Prospect Snapshots: Vesalainen, Kopacka, Nosek
Finland’s Kristian Vesalainen was named the MVP of the 2017 U18 IIHF Ice Hockey World Champions today despite the team’s 4-2 loss to Team USA in the gold medal game today . The 17-year-old forward is considered to be a first-round target in the upcoming 2017 NHL Draft and his stock could be rising after he scored six goals and 13 points in the tournament. NHL.com has him rated the seventh-ranked European skater in the draft.
Versalainen was also named the Best Forward in the Directorate Awards along with fellow countryman Miro Heiskanen for Best Defenseman and Russia’s Maxim Zhukov as the Best Goaltender. The United States had three players voted to the Media All-Star team, including goalie lan St. Cyr, defenseman Maxwell Gidon and forward Sean Dhooghe. Vesalainen, Heiskanen and Russian forward Ivan Chekhovich rounded out the voting.
- The Anaheim Ducks announced they have signed 2016 fourth-round pick Jack Kopacka to a three-year entry-level contract today. The 19-year-old wing led his team, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League with 30 goals this year. He also added 19 assists for 49 points. The 93rd overall pick in this past draft finished with 50 goals in two plus seasons with his OHL team. Kopacka is the second player from his team to sign an NHL deal today as Tampa Bay signed his teammate Boris Katchouk earlier today.
- Detroit Red Wings Tomas Nosek continues his success in the AHL this year and, according to Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James, is beginning to show that he belongs in the Red Wings lineup next season. The 24-year-old forward scored the overtime goal in the Grand Rapids Griffins Game 1 playoff series against the Milwaukee Admirals and has taken his game up a level from a year ago. Nosek played 11 games for the Red Wings this season, scoring one goal, but since this is his third season in the AHL, he will no longer by waiver exempt, so Detroit may have to look at him more closely.
How Did The Top Five Picks In The 2016 Draft Class Fare?
As the importance of drafting and developing talent takes precedence in a hard cap league, PHR takes a look at how the first five picks from the 2016 NHL Draft fared nearly a calendar year after their selection.
#1: Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs
It almost seems silly writing about him since the Calder Trophy nominated center has been one of the major reasons the Leafs made the playoffs and have given the Capitals fits. Matthews had 69 points in 82 games (40-29) and was everything the Leafs could have hoped he would be. Matthews scored four goals in his debut, and though he had his share of rookie struggles, looked wise beyond his very young age on the ice. Already in the playoffs, Matthews has four points in five games in the playoffs (3-1) and will certainly lead this team to a contender status in the years to come.
#2: Patrik Laine – Winnipeg Jets
Hardly a consolation prize, Laine is also a Calder Trophy finalist and finished the season with 64 points (36-28) but it was individual performances that garnered attention. Laine registered three hat tricks this season, and in a strictly point-per-game glance, Laine led Matthews and every other rookie this season. Should Winnipeg improve their fortunes, Laine has the game breaking ability to take a talented team deep into the playoffs.
#3: Pierre-Luc Dubois – Columbus Blue Jackets
One of only two players in the top ten to not spend time with the big club, Dubois split time with Cape Breton and Blainville-Boisbriand in the QMJHL. He didn’t disappoint. Combined, the left winger had 55 points in 48 games (21-34) and has been dynamic in the President’s Cup playoffs, posting 14 points (5-9) in 11 games. The Armada are currently in the semi-finals against Charlottetown (trailing 1-0), and if his current performance is any indication, Dubois could find himself breaking camp with the Blue Jackets next fall.
#4: Jesse Puljujarvi – Edmonton Oilers
Puljujarvi was sent down in early January after making the team out of camp, and his numbers in Bakersfield were respectable: 28 points (12-16) in 39 games and the opportunity to play real minutes instead of playing limited time in Edmonton. Puljujarvi appears to be a rising star, and the extra seasoning should help. His play will continue as he was loaned to Finland’s national team to play in the World Championships.
#5: Olli Juolevi – Vancouver Canucks
Juolevi spent the season with the London Knights, racking up 42 points (10-32) in 58 games. His point total matched his 2015-16 results, with the exception of adding a goal. Juolevi scored the game winning goal in the first round of the OHL playoffs against Windsor that sent the Knights onto the second round, where they ultimately lost to Erie in seven games. During their 14 game run, Juolevi had eight points (3-5). The smooth puck moving defenseman was the first blueliner taken in the draft, and could be a candidate to make the team next year as the Canucks will be retooling their roster with more youth.
