Jason Demers

Roster Crunch: Atlantic Division

By Gavin Lee | at August 10, 2016 12:25 pm

Over the past few days, we’ve looked at the final few spots on the roster for both the Pacific and Central divisions. This time, we’ll turn our attention to the East starting with the Atlantic. This division will be in turmoil over the next few years, with clubs like the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs going through slow, deliberate rebuilds, and perennial contending squads like the Detroit Red Wings finally starting to slow down.

Florida Panthers – While the Panthers have pretty much accomplished everything they set out to do this off-season – improving the blueline with Keith Yandle and Jason Demers, getting a capable replacement for Roberto Luongo in James Reimer, and locking up their young core – they failed in one, big $5.5MM way. Dave Bolland failed his physical and therefor couldn’t be bought out. He’ll try to prove he deserves some playing time this season, but may find himself buried in the AHL to make room for Jared McCann, the prize Florida received when they dealt Erik Gudbranson to the Canucks.

Tampa Bay Lightning – If you’d said that Steve Yzerman would get Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman locked up long-term for less than $17MM per season, many would have laughed you out of the building. But, he did it, and it has let him spend some of the savings to build considerable depth for his hockey club. The team has signed a glut of forwards with NHL experience to league-minimum contracts, and will have a tryout at camp for the bottom few spots. The team already has 13 forwards (including still-unsigned Nikita Kucherov) who should get spots, meaning these new signings will have to dethrone someone to find a spot. Cory Conacher may have the best shot, after the diminutive winger scored 52 points last season in the improving Swiss League.

Detroit Red Wings – It was easy to understand why the Red Wings let Kyle Quincey hit free agency, but otherwise they’ve made some questionable moves this summer. The team signed Steve Ott, despite not having a clear place to play him, and have filled up the center position, seemingly ensuring that Dylan Larkin remains on the wing. Their proverbial fourth line will be anchored by Luke Glendening again after extending him for four years, but who will play with him is still up in the air. Ott, Teemu Pulkkinen, Drew Miller and Andreas Athanasiou all have claims to the wings, not to mention that many expect top prospect Anthony Mantha to force his way onto the club this season.

Boston Bruins – Didn’t Joe Morrow and Colin Miller do enough to lock up their spots on the bottom pairing last season? Apparently not, as the team brought back John-Michael Liles for $2MM despite his advanced age. Morrow and Miller are both waiver eligible, meaning that they’ll probably cycle through the press box instead of playing in the AHL. Depth on defense isn’t a bad thing, but sacrificing development time might be.

Ottawa Senators – For the Sens, a young group is getting decidedly older this season, with the deal to swap Mika Zibanejad for Derick Brassard and the signing of Chris Kelly. There doesn’t seem to be enough room left for all three of Curtis Lazar, Nick Paul and Ryan Dzingel in the bottom six, unless Chris Neil decides to hang ’em up in the next few months (he won’t). Mike Kostka looks like he signed on to sit in a press box, as the team’s defense is set without him.

Montreal Canadiens – Last year when Carey Price went down to injury, it was Mike Condon that took the reins of the club and made 51 starts. While he didn’t perform to the level the club was used to, it was expected that he’d return as Price’s backup, now with a healthy amount of NHL experience. It makes the signing of Al Montoya this summer interesting, as that would seemingly push Condon back down to the AHL. In camp, the two will battle along with Charlie Lindgren, an NCAA import, for the backup (and AHL starter) job.

Buffalo Sabres – The biggest story in Sabres camp this year will be that of Evander Kane, and whether he starts the season with the team. If he does, he’ll complete a deadly top-six, all of which come in under the age of 30. If he doesn’t (be it either through trade or team suspension), it would probably bump either Marcus Foligno or Matt Moulson into the top-six, giving an opportunity to another youngster in limited action. Perhaps that would go to Hudson Fasching, who was signed out of the University of Minnesota to play seven games for the Sabres down the stretch. Obviously, another NCAA product in Jimmy Vesey would fit in nicely if the Sabres should get him signed – he becomes an unrestricted free agent in just five days.

