Mikhail Vorobyev Expected To Sign In The KHL
6/30: The deal between Vorobyev and Salavat Yulaev is now complete. The team has announced a three-year deal that will bring the young forward back to Ufa through the 2022-23 season. GM Vasily Chizov stated in the team’s release that negotiations on this contract with Vorobyev began last year, so this reunion between the club and local product has been a long time coming.
6/26: Flyers forward Mikhail Vorobyev appears to be heading back overseas. As first reported by Gorozbor in Russia and since confirmed by Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Daily News and Inquirer, the center is expected to sign a three-year contract with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL.
The 23-year-old has split the last two seasons between Philadelphia and their AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley but while he has had some offensive success with the Phantoms, that hasn’t materialized in the NHL. He had 12 goals and 16 assists in 45 minor league contests this season but just a goal and two helpers in 20 NHL games while logging a little more than 10 minutes a night. In 2018-19, his NHL numbers were similar just a goal and an assist in 15 games.
Vorobyev is slated to be a restricted free agent this off-season and Carchidi notes that the team intends to retain his rights which means they will tender him a qualifying offer. He’ll be 26 at the end of this new deal which means he won’t be old enough to become an NHL free agent. As a result, there’s a chance that his time with the Flyers may not be done just yet.
Snapshots: Dave Andrews Retirement, Hub Elimination, Flames, Gritty
Dave Andrews is serving his final day as President and CEO of the AHL. Congratulations have filtered in throughout the day. Former player and current TV analyst Mike McKenna wrote via Twitter, “…You always had time for the players and considered us in league decisions when possible…then you’d beat us on the tennis court and share a drink after. Enjoy retirement, you’ve earned it!” It’s unfortunate that Andrews has to end his tenure with a season cut short, but it’s a testament to his impact on the game that many people thought first of him when the season was canceled, per Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. Andrews has served as the President of the AHL since 1994. The longtime executive will remain involved in helping the AHL forge a return-to-play plan. Patrick Williams, AHL beat writer for NHL.com, will be tracking congratulations to Andrews throughout the day. Let’s check-in elsewhere around the hockey world…
- Los Angeles appears to be out of the running for the NHL’s hub cities, tweets TSN’s Bob McKenzie. It’s unclear if this decision was inspired by the recent uptick of coronavirus cases in Los Angeles and California, though it’s safe to assume it was a factor. Vegas, Chicago, Edmonton, and Toronto are the four remaining options to host the NHL’s 2020 postseason.
- There will be a new face in camp as the Calgary Flames prepare for their potential Stanley Cup Qualifier with the 9-seeded Winnipeg Jets. The Flames extended an invitation to prospect Adam Ruzicka, who plans to join the club next week, per The Athletic’s Scott Cruickshank. The 21-year-old Slovak was a fourth-round pick of the Flames in 2017. Ruzicka notched 27 points (10 goals) for the Stockton Heat in 2019-2020.
- In undoubtedly the most important NHL news of the day, Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty has a new look. The notoriously unkempt Philly native received the Queer Eye treatment, per NHL.com. Given the level of global fear amid health concerns and civil unrest, Gritty will perhaps face some criticism for leaning into this public pampering – but with the Queer Eye crew in Philadelphia for their fifth season on Netflix, Gritty found himself nominated for a makeover by none other than his close confidant and mentor, the Philly Phanatic. Luckily, Gritty took the nomination in stride, a testament to his character, given that the 43-year-old Phanatic started dying his hair last year – a rather embarrassing display of public vanity from the Hall of Fame mascot.
Flyers’ 2017 Seventh-Round Pick Wyatt Kalynuk Becomes Free Agent
The Flyers’ window of exclusive negotiating rights with prospect Wyatt Kalynuk has passed, making the blueliner a free agent, tweets The Athletic’s Charlie O’Connor.
Kalynuk, 23, was selected by Philadelphia in the 7th round of the 2017 draft out of the University of Wisconsin. The southpaw defenseman played the past three seasons with Badgers, totaling 25, 25, and 28 points, respectively. Since the Flyers could not come to a contract agreement with Kalynuk, he’s officially unencumbered, and, as O’Connor notes, he’s ready to see what’s out there. That said, the Flyers are still interested in bringing Kalynuk aboard, and he’s not eliminating them from the running just yet.
