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Tyler Graovac

Vancouver Canucks Sign Tyler Graovac To One-Year Deal

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The Vancouver Canucks announced they have brought back unrestricted free agent Tyler Graovac and signed the veteran to a one-year, two-way deal. The 27-year-old bounced between Vancouver and the Utica Comets of the AHL last season and likely will do the same again this year.

Graovac spent most of the season injured last year after suffering a lower-body injury. He did appear in eight games with the Canucks, scoring two goals, while also appearing in 11 games for Utica, posting two goals and three points. He was with the Canucks in the playoff bubble, but did not appear in a game.

The 6-foot-5 forward has appeared in just 70 NHL games over his career with most of those coming in 2016-17 when he played 52 games for the Minnesota Wild. However, he struggled to gain a full-time role after that and was traded to Washington where he spent most of that next season with the Capitals’ AHL team. He signed with the Calgary Flames in the 2018 offseason, but never played a game for them, scoring a career-high 24 goals with the Stockton Heat instead. Graovac signed last offseason with the Canucks then.

 

Vancouver Canucks Activate Ferland, Beagle, And Markstrom

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The Vancouver Canucks will be a lot closer to full strength when they take the ice this afternoon. The team has announced that forwards Micheal Ferland and Jay Beagle have been activated from the injured reserve, while goaltender Jacob Markstrom has been activated from the non-roster list following a leave of absence. The returns come just days after Antoine Roussel made his season debut after overcoming injury as well.

Ferland’s return to the lineup will be the greatest change in status quo for the Canucks. A free agent addition coming off a career year, Ferland suffered a concussion just 12 games into the season and has been on the IR since November 1st. The physical winger has just five points on the year, but recorded 40 points in 71 games last year, including a career high in assists. If he remains healthy, Ferland would be on pace for 65 games this regular season and the Canucks hope that might be enough to gt him back into that 40-point range. At the very least, Ferland will provide a physical presence and an injection of energy for the Vancouver forward corps

Beagle returns to the lineup at the earliest possible time, just ten days after he was placed on IR on November 27th. Yet, the veteran has been beat up for much of the early season, missing a total of nine games thus far due to a lower-body injury. Beagle’s scoring numbers may be down to begin the year, but he will be a welcome addition nonetheless. The experienced two-way forward is a leader and difference-maker on the ice for the Canucks, particularly at the face-off dot. Despite missing considerable time, Beagle remains second on the team in face-off wins thanks to a whopping 60% success rate. He is also a key piece to the team’s penalty kill, which has struggled in his absence and slipped into the bottom half of the league.

Markstrom returns to the team after being given the week off to attend his father’s memorial service in his native Sweden. Thatcher Demko will get the start again today, with Markstrom likely to return to the crease on Tuesday. Markstrom has played well this season with a .913 save percentage and 2.70 GAA and he and Demko have combined to provide consistent goaltending for Vancouver. The question this season will continue to be whether the Canucks feel they need to re-sign Markstrom, arguably the second-best keeper on the  free agent market, or instead see Demko as ready to take over the starter’s role.

Even with this trio back in action, the Canucks are not fully healthy. The team was forced to place Alexander Edler and Tyler Graovac on injured reserve earlier this week, while Brandon Sutter and Tyler Motte remain there as well. There has been little news on a return from any of the group, although the initial timeline for Motte’s injury should have him back sooner rather than later. Additionally, with three additions to the active roster, the Canucks have sent down forward Zack MacEwen, who re-joins the AHL’s Utica Comets.

Canucks Place Brandon Sutter On Injured Reserve

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As the story of Brandon Sutter’s recent injury has unraveled, the extent of the injury has in fact become less clear. After Sutter was forced out of Tuesday night’s game between the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators, The Province’s Patrick Johnston writes that the veteran center was in good spirits and said his unknown ailment was “only minor”. GM Jim Benning backed that claim, stating that Sutter would go in for an MRI on Wednesday morning, but that he was hopeful that he wouldn’t miss much time. Yet, as Wednesday wore on, the Canucks made not one but a pair of additions up front, recalling Zack MacEwen and, more notably, a center in Tyler Graovac. As if the hint wasn’t enough that Sutter’s status wasn’t positive, TSN’s Jeff Paterson now points out that Sutter has officially been placed on the injured reserve.