Toronto Maple Leafs – The Leafs may be the most interesting of training camps (sorry hockey-world) this year, just due to the number of bodies they have vying for NHL spots. The team has veterans like Milan Michalek and Joffrey Lupul penciled in right now, but have made it clear that they are willing to go with a number of kids in their lineup next year. With Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander all expected to play a full season in Toronto (not to mention Zach Hyman, Nikita Soshnikov and Connor Brown, all who played well in their short stints last season) there may not be enough room for veteran Colin Greening and newcomer Kerby Rychel on the NHL roster.

Roster Crunch: Central Division

By Gavin Lee | at August 8, 2016 11:45 am

Previously, we looked at some of the battles for the last few spots among Pacific Division teams, happening to focus mostly on the third pairing on many teams. With the Anaheim Ducks leading the way with their glut of young defenders, we’ll head to the Central Division next where there are a few teams who might be contenders to scoop up one of extra Ducks pieces.

Dallas Stars – It’s not often you see a team lose three of it’s top-four defenders in one offseason, but that’s what happened to the Stars this summer after Alex Goligoski, Jason Demers and Kris Russell all became unrestricted free agents. While Russell has yet to sign, he was probably miscast as the 24-minute-a-night player the Stars used him as down the stretch. They brought in Dan Hamhuis to fill one of the spots, but it’ll be a battle between Jamie Oleksiak, Stephen Johns, Patrik Nemeth, Jordie Benn and Esa Lindell for playing time this year. Because Johns is the only right-handed member of that group, perhaps Julius Honka, a former first-round pick, will make his NHL debut this season as well.

St. Louis Blues– The Blues will head into camp with a much different look on their top two lines, after veterans Troy Brouwer and David Backes left town for greener pastures. Down the middle there is a chance for a young player to step up, as Jori Lehtera and Kyle Brodziak (they of 45 combined points a year ago) are currently penciled in as the second and third line centers. Perhaps Patrik Berglund moves back to the middle, or Robby Fabbri is given the reins to the second line, but either way there are some opportunities for the taking.

Chicago Blackhawks – It’s hard to argue with the Blackhawks strategy of paying their superstars top dollar to keep them in town, while keeping costs down elsewhere by dealing away strong young talent. Again this season it’ll be a top-heavy roster, with only five forwards making over $1MM. Their lineup construction is anyone’s guess, as there has been talk of moving Marian Hossa off the top line and into a more checking role. It might be Patrick Kane skating alongside Jonathan Toews this year, or perhaps the recently signed Nick Schmaltz. Either way, there is a ton of opportunity for young players on the bottom six this season, with Andrew Shaw and Teuvo Teravainen suiting up in different cities.

Nashville Predators – On paper, the Predators seem to have too many defensemen under contract, as after signing Matt Carle to a extremely cheap deal, they now have eight blueliners with NHL pedigree. While the top-four is locked up with P.K. Subban, Roman Josi, Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis, the bottom pair is most likely going to be Carle with a revolving door of Petter Granberg and Yannick Weber on his right side. This leaves Anthony Bitetto without a spot once again, meaning the New York native would be exposed to waivers at some point.

Minnesota Wild – While Mikael Granlund spent a good portion of last season as a center, it looks like this year will have him playing the wing more often, especially given the signing of Eric Staal. With Charlie Coyle coming into his own as an offensive force, and Mikko Koivu‘s steady presence, there isn’t much room for Granlund down the middle. It also might cause Erik Haula, a strong contributor from the third line last year to transition even further into a penalty killing and defensive role. We’ll see what kind of chance the team gives Chris Stewart, who is a former 28-goal scorer, who hasn’t surpassed 15 in three straight seasons.

Colorado Avalanche – It’s a good thing that the Avalanche were able to come to terms with restricted free agent Tyson Barrie, because without him the blueline looks a little thin. While Erik Johnson and Francois Beauchemin will be a steady pairing again this year, players like Patrick Wiercioch, Fedor Tyutin and Eric Gelinas will have to play big roles in the defense this season. One interesting option is Nikita Zadorov, a former first-round pick who suited up for 22 games with the Avs last season. They seem like a perfect team to go after one of the surplus defenders in Anaheim, perhaps Cam Fowler to pair with Barrie long-term.