Reto Berra Expected To Sign In NLA After Season Ends
Even though Reto Berra is currently playing for the Florida Panthers and will be in net tonight against the Montreal Canadiens, RTS Sports is reporting that he has agreed to a three-year contract with Friborg-Gottéron of the Swiss NLA. The netminder has been rumored for months to prefer a return to Switzerland after the season. Berra is in the final season of a three-year, $4.35MM deal he signed with the Colorado Avalanche in 2014 and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
While it’s not unusual for a player to leave the NHL to play in his home country, it is surprising to see it play out so publicly while Berra is getting his chance to start. With Roberto Luongo and James Reimer still battling injuries, the team had to turn to Berra to finish the season for them. A good showing could have easily turned into a contract somewhere around the league as a backup, though it is clear he would rather return home to start. At times, Berra has looked like a viable starting option in the NHL, only to lack the consistency that one needs. He clearly has talent to play among the best in the world and with the NLA continually getting better and better as a league—some even consider it among the top three in the world—he’ll still face challenges every night.
At 30 years old, it’s not impossible for him to return to the NHL but it does seem unlikely. After this year ends, the next chance an NHL fan will likely get to see him would be at an international event like the World Championships, where he has played five times throughout his career.
Evening Snapshots: Julien, Compher, Thornton
Fresh off of a clinch of a playoff spot, the Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan explains why Canadiens fans should be toasting the new bench boss who guided the team to the postseason with a steady hand. Claude Julien was hired immediately following the Habs’ firing of Michel Therrien, and with Julien in charge, Montreal experienced a surge that carried them into the playoffs. Cowan writes that the Canadiens are 13-5-1 since Julien took over and following his first practice with the team, Julien said this:
“Guys had to go on the ice today feeling good about themselves. I made sure that happened. Guys want hope. Guys want excitement. Guys want positive messages. It’s easy for a new coach coming in to give those positive messages. I wanted them to know how good I think the team is. We’re in first place, OK? There’s no need to panic, but there’s a need to fix.”
With the team for at least five seasons, and for the job he’s already done in his first few months on the job with the Canadiens (again), Cowan believes the coach deserves to be the toast of Montreal.
In other NHL news:
- The Avalanche may have had a tough year, but there are still silver linings. One of those come in the form of center J.T. Compher, who Denver Post writer Terry Frei reports has been a welcome addition after general manager Joe Sakic called up the kids. Compher, a University of Michigan product, has three goals in 16 games and has centered a line with Gabriel Landeskog, and Matt Duchene. For Compher, it’s about learning “consistency” after being called up following the Avs’ trade of Jarome Iginla, and also finishing the season strong. With the Avalanche looking to win the draft lottery and build upon its young core, Compher figures to be an essential building block in what needs to be an efficient and swift rebuild after such a crushing season.
- The Sun-Sentinel’s Craig Davis writes that while Shawn Thornton is known for his tough guy persona on the ice, it’s his “nice guy” persona off the ice that earned him a Bill Masterson Trophy nomination for the Florida Panthers. Thornton’s self-named foundation works to raise research funds in the fight against Parkinson’s and cancer. In addition to doing community outreach, Thornton also holds an annual charity golf outing. Though he made headlines recently for his furious quotes regarding Alexei Emelin, Davis highlights the side of hockey where the compassionate side of hockey players take precedence.
Sharks Sign Noah Rod To Entry-Level Deal
The San Jose Sharks announced this evening that they have signed top prospect Noah Rod to his entry-level contract. The 20-year-old Swiss forward was the Sharks second-round pick in 2014, and has developed into one of San Jose’s most impressive young players while playing professionally in his native country in the NLA. Now, Rod will have to transition from pro hockey in Switzerland to pro hockey in California.
The two sides had been working toward a contract over the past few days, and reportedly have agreed to a three-year deal worth about $763K per year plus bonuses. Less than the maximum entry-level cap hit, the Sharks have afforded themselves a little extra flexibility in squeezing Rod into the mix next season if they deem him ready for NHL play. San Jose projects to be right up against the salary cap next season, so affordable young offense becomes extremely important to their success and Rod could be the key.
Over the past two seasons playing with Geneve-Servette HC of the NLA, the young forward has accumulated 30 points in 71 games. While that number may not jump off the page, it’s a very respectable total for a teenage playing against grown men in the what many consider to be the world’s third-best hockey league. Rod has also been an impressive contributor for Team Switzerland at each of the World Junior Championships, a point-per-game player both years. Rod’s offense has constantly been improving and he is known for his tough, scrappy play, but needs to bulk up his frame and adjust to the North American style before he can make an impact at the next level. The Sharks hope that those changes can be made sooner rather than later, but only time will tell.