While the move is retroactive to Tuesday, it still leaves Vancouver without Sutter for at least the next four games. He must spend a minimum of ten days out of the lineup while on IR, meaning he will miss match-ups with the Colorado Avalanche, two with the Dallas Stars, and a rematch with the Predators. He will also still be on the shelf when the Canucks depart on a six-game road trip, raising some question over whether he would meet the team on the road if healthy or if he could potentially miss another four games while waiting to make his return at home. Sutter has quietly played an important role for the resurgent Canucks this season, as he is currently fifth on the team in goals and leads all forwards in plus/minus. Somewhat surprisingly, with eight points through 19 games, Sutter was on pace for 35 points through a full 82-game season this year, which would have been the second-best scoring campaign of his career and his best in Vancouver. This injury will likely limit that upside, but Sutter has already surpassed his six total points from last year and could challenge his 26 points from the year before.

Even more so than just Sutter alone, the Canucks real challenge is dealing with both he and Jay Beagle being sidelined at the moment. Beagle missed Tuesday night’s game due to stiffness and there has been no word on his condition either. The duo are both key two way centers and the team’s top penalty killers, not to mention responsible for a majority of face-offs. Without a timeline for either veteran to return to the lineup, Vancouver will have to prepare as if they need a long-term solution for their lack of defense and experience down the middle. The rugged, physical Graovac hopes to help out while on recall, while Adam Gaudette lined up at center on Tuesday and will likely remain there. Johnston also writes that Antoine Roussel, another established two-way contributor, has begun skating with his teammates and could make his return to the lineup after a conditioning stint in the AHL. The Canucks hope it won’t take that long for Sutter or Beagle to return to the lineup, but for now that remains a mystery and the team must get ready for a busy stretch without two key veteran leaders.

Training Camp Cuts: 09/27/19

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We’re getting closer and closer to the start of the regular season and teams are making their final cuts. We’ll keep track of them right here. Keep checking back throughout the day as this page will be updated regularly.

Arizona Coyotes (per team release)

F Lane Pederson (to Tucson, AHL)
D Jordan Gross (to Tucson, AHL)
D Kyle Capobianco (to Tucson, AHL)

Dallas Stars (per team release)

F Nicholas Caamano (to Texas, AHL)
F Rhett Gardner (to Texas, AHL)
F Jason Robertson (to Texas, AHL)
D Thomas Harley (to Mississauga, OHL)

Detroit Red Wings (per team release)

G Kaden Fulcher (to Toledo, ECHL)
F Matthew Ford (released from PTO)
F Josh Kestner (released from PTO)
F Troy Loggins (released from ATO)
F Tyler Spezia (released from PTO)
D Marcus Crawford (released from PTO)
D Charle-Edouard D’Astous (released from ATO)
D Alec McCrea (released from ATO)
G Pat Nagle (released from PTO)

Los Angeles Kings (per team release)

F Jaret Anderson-Dolan (to Ontario, AHL)
F Rasmus Kupari (to Ontario, AHL)

New Jersey Devils (per team release)

F Nathan Bastian (to Binghamton, AHL)
F Michael McLeod (to Binghamton, AHL)

New York Rangers (per team release)

F Steven Fogarty (to Hartford, AHL)

Minnesota Wild (per team release)

F Gerry Mayhew (to Iowa, AHL)
F Nico Sturm (to Iowa, AHL)
F Drew Stafford (released from PTO)

Vancouver Canucks (per team release)

F Zack MacEwen (to Utica, AHL)
D Jalen Chatfield (to Utica, AHL)
F Tyler Graovac (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
G Richard Bachman (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)

Winnipeg Jets (per team release)

F Andrei Chibisov (to Manitoba, AHL)
F Michael Spacek (to Manitoba, AHL)
F Kristian Vesalainen (to Manitoba, AHL)
D Logan Stanley (to Manitoba, AHL)
D Cameron Schilling (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)

Minor Transactions: 04/17/19

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The NHL playoffs are over for both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins, meaning they’ll have to wait until next season to enact any revenge. The Lightning experienced arguably the worst collapse in history when they were swept out of the first round after recording a historic 62-win season, while Sidney Crosby and the Penguins weren’t able to call on any postseason magic to overcome Barry Trotz and the New York Islanders. As teams are eliminated there will be minor moves made to clean up rosters, and we’ll be here to keep track of all of them.

Minor Transactions: 11/24/17

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With no games on the schedule on Thursday, Friday is a busy day in the NHL with all but three teams in action.  Here’s where we’ll keep tabs on today’s minor roster moves.