Winnipeg Jets – Just like the Blues, the Jets find themselves with a different look up front after losing their captain. Andrew Ladd is now playing in Long Island (or Brooklyn, or Queens) and the Jets will have to find an internal replacement for his 19-minutes a night. Perhaps 20-year old Nikolaj Ehlers is that replacement, after 38 points a year ago. Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine are both expected to debut with the team as well, giving them more depth on the wing than they’ve had in a few years. If anything, the team has too many young forwards to bring them all up, meaning we may see skaters like Marko Daňo and Joel Armia see extensive AHL time once again.

0 comments AHL Anaheim Ducks Chicago Blackhawks Colorado Avalanche Dallas Stars Minnesota Wild Nashville Predators Players St. Louis Blues Waivers Winnipeg Jets Andrew Ladd Andrew Shaw Cam Fowler Chris Stewart Dan Hamhuis David Backes Eric Staal Fedor Tyutin Jason Demers Jonathan Toews Jordie Benn Kris Russell Kyle Brodziak Matt Carle Mikael Granlund P.K. Subban Patrick Kane Patrick Wiercioch Patrik Laine Petter Granberg

Panthers Extend Reilly Smith For Five Years

By Gavin Lee | at July 3, 2016 1:21 pm

Clearly the biggest players in free agency this year, the Florida Panthers are close to another move to lock up their young core. Gary Lawless of TSN was first to report that the team was close to an extension with forward Reilly Smith that would pay him $5MM a season for an additional five years. The team has since confirmed the length of the deal, though not the financial details.

In just the past few weeks, the team has traded for then signed Keith Yandle, dealt away Dmitry Kulikov, given extensions to Aaron Ekblad and Vincent Trocheck, signed free agents Jason Demers and James Reimer, and pretty much owned the hockey world.

Smith, 25, had an excellent season last year with the Panthers, scoring 25 goals and 50 points. The former third round pick has had quite a start to his career, putting up at least 40 points in each of his first three full seasons. The talented young winger came over to Florida in the deal that saw them take on Marc Savard‘s cap-hit from the Bruins, one that they recently dealt to New Jersey for some cap relief of their own.

The Panthers have been on quite a clear path lately, trying to push past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 1996, the year they lost in the Cup finals to Colorado. After being knocked out by the New York Islanders last season, the team has made clear upgrades to their defensive group, and should have one of the better top pairings in the league with Ekblad and Yandle signed long-term.

Smith is still under contract for next season at a $3.43MM cap hit, meaning that a five-year extension would take him through the 2021-22 season. Perhaps not coincidentally, that is also when Trocheck and Aleksander Barkov will hit free agency, giving the team a chance to re-tool if they need to at that point.

If the financials are true, it would mean the Panthers have four young forwards under contract long-term for less than $6MM apiece in Barkov, Trocheck, Smith and Nick Bjugstad. All 25 or under, that quartet scored 93 goals last season. Next on the to-do list would be Jonathan Huberdeau, the former third overall pick who put up 20 goals of his own last season. He’s due $3.25MM next year before becoming an arbitration-eligible RFA next summer.

0 comments Boston Bruins Florida Panthers Free Agency New York Islanders Newsstand Players Aaron Ekblad Dmitry Kulikov James Reimer Jason Demers Keith Yandle Reilly Smith Vincent Trocheck

The Exceedingly Expensive Right-Handed Defenseman

By Gavin Lee | at July 2, 2016 6:40 pm

The problem of right-handed defensemen (RHD) has been one for a while in the NHL, with teams struggling to find three good ones to slot into their blueline. Last season, there were only 80 of them that played in at least 41 games (half the season), compared to a whopping 111 southpaws.

Of the RHD group, the best are among the league’s elite, with all three of the top Norris trophy vote-getters skating on the right side (Drew Doughty, Erik Karlsson, and Brent Burns). This top group is being paid like the superstars they are, but it’s beginning to present as a trend throughout the league to overpay, through free agency or trade, for some of the mid-level (or bottom rung) talent.

Aaron Ekblad finds himself in that top group, and was rewarded with a whopping $60MM extension before his 21st birthday. The Panthers realized that he was worth $15MM (or, more accurately $1.15MM per season) more than another recent signee, Keith Yandle, despite only buying out four free agent years. This isn’t a mistake, far from it, it’s just the going rate for right-handed talent.

