Vancouver Canucks Struggling To Move Ben Hutton
The quietest stretch of the NHL off-season is upon us, but at least one team is still working the phones and trying to make some noise on the trade market. In a piece previewing the 2018-19 season for the Vancouver Canucks, The Athletic’s J.D. Burke includes a note on defenseman Ben Hutton, who he claims the team has actively been trying to unload. Unfortunately, there just don’t seem to be any takers.
In fact, Burke claims that internal trade discussions regarding Hutton’s future with the Canucks have been ongoing since early last season. While there was reportedly interest from several teams back in February, ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline, no deal came together and Hutton continued to struggle over the remainder of the season. Burke cites a downward trend in production over the past two years, as well as a corresponding loss of ice time, as reasons why Vancouver wants to move on and perhaps why no other team wants to jump in. The former UMaine defenseman surprisingly nabbed a roster spot in 2015-16 and impressed as a rookie, recording 25 points and immediately showing an innate ability to block shots and smother offensive chances in his own zone. Hutton didn’t seem to improve noticeably in his sophomore campaign, recording only 19 points and failing to grow his puck-moving ability, but he did find the back of the net four more times than the year prior and continued to be a shot-blocking asset and smart defender in increased play time. There was no such silver lining last season though; Hutton played in ten fewer games, saw more than two minutes less ice time per night, dropped to just six points for the year, and even slipped in his defensive game.
Yet, Burke still opines that the analytics show that Hutton is still a strong defensive player and a positive presence for the Canucks and even goes so far as to say that he should still be playing a prominent role on the blue line, perhaps even paired with Chris Tanev. With first-round pick Quinn Hughes headed back to school and young Olli Juolevi yet to earn a roster spot, Hutton is unquestionably still one of the top seven defenseman on the Canucks. Despite some regression, he would be penciled in as a starter if he isn’t moved and his $2.8MM cap hit, while steep, is not an issue for a team with ample space. Why then is Vancouver so eager to move him? Burke also claims that Hutton has simply fallen out of favor with coach Travis Green. As such, Hutton is clearly in need of a change of scenery and the Canucks are trying to provide him with just that. Hutton could play a bottom-pair or depth role on many teams in the league and Vancouver could bank of Juolevi as a replacement or take advantage of a free agent market still stocked with capable defenders. It thus makes sense that both sides would want a trade. The only question now is whether they will find one. So far, it hasn’t been an easy task.
Showcase Notes: Tkachuk, Hughes, Formenton
The World Junior Summer Showcase wrapped up yesterday with a pair of rivalry games, as the USA and Canada did battle before Sweden and Finland took to the ice in Kamloops. The USA-Canada game ended as chippy as contests between the two countries often do, with the final few seconds not even being played. At the final draw, 89 penalty minutes were handed out between several players when a melee broke out in the Canadian zone. In the middle of it was none other than Brady Tkachuk, who is already following in his brother’s footsteps as a player capable of getting under his opponent’s skin. He was given a 10 minute misconduct and a match penalty for intent to injure, though it wasn’t clear exactly what he did.
Tkachuk now has to decide whether to return to Boston University or sign with the Ottawa Senators and turn pro, a decision that was supposed to be at least partially based on his performance at this tournament if reports are to believed. Tkachuk can obviously compete physically with any player his age, but was held to just two assists in the tournament while recording several minor penalties throughout the tournament. It is quite clear that he’ll have an NHL career before long, but could still use some refinement in the offensive zone.
- One of the real stories in the tournament was supposed to be the play of potential 2019 first-overall pick Jack Hughes, but while the 17-year old was quite good his brother may have stolen the show. Quinn Hughes, selected seventh-overall by the Vancouver Canucks, was all over the ice for Team USA and showed off his wizardry with the puck in the offensive zone. The elder Hughes is headed back for another year at the University of Michigan, where he should be considered a real threat for the Hobey Baker if his scoring numbers take another step forward. For those who are still worried about his size and physicality, it should be noted that both Hughes brothers were involved in the final scrum and each received roughing penalties and game misconducts.
