Training Camp Cuts: 09/25/17
Another week begins with a full preseason schedule and teams starting to use their expected opening day rosters more and more. With that, cuts will be happening each day and PHR will keep you updated on each one.
Arizona Coyotes
F Michael Latta – Tucson (AHL)*
F Tyler Gaudet – Tucson (AHL)*
G Adin Hill – Tucson (AHL)
Anaheim Ducks
F Nicolas Kerdiles – San Diego (AHL)
F Dustin Tokarski – San Diego (AHL)*
Boston Bruins
F Jordan Szwarz – Providene (AHL)*
D Tommy Cross – Providence (AHL)*
Chicago Blackhawks
D Viktor Svedberg – Rockford (AHL)
Colorado Avalanche
F Brendan Ranford – San Antonio (AHL)
F Brady Shaw – San Antonio (AHL)
F Shawn St. Amant – San Antonio (AHL)
F Alex Belzile – San Antonio (AHL)
D Nolan De Jong – San Antonio (AHL)
D Mason Geertsen – San Antonio (AHL)
G Spencer Martin – San Antonio (AHL)
F Felix Girard – San Antonio (AHL)*
F Trent Vogelhuber – San Antonio (AHL)*
F Rocco Grimaldi – San Antonio (AHL)*
F Andrew Agozzino – San Antonio (AHL)*
D Jesse Graham – San Antonio (AHL)*
G Joe Cannata – San Antonio (AHL)*
Dallas Stars
F Justin Dowling – Texas (AHL)
F Mark McNeill – Texas (AHL)
D Andrew Bodnarchuk – Texas (AHL)
D Ludwig Bystrom – Texas (AHL)
G Mike McKenna – Texas (AHL)
Detroit Red Wings
F Zach Nastasiuk – Grand Rapids (AHL)
D Dan Renouf – Grand Rapids (AHL)
G Matej Machovsky – Grand Rapids (AHL)
F Mike Borkowski – Released from tryout
F Austen Brassard – Released from tryout
F Connor Crisp – Released from tryout
F Luke Esposito – Released from tryout
F Dominik Shine – Released from tryout
D Simon Denis – Released from tryout
D Pat McCarron – Released from tryout
D Kevin Tansey – Released from tryout
D Pat Nagle – Released from tryout
Florida Panthers
F Chase Balisy – Springfield (AHL)
F Dryden Hunt – Springfield (AHL)
F Juho Lammikko – Springfield (AHL)
D Michael Downing – Springfield (AHL)
G Sam Montembeault – Springfield (AHL)
D Nikolai Belov – Released from PTO
F Alexandre Grenier – Springfield (AHL)*
D Reece Scarlett – Springfield (AHL)*
Los Angeles Kings
F Brandon Prust – Released from PTO
F Shane Harper – Released from PTO
G Matthew Villalta – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Nashville Predators
F Pierre-Cedric Labrie – Milwaukee (AHL)
F Trevor Smith – Milwaukee (AHL)
F Emil Pettersson – Milwaukee (AHL)
F Yakov Trenin – Milwaukee (AHL)
D Alexandre Carrier – Milwaukee (AHL)
D Petter Granberg – Milwaukee (AHL)
D Jack Doughtery – Milwaukee (AHL)
D Andrew O’Brien – Milwaukee (AHL)
G Anders Lindback – Milwaukee (AHL)
F Cody Bass – Milwaukee (AHL)*
New York Rangers
F Daniel Catenacci – Hartford (AHL)
F Cole Schneider – Hartford (AHL)
F Scott Kosmachuk – Hartford (AHL)
D Brandon Crawley – Hartford (AHL)
Tampa Bay Lightning
F Brett Howden – Moose Jaw (WHL)
F Anthony Cirelli – Syracuse (AHL)
F Adam Erne – Syracuse (AHL)
F Mathieu Joseph – Syracuse (AHL)
F Matthew Peca – Syracuse (AHL)
F Mitchell Stephens – Syracuse (AHL)
F Dennis Yan – Syracuse (AHL)
D Erik Cernak – Syracuse (AHL)
D Jamie McBain – Syracuse (AHL)
D Ben Thomas – Syracuse (AHL)
D Daniel Walcott – Syracuse (AHL)
F Tye McGinn – Syracuse (AHL)*
Vancouver Canucks
F Reid Boucher – Utica (AHL)*
Vegas Golden Knights
F T.J. Tynan – Chicago (AHL)*
F Paul Thompson – Chicago (AHL)*
*Placed on waivers for purpose of assignment.
