West Notes: Golden Knights, Eichel, Rakell, Hakanpaa
With all of the rumors swirling around the Vegas Golden Knights and Buffalo Sabres star Jack Eichel, the bold take right now may actually be the a deal is not imminent. There are quietly signs pointing in that direction as well. TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that trade talks for the elite center did in fact heat up earlier this week, but have since cooled. Dreger notes that there is mounting pressure on the Sabres to make a move with Eichel’s camp threatening to file a grievance with the NHLPA in regards to his deferred neck surgery. GM Kevyn Adams is well aware of that threat, but won’t let it dictate how he handles what will likely be the biggest trade of his career as a hockey executive. While Dreger acknowledges that just one phone call could shift the status quo, all is quiet for the time being. On the Vegas side, The Athletic’s Jesse Granger responded to eager fans that the Sabres are not even scouting the Knights’ Friday night game. If the two sides are close on a deal that is expected to contain at least some current members of the Vegas roster given the cap implications for both teams, wouldn’t Buffalo be getting all the information they can before a pivotal trade? Sure, an Eichel trade could very well happen and maybe it does happen tonight or this weekend, but those doomscrolling their Twitter feeds awaiting deal at any moment may be disappointed – Eichel to the Knights is not done yet.
- Another team interested in Eichel has been the Anaheim Ducks. While acquiring a player of his caliber is as far from a knee-jerk move as possible, the Ducks do have some added incentive today. The team announced that top forward Rickard Rakell has been placed on injured reserve with an undisclosed upper-body injury. The team did not provide any details on the severity of the injury or the expected length of Rakell’s absence, only stating that he was hurt in the team’s most recent game on Thursday. While Rakell has the appearance of a slow start with just four points in eight games, eighth in scoring for the Ducks, he has quietly led the team in goal-scoring with four tallies making up his only four points. Rakell is also leading all forward in ice time. The dangerous winger has finished no lower than second in team scoring in each of the past four years so his absence will certainly be felt. Vinni Lettieri, recalled to fill Rakell’s roster spot, is far from a suitable replacement. With division rival Vegas suddenly “close” on an Eichel deal, is the loss of Rakell the last straw for the Ducks to get them to jump back into the race and win the Eichel sweepstakes?
- Another player sidelined out west is Dallas Stars defenseman Jani Hakanpaa. The big blue liner has entered the NHL’s COVID Protocol, the team has announced. He has been ruled out for Friday night at the very least with the team likely to update his status this weekend. A free agent addition brought in to add some grit to the back end in Dallas, Hakanpaa leads the team in hits and in limited ice time at that. As he continues to learn from veteran pair mate Andrej Sekera, Hakanpaa could continue to develop into a great shutdown option for the Stars. They hope to have him back on the ice soon.
Snapshots: Rakell, Karmanos, Prep Hockey Conference
The Anaheim Ducks aren’t opposed to trading star forward Rickard Rakell, but at their current asking price they might not find any takers. The 27-year-old winger, who has another year on his contract at a $3.8MM AAV, is undoubtedly worth a nice return. Rakell has recorded 19 points through 30 games so far this season, scoring at the same 50+ point pace as he has the past two years amidst some difficult seasons for Anaheim, and has also shown the potential for far more production when the Ducks were in better shape. With more talent around him, the slick, two-way forward could be a highly valuable piece for a contender. However, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the current ask by the Ducks is a young, experienced NHL player and a first-round pick. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman notes that the Calgary Flames inquired on Rakell, but balked at that price. He believes that it may be too rich for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ blood as well. In what is expected to be a buyer’s market, the Ducks may need to lower their ask if they are intent on moving Rakell. However, with another year on his contract and plenty of value left to contribute to Anaheim, the Ducks do not have to make a move if they want to hold out for a more suitable offer.