Snapshots: Brodzinski, Rod, Ronning
As expected yesterday, the Los Angeles Kings have recalled Jonny Brodzinski today from the Ontario Reign to give him a taste of NHL action down the stretch. The minor-league sniper will not play tonight, but is expected to get into the lineup at some point over the remaining ten games. Armed with a howitzer of a shot, Brodzinski is an option for the Kings next season, as he’s proven everything he needs to at the AHL level.
With the Kings needing scoring wherever they can find it—they currently rank 27th in the league in goals for—Brodzinski may actually get a chance to move up in the lineup quickly. If he can show an ability to replicate his goal-scoring touch at the highest level, he’d instantly become one of their best options. Jeff Carter and Tanner Pearson alone have accounted for more than 30% of the Kings’ goals this season, with no other player even eclipsing 15 on the season. Brodzinski would be a welcome addition if he can find enough open space to release that shot.
- The San Jose Sharks are closing in on a contract with second-round pick Noah Rod, according to Kevin Kurz of CSN. The 2014 draft pick has continued to play in the NLA (Switzerland) for the past three seasons and may be ready to come across the pond. Known for his feisty game and ability to get under opponent’s skin, Rod showed an increased offensive game this year scoring 14 points in 27 games despite dealing with multiple injuries. He is likely still at least a year away from making a real impact in the NHL, but getting him over and into the AHL would help his transition to the North American game.
- After signing NCAA goaltender Chris Nell earlier today, the New York Rangers—or rather their AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack—have signed Ty Ronning to an amateur tryout. The seventh-round pick last summer just finished his season with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, leading the team in scoring for the second straight season. At 5’9″ 170-lbs, Ronning is undersized to say the least, but has a role model on how to succeed at that size pretty close to home. Cliff Ronning, Ty’s dad, played 1137 games in the NHL and recorded 869 points despite actually coming in an inch shorter than his son is now. One of the all-time “small guys”, Cliff was exceptionally talented and even scored 85 points one season while skating for Vancouver with greats like Pavel Bure and Trevor Linden. Perhaps the younger Ronning was overlooked just as his father was in his day—Cliff went in the seventh-round too, but scored more than all but five of his draft class.
Washington Capitals Bring Jonas Siegenthaler Back From Switzerland
The Washington Capitals have decided to bring former second-round pick Jonas Siegenthaler back from Switzerland to join the Hershey Bears for the rest of the season. Siegenthaler had been playing with the Zurich Lions of the NLA this season, after splitting the year between them and Hershey last year. He signed an entry-level contract just days after being drafted in 2015.
Siegenthaler is a big, bruising defender that has been used by Zurich in a shutdown role since he was 17. His defensive acumen has never been in doubt, but as the NHL puts more and more focus on puck movement and offensive play from their blueliners he has fallen a bit behind the curve. Not an elite skater or passer, he could clearly help teams in their own end but will now have to learn how to make quick, effective breakouts in the North American game and build on his physical play. At 6’3, 230-lbs, he’s already easily big enough for the NHL but his game needs a lot of refinement in the minor leagues.
For the Capitals, who are likely losing both Karl Alzner and Kevin Shattenkirk to free agency and may have trouble fitting Dmitry Orlov and Nate Schmidt under the cap (and on the expansion draft list) long-term, defensemen like Siegenthaler will need to develop quickly in order to keep the system flowing upwards. Coming over to the AHL is a good step, and one that will let the organization keep closer tabs on his development.
Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Miro Aaltonen To ELC
The Toronto Maple Leafs have dipped their toes back into the KHL market, signing 23-year old forward Miro Aaltonen to an entry-level contract. A former sixth-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks, he became a free agent when his season ended in Russia. As is usual with the Maple Leafs, no details on the contract have been revealed at this point.
Aaltonen has played professional hockey in his home country of Finland for several years, including lining up with Jesse Puljujarvi and Sebastian Aho for Karpat last season. Though he was much older than that pair, he kept up with them offensively and has broken out even further this year in the KHL. Scoring 19 goals and 44 points in 59 games this season for Chekhov Vityaz, Aaltonen ranked third on the team in scoring and first among 24-or-under players in the entire league.
Blessed with unbelievable skill, Aaltonen has always been undersized and without elite top end speed was thought of as somewhat of a project. Now as he’s started to fill out and increased his skating ability, he may well translate his success to the North American game. His play down-low is excellent for his size, protecting the puck and shaking defenders behind the net. While he may be headed for the AHL to begin his career for the Maple Leafs organization, it’s not out of the question for him to move through the system quickly and make his NHL debut next year.
