Snapshots: Olympics, Gabrielle, Hemsky, Meier
If you thought the Olympic story was over after the league announced yesterday they would not participate in the 2018 Winter Games, you were wrong. Almost every player around the league was asked about their stance on the tournament, and some of the strongest opinions once again came from Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. When Ovechkin was pressed, he repeated his intention on attending the tournament whether the NHL allows him to or not. “Somebody going to tell me don’t go, I don’t care, I just go” Ovechkin told Chris Johnston of Sportsnet before going on to say he believes the NHL is bluffing.
There is chance the NHL will install fines or suspensions for players who do go, and Rick Westhead of TSN reports that Donald Fehr, the head of the NHLPA, is already telling agents that he expects the NHL to try and stop them in one way or another. Westhead expects the players’ union to fight any such “impromptu rule” though.
- The Boston Bruins may get a closer look at prospect Jesse Gabrielle soon, as Mark Divver of the Providence Journal reports that the Prince George winger will join the AHL Bruins as soon as this weekend. Prince George was knocked out of the WHL playoffs after another solid season by Gabrielle. He spent time with Providence last spring before heading back to junior, but next year will likely play all season in the AHL. The young winger has offensive upside and an in-your-face style that Bruins fans both love and expect from their young players.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News gives us an explanation on the Justin Dowling transaction carousel, reporting that Ales Hemsky will be out for the remainder of the season. The Stars had thought he was ready to return to the lineup, but instead he will sit out the last few games and head into the summer as a pending unrestricted free agent.
- Despite sending Timo Meier to the AHL yesterday, Curtis Pashelka of the Mercury News reports that he has been brought back up by the team today. It must have been a cost-saving measure, though the point still stands that Meier has struggled to get quality chances despite racking up shots on net. The youngster will look to break his goalless drought if he gets back into the lineup.
- Flyers’ prospect German Rubtsov won’t be getting any more time on the ice this year, as he has been shut down following hand surgery to repair a broken bone. The young forward had 22 points in 16 games since coming over from the KHL in January. He signed his first entry-level contract a month ago, and looks like a can’t miss prospect for the Flyers going forward.
Philadelphia Flyers Recall Samuel Morin From AHL
Another top prospect is on his way up to the NHL, as the Philadelphia Flyers have recalled Samuel Morin from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The 11th-overall pick in the 2013 draft will make his NHL debut should he make it into the lineup tonight against the New Jersey Devils. With the Flyers eliminated from playoff contention, it is expected they’ll give Morin and Mike Vecchione a look in the last few games to see if they are viable options for next season.
The fact that Morin hasn’t made a mark on the league yet shouldn’t be seen as red flag, as the 6’7″ 227-lbs defenseman needed time to grow into his frame and develop the raw talent he had shown in the QMJHL. After two excellent seasons in the AHL, it looks like he is ready to take that next step. Never an offensive producer, his 15 points in 62 games represent the kind of production he’ll see in the NHL as he is deployed in more defensive situations. Though he make look at first glance like Chris Pronger physically on the ice, it’s clear that he’ll never have the first pass ability or offensive instincts to be that type of defender.
What he can do though, is dominate in his own end with a long reach and immeasurable strength. His body position and footwork has all improved over the past few years, to the point where he should rarely be taken advantage of by quicker players. Instead, he’ll be the one using his size advantage to remove attackers from the front of the net and win the puck back in the corner. In Philadelphia, where Shayne Gostisbehere is the polar opposite of Morin, they’ve been waiting for a big shutdown defender to come in and provide lock down minutes against top competition.
Snapshots: Lundqvist, Dowling, Smereck, Hextall
The first reactions are in from the NHL’s announcement to not participate in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, and among them is New York Rangers’ goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Monday evening he tweeted out his thoughts:
Disappointing news, @NHL won’t be part of the Olympics 2018. A huge opportunity to market the game at the biggest stage is wasted…but most of all, disappointing for all the players that can’t be part of the most special adventure in sports.
Lundqvist has been part of the Olympic experience three times, winning gold in 2006 and silver in 2014 for Sweden. A hall of fame goaltender in the NHL, his thoughts will likely be echoed by stars around the league for the next year as players speak out against the decision. This likely was Lundqvist’s last chance at the Games as he will be just shy of 40 for the 2022 Beijing tournament.
