of those questions with 64 points through 63 games, and just recently winning the league’s player of the month honors. Not only is he on pace for his best season in a decade, but he’s taken over as Minnesota’s top point producer, and looks like the elite center of his youth. His Hall of Fame potential is back on track, and his contract is arguably the best free agent signing in years.
That brings us to the question of whether he’s extended this summer. After July 1st the Wild could potentially sign an extension with Staal, one that could keep him in Minnesota for the remainder of his career. Though the two sides haven’t really discussed that possibility publicly, that doesn’t mean they both aren’t thinking about what approach to take when negotiations do pop up. For the Wild, bringing Staal back after 2018-19 can make a lot of sense, but they have a complicated salary structure to maintain, especially with new contracts for Jason Zucker and Mathew Dumba due this summer. If Stall is looking for more salary for his age-35 and beyond seasons, he might be too expensive to retain.
Regardless, what has happened over the last two years has been nothing short of amazing for Staal. After looking like he was on his way out of the NHL, to creeping into the Hart Trophy race at the age of 33, is a testament to his skill. Signing him for three seasons at a ridiculously low price, is one for the Minnesota front office.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Josh Bailey Close To Long-Term Extension With New York Islanders
The New York Islanders have some of the biggest names scheduled for free agency this summer, but now you can take one off the list. The team has reached a six-year extension with Josh Bailey that will carry an annual average value of $5.0MM.
Bailey was ranked #6 in our midseason free agent power rankings, and has done nothing to justify moving him from that spot over the last month. The 28-year old forward is in the midst of an outstanding season, already setting his career-high in points with 62 through his first 57 contests. That includes 47 assists, good for fifth in the entire NHL behind only Jakub Voracek, Blake Wheeler, Johnny Gaudreau and Claude Giroux. His point total itself puts him among the top-20 in the NHL, and had been setting him up for a huge ask on the free agent market.
The Islanders originally drafted Bailey ninth-overall back in 2008, but he didn’t quite break out until last season when he recorded 56 points. He’s become a perfect fit for John Tavares, the biggest fish that the Islanders are trying to get under contract before July 1st. They have to be hoping that retaining Bailey will help those contract negotiations when they begin in earnest, though we likely won’t get a read on that until the season is over.
For the time being, Bailey will be happy with the substantial raise on his 2017-18 $3.3MM cap hit. He could be giving up a little bit of money, but will now get to stay with the only organization he’s ever known for the majority of his career. The Islanders will get an excellent playmaker for the foreseeable future, one that can likely find a home alongside Mathew Barzal if Tavares doesn’t stick around.
Bob McKenzie of TSN was first to report a deal was close, giving us the salary parameters.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Montreal Canadiens Trade Jakub Jerabek To Washington Capitals
Jakub Jerabek hasn’t found a fit in Montreal, and with his unrestricted free agency pending the team has decided to move on. The defenseman has been traded to the Washington Capitals for a 2019 fifth-round draft pick.
Jerabek, 26, was signed last offseason to a one-year entry-level contract out of the KHL. After starting off with the Laval Rocket of the AHL, and finding early success, the Czech defenseman was recalled and has played 25 games for the Canadiens. Unfortunately, that run came to an end recently as Jerabek has been held out of the lineup since the beginning of the month. It still didn’t seem like he was going anywhere, even telling reporters that he would be interested in re-signing with Montreal.
Speaking to Arpon Basu of The Athletic recently about the potential to get moved at the deadline, Jerabek reiterated his focus on just getting back into the lineup:
My agent spoke with guys here, but I don’t want to talk about it right now and just focus on my job here and my chance. I hope if I get it, I take it, I show what I can bring to this team to the end of the season, and hopefully for next year.
He’ll likely get that chance to prove himself in Washington, who are headed to the playoffs once again with an unsettled defense group. The team just recently acquired Michal Kempny from the Chicago Blackhawks, and lost Taylor Chorney on waivers today. Jerabek will immediately jump into the mix for a potential bottom pairing spot, and will almost certainly be used at some point down the stretch.
Like any team expecting a long playoff run, the Capitals are trying to add depth on defense in case of injury. Jerabek carries just a $925K cap hit, and has shown some good versatility in his short time in Montreal. Though he likely won’t be asked to log big minutes, he can do a little bit of everything including penalty killing in a pinch.
For Montreal, if they weren’t going to re-sign Jerabek (or even if they still plan on trying), they turned a lost season into another asset for the future. They actually didn’t have a fifth-round pick for 2019, which has now been replaced and gives the team a chance, depending on conditions, to select 15 times in the next two years. Expect the Canadiens to add at least a couple more selections over the next few days.
Vancouver Canucks Sign Erik Gudbranson To Three-Year Extension
After early reports that a deal was close, the Vancouver Canucks officially announced that Erik Gudbranson has signed a three-year extension worth a total of $12MM. A cap hit of $4.0MM will be a raise over his current $3.5MM, and delays his unrestricted free agency until after the 2020-21 season. The contract comes without any trade protection, and the salary is broken down as follows:
- 2018-19: $4.4MM
- 2019-20: $4.6MM
- 2020-21: $3.0MM
Gudbranson is a polarizing figure when it comes to scouting the NHL these days. While more and more small skilled defensemen are entering the league, he remains a throwback to a slower, more physical style. The third-overall pick from 2010, Gudbranson has just 53 points in 380 career games but is a big body that can be used on the penalty kill and hold his own in the defensive zone. Analytical critics may point to his bad (and declining) possession metrics as a point against him, but obviously the Canucks felt he was important enough to lock up.