While success in Finland and Russia does not guarantee success here, the Maple Leafs have found success bringing players over as recently as this season. Nikita Zaitsev, had played in the KHL for years before making it across the pond this season. He’s now playing top-pairing minutes as a rookie for the Maple Leafs, and though there has been bumps in the road has established himself as an NHL force. They’ll try to find the same success with Aaltonen, who will likely join the Marlies for their AHL playoff run this year.
Drew Shore Returns From Europe, Signs With Canucks
Monday: According to CapFriendly, Shore has cleared waivers and is now eligible to play though it’s not yet clear when he would debut.
Sunday: Former-NHLer Drew Shore is a current-NHLer once again. Shore is on entry waivers today and has signed with the Vancouver Canucks for the remainder of the season, per a team announcement. Shore makes his way back from Europe after playing this season with EHC Kloten of the Swiss National League A (NLA). It is because he played overseas this year while not being on Vancouver’s reserve list that he has to clear waivers before he can join the team.
Rarely does leaving the NHL work out as well for one’s hockey career as it has thus far for Shore. A second-round pick of the Florida Panthers back in 2009 and the brother of the L.A. Kings’ Nick Shore, Kings’ minor-leaguer Quentin Shore, and 2017 draft-eligible Baker Shore, a lot was expected of the eldest of a talented hockey family out of Denver, Colorado. However, Shore struggled to find his footing in the NHL early on, scoring just 20 points in 67 games with the Panthers over the course of his first two pro seasons. In 2014-15, Shore had not played a single NHL game by mid-January, when he was dealt to the Calgary Flames. The trade made matters worse, as Shore was only given 13 games with Flames in a season and a half with the organization and scored only four points in that time. Tired of the minors and his lack of production at the highest level in North America, the 26-year-old center signed with Kloten in Switzerland this summer. In the NLA, Shore seemed to finally find his game, recording 24 goals and 24 assists in 50 games. His 24 goals ranked third in the league, while his 48 total points finished sixth. Shore achieved these numbers on a team that was significantly less talented than most of its competition and featured only one other former NHL forward, James Sheppard. Shore carried the squad and helped them to avoid relegation.
Now that Shore has re-established his game, at least in what many consider the second-best hockey league in Europe, he is going to try his hand at the NHL once more. His signing with Vancouver is yet another shrewd move to add to the recent streak of GM Jim Benning. Shore is still young and spent the last year dominating talented competition and developing the open, offensive European game that the Canucks try to implement. The team is out of playoff contention – though Shore would not have been eligible to compete anyway – but can still take the rest of the season to assess their new asset for his future fit. Gambling on Shore is a low-risk, high-reward investment for Benning as well as something for disheartened Vancouver fans to follow for the remainder of the season. Little downside for the team, fans, or player in this scenario.
Los Angeles Kings Acquire Jarome Iginla From Colorado
Jarome Iginla has waived his no-trade clause and agreed to go to the Los Angeles Kings. In return, the Avalanche will receive a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2018. The Avalanche will also retain half of Iginla’s salary for the remainder of the season. If the conditions—which are still unknown at this time—aren’t met, the draft pick could actually disappear entirely.
As we wrote recently, Iginla might still have something in the tank for another run at the Stanley Cup this season. While he’s no longer a top-line player, he can likely still contribute in a smaller role. Darryl Sutter, the head coach of the Kings spent three seasons coaching Iginla in Calgary over a decade ago, which included heading to the Cup final in 2004.
The 619-goal man will try to find some of his old style in Los Angeles, as he has completely lost his game this season. With just 18 points in 61 games, it is by far the worst season of his career. The Kings will hope they get last year’s version of Iginla, the one that scored 22 goals and was deadly on the powerplay.
Los Angeles currently sits just outside the playoff picture in the Western Conference, battling with the St. Louis Blues and Iginla’s old Flames. In fact, Iginla will have to play Calgary three times down the stretch to try and knock them out of a playoff spot. The Kings obviously believe that Iginla can help them more than Dwight King, who they shipped out to Montreal minutes earlier for the same return.
For Colorado, getting anything back for the expiring veteran is a good thing. While a fourth-round pick isn’t a game changer for the franchise, it does help them restock and rebuild. If the team does decide to trade Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog, they’ll likely be going for a slow-burn on their future, stockpiling picks and teenage prospects.
Pierre LeBrun of TSN was first to report the deal was being finalized, while Darren Dreger of TSN gave us details on the return.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images