Training Camp Cuts: 09/24/17
The more than fifty cuts made from training camps around the league yesterday was only the beginning. Weekend or not, expect the announcements to keep flooding in, and we’ll keep track of it all right here:
Arizona Coyotes
F Michael Bunting – Tucson (AHL)
D Kyle Capobianco – Tucson (AHL)
F Conor Garland – Tucson (AHL)
D Joel Hanley – Tucson (AHL)
D Pierre-Olivier Joseph – Charlottetown (QMJHL)
F Jens Looke – Tucson (AHL)
D Dysin Mayo – Tucson (AHL)
F Lane Pederson – Tucson (AHL)
F Mike Sislo – Tucson (AHL)
D Jalen Smereck – Tucson (AHL)
D Tyson Strachan – released from PTO
Boston Bruins
D Christopher Breen – Providence (AHL)
D Connor Clifton – Providence (AHL)
D Taylor Doherty – Providence (AHL)
F Zachary Senyshyn – Providence (AHL)
Carolina Hurricanes
F Patrick Brown – Charlotte (AHL)
F Julien Gauthier – Charlotte (AHL)
D Brenden Kichton – Charlotte (AHL)
D Roland McKeown – Charlotte (AHL)
F Andrew Miller – Charlotte (AHL)
D Dennis Robertson – Charlotte (AHL)
D Philip Samuelsson – Charlotte (AHL)
Dallas Stars
D Gavin Bayreuther – Texas (AHL)
G Landon Bow – Texas (AHL)
G Philippe Desrosiers – Texas (AHL)
F Sheldon Dries – Released from ATO
F Max French – Released from ATO
F Austin Fyten – Released from PTO
D Shane Hanna – Released from ATO
D Niklas Hansson – Texas (AHL)
D Dillon Heatherington – Texas (AHL)
F Samuel Laberge – Released from ATO
D Matt Mangene – Released from PTO
F Colin Markison – Released from PTO
F Cole Ully – Texas (AHL)
Edmonton Oilers
F Mitch Callahan – Bakerfield (AHL)
F Grayson Downing – Bakersfield (AHL)
D Caleb Jones – Bakersfield (AHL)
F Joey Laleggia – Bakersfield (AHL)
D Keegan Lowe – Bakersfield (AHL)
D Ryan Mantha – Bakersfield (AHL)
Montreal Canadiens
F Daniel Audette – Laval (AHL)
F David Broll – Laval (AHL)
G Zachary Fucale – Laval (AHL)
F Jeremy Gregoire – Laval (AHL)
D Brett Lernout – Laval (AHL)
F Martin Reway – Laval (AHL)
F Nikita Scherbak – Laval (AHL)
NHL Snapshots: Penguins, Karlsson, Oleksiak, Callahan
The Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins released a statement saying they will attend an invitation from President Trump to come to the White House. No date has been announced.
