Headlines

Go To MLB Trade Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Devils Rumors

Injury Notes: Nash, Nash, Glendening, Muzzin, Johansson, Smith, Dvorak

at CDT | by 1 Comment

The Boston Bruins continue to get healthier as NBC Sports’ Joe Haggerty reports that Rick Nash could play as early as Sunday, although the team may also wait for their first playoff game next week. Nash has missed 10 straight games with what was listed as a upper-body injury. However, Nash confirmed to Haggerty that he has been dealing with a concussion and is starting to feel better.

The 33-year-old was a key trade deadline acquisition for Boston, but has only appeared in 11 games so far for the Bruins. He has three goals and three assists in that span and has a total of 21 goals this season between the Bruins and New York Rangers.

The Bruins also announced that Riley Nash is out for the weekend. The Bruins forward took a puck to the head last week and required 40 stitches inside and outside of his ear to repair the damage. He has missed three straight games while having a breakout season. The 28-year-old has 15 goals and 26 assists this year, both career highs. No word if he will be available for the playoffs next week.

  • MLive’s Ansar Khan reports that although Detroit Red Wings forward Luke Glendening was originally believed to be out for the season, the forward will be active for tonight’s season finale. Out with an upper-body injury, he missed one game after being forced to leave Tuesday’s game against Columbus during the second period.
  • Fox Sports’ Jon Rosen reports that Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin is skating, although he will not play in tonight’s regular season finale. The 29-year-old blueliner has missed four games with an upper-body injury. Rosen adds that head coach John Stevens wouldn’t say for sure whether Muzzin would be ready to play for the first game of the playoffs next week.
  • Tom Gulitti of NHL.com tweets that forward Marcus Johansson is close to being ready to return to the ice, but still isn’t 100 percent. The 27-year-old winger has not played since Jan. 23 with a concussion, but could be ready for the playoffs next week if all goes well. After a 24-goal season a year ago with the Washington Capitals, Johansson has managed to appear in just 29 games this year, putting up just five goals. A healthy Johansson could be a big boost to the Devils.
  • The Vegas Golden Knights announced that center Reilly Smith will be a game-time decision for tonight’s game against the Calgary Flames. Smith, who has been out with an upper-body injury has missed 15 straight games. If he plays, the team’s first-line center might just be looking to get some work in before the playoffs start.
  • Arizona Coyotes’ Dave Vest reports that forward Christian Dvorak, who has missed the last three games with a lower-body injury, will not play in tonight’s regular-season finale. He finishes his season with 15 goals and 37 points.

AHL Announces First, Second All-Star Teams

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

After announcing their All-Rookie team earlier this week, the AHL have now given us their choices for the first and second All-Star Teams for 2017-18. These players were voted in by coaches, players and media all across the league.

First All-Star Team:

Goaltender: Garret Sparks, Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Defenseman: Jacob MacDonald, Binghamton Devils (New Jersey Devils)

Defenseman: Sami Niku, Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg Jets)*

Left Wing: Chris Terry, Laval Rocket (Montreal Canadiens)

Center: Phil Varone, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers)

Right Wing: Mason Appleton, Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg Jets)*

*Niku and Appleton were also named as part of the All-Rookie team.

Second All-Star Team:

Goaltender: Michael Hutchinson, Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg Jets)

Defenseman: T.J. Brennan, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers)

Defenseman: Zach Redmond, Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres)

Left Wing: Andreas Johnsson, Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Center: Austin Czarnik, Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins)

Right Wing: Ben Smith, Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Of course, much of the fanfare will go to Niku and Appleton who were not only rookies but late-round draft choices. Their appearance on the list is so impressive, especially given the success of the Jets already graduated young core. With a pipeline of talent, Winnipeg should have a wide open window of contention.

Probably the most interesting name though is Hutchinson, as he’ll be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. One has to wonder if he’ll get a crack at an NHL job, given his outstanding minor league season and reliatively successful experience at the highest level. He’s making $1.3MM this season, but could look for a larger opportunity elsewhere while Connor Hellebuyck, Steve Mason and Eric Comrie man the crease in Winnipeg.

Jacob Josefson Could Return To Sweden

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

When you’re an impending free agent on the league’s worst team, you think about your future a lot. When you’re an under-utilized and ineffective member of the league’s worst team, you begin to consider the limits on that future. Such is the case for Buffalo forward Jacob Josefson. With four points in 39 games for the Sabres, who hold a measly 25-42-12 record with three games remaining in the season, Josefson has been a non-factor for a team that has been begging for someone to break out all season long. Now, it seems that Josefson has recognized his ceiling as a professional hockey player and may return home to Sweden this off-season to continue his career.

