Eastern Notes: Flyers Defense, Malkin, Korshkov, Primeau
While the Philadelphia Flyers took a major step this year by reaching the playoffs and showing some success in their playoff series with the Pittsburgh Penguins, it was also quite obvious the team must continue to improve their roster if they want to compete for an Eastern Conference title at some point in the near future. While the team’s stable of forwards looks solid, Philly.com’s Sam Carchidi writes that the team’s defense might be the most important issue on the team.
While the team got some good play from many of their defenders, the team’s lack of depth was critical as players like Brandon Manning and Radko Gudas were exposed as weak links on their defense. Even Shayne Gostisbehere struggled in his playoff series with the Penguins. With Manning not expected back and a reduced role for Gudas likely, finding replacements is critical if it wants to take that next step. The team does expect Samuel Morin to earn a full-time role with the defense, but the team needs more.
With approximately $25MM in cap space, free agency might be the most logical way of filling that need, despite general manager Ron Hextall‘s struggles at signing free agents. However, with players like John Carlsson, Toby Enstrom, Thomas Hickey, Jack Johnson and Ian Cole out there this summer, the team might find what it needs there.
- Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, who missed the first game of their playoff series and is listed as day-to-day for Sunday’s game, had a successful practice Saturday and will decide tomorrow on whether he’s ready to play with his team up one game against the Washington Capitals. “I feel so much better,” said Malkin (via the Penguins). “We’ll see how I feel overnight. If I play, I’m ready to play. If I play, I need to go 100%. The team won two games without me, great team. They played so hard. If I’m in I’ll try to do my best and make us stronger.”
- Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Yegor Korshkov will not come over to North America this summer like some people originally thought. The 21-year-old wing has signed a one-year extension to remain with his KHL team, Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, according to The Athletic’s Corey Pronman. “The Leafs were OK with my decision but obviously weren’t glad,” said Korshkov (via Igor Eronko). “My position is I should have a leading role in Lokomotiv to leave the KHL. Who knows, maybe in a year I will reach my goal.” Korshkov did improve his goal and points production this year with Lokomotiv, putting up eight goals and 18 assists, but also played 18 more games this season.
- The Athletic’s Mitch Brown (subscription required) breaks down the Montreal Canadiens prospects and how they fared with 2017 seventh-round pick Cayden Primeau leapfrogging to one of the top of the team’s prospect pick. Taken late in the draft last year after possessing the third-worst save percentage in the USHL, the 18-year-old goaltender rebounded with Northeastern University, putting up the best save percentage by an 18-year-old in NCAA history.
Coaching Notes: Peters, Quinn, Stars
As soon as former Hurricanes head coach Bill Peters resigned from his position with Carolina this morning, hockey pundits around the continent proclaimed him the leading candidate for the open Calgary Flames job. While no one has yet made any sort of concrete connection between Peters and the Flames, there is nearly universal agreement that he is the top option. The Athletic’s Rick Carpinello has taken it one step further. The New York Rangers beat writer states that Peters was never an option for the Rangers, as his deal with Calgary is “done”. It seems a deal could be imminent between the two sides. While on it’s face, Peters’ hire in Calgary could be a good fit, as he is a widely-respected coach who has always carried high expectations, the parallels between the underachieving Flames and underachieving Hurricanes is cause for some alarm.
- If Peters won’t be the next head coach in New York, who will be? For a while, the top candidate has seemed to be Boston University head coach David Quinn. Quinn’s Terriers have been have made the NCAA Tournament four years in a row, most recently winning the Hockey East Tournament this season to sneak in and make it to the Northeast Regional final. During this time, Quinn has coached more top NHL prospects than any other bench boss in college hockey. The rebuilding Rangers could greatly use Quinn’s talent for working with young players. USA Hockey has recognized that ability as well, today naming Quinn the head coach of the 2019 U.S. World Junior team. Some Rangers fans have worried that this appointment could remove Quinn from the running for New York’s new head coach, but the New York Post’s Larry Brooks says not so fast. Per Brooks, Quinn’s role as Team USA coach won’t hurt what Brooks calls his “strong candidacy”. In fact, Brooks calls Quinn the exact “developmental coach” that owner James Dolan is seeking and ensures that everything would work out if Quinn was offered the job.
- While Carolina, Calgary, and New York make waves in the coaching pool, the vacancy in Dallas has received little attention. That hasn’t surprised SportsDay’s Mike Heika, who says that GM Jim Nill will be patient with his decision on Ken Hitchcock‘s replacement. Heika states that Nill has a long list of candidates, including many former Stars coaches. That could be a benefit for Dallas, an organization with ties to Glen Gulutzan, Dave Tippett, and Willie Desjardins, or could be a hindrance if the team doesn’t want to recycle a former coach again as they did with Hitchcock. Alternatives include hiring displaced Rangers coach Alain Vigneault, offering a promotion to several AHL head coaches, or even poaching Craig Berube from the division rival St. Louis Blues, according to Heika. Nill will take his time in sorting out the candidates, only setting a deadline of the NHL Draft in late June for the hire.