Training Camp Cuts: 9/23/17
The more than fifty cuts made from training camps around the league yesterday was only the beginning. Weekend or not, expect the announcements to keep flooding in, and we’ll keep track of it all right here:
Anaheim Ducks
F Stu Bickel – San Diego (AHL)
F Maxime Comtois – Victoriaville (QMJHL)
F Alex Dostie – San Diego (AHL)
G Olle Eriksson Ek – Farjestad BK (SWE U20)
F Nic Kerdiles – San Diego (AHL)
D Brady Lyle – North Bay (OHL), released from ATO
F Antoine Morand – Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
F Julius Nattinen – San Diego (AHL)
F Kyle Olson – Tri-City (WHL)
F Austin Ortega – San Diego (AHL)
D Turner Ottenbreit – Seattle (WHL), released from ATO
G Angus Redmond – San Diego (AHL)
F Kevin Roy – San Diego (AHL)
F Zach Saar – San Diego (AHL)
F Deven Sideroff – San Diego (AHL)
F Tyler Soy – San Diego (AHL)
D Jeff Schultz – San Diego (AHL)
D Keaton Thompson – San Diego (AHL)
Buffalo Sabres
F Eric Cornel – Rochester (AHL)
F Vaclav Karabacek – Rochester (AHL)
G Jason Kasdorf – Rochester (AHL)
G Jonas Johansson – Rochester (AHL)
D Brycen Martin – Rochester (AHL)
F Steve Moses – Rochester (AHL)
D Casey Nelson – Rochester (AHL)
F Kevin Porter – Rochester (AHL)
F Cliff Pu – London (OHL)
D Devante Stephens – Rochester (AHL)
G Adam Wilcox – Rochester (AHL)
Calgary Flames
F Austin Carroll – Stockton (AHL)
D Josh Healey – Stockton (AHL)
D Oliver Kylington – Stockton (AHL)
F Andrew Mangiapane – Stockton (AHL)
D Adam Ollas Mattsson – Stockton (AHL)
G Tyler Parsons – Stockton (AHL)
D Colby Robak – Stockton (AHL)
Carolina Hurricanes
F Clark Bishop – Charlotte (AHL)
G Callum Booth – Charlotte (AHL)
F Warren Foegele – Charlotte (AHL)
D Tyler Ganly – Charlotte (AHL)
F Gregory Hofmann – HC Lugano (NLA)
D Keenan Kanzig – Charlotte (AHL)
F Steven Lorentz – Charlotte (AHL)
G Alex Nedeljkovic – Charlotte (AHL)
F Andrew Poturalski – Charlotte (AHL)
F Nick Schilkey – Charlotte (AHL)
F Spencer Smallman – Charlotte (AHL)
F Sergey Tolchinsky – Charlotte (AHL)
D Josh Wesley – Charlotte (AHL)
Chicago Blackhawks
D Kyle Baun – Rockford (AHL) (cleared waivers)
G Jeff Glass – Rockford (AHL) (cleared waivers)
Dallas Stars
F Travis Morin – released from PTO, will attend AHL camp
F Greg Rallo – released from PTO, will attend AHL camp
Minnesota Wild
D Zach Palmquist – Iowa (AHL) (cleared waivers)
Montreal Canadiens
D Zach Redmond – Laval (AHL) (cleared waivers)
Nashville Predators
D Frederic Allard – Milwaukee (AHL)
F Derek Army – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
F Bobby Butler – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
F Tyler Kelleher – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
F Justin Kirkland – Milwaukee (AHL)
D Joonas Lyytinen – Milwaukee (AHL)
D T.J. Melancon – Milwaukee (AHL)
F Angelo Miceli – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
F Trevor Mingoia – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
F Tyler Moy – Milwaukee (AHL)
D Trevor Murphy – Milwaukee (AHL)
G Matt O’Connor – Milwaukee (AHL)
D Jimmy Oligny – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
G Jake Paterson – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
F Stephen Perfetto – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
D Rick Pinkston – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
F Anthony Richard – Milwaukee (AHL)
New York Islanders
D Sebastian Aho – Bridgeport (AHL)
F Casey Bailey – released from PTO
D Kyle Burroughs – Bridgeport (AHL)
F Michael Dal Colle – Bridgeport (AHL)
F Scott Eansor – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
F Tanner Fritz – Bridgeport (AHL)
F Ben Holmstrom – released from PTO
F Ross Johnston – Bridgeport (AHL)
F Jeff Kubiak – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
D Kane LaFranchise – Bridgeport (AHL)
G Eamon McAdam – Bridgeport (AHL)
F Kyle Schempp – Bridgeport (AHL)
F Travis St. Denis – released from PTO, will report to AHL camp
F John Stevens – Bridgeport (AHL)
D Devon Toews – Bridgeport (AHL)