The Oilers were recently affected by it as well; they ended up trading one of the best wingers in the world for a good (and maybe great) RHD because it’s been so long since they’ve been able to find one. The Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson deal is a massive overpay because Edmonton were dead-set on the idea of acquiring a member of the NHL’s smallest communities.

We saw it most clearly when the right-handed Ben Lovejoy received a bigger contract (in total $) than Dan Hamhuis, despite being just 14 months younger than him. Most people would agree that the former Penguin isn’t the player Hamhuis is, but he is right-handed.

Lovejoy will also be earning more per season for the Devils than their own outgoing David Schlemko, who by all rights is a much better defenseman and is capable of about the same production offensively. He’s also more than three years younger than Lovejoy, albeit with a shorter track record to match.

The Maple Leafs even brought back Roman Polak today, a move which had many analysts scratching their head due to the Leafs’ glut of young blueliners in the minor league system. The Leafs know that Polak will be valuable again at this year’s deadline – last season they used San Jose’s need for a RHD to the tune of two second round picks (apologies to Nick Spaling).

It’s this extreme lack of options that makes today’s signing of Jason Demers by the Florida Panthers look so fantastic, as they locked up the top-4, RHD for just $4.5MM per season for the next five years.

When Kevin Shattenkirk is commanding pieces like Dylan Larkin in trade, and Larsson can net you a superstar in Hall, signing right-handed defensemen in their prime to reasonable contracts isn’t something that should be taken lightly – in fact, it’s almost never seen in today’s NHL.

0 comments Free Agency Ben Lovejoy Jason Demers

Florida Signs Jason Demers To Five-Year Deal

By natebrown | at July 2, 2016 11:27 am

Chris Johnston writes that the Florida Panthers and Jason Demers have agreed to a five-year, $22.5MM deal. CapFriendly also posted the deal, indicating that the deal would be a cap hit of $4.5MM.

Johnston writes that the contract, “includes a $1-million signing bonus payable right away and a limited eight-team no-trade clause over the first four seasons.” Additionally, Johnson adds that Demers took a little less to sign with Florida.

Demers was considered one of the best free agent targets remaining on the market, and the value of his deal reveals as such. Last season with Dallas, Demers had 23 points (7-16) during the regular season. In the playoffs, Demers had three assists in 13 playoff games.

0 comments Florida Panthers Newsstand Jason Demers

Free Agency Snapshots: Best Remaining Players

By natebrown | at July 2, 2016 10:37 am

As of 11:30pm, Jason Demers signed a five-year deal with Florida. This article was written prior to that contract being signed.

A variety of analysts weighed in on who they thought the best remaining free agents were on the unrestricted free agent market. USA Today’s Kevin Allen writes that defensemen Jason Demers, Kyle Quincey, Kris Russell, James Wisniewski and Justin Schultz are all names that should find a new (or possibly the same) home. Allen still believes that Demers was the best free agent defenseman on the market, but that his reported $5MM pricetag may be scaring teams away. Allen also lists forwards Jiri Hudler, Sam Gagner, P.A. Parenteau, and Matt Cullen as other intriguing options. Allen believes that although Hudler has shown a goal scoring knack, his age (32) may be a factor in his inability to land a deal.

NHL.com listed their best of the rest, with many mirroring Allen’s list. However, they listed Patrik Elias, Tomas Fleischmann, Roman Polak, Brad Richards, Luke Schenn, Alex Tanguay, and Radim Vrbata as other options. Most intriguing was the inclusion of Elias, who at 40 years of age, is still looking to play. Though they listed Coyotes captain Shane Doan, it was speculated yesterday that he would be returning to the desert, and that a contract was close.
Sportsnet’s Luke Fox also had a similar list to the aforementioned, though he added Brandon Pirri, and Dennis Seidenberg as two additional options. On Pirri, Fox believes that his 29 points along with his young age (25) makes him a smart addition. Fox calls Seidenberg a dependable stay at home defenseman, but one that won’t “wow” any potential suitors.
Finally, Greg Wyshynski writes that any team who signs Russell is making a puzzling acquisition. Wyshynski wonders if Russell could get $5MM for blocking shots–and not much more. Last season, Russell had 19 points (4-15) in 62 games with Calgary and Dallas.

