Brendan Smith

Evening Snapshots: Ducks, Miller, Red Wings

February 21, 2017 at 6:28 pm CDT | by Mike Furlano Leave a Comment

News and notes from around the NHL this evening:

The Anaheim Ducks reassigned forward Corey Tropp back down to the AHL San Diego Gulls today. The Gulls leader in both points and assists (37P and 25A) failed to make an impact in his only game with the Ducks, going pointless while playing under ten minutes last night against the Arizona Coyotes. The Ducks did not specify why Tropp was reassigned, but his AHL scoring touch should have him back up with the big club at some point in the future.
ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun reported (video link) that Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller has a modified No-Trade Clause that restricts trades to all but five NHL teams. Three of those teams are the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and the Anaheim Ducks. It’s clear that Miller wants to stay out west, but players have been known to waive NTCs for the right situation. Miller was last traded at the deadline by the Buffalo Sabres to the St. Louis Blues in 2014 for a planned playoff run. Those plans were cut short when the Blues fell in the first round to the then-defending Stanley Cup Champions Chicago Blackhawks. Miller is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported today (video link) that interest in Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith is heating up. McKenzie said that the Red Wings “are getting lots of calls” on the young defenseman. He noted that the interest doesn’t necessarily parley into a surefire trade. The Red Wings will have to weigh the cost of a possible extension against any trade offer. Smith becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season, and has 2G and 3A in 32 games so far. He’s a likely trade deadline candidate if the Red Wings cannot come to terms with him in the next week.

Deadline Trade Market: Defensemen

February 19, 2017 at 8:56 pm CDT | by Brian La Rose 4 Comments

Rental defensemen are often a hot commodity leading into the NHL Trade Deadline and this year is set to be no exception. While there are several depth players available, there are also some blueliners that could be moved that would be impact acquisitions for their new teams. Here’s a closer look at how the market is shaping up.

Top Player Available

Kevin Shattenkirk – St. Louis – Last season, the Blues lost wingers David Backes and Troy Brouwer for nothing in free agency and the belief is that GM Doug Armstrong isn’t willing to let the same thing happen here even though they have climbed right back into the playoff picture.

Shattenkirk, who was ranked as the top UFA this year in our midseason power rankings, would be a top pairing player on quite a few contenders and would step onto the top power play unit just about everywhere. Not surprisingly, the asking price is believed to be quite high with a first rounder and a top prospect among the assets the Blues are seeking.

What’s particularly interesting is that St. Louis is amenable to let teams speak to Shattenkirk’s agent regarding a possible extension in a sign-and-trade scenario. If an agreement could be reached prior to a trade, the Blues would likely be in line for a stronger return for their top scoring blueliner.

Potential Top Four Options

Ron Hainsey – Hurricanes – While his numbers don’t jump out at anyone, Hainsey has quietly been an effective minute-munching defenseman for several years now. He doesn’t have the offensive upside that some of the others do but teams looking for stability on their second pairing will likely have some interest in adding him to the fold.

Dmitry Kulikov – Buffalo – He hasn’t fared particularly well with the Sabres after being acquired back at the draft from Florida and lingering back issues are certainly a concern as well. However, he has shown himself to be capable of logging considerable minutes (over 22 per game). He’s also one of the younger players believed to be available at just 26 years of age.

Johnny Oduya – Dallas – The Stars haven’t used him as a top four player too often this season but the veteran has been one dating back several years now and there are buyers where he would fit in on a second pairing. Like Hainsey, the two-way upside isn’t really there but Oduya can anchor a penalty kill and be a reliable presence in the defensive end.

Michael Stone – Arizona – After a breakout season offensively last year, Stone has yet to make anywhere near the type of impact he or the Coyotes were expecting this season. He also has seen his ice time drop by two minutes a night but is still over 20 minutes on average. After taking a one year, ‘show me’ deal in the summer, Stone will be motivated to show he still can be an effective offensive threat wherever he winds up.

[Closer Look: Trade Candidate Profiles for Hainsey, Kulikov, Oduya, and Stone]

Notable Depth/Role Players

Michael Del Zotto/Mark Streit – Philadelphia – Both players have been top four options in the past but Streit is better served as a power play specialist and a third pairing player at this point while Del Zotto’s inconsistency has resulted in a drop in usage this season. If teams are looking to add someone that they could envision themselves re-signing in the summer, the younger Del Zotto (he’s 26) will likely be the preferred option.