- The Buffalo Sabres made a major move today, firing head coach Ralph Krueger and beginning the search for a permanent replacement. However, their next personnel addition may be in the front office rather than behind the bench. GM Kevyn Adams told the media today that he is also searching for an Assistant GM. Friedman reports that one name previously linked to the vacancy is former Pittsburgh AGM Jason Karmanos. In fact, the Sabres have received permission from the Penguins to speak to Karmanos, who was fired this off-season with term remaining on his contract. Karmanos, who was once highly touted as a possible future GM himself, has close ties with Adams and is the likely frontrunner to join the front office.
- A number of top developmental programs have decided to finally join together in an official capacity. Friedman notes in his latest “31 Thoughts” that many of the prep schools most familiar to hockey fans have come together and formed the Prep Hockey Conference, which will play in its inaugural season next year. They include Culver Academy (Indiana), Mount St. Charles (Rhode Island), Northwood (New York), Shattuck-St. Mary’s (Minnesota), South Kent School (Connecticut), and St. Andrew’s College (Ontario), a group that has contributed to the development of countless NHL stars. The school have long scheduled games against one each other and participated in tournaments together, but now will legitimize their partnership with the formation of the conference. While the geographical differences will force the league to be split into East and West divisions, all the teams will get together at least once during the regular season and will participate in a single-location postseason. The Prep Hockey Conference will immediately rival the New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) and the Minnesota public high school ranks as the top non-junior leagues in all of development hockey.
Teams Calling On Rickard Rakell
The Anaheim Ducks have recently pulled themselves out of the offensive chasm they started the year in and now have toed slightly ahead of both the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings in terms of goals per game. One of the main reasons for that climb is Rickard Rakell, who has managed 12 points in his last seven games including four multi-point efforts. The two-time 30-goal scorer has found a little bit of his old juice and is now tied with Max Comtois for the Ducks’ points lead.
With success comes admirers though, and Rakell is generating his fair share of them. Frank Seravalli of TSN reports that several teams have been calling Ducks GM Bob Murray about his top-six winger and the front office executive isn’t hanging up. Rakell is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2021-22 season and carries a cap hit of just $3.8MM. If he can get back to scoring 30 goals, that would suddenly turn into one of the best bargains in the whole league, and given his age of just 27 there’s no reason to think it couldn’t happen in the right situation.
He now sits third on TSN’s Trade Bait board, just behind Mattias Ekholm of the Nashville Predators and David Savard of the Columbus Blue Jackets. That means he’s the highest-ranked forward on the list and perhaps one that will generate the most interest as the deadline approaches. Seravalli reports that the asking price for Rakell is “high” according to two different general managers around the league.
Importantly, Rakell does not have any trade protection in his current contract and can be dealt anywhere without his approval. For the Ducks, that’s something of a luxury, given many of their other trade candidates have partial no-move clauses. Adam Henrique, Jakob Silfverberg, Cam Fowler, Josh Manson, and Kevin Shattenkirk can all block trades to a number of teams, meaning a full tear down would be difficult to accomplish in-season. Ryan Getzlaf has a full no-move clause, though it seems as though there was never any real desire to trade the captain anyway.
Rakell then could represent the team’s most valuable trade chip, at least for this deadline. If Murray can use this opportunity to add young talent to surround Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale in the coming years, it certainly seems prudent.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Anaheim Ducks Make Three Roster Moves
The Anaheim Ducks have made three roster moves on Wednesday, first sending both Ben Street and Josh Mahura to the minor leagues. Street cleared waivers earlier this month and can be assigned to the AHL for now without going through the process again. Meanwhile, with the open roster spots the team has activated Rickard Rakell from injured reserve, ending a month-long stint on the sidelines.
Rakell’s return is huge for a Ducks team that reeling at the moment. Losers of eight consecutive games, the team has now fallen 12 points behind the San Jose Sharks for third place in the Pacific Division and are in danger of dropping out of the playoff race entirely. If it weren’t for the recent futility of teams like the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers that would be the case, but luckily Randy Carlyle‘s squad can still turn things around. The return of their best pure goal scorer will certainly help that turnaround, though Rakell hasn’t been quite himself this season.