0 comments Snapshots Dennis Seidenberg James Wisniewski Jason Demers Justin Schultz Kris Russell Matt Cullen Patrik Elias

Dan Hamhuis Signs With Dallas

By Zach Leach | at July 1, 2016 12:57 pm

After Dallas Stars’ defensemen Jason Demers and Kris Russell both decided to test out free agency, the Stars have replaced their outgoing performance by inking Dan Hamhuis to a two-year, $7.5MM contract, as reported by Bob McKenzie.

Hamhuis has spent the last six seasons in Vancouver where he has slowly seen his role and offensive performance decline as he heads into his mid-thirties. The former Predator and Norris trophy nominee will now join a blueline that has been torn apart over the last few weeks. In addition to Demers and Russell both heading to free agency, Dallas traded Alex Goligoski to the Coyotes just weeks before he also would have become an unrestricted free agent.

Now Hamhuis will join Johnny Oduya as the veterans in a group headlined by John Klingberg, the last bastion of the Stars’ young group from last season. For a team who is looking to contend this season, before many of their talented forwards reach free agency (including superstar captain Jamie Benn and sniper Patrick Sharp) Hamhuis is just the first step in rebuilding their back end.

0 comments Dallas Stars Free Agency Newsstand Utah Mammoth Alex Goligoski Dan Hamhuis Jason Demers Kris Russell

Snapshots: Schedule, Shattenkirk, Salary Cap, Coyotes, Red Wings, Malkin, Dallas Defense

By Brian La Rose | at June 21, 2016 3:57 pm

The NHL released their 2016-17 schedule on Tuesday. Here are some of the important dates:

Wednesday, October 12: Regular season begins
January 27-30: All-Star Break
Tuesday, February 28: Trade deadline
Sunday, April 9 Final day of the regular season

Elsewhere around the league:

The market for St. Louis defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk appears to be heating up, writes Joe Haggerty of CSN New England. Boston, Edmonton, and Philadelphia have already expressed an interested in acquiring Shattenkirk who is one year away from unrestricted free agency with a cap hit of $4.25MM. Haggerty also notes that Shattenkirk is looking to play on the East Coast following this coming season.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that teams should learn the salary cap figure for next season at some point today. If the NHLPA exercises their 5% inflator, an option given to them each season in the CBA, the cap should be somewhere around $73MM.
The Coyotes are open to trading up or down from the seventh overall pick in Friday’s NHL Entry draft, writes The Arizona Republic’s Sarah McLellan. GM John Chayka acknowledged he received a “pretty impressive offer” last week with regards to trading down in the draft.
If Detroit wants to move the cap hit of now-retired Pavel Datsyuk, GM Ken Holland may have to give up a top young prospect. Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports that other teams are asking for 2015 1st rounder Evgeni Svechnikov or speedster Andreas Athanasiou to be included as a sweetener for them to take on Datsyuk’s $7.5MM cap charge.
Steve Zipay of Newsday hears that the Blackhawks are “seriously kicking tires” on Pittsburgh center Evgeni Malkin. Considering Chicago is in a tough spot with their free agents and cap situation, they would have to find a way to clear up a lot of cap space in order to take on Malkin’s $9.5MM contract.
Dallas GM Jim Nill said Tuesday that he expects free agent defensemen Jason Demers and Kris Russell to test the free agent market, reports ESPN’s Craig Custance. Nill noted that they’re content going with a younger group of defenders.

1 comment Snapshots Utah Mammoth Jason Demers Kevin Shattenkirk Kris Russell Pavel Datsyuk

Mirtle’s Latest: Chayka, Demers, Yandle

By Gavin Lee | at June 20, 2016 9:58 am

The busiest time of the year is starting over the next few weeks, with the Entry Draft and July 1st free agency. Rumors are swirling already about almost every player in the league and James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail mentions that the salary cap isn’t going to rise much more than $1.5MM even if the NHLPA exercises their 5% bump. That’ll give a lot of teams pause about locking in long-term to free agents, while their own cap situation isn’t settled. Here’s more from Mirtle:

