Evening Notes: Nylander, Maple Leafs Injuries, Sillinger
The Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans figure to have a tense few months throughout the 2023-24 NHL calendar, as superstar Auston Matthews will be eligible for an extension, and should he choose not to pursue one in Toronto, could head to the UFA market. But, even if Matthews were to re-sign, the UFA worry wouldn’t stop there, as William Nylander is also set to hit the market in the summer of 2024. It doesn’t feel like too long ago when Nylander held out as an RFA, ultimately signing a six-year, $45MM deal at the last minute on December 1st of 2018, but that long-term deal is now more than halfway complete.
Recently, The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel had a chance to sit down with Nylander to discuss his future. When asked about the possibility of an extension with the Maple Leafs or testing the free agent market, Nylander said it wasn’t something he had really thought much of, but added that it would be “unreal to stay,” especially if the team could go on a deep playoff run before then. Looking deeper into an extension, Siegel opines that if Nylander can build upon his 2021-22, where he had 80 points in 81 games, and help Toronto make a deep playoff run, not only does an extension with the Maple Leafs become more likely, but it could push his number to at least $9MM per season. On the other hand, if Toronto is still unable to take the next step in the playoffs, they could opt to move on from Nylander. Of course, there is still plenty of time for Nylander to establish who he is as a talent and two more postseasons before his contract formally expires but, as one of five members of a group of Maple Leafs superstars who may figure to earn a raise from his $6.96MM cap hit, the Maple Leafs could be poised to make an interesting decision either way.
- Sticking with the Maple Leafs, the team lost two of its defenseman in tonight’s preseason contest against the Montreal Canadiens before the game was even half over. Veteran Jordie Benn, who signed with Toronto this offseason, suffered an undisclosed injury early on in the first period and left the game. The Maple Leafs have since announced that he will not return to the game for precautionary reasons. Also injured was Carl Dahlstrom, who the team soon after announced would not return to the game for precautionary reasons. Losing the pair puts the Maple Leafs in a tough circumstance early on in a preseason game, left with just four defenseman. At one point, forwards Calle Jarnkrok and Alexander Kerfoot were taking shifts on defense for Toronto.
- Aaron Portzline of The Athletic tweeted that, per Columbus Blue Jackets radio host Dylan Tyrer, forward Cole Sillinger skated today in a non-contact sweater after he suffered an upper-body injury on the first day of training camp. Today’s skate was Sillinger’s first since the injury, and no timetable for a more formal return has been disclosed.
Training Camp Cuts: 09/28/22
Preseason action continues tonight with a handful of matches, giving young players and veterans another chance to show off their skills. As we get closer to the start of the regular season, teams will continue to reduce their rosters and send hopefuls packing. Here are today’s cuts.
Boston Bruins (via team release)
F Joey Abate (to Providence, AHL)
F Samuel Asselin (to Providence, AHL)
F Justin Brazeau (to Providence, AHL)
F Curtis Hall (to Providence AHL)
F Georgii Merkulov (to Providence AHL)
F Matthew Poitras (to Guelph, OHL)
F Luke Toporowski (to {Providence AHL)
F Eduards Tralmaks (to Providence AHL)
F Alex-Olivier Voyer (to Providence AHL)
D Josiah Didier (to Providence AHL)
D J.D. Greenway (to Providence AHL)
D Jacob Wilson (to Providence AHL)
G Francois Brassard (to Providence, AHL)
G Brandon Bussi (to Providence, AHL)
Buffalo Sabres (via team release)
F Josh Bloom (to Saginaw, OHL)
D Mats Lindgren (to Red Deer, WHL)
D Vsevolod Komarov (to Quebec, QMJHL)
D Spencer Sova (to Erie, OHL)
Calgary Flames (via team release)
F Lucas Ciona (to Seattle, WHL)
Colorado Avalanche (via team release)
F Alex Galchenyuk (released from PTO)
F Callahan Burke (to Colorado, AHL)
D Nate Clurman (to Colorado, AHL)
D Rob Hamilton (to Colorado, AHL)
G Trent Miner (to Colorado, AHL)
F Justin Scott (to Colorado, AHL)
F Dalton Smith (to Colorado, AHL)
F Ben Tardif (to Colorado, AHL)
F Ryan Wagner (to Colorado, AHL)
G Ivan Zhigalov (to Kingston, OHL)
D Danila Zhuravlyov (to Colorado, AHL)
Florida Panthers (via team release)
F Liam Arnsby (to North Bay, OHL)
F Josh Davies (to Swift Current, WHL)
F Serron Noel (to Charlotte, AHL) per CapFriendly
F Sandis Vilmanis (to Sarnia, OHL)
D Marek Alscher (to Portland, OHL)
D Evan Nause (to Quebec, QMJHL)
D Braden Hache (to Kingston, OHL)
Los Angeles Kings (via team release)
F Francesco Pinelli (to Kitchener, OHL)
Montreal Canadiens (via team release)
G Riley Mercer (released from ATO)
New York Islanders
F Collin Adams (to Bridgeport, AHL) per CapFriendly
F Blade Jenkins (to Bridgeport, AHL) per CapFriendly
F Jeff Kubiak (to Bridgeport, AHL) per CapFriendly
F Reece Newkirk (to Bridgeport, AHL) per CapFriendly
Pittsburgh Penguins (via team release)
G Taylor Gauthier (to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, AHL)
G Tommy Nappier (to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, AHL)
Seattle Kraken (via team release)
F Jagger Firkus (to Moose Jaw, WHL)
F David Goyette (to Sault Ste. Marie, OHL)
F Kyle Jackson (to North Bay, OHL)
F Jacob Melanson (to Acadie-Bathurst, QMJHL)
F Tucker Robertson (to Peterborough, OHL)
D Ty Nelson (to North Bay, OHL)
St. Louis Blues (via team release)
F Landon Sim (to London, OHL)
D Michael Buchinger (to Guelph, OHL)
D Tyson Galloway (to Calgary, WHL)
D Marc-Andre Gaudet (to Chicoutimi, QMJHL)
G Will Cranley (to Flint, OHL)
This page will be updated throughout the day
Tyson Hinds Signs With Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Tyson Hinds to a three-year, entry-level contract, per a team release. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
Hinds, selected 76th overall by the Ducks in the 2021 NHL Draft, has been an impressive performer throughout rookie camp and preseason. The team made an extra effort to select him at the draft, trading their 2022 third-round selection to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for the pick.