After recording back-to-back 30+ goal seasons, the 25-year old forward found the back of the net just five times in his first 30 games. Much of that has to do with an abysmal shooting percentage, but the team desperately needs him to find his touch around the net going forward. Luckily, Rakell was still producing offensively and returns to the lineup with 20 points in those 30 games. Rakell is one of the most valuable assets in the entire league given his $3.8MM cap hit, and should change at least some of the fortunes in Anaheim.
Minor Transactions: 01/06/19
Despite many eyes across North America focused on the NFL Wild Card playoffs, the NHL has a busy Sunday scheduled this weekend. Seven games are on tap today, with the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators—two teams that are in the rumor mill—kicking things off this afternoon. As always, we’ll keep track of all the minor moves around the league today.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo back to the minor leagues once again, and could have him dressed for the Toronto Marlies game this afternoon. Kaskisuo has been serving as the backup for Michael Hutchinson while the team deals with injury, but still hasn’t gotten into an NHL game. With Frederik Andersen expected to return soon, he may have to wait for another opportunity.
- Though the terminology varies on the ECHL and AHL websites, minor league defenseman Nolan De Jong will be playing for the San Jose Barracuda for the time being. With Jacob Middleton recalled by the Sharks, the Barracuda have acquired De Jong to give them some more depth on the back end. The former University of Michigan captain has nine points in 22 games with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL this season.
- The New Jersey Devils announced they have recalled goaltender Cam Johnson from the Binghamton Devils of the AHL. He was recalled with the recent injury to MacKenzie Blackwood, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Johnson will serve as the backup today against Vegas. The former University of North Dakota standout has had an up and down season between the ECHL and Binghamton. While he has had quite a bit of success with the Adirondack Thunder, he hasn’t been as successful in 14 AHL games. Johnson has a 3.91 GAA and a .866 save percentage. To make room for Johnson, the team assigned defenseman defenseman Egor Yakovlev to the AHL.
- The Calgary Flames announced they have assigned forward Dillon Dube and goaltender Jon Gillies to the Stockton Heat of the AHL. Dube has appeared in 23 games with Flames, but if the team is sending him down, it’s likley that forward Andrew Mangiapane is ready to return from injured reserve. And with David Rittich healthy and ready to go, the team didn’t need Gillies, who was serving as an emergency backup. He has yet to make an appearance for Calgary.
- The Anaheim Ducks have assigned both forward Ben Street and defenseman Jake Dotchin to the San Diego Gulls of the AHL, according to Eric Stephens of The Athletic. Both players had cleared waivers recently. The team also sent defenseman Korbinian Holzer to San Diego. The moves are expected to open up roster spots for the return of center Rickard Rakell and Cam Fowler, who have been on injured reserve. Rackell has been out since Dec. 5 with a ankle injury, while Fowler has been out since Nov. 12 with a facial fracture. UPDATE: Stephens adds that Fowler has officially been activated off of injured reserve.
- The Edmonton Oilers will get back a key defenseman as they announced they have activated Kris Russell, while placing forward Kailer Yamamoto on injured reserve. Russell has been out since Dec. 11 with a groin injury and has been badly missed in Edmonton, who have since acquired multiple defenseman to add depth to their team. Russell has eight points and a plus-four rating for the Oilers. Yamamoto, the team’s first-round pick in 2017, is still trying to gain a full-time position with the team, but has just a goal and two points in 13 appearances, while having eight points in 11 games in the AHL.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins announced they have recalled Chad Ruhwedel from his conditioning stint with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The 28-year-old defenseman has played the role of the team’s seventh defenseman for several years now, but found himself in the press box for a long stretch of time, since Nov. 19, and the team opted to send him to the AHL to get him back into game shape. Ruhwedel played five games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, posting one goal, five points and a plus-eight.