- The Dallas Stars have sent Justin Dowling back to the AHL after just a two game stint. The 26-year old centerman has suited up for seven games this season, registering two points. Dowling has proven to be an excellent AHL scoring threat, but wasn’t given a chance at the NHL level until this season. If he can continue to win faceoffs and provide some secondary scoring, perhaps he could find a role on an NHL team next season. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
- The Tucson Roadrunners have signed Jalen Smereck to an amateur tryout now that his Flint Firebirds have been eliminated from the OHL playoffs. The defenseman signed a three-year entry-level deal in October, and will likely join the Roadrunners to start next season. The undrafted 20-year old is a late-bloomer, turning 19 in his first OHL season. He has proved to be quite the offensive player though, with 45 points in 60 games this year.
- As rumored last week, Ron Hextall has been officially named the GM of the Canadian World Championship team. The Flyers’ GM will take over the duties once the NHL season is over, and will be joined by former NHL goaltender Sean Burke as an assistant general manager. With the NHL not heading to the Olympics, perhaps the World Championships will become a more important tournament to league players. It is usually overlooked by many fans, as it is held during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled Joel Vermin from the AHL, in what amounted to about a seven hour assignment. The forward was sent down earlier this morning, but never left the team. He’ll stay as insurance for the Lightning as they try and get healthy and squeak into the playoffs.
Dalton Prout To Face Player Safety Hearing
The NHL Department of Player Safety has scheduled a meeting with New Jersey Devils defenseman Dalton Prout. Following the physical blue liner’s big hit on Philadelphia Flyers counterpart Radko Gudas in Saturday’s game, Player Safety announced that Prout would face a hearing on Monday. The hit in question was high and came well after Gudas had moved the puck and resulted in a scrum between the teams. Prout was given a pair of major penalties for interference and fighting and a game misconduct.
This isn’t the first time that Prout has had trouble with the NHL law. The former Columbus Blue Jacket defender was suspended one game last season for a sucker punch on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov. The two incidents share a common theme: going too far to avenge or protect a teammate by injuring an unsuspecting opponent. Kucherov was the third man in on a fight and was roughing up Nick Foligno when Prout came in and blindsided him with a shot to the face. Similarly, Prout’s hit on Gudas yesterday came after the big defenseman laid a massive hit on Devils’ rookie John Quenneville. Just as Prout got a suspension in 2015-16, he will likely get yet another this year for this more recent incident.
Interestingly, Prout’s hit was not the only questionable one of the game. Following Prout’s ejection, Flyers’ enforcer Dale Weise was called for a retaliatory hit on Devils’ star Kyle Palmieri not long after. Weise was also ejected from the game, but it was announced that he would not face any further discipline. Given that Palmieri was not involved with the any of the previous aggressions, it seems strange that such blatant targeting of a talented player would not warrant the same scrutiny as Prout’s initial infraction.
Snapshots: Neuvirth, Gudas, Jerabek, Karlsson, Harpur
The Flyers received some good news regarding goaltender Michal Neuvirth today as he was discharged from the hospital, less than 24 hours after collapsing on the ice in the first period against the Devils on Saturday. GM Ron Hextall told reporters, including CSN Philly’s Tim Panaccio, that all tests came back normal. Neuvirth has been battling a respiratory infection for more than a week and it’s believed that his collapse was largely attributable to that.
Hextall noted that the netminder will be re-evaluated by team doctors during their off day on Monday before making any further determination on his status.
Still with the Flyers, they will be without defenceman Radko Gudas tonight against the Rangers, the team announced via Twitter. He’s listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury that was also sustained last night against New Jersey.
Other news from around the hockey world:
- Czech defenseman Jakub Jerabek is mulling over multiple NHL offers and will make a decision on where to sign over the next week, agent Allan Walsh reports (Twitter link). The 25 year old recently wrapped his first season in the KHL with Vityaz Podolsk where he led the team in points by a blueliner with 34 (5-29-34) in 59 games. Jerabek suited up for the Czechs in the 2016 World Championships and should be a strong candidate to play again in the 2017 edition which kicks off next month.
- Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson is highly doubtful to play in tomorrow’s game against Detroit, notes Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch (Twitter link). While it has been believed that Karlsson’s lower body issue isn’t too serious, the fact that he appears set to miss his third straight game starts to call that diagnosis into question. Earlier today, Ottawa was pushed into a Wild Card spot for the time being as a result of Boston’s victory over Chicago. Between his issue and the injury to Cody Ceci last night, the Sens announced via Twitter that they have recalled blueliner Ben Harpur from AHL Binghamton. The rearguard has 28 points in 63 minor league games this season while being held off the scoresheet in his lone NHL contest in 2016-17.
Flyers’ Michal Neuvirth Leaves Game After Collapsing On Ice
7:28pm: The Philadelphia Flyers tweet that per general manager Ron Hextall, Neuvirth is “awake and alert” and being taken for further observation to Pennsylvania Hospital and that more information will follow tomorrow.