New Jersey Devils Sign Joey Anderson To Entry-Level Deal
The New Jersey Devils announced they have signed Joey Anderson to a three-year entry-level contract. The NCAA champion from the University of Minnesota-Duluth is expected to have his contract start this year as he’s expected to join the Devils today and skate with them tomorrow.
Anderson, a 5-foot-11 forward, leaves after his sophomore year in which he had 11 goals in 36 games for the Bulldogs, who defeated Notre Dame in the championship game last week. He was named to the NCHC all-rookie team as a freshman after scoring 12 goals that year, taking his the to the NCAA Frozen Four finals. In total, Anderson has combined for 23 goals and 41 assists in two years. He also captained this year’s World Juniors team for Team USA, leading them to the bronze medal, scoring seven points in seven games.
Anderson was New Jersey’s third-round pick in 2016, the 73rd overall selection in the draft. Known for his heavy shot and quick release, Anderson has the skills to be a talented scorer in the league. Despite elite speed, his intelligence, high motor, hard-working demeanor and enthusiasm is key to what propelled Minnesota-Duluth to a national title.
Arizona Coyotes Sign Jordan Gross To Entry-Level Contract
The Arizona Coyotes have signed undrafted free agent defenseman Jordan Gross to a two-year entry-level contract. Gross just completed his fourth season with the University of Notre Dame. Coyotes GM John Chayka released a statement in the announcement:
Jordan was one of the top defensemen in the NCAA last year and we’re thrilled to add him to our organization. He’s a mobile, puck-moving, right shot defenseman who is very smart. He will join a great group of young players that we now have in Arizona.
Gross, 22, was recently named to the All-Tournament team in the Frozen Four after Notre Dame made it to the National Championship game. The mobile defenseman racked up 30 points for the third consecutive season, finishing his collegiate career with a whopping 121 points in 159 games.
For Arizona, adding talent in ways other than the draft is key to turning the system around. Though they took strides towards the playoffs in the second half, they still need to add dynamic talents that will help them in the coming years. There’s no guarantee that Gross will be able to defend well enough to contribute in the NHL, but he’s certainly talented enough to take a chance on.
Buffalo Sabres Sign Andrew Oglevie To Entry-Level Deal
The Buffalo Sabres have signed an NCAA free agent, inking Andrew Oglevie to an entry-level contract. Oglevie recently finished his junior year at Notre Dame, where he helped them to the title game in the NCAA tournament. Though the press release indicates that the contract is for three seasons, Oglevie’s age prevents him from signing anything longer than a two-year entry-level deal.
The 23-year old forward scored 39 points in 36 games this year for Notre Dame, his second consecutive point-per-game season in the NCAA. After playing with Anders Bjork last season, Oglevie was given even more offensive responsibility and still found plenty of success. That should bode well for his future, though an NHL career is still far from guaranteed.
In Buffalo, adding talented offensive players like Oglevie in ways other than the draft can only continue to help their organization. Though things haven’t gone well in recent years for the Sabres, the Rochester Americans are heading to the playoffs and GM Jason Botterill continues to add talent from any source he can. Oglevie could potentially join the Americans on an amateur tryout for the last few games, though the release does not indicate that he will.
Instead, he’ll be another name that should compete for a spot with the Sabres in training camp. There should be plenty of battles for the last few spots, as the team tries to find the right mix to help them climb out of the basement.
Boston Bruins Sign Karson Kuhlman To Entry-Level Contract
The Boston Bruins have convinced NCAA free agent Karson Kuhlman to join their organization, signing the forward to a two-year entry-level contract. The deal has an average annual value of $750K, and Kuhlman will immediately join the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout.
Kuhlman is fresh off an National Championship with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he captained the squad and took home tournament MVP after scoring in the title game. The 22-year old forward finished his four-year college career with a 20-point season in 44 games.
For anyone who watched this season, they know exactly why Kuhlman earned a professional contract. It’s not because of any flashy offensive play, or elite skills in any one area, but a ridiculous work ethic and all-around versatility. Kuhlman double-shifted in the championship game, while hitting the ice on the powerplay and penalty kill. He ranks seventh in NCAA history with a 166 consecutive games played streak. His determined defensive effort was a big part of the win for UMD, and he’ll be asked to continue to bring that drive every game in the pro ranks.
Montreal Canadiens Sign Jake Evans To Entry-Level Contract
Now that Jake Evans‘ NCAA career is over, the 21-year old forward wasted no time signing his first professional contract. The Montreal Canadiens today announced the two-year entry-level contract for Evans, getting him into their organization before he was eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. Evans lost the National Championship with Notre Dame over the weekend, ending an exceptional four years in the NCAA.