In profiling the class of potential free agents from college, major juniors, and Europe, The Athletic’s Corey Pronman listed Kalynuk as the third-best potential option. As such, he should definitely garner some interest on the open market.
At the time of the article’s publication in February, Pronman wrote, “Kalynuk, a seventh-round pick in 2017, looks like he has a chance to be a great value selection if the Flyers can sign him. Kalynuk is different from your usual late round college selection who is usually too slow or too small. Kalynuk has NHL size and speed. He’s a fantastic skater with a high skill level with a game that should translate. The minor quibble in his game is his decision-making can run you the wrong way at times.”
Phillipe Myers Fully Recovered From Fractured Kneecap
- Flyers defenseman Philippe Myers has fully recovered from his fractured kneecap in March, reports Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Daily News and Inquirer. Prior to the injury, he was starting to carve out a bit of a bigger workload, averaging more than 18 minutes a night before going down. Still just 23, this will be his first taste of the postseason and it will be interesting to see if head coach Alain Vigneault deploys him in a similar manner once it gets underway or if he’ll defer more to his veterans.
Oscar Lindblom Skated With Teammates On Tuesday
- Flyers winger Oskar Lindblom skated with a handful of teammates on Tuesday for the first time since being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma a little more than six months ago, notes Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Daily News and Inquirer. While he won’t play for them in this postseason, it’s still great news that he’s back on his skates and doing well in his recovery.
Carter Hart Changes Agencies
Heading into an offseason where he will be eligible to sign a contract extension, Flyers goaltender Carter Hart has decided to change his representations. Long-time reporter John Shannon reports (Twitter link) that the netminder will now be represented by the Wasserman/Orr Hockey Group; he had been previously repped by Allain Roy of RSG Hockey. PuckPedia clarifies (via Twitter) that Judd Moldaver will be Hart’s new agent.
The 21-year-old rejoined the team yesterday as they continue preparations for the postseason. He’s coming off a solid sophomore campaign after cutting his GAA from 2.83 in his rookie year down to 2.42 while posting a respectable .914 SV% along with his first career shutout. Once they get through the round robin games against the other top four teams in the East, it will be Hart’s first foray into the playoffs.
On the surface, this offseason may not be the greatest time to work on a new contract. The expected flattening of the salary cap does not bode well for anyone looking to cash in with a big-money extension a year before their deal even expires. With Hart already established as Philadelphia’s starting goalie, he’s not someone that will likely be interested in a bridge contract so while he has new representation in tow, it will likely be a while yet before they start working on his next deal.
East Notes: Gostisbehere, Bruins FAs, Red Wings Youth
There was quite a few rumors surrounding the trade status of Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere at the trade deadline in February, but in the end, the team couldn’t find a deal that they liked. After all, Gostisbehere was a top offensive defenseman with the Flyers for several years before back-to-back poor seasons. Of course he is just 27 years old and while he’s recovering from knee surgery this season, the team still believes he has quite a bit of value.
However, Philadelphia Inquirer’s Sam Carchidi writes in his most recent mailbag, that the team is still looking for a trade partner for Gostisbehere and hope to find the right deal this offseason. He adds that the team isn’t willing to just give the blueliner away as he still has vast potential, but the team might be willing to accept a second-round pick or a young forward with 20-goal potential down the road.
- NHL.com’s Amalie Benjamin reports that Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said that with the uncertainty of the salary cap going forward, the team has shelved any thought of discussing contracts with their UFAs and RFAs. The team has several unrestricted free agents, including defenseman Torey Krug, Zdeno Chara, Joakim Nordstrom and Kevan Miller. The team also has several key restricted free agents, including Jake Debrusk, Anders Bjork and Matt Grzelcyk, but will have little cap room to work with and with rumors that the cap may not increase next year, could force the team to make some difficult decisions.
- Despite a record losing season in Detroit, MLive’s Ansar Khan writes that Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman and the coaching staff do feel that the team made quite a bit of progress in their development of their younger players. He notes that the team were thrilled with the play of defenseman Filip Hronek, who averaged 23:54 of TOI, while posting nine goals and 31 points. While his minus-38 isn’t impressive, the team saw a blueliner whose defense improved greatly. The scribe also points out the improved play of 2018 first-rounder Filip Zadina, Givani Smith and defenseman Gustav Lindstrom.