F Yannick Turcotte – released from ATO
D Mitchell Vande Sompel – Bridgeport (AHL)
D Parker Wotherspoon – Bridgeport (AHL)
New York Rangers
D Alexei Bereglazov – Hartford (AHL)
G Alexandar Georgiev – Hartford (AHL)
D John Gilmour – Hartford (AHL)
F Ryan Gropp – Hartford (AHL)
G Chris Nell – Hartford (AHL)
D Vince Pedrie – Hartford (AHL)
F Malte Stromwall – Hartford (AHL)
F Adam Tambellini – Hartford (AHL)
Philadelphia Flyers
D Mark Alt – Lehigh Valley (AHL) (cleared waivers)
D T.J. Brennan – Lehigh Valley (AHL) (cleared waivers)
F Greg Carey – Lehigh Valley (AHL) (cleared waivers)
F Corban Knight – Lehigh Valley (AHL) (cleared waivers)
G Alex Lyon – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
D Will O’Neill – Lehigh Valley (AHL) (cleared waivers)
F Phil Varone – Lehigh Valley (AHL) (cleared waivers)
Ottawa Senators
G Chris Driedger – Belleville (AHL)
G Marcus Hogberg – Belleville (AHL)
G Danny Taylor – Belleville (AHL) (cleared waivers)
D Erik Burgdoerfer – Belleville (AHL) (cleared waivers)
D Cody Donaghey – Belleville (AHL)
D Andreas Englund – Belleville (AHL)
D Macoy Erkamps – Belleville (AHL)
D Christian Jaros – Belleville (AHL)
D Patrick Sieloff – Belleville (AHL) (cleared waivers)
F Chris DiDomenico – Belleville (AHL) (cleared waivers)
F Vincent Dunn – Belleville (AHL)
F Gabriel Gagne – Belleville (AHL)
F Nick Paul – Belleville (AHL)
F Francis Perron – Belleville (AHL)
F Ben Sexton – Belleville (AHL) (cleared waivers)
F Kyle Flanagan – released from PTO (Belleville)
D Jordan Murray – released from PTO (Belleville)
F Jack Rodewald – released from PTO (Belleville)
D Charles-David Beaudoin – released from PTO
F Brendan Woods – released from PTO
F Drake Batherson – Cape Breton (QMJHL)
F Parker Kelly – Prince Albert (WHL)
Tampa Bay Lightning
F Shane Conacher – Released from PTO
F Alex Gallant – Syracuse (AHL)
F Kevin Lynch – Released from PTO (Syracuse)
F Otto Somppi – Halifax (QMJHL)
F Carter Verhaeghe – Syracuse (AHL)
D Mat Bodie – Syracuse (AHL)
D Reid McNeil – Released from PTO (Syracuse)
D Matt Spencer – Syracuse (AHL)
G Connor Ingram – Syracuse (AHL)
G Michael Leighton – Syracuse (AHL)
Injury Notes: Lightning, Sabres, Jets
Despite finishing the 2016-17 season with 94 points and missing the playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning are the favorite of many to win the Atlantic Division and possibly even the Eastern Conference. Why? It’s not because they added Dan Girardi, Chris Kunitz, and Michael Leighton this off-season. No, the real reason for the resurgence of hope in Tampa is of course the return of captain Steven Stamkos. The Bolts’ superstar is set to return to the team after missing nearly all of last season, and the first step is his preseason debut tonight at home against the Predators. Stamkos told the Tampa Bay Times’ Joe Smith that, more than anything, he’s feeling curious about his first game action since November 15, 2016, eager to see how he feels and how he plays. Lightning fans are eager as well; their season rides on the health and performance of Stamkos. When Stamkos returned from a broke leg in 2014, he tells Smith that he felt he was playing “the best hockey of my career”. However, the serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2017 could take a bit longer to work back from. Only time will tell how one of the best players in the game returns from his latest injury, but there is no doubt that the spotlight will be on him, starting tonight.
- Smith also issued an update today on Anton Stralman, the Lightning defenseman whose undisclosed injury had kept him from even practicing this week and had some worried about the start of the season. That is, until today. Previously, Stralman had only been seen skating at practice in a red, non-contact jersey and was not taking part in drills, but Smith reports that he was back it today, cleared for contact and participating fully. Stralman told Smith that he expects to be back t full strength for the season opener, easing the fears of the fan base.