2018 All-Star Rosters
The NHL released the rosters for this year’s All-Star game in Tampa Bay, leading to an inevitable onslaught of discussion over who missed out and who didn’t deserve to go. The event will take place on January 27-28th. The full rosters can be found below:
Atlantic Division:
F Steven Stamkos – Tampa Bay Lightning (captain)
F Nikita Kucherov – Tampa Bay Lightning
F Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs
F Aleksander Barkov – Florida Panthers
F Brad Marchand – Boston Bruins
F Jack Eichel – Buffalo Sabres
D Victor Hedman – Tampa Bay Lightning
D Erik Karlsson – Ottawa Senators
D Mike Green – Detroit Red Wings
G Andrei Vasilevskiy – Tampa Bay Lightning
G Carey Price – Montreal Canadiens
Head Coach: Jon Cooper
Metropolitan Division:
F Alex Ovechkin – Washington Capitals (captain)
F Taylor Hall – New Jersey Devils
F Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins
F Josh Bailey – New York Islanders
F John Tavares – New York Islanders
F Claude Giroux – Philadelphia Flyers
D Seth Jones – Columbus Blue Jackets
D Noah Hanifin – Carolina Hurricanes
D Kris Letang – Pittsburgh Penguins
G Henrik Lundqvist – New York Rangers
G Braden Holtby – Washington Capitals
Head Coach: Barry Trotz
Central Division:
F Patrick Kane – Chicago Blackhawks
F Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche
F Blake Wheeler – Winnipeg Jets
F Brayden Schenn – St. Louis Blues
F Eric Staal – Minnesota Wild
F Tyler Seguin – Dallas Stars
D P.K. Subban – Nashville Predators (captain)
D Alex Pietrangelo – St. Louis Blues
D John Klingberg – Dallas Stars
G Pekka Rinne – Nashville Predators
G Connor Hellebuyck – Winnipeg Jets
Head Coach: Peter Laviolette
Pacific Division:
F Connor McDavid – Edmonton Oilers (captain)
F Johnny Gaudreau – Calgary Flames
F Brock Boeser – Vancouver Canucks
F James Neal – Vegas Golden Knights
F Rickard Rakell – Anaheim Ducks
F Anze Kopitar – Los Angeles Kings
D Drew Doughty – Los Angeles Kings
D Brent Burns – San Jose Sharks
D Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Arizona Coyotes
G Jonathan Quick – Los Angeles Kings
G Marc-Andre Fleury – Vegas Golden Knights
Head Coach: Gerard Gallant
West Notes: Ducks Injuries, Mitchell, Wilson, Mason
The Ducks have seen some of their walking wounded return in recent days (including winger Ondrej Kase tonight) and it appears that they’re getting closer to getting a couple of key centers back. GM Bob Murray told Mike Coppinger of the LA Times that they believe that Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler will be ready to return by the time Anaheim’s next road trip starts (which is December 14th). Getzlaf got off to a strong start to the season with seven points in seven games before suffering a facial injury that required surgery. Meanwhile, Kesler has yet to play in 2017-18 after undergoing hip surgery in June.
That’s not the only good news on the injury front either as Coppinger adds that the Ducks are also expected to welcome back winger Rickard Rakell on Tuesday night. If that happens, he’ll wind up missing four games with his upper-body issue. It wasn’t long ago that Anaheim was lacking for offensive threats but within the next couple of weeks, that should change considerably.
Elsewhere in the Western Conference:
- Although he was acquired more than a week ago, Kings center Torrey Mitchell has been waiting for a work visa before he could suit up. Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider reports (Twitter link) that he has finally received it and will be eligible to play. In a follow-up tweet, Rosen notes that Mitchell will fly to Chicago and meet up with the team there in advance of their matchup there on Sunday.
- Avalanche center Colin Wilson missed his second straight game tonight against the Devils. BSN Denver’s Adrian Dater suggests that head coach Jared Bednar was hoping he’d be able to play but now they’ll target Sunday as a return date from this undisclosed injury. Wilson’s first season in Colorado has been a quiet one as he has just a goal and four assists in 16 games.
- Jets goaltender Steve Mason is feeling better as he recovers from his concussion, head coach Paul Maurice told reporters, including Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun (Twitter link). He has had multiple days with no setbacks which is certainly an encouraging sign although there is no timetable for his return.