Peter Laviolette Considered Favorite For Devils Head Coach
Just yesterday it was reported that the New Jersey Devils had trimmed the list of candidates for their vacant head coach position to just four names. Given the long off-season awaiting the club, it seemed curious that they were moving quickly on the search, especially as they have yet to finalize their GM position as well. Yet, the Devils don’t seem to be slowing down. Only 24 hours later, a four-man list that included interim head coach Alain Nasreddine and three unknowns has now produced a favorite. TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that Peter Laviolette has emerged as the favorite for the position.
Laviolette, 55, should not come as surprise as the top candidate on the Devils’ list, as he is arguably the best coach on the open market right now. Laviolette was most recently the head coach of the Nashville Predators, fired to the surprise of many back in January despite a winning record on the year and having led the Predators to the playoffs in each of his five full seasons with the team. Should Laviolette be the selection for New Jersey, it would become the fifth NHL franchise that he has led, joining the Predators, New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers. Laviolette has been a head coach in the league in 18 seasons dating all the way back to 2001-02, when he was the youngest bench boss in the league at 36. Laviolette has totaled more than 1200 games in his NHL coaching career and holds a .588 regular season points percentage, a Stanley Cup title with the Hurricanes in 2005-06, three Finals appearances, and 11 playoff appearances. The Boston native also won a Calder Cup and AHL Coach of the Year honors with the Providence Bruins, which ignited his NHL career.
Beyond the accolades, Laviolette’s style may also explain his top position among the Devils’ candidates. An intense personality, it shows in Laviolette’s fast-paced style and aggressive offensive game plans. Meanwhile, New Jersey has a young, skilled roster of players who can keep up with the taxing style that Laviolette prefers. The problem is that they have looked slow, disorganized, and unmotivated too often over the past few years. Former Predator P.K. Subban especially would likely enjoy being back in Laviolette’s system. Laviolette could help to turn the team around in a hurry, especially if his presence can also help the cap-comfortable Devils recruit some top free agents this summer.
Laviolette’s hiring is not set in stone. Dreger even admits that the uncertain status of interim GM Tom Fitzgerald could keep an official hire from happening soon. However, Laviolette certainly makes sense as the Devils’ top pick and would be an exciting addition to a franchise that desperately needs to take a step forward next season.
Metropolitan Storylines: Philadelphia Flyers
While the stretch run is officially over with the NHL’s declaration that the play-in games won’t be part of the regular season, we still have one division left to get to in our Stretch Run Storylines series. We now shift the focus to the Metropolitan Division with an eye on things to watch for in the postseason. Next up is a look at Philadelphia.
Just before play was suspended due to the ongoing pandemic, the Flyers were on a roll having won nine of their last ten games. That helped propel them to second place in the division and while they weren’t able to lock down the top spot, they’ve positioned themselves to have a shot at the top seed in the East as they’ll be playing a round-robin tournament (with Washington, Boston, and Tampa Bay) while the next eight teams in the conference will be participating in the Play-In Round. Here are some of the storylines surrounding Philadelphia for when their postseason gets underway.
Step-Up Scorer?
The Flyers were one of the top-scoring teams in the league during the regular season with 232 goals which was good for sixth overall. On the surface, it would seem like they have a go-to scorer or two that could get them that key goal at a critical time. But they don’t really have that and instead boast more of a by-committee attack. Travis Konecny led the way during the regular season with 24 goals and even if you factor in that they lost the final 13 games due to COVID-19, he still wasn’t quite on pace to hit the 30-goal mark. That’s a bit low for a team that was battling for the top spot in the East.
On the positive side, spreading out the attack makes it tougher for the opposition to key in on one top unit. We’ve seen in recent years that teams can have some success in the playoffs with that type of approach and while the other teams that will be jockeying for seeding when play resumes, the Flyers will be the one team that stands out for being different in their approach.
Wingers James van Riemsdyk (now recovered from his finger fracture) and Jakub Voracek both had tough seasons while center Claude Giroux took a step back from well. Giroux, in particular, has had a knack for stepping up in the postseason and could be one to watch for but all three have to be considered bounce-back options to watch for.
Gostisbehere’s Role
2018-19 wasn’t a great year for defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere. While he still managed to put up 37 points in 78 games, that was a far cry from the 65 he had a season before. Things got a lot worse this season. Offensively, the 27-year-old struggled mightily, recording just a dozen points in 42 contests. Yes, he missed 21 games with knee issues but he was also a frequent healthy scratch down the stretch.