- While Hughes will have to wait for his chance at the NHL, one of the players from the Canadian squad might be ready to take the next step. Alex Formenton scored a brilliant goal against the Swedes earlier in the tournament when he used his blazing speed to drive wide, and head coach Tim Hunter believes he’s obviously “NHL caliber.” Formenton played one game for the Ottawa Senators at the beginning of last season and suited up twice in the AHL at the end of the year. While the London Knights are a great development option for him if he goes back to junior, the Senators might feel as though he can make an impact at the highest level right away.
Pacific Notes: Golden Knights Prospects, Juolevi, Gaudette
The Vegas Golden Knights are coming off an impressive inaugural season, capped off by a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. However, with the team adjusting its original five-year plan to a much shorter one, which was proven when they traded their 2018 first-round pick to Detroit to acquire Tomas Tatar, one would think that Vegas lacks quality young prospects. However, that’s far from the case.
SinBin’s Ken Boehlke breaks down the team’s top 21 skaters and top four goaltending prospects. The scribe’s criteria for qualifying includes prospects under 23 years of age, who have played fewer than 10 NHL games. However, while many people might be expecting center Cody Glass to hold the top spot, that isn’t the case. Boehlke hands that award to 2017 first-round defenseman Erik Brannstrom instead. The 5-foot-10, 173-pound blueliner is an outstanding skater who excels at stretch passes, something that the Golden Knights are very high on. He posted solid numbers in the SHL and is ready to come over to North America. Brannstrom has a chance to win a spot on the team, but due to Vegas’ depth on defense, it’s more likely that Brannstrom will start his season off in the AHL.
- With Vancouer’s Quinn Hughes planning to return to the University of Michigan, The Province’s Jason Botchford writes that 2016 first-round pick Olli Juolevi could get a chance to make the team now. With other bigger-named rookies like Elias Pettersson and Hughes around, Juolevi has been an almost forgotten man. However, Juolevi must prove that he belongs as the former fifth-overall pick has struggled with both the OHL London Knights as well as his TPS Turku team in the top league in Finland last season. However, Sami Salo, one of his coaches in Finland said that by the time the playoffs rolled around, Juolevi was the team’s top defenseman, suggesting he might be ready to come to the NHL and with a team full of average defenseman, he might just make it.
- NHL.com’s Amalie Benjamin profiles the Vancouver Canucks’ Adam Gaudette, who has made it clear that he wants to make the Canucks roster out of training camp this year. The 21-year-old out of Northeastern University played five games for Vancouver after signing with the team, but failed to register a point. He will have his work cut out for him as the team signed three veterans to the team, which will likely force several youngsters to play in the AHL next season. However, Gaudette feels he’s ready. “I’ve always been kind of a guy who’s been looked down on, that won’t really get anywhere, but I embraced that, took that in and turned it around and used it as motivation,” Gaudette said. “I think that, no matter what, people are going to doubt [me] at every level. I’ve already heard it about the NHL and nothing would make me more satisfied than to just go in and prove them wrong.”
Canucks Notes: Hughes, Utica Comets, Schaller, Defense
Earlier today, the University of Michigan announced that defenseman Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks 2018 first-round pick, will return to the team, crushing hopeful fans of having the smooth-skating blueliner from starting the season with the Canucks.
Sportsnet’s Rick Dhaliwal reports that he interviewed Hughes’ agent and father, Jim Hughes about the decision the Hughes family had to make last night about him returning to college for another season.
“Quinn talked to Jim and Travis last night, everyone was on the same page. Because we were travelling so much in last month, finally we got together and made the call,” said Jim Hughes. “Quinn went back and forth, he struggled with the call to go to the NHL, every kid wants to get there fast but we did not rush. 1 more year in college will not hurt him, he wants to get stronger and pack on some pounds.”