Youngest GM in NHL history John Chayka (only 27-years old) has already begun to make an impact on the Arizona Coyotes, moving to acquire the rights to Alex Goligoski last week, and Mirtle believes he’s aiming at a return to the playoffs as soon as next season. Martin Hanzal, his biggest trade chip has been dangled recently and doesn’t look like a long-term option in the desert.
Jason Demers, one of three exceptional Dallas blueliners that are reaching free agency this summer has apparently priced himself out of the Stars’ market, asking for an annual value close to $5.5MM. Demers, along with Goligoski and Kris Russell are three of the top five defense options this offseason.
Number 1 on that list, Keith Yandle is believed to be seeking a seven-year deal on the open market, Mirtle suggests. The Avalanche are an option for the Rangers’ blueliner, as they look to add to their team coming off a disappointing 39-39-4 season.
Mirtle mentions that despite the Jets best efforts to re-sign restricted free agent Jacob Trouba, teams around the league still believe he is available for the right price. The former 9th overall pick has been a steady presence on the Jets back-end and is only 22.

0 comments Colorado Avalanche Dallas Stars New York Rangers Utah Mammoth Winnipeg Jets Alex Goligoski Jacob Trouba Jason Demers Keith Yandle Kris Russell Martin Hanzal

Free Agent Focus: Dallas Stars

By Gavin Lee | at June 15, 2016 12:30 pm

After a season that saw the Dallas Stars lead the Western Conference with 109 points, and be one of only two teams to record 50 wins, they have a long offseason in front of them if they’re to keep the strong core in tact. On the backs of superstars Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, they easily led the NHL in goals, hitting the twine 267 times in 2015-16. Here is a look at their upcoming offseason:

Key Restricted Free Agent: RW Valeri Nichushkin – Unfortunately for the Stars, it’s not the restricted free agents that are going to cause them headaches this summer it’s the eight UFAs they’ll see leave them. They do, however have one very important RFA in Valeri Nichushkin, the Russian powerhouse selected in the first round (10th overall) of the 2013 entry draft.

After putting up 14 goals and 34 points as an 18-year old after being drafted, the winger missed almost all of 2014-15 with a hip injury that needed corrective surgery. This season the now 21-year old was back on a strong development path, putting up 29 points coming off injury. His 6’4″, 205 pound frame is a scout’s dream when it comes with at least average skating ability, and Nichushkin has shown he can keep up in the NHL. While the idea of him hitting the ice alongside Benn and Seguin might still be another year away, he played well when paired with Jason Spezza this season, and will look to continue his development into a top-flight power forward in the league.

Other RFAs: Jamie Oleksiak

Key Unrestricted Free Agents: D Alex Goligoski, D Jason Demers, D Kris Russell – Somehow the Stars have three excellent defenders 30 or under hitting free agency this offseason, and are expected to lose at least two of them if not all three. They still have John Klingberg and Johnny Oduya under contract for next season at $4.25MM and $3.75MM respectively, but might not be able to keep up with the bidding war that the trio will command. Other than Keith Yandle in New York, these three represent the best young defense options on the market this summer.

With Jamie Benn set to become a UFA in 2017, the Stars will be trying to keep some room under the cap to extend him long-term. He’ll be looking to jump from his current $5.25MM salary to somewhere around $10MM, and with Patrick Sharp and Ales Hemsky becoming UFAs at the same time, the Stars might not have the room to commit long term to more than one of the d-men.

Other UFAs: Vernon Fiddler, Patrick Eaves, Jordie Benn, Colton Sceviour, Travis Moen

Projected Cap Space: $13.75MM, 16 players under contract.

Overall, the Stars have a little bit of money to play with but have to be very careful where they put it, as the mentioned names are coming up next season. With Jason Spezza earning $7.5MM a season over the next three years, the team will have over $20 million locked into three players if they indeed extend Benn. With the cap looking like it will hold steady for at least a couple of seasons, putting almost a third of your budget in three players is a risky proposition – just ask the Chicago Blackhawks who had to give up Teuvo Teravainen earlier today because of their cap mismanagement.

0 comments Dallas Stars Alex Goligoski Free Agent Focus Jason Demers Kris Russell Valeri Nichushkin

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