Will that continue into the postseason? If head coach Alain Vigneault wasn’t comfortable using him late in the year, it’s difficult to think he’s currently in their projected top six. Much can change between now and then though.
Assuming Gostisbehere’s role is at best limited in Philadelphia’s postseason run, it’s certainly going to further call into question his long-term future with the team. With the Upper Limit of the salary cap appearing unlikely to move up much over the next couple of years, he could quickly go from being a nice luxury to have to one they won’t be able to afford. A minimal role in these playoffs won’t help his value. Of course, if he gets an opportunity and makes the most of it, that might be enough to boost his trade value after appearing to have a relatively soft market at the trade deadline.
Hart’s First Postseason
This will be Carter Hart’s first career postseason action and while he’s firmly entrenched as Philadelphia’s goalie of the future, how he performs could affect their offseason plans. No, they’re not going to bring in someone that’s going to challenge him for the number one role but this postseason should be a good testing ground to see if they believe Hart is ready for a heavier workload.
If that’s the case, perhaps they’d be able to set their sights on a cheaper backup goalie and use some of their savings at another position. On the flip side, if he struggles, that might be enough for GM Chuck Fletcher to think that he needs a backup that can play a bit more in a pinch. (Whether that’s Brian Elliott again or someone else remains to be seen.)
There’s no doubt that Hart is a fixture in their long-term plans but how he performs this postseason may be enough to factor into their short-term plans for next season when it comes to his backup. That’s certainly not going to provide any extra pressure on the 21-year-old but between going through his first playoff run, this should be something to follow.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Snapshots: Patrick, Kalynuk, Panthers, Granlund
The Philadelphia Flyers are expected to be quite healthy whenever the league begins their 24-team tournament. The team is expected to get back James van Riemsdyk (fractured right index finger) and Philippe Myers (fractured right kneecap). However, the news remains grim for young center Nolan Patrick, who has missed the entire 2019-20 season with migraine issues.
Philadelphia Inquirer’s Sam Carchidi notes that the second-overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft hasn’t seen much improvement and seriously doubts the team would be willing to put the 21-year-old out on the ice if he could re-injure himself during the 24-team playoffs. It’s much more likely the Flyers will allow him to heal throughout the summer and hope that he is ready to go whenever training camp gets underway for the 2020-21 season, which could be anywhere between November to January.
Even if Philadelphia believed Patrick was ready to contribute, Carchidi points out that it doesn’t make much sense to break up the team’s chemistry that led them to a first-round bye in the playoffs. Throwing a player who hasn’t played since Apr. 2, 2019 isn’t necessarily a good way to hold onto that chemistry.
- In a separate article, Carchidi writes that the Philadelphia Flyers are in negotiations with their 2017 seventh-round pick, Wyatt Kalynuk, who decided to forego his senior season at Wisconsin and can become a free agent later this summer. The 23-year-old offensive defenseman was an all-Big Ten selection after scoring seven goals and 28 points.
- NHL.com’s Jameson Olive interviewed Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon, who states that along with regular players on the team’s roster, the Panthers expect to add several prospects to the playoff roster, including forwards Owen Tippett, Henrik Borgstrom and defenseman Brady Keeper. Tippett could be an interesting player, who was a first-round pick back in 2017 and appeared in seven games back in the 2017-18 season, but was returned to junior. He scored 19 goals in 46 games with Springfield this year in the AHL. Borgstrom struggled this year, mainly playing in the AHL after playing 50 games with Florida in 2018-19, but still has the potential to become a solid NHL forward, while Keeper finished out his rookie season in the AHL, faring well. “I’m sure we’ll have a few of our top prospects there,” Tallon said. “We’ll narrow it down to see how many [Joel Quenneville] wants. We still have to wait for the league [to give] an exact number.”
- Edmonton Journal’s Kurt Leavins reports that while forward Markus Granlund has already signed a contract with Ufa Salavat Yulaev in the KHL for next season, expect the forward to be part of the Edmonton Oilers’ “Black Aces” taxi squad when the 24-team playoffs begin later this summer. Granlund remains under contract with the Oilers until the season is over and should be able to provide veteran depth for the team in case of injuries. Granlund played in 34 games with the Oilers this season with three goals and four points, but did spend quite a bit of time in the AHL this year, something he hadn’t been forced to do in years.