TSN’s Ray Ferraro suggests the team take a similar approach to Quinn Hughes to the direction that Boston took when they drafted Charlie McAvoy in the first round back in 2016. The Bruins allowed him to return to Boston University, then play at the World Juniors and then after his college season signed him and brought him in to play in six playoff games for them.
- Ben Birnell of the Observer-Dispatch wonders how the resignation of Trevor Linden, the Canucks president of hockey operations, will affect the team’s long-term standing with their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets. Linden has been a supporter of Vancouver’s affiliation with the Comets over the years despite the distance between the two cities and with the six-year affiliation agreement between the two teams up in less than a year, there are questions whether Linden’s departure could end their long-time affiliation. Utica has been home to many of the Canucks top prospects and will likely be a focal point for the team’s depth at the forward position as several key prospects are likely going to be headed for Utica this season.
- JD Burke of The Athletic (subscription required) takes a look at what forward Tim Schaller will bring to the Canucks, especially pointing to the veteran’s ability to play high-quality defensive hockey. Schaller, who was one of three bottom-six forwards to sign on July 1 to multiple-year contracts along with Jay Beagle and Antoine Roussel, was the one with the most reasonable deal. He signed a two-year, $3.8MM deal and might be worth that money, according to the scribe, who breaks down the 27-year-old’s positive qualities, which also include solid penalty killing skills.
- TSN’s Jason Brough reports that while the loss of Hughes is likely going to keep the team’s defense the same, he wouldn’t be surprised if Vancouver makes a move to improve a below average defense that at the momemt is made up of Alexander Edler, Chris Tanev, Erik Gudbranson, Michael Del Zotto, Ben Hutton and Troy Stecher.
Quinn Hughes To Return For Sophomore Year At Michigan
There has been plenty of speculation as to where Vancouver Canucks first-rounder Quinn Hughes will play next season. The defenseman has put an end to that as he has committed to Michigan for next season, the school announced.
Hughes was the seventh-overall pick last month following a stellar freshman year that saw him collect 29 points in 37 games. He also played a regular role at the World Juniors in December as well as the World Championships in May which had some thinking that he may be ready to make the jump to the pros.
With Vancouver’s depth on the back end, it’s likely that they would have had to trade someone to create a spot for Hughes at the NHL level right away, especially if 2016 first-rounder Olli Juolevi also makes the jump next season. With this decision, they can now keep their defense corps fully intact.
GM Jim Benning released the following statement about the decision through the Canucks’ Twitter account:
“We are in full support of Quinn’s decision to continue his university career as he further develops as a hockey player and a student. He now has an opportunity to be a leader at the University of Michigan and represent Team USA at the 2019 World Junior Championship in Vancouver. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will only benefit Quinn’s future career.”
While Hughes won’t be with the Canucks to start the season, there is always the potential for him to sign at the conclusion of his college campaign and then play for Vancouver down the stretch. This is something that the team has done in recent years with forwards Brock Boeser and Adam Gaudette so it wouldn’t be too surprising if that’s the approach they have in mind here as well.
Pacific Notes: Hughes, Virtanen, Chychrun
While it was expected that the Canucks would make a quick decision on whether or not to turn top draft pick Quinn Hughes pro next season, it appears that the team hasn’t decided whether that’s the best move for him just yet. In an interview with TSN 1040 (audio link), GM Jim Benning stated that he remains in conversations with Hughes’ family advisor in an effort to determine what’s best for his long-term development. He also acknowledged the current logjam on their back end but indicated that if he was to attend training camp and play well enough to earn a roster spot that they would make a move to make room for him. For him to attend camp, he’d have to be signed to an entry-level deal which would put an end to his NCAA eligibility although he would be able to play in the AHL.
More from the Pacific:
- The Canucks have only one restricted free agent remaining in winger Jake Virtanen. From the same interview, Benning mentioned that the team remains in discussions with his agent Kevin Epp and classifies the talks as “going good”. Given Virtanen’s inconsistency over the past couple of seasons, it’s likely that Vancouver will be pushing for him to sign a short-term contract. The 21-year-old had ten goals and ten assists in 75 games last season. He had a qualifying offer of roughly $875K but that expired back on July 15th.
- Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun is expected to resume skating next week as he continues to recover from offseason knee surgery notes Arizona Sports’ Craig Morgan. The team remains hopeful that he’ll be ready for training camp and if he does so and plays well early on next season, Morgan believes the team may look to get an early extension done rather than wait for him to his restricted free agency next summer.
USA Hockey Announces Summer Showcase Rosters
The World Juniors are still several months away, but we’ll get a look at those players vying for spots this weekend at the 2018 World Junior Summer Showcase. The tournament begins on Saturday in Kamloops, British Columbia and runs through August 4th, pitting teams from around the world against each other as a warm up for the winter tournament. USA Hockey will submit two teams as usual, and today announced the rosters for each along with the coaching staffs.
Team Blue will be led by Scott Sandelin and Chris Clark, who currently work for the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Columbus Blue Jackets respectively. Their roster will feature some exceptional talents including returning names like Brady Tkachuk and Dylan Samberg. The full Blue roster is as follows:
F Evan Barratt (CHI, 90th overall, 2017)
F Sasha Chmelevski (SJS, 185th overall, 2017)
F Logan Cockerill (NYI, 201st overall, 2017)
F Paul Cotter (VGK, 115th overall, 2018)
F Sean Dhooghe (undrafted)
F Jon Gruden (OTT, 95th overall, 2018)
F Logan Hutsko (FLA, 89th overall, 2018)
F Brandon Kruse (VGK, 135th overall, 2018)
F Jacob McGrew (SJS, 159th overall, 2017)
F Ryan Poehling (MTL, 25th overall, 2017)
F Brady Tkachuk (OTT, 4th overall, 2018)
F Jake Wise (CHI, 69th overall, 2018)
D Josh Ess (CHI, 215th overall, 2017)
D David Farrance (NSH, 92nd overall, 2017)
D K’Andre Miller (NYR, 22nd overall, 2018)
D Tommy Miller (undrafted)
D Alec Regula (DET, 67th overall, 2018)
D Dylan Samberg (WPG, 43rd overall, 2017)
D Reilly Walsh (NJD, 81st overall, 2017)
G Kyle Keyser (BOS, free agent)
G Keith Petruzzelli (DET, 88th overall 2017)
Team White will be led by Steve Miller and Pat Mikesch, who currently work with Ohio State University and the Green Bay Gamblers respectively. Their club may be even more exciting as it includes potential 2019 first overall pick Jack Hughes along with his brother Quinn Hughes and plenty of other high-end talents. The full roster is as follows:
F Noah Cates (PHI, 137th overall, 2017)
F Cole Coskey (undrafted)
F Jack Drury (CAR, 42nd overall, 2018)
F Joel Farabee (PHI, 14th overall, 2018)
F Curtis Hall (BOS, 119th overall, 2018)
F Jack Hughes (2019 eligible)
F Ivan Lodnia (MIN, 85th overall, 2017)
F Grant Mismash (NSH, 61st overall, 2017)
F Josh Norris (SJS, 19th overall, 2017)
F Jay O’Brien (PHI, 19th overall, 2018)
F Jason Robertson (DAL, 39th overall, 2017)
F Oliver Wahlstrom (NYI, 11th overall, 2018)
D Matt Anderson (undrafted)
D Mikey Anderson (LAK, 103rd overall, 2017)
D Quinn Hughes (VAN, 7th overall, 2018)
D Joey Keane (NYR, 88th overall, 2018)
D Phil Kemp (EDM, 208th overall, 2017)
D Ben Mirageas (NYI, 77th overall, 2017)
D Mattias Samuelsson (BUF, 32nd overall, 2018)
G Spencer Knight (2019 eligible)
G Cayden Primeau (MTL, 199th overall, 2017)
2018 Draft Results By Team
The 2018 NHL Entry Draft is now complete. Check out how each team did with accruing talent and filling needs with each of their selections this weekend:
Anaheim Ducks
1-23. F Isac Lundestrom, Lulea (SHL)
2-54. F Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
3-79. F Blake McLaughlin, Chicago Steel (USHL)
3-84. G Lukas Dostal, HC Kometa Brno (Czech Republic-Jr.)