Cody Franson – Buffalo – After struggling to find a new contract in 2015, Franson wound up with the Sabres where he hoped he’d be able to continue the offensive progression he showed with Toronto beforehand. That hasn’t happened and as a result, he has been more of a third pairing player with the Sabres. With the shot he has though, he could still be an intriguing option on a power play.

Brendan Smith – Detroit – Smith has been a player that has left the Wings wanting more over the past few seasons. While he has flashes of strong play, he also has been prone to some poor decision making which makes him a bit of a wild card. He’s still fairly young at 28 and should have several suitors but because of his inconsistency, it’s hard to forecast him as more than a third pairing option on a new team.

[Closer Look: Trade Candidate Profiles for Del Zotto, Franson, and Smith]

Others That Could Move

These players would all serve as lower-end depth options for an acquiring team and would likely be available for a mid-round draft pick.

Matt Hunwick/Roman Polak – Toronto, Kyle Quincey – New Jersey, Nick Schultz – Philadelphia, Fedor Tyutin – Colorado

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Trade Candidates: Brendan Smith

February 14, 2017 at 9:18 pm CDT | by natebrown 1 Comment

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that are likely to be dealt by March 1st.

As the Detroit Red Wings slip deeper into the Eastern Conference basement, their hopes of a 26th consecutive playoff appearance slip away as well. Brendan Smith is one of many names rumored to be shipped out of Hockeytown.

Contract

Final season of a two-year, $5.5MM deal. $2.75MM AAV.

2016-17

Smith has been somewhat of an enigma in Detroit. On one hand, it’s never seemed like he got a fair shake in the Motor City. On another, when given chances this season, Smith has not been at his best. Fighting injury and other defensemen for ice time, Smith is in the final year of his contract and is destined to be wearing a different jersey next season.

Season Stats

GP 29; 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points; -1; 18:19 TOI; 50% CF

Suitors

Depth on the blue line is one of the greatest assets come playoff time. A promising playoff run can be derailed by injury, especially due to the grueling nature of the NHL playoffs. Smith’s affordable contract and offensive upside could be an asset looking for a top six defenseman. Though Smith would fill in best as a fifth or sixth defenseman, he could still bring value to a team.

The Chicago Blackhawks could squeeze him in, should they not acquire anyone else, especially since there are rumors tied to them about having interest in Thomas Vanek as well. Should the Red Wings be willing to eat salary, the Blackhawks could offer a mid round or lower end pick. Or, they could get creative in terms of trading players that can match up monetarily. The Los Angeles Kings are another option, always looking for defenseman to strengthen their blue line. In the east, Montreal would be an option, while the Columbus Blue Jackets could bring him into the fold to help its depth. While Smith won’t garner much in the way of prospects, getting a draft pick instead of losing him as a free agent is certainly a better option.

Likelihood Of A Trade

General manager Ken Holland has indicated that selling is becoming the more realistic option as Detroit’s playoff hopes fade. Smith offers a chance to snag a draft pick or a prospect, depending on the trade partner. With Smith being in the final year of his contract, it’s a high probability that he’s shipped out.

Deadline Primer: Detroit Red Wings

February 13, 2017 at 9:12 pm CDT | by natebrown 2 Comments

With the trade deadline now just weeks away, we’re taking a closer look at each team. Where do they stand, what do they need to do, and what assets do they have to fill those needs?

It’s been quite the purgatory for the Detroit Red Wings. Mike Ilitch, who transformed the Dead Wings into a four time Stanley Cup Champion, passed away on Friday. As if losing the owner who many current and former players considered to be a father figure wasn’t enough, the Wings 25-year playoff streak may end at a quarter century. Struggling to piece wins together, Detroit has a historically bad power play, a team besieged by injury, and a horrible return on investment from several players inked to expensive, long term deals.

For the first time since the early 90’s, the Red Wings are sellers. And yet, while it looks that the playoffs are slipping away, general manager Ken Holland may “stand pat” instead of selling off assets.

Record

22-24-10; 54 points. Last in the Atlantic; Last in the Eastern Conference.

