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Robert Bortuzzo Receives Maximum Fine

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The NHL Department of Player Safety was working quickly today. During the matinee match-up between the St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders, Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo was handed a double-minor for repeated cross-checks to the back of Isles forward Brock Nelson. (video) Not long after the end of the game, Player Safety announced that Bortuzzo would be fined $3,091.40, the maximum fine under the CBA.

While a seemingly random and not overwhelming amount, the fine is not without some effect. Bortuzzo’s salary for the 2017-18 season is just $1.15MM, which prorated to an 82-game schedule, is about $14K a night. Bortuzzo not only served his four minute penalty this afternoon, he also lost nearly a quarter of his game check. It’s not a major loss, but then again for a simple cross-checking penalty following an admittedly major hit from Nelson, it does send a message. The NHL is working toward cleaning up the game and even a small fine such as this may help to eliminate a violent, pointless penalty like Bortuzzo’s.

Nevertheless, St. Louis – and Bortuzzo – will take a fine over a suspension any day. With five starters already on the injured reserve, including defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, the Blues can ill afford another loss. Bortuzzo also saves that other 75% of his per game that he would otherwise lose with a one-game suspension for example. With that said, the bruising blue liner will have to watch his step for the remainder of the season; chances are Player Safety won’t be as nice to a repeat offender.

Steen Closing In On Returning To Practice

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  • Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that St. Louis Blues forward Alex Steen is closing in on returning to practice with the team during their four-game road trip that starts on Monday. Steen, who broke his hand on Sept. 19 when he was slashed by the Stars’ Antoine Roussel, has been skating on his own prior to some practices, but is closer to rejoining the team than defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who is recovering from a fractured ankle he suffered in a preseason game on Sept. 17. However, Thomas writes that even Bouwmeester is inching towards a return, but Steen has the advantage.

Klim Kostin Assigned To San Antonio Despite Injury

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  • Yesterday, despite being injured Klim Kostin was assigned to the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL. Kostin is working his way back from a lower-body injury suffered in camp, and will likely be asked to start in the AHL before getting another crack at the St. Louis Blues’ lineup. Kostin was impressive all summer after being drafted at the end of the first round, but is still just 18 years old. Of course, the Blues won’t have much say in how he’s deployed in San Antonio, as the AHL squad is actually the affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche for one more season. In 2018-19, St. Louis will be taking control after signing a long-term partnership with the club.

Jaromir Jagr Signs With Calgary Flames

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The Calgary Flames have officially signed Jaromir Jagr to a one-year contract worth $1MM, with potential bonuses up to an additional $1MM for games played. Not only will suiting up for the entire season earn him extra cash, but the 45-year old legend is just 56 games shy of Gordie Howe’s all-time record of 1,767 NHL games. If healthy, he’s expected to break that this season."<strong

$1+1MM is a relatively small amount for a player who is still capable of contributing offensively. Jagr has always been a possession monster, able to protect the puck incredibly well with his big frame and distribute pucks from behind the net. His goal total of 16 last year, though disappointing, was due in large part to a career-worst shooting percentage that is almost sure to rebound.

Signing Jagr likely means a reduction of minutes for Troy Brouwer, who was largely disappointing after signing a big contract in free agency. Brouwer came over from the St. Louis Blues on a four-year, $18MM contract but registered the lowest point total of his career. With Micheal Ferland expected to take on a much bigger role with the top unit, and Jagr likely being slotted in on the right side of the third line, Brouwer will be relegated to fourth-line duties most nights.

The Flames have had an impressive offseason, addressing goaltending and defensive issues by bringing in Mike Smith, Eddie Lack and Travis Hamonic. Beyond that, the team can still expect some progression for young forwards Sean Monahan, Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk. If they continue to play to their potential, Jagr could be a piece that helps them get over the top. His value both five on five and with the man advantage will be a big upgrade for Calgary, though there are still downsides to his play.

The biggest knock against Jagr is the speed at which he plays the game. No longer able to beat defenders with his skating ability, he nonetheless can create chances off the rush with skill alone. The apparent lack of defensive ability is usually counteracted by the down-low possession style he and linemates play, keeping the puck nearly 200 feet from their own net on most shifts. The Flames currently have more than $3.6MM in cap space, which would leave them able to make a move in-season should they find themselves in competition for the Stanley Cup.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Tom Wilson Suspended Four Games

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The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has come down hard on Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson by handing out his second suspension of the preseason. Wilson will be suspended for four regular season games for boarding St. Louis Blues defenseman Samuel Blais. In their video explanation of the incident, the DoPS puts it this way:

It is important to note that based on Wilson’s angle of approach, at no point is he in a position to deliver a legal body check on Blais. While we understand Wilson’s explanation that he attempted to maneuver around Blais in a way that would enable him to deliver a shoulder-to-shoulder check, he is unsuccessful in this attempt.