Injury Notes: Bruins, Rakell, Weber, Wennberg, Sutter
The Boston Bruins injury list keeps growing as the team is dealing with injuries to Brad Marchand, Anders Bjork, Ryan Spooner and Peter Cehlarik. However, the one good piece of news is that forward David Backes, who underwent surgery to have a piece of his colon removed on Nov. 1, has already been cleared for contact in practice, according to NBC Sports Joe Haggerty.
Originally estimated to be out for eight weeks, putting the timetable to early January, Backes has already been skating with the Bruins for a week and could be returning sooner than expected.
The other news isn’t as good, according to Haggerty, who says that Marchand will miss today’s game against the Edmonton Oilers and was still sporting a non-contact sweater in practice Saturday. Bjork is expected to miss another week with an upper-body injury, while neither Spooner or Cehalrik practiced Saturday. The scribe says only Spooner has a chance to play today.
- Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register tweets that Anaheim Ducks center Rickard Rakell, who didn’t play in Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings due to an upper-body injury, won’t travel with the team starts their road trip. Stephens adds that coach Randy Carlyle was vague about when Rakell would return to the team.
- Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber, who has missed the past three games lower-body injury, missed practice today, according to the Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan. Instead, the veteran defenseman opted for therapy. He remains day-to-day as Montreal hosts Columbus on Monday.
- Cowan also reports that defenseman David Schlemko, who is on a condidtioning stint with the Laval Rocket of the AHL, was practicing with the Canadiens today, suggesting a return could be near.
- Columbus Blue Jackets center Alexander Wennberg, who has been out with an upper-body injury since Nov. 11, participated in practice fully today and is expected to travel with the team for Monday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, according to The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline.
- Vancouver Canucks center Brandon Sutter, who is expected to miss today’s game against the New York Rangers, is more than just “day-to-day,” according to Canucks head coach Travis Green. The coach adds that it’s nothing too serious, but in his place Alexander Burmistrov will fill in for him while he is out.
- Dallas Morning News’ Mike Heika reports that defenseman Stephen Johns, who was suffered an upper-body injury in Friday’s game against the Calgary Flames, skated today and is expected to be ready for Tuesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
What Your Team Is Thankful For: Anaheim Ducks
As the holiday season approaches, PHR will look at what teams are thankful for this year. There also might be a few things your team would like down the road. We take a look at what’s gone well in the first month and what could improve as the season rolls on.
What are the Anaheim Ducks most thankful for?
Still being in the hunt after so many injuries.
From the time the Ducks were knocked out of the 2017 playoffs, the injuries announcements have never ceased. First it was Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen needing shoulder surgery. Then Ryan Kesler needed hip surgery. Just after the season started Patrick Eaves was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and then Ryan Getzlaf took a puck to the face that required surgery. Add in more major injuries to Cam Fowler and Ondrej Kase and the team should be at the very bottom of the standings were it not for some incredible depth. 7-7-3 isn’t where Randy Carlyle and the front office expected to be after 17 games, but they’ll take it considering how the last few months have gone.
Who are the Ducks most thankful for?
Rickard Rakell and Brandon Montour.
Everyone knew how talented Rakell and Montour were, but no one expected them to put the team on their back like they have. Rakell is playing more than 20 minutes a night and leads the team in scoring, while Montour showed off his top-pairing upside prior to Lindholm and Vatanen’s return. While he’s now settling into a more reasonable role, the future holds bright things for Montour. His five goals and nine points both lead the Ducks defense corps, including tallies in all situations (even strength, powerplay and short handed).
What would the Ducks be even more thankful for?
A step forward by Nick Ritchie.
Even with the opportunity afforded him with injuries, Ritchie has been a disappointment this season for those who expected him to take a step forward. Selected 10th-overall in 2014, he has just four points this season and has been demoted to the fourth-line. His ice time was limited to fewer than ten minutes in each of the last two games, and he has just a single goal on the year.