Deadline Status

Seller

Deadline Cap Space

Current Cap Space: $0 ($8.3MM with LTIR relief)

Deadline Cap Space: $0 ($8.3MM with LTIR relief)

46/50 contracts, via CapFriendly

Draft Picks

2017: ( 9 Total) DET 1st, DET 2nd, DET 3rd, TOR 3rd, DET 4th, DET 5th, DET 6th, FLA 6th, DET 7th
2018: 7 Total) DET 1st, DET 2nd, DET 3rd, DET 4th, DET 5th, DET 6th, DET 7th.

Trade Chips

There are a number of players to choose from but topping the list is Thomas Vanek, who has been linked to the Chicago Blackhawks among other teams. Should he stay healthy (he’s currently battling an ankle injury), he could fetch some prospects or a draft pick. Mike Green has been another name, though he seems less likely to be moved as the Wings are trying to upgrade on the blue line–and he has been good for them this season. Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar were also mentioned, targets by the Chicago Blackhawks. Petr Mrazek, though it seems odd since he has struggled and was just signed to a deal in the offseason, could also be shopped. Finally, Brendan Smith, in the final year of a contract, could be moved as well.

Team Needs

1) #1 defenseman. Good luck. Almost every team in the NHL seeks that top pair defenseman, the Red Wings truly haven’t had one since Nick Lidstrom retired. Worse, their young defensemen have regressed while the veterans are broken down versions of their once steady selves (Niklas Kronwall comes to mind). The problem in getting the top pairing defenseman they seek is two fold. First, only a young player with team control could garner the top d-man, be it Anthony Mantha, Dylan Larkin, or Andreas Athanasiou. But those are players the Red Wings aren’t willing to give up. Second, the salary cap situation is a mess being that Holland has handed out expensive, long-term contracts to players like Justin Abdelkader, who hasn’t scored a goal since November. To add and retain a top pair defenseman, a team needs salary cap space. The Wings are in trouble for years to come unless they can shed those contracts. Until the Red Wings fix the blue line, their slide will continue and only get worse.

2) An elite, generational player. In all of the seasons for the Red Wings to fall off, it would be the season where there isn’t a clear cut one and two option. Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine were all clear cut options in the last two drafts. Now? While Nolan Patrick, Nico Hischier, and Tim Liljegren are all great options, scouts are having a hard time agreeing on a clear cut favorite. Holland could trade draft picks and players to go after former top picks, like Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon or Gabriel Landeskog, but that seems pretty far fetched. Plus, Holland has been gun shy during the Cap era when it comes to trades. But this year’s draft is not as certain as in previous seasons, and that doesn’t bode well for a team who desperately needs a top tier talent to get back on the right track. Larkin, Mantha, and Athanasiou are great starts as building blocks, but they are at least one, if not two, generational players away from getting back to the top of the hockey world again.

Maple Leafs Claim Alexey Marchenko From Red Wings

February 4, 2017 at 11:25 am CDT | by natebrown Leave a Comment

According to Chris Johnston’s tweet, the Toronto Maple Leafs have claimed Alexey Marchenko off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. Detroit placed him on waivers yesterday due to a roster crunch with the return of defenseman Brendan Smith from injury. Johnston also tweets that the Leafs waived Frank Corrado after picking up Marchenko. According to Cap Friendly, Corrado is given Non-Roster status until he is claimed or passes through waivers.

Marchenko played 30 games this season for the Wings, but fell out of favor after the emergence of Nick Jensen. Marchenko who suffered an injury, never found his way back into the lineup and had been a healthy scratch. In 30 games, Marchenko had six assists with as many points. He is also a +6.

The Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James reported that Red Wings general manager Ken Holland indicated someone had to go with Smith and Jimmy Howard returning soon. Corrado, meanwhile, had been cemented in Mike Babcock’s doghouse, playing only two games this season. His release does not come as a surprise. James Mirtle tweets that the acquisition of Marchenko is an upgrade for the Maple Leafs at only 25 years old. Babcock is also familiar with Marchenko from his days in Detroit.

