Oilers Notes: Bouchard, Staios, Buyouts, RFAs
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a very similar position to last offseason: a marginal amount of salary cap space that will immediately be eaten up by re-signing their pending restricted free agents. The highest priority among them is 23-year-old Evan Bouchard, who led all playoff defensemen in scoring with 17 points in just 12 games.
In a sitdown piece with The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman, Oilers general manager Ken Holland said discussions have begun on a new deal for Bouchard, but the team will be “challenged” to get it done. Holland referenced last season’s one-year agreement with Ryan McLeod, and a similar one could make sense for Edmonton and Bouchard. By the time the salary cap returns to its normal year-to-year jump, Bouchard will still be under team control as a restricted free agent.
Holland also mentioned he doesn’t feel pressure to get a deal done with Bouchard by the time unrestricted free agency opens on July 1.
More from Holland on the state of the Oilers:
- As soon as Michael Andlauer entered into a purchase agreement for the Ottawa Senators yesterday, rumors began swirling about the Oilers’ current special assistant to the GM, Steve Staios, being brought in for a higher-ranking position in the Sens’ front office. Staios and Andlauer worked together for many years during their time with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs. Holland said he hasn’t thought about it yet, but said “it’s hard to hold them back” when rising front office stars get better opportunities elsewhere. Holland didn’t seem particularly interested in putting up a fight to keep Staios, saying he prefers to keep their current assistant GMs in place.
- Holland said he hopes to avoid a buyout this offseason when asked about the possibility but didn’t rule it out. The two most likely candidates would be wingers Kailer Yamamoto and Warren Foegele, who both have one year remaining on their contracts but carry slightly overpriced cap hits for the offense and consistency they provide. Per CapFriendly, buying out Yamamoto would save Edmonton $2.67MM next season and cost them $533,334 in 2024-25. A Foegele buyout doesn’t make as much sense, saving them less than Yamamoto in 2023-24 ($2.167MM) and costing them more in 2024-25 ($1.083MM). The NHL’s first buyout window commences tomorrow, 48 hours after the end of the Stanley Cup Final, and closes June 30 at 4 p.m. CT.
- Lastly, Holland confirmed he would qualify all of Edmonton’s remaining RFAs, save for one: Noah Philp, who Holland revealed has decided to retire after what was a tough year for him personally. Philp, 24, had his first full pro season last year, registering 37 points in 70 games with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. The University of Alberta product expressed a desire to stay closer to home in Calgary and be with his family.
Katey Stone Retires From Harvard Women’s Hockey Program
Katey Stone has retired after nearly three decades as head coach of the Harvard women’s hockey program.
The announcement comes just weeks after bombshell reporting from Bob Hohler of the Boston Globe, Katie Strang of The Athletic, and others that the Harvard program encouraged hazing and other alleged abusive behavior.
Harvard makes no mention of the reporting in the retirement announcement, instead releasing a boilerplate statement from athletic director Erin McDermott:
We recognize the decades of service and commitment that Katey has given to this University and Athletic Department. We thank her for all she has done to build the women’s hockey program here, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors.
Stone, 56, is one of the most recognizable coaches in women’s hockey, having led Harvard for 29 years and served as head coach of Team USA at World Championships and Olympics.
The team will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.
Mark Borowiecki Announces Retirement
Nashville Predators defenseman Mark Borowiecki has officially announced his retirement from the NHL after playing 12 seasons in the league. The 33-year-old, known for his physical play and strong leadership, made the announcement on Wednesday via Instagram.
Borowiecki was a fan favorite wherever he played, but most notably with the Ottawa Senators, where he spent the majority of his career. He was drafted by the Senators in the fifth round of the 2008 NHL Draft, and would establish himself as a hard-nosed defender who wasn’t afraid to drop the gloves. Over the course of his career, he recorded 848 penalty minutes in 458 regular-season games, leading the league in that department twice. He wraps up his NHL career with 15 goals and 41 assists for 56 points.
In his retirement statement, Borowiecki thanked his family, friends, and former teammates for their support throughout his career. He also expressed his gratitude to the Senators organization, saying, “I am so appreciative of everyone who has helped me along the way. Especially the [Senators], where my career began, and the [Predators] where my career ended.”
Borowiecki’s retirement comes after he sustained a season-ending injury just four games into the 2022-23 campaign. He was stretchered off the ice in an October game against the Philadelphia Flyers after a hit from Morgan Frost resulted in Borowiecki’s head making contact with the glass before falling to the ice.
Borowiecki was known not just for his on-ice contributions but also for his off-ice work. Near the end of his career especially, Borowiecki was an outspoken advocate for mental health among hockey players, notably among concussion victims. Borowiecki also gained positive notoriety for performing a citizens’ arrest in late 2019 while on the road in Vancouver, stopping a car break-in, doubling down on the “Borocop” nickname.
Justin Braun Announces Retirement
Veteran defenseman Justin Braun has officially announced his retirement from the NHL after 13 seasons, the NHL Alumni Association said today.