It’s important to note that Gudbranson was set to be one of the youngest defensemen on the free agent market this summer, and likely would have gotten a similar deal from someone else. His draft pedigree and experience are still seen as positives for teams looking to get a bit stronger on the blue line, and there was interest in him from around the league as the deadline approached.
Unfortunately though, this takes away a potential trade asset for the Canucks in the next week. Vancouver is in the beginning stages of something of a rebuild, with Henrik and Daniel Sedin getting closer to retirement and a new wave of young talent coming through the ranks. Gudbranson could have been used to supplement that young talent with even more draft picks or prospects, though GM Jim Benning was clear that he would surround those players with experience to help them develop.
There is also an argument to be made that Gudbranson still has another level that he’s been kept from due to injury. He’s never been able to complete a full season without facing some injury, and played just 30 games in 2016-17. There are plenty of examples of defensemen taking a step forward in their mid to late twenties, and Gudbranson has only just turned 26. The deal is far from cost prohibitive for the Canucks, especially as it is front loaded and contains zero trade protection.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Deadline Primer: Florida Panthers
With the trade deadline fast approaching, we will be taking a closer look at the situation for each team. Where do they stand, what do they need to do, and what assets do they have to fill those needs? Next up is a look at the Florida Panthers.
The Florida Panthers are in a difficult situation with the NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching. Few truly consider the team to be a playoff contender, but the fact of the matter is they are not that far out from a postseason spot. Florida currently sits in 12th in the Eastern Conference and nowhere close to an Atlantic Division berth, which admittedly is an uninspiring scenario. However, trailing the New York Islanders by eight points with a whopping six games in hand, the Panthers don’t need an unrealistic stretch to catch up. Yet, what is problematic is their upcoming slate of games leading up to the trade deadline, in which they play four games, all of which are against bona fide playoff teams. An 0-4 result this week would not be much of a surprise, but could deter GM Dale Tallon from continuing to pursue a playoff berth. At the same time, a positive result against strong competition could instill hope in the team and urge them to make a deal to improve the roster. The Panthers’ deadline role is still very much up in the air.
Record
25-23-6, 4th in the Atlantic Division
Deadline Status
To be determined
Deadline Cap Space
$33,124,940 in deadline cap space
41/50 contracts per CapFriendly
Draft Picks
2018: FLA 1st, ARI 2nd, FLA 3rd, VGK 4th, FLA 5th, FLA 6th, FLA 7th
2019: FLA 1st, FLA 2nd, FLA 3rd, FLA 4th, FLA 5th, FLA 6th, FLA 7th
Trade Chips
The Panthers may not be buyers at the 2018 deadline, depending on their next few games, but can they really be “sellers” in the traditional sense? Florida has just two impending unrestricted free agents with any value: veteran forward Radim Vrbata and AHL import goalie Harri Sateri. Neither player will net Florida much at the deadline, as neither is more than a luxury depth addition, rather than a difference-making acquisition. The team decided to move forward with an extension for Colton Sceviour, who otherwise might have drawn ample deadline attention. What remains is a roster that offers little to contenders. However, where the Panthers could make a move is trading away players with term for other players with term, rather than participating in the rental market. While they may be happy to move the likes of Jamie McGinn or Derek MacKenzie, the Panthers will have to deal value for value if pursuing some of the bigger available targets. Defenseman Alex Petrovic, a restricted free agent this summer, appears destined to leave Florida sooner rather than later, while young forwards Denis Malgin, Maxim Mamin, and Dryden Hunt and rookie defenseman Ian McCoshen will surely be in demand.
The Panthers don’t have much in the way of prospect depth, especially on defense, so may be hesitant to deal away too many draft picks or their high-value picks, including a potential lottery pick this season. Henrik Borgstrom is a near untouchable, and could even make his NHL debut this season if the Panthers are in the hunt, whereas 2017 first-rounder Owen Tippett is definitely a non-starter. Adam Mascherin or Aleksi Heponiemi won’t enjoy the same protections and could be moved in the right deal.
Players To Watch: F Radim Vrbata, G Harri Sateri, D Alex Petrovic, F Connor Brickley, F Denis Malgin
Team Needs
1) Top-six winger with term
The only reason the Panthers would move any of the aforementioned young players is to bring in a long-term asset. Tallon and company have made it known they are looking for a top-six winger to round out a really strong top-six group. With names like Mike Hoffman, Max Pacioretty, Mats Zuccarello and more reportedly available, Florida is one team willing to make a major deal in-season to acquire such a name. A young roster player, prospect, and draft pick could be enough to land one of these experienced scorers, which will serve the Panthers this season and beyond.
2) Starting defenseman with term
Interestingly, the Panthers’ main focus appears to be at forward when the team actually scores at a decent clip, but struggles to prevent goals against. Florida is very attached to Aaron Ekblad, Keith Yandle, and the recently-extended Michael Matheson, and for good reason; the trio have been excellent this season. The other half of the defense corps has been less impressive and both Petrovic and Mackenzie Weegar don’t seem to be long-term fits. The Cats could surely benefit from adding another body on the blue line that has a some years remaining on their contract. Such a deal could easily be made in free agency or on the summer trade market, but if the right player at the right price becomes available – such as an Oscar Klefbom for example – the Panthers will be interested.
3) Draft picks
At the end of the day, with their playoff chances caught in limbo and no desperation to make major deals, the most likely deadline strategy for Florida will be to simply trade away impending free agents or other expendable pieces for the best draft picks they can get. The cupboard is basically bare when it comes to defensive depth in the pipeline. A great quantity of picks in the next draft or two should help to rebuild the system on the back end as well as at other positions.