A 2003-born player, Hinds will return to the QMJHL for 2022-23, where he’s spent the last three seasons of his career with three different teams (Shawinigan, Rimouski, Sherbrooke). In 2021-22, split between Rimouski and Sherbrooke, Hinds had 12 goals, 23 assists, and 35 points in 61 games. He added a goal and three assists for four points in 11 playoff games for Sherbrooke.
Anaheim Ducks Forward Max Jones Out Day-To-Day
According to Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Mike Stothers and relayed by The Athletic’s Eric Stephens, forward Max Jones is out day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
Jones, the team’s 24th overall selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, played just two games last season before suffering a torn chest muscle and missing practically the entire campaign. While this lower-body injury has nothing to do with that chest injury, Stephens notes the team is exercising extra caution with Jones, and rightfully so.
With a career-high of just 12 points and having never played more than 59 games in a season, Jones hasn’t exhibited the offensive potential you’d hope for out of a first-round pick. High-end scoring was never Jones’ appeal, though. Rather, his 6′ 3″, 216-pound frame and willingness for physicality made him an attractive prospect for the Ducks at the time.
If he can manage to stay healthy, Jones is again expected to contend for a role in the team’s bottom six. With some added offensive depth over the offseason, Jones could get a chance to have a breakout season with some better linemates.
Injury Notes: Carrier, Muzzin, Blueger
The Vegas Golden Knights have some good news and some bad news on the injury front. The good news is that captain Mark Stone has “checked all the medical boxes” according to head coach Bruce Cassidy, and should be able to take part in a preseason game in the next few days.
The bad news is that William Carrier will be re-evaluated next week after suffering an upper-body injury over the weekend. The 27-year-old Carrier is in the third season of a four-year, $5.6MM contract signed in 2020 and had 20 points in 63 games last season.
- Jake Muzzin joined his teammates at practice today, after sitting out the last few because of an ongoing back issue. The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman did leave early as a precaution, but head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters including David Alter of Sports Illustrated that Muzzin could have continued.
- Teddy Blueger left today’s practice with the Pittsburgh Penguins partway through and is now being evaluated for an upper-body injury. Blueger is an important part of the team’s forward depth, especially as Jeff Carter deals with an upper-body injury of his own. Ryan Poehling was skating as the third-line center in their absence.
Sean Couturier Will Not Require Surgery
It appears as though the Philadelphia Flyers have avoided the worst injury outcome (at least for now) in regards to Sean Couturier. According to Chuck Fletcher, who spoke with reporters including Charlie O’Connor of The Athletic, the veteran center will not require surgery for his recent setback but remains out on a week-to-week basis.
There was some speculation that Couturier could miss the entire season when it was announced that he was dealing with a back injury again. This essentially rules that out, though fans of the Flyers who have gone through the Ryan Ellis saga over the last year won’t be satisfied until they see the Selke winner back on the ice.
Couturier, 29, missed all but 29 games last season, which became one of the reasons why the Flyers struggled so mightily. Losing him for this season would likely have the same effect, even if John Tortorella’s new coaching staff can get the best out of the rest of the roster.
One of the most dominant two-way players in the league a few years ago, Couturier hasn’t quite been himself since winning the Selke in 2020. If he can avoid surgery and get close to that level, the team will have a legitimate star at the top of the forward group to build around.
Unfortunately, even if there is no surgery required right now, back issues aren’t something that usually go away completely. Given Couturier is only just beginning an eight-year, $62MM contract extension, which will carry a $7.75MM cap hit through 2029-30, it’s hard to know how much value the Flyers are actually going to receive.
USA Hockey Names Chris Clark GM Of 2023 National Team
After a disappointing fourth-place finish at this year’s World Championship, USA Hockey has made some changes for next year. Chris Clark, director of player personnel for the Columbus Blue Jackets, will take over as general manager, replacing Ryan Martin who served in the role for just one tournament.
