Snapshots: Seidenberg, Vilardi, Cizikas
Dennis Seidenberg has finally called it quits after a long professional career, according to a report out of Germany. Seidenberg suited up for 859 regular season games in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011. He also appeared in the Olympics on three different occasions, and was included on Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Seidenberg actually signed a contract with the New York Islanders in February of this year that covered the remainder of the 2018-19 NHL season, but didn’t play for the team. The veteran defenseman will end his career with 251 NHL points, not bad for a sixth-round pick.
- While the Los Angeles Kings are “happy” with where Gabe Vilardi is in his recovery process after returning to the ice recently, team reporter Jon Rosen writes that the young forward will have to deal with pain management for the rest of his career. Vilardi’s back injury has stopped him from becoming the player the Kings were hoping for when they used the 11th overall pick for him in 2017, but at just 20-years old there is still plenty of time for him to make an impact.
- The New York Islanders have activated Casey Cizikas from injured reserve, placing Leo Komarov there instead. Komarov is just dealing with an illness however, meaning the Islanders will soon have to make a different move to clear a roster spot. Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson are the only two players who are waiver-exempt, though Cole Bardreau cleared recently enough that he could also be sent down without having to go through the process again.
Snapshots: Scandella, Sparks, Tatar
The Buffalo Sabres have been the topic of trade speculation since before the season began, starting with the acquisitions of Colin Miller and Henri Jokiharju. Suddenly the team had more defensemen than seemed necessary and many people believed they would soon make a move. That speculation quickly focused on Rasmus Ristolainen after some interesting training camp quotes, but after a few early injuries things have quieted down.
Now, with some of those injured players returning, Buffalo is back in the spotlight. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports however that Ristolainen may no longer be the target, suggesting that the focus is now on veteran defenseman Marco Scandella and his expiring contract. Scandella carries a cap hit of $4MM for the rest of this season and then is scheduled for unrestricted free agency.
- Not only have the Vegas Golden Knights recalled Nicolas Hague a few hours after they assigned him to the minor leagues—Hague played this afternoon for the Chicago Wolves—they’ve also brought up Garret Sparks. The former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender has been outstanding through four games for the Wolves, carrying a .931 save percentage for the AHL club. Oscar Dansk struggled in his first chance as the replacement for the injured Malcolm Subban, and it seems as though Sparks will get the next opportunity.
- Tomas Tatar left practice today for the Montreal Canadiens with a lower-body injury according to Eric Engels of Sportsnet, though the team has not issued an official update so far. It’s been a rollercoaster ride in the early season for Tatar, who has seven points through nine games but has also taken six minor penalties.
Snapshots: Stecher, Rantanen, AHL Suspensions
The Vancouver Canucks are sitting at 5-3 through the early part of the season thanks to the strong play of some of their young players, but are still fifth in what is shaping up to be an extremely tough Pacific Division. With the improved roster, one player that has lost some of his ice time is Troy Stecher. He was the topic of discussion on TSN radio today because of a “rumbling” that host Jason Brough had heard about potential trade talks. Insider Bob McKenzie gave his take on the situation:
The same little rumble that you’ve heard, I think everybody has kind of heard it and [are] trying to figure out how much significance to attach to it. But the reality is that if [Tyler] Myers and [Chris] Tanev are both going to be healthy and play ahead of him, then probably you’re right. Then he’s probably not going to love third-pair minutes, and maybe he’s an asset that’s more valuable than that, though not on the Canucks.
McKenzie noted that if Stecher does become available there would likely be lots of teams interested, but was quick to explain how there might be an issue with how the Canucks would value him compared to what the offers may be. Through the first three years of his NHL career, Stecher has averaged close to 20 minutes a game for the Canucks, but has logged under 14 in six of eight games this season.
- Colorado Avalanche fans will have to hold their collective breath for one more day as the team will not issue an update on Mikko Rantanen‘s injury until Wednesday according to Mike Chambers of the Denver Post. The star forward’s foot got caught on the ice last night and twisted his left leg awkwardly, taking him immediately out of the game. Rantanen was off to another blistering start to his season with 12 points in his first nine games (including one in the eight minutes he managed last night), and hopefully won’t be out long-term with this injury.
- The AHL has suspended several players for incidents over the last few days. Michael McCarron has been given a two-game ban for interference and Givani Smith has been suspended one game for clipping, while A.J. Greer and Jarred Tinordi have been given six and three games respectively for what happened on Saturday. Greer left the penalty box to fight Tinordi after already participating in a fight, meaning he actually earned himself three game misconducts and 40 penalty minutes all at once.
Snapshots: Wright, Seattle, Percy
The Canadian rosters for the 2019 World U17 Challenge have been released, a group that includes 15-year old OHL star Shane Wright. Wright was granted exceptional status to join the CHL a year early, following the footsteps of John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid and Sean Day.