- Another team with a pair of potential difference-makers currently sidelined are the Buffalo Sabres. The Buffalo News’ John Vogl reports that big off-season trade acquisition Marco Scandella was back at practice today after sitting out the last few days. Still recovering from hip surgery, Scandella said that he is preparing for the season mentally, even if he’s taking it easy physically. The Sabres plan to use Scandella on the top pair this season, and while they would love for him to be at 100% come October 5th, his long-term health and durability is of greater concern.
- Unfortunately, Vogl’s article didn’t have as much optimism about young scorer Alexander Nylander. The team’s 2016 first-round pick has yet to take the ice in training camp after suffering a lower body injury in the Sabres’ prospect camp. Nylander’s status is up in the air, but it seems highly unlikely that he will be ready for the season if he is still watching practices from the stands. New head coach Phil Housley acknowledged that the team is letting Nylander move slowly with his recovering, but admitted that there is no definite time table for his return.
- The NHL is trying to cut down on injuries this season and to achieve that goal they are ramping up the enforcement of penalties. That presents a substantial problem for the Winnipeg Jets, who have taken more penalties than any team in the league over the past four seasons and haven’t been very good on the penalty kill either. In a stroke of genius, the team hosted former NHL referee Paul Devorski in camp today, who provided some in-depth instruction on how to void penalties, especially those like slashing that have been given special emphasis by the league this season.
Arena Notes: Calgary, Arizona, Detroit
The ongoing issues with the Flames and the city of Calgary has been well-publicized. The two sides are at odds in regards to the construction of a new arena and who should shoulder the greatest burden of the cost. The Flames have made it known that they have made offers to the city, offers they believe to be fair, and that the city has been the side unwilling to work toward a resolution. However, as The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell points out, the public relations battle that the team is waging may be all for not. Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi, according to Campbell, is not only well-liked, but also a tough negotiator. Campbell believes that Nenshi is not like many politicians, who often cave when it comes to dealing with local sports teams. It seem that Nenshi is willing to make a stand and work toward an agreement that is more balanced for the taxpayers of Calgary. Some may see risk in Nenshi calling Flames billionaire owner Murray Edwards‘ bluff, but Campbell believes that there is no way the Flames leave the city under any circumstances. The people of Calgary will inevitably end up partially funding a new arena, but with Nenshi as their negotiator, it should be on far better terms than the Flames’ current offer.
- The Arizona Coyotes issued a statement last night, updating fans on the status of the ice at Gila River Arena. The Coyotes were forced to cancel their first home preseason game on Monday night due to poor ice conditions. With only a fixed amount of time for preseason hockey, Arizona did not even have the ability to postpone their contest with the Los Angeles Kings. In an effort to make sure they didn’t miss anymore opportunities to take a look at their young and very different roster, the Coyotes worked quickly to install a new sheet of ice and have their arena back up to suitable standards. The improvement is just in time, as the San Jose Sharks come to town tomorrow.
- The Detroit Red Wings took the ice at the brand new Little Caesars Arena for the first time today, as noted by beat writer Helene St. James. The Wings played their final game at Joe Louis Arena, the historic building at 19 Steve Yzerman drive, in April after being one of the most dominant teams in all of sports during their residency from 1979 to 2017. Veterans like Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall, who more or less grew up in “The Joe” will now have to get a feel for their new home, the massive 20,000 seat Little Caesars Arena, and it all starts with the team’s first game there, hosting the Boston Bruins tomorrow night.
Training Camp Cuts: 09/21/17
Like every day, teams have continued to shorten their rosters as the season approaches. Yesterday saw a healthy number of names shaved off the lists, sent back to junior or released into the wild of free agency. Today, we’ll keep track of all the training camp cuts right here.
