Snapshots: Price, Johansen, Cincinnati
Beginning on July 1, several notable players will be eligible to sign contract extensions ahead of the final year of their contracts. Connor McDavid is the biggest name, but Carey Price is in a similar stratosphere.
The superstar goaltender is entering the final year of his six-year, $39MM contract ($6.5MM AAV), signed back in 2012. Price has a no-move clause (NMC) which allows him to submit a list of 15-team trade list.
According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin and Price’s agent Gerry Johansson will meet next week to begin discussions. The two have had some preliminary discussions at the World Championships earlier this month, but have not had any “real negotiations” yet. The two sides are reportedly aiming to have something ready for Price to sign on July 1.
The Price contract will have a big impact on the Canadiens’ plans going forward. While he could command in the neighborhood of $10MM, that would negatively impact Bergevin’s ability to bring in offensive help, something the Canadiens desperately need.
- Nashville center Ryan Johansen appeared on TSN 1040 in Vancouver, and opened up about his season-ending injury and comments about Ducks shut-down center Ryan Kesler. Johansen took a hit from Josh Manson, and was going to pull himself out of the game when the game ended in overtime. By the time Johansen hit the showers, he was unable to walk and had emergency surgery just hours later. He’s expected to make a full recovery, which is good news considering the serious risks related to acute compartment syndrome. Regarding Kesler, Johansen said his only regret was not being able to shake the Ducks’ hands at the end of the series.
- The Buffalo Sabres have found a new AA affiliate, signing an agreement with the Cincinnati Cyclones. The Sabres’ previous ECHL affiliate, the Elmira Jackals, folded earlier this year. The Cyclones were previously affiliated with the Nashville Predators organization. This isn’t the first time there has been an agreement between Buffalo and Cincinnati; back in the 1970s, the Sabres had the Cincinnati Swords as their AHL affiliate. With the AHL above them, the ECHL is generally low on NHL prospects; just four Sabres prospects played in Elmira last season.
Schultz, Sheary In For Game 7; Hornqvist Out
After missing most of the Eastern Conference Finals, Justin Schultz will be in the lineup for Game 7. Unfortunately for the Penguins, Patric Hornqvist will not be.
Both Penguins have been out of action for most of this series with upper body injuries. Schultz played just 3:40 before leaving Game 2 versus Ottawa. So far, Schultz has two goals and six points in 14 games while averaging just under 20 minutes per night. Hornqvist last played in Game 1 of this series. Prior to his injury, he had four goals and seven points in 13 games.
According to the Penguins’ lineup notes, Schultz will lineup alongside Ian Cole on Pittsburgh’s third pair. In lieu of Hornqvist’s return, Conor Sheary will return to the lineup and dress on the fourth line. Sheary has been a healthy scratch since Game 5; he has just three assists in 15 games this post-season.
Western Conference Final Injury Updates
Game 6 of the Western Conference Final between the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks is underway at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, but neither team is fielding a full-strength roster for this one. Fans were well aware of the serious condition of Predators center Ryan Johansen, but many other key players were still considered day-to-day heading into tonight’s game. With lineups announced, nearly all in question remain out.
For the home team, looking to put an end to this series tonight and clinch their first ever Stanley Cup Final berth, the Predators will have to do so without captain Mike Fisher and bruising forward Craig Smith. Fisher missed Game 5 as well with an undisclosed injury, but given the minimal amount of attention the team had given his condition, many expected Fisher to be back for Game 6. That is not the case, as he misses his second straight contest. Smith was a game-time decision and even took part in warm-ups, but made the call himself that he was not healthy enough to play. Nashville avoided another major loss in the first period tonight, as Viktor Arvidsson was the victim of a game misconduct-worthy boarding by the Ducks’ Nick Ritchie and left the game. However, he returned mere minutes later.
The loss of Ritchie is the least of Anaheim’s concerns, as the major injury issue of the game is the absence of starting goaltender John Gibson. Gibson had played every minute of every Ducks postseason game thus far until getting injured in Game 5 with a lower body injury. However, many believed that Gibson would be ready to go for an elimination game. Instead, Gibson did not even suit up for Game 6, leaving Jonathan Bernier to make his first career playoff start, backed up by Jhonas Enroth. Bernier allowed two goals on the first three shots he faced as the Predators jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. Also missing from the Anaheim lineup (still) is Patrick Eaves and, more surprisingly, Rickard Rakell. Rakell missed Game 5 with a lower body injury, but he too was expected to suit up tonight. Instead, Rakell did not even make the trip to Nashville. For Gibson, Eaves, and Rakell, their injuries may mean that they have played their last games of the 2016-17 season.
