Minor Transactions: 10/19/21
While a long list of NHL games caps off this Tuesday night, there was a lot of movement at lower levels of the North American hockey depth chart today. As NHL teams deal with a trend of injuries across the league, it carries a ripple effect across both the AHL and ECHL, forcing roster moves. Here are today’s minor transactions:
- The AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders, affiliate of New York, have recalled forward Erik Brown from the ECHL’s Worcester Railers, per the Connecticut Post’s Michael Fornabaio. Brown has been a fringe AHL player since ending his collegiate career with the Rochester Institute of Technology, but the 26-year-old logged his first AHL point, an assist, in 13 games last year with Bridgeport. It was his first full professional season after missing the entirety of 2019-20.
- The Chicago Wolves assigned goalie Beck Warm to the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals today. Warm, who’s on a two-way NHL deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, will make his ECHL debut if he stays but already has one full professional season under his belt. An undrafted free agent, Warm impressed in 14 AHL games with Chicago last year, posting an 8-4-1 record and .914 save percentage. He’s been forced down the depth chart with the addition of NHL-experienced Alex Lyon into the organization as the team’s third goalie, however, and he could take a starting role in Norfolk.
- The St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, assigned forward Shawn Cameron to the ECHL’s Greenville Swamp Rabbits, per the ECHL’s transaction page for October 19. Cameron split last season between Greenville and the AHL’s Utica Comets, where he scored three points (including his first AHL goal) in 11 games. He fared much better in Greenville, notching 10 points in 23 games.
Jimmy Hayes Passes Away At 31
It has been a tough few months for the hockey world, as again today it mourns the loss of a family member. Jimmy Hayes, who last played in the NHL during the 2017-18 season, has died at the age of 31 according to John Buccigross of ESPN. Matt Porter and John R. Ellement of the Boston Globe report that Hayes was pronounced dead at his Milton home this morning, but a cause of death was not immediately available.
Hayes, the older brother of Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes and member of a far-reaching New England hockey family, was originally selected 60th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008. He played 334 games at the NHL level, recording a career-high of 19 goals and 35 points during the 2014-15 season with the Florida Panthers. He last played during the 2018-19 season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL, racking up 30 points in 72 games.
A member of Team USA on several occasions, an NCAA champion with Boston College, and a beloved teammate to many, Hayes will be dearly missed. Everyone at PHR extends our condolences to his wife Kristen, two young sons, and the rest of the Hayes family.
“Mr. Ranger” Rod Gilbert Passes Away At 80
The hockey world mourns the loss of an all-time great as New York Rangers Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert has passed away. The Rangers announced that “Mr. Ranger”, the franchise leader in points, died today at the age of 80. The team released a statement for Gilbert’s family at this time. GM Chris Drury stated the following:
Everyone in the Rangers organization mourns the loss of a true New York icon. Rod’s remarkable talent and zest for life personified this city and endeared him to hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike. Growing up a young Rangers fan, one of the first names I ever heard about was Rod Gilbert – he was synonymous with Rangers hockey. It was an incredible privilege to get to know Rod. His passion and dedication to the Rangers will forever be a source of inspiration for me.”
Gilbert, whose No. 7 hangs in rafters of Madison Square Garden, recorded 406 goals and 1,021 points in 1,065 career NHL games – all with the Rangers. He is the franchise leader in both marks and the only player to every pass the 400-goal and 1000-point threshold for New York. A member of the famed GAG “Goal-A-Game” line with with Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield, Gilbert was an eight-time All-Star and Bill Masterton Award winner.
However, Gilbert truly earned the name “Mr. Ranger” from his involvement with the team well after his playing days. Gilbert was omnipresent at Madison Square Garden in community outreach roles with the Rangers, as well as working with alumni and in many charitable capacities. A beloved and respected member of the Rangers organization and the NHL family at large, Gilbert will be missed.
Tony Esposito Passes Away At 78
The hockey world is in mourning again today, as it says goodbye to one of its own. Tony Esposito has passed away at the age of 78 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The Chicago Blackhawks announced the news with a long letter to the Esposito family from team chairman Rocky Wirtz.
…Tony was one of the most important and popular figures in the history of the franchise as we near its 100th anniversary. Four generations of our family — my grandfather Arthur, my father Bill, my son Danny and I — were blessed by his work ethic as a Hall of Fame goalie, but more importantly, by his mere presence and spirit.