7:14pm: TSN’s Frank Seravalli tweets that Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas relayed to the Flyers’ broadcasting crew that Neuvirth is “fine.”
6:44 pm: A terrifying moment in Philadelphia as Flyers netminder Michal Neuvirth collapsed in the crease . NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti tweets that a faceoff was outside the Flyers’ blue line when Neuvirth inexplicably collapsed, and that no action near the net caused him to fall.
Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Sam Carchidi tweeted a picture of the scene and the capacity crowd was silent as medical experts worked on the goaltender. Positive news emerged as Neuvirth left the ice on a stretcher conscious and Carchidi tweets that the crowd gave a standing ovation as he exited. The Flyers, already without Steve Mason who is ill, put Anthony Stolarz into the game. As of 6:55pm, Gulitti reports there are still no updates.
We join everyone else in wishing Neuvirth the best in what could only be described as a scary situation for his friends, family, and fans.
Metropolitan Notes: Mason, Stolarz, Archibald
Shortly before warm-ups began for the Philadelphia Flyers tonight, ahead of their match-up with the New Jersey Devils, the team announced that goaltender Steve Mason was sick and would not be able to suit up for the game. Mason, who holds an 0-9-0 record, 3.93 GAA, and .852 SV% versus the Devils in his career, was not expected to start the contest, but left the Flyers scrambling to find a backup with less than two hours to puck drop. His condition also casts some doubt on whether or not he’ll be available for Philly’s game against the New York Rangers tomorrow, which Mason was expected to start.
- To replace Mason tonight, the Flyers promoted young goalie Anthony Stolarz from the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms on an emergency basis. However, by the time Stolarz got the call, the two hour drive from Wilkes-Barre, PA, where the Flyers’ AHL affiliate was visiting the rival Penguins’ affiliate, to Philadelphia did not get him to rink in time for warm-ups. Stolarz will back up Michal Neuvirth tonight, completely cold, and if Mason is unable to play tomorrow as well, Stolarz may get the start if the team wants to avoid playing Neuvirth in back-to-back games with their slim playoff hopes on the line. The rookie keeper would certainly be up for the task; Stolarz has a 1.79 GAA and .938 SV% and even a shutout in four impressive appearances with the Flyers in 2016-17.
- The injury bug continues to run rampant through Pittsburgh, and with the recent news that Chris Kunitz has been added to the injured list, the Penguins announced that they have recalled Josh Archibald from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to fill the gap. Archibald was just recently sent back down to the AHL amid the Pens’ losing streak, but necessity has called the young forward back up. The rookie right winger has two goals in five games this season playing minimal minutes, but the Penguins will have to hope he can take advantage of increased play time down the stretch as the team continues to plug holes in their lineup.
Minor Transactions: 4/1/2017
There may be just a little more than a week remaining in the NHL regular season, but teams are still making roster moves. We’ll track all of the days minor league call-ups and reassignments in this post.
- Philadelphia Flyers GM Ron Hextall announced this morning that the team has recalled forward Colin McDonald from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL. McDonald, 32, has yet to appear in the NHL this season but has 145 NHL games on his resume, a vast majority coming as a member of the New York Islanders. He is expected to be in the team’s lineup tonight as the Flyers are set to host their Metro Division rivals, the New Jersey Devils. McDonald, the Phantoms captain, has tallied 23 goals with 18 assists in 67 AHL games and has helped the team to the third best record in the league. The recall of McDonald seems strange on the surface, as Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post notes via Twitter. The team has plenty of healthy options and a lengthy stay in Philadelphia may have a negative impact on the Phantoms AHL playoff chances. Perhaps it’s a reward for the veteran pro, who has had a strong season, giving him a chance to earn a larger paycheck while in the NHL, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him returned to Lehigh Valley after tonight’s game.
- Joel Vermin continues to rack up the frequent flyer miles as the 25-year-old native of Switzerland was again reassigned to Syracuse of the AHL, according to Lightning GM Steve Yzerman. Vermin has been called up seven different times this season, only to be reassigned each time. In 16 games for Tampa Bay, Vermin has tallied three assists in 10:00 of ice time per night. Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times suggests the reassignment bodes well for Nikita Kucherov, who missed the Lightning’s victory over Detroit Thursday night due to an illness, but would appear set to return to the ice tonight.
- The St. Louis Blues announced via Twitter that they have recalled defenseman Petteri Lindbohm from the Chicago Wolves of the AHL on an emergency basis. Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch adds that fellow blue liner Robert Bortuzzo was hurt in last night’s 2 – 1 shootout loss to Colorado and may not be able to play tomorrow. Additionally, Carl Gunnarsson is still out, thus necessitating the call up of Lindbohm. In five earlier appearances this season with the Blues, Lindbohm is pointless with four penalty minutes while averaging under 13 minutes of ice time a night.