Josefson, 27, was once a promising young player in the NHL. Drafted in the first round in 2009 by the New Jersey Devils out of Djurgardens of the Swedish Hockey League, Josefson made the jump overseas in 2010 and recorded ten points in 28 games as a rookie. Josefson continued as a part-time player until 2014-15 when he would play 62 games with the Devils. He followed that up with a career-high 14 points in 2015-16. Yet, that campaign also came with a —21 rating. Frustrated that Josefson was nowhere close to the caliber of player they expected out of a first-rounder, New Jersey allowed him to walk in free agency last summer. The best deal that Josefson could scrounge up was a one-year, $700K contract with the Sabres. After another disappointing season, opportunities in the NHL are running out for the underwhelming two-way forward.

Yet, a new opportunity could be emerging with his old Swedish squad. Sweden’s Hockey News reports (link in Swedish) that Djurgardens has reached out to Josefson, a “dream acquisition”, and he is considering a return to where it all began. Josefson was a far more dynamic player as a teenager in Sweden than he ever was at any level in North America and would return home to much fanfare from his former team. However, if Josefson bails on the NHL this off-season, especially if there are offers out there, it would more than likely mark the end of his NHL career.

Nic Hague, Michael McLeod Heading To AHL

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

After the Mississauga Steelheads were eliminated from the OHL playoffs, two of their best players are headed to the AHL to test their skills. Vegas Golden Knights prospect Nic Hague is on his way to the Chicago Wolves, while New Jersey Devils pick Micheal McLeod is joining Binghamton.

Hague was selected in the second round by the Golden Knights after falling a bit in the draft, but has taken another step forward this season. With 35 goals and 78 points in 67 games, the 19-year old defenseman led the Steelheads in scoring and skated huge minutes for them all season long. His 6’6″ frame is used to effectively move attackers off the puck in the defensive zone, while his long reach and active stick routinely cuts off passes. Jumping into the rush and taking plenty of shots from the point, there are still some warts in Hague’s game as he can get caught of position. With some strong coaching at the next level though, there is huge upside to his game as a future NHL player.

McLeod on the other hand has had a disappointing season for Mississauga, after battling injury to start the year. While 44 points in 38 games still puts him as one of the more effective players on the team, his breakaway speed and dynamic puck control have been absent at times. Those skills are the ones that made him the 12th-overall pick in 2016, and ones that could make him a star in the NHL down the road. McLeod did find his game somewhat in the playoffs, scoring some big goals as the Steelheads tried to fend off elimination. If he can continue to get back to what made him such a high pick, there’s a chance the 20-year old forward could be in New Jersey as soon as the fall.

New Jersey Devils Sign Marian Studenic To Entry-Level Contract

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The New Jersey Devils have decided that seventh-round pick Marian Studenic has done enough to deserve an entry-level contract, signing the 19-year old forward to a three-year deal. Studenic is currently playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs in the OHL playoffs, where he’s headed to the second round.

Some may remember Studenic from the World Junior Championship where he has represented Slovakia in the past two tournaments. Though he went scoreless in both the 19-year old winger hasn’t had the same problem in the OHL, recording 48 points in 62 games this season for Hamilton. Though those aren’t the numbers of a top-tier prospect, Studenic is still adjusting to the North American game and could take another large step in the next few years.

Either way, the Devils shouldn’t be a system to second guess as they’ve developed several young forwards over the last few years. Studenic could be ticketed for the OHL again next season, though there are several options available to the playmaking forward. Turning 20 in October, the AHL and Europe are options if the Devils feel that he needs a new challenge.

Injury Notes: Bruins, Suter, Johansson, Callahan, Antipin

at CDT | by 1 Comment

For a team having the success that they have had, the Boston Bruins are also at the top of the Atlantic Division despite suffering through countless injuries throughout the season. While many of those players like David Backes and Patrice Bergeron have done a nice job of working their way back at different points in the season, the injuries continue to pile up.

The team lost defenseman Brandon Carlo to injury as he was taken off on a stretcher Saturday with a leg injury and while there is no official word on the specifics or the severity of the injury, NBC’s Joe Haggerty tweets that head coach Bruce Cassidy said it’s probably serious and it is likely that he could miss the playoffs. Add to that, veteran Riley Nash, who took a puck to his head in Saturday’s game. According to Boston Globe’s Fluto Shinzawa, Nash required 40 stitches in and around his ear.