Tommy Wingels Will Not Receive Hearing After Scott Wilson Hit
Though you may not have noticed it while watching the final moments of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 7-0 crushing of the Ottawa Senators yesterday, Scott Wilson left the ice with an apparent head injury after receiving a forearm/elbow from Tommy Wingels. Mike Halford of NBC’s ProHockeyTalk reports that the league will not have a hearing with Wingels following the incident, even though he served no penalty as time expired. As Pierre McGuire exclaimed on the NBC broadcast as time was running down, Wilson immediately left the ice surface and quickly headed down the tunnel. He was not present at the morning skate according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, though it was optional and only thirteen players attended.
As the frustration of the lopsided affair boiled over Wingels clearly tries to inflict pain—though perhaps not injury—on Wilson as the Penguins’ forward just dumps the puck down the ice. It’s a dangerous play, and one that clearly had an effect on Wilson as he didn’t wait around to celebrate with teammates. Head coach Mike Sullivan reports that Wilson is “fine” but the injury outcome seems secondary when watching the hit.
The NHL Department of Player Safety has been criticized in the past for its apparent inconsistency when it comes to hits that contact the head, with this being the latest divisive case. While some may see it as a targeted head-shot with the intent to injure, others may view it as an attempt at a check that unfortunately contacted the head first. Either way it is a bit surprising that there is not at least a phone hearing scheduled, especially while the league is embroiled in a legal battle about how they handle head and brain injuries.
Pacific Notes: McDavid, Simek, Rakell, Eaves
Extension talks have yet to begin between the Oilers and Connor McDavid’s camp but there are already plenty of theories as to what it may take to sign him. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggests (video link) that one potential avenue that McDavid may consider is to not sign the maximum eight year deal but rather something around five seasons, similar to what other top players such as Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, and Patrick Kane (among others) have done in the past.
Doing so would then allow McDavid to be eligible for unrestricted free agency sooner and would allow him to potentially cash in on a max-term, bigger money deal at that time. From the standpoint of the Oilers, this route would allow them to save a bit on his AAV as he still has four years of team control remaining once his contract expires in 2018. With Leon Draisaitl needing a new contract as well, that extra money could come in handy. In the same video, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos notes that the expectation is that the AAV for both young stars will be pretty close on their second deals, potentially within $500K.
Elsewhere in the Pacific:
- The Sharks have agreed to terms with Czech defenseman Radim Simek, according to an iSport report in the Czech Republic (link in Czech). Simek’s European agent, Petr Hemsky, confirmed to them that Simek has signed a one year deal worth $830K if he’s with San Jose for the entire season. There is likely a signing bonus not included in that amount as Simek will receive an entry-level contract. The article states that the Rangers were also interested while it was reported last week that Vancouver was also interested in Simek’s services.
- The Ducks won’t be getting any help from the infirmary when it comes to their elimination game against the Predators on Monday night. The team announced (Twitter link) that both Patrick Eaves and Rickard Rakell did not travel with the team to Nashville and will not play in Game Six. Both players are currently dealing with lower body injuries and were the only 30 goal scorers on Anaheim’s roster this season.
Injury Notes: Aberg, Gibson, Johansen
Nashville fans can breathe a thankful sigh after seeing Pontus Aberg land face-first on a shift well before his diving goal in Game 5. He was ushered off of the bench by officials only after he had been allowed to score the eventual game winner, fearful that the previous impact may have caused a concussion. Although no official word has come, Aberg seems to be fine and obviously in good spirits. “I…lost my tooth, but it didn’t hurt my head.” Obviously, execution of concussion protocol is still less than ideal, but in this one instance Nashville fans aren’t complaining.
Aberg has been an unsung hero for these Predators, this being his first goal of these playoffs. The 23 year-old winger has played the bulk of the past three seasons with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, but with the injury bug biting the team, he has taken a spot which he hasn’t relinquished. Especially in light of the injuries to Ryan Johansen and Mike Fisher, the need for a role player to provide some offense was necessary.