Evans, who served as captain this season for the Fighting Irish, was a better than point-per-game player for the second consecutive season. Recording 46 points in 40 games, he also took home the Spengler Cup title with Canada and was named to the Big-10 First All-Star Team. The two-way center has been described as a natural leader who should fight for a job with the Canadiens right out of camp this fall.
That’s where the excitement lies for Montreal fans, as the team has been notoriously thin down the middle the last few seasons. Though Evans doesn’t project as a top tier offensive player at the next level, he should be able to provide some stability to a group that needs healthy youthful bodies, and chip in at even strength and on the powerplay. Whether he jumps right to the NHL in October depends on what the Canadiens do this summer, but he’ll surely be given every opportunity to contribute in 2018-19.
Penguins Sign Anthony Angello To Entry-Level Deal
It may have been a disappointing end to the season for Cornell, a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament upset in their first game, but for one player the year will end on a positive note. Anthony Angello, a junior forward for the Big Red, has signed an entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to a team release. The two-year deal will begin next season, but Angello will join the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on an amateur tryout to close out the season.
It’s hard to argue against the results that the two-time defending Stanley Cup champs have had with bringing in college talent in recent years. Conor Sheary, Bryan Rust, and Zach Aston-Reese have all been successful college free agents who signed in Pittsburgh, while Brian Dumoulin and Jake Guentzel, draft picks who chose the college route, have been even better. Angello, a 2014 fifth-round pick, will gladly take the career trajectory of any of those players as he transitions to the pro game.
A hulking 6’5″ center who anchored the Cornell squad, Angello was also among the team’s top scorers this season. Angello finished the year tied in points and goals with linemate Trevor Yates, a recent signing of the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, due in no small part to his ability in front of the net. Angello’s checking game and two-way intelligence also contributed to an impressive +16 rating. The Penguins don’t have a forward with Angello’s size and skill set anywhere in the pipeline and have to be excited to bring in the big 22-year-old. The Big Red scorer could be donning Pittsburgh black and yellow sooner rather than later.
Josh Dickinson Signs Entry-Level Contract With Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche have signed a college free agent, inking Josh Dickinson to a three-year entry-level contract that will begin in 2018-19. Dickinson will report to the San Antonio Rampage for the rest of this season on an amateur tryout.
The younger brother of Stars prospect Jason Dickinson, Josh is coming to professional hockey after a very different path. While his brother was selected in the first round in 2013 from the Guelph Storm, the younger Dickinson maintained his college eligibility playing in the OJHL and after going undrafted spent this season at Clarkson University. He found a ton of success in the NCAA, scoring 26 points as a freshman and immediately earning a contract in professional hockey.
Just the fact that Dickinson is leaving college after one year is surprising, but that he earned an entry-level contract right away means that the Avalanche saw something they really liked in the young forward. It’s not like his success has come out of nowhere, as Dickinson has been a leader at every level in his minor hockey career. He was even ranked 138th among North American skaters going into the 2016 draft, and will now try to make teams regret the day they decided to pass on him.
Snapshots: Sedins, Jets, Rempal, Pinho
Canucks GM Jim Benning plans to meet with pending unrestricted free agents Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin in the coming days to gauge their interest in returning for their 18th season with Vancouver, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports on TSN’s Insider Trading (video link). The twins have had good seasons, ranking second and third in team scoring despite seeing their ice time drop by more than three minutes per game.
While Benning may be hoping for a quick decision, that may not actually happen. Speaking with Postmedia’s Ben Kuzma Daniel noted that they plan to take their time with the decision and, perhaps most notably, see where the team is at and how it shapes up over the offseason. Even if they take a pay cut from their current $7MM contracts, it will still likely cost a considerable amount to keep both around and the Canucks will certainly want to know heading into free agency if they will have to allocate that money elsewhere.
Elsewhere around the league:
- The Jets appear to be closer to getting some good news on the injury front, something they haven’t had a lot of this year. Postmedia’s Ken Wiebe notes that defenseman Jacob Trouba (concussion) could be back this weekend while goaltender Steve Mason is expected to get into at least one game next week which should have him ready to go for the postseason as well.
- The Kings may not be done signing college players just yet. After they signed defenseman Daniel Brickley and forward Mikey Eyssimont earlier today, Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider reports that free agent winger Sheldon Rempal also visited with the team. The 21-year-old sophomore posted 23 goals and 23 assists in just 39 games with Clarkson and is garnering considerable interest around the league although he could return for another season at the NCAA level as well.
- The Capitals are in contract negotiations with the agent for college center Brian Pinho, reports Mark Divver of the Providence Journal (Twitter link). The 22-year-old recently wrapped up his college career with the Friars, posting 12 goals and 20 assists in his senior year. Pinho was Washington’s sixth-round pick (174th overall) back in 2013 and could test the free agent waters if he doesn’t sign a contract by mid-August.