“You know what? That’s what it is this year and how it’s going to be,” said Bruce Cassidy (via Haggerty). “It’s become a bit of our fight song. We can do it with guys going in and out, and other guys stepping up. It’s worked out well in terms of how the guys have responded.”

On a positive note, the team got back winger Jake Debrusk, who kicked in two goals and an assist Saturday and veteran defenseman Zdeno Chara is playing today. However, the team is still without defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who could return Tuesday, according to Haggerty.

  • StarTribune’s Sarah McLellan writes that Minnesota Wild veteran defenseman Ryan Suter will be out indefinitely after suffering a foot injury during Saturday’s game against Dallas. The 33-year-old went down during the second period when his foot awkwardly collided against the boards after taking a hit from the Stars’ Remi Elie. It’s another blow for the Wild, who had previously lost Suter’s partner Jared Spurgeon who went down with a hamstring injury more than two weeks ago. The Wild currently hold the third playoff spot in the Central Division, but need some key wins in the coming days to hold onto that spot. Suter averages 26:46 of ATOI, which is second in the NHL. He has six goals and 51 points, which is tied for his career-high.
  • The New Jersey Devils announced they have activated Marcus Johansson off of injured reserve Sunday. The winger has been out with a concussion since Jan. 23. He is expected to be in the lineup today with Montreal. After acquiring the 27-year-old from Washington in the offseason, Johansson has been plagued by injuries as he’s only appeared in 29 games for the Devils putting up five goals and nine assists this season.
  • NHL.com’s Bryan Burns tweets that veteran winger and penalty killing specialist Ryan Callahan is expected to return today after being out with an upper body injury. The 33-year-old has missed the past five games since being injured on March 22 against Toronto. Callahan has four goals and 15 points in 63 games this season.
  • The Buffalo Sabres announced the defenseman Victor Antipin has been diagnosed with a concussion after taking a hit Saturday from Nashville’s Scott Hartnell. He also suffered facial lacerations, a broken nose and dental injuries. He is out indefinitely.

New Jersey Signs Cam Johnson To 1-Year Entry-Level Deal

at CDT | by 2 Comments

The New Jersey Devils announced they have signed North Dakota senior free-agent goaltender Cameron Johnson to a one-year, entry-level contract, which will start during the 2018-19 season. In the meantime, Johnson will join the AHL’s Binghampton Devils and sign an Amateur Tryout (ATO) on Tuesday to finish out the 2017-18 season. The collegiate star finished up his senior year at North Dakota, a team that didn’t qualify for the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002.

Johnson, however, fared well for his team as the 23-year-old goalie finished the season with a 2.14 GAA and a .910 save percentage in 29 games. He did miss a month early in the season with an undisclosed injury, but came back strong. His best collegiate season came during his sophomore year when he put up a 1.66 GAA and a .935 save percentage, leading North Dakota to the NCAA National Championship in 2016. For his career, Johnson finished with a 56-26-10 record.

Johnson has broken several records for North Dakota, including having the school’s all-time record for career goals against with a 2.10. He ranks second in school history in shutouts with 12 and fourth in wins.

Tavares Notes: Potential Suitors, Rangers, Deadline Moves, Snow

at CDT | by 7 Comments

The worse the New York Islanders play as their recent struggles continue, the more NHL teams are salivating at the chance to steal away a star player, which is a rare thing, according to the Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons. The last significant star free agent that signed with another club dates back to 2006 when the Boston Bruins signed Zdeno Chara away from the Ottawa Senators. However, usually franchise free agents sign with their former team like Steven Stamkos did back in 2016.

Simmons writes that the San Jose Sharks and the St. Louis Blues are the two teams that are thought to be at the top of the list of suitors for Tavares. He adds that several teams with cap space might also be interested in attempting to lure Tavares to their team as they lack that superstar player, including the Vegas Golden Knights, New Jersey Devils and the Vancouver Canucks. Other teams like Montreal, Detroit, Carolina and even Toronto might also attempt to make a stab at acquiring the 27-year-old center.