Ritchie will turn 22 in a few weeks, and the Ducks will need more out of him as the season goes on. Right now even his 28 point mark from last season seems far-fetched unless he gets back to the attacking, power game he showed in spurts last season. He’ll need to get back in Carlyle’s good books to do so.
What should be on the Ducks’ Holiday Wish List?
Another reliable option at center.
The Ducks came into the year with questions at center behind Getzlaf and Kesler, and the injuries have only exacerbated those depth issues. They currently have the imposing quartet of Chris Wagner, Derek Grant, Antoine Vermette and Kalle Kossila down the middle, which just isn’t going to cut it. Sure, Getzlaf and Kessler will be back at some point but if they truly want to compete in the playoffs this season they’ll need to add at some point.
The question will be what the Ducks are willing to give up to acquire that center, as the 2018 draft is shaping up to be exceptional. First-round picks (even late ones) are worth a lot, and most of the options down the middle are on expiring contracts. They decided that Eaves was worth the loss last year, and even re-signed him this summer to a three-year deal. Is it worth it again to provide some backup for their top two pivots?
Remember that Anaheim already lost some of their defensive prospect capital when they moved Shea Theodore to the Vegas Golden Knights. While moving Vatanen at one point looked like a lock given what was coming up behind him, they don’t look quite as deep at the position anymore. That said, the team has several tough financial decisions looming over the next couple of summers—Montour, Ritchie, Kase, John Gibson, Andrew Cogliano and Jakob Silfverberg all need new contracts before 2019-20—making the idea of shedding money from the back end a little more enticing.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
2017-18 Primer: Anaheim Ducks
With the NHL season now underway, we continue our look at what each team has done this summer and what to watch for in 2017-18. Next up in our team-by-team primers is the Anaheim Ducks.
Last Season: 46-23-13 record (105 points), first in Pacific Division (lost in conference finals to Predators 2-4)
Remaining Cap Space: $393K per CapFriendly
Key Additions: D Francois Beauchemin (free agency, Colorado); G Ryan Miller (free agency, Vancouver); F Dennis Rasmussen (free agency, Chicago)
Key Departures: G Jonathan Bernier (free agency, Colorado); D Clayton Stoner (expansion pick, Vegas); D Shea Theodore (trade, Vegas); F Nate Thompson (free agency, Ottawa)
[Related: Ducks Depth Chart From Roster Resource]
Player To Watch: F Rickard Rakell – Rakell broke out for a 20-goal season in 2015-16 and followed that up with a 33-goal performance last year. Now with Ryan Kessler out for an unknown amount of time due to hip surgery, the 24-year-old forward will move to his natural position and center the team’s second line until Kessler returns. Moving to center will require Rakell to create more of his own offense and feed his wings, which the team believes he is ready for.
Many feel that Rakell may become the focal point of the offense in the future once Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry retire, but the young scorer’s job now is to successfully convert to that center position. If not, Anaheim will likely struggle until Kessler returns, which could be as late as Christmas. However, considering the year-to-year improvement of the young forward, there is a good chance he should successfully convert to that position. Once Kessler does return, however, Rakell could easily move to the team’s top line as their top wing.
Key Storyline: If the Ducks didn’t already have enough to worry about with the Edmonton Oilers breathing down their necks in the Pacific, injuries could likely get them off to a slow start, which they must overcome. To go with Kessler, the team is short on two of their top defensemen in Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen, who are both out after they each had shoulder surgery last season. Ryan Getzlaf has also missed some time, but could be returning soon.
Those injuries, especially on defense must be overcome. The team’s defense stepped up in the playoffs with the play of several youngsters, including Josh Manson, Brandon Montour and Theodore. Unfortunately, the team traded away Theodore to Vegas to avoid losing even bigger-named players, so they must survive on the experience of the others to fill in while they wait for the other defenders to get back. Manson, who was just awarded with a new four-year, $16.4MM contract, could be a breakout candidate for the team, while the team believes Montour is ready for a full season after playing 27 games for the team last year.