- NBC Sports has surmised from the post-game interview of Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle that goaltender John Gibson is hopeful to recover to start Game 6. Jonathan Bernier needed to fill in as relief in last night’s Game 5 loss due to an unknown lower-body injury and conceded two goals. Going into an elimination game with your backup goaltender is not the ideal scenario, especially considering how solid Gibson has been. Boudreau did caution that Gibson would need to be evaluated again by medical officials before being given leave to play. Notably, Rickard Rakell was also referred to as day-to-day. Rakell has been one of the Ducks’ most creative offensive players, and would be a welcome return to a team that has struggled at times against red-hot goaltender Pekka Rinne.
- Ryan Johansen was actually in far worse shape than previously believed. Disclosed by Jon Morosi, the young Predator appears to have suffered Acute Compartment Syndrome, which prevents oxygen from getting to muscles. Built-up pressure and the side effects from reduced blood flow can actually result in loss of limbs or death if left untreated. Johansen had to undergo thigh surgery on Friday and therefore was ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs. Thankfully his doctors caught the issue and rectified it quickly, as Johansen is expected to make a full recovery.
Revision: The article had cited Bruce Boudreau instead of Randy Carlyle.
Injury Updates: Penguins, Senators, Fisher, Eaves
The hits just keep on coming to Pittsburgh’s blueline. Already missing Kris Letang (neck) and Justin Schultz (upper body), the Penguins lost Chad Ruhwedel in Game Four against the Senators last night. Following the game, head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters, including Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, that Ruhwedel has been diagnosed with a concussion and will re-evaluated later today.
Ruhwedel has played in six games so far in the playoffs in a third pairing role after seeing action in 34 games during the regular season. If Schultz isn’t able to suit up tomorrow, that will open up a spot for Mark Streit to return to the lineup. Streit saw action in Game Three of this series but has been a healthy scratch the rest of the postseason so far. GM Jim Rutherford puzzled some when he added both Streit and Ron Hainsey at the deadline but with all of the injuries they’ve suffered, they’ve needed every bit of that extra depth.
Sullivan noted to NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti that the team hasn’t ruled out Schultz or injured forwards Tom Kuhnhackl, Patric Hornqvist, and Bryan Rust from returning to the lineup on Sunday. All remain listed as day-to-day.
Other injury notes from around the league:
- Senators winger Alex Burrows skated today and could be ready to return to the lineup for Game Five tomorrow, reports Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston (Twitter link). He missed last night’s game with a leg injury. If he is able to go, winger Tommy Wingels could be the odd man out after playing just 5:18 on Friday night. Johnston also notes that defenseman Mark Borowiecki may also be ready to return after suffering a leg injury of his own in the first round against Boston. He would likely take the place of Fredrik Claesson in the lineup.
- After losing Ryan Johansen for the rest of the playoffs yesterday, the Predators may also be without their second line center in Mike Fisher tonight in Game Five. Joe Rexrode of The Tennessean calls Fisher’s situation grim in the short-term which doesn’t bode well for his potential availability tonight. He left Thursday’s game after taking a knee to the face from Anaheim defenseman Josh Manson, drawing blood immediately. The team has yet to reveal who is expected to draw into the lineup to replace Johansen and possibly Fisher as well.
- Anaheim winger Patrick Eaves skated today as he continues to test his lower body injury, notes Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register (Twitter link). Eaves has been out of the lineup since Game Four of the second round against the Oilers. There remains no timetable for his return to game action.
Ryan Johansen Out 2-3 Months With Left Thigh Injury
The Nashville Predators not only lost their Western Conference game last night in crushing fashion, but have lost one of their key forwards in the process. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports that Ryan Johansen required surgery to repair a left thigh injury, the result of which will be a 2-3 month recovery period. The emergency surgery was completed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Johansen played more than 27 minutes in the overtime game, leading all forwards of either team.
The 24-year old center has developed into the #1 option the Predators were after when they traded Seth Jones for him last year, scoring 61 points during the regular season. His play in the postseason for Nashville has been close to Conn Smythe-worthy, with 13 points in 14 games an an excellent defensive effort every night. Matched against some of the toughest defensive centers in the league, Johansen has found success and helped the Predators become a real potential Cup-winning team. Now, they’ll have to find a way to fill the huge hole in the middle of the ice with someone else.
Mike Fisher is the obvious candidate to take on an even bigger role, but he left game 4 in the third period with an apparent head injury after Josh Manson‘s knee collided with it. He didn’t play any of the overtime, registering less than 13 minutes on the night. Calle Jarnkrok has played well this season but has little experience going up against the top checking units of other teams, while Colton Sissons and Vernon Fiddler don’t have the offensive chops to play on the top line. Mike Ribeiro, an option because of his history of offensive production, was the center of a Yahoo! Sports report yesterday speaking about his latest relapse with alcoholism and his current status of rest and rehabilitation. Ribeiro was waived earlier this year after a trade request and finished the season with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL.