4-116. F Jack Perbix, Elk River HS (USHS)
5-147. G Roman Durny, Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
6-178. D Hunter Drew, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
Arizona Coyotes
1-5. F Barrett Hayton, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
2-55. D Kevin Bahl, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
3-65. F Jan Jenik, HC Benatky nad Jizerou (Czech Republic-2)
3-73. D Ty Emberson, U.S. National Development Program (USHL)
4-114. G Ivan Prosvetov, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
5-142. D Mitchell Callahan, Central Illinois Flying Aces (USHL)
5-145. D Dennis Busby, Flint Firebirds (OHL)
6-158. G David Tendeck, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
7-189. F Liam Kirk, Sheffield Steelers (England)
Boston Bruins
2-57. D Axel Andersson, Djurgardens IF (SuperElit)
3-77. F Jakub Lauko, Pirati Chomutov (Czech Republic)
4-119. F Curtis Hall, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
6-181. D Dustyn McFaul, Pickering Panthers (OJHL)
7-212. F Pavel Shen, Mamonty Yugry (MHL)
Buffalo Sabres
1-1. D Rasmus Dahlin, Frolunda HC (SHL)
2-32. D Mattias Samuelsson, U.S. National Development Program (USHL)
4-94. F Matej Pekar, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
4-117. D Linus Lindstrand Kronholm, Malmo Redhawks (SuperElit)
5-125. D Miska Kuukonen, Ilves (Jr.-Liiga)
7-187. D William Worge Kreu, Linkoping (SuperElit)
Calgary Flames
3-105. F Martin Pospisil, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
3-108. F Demetrios Koumontzis, Edina HS (USHS)
4-122. F Milos Roman, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
6-167. F Mathias Emilio Pettersen, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
7-198. F Dmitri Zavgorodny, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Carolina Hurricanes
1-2. F Andrei Svechnikov, Barrie Colts (OHL)
2-42. F Jack Drury, Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL)
4-96. F Luke Henman, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
4-104. F Lenni Killinen, Espoo Blues (Jr.-Liiga)
6-166. D Jesper Sellgren, MODO (Allsveskan)
7-197. G Jake Kucharski, Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
Chicago Blackhawks
1-8. D Adam Boqvist, Brynas IF Gavle (SHL)
1-27. D Nicolas Beaudin, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
3-69. F Jake Wise, U.S. National Development Program (USHL)
3-74. F Niklas Nordgren, HIFK Helsinki (Jr.-Liiga)
4-120. F Philipp Kurashev, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
5-139. F Mikael Hakkarainen, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
6-162. G Alexis Gravel, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
7-193. F Josiah Slavin, Lincoln Stars (USHL)
Colorado Avalanche
1-16. F Martin Kaut, Dynamo Pardubice (Czech Republic)
3-64. G Justus Annunen, Karpat (Jr.-Liiga)
3-78. F Sampo Ranta, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
4-109. F Tyler Weiss, U.S. National Development Program (USHL)
5-140. F Brandon Saigeon, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
5-146. D Danila Zhuravlyov, Irbis Kazan (MHL)
6-171. F Nikolai Kovalenko, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (MHL)
7-202. G Shamil Shmakov, Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (MHL)Read more
Luke Hughes Commits To Michigan
The Hughes name may not be widely known by hockey fans just yet, but the brothers are about to take the NHL by storm. Defenseman Quinn Hughes, the oldest brother, just finished his freshman season at the University of Michigan, guiding the Wolverines to a Frozen Four berth and cementing his position as a top ten selection in the upcoming NHL Draft. Next up is Jack Hughes, who dominated the U.S. National Development Program this year and is close to a unanimous pick to be the first player taken in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Unbeknownst to many, there is a third brother in 14-year-old Luke Hughes, who understandably has not garnered as much attention as his older siblings. That is until now; NCAA insider Matt Grainda reports that Luke will follow Quinn to Michigan, as he has committed to the school for the 2021-22 season.