A seventh-round draft pick of the San Jose Sharks in 2007, Braun would go on to play over 800 games, 607 of which came in a Sharks uniform. Braun would spend nine seasons with the Sharks, where he established himself as a reliable stay-at-home defenseman. He was then traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019, where he spent the next three seasons before a short stint with the New York Rangers in the 2021-22 season. However, Braun would return to Philadelphia to finish his career.
Over his 13-year career, Braun scored 199 points and played in over 100 playoff games with San Jose. He was known for his strong defensive play, physicality, and leadership qualities, which made him a valuable asset during his time in San Jose.
Braun would routinely average over 20 minutes per game in San Jose but saw a decreased role during his time in Philadelphia. Things evaporated for Braun this season, unfortunately, as he registered just two assists in 51 games and played under 15 minutes per game. With his role decreasing quickly, the writing was on the wall for the 36-year-old Minnesota product.
His best season undoubtedly came at the age of 30 in 2017-18, recording career highs in assists (28), points (33), average time on ice (21:20), and hits (143).
Despite his late selection, Braun currently ranks third in games played among defensemen from the 2007 draft, sitting only behind Kevin Shattenkirk and Ryan McDonagh. He provided incredible value for the Sharks throughout his career and would likely go in the first round of most redrafts.
Nigel Dawes Announces Retirement From Hockey
NHL veteran Nigel Dawes has announced his retirement after an 18-year professional career spanning the NHL, AHL, KHL, and DEL.
Drafted 149th overall in the 2003 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers, Dawes showed offensive promise in some NHL stints. In 2009-10 with the Calgary Flames, Dawes had a career-high 32 points in 66 games but spent most of the following season in the minors, with his smaller stature discouraging teams from giving him a full-time role.
In 2011, Dawes made the jump overseas for more playing opportunities, a move that revitalized his career. Dawes spent seven seasons with Barys Astana of the KHL, cementing himself as a franchise icon with multiple point-per-game seasons. He even earned citizenship via naturalization in Kazakhstan, making multiple World Championships and Olympic appearances for the country after suiting up for Canada internationally during his junior days.
Dawes, now 38, potted 13 goals and 11 assists for 24 points in 36 games with the DEL’s Adler Mannheim this season, although his last game of the year came in early January. Injuries sidelined him for the remainder of his final season.
Dawes ranks fifth in KHL scoring since its inception in 2008-09, and he’s the highest-scoring import player in league history after amassing 505 points in 543 games between 2011 and 2021.
He finishes his NHL career with 39 goals, 45 assists, and 84 points in 212 games split between the Rangers, Flames, Phoenix Coyotes, Atlanta Thrashers, and Montreal Canadiens.
Brian Lashoff To Retire At End Of Season
The Detroit Red Wings will lose a longtime organizational fixture this offseason, at least on the ice. Longtime Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman and captain Brian Lashoff has announced his retirement from professional hockey pending the conclusion of the AHL’s regular season.
Lashoff, 32, has played a remarkable career, even if his NHL experience was limited. He spent all or part of 14 seasons on the Griffins’ blue line, including the last three as the team’s captain, and saw NHL action with Detroit in seven of those 14 seasons. He will be honored at a ceremony before the Griffins’ regular-season home finale against the Rockford IceHogs on Friday, April 14.
Lashoff’s 628 games played are the most among active players who have spent their entire AHL career with the same club and rank third in league history among one-team players. He was a crucial part of Grand Rapids’ Calder Cup championship teams in both 2013 and 2017, and he served as a captain at the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic, marking his first career all-star nod in his final season. His 2013 performance was especially notable, helping mentor a team that included future NHL fixtures Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar, Petr Mrazek, Riley Sheahan, Luke Glendening, and Danny DeKeyser.
Lashoff has compiled 132 points (32 goals, 100 assists) and 329 penalty minutes in his 628 regular-season games in a Griffins uniform, with the chance to add a few more over his final two games. He is one of only four defensemen and 12 skaters to record 100 career assists for Grand Rapids, and only two Griffins blueliners have tallied more than his 132 points. Lashoff has also contributed 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 75 playoff games for Grand Rapids, marking the second-most postseason appearances in Griffins history.
The East Greenbush, New York product made his NHL debut with Detroit on January 21, 2013, scoring a goal in the process in a win against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Later that season, Lashoff took to the ice in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time on May 4 versus the Anaheim Ducks. Between 2012 to 2020, Lashoff accumulated 15 points (two goals, 13 assists) and 65 penalty minutes in 136 regular-season games and logged another eight games during the postseason.
In a statement, Griffins head coach Ben Simon praised Lashoff:
As an undrafted player, he endeared himself to numerous coaches, teammates, and the fans through his hard-nosed style of play, his infectious work ethic, and impeccable character both on and off the ice. Brian epitomizes what an organization wants from its players. He does things the right way, every day. He gave his best effort every practice, every shift, and every game, leaving it all out there on the ice. Off the ice, he set an example in the locker room every day as to what it meant to be a pro. The character and professionalism he brought to the rink every day were unmatched. The appreciation, pride, respect, and passion he has for the game and this organization is evident through his work ethic, the same – if not more today – since he first walked through the Griffins’ doors.