Upon his retirement in 1984, Esposito went down as one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play in the NHL. Only 12 men in the history of the game have won the Vezina Trophy at least three times, and Esposito was one of them, taking home the award in 1970, 1972 and 1974. Though he started his career with the Montreal Canadiens, he will always be remembered as a member of the Blackhawks. He is the franchise leader in games played, wins, saves, and shutouts. He won the Calder Trophy in 1970 as the league’s best rookie, was a five-time NHL All-Star, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988. He was named to the list of 100 Greatest NHL players in 2017.
It wasn’t just his success, but the flair and style of how Esposito stopped the puck that created so many fans across the hockey world. Though he entered front offices including the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning in retirement, his connection to Chicago was for life. In 2016 at the Winter Classic, it was Esposito who served as coach of the Blackhawks alumni team taking on the St. Louis Blues.
The entire staff at PHR sends our condolences to the Esposito family.
Snapshots: Robert, McCauley, Trotz
The Buffalo Sabres and their fan base are among those in mourning today, as the team revealed that beloved alumnus Rene Robert has passed away at 72. Robert had been hospitalized in Florida this weekend with a heart attack and died early on Tuesday. A member of the famed “French Connection” line with Gilbert Perreault and Rick Martin, Robert played seven plus seasons with the Sabres during the prime of his career. In 524 games with the team, he recorded 552 points, including a 100-point All-Star season in 1974-75. Robert also had two stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs and spent time with the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Penguins as well. However, his name will always be synonymous with the Sabres and Robert remained an active part of the organization long after his retirement. The team has released a statement calling Robert a “tremendous player, teammate, and person [who] truly loved this organization”. Owner Terry Pegula also called the new of the loss of his friend “devastating”.
- In the midst of a postseason in which officiating has been a hot-button issue, the NHL is without one of its top referees for the time being and no one knows exactly why. Sportsnet reports that Wes McCauley, considered by one of, if not the best referee in the league is currently at home and will not work again during the semifinals. There is no word yet on if he will be available for the Stanley Cup Final. McCauley is not believed to be sick or injured, but is sidelined nonetheless. The league has not commented on the situation other than stating that they hope he will be available soon. In these playoffs, inconsistent officiating within series and even within games as well as a reluctance in the same or similar manner as the regular season has brought referees and the NHL under fire. McCauley would be a valuable asset for the championship round.
- The officials were not wrong when they kicked the New York Islanders’ Mathew Barzal out of Monday night’s Game Five. A high-stick to the face of Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jan Rutta earned him a five-minute major and game misconduct and the NHL Department of Safety agreed with the egregiousness of the penalty, additionally docking Barzal with a maximum fine. Who else agreed that Barzal’s play was a poor display? His own coach, in fact. Barry Trotz told ESPN’s Greg Whyshynski that he was “disappointed” in his star center and his decision-making. Even in the case of bad penalties, coaches usually refrain from such direct criticism, especially deep in the playoffs. It remains to be seen if Trotz will show his displeasure in his usage of Barzal or if Barzal’s play might slip as a result of his coach’s comments.
Tom Kurvers Passes Away At 58
The hockey world is in mourning today after news emerged that Tom Kurvers, Minnesota Wild assistant general manager, has passed away at the age of 58. Kurvers had been diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2019, but continued working for the Wild and is still listed as AGM.
The Minneapolis native had a long playing career before taking up his position in an NHL front office. In 1984, serving as captain of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Kurvers was named the Hobey Baker award winner as the best college player in the country. He had scored 76 points in 43 games that year, despite being just a seventh-round pick in 1981. He stepped directly into the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens the following season, scoring 45 points as a rookie. His Canadiens won the Stanley Cup the following year, though he did not play in the postseason. A long winding career took him through Buffalo, New Jersey, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Anaheim, and even to Japan for one season. Though he scored 421 points in 659 games, his impact was perhaps even greater in the front office.
Soon after his retirement, he became a scout in the Phoenix Coyotes organization and started the long climb of management. In 2015 he was promoted to director of player personnel and then in 2008 he was given his first opportunity as an assistant GM, this time with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He remained with the Lightning through the 2017-18 season, before following Paul Fenton to Minnesota. Even though Fenton was let go less than two years later, Kurvers stayed on with new GM Bill Guerin.
Along with the rest of the hockey world, PHR would like to send condolences to the Kurvers family.