  • It doesn’t look like the New York Rangers are expected to go after Tavares, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post. With the Rangers rebuilding their franchise, it just doesn’t seem to make sense that Tavares would sign with them. Considering Tavares is fueled by team loyalty, it seems unlikely he would sign with the Rangers who could offer only seven years, while the Islanders can offer eight years and are much closer to reaching the playoffs.
  • The lack of trade deadline moves might also count against the New York Islanders in their quest to re-sign Tavares, according to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos. While saying that he would not move Tavares, Islanders’ general manager Garth Snow also said he would not make moves for rental players. In the end, the biggest acquisition the team made was trading a third-round pick for defenseman Brandon Davidson, who had been placed on waivers only months earlier. Now after seven losses since the deadline, Kypreos questions whether Snow’s moves were the right ones. Certainly bolstering the team for a playoff run might have shown Tavares how committed the team is to winning. Instead the losing could easily drive the soon-to-be free agent away. The team is sitting in last place in the Metropolitan Division, well out of range of a playoff spot. “It almost feels like this thing is snowballing away from the Islanders and Tavares,” said Kypreos.
  • Arthur Staple of The Athletic (subscription required) writes that co-owners Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky have some tough decisions to make in the next few weeks. The scribe writes that they chose to keep Snow last offseason because he and then-new head coach Doug Weight were close with Tavares. However, with fans calling for Snow’s head, ownership may want to make a change before Tavares hits free agency. Even if they don’t make an immediate move, Snow’s job may come down to whether Tavares stays or goes. “It’s out of my control,” Tavares said regarding Snow’s job status. “I’m here to play hockey, be the best player I can be for the Islanders. Those things are above my head. I just try to have the right attitude every day, not take this for granted, enjoy the group we have, the staff we have. Ever since I’ve been here I’ve been treated great, just tried to come out and give everything I can. We wish we’d have more success, but anything that happens, anything that has happened is out of my control.”

 

Devils’ Fitzgerald, Penguins’ Guerin Also Out Of Carolina GM Search

at CDT | by 7 Comments

New Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon probably did not expect this process to be so hard. After Los Angles Kings Assistant GM Mike Futa joined Nashville Predators Assistant GM Paul Fenton in dropping out of the running to be the next Hurricanes GM early yesterday, two more names are off the list. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reached out to a potential candidate, New Jersey Devils Assistant GM Tom Fitzgerald, and found that he too had pulled out of the search. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun hears Pittsburgh Penguins Assistant GM Bill Guerin also declined to get involved in the process.

Fitzgerald, 49, had a long NHL career, lasting from 1988 to 2006, and then joined the Penguins front office in 2007. He has been the AGM of the Devils since 2015. The experienced hockey mind comes from a strong hockey bloodline and has two sons, Ryan and Casey, with NHL potential. There are many reasons why Fitzgerald would be a strong hire and he certainly seems to have a GM title in his future, but it won’t be with Carolina. Fitzgerald simply told Friedman “This is nothing against Tom Dundon. I am very happy in New Jersey and this is not the right time for me.” Guerin, 47, is in a similar boat. LeBrun states that he too felt the timing was wrong. Guerin himself was a successful NHLer for nearly 20 years and has been with the Penguins organization since 2009, having been promoted to AGM in 2014. Many see Guerin as the heir apparent to 69-year-old Pens GM Jim Rutherford.

These continued rejections have changed Dundon’s frame of mind for his hunt for Ron Francis’ replacement. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports this morning that the team is “shifting gears” and will wait until the off-season to continue their search. LeBrun speculated that this may change the “timing is wrong” feeling from some of these candidates. However, of the three remaining names on the short list reported by Friedman, only one – Buffalo’s Steve Greeley – is currently employed by an NHL team other than Carolina, while the other two candidates are ’Canes Assistant GM Mike Vellucci and former Canucks executive Laurence Gilman. More than anything, the pause could be Dundon re-thinking the whole situation. It certainly hasn’t been a smooth process so far for the NHL’s newest owner.

New Jersey Devils Sign Brett Seney To Entry-Level Deal

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The New Jersey Devils have signed Brett Seney to a two-year entry-level contract, and will have him join the Binghamton Devils on an amateur tryout for the rest of the season. Seney could have become an unrestricted free agent in August, but New Jersey will retain him by getting him under contract right away.

After a four year career at Merrimack College, Seney will try to show that his size won’t stop him from making an impact at the professional level. Listed at just 5’10” 175-lbs, he relies on blazing speed and quickness to create offense but can be overwhelmed by bigger defenders at times. Ending with a career-high 32 points in his senior season, he was named to the Hockey East Third All-Star Team and led his club in scoring for the fourth consecutive year.

There is a lot of skill in Seney, but there are still concerns about his ability to play away from the puck. If he’s going to make an impact at the next level, he’ll need to use his speed to contribute defensively and become a more well-rounded player. Already 22 years old, he’ll have to make those adjustments quickly.

Pro Hockey Rumors is not affiliated with National Hockey League, NHL or NHL.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

scroll to top