Injury Updates: Sharp, Smith, Penguins, Buchnevich

December 26, 2016 at 5:57 pm CDT | by Brian La Rose Leave a Comment

Stars left winger Patrick Sharp was participating in full practices prior to the holiday break, reports Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News. He had a chance to play in their last game on Friday but head coach Lindy Ruff said that the team does not want to rush him back:

“Right now, it’s not in the conversation. With Patrick, we really want to be sure this time around. I’ve liked the way he’s skating in practice, I like where he is when it comes to energy. And, really, his body mannerism now is so much better, which I think those are all good signs. He’ll know when he’s ready. He’ll tell us when he thinks he’s ready.”

Sharp has played just 11 games this year because of multiple concussions, picking up just a goal and an assist. Last season, he was fifth in team scoring with 55 points (20-35-55) in 76 games and his return would go a long way towards lengthening out their lineup. Even if Sharp isn’t ready to go when Dallas plays tomorrow in Arizona, it sounds like he is close to returning.

Other injury notes from around the league:

The Red Wings hope to have defenseman Brendan Smith in the lineup tomorrow night, writes MLive’s Ansar Khan. Smith has been out for the last month with a sprained MCL and has four points in 20 games this season while logging just over 18 minutes per night in ice time. The good news stops there for Detroit though as fellow blueliner Mike Green as well as forwards Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader are expected to miss at least another week.
Pittsburgh defensemen Kris Letang (lower body) and Trevor Daley (upper body) as well as right winger Tom Kuhnhackl (lower body) all remain week-to-week and aren’t expected to be available this week, notes Bill West of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. After playing three games this week, the Penguins will be off until January 8th so the team could ere on the side of caution and hold them back to make sure they’re fully ready to return after their long layoff.
Rangers rookie left winger Pavel Buchnevich (back) skated with the team in a non-contact jersey before their last game in advance of the holiday break, notes Newsday’s Steve Zipay. While he’s still not ready to return, the fact he is back on the ice is a positive after being shut down in early December when he suffered a setback in his recovery. Buchnevich has four goals and four assists in ten games this year and has been out of the lineup since mid-November.

Justin Abdelkader Leaves Game With Lower Body Injury

December 1, 2016 at 7:40 pm CDT | by natebrown Leave a Comment

MLive’s Ansar Khan tweets that Justin Abdelkader has a lower body injury and will not return to the game tonight. During the first period of the Detroit Red Wings’ matchup with the Florida Panthers, Abdelkader left the ice after finishing a check and banging his right leg into the boards following the hit. He was seen wincing on the bench and flexing his knee as he skated off the ice.

If Abdelkader is out for a number of games, he will join wounded Wings Darren Helm, Jimmy Howard, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Alexey Marchenko, and Brendan Smith. It’s been that kind of a season for Detroit, who is seeking its 26th consecutive playoff appearance.

Abdelkader has eight points (4-4) in 21 games and after signing a massive seven-year extension last season, he was to be counted on for a net-front presence and to chip in at least 20 goals. His absence from the lineup creates another hole in an already ravaged lineup.

The Red Wings, through November 27, lead the NHL in man-games lost with 141.

Brendan Smith Out Four Weeks, Tyler Bertuzzi Out Three To Five Weeks

November 28, 2016 at 10:20 am CDT | by Brian La Rose Leave a Comment

An already long list of injuries continues to grow for the Red Wings as defenseman Brendan Smith is expected to miss the next four weeks with a knee injury, MLive’s Ansar Khan reports (Twitter link). Smith was injured in a collision with Montreal left winger Phillip Danault on Saturday night.

Smith has played a regular role on the back end for Detroit this season, averaging just over 18 minutes per game of playing time while picking up a pair of goals and two assists.

It will be interesting to see if the Red Wings call anyone up to replace the 27 year old pending unrestricted free agent. The team has been carrying eight defenders all season as they have been hesitant to expose either of Ryan Sproul or Xavier Ouellet to waivers. However, with Smith out and Alexey Marchenko (upper body) also on injured reserve, they’re down to the minimum of six but from a cap perspective, they are already well into LTIR, per CapFriendly.

The team announced that Smith, along with forward Tyler Bertuzzi who was also injured on Saturday, have been placed on injured reserve which will free up a roster spot to call up a seventh defender if they deem it necessary. Head coach Jeff Blashill suggested that Bertuzzi is expected to miss the next three to five weeks with a left ankle injury, Khan notes (via Twitter). He was seen walking without crutches or a boot which was a positive sign.

[Related: Red Wings Depth Chart]

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