The onus is on Wilson to deliver this hit in a legal fashion, minimize the force of the hit, or avoid this hit completely. Instead, having seen nothing but Blais’ numbers for some time, he drives forcefully through Blais’ upper back, driving him forcefully into the boards.

Wilson was suspended on September 23rd for two games for a hit he delivered against St. Louis forward Robert Thomas. Because of the recency of his suspension, he was seen as a repeat offender and thus given a harsher penalty than the previous discipline. Should Wilson get into trouble again the penalties will only increase.

The 23-year old forward spoke to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press earlier today, saying that though physical play is part of his game, he has to “play within the rules.” Because he didn’t, he’ll be out until Friday October 13th when the Capitals take on the New Jersey Devils.

Klim Kostin To Miss 7-10 Days; Kaspick Signs ELC

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  • Klim Kostin was on track to make the St. Louis Blues team out of camp but has suffered an injury according to Lou Korac of NHL.com. The young forward is set to miss 7-10 days and could start in the AHL to get his legs back under him before making an impact with the team. The Blues are without so many of their forwards to start the year that Kostin and other young players will likely have to play a role earlier than the team had wanted.
  • Speaking of the St. Louis Blues and young players, the team has announced an entry-level contract for Tanner Kaspick after spending some time with the club in camp this year. Kaspick is already back playing with his Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL, where he has four points in four games. Kaspick was a fourth-round pick of the team in 2016 but has shown that there may be more upside to his game than originally thought. In 49 games with the Wheat Kings last year he registered 45 points, and should be given even more responsibility this season as the new captain.

Training Camp Cuts: 10/02/17

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Training camp is over for all the clubs around the NHL, and the season begins on Wednesday. By tomorrow evening, all teams must submit their cap-compliant 23-man roster, meaning there will be several cuts today. We’ll keep track of them all right here, as teams try to slip players through waivers or send them back to junior and European clubs.

Anaheim Ducks

F Giovanni Fiore – San Diego (AHL)
F Kalle Kossila – San Diego (AHL)
F Scott Sabourin – San Diego (AHL)
D Jacob Larsson – San Diego (AHL)

Boston Bruins

F Jordan Szwarz – Providence (AHL)
F Tommy Cross – Providence (AHL)
F Jakub Zboril – Providence (AHL)
F Peter Cehlarik – Providence (AHL)
F Danton Heinen – Providence (AHL)
F Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson – Providence (AHL)
F Teddy Purcell – Released from PTO
G Malcolm Subban – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Calgary Flames

D Rasmus Andersson – Stockton (AHL)
G Jon Gillies – Stockton (AHL)
F Luke Gazdic – Waivers for purpose of assignment
F Garnet Hathaway – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Carolina Hurricanes

F Lucas Wallmark – Charlotte (AHL)
F Phillip Di Giuseppe – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Chicago Blachawks

F Vinnie Hinostroza – Rockford (AHL)
F Jordin Tootoo – Waivers for purpose of assignment
F Tomas Jurco – Waivers for purpose of assignment
G Jean-Francois Berube – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Colorado Avalanche

F Gabriel Bourque – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Dallas Stars

F Remi Elie – Texas (AHL)
F Roope Hintz – Texas (AHL)
F Jason Dickinson – Texas (AHL)
F Curtis McKenzie – Waivers for purpose of assignment
D Patrik Nemeth – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Detroit Red Wings

D Libor Sulak – Lahti (Finland)
F Matt Lorito – Grand Rapids (AHL)
F Ben Street – Grand Rapids (AHL)
D Brian Lashoff – Grand Rapids (AHL)
D Dylan McIlrath – Grand Rapids (AHL)
F David Booth – Waivers for purpose of assignment
D Ryan Sproul – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Los Angeles Kings

F Brooks Laich – Released from PTO

Minnesota Wild

F Luke Kunin – Iowa (AHL)
D Ryan Murphy – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Montreal Canadiens

G Charlie Lindgren – Laval (AHL)
F Andreas Martinsen – Waivers for purpose of assignment
F Byron Froese – Waivers for purpose of assignment

New Jersey Devils

F Brian Gibbons – Waivers for purpose of assignment
D Brian Strait – Waivers for purpose of assignment

New York Islanders

F Devon Toews – Bridgeport (AHL)
F Stephen Gionta – Waivers for purpose of assignment
F Steve Bernier – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Philadelphia Flyers

F Matt Read – Waivers for purpose of assignment

San Jose Sharks

F Brandon Bollig – Waivers for purpose of assignment
F Brandon Mashinter – Waivers for purpose of assignment
G Troy Grosenick – Waivers for purpose of assignment

St. Louis Blues

F Sammy Blais – San Antonio (AHL)
D Jake Walman – Chicago (AHL)
G Jordan Binnington – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Tampa Bay Lightning

F Cory Conacher – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Toronto Maple Leafs