Snapshots: Bowman, Kiersted, OHL
As expected, accomplished Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman will be the next leader of Team USA. Sportsnet’s Frank Seravalli reports that USA Hockey has scheduled a press conference for Wednesday where they will officially name Bowman as the GM for the U.S. entry into the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Given the NHL’s absence at the most recent Olympics paired with the quality of American players who have blossomed into superstars over the past eight years, expectations are high for Team USA. A two-time Stanley Cup winning GM, whose current rebuild seems to be moving along nicely as well, Bowman has found great success in his career and appears ready for the challenge. With a familiar face in Chicago icon Patrick Kane leading the way, Bowman’s Team USA could be legitimate contenders for gold. He won’t be alone in the decision-making, either; Seravalli notes that Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin will be named an assistant of Bowman’s as well. Nashville’s David Poile and Carolina’s Don Waddell are also likely to be considered for the brain trust, among others.
- North Dakota defenseman Matt Kiersted, considered by many to be the top college free agent available this year, is already having to chip away at his list of suitors. The Athletic’s Michael Russo reports that 20+ NHL clubs have already shown interest in the dependable puck-mover, and he has begun to whittle that down to a “workable” number. What criteria Kiersted is using to choose between what are virtually identical entry-level offers is unknown and there has been few whispers of which teams might remain in the running. However, Russo notes that the Elk River, Minnesota native will definitely keep his hometown Minnesota Wild in consideration. Russo adds that the impending Expansion Draft could strip the Wild of one of their starting defensemen and there could be NHL opportunity right away for the local product. Among other likely landing spots, it is hard to ignore the immense North Dakota presence in the Ottawa Senators’ pipeline, which could link the team to Kiersted and fellow premiere UFA Jordan Kawaguchi.
- The OHL’s shortened season is expected to begin soon and teams would prefer that their players return as soon as possible. However, the league has yet to set a firm date, seemingly dragging its feet with actually opening up play as opposed to merely discussing it. This is posing quite a conundrum for some top prospects, writes Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Many top junior-age draft picks in recent years have been playing in the AHL this season with the OHL out of commission. This includes Washington’s Connor McMichael, Los Angeles’s Quinton Byfield, Montreal’s Jan Mysak and Carolina’s Ryan Suzuki, while Anaheim’s Jamie Drysdale would have to stay put with the Ducks. Per the CHL Transfer Agreement, these players must return to the OHL once the season begins if they are not on NHL rosters. However, without a solid start date and facing a quarantine period, it is a difficult ask to suggest that these talented young players leave their AHL clubs and head for the unknown. McMichael has been outspoken on the subject, stating “I honestly want to stay here and just play pro hockey. I think it would be best for my development” and Friedman feels the others likely share in that sentiment. Will there be an exception made to allow this group to stay put to close out the season? Or will they be forced to take yet another break from hockey to quarantine only to return to a junior game that they have outgrown?
St. Louis Blues Legend Bob Plager Passes Away At 78
Longtime St. Louis Blues defenseman Bob Plager passed away on Wednesday at the age of 78 due to injuries sustained in a car accident. Plager played 14 seasons in the NHL, from 1964 to 1978, including 11 years with the Blues after beginning his career with the New York Rangers. Though undersized for a defenseman at that time, especially one that focused primarily on the defensive aspects of the game, Plager was no pushover. His reputation on the ice was built on his physicality and smart defensive play, which made him a difficult match-up. Plager channeled his passionate and intelligent playing ability into a career beyond his playing days, serving as a scout, coach, and top executive. Plager’s reputation off the ice was one of kindness and humor.
Plager will always be remembered more for his connection to the Blues and to the city of St. Louis than for any one thing he did on or off the ice with the team. A member of the inaugural St. Louis Blues of 1967, Plager was the longest-serving member of that original roster. When he retired from playing, he jumped immediately into serving the club in other ways. Quite literally, too; Plager went from playing with the Blues and their CHL affiliate, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, to coaching the Golden Eagles all over the course of one season. He then spent the next six years as a scout for St. Louis, three years as Assistant General Manager, and five years as Director of Player Development. He also had stints as head coach of the Blues and their IHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen, mixed in as well. Plager retired from hockey in 2000, having spent a combined 33 years in the service of the Blues. However, he very much remained involved with the team as an iconic alumnus.
The response to Plager’s passing has come from all corners of the hockey world. Tom Timmerman of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch collected comments from names such as former Blues coach Scotty Bowman, Blues owner Tom Stillman, a fellow Blues honoree in Bernie Federko, and current Blues GM Doug Armstrong in a detailed story on the life of a legend. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement on Plager’s passing. Even Ben Bishop, goaltender for the rival Dallas Stars but also a St. Louis native, shared his memories of a man that meant so much to he and others who grew up in the city.