While it hasn’t worked out quite so well for Day yet—he continues to play in the New York Rangers minor league system—the other three were first-overall picks and quickly turned into NHL stars. Wright is trying to follow that path and he’s off to a great start, recording nine points in 12 games for the Kingston Frontenacs so far despite being more than five years younger than some of his opponents.
- The Seattle expansion franchise might not have a name just yet, but they’ve whittled down their options. The team announced today that the final five names were included in the Space Needle’s 100th anniversary time capsule, leading to a new round of speculation. There have been countless suggestions from fans since the team was officially announced, but there hasn’t yet been an indication of what it will be.
- Stuart Percy has signed a professional tryout with the Belleville Senators, rejoining the team he spent part of last season with. Selected in the first round of the 2011 draft, Percy was once a promising young defensive prospect but never quite found his legs at the NHL level. The 26-year old has scored three points in 12 total games.
Snapshots: Three Stars, Spooner, Okulov
The NHL has released their Three Stars for last week, and Boston Bruins fans will be happy to know that David Pastrnak‘s performance was not overlooked. The young forward took home the top spot after scoring seven goals in three games including a four-goal performance against the Anaheim Ducks. Pastrnak is now tied with James Neal for the league lead in goals with nine.
Not to be forgotten however are John Carlson and Carter Hutton that took home second and third respectively. Carlson continues to lead the NHL in scoring with 18 points (including eight last week) and has been an absolute force for the Washington Capitals early. Hutton meanwhile stopped all 72 shots he faces last week including 47 in a single game to shutout the Los Angeles Kings. If the Buffalo Sabres netminder can continue to provide this kind of performance, the team may well have a chance to fight for that divisional playoff spot that they’ve coveted for so long.
- Ryan Spooner has changed teams again, but that doesn’t mean he’s coming back to North America. The former NHL forward will join Dynamo Minsk in the KHL for the rest of the season, leaving HC Lugano of the Swiss NLA. Spooner is still just 27, but spent time with three different NHL organizations last season and can’t seem to find a home anywhere.
- Following up on the recent report linking the Toronto Maple Leafs to Konstantin Okulov, Igor Eronko of Sport-Express confirms that the Russian forward has indeed spoken to Mike Babcock already. Okulov has 13 points through his first 17 games in the KHL this season and is a potential target for teams looking to add international talent next summer.
Snapshots: Wild Injuries, Hall, Fleury, Letestu
After blocking several point shots on the same penalty kill on Thursday night, Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek looked to be in a lot of pain and the fact he didn’t return to the game was cause for concern. However, head coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters, including Sarah McLellan of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twitter link), that the lower-body injury should only keep him out for a week or two. Meanwhile, center Victor Rask is listed as day-to-day and will not suit up on Sunday against Montreal. Additionally, winger Mats Zuccarello was transferred to injured reserve to create a roster spot for their earlier recall of Gabriel Dumont today. He last played on October 12th meaning that he’ll be eligible to be activated as soon as he’s able to return.
Elsewhere around the league:
- Devils GM Ray Shero acknowledged to reporters, including Corey Masisak of The Athletic (Twitter link), that he spoke with Taylor Hall’s agent over the last few days but stopped short of indicating if any discussions were held regarding a potential contract extension. Hall’s future with New Jersey is one of the big storylines around the league in the early going of the season and their slow start to 2019-20 has only increased the spotlight. He has a $6MM cap hit but could come close to doubling that on his next deal if he has a strong performance this season and stays healthy.
- Canadiens defenseman Cale Fleury is dealing with a minor injury and won’t play today, notes Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette. Head coach Claude Julien has already classified the rookie as doubtful for their game on Sunday as well but that the issue shouldn’t hold him out for more than a week. Christian Folin will return to the lineup in Fleury’s absence.
- Jets center Mark Letestu has been shut down through the end of the month due to an undisclosed injury, reports TSN 1290’s Brian Munz (Twitter link). He has already been transferred to injured reserve. The issue could pave the way for rookie David Gustafsson to have more of a regular role after playing in just two games so far this season.
Snapshots: Bruins, Clarke, Helm
The Boston Bruins are set to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs this weekend in a rematch of their first round playoff series, but it appears both teams will be without a star center. Not only will the Maple Leafs be missing John Tavares from the lineup, but the Bruins will also be without David Krejci who will not travel with the team.
Krejci missed last night’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after suffering an upper-body injury earlier in the week. Joakim Nordstrom will also not play against the Maple Leafs, but Patrice Bergeron is expected to after missing practice with a lower-body injury. The Bruins may call someone up from the AHL before tomorrow night’s tilt.
- New Jersey Devils prospect Graeme Clarke will undergo shoulder surgery and is expected to miss four months according to Kenny Walls of TSN. Clarke was picked in the 2019 third round and is an important piece of the Ottawa 67’s in the OHL. He was recently named to that league’s roster for the upcoming Canada-Russia series, which he will obviously miss.