The decision is fitting given the early comparisons that the youngest Hughes has drawn to the eldest. Quinn has been lauded for his next-level intelligence and decision-making on the ice, showing pro-ready awareness and composure at the college level. He is also a superior skater who plays with speed and skill that is hard to miss. Grainda’s evaluation of Luke is very similar. He calls the future Wolverine a “high-IQ defenseman”, a “great skater” and “smart and skilled with the puck”. The Michigan coaching staff clearly sees enough in the young rearguard to offer a scholarship that won’t begin for another four years. For a player who won’t turn 15 until September, there is far more growth ahead for Luke as well and he could easily join his brothers as a top NHL prospect down the road.
World Championships Offer Big Test For Draft-Eligible Prospects
The last few years almost every professional hockey league and tournament has seemed to skew towards younger players. In the NHL, Connor McDavid has led a revolution of young talent that was epitomized perhaps best when Team North America shocked several opponents in the 2016 World Cup. That team would score more goals than anyone but Canada in the preliminary round, and could have perhaps gone further if not for an early injury to Matt Murray.
In Sweden this year, the league was dominated by Vancouver Canucks prospect Elias Pettersson and provided little challenge for potential first-overall pick Rasmus Dahlin. In a league that is notoriously difficult for young players, 19-year old Pettersson scored 56 points in just 44 games—leading the entire league. Other leagues experienced much of the same, like when Finnish forward Eeli Tolvanen tore through the KHL and broke several records for 18-year old scoring.
Tolvanen also was one of several players who suited up for both the World Juniors and Olympics this season, and though that was partly because of the lack of NHL involvement, their success at such an early age can’t be overlooked. The same can be said for the upcoming World Championships, which will host a small but extremely interesting group of draft-eligible talent.
Though Dahlin and potential second-overall pick Andrei Svechnikov will both miss the tournament, teams will be on the lookout for a few other names that could climb up their draft boards in the coming weeks.
Filip Zadina didn’t make the Czech Republic team, but interestingly Martin Kaut did. The 18-year old forward was an impressive talent at the World Juniors earlier this year, and climbed all the way to fourth among International skaters in the final CSS draft rankings. It’s a huge honor for the young player, and another chance to impress scouts and push him further up the draft board.
Joining Kaut from the international scouting list will be Martin Fehervary (Slovakia) and Yegor Sharangovich (Belarus), who were 15th and 51st on the final rankings. Fehervary is especially interesting as a defenseman who is not usually noted for his offensive ability. If he’s given a regular shift on the blue line against top competition, he could really improve his draft stock by just holding his own. Sharangovich may be more familiar, as he was at the tournament last year for Belarus and played all season in the KHL. The 19-year old wasn’t drafted in either of his first two years of eligibility, but is a big-bodied center that is just coming into his own.
Most interestingly though may be Quinn Hughes, the superstar defenseman for the University of Michigan and potential top-5 pick in the upcoming draft. Hughes was named to Team USA and could finish an incredible year by making an impact in the international tournament. If given the chance—which is far from certain—the 18-year old high-flying Hughes could make a case to dethrone one of the top three forwards (Svechnikov, Zadina and Brady Tkachuk) and be the second defenseman off the board. His offensive potential is about as high as you can get, and he’s shown the ability to shut down rushes and move the puck quickly out of his own end.
This group of young players likely won’t play prominent roles on their respective teams, but they are definitely names to watch if they make it onto the ice. Each is supremely talented and could make an impact at the NHL level down the road. Even though your team might be eliminated from the postseason, there are still plenty of reasons to tune in to some hockey this weekend. The tournament starts this Friday in Denmark.