F Carl Grundstrom – Frolunda (SHL)
F Miro Aaltonen – Toronto (AHL)
F Frederik Gauthier – Toronto (AHL)
F Andreas Johnsson – Toronto (AHL)
F Kasperi Kapanen – Toronto (AHL)
F Tobias Lindberg – Toronto (AHL)
F Trevor Moore – Toronto (AHL)
F Nikita Soshnikov – Toronto (AHL)
F Dmytro Timashov – Toronto (AHL)
F Mason Marchment – Toronto (AHL)
D Travis Dermott – Toronto (AHL)
D Justin Holl – Toronto (AHL)
D Andrew Nielsen – Toronto (AHL)
D Michael Paliotta – Toronto (AHL)
D Rinat Valiev – Toronto (AHL)
G Kasimir Kaskisuo – Toronto (AHL)
F Colin Greening – Waivers for purpose of assignment.
F Chris Mueller – Waivers for purpose of assignment.
F Kerby Rychel – Waivers for purpose of assignment.
F Ben Smith – Waivers for purpose of assignment.
D Vincent LoVerde – Waivers for purpose of assignment.
G Garret Sparks – Waivers for purpose of assignment.

Vancouver Canucks

D Andrey Pedan – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Vegas Golden Knights

F Teemu Pulkkinen – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Washington Capitals

F Anthony Peluso – Waivers for purpose of assignment

Winnipeg Jets

F Jack Roslovic – Manitoba (AHL)
F Brendan Lemieux – Manitoba (AHL)
F Michael Spacek – Manitoba (AHL)
F J.C. Lipon – Waivers for purpose of assignment.

Blues Don't Have Much To Offer Jagr

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  • The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford tweets that he believes the St. Louis Blues are still interested in free agent Jaromir Jagr, but it would have to be at less than $2MM, which he doubts would happen. He adds in a later tweet that Jagr would also have to accept a third-line role and second-line power play spot.

Scottie Upshall Signs With St. Louis Blues

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The St. Louis Blues have officially brought back a familiar face while they deal with several injuries, signing Scottie Upshall to a one-year, $800K contract, according to Fox Sports Andy Strickland. Upshall had been in Vancouver Canucks’ camp on a professional tryout, but will return to the Blues to help give them some forward depth. The team is dealing with injuries to Robby Fabbri, Patrik Berglund, Alex Steen and Zach Sanford up front.

Scottie UpshallUpshall never did quite live up to his sixth-overall draft position, but has nevertheless put together an excellent career. With 696 games under his belt, Upshall has been one of the more consistent bottom-six wingers around the league, providing some physicality and secondary scoring touch. A career-high of 37 points makes his addition far from enough to replace the lost offense from Fabbri, but his experience might be able to help what is suddenly looking like a very young roster. Upshall has always been lauded for his leadership qualities and work ethic.

The Blues will be relying on players like Ivan Barbashev and even perhaps Klim Kostin, but will at least have some more NHL experience on the roster with Upshall. He’ll likely serve as a sort of 13th forward, moving in and out of the lineup whenever needed. Still, he did register 10 goals last year and was one of their key penalty killers. For less than $1MM, it poses almost no risk.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

NHL Snapshots: Girard, Flyers Draft, Rosen, Borgman

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The Nashville Predators have some defensive issues to worry about with defender Ryan Ellis out for several more months due to knee surgery. However, one issue the team has is a good one as the play of Samuel Girard has impressed everyone. Suddenly, the issue is whether or not to keep him on their roster to start the season.

Girard, a second-round pick in 2016, is just 19 years old, but the gifted offensive defenseman has worked hard to show that he is ready for the NHL now. And with Ellis’ injury, might there be a place for him? The team has used him heavily in the preseason. He has played in all four games, logging more than 20 minutes in each game. According to Adam Vingan of the Tennessean, Girard is making a strong case to stay. His last game on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets with most of their opening-night starters on the ice, Girard played 24:02, second to Roman Josi.

The team is considering keeping him, knowing full well that if they don’t, he’ll return to his junior team and cannot be recalled until after their season is over. The team could also keep him for nine games without burning his first year of his entry-level deal.

  • Sam Carchidi of Philly.com writes that the Philadelphia Flyers could get a big break from the St. Louis Blues if their injuries continue to mount. The Flyers, who acquired the Blues 2017 and 2018 first-round picks from St. Louis for Brayden Schenn. They used that 2017 pick on Morgan Frost and were expecting a late first-rounder in next year’s draft. However, with some of the injuries that St. Louis has suffered, it will be Philadelphia that reaps the benefits if the Blues see a drop in the wins column. If it were to turn into a top-10 pick, the Blues would get the pick back. Carchidi writes that would be unlikely, however, as the Blues are still a solid team, but the injuries could improve the chances that their pick will be an even better one.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun writes that at least one of the two Sweedish defensemen pair of Calle Rosen and Andreas Borgman are likely to make the team. Both had key moments in Friday’s preseason game and the two little-known blueliners are starting to make a name for themselves. Rosen, 23, is a gifted skater and passing defenseman, coming over from Sweden for the first time, while Borgman, the 2017 SHL Rookie of the Year, is a more physical defensive player.

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