Injury Notes: Read, Cunningham, Anisimov, Guentzel
Matt Read will not play again this season, after taking a shot to the arm in Thursday’s victory over the New York Islanders. He’ll be out six to eight weeks according to GM Ron Hextall, meaning it is likely some sort of a broken arm or wrist. Read had just 19 points this season and has really taken a step back in recent years. As a rookie, he scored 24 goals and 47 points, but has never been able to duplicate those numbers.
Read, 30, is signed for one more season with the Flyers at $3.625MM and will likely be relegated to bottom-six duty again next year. What looked like a very promising career after signing as a free agent out of college has taken a downward turn. He’ll try to rehab the injury and improve his play next season.
- In a much more inspiring note, Craig Cunningham was on the ice today for the Tuscon Roadrunners. The last we heard from Cunningham, he was finally walking down a hallway after being fitted with a prosthetic leg. The former captain of both the Providence Bruins and Springfield Falcons, Cunningham collapsed earlier this year and eventually had his leg amputated due to complications. One of the most liked players in the minor leagues, it’s wonderful to see him back lacing up skates.
- The Chicago Blackhawks are still expecting Artem Anisimov back for the playoffs, according to Scott Powers of The Athletic. The injured centerman hasn’t played since March 14th and hasn’t been present at any practices so far for the ‘Hawks. In his stead, Chicago has tried both Nick Schmaltz and Tanner Kero between Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports that both Jake Guentzel and Ron Hainsey will return to the lineup for the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. Guentzel will immediately return to the wing of Sidney Crosby, and try to pick up where he left off when he suffered a concussion on a hit from Buffalo Sabres’ defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. Guentzel has 25 points in 35 games since coming up from the AHL, a very successful rookie season.
- Frank Vatrano will not play this weekend for the Bruins as they take on the Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks on back-to-back days. Vatrano has been dealing with an upper-body injury that held him out of Thursday’s game, and missed practice today altogether. As the Bruins fight for their playoff lives, they could use Vatrano for his secondary scoring.
Philadelphia Flyers Sign Mike Vecchione To One-Year Contract
The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Mike Vecchione to a one-year, entry-level contract after a long pursuit. He’ll burn through that year in the last five games of the season, earning a prorated version of $925K and become a restricted free agent this summer. The team has been negotiating with Vecchione since Union College was knocked out of the NCAA tournament by Penn State last Saturday. Vecchione is one of the three finalists for the Hobey Baker trophy, awarded to the nation’s top collegiate player. His 63 points tied him with Zach Aston-Reese for the top scorer in the NCAA, easily eclipsing his previous career high of 50. 
Vecchione is a two-way forward that will step into an NHL role with ease. He’ll join former teammate Shayne Gostisbehere as part of the young group that will attempt to bring the Flyers back to the playoffs next season. The 24-year old has captained Union for the past two years, and from all accounts brings a level of leadership on and off the ice. Playing with Spencer Foo—another free agent who is expected to sign this summer—he exploded this season into an offensive powerhouse, scoring seemingly at will.
The first thing you’ll notice about Vecchione is how low he sits in his skating stride, using his incredibly strong lower body to stay balanced at all times and quickly accelerate in and out of tight areas. While he doesn’t have elite breakaway speed, his all-around skating ability is excellent and he can use his edge work to create space in the offensive zone. He’s not a huge body (5’10” 195-lbs) but is definitely built well enough for the NHL game and uses what size he does have effectively to shield the puck. With a deceptive release he can get his shot off quickly and fool goaltenders, though that will become more difficult at the higher level.
In all, Vecchione should fit into the Flyers middle-six nicely next season, and could be an option on both special teams. On Union’s powerplay, they use him in both the high circle on his off-wing (think Ovechkin, Stamkos) and as a bumper player in the high slot. A natural center, it’s not clear if he’ll fit into the Flyers’ plans there but his right-handed shot could fit nicely with Brayden Schenn or Jakub Voracek who are both left-handed.
Pursued by many other teams, Eric Engles of Sportsnet reports that Tampa Bay the other finalist for his services, but didn’t represent as much of a center option right away. Tampa already has decisions to make on whether to keep Steven Stamkos in the middle, or continue to use Brayden Point as a top-six option with Tyler Johnson. In any case, they missed out on Vecchione, who some called the best NCAA free agent this year.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet was first to report the Flyers had signed the free agent forward, while Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post reported that he would join the team this year.