This is a disappointing end to a playoff run for a burgeoning young forward, especially after the war of words he’s maintained with Ryan Kesler throughout the series. The Predators will need to find a way to fill his minutes with productive play, and perhaps this is a chance for another young player to step up and make a difference in the playoffs. Especially after also losing Kevin Fiala earlier in these playoffs, the spotlight will brighten on Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson even more now to carry the offensive load, while hoping that Colin Wilson and James Neal can step up even further.
The Final Four’s ‘Black Aces’
During the regular season, NHL teams are limited to having 23 players on their roster (barring injuries). Once the playoffs start, those restrictions cease to exist.
‘Black Aces’ are players who are on their team’s roster, but aren’t in the lineup. Here’s a look at the current list of ‘Black Aces’:
Anaheim Ducks
D Kevin Bieksa (lower-body injury sustained in Game 1 vs Edmonton)
C Sam Carrick (healthy scratch)
D Simon Despres (has not played since October with concussion issues)
R Patrick Eaves (lower-body injury sustained in Game 3 vs Edmonton)
G Jhonas Enroth (health scratch)
D Korbinian Holzer (healthy scratch)
R Nic Kerdiles (healthy scratch)
R Logan Shaw (lower-body injury sustained in Game 5 vs Edmonton)
D Clayton Stoner (health scratch after being injured for six months)
Nashville Predators
D Anthony Bitetto (healthy scratch)
L Kevin Fiala (out for season with broken femur sustained in Game 1 vs St. Louis)
C Vernon Fiddler (healthy scratch)
D Petter Granberg (health scratch)
D Brad Hunt (healthy scratch)
R P.A. Parenteau (healthy scratch)
C Colton Sissons (healthy scratch)
Ottawa Senators
D Mark Borowiecki (lower-body injury)
C Chris DiDomenico (healthy scratch)
D Andreas Englund (healthy scratch)
G Andrew Hammond (healthy scratch)
D Ben Harpur (healthy scratch)
D Jyrki Jokipakka (healthy scratch)
L Chris Kelly (healthy scratch)
R Chris Neil (healthy scratch)
G Matt O’Connor (healthy scratch)
L Viktor Stalberg (lower-body injury sustained in Game 1 vs Pittsburgh)
C Colin White (healthy scratch)
Pittsburgh Penguins
R Josh Archibald (healthy scratch)
D Trevor Daley (lower-body injury)
R Patric Hornqvist (day-t0-day with upper-body injury)
G Tristan Jarry (healthy scratch)
D Kris Letang (done for season after undergoing neck surgery)
D Justin Schultz (day-t0-day with upper-body injury)
D Mark Streit (healthy scratch)
C Oskar Sundqvist (healthy scratch)
R Bryan Rust (day-t0-day with upper-body injury)
Logan Stanley Will Return For Memorial Cup
Winnipeg Jets fans will get an extra boost this weekend if they decide to tune into the Memorial Cup. Logan Stanley, the Jets’ other first-round pick from last summer (to go along with Patrik Laine) will suit up for the Windsor Spitfires after missing much of the season with a knee injury. Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reports that Stanley is ready to go for Friday’s opener that will see the Spitfires take on the QMJHL Champion Saint John Sea Dogs. Despite getting knocked out of the OHL playoffs in the first round, Windsor gets a berth in the tournament as the host city.
Stanley played just 35 games this season but was off to a great start, matching his season total from last year with 17 points. The 6’7″ defenseman had improved his skating and confidence before the injury, two things that he’ll need when stepping into the toughest tournament in junior hockey. The Spitfires have an incredible team that includes Canadiens’ top prospect Mikhail Sergachev, shifty Toronto prospect Jeremy Bracco and potential top-3 pick Gabe Vilardi among many others. They are by no means a pushover just because they were knocked out of the OHL postseason early.
Along with Sami Niku who signed today, Stanley represents the future for the Jets among left-handed defenseman. Now that Josh Morrissey has graduated to the NHL and isn’t really a prospect anymore, the long-term bet of Stanley needs to pay off. Still just 18-years old and learning how to use his huge frame, Stanley will almost certainly return to the OHL next season and try to put together a healthy campaign as the team’s #1 defender. He’s also a leading candidate for the Canadian World Junior team for next year’s tournament in Buffalo.