  • The Anaheim Ducks announced they have assigned defenseman Jaycob Megna and goaltender Reto Berra to the San Diego Gulls of the AHL. Megna, who was placed on waivers Thursday and cleared this morning, will indeed, be sent to the Gulls. Now that Cam Fowler was healthy, the team had to make a move to reduce their number of defensemen. Berra will also return to San Diego as backup Ryan Miller is expected to return after being out for the past week with a lower-body injury. The team didn’t have to put Berra on waivers as the goaltender had been placed on waivers on Nov. 4 and cleared. Since he wasn’t up for 10 games or 30 days, he doesn’t have to pass through waivers again.
  • The Vancouver Canucks announced they have reassigned defenseman Philip Holm to the Utica Comets of the AHL. The 25-year-old defenseman was recalled on Monday, but did not see any action. Holm has two goals and eight assists in 15 games for Utica. He was sent down after the team activated defenseman Troy Stecher off injured reserve.
  • Dallas Stars prospect Nick Caamano has been dealt from the Flint Firebirds to the Hamilton Bulldogs tweets NHL.com’s Sean Shapiro. Caamano has 21 points in 23 games and was highlighted during training camp as a player who continues to rise through the organization. Within that article, The Dallas Morning-News’ Mike Heika writes that he would return to Flint “as a face” to specifically sell Firebird hockey. Now, he’s off to Hamilton where he will be reunited with former Flint coach John Gruden.

Earlier updates:

  • The Capitals announced that they have recalled center Tyler Graovac from his long-term conditioning loan with Hershey of the AHL. He got into four games with the Bears during that stretch, recording a goal and an assist.  Those loans typically only last three games but Graovac agreed to the extension.  The 24-year-old played in three games with Washington early in the season before suffering an upper-body injury back on October 17th.
  • Buffalo has reassigned defenseman Casey Nelson to AHL Rochester per a team release. That suggests that Rasmus Ristolainen is ready to return to the lineup after missing the last three weeks with an upper-body issue.  While Nelson was recalled back on November 16th, he didn’t get into any action with the Sabres.  In 14 minor league games this season, he has a goal and three assists.
  • Tampa Bay has recalled forward Cory Conacher according to an announcement from their AHL team in Syracuse. Conacher leads the Crunch in scoring this season with 13 points (6-7-13) in 17 games.  While this will be his first NHL stint in 2017-18, the 27-year-old did relatively well in his NHL action with the Lightning last year when he recorded a goal and three helpers in 11 contests.  GM Steve Yzerman told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link) that a couple of forwards are dealing with minor injuries so Conacher’s recall is insurance as the team heads into back-to-back games.
  • Calgary has brought up goaltender David Rittich from Stockton of the AHL, reports Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun (Twitter link). The Flames were expected to bring up a goaltender following their decision to waive Eddie Lack on Thursday.  The 25-year-old is off to a solid start with the Heat, posting a 2.17 GAA and a .931 SV% in six minor league appearances so far this season.
  • The Canadiens announced that they have assigned defenseman David Schlemko to Laval of the AHL on a conditioning stint.  This marks the second time this season that this has happened; he played in one game the first time and then went back on injured reserve with the same hand injury.  He has yet to play in Montreal after being acquired from Vegas shortly after the Expansion Draft.

Minor Transactions: 11/14/17

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As always, we’ll keep track of all the league’s minor moves right here. Keep refreshing this throughout the day.

  • The Washington Capitals have loaned Tyler Graovac to the AHL on a long-term conditioning stint. That allows the Capitals to move Graovac down without having to send him through waivers for the time being. The 24-year old forward hasn’t played since October 17th, but must be healthy enough to get back on the ice.
  • Nikita Soshnikov is at practice with the Toronto Maple Leafs and has been called up to replace Frederik Gauthier. Today is when Soshnikov’s KHL out-clause kicks in, meaning he would have to be called up or risk him going back to Russia. While it doesn’t seem like Soshnikov is itching to leave North America, it’s an easy call-up to make at this point.  Interestingly though, if Soshnikov plays three more games in the NHL he will lose his waiver-exempt status.
  • The Los Angeles Kings have recalled Andrew Crescenzi from the AHL, giving him a chance to get into his first NHL game. The 25-year old Crescenzi has been in the Kings’ system for several years but has yet to get a sniff of the NHL lineup. While there is no guarantee this time around, it at least will provide him with a big-league paycheck for a few days.
  • After allowing five goals in the third period last night, the St. Louis Blues have made a change up front. The team has assigned Beau Bennett to the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. Bennett has played six games for the Blues this year but has yet to register a single point. The 25-year old forward last cleared waivers on September 28th, but hasn’t used up the allotted 30 active roster days (or 10 games) yet, and thus can be sent down without clearing again.

