Atlantic Notes: Bruins, Lightning, Maple Leafs, Red Wings
Though Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski was initially surprised by David Backes signing in Boston, further review made it understandable. Backes adds another physical, goal scoring center to a team that already includes David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron. Wyshynski does warn that Backes arrives with a lot of miles and although he’s only missed 16 games since 2008, his style of play makes the five-year deal somewhat risky near the end of the contract. Regardless, the Bruins beefed up down the middle and have a more favorable look against the best teams in the division–and conference.
Other notes from the Atlantic:
- Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman continues his mastery of signing the team’s high end talent and Tampa Times writer Joe Smith reports that Nikita Kucherov should be the next name for Yzerman to cross off his list. Smith writes that Yzerman is optimistic a deal will get done and predicts that Kucherov could expect Filip Forsberg numbers in the range of a six-year, $36MM deal. But if there’s anything to be seen with Yzerman, it’s that he’s become a master of negotiations. Between Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman taking what was considered significantly less money to stay in Tampa, it should be expected that Kucherov will possibly take less to stay with a team that Yzerman continues to build into an Eastern Conference force.
- The Maple Leafs were very quiet with the exception of signing Matt Martin to a four-year, $10MM deal Friday. TSN’s Kristen Shilton writes that Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello felt that Martin filled a need for the rebuilding organization. The move was also precipitated by bench boss Mike Babcock wanting more toughness on the roster. The Toronto Sun’s Lance Hornsby writes that while the team didn’t come out and say it, Martin’s role will be that of a bodyguard for #1 overall pick Auston Matthews, and other Leaf youngsters. Lamoriello did admit that the signing was one to make his younger players feel “freer” on the ice.
- While the Red Wings inked Frans Nielsen, Thomas Vanek and Steve Ott, their moves weren’t applauded by everyone. The Detroit News’ Gregg Krupa wonders if general manager Ken Holland’s magic touch is beginning to wear off, and writes that the Wings’ top man shouldn’t be finished with his offseason moves quite yet. Colleague Bob Wojnowski agrees, adding that the Wings are a team “scrambling to find their way” and along with Krupa, opines that that the fanbase is growing restless with Holland’s loyalty to players like Darren Helm, who notched a five-year, $19.5MM deal before free agency opened. Craig Hagerman goes even further, writing that the Wings were one of three teams that actually got worse following Friday’s free agent frenzy. While he lauds the Nielsen signing, he questions the re-signing of Helm (registering a 30 point season twice in his career), Ott (no goals last season), and Vanek (bought out for underachieving).
Detroit Red Wings Sign Steve Ott
After signing Thomas Vanek and Frans Nielsen, the Red Wings have dipped back into the free agent forward market and signed veteran Steve Ott, according to Craig Custance of ESPN. Pierre LeBrun adds that he’ll earn $800K on the one-year deal.
Formerly a highly sought after two-way forward, Ott is coming off an injury plagued season that saw him play just 21 games for the St. Louis Blues. Soon to turn 34, the long-time Dallas Star will try to provide some leadership and responsibility to the fourth line of the Red Wings.
After signing defensive liability Thomas Vanek earlier today, Ott should add some consistency in their own end and perhaps see some time on the Detroit penalty kill. At just $800K, he’ll try to rebuild his value for one more multi-year contract after 2016-17. If he can reclaim some of the offensive ability he showed when he scored 22 goals in 2009-10, he’ll again be a wanted man when summer rolls around.
Frans Nielsen Signs With Detroit
According to Red Wings beat writer Ansar Khan of MLive.com, Detroit has signed free agent center Frans Nielsen to a six-year contract minutes after the free agent frenzy began. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports that the deal is worth $5.25MM per season.
Nielsen will likely take the place of Pavel Datsyuk in Detroit’s top six, who retired early this offseason and had his contract traded to Arizona at last week’s NHL Entry Draft. Last year, Nielsen played in 81 games with the Islanders, scoring 20 goals while adding 32 assists, averaging 17:43 per game in ice time.
Nielsen had spent his entire NHL career on Long Island, playing in parts of ten seasons with the team. He has a total of 606 games under his belt, scoring 119 goals and adding 230 assists.