- The NHL has fined Detroit Red Wings forward Darren Helm $5,000 for his slash last night on Elias Lindholm. This was the maximum allowable fine under the CBA.
Snapshots: Trade Targets, Ritchie, Gropp
Trade talk is already heating up around the NHL as teams find out just what they have on the roster, and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic (subscription required) examines several situations where a player may be available at the 2020 trade deadline.
While Taylor Hall finds himself involved in this speculation once again, another situation LeBrun suggests is worth monitoring is Ilya Kovalchuk with the Los Angeles Kings. The veteran forward is due the rest of his signing bonus on December 15th, at which point he would be owed just the prorated $700K base salary through the end of the season. Kovalchuk does come with one more year on his deal worth $4.25MM and carries a $6.25MM cap hit, but should his early season success continue it wouldn’t be surprising to see him waive his no-trade clause to go to a contender.
- The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has issued a $4,121.86 fine to Nick Ritchie of the Anaheim Ducks for the roughing incident last night. Ritchie attacked Vladimir Sobotka after a whistle and ended up dragging him to the ground (where Buffalo goaltender Linus Ullmark proceeded to give Ritchie a few punches). This was the maximum allowable fine under the CBA for the incident.
- Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that minor league forward Ryan Gropp has been suspended by the Hartford Wolf Pack for failing to report to the Maine Mariners of the ECHL. Gropp, 23, was a second round pick of the Rangers in 2015 and has spent the last two seasons in the minor leagues. He is on the final year of his entry-level contract and scheduled to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
Snapshots: Three Stars, Sandin, Defense Market
The NHL has released their Three Stars for the second week of the season, led by Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid. The 22-year old superstar recorded seven points in three games to help the Oilers get off to a fast start and has an early lead in the league scoring race with 12 points in his first five games.
While Sidney Crosby isn’t much of a surprise in the third star spot, many may have not been expecting such a strong start for Patrik Laine who came in second. The Winnipeg Jets sniper had eight points in four games last week and is showing the entire league that last year’s disappointing totals were an aberration.
- It may have come as a surprise when the Toronto Maple Leafs sent top prospect Rasmus Sandin back to the minor leagues today, but as Chris Johnston of Sportsnet explains, the team wants him to log bigger minutes to continue his current development path. Sandin was sent to the Toronto Marlies after six games with the NHL club, most recently one on Saturday night that included a high hit from Detroit’s Justin Abdelkader. The Maple Leafs have high hopes for Sandin as a future NHL star, and will try to protect their young asset while developing his full potential. For now, it doesn’t appear as though a return to the NHL is coming anytime soon–meaning Sandin’s entry-level contract may slide once again.
- In Pierre LeBrun’s most recent column for The Athletic (subscription required) the hockey insider examines the trade market for defensemen around the league. Most notably perhaps is that the Dallas Stars are still “actively taking calls” on Julius Honka, who signed a contract in Europe with an NHL out clause. LeBrun suggests that Honka situation isn’t helping the Pittsburgh Penguins who continue to try and unload one of their own defensemen.
Snapshots: Stars Injuries, Bruins, Islanders, MacDermid
The Stars will soon be getting some good news on the injury front. Head coach Jim Montgomery told reporters, including Matthew DeFranks of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link) that winger Corey Perry is expected to make his season debut on Friday after breaking his foot when he slipped off a step back in mid-September. Meanwhile, winger Blake Comeau is out for another two-to-four weeks as he works his way back from a lower-body sustained in their first game of the season. They’re also close to getting blueliner Roman Polak back as well as Montgomery also gave him a two-to-four week timeline after suffering a fractured sternum in that same game.
Elsewhere around the league:
- Sportsnet’s Mark Spector relays (via Twitter) that he was once told that the Bruins would have interest in bringing center Colby Cave back if he was to be made available. Cave was put on waivers earlier today so now is their opportunity to get him. They are carrying a full 23-man roster at the moment though so a move would need to be made to bring Cave back. Karson Kuhlman is the only waiver-exempt forward among their 14 active forwards.
- The Islanders may once again be without a pair of veterans once again tonight. After missing Friday’s game, Newsday’s Andrew Gross reports that center Casey Cizikas is listed as doubtful for their upcoming game against Florida while defenseman Nick Leddy is questionable. Cizikas hasn’t been skating during the week due to an unspecified issue despite stating that everything is fine health-wise while Leddy is also dealing with an undisclosed issue.
- Kings defenseman Kurtis MacDermid is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, notes Lisa Dillman of The Athletic (Twitter link). The blueliner was injured on Tuesday against Calgary in his first game of the season. Los Angeles has been carrying eight defenders this season so they won’t need to bring anyone up while he’s out.