Capitals Recall Anthony Peluso

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The Washington Capitals have made a minor roster move this evening, announcing the recall of Anthony Peluso. The 28-year-old right wing will look to make his Caps debut in his most recent NHL recall, after signing with the team as an unrestricted free agent this off-season.

With Tyler Graovac, another relatively new addition in Washington, headed to the injured reserve, GM Brian MacLellan made the call to the AHL’s Hershey Bears and decided on the veteran Peluso. A long-time member of the Winnipeg Jets, Peluso skated in 142 NHL games over  four seasons with the club, recording 14 points.

However, Peluso is not a player called upon for offense; he is more a specific replacement for Graovac rather than the true next man up. In those same 142 games, Peluso logged 277 hits – including more than two hits per game in 49 games in 2015-16 – and has built up a reputation as a plug-and-play grinder. Considering his OHL, AHL, and even ECHL offensive production leaves a lot to be desired, no one is pretending that Peluso has room to develop into a top-nine scorer. Yet, he knows his fourth line role and plays it well with a hard-nosed edge. Capitals fans have embraced the overtly aggressive game of Tom Wilson; there’s no reason to think that Peluso couldn’t soon be a fan-favorite should he carve out an enforcer role in Washington.

 

Wild Re-Sign Kurtis Gabriel

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The Minnesota Wild have reportedly come to terms on a new deal with gritty forward Kurtis Gabriel. While the team has yet to make the contract official, TVA’s Renaud Lavoie believes that the ink has dried on a one-year, two-way contract worth $715K at the NHL level for the restricted free agent. With several frequent fourth liners in 2016-17 now gone – Tyler Graovac (traded to Washington), Erik Haula (selected by Vegas), Jordan Schroeder (traded to Columbus), Ryan White (will not be re-signed) – Gabriel will be given every chance to earn a regular spot in the lineup next season.

A 2013 third-round pick, Gabriel has not been able to come close to the offense he showed with the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack in his three years of pro experience. Gabriel has just one point in 16 NHL games over two seasons and 40 points in 190 career AHL games. The value that Gabriel does bring to the table is his toughness and two-way ability. Gabriel averaged two hits per game in his brief NHL stints in 2016-17 and racked up more than two penalty minutes per game. That was in just about 5 minutes of ice time per game too. At 6’4″, 211-lbs., the big winger is a force to reckon and, given the proper amount of ice time, could be one of the most ferocious checkers in the NHL. He also wins battles along the boards and is an above-average shot blocker. Increasing his offensive output or at least working on a horrendous possession game would help Gabriel’s chances of sticking with the Wild next season, but fourth-line opportunity and physical domination often go hand-in-hand regardless.

Gabriel is locked up for next year, but the off-season is far from over for GM Chuck Fletcher and the Minnesota front office. They still have major restricted free agents to sign in Mikael Granlund, Nino Niederreiter, and Marcus Foligno, as well as competition for Gabriel on the checking line in Zack Mitchell, not to mention an ongoing search for a reliable back-up goalie behind Devan Dubnyk. It’s nice to have one box checked off, but the Wild brass have their work cut out for them this summer.

Capitals Acquire Tyler Graovac From Wild

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The Washington Capitals announced the acquisition of center Tyler Graovac from the Wild.  In exchange, Minnesota acquires Washington’s fifth round pick in 2018.

The 24 year old played in 52 games with the Wild last season, scoring seven goals and added two assists while averaging 9:50 of ice time per game.  He fared better offensively with Iowa at the AHL level, collecting 10 goals and five assists in 26 games.  The 191st overall pick in 2011 cleared waivers earlier in the season so the team is doing well to get an asset, albeit a late pick, for someone they could have lost for free just a few months ago.

From Washington’s perspective, this deal is primarily due to expansion.  His acquisition provides them with a second signed forward to expose to meet the 40/70 requirement (Graovac hasn’t played in 70 career NHL games but the 52 this season qualify him).  Graovac has one year left on his contract with a cap hit of $625K, $25K below the league minimum for next season.  Assuming he’s not selected by the Golden Knights, he’ll push for a spot at the end of the roster in training camp.

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