Supporting Clark, who is still relatively young in his front office executive career, will be an advisory group that brings a ton of experience. Kevyn Adams, Chris Drury, Tom Fitzgerald, Mike Grier, Bill Guerin, Lou Lamoriello, Chris MacFarland, Don Waddell, and Bill Zito will all be there to help in the player selection process.
John Vanbiesbrouck, assistant executive director of USA Hockey, released a statement explaining the choice:
We’re excited to have Chris leading efforts in building the roster for our team. He knows the player pool extremely well, and as someone who has played at the highest levels of the game and is now in a management role in the NHL. He is well versed in what it takes to win.
Clark has served as general manager of the Cleveland Monsters for the past several seasons and played 11 seasons in the NHL. In fact, he has experience playing the international tournament, even captaining Team USA in 2007.
After his retirement, he joined the Blue Jackets first as a scout, then in the player development department, before receiving his current position in 2019. This appointment is another step on what looks to be a future-GM track, one very similar to the path Drury took over the last several years.
Morning Notes: Robertson, Petry, CHL
Preseason is already well underway and there continues to be no real update in talks between Jason Robertson and the Dallas Stars, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic. The insider explains that the only thing coming out of either side is that daily discussions are being held.
Robertson, 23, is one of four remaining restricted free agents that needs a contract for this season, and by far the most important of the group. The young forward scored 41 goals and 79 points in 74 games last season. The Stars kick off their season on October 13 against the Nashville Predators.
- Jeff Petry has received a $5,000 fine for roughing in last night’s game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings. The Pittsburgh newcomer played more than every Penguin except Kris Letang, including nearly seven minutes on the powerplay. Despite the nine man-advantage opportunities, the Penguins lost 6-2, with Petry taking a frustration penalty when he punched the back of Jonatan Berggren‘s head.
- The CHL is already off and running, with players all heading back from their NHL camps to compete at the junior level once again. To kick things off, Scott Wheeler of The Athletic has released full previews of each league, with prospects to look out for and rookies that will be building their stock. His pick for Rookie of the Year? Michael Misa, the Saginaw Spirit forward who was granted exceptional status. Misa is eligible for the 2025 NHL draft.
Columbus Blue Jackets Extend Andrew Peeke
The Columbus Blue Jackets aren’t waiting around to see if Andrew Peeke can replicate his breakout season. The team has signed Peeke to a three-year contract extension through the 2025-26 season, which will carry an average annual value of $2.75MM.
The 24-year-old defenseman was scheduled for restricted free agency next summer and would have been arbitration-eligible.
Peeke, the 34th overall pick from 2016, became a regular last season for the Blue Jackets in the absence of Seth Jones, and was quite effective in his heavy defensive role. Logging more than 21 minutes a night while playing in all 82 games, he registered 169 blocks and 191 hits, seeing more short-handed time than anyone else on the team.
Notably, while given a bit more offensive freedom at the World Championships, Peeke led all U.S. players with six assists. If he can continue to improve that side of his game, while remaining a defensive stalwart, a contract like this will represent something of a bargain for the Blue Jackets.
Already, $2.75MM is very reasonable for a defenseman just entering his prime on a team that is trying to be competitive. The question now will be whether or not the team can afford to extend Vladislav Gavrikov, Peeke’s regular defense partner. Gavrikov is an unrestricted free agent next summer and will likely require a raise on his $2.8MM cap hit, but the Blue Jackets don’t have a ton of extra money after spending so much on Johnny Gaudreau and Erik Gudbranson this offseason.
For Peeke, this deal ensures his place on the team and will walk him directly to UFA status in a few years. While he may have been able to secure a bit more had he gone the arbitration route for each of his RFA seasons, he’s now locked into a full-time spot without any further negotiations.
Top Blues Prospect Scott Perunovich Leaves Game With Injury
Defenseman Scott Perunovich is one of the very best prospects the St. Louis Blues have in their system – if he stays healthy. Injuries have been a serious concern for him in the past, and they may be unfortunately continuing now. The Blues announced that Perunovich left tonight’s preseason game against the Chicago Blackhawks with an upper-body injury and will not return.
Perunovich took a hit along the boards from Blackhawks forward Michal Teply, causing his arm/wrist area to make awkward contact with the glass.
St. Louis’ 45th overall pick in 2018, Perunovich missed the entire 2020-21 season with an injury after a spectacular junior season with the University of Minnesota Duluth. In 2019-20, he registered an assist per game and finished the year with 40 points in 34 games. Despite the missed season, Perunovich didn’t seem to miss a step in 2021-22, scoring 22 points in just 17 games with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds and registering six assists in his first 19 NHL games with the Blues. He now has just played those 36 games combined over the last two seasons, and the 24-year-old is losing precious development time.
Perunovich figured to challenge for a top-four role with the Blues this season, especially with veteran Marco Scandella on the injured list. Hopefully, Perunovich’s injury isn’t long-term and he’s able to rebound and get back to health before the regular season begins.