All of us at PHR send our condolences to the family and friends of Bob Plager and the hockey community of St. Louis.
Erik Karlsson Does Not Want To Be Part Of A “Rebuild” In San Jose
Star defenseman Erik Karlsson does not want to become mired in a rebuild with the San Jose Sharks, and who can blame him? Karlsson signed a long-term extension with the Sharks, who not only had gone to the Western Conference Final in his first season, but were considered one of the most consistent franchises in the NHL and even North American pro sports overall since the turn of the century. While Karlsson certainly didn’t take a discount to stay in San Jose, inking an eight-year, $92MM contract that made him the third-highest paid player in the league at the time, there was an expectation that his re-signing would put the Sharks over the top and keep them contenders for years to come. Yet, last season was an unmitigated disaster, as the team finished with the third-worst record in the league, and so far this year things aren’t looking much better. San Jose is again a bottom-ten team in the NHL and unlikely to make the playoffs. People are starting to get worried, and Karlsson is among them.
Speaking to the media, including San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng, Karlsson stated that “Obviously, I did not sign here to go through a rebuild. [To] go through what I did for 10 years in Ottawa.” However, he did continue on more of an optimistic note. “We need to find a way to build with the core that we have,” Karlsson opined, “I do think we have a good group of guys here.” Karlsson is by no means stating that he wants to be traded, now or in the event that the Sharks continue to struggle this season. Instead, he is seemingly making a public outcry to his own front office, after GM Doug Wilson referred to a “reset” earlier this week, that he feels San Jose has a strong enough core to build upon moving forward rather than tear down and start over.
Karlsson’s comments clearly come from a place of emotion during a difficult time for he and his teammates. Case in point: he vastly overexaggerated the state of the Senators franchise during the early part of his career. Ottawa made the playoffs five times in Karlsson’s nine (not ten) seasons with the team, even coming just one win away from a Stanley Cup Final berth in 2016-17. Only in Karlsson’s final season did they devolve into one of the league’s worst clubs and were truly in need of a rebuild. However, in the midst of his third losing season in the past four years, it seems the losses are starting to weigh on Karlsson and he doesn’t want the team to make matters worse by stripping away the core.
But is he correct that the Sharks can return to relevance as currently constituted? The team has plenty of talent on paper with a blue line of Karlsson, Brent Burns, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Logan Couture, Evander Kane, Timo Meier, and Tomas Hertl up front. There are also some nice young pieces on the roster like Mario Ferraro and John Leonard, and some intriguing names in the pipeline as well. Yet, it hasn’t shown in their results. Additionally, San Jose has a considerable amount of their cap space for years to come tied up in this core and what space they do have needs to primarily be used to rectify a dire situation in net. The Sharks may find it difficult to add impact players elsewhere on the roster in the meantime. Even if there is space, the team may hesitate to add more expensive pieces to their underperforming group. So, if the team is good enough to avoid a rebuild as Karlsson states, it starts with he and his teammates playing up to expectations and showing just that. Otherwise, the Sharks’ brass will have no choice but to shake things up.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ George Armstrong Passes Away
Maple Leafs fans are mourning the passing of long-time Toronto legend George Armstrong, who passed away Sunday at the age of 90. Over a 75-year career as a Maple Leaf, Armstrong has played the role of player, captain, coach, assistant general manager, scout, community ambassador and alumnus.
“George is part of the very fabric of the Toronto Maple Leaf organization and will be deeply missed,” said Toronto Maple Leafs President & Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan in a statement. “A proud yet humble man, he loved being a Maple Leaf but never sought the spotlight even though no player played more games for Toronto or captained the team longer. Always one to celebrate his teammates rather than himself, George couldn’t even bring himself to deliver his speech the day he was immortalized on Legends Row.”
Armstrong might be best known for his days as player as he was the captain of the Maple Leafs for 12 of his 21 years as a player (all with Toronto). In those 12 years, he helped lead Toronto to four Stanley Cup Championships in 1961-62, 1962-63, 1963-64 and 1966-67. He was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975, had his number retired and is a member of Legend’s Row.
Known as a quiet leader who was never interested in the spotlight, he played in 1,188 games with the Maple Leafs over his career, the most of any Maple Leafs player in team history. He scored 296 goals and 713 points over his tenure that lasted from 1949-50 until 1970-71. He also tallied 26 goals and 60 points over 110 playoff games and was the only player to register a point in each of the four Stanley Cup clinching games.
Everyone at PHR wishes the best to the family and friends of Armstrong and all who he touched during his life.