Undrafted, Lashoff made his pro debut with the Griffins in 2008-09 at 18 after signing with Detroit as a free agent at the beginning of the season. Seven hundred sixty-seven professional games later, Lashoff retires with an immeasurable impact made on Detroit’s minor-league affiliate.
Danis Zaripov Announces Retirement
After a long and illustrious KHL career, Danis Zaripov has announced his retirement. Zaripov famously flirted with the idea of coming to the NHL in 2017 when the IIHF suspended him for two years after testing positive for pseudoephedrine, an ingredient commonly found in allergy medicine. Zaripov ultimately had his suspension reduced to just six months and returned to the KHL.
Zaripov is a KHL legend, having won five Gagarin Cup championships and finishing third all-time in KHL scoring. He is also a decorated international player having won five World Championship medals.
While Zaripov is not a name that is well known in North America, he hangs up his skates as one of the most admired players in Russian hockey history after completing a professional career that spans over two decades.
Joel Lundqvist Announces Retirement
Henrik Lundqvist wasn’t the only hockey player in the family. While the netminder was making saves in New York, his twin brother Joel Lundqvist became a legend in Sweden. Already the greatest player in Frolunda history, the 40-year-old forward has decided to hang up his skates for good, announcing his retirement. He’ll finish out this season as captain of the famous club, and then ride off into the Swedish sunset.
Lundqvist was a third-round pick of the Dallas Stars in 2000, and did try his hand in North America for a short time. Between 2006-2009 he played in 159 NHL games (including playoffs) and scored 35 points. It was his footspeed that held him back in the North American circuit, but Lundqvist’s skill and hockey IQ would make him a star back home. With four SHL titles, four Champions League titles, three World Championship gold medals, and over a decade as captain of Frolunda, he retires as one of the most decorated players in Swedish history.
Even now, at his age, he is still finding success. Lundqvist has 23 points in 41 games to lead the club and has another seven in 11 Champions League games. All-time, he leads Frolunda in games, points, goals, assists – and penalty minutes.
While he’s not a household name in North America, there’s no doubt that Lundqvist inspired countless Swedish hockey players over his two decades at the highest level.
Devante Smith-Pelly Announces Retirement
NHL veteran and Stanley Cup Champion forward Devante Smith-Pelly announced his retirement from hockey today. The 30-year-old announced his choice via Instagram.
Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round in 2010, Smith-Pelly broke into the NHL just two seasons after being drafted. He recorded 13 points in 49 games during his rookie season in 2011-12 with the Ducks.
He spent most of the following two seasons with their AHL affiliate at the time, the Norfolk Admirals, but was called up near the end of 2013-14 for the first of his two clutch playoff performances. Smith-Pelly recorded 10 points in 19 games down the stretch in Anaheim and notched five goals in 12 playoff games as the Ducks fell in the second round to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings. He scored a last-minute goal in Game 6 of their first-round series against Dallas, tying the game and sending it to overtime, where Anaheim eventually won the series.
Smith-Pelly was a full-time NHLer the next few seasons but bounced around between the Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, and New Jersey Devils before finding a home with the Washington Capitals for 2017-18. It was there where Smith-Pelly achieved his dream of winning the Stanley Cup, equaling his regular-season goal total by scoring seven goals in 24 playoff games for Washington.
His last NHL games came in 2018-19, when he appeared in 54 games for Washington, scoring eight points. He spent the following three seasons playing in the KHL and AHL. In 2021-22, his last season of professional hockey, Smith-Pelly had eight points in 24 games with the AHL’s Laval Rocket.
PHR wishes the best of luck to Smith-Pelly in his retirement and issues congratulations on a clutch, championship-winning career.
Andrew Hammond Announces Retirement
The Hamburglar has hung up his cape. Andrew Hammond announced his retirement from professional hockey on Twitter today, explaining that he suffered an ankle injury during his time in Montreal and isn’t able to fully recover. Hammond played four games for the Canadiens last season before ending up on injured reserve and getting traded to the New Jersey Devils.
The ankle injury may explain the stark difference in performance between the two stops. He had a .920 save percentage for Montreal, and an .860 for the Devils following the trade. After two games in the KHL this year, he terminated his contract and returned to North America.
He’ll go out with a career .916 save percentage in the NHL, mostly fueled by the unforgettable 20-1-2 run with the Ottawa Senators in 2014-15. A young, undrafted netminder stepped into the spotlight when Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner were unavailable, carrying the Senators to a playoff spot with an incredible stretch run.
Entering a game on February 16 in relief of Lehner, he allowed two goals on his first five shots. It looked as though the team’s postseason hopes were dashed, but starting two nights later, he would go on a run of 15 straight games without losing in regulation.
The .943 save percentage he posted over the final 23 appearances would not only get the Senators to a playoff spot, finishing three points ahead of the Boston Bruins for fourth place in the Atlantic, but it would earn Hammond Vezina and Hart Trophy votes. He would play just 42 more games in his NHL career.