Boston Bruins
F Jack Studnicka – Oshawa (OHL)
G Kyle Keyser – Oshawa (OHL)
Chicago Blackhawks
F John Mitchell – released from PTO
F Drew Miller – released from PTO
F Tyler Sikura – released from PTO
D Mark Stuart – released from PTO
D Robin Press – released from PTO
F William Pelletier – released from ATO
D Darren Raddysh – released from ATO
G Matt Tomkins – released from ATO
F Mathew Highmore – Rockford (AHL)
F Matheson Iacopelli – Rockford (AHL)
F Luke Johnson – Rockford (AHL)
F Graham Knott – Rockford (AHL)
F Anthony Louis – Rockford (AHL)
D Robin Norell – Rockford (AHL)
D Carl Dahlstrom – Rockford (AHL)
F Radovan Bondra – Prince George (WHL)
D Henri Jokiharju – Portland (WHL)
Edmonton Oilers
D Ethan Bear – Bakersfield (AHL)
D Ben Betker – Bakersfield (AHL)
F Greg Chase – Bakersfield (AHL)
F Braden Christoffer – Bakersfield (AHL)
F Joseph Gambardella – Bakersfield (AHL)
D Ziyat Paigin – Bakersfield (AHL)
F Kyle Platzer – Bakersfield (AHL)
G Shane Starrett – Bakersfield (AHL)
F Chad Butcher – released from ATO
F Evan Polei – released from ATO
F Josh Currie – released from PTO
F Ryan Hamilton – released from PTO
F Zach O’Brien – released from PTO
Florida Panthers
F Curtis Valk – Springfield (AHL)
D Thomas Schemitsch – Springfield (AHL)
Los Angeles Kings
F Drake Rymsha – Sarnia (OHL)
D Jacob Friend – Owen Sound (OHL)
D Jacob Moverare – Mississauga (OHL)
D Markus Phillips – Owen Sound (OHL)
Montreal Canadiens
F Maxime Fortier – Halifax (QMJHL)
F Jordan Boucher – Will attend AHL camp
F Kevin Dufour – Will attend AHL camp
F Alexandre Goulet – Will attend AHL camp
F James McEwan – Will attend AHL camp
D Saverio Posa – Will attend AHL camp
D William Corrin – Will attend AHL camp
Philadelphia Flyers
F Connor Bunnaman – Kitchener (OHL)
F Pascal Laberge – Victoriaville (QMJHL)
F Ivan Kosorenkov – Victoriaville (QMJHL)
F German Rubtsov – Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
G Carter Hart – Everett (WHL)
F Nicolas Aube-Kubel – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
F Radel Fazleev – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
F Tyrell Goulbourne – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
F Danick Martel – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
F Carsen Twarynski – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
F Mikhail Vorobyev – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
D James de Haas – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
D Mark Friedman – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
D Maxim Lamarche – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
D Philippe Myers – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
D Reece Willcox – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
G Leland Irving – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
G John Muse – Lehigh Valley (AHL)
St. Louis Blues
F Alexey Toropchenko – Guelph (OHL)
F Justin Selman – San Antonio (AHL)
D Dmitrii Sergeev – San Antonio (AHL)
F Ty Loney – released from PTO
D Michael McKee – released from PTO
Tampa Bay Lightning
F Boris Katchouk – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
D Cal Foote – Kelowna (WHL)
D Libor Hajek – Saskatoon (WHL)
Vancouver Canucks
F Jakob Stukel – Calgary (WHL)
F Danny Moynihan – Utica (AHL)
D Anton Cederholm – Utica (AHL)
D Mackenze Stewart – Utica (AHL)
Washington Capitals
F Damien Riat – Geneve-Servette (NLA)
F Kristian Marthinsen – Almtuna (Sweden)
F Beck Malenstyn – Calgary (WHL)
F Garrett Pilon – Kamloops (WHL)
F Robbie Baillargeon – South Carolina (ECHL)
F Tanner Jeannot – Moose Jaw (WHL)
F Brendan Semchuk – Vancouver (WHL)
F Mark Simpson – University of New Brunswick (CIS)
D Dmitri Zaitsev – Moose Jaw (WHL)
F Jimmy Devito – released from ATO
G Adam Morrison – released from PTO
Winnipeg Jets
F Jordy Stallard – Prince Albert (WHL)
F Skyler McKenzie – Portland (WHL)
D Luke Green – Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
D Leon Gawanke – Cape Breton (QMJHL)
Red Wings Notes: Rebuilding, LCA, Parenteau, Athanasiou
After 25 years of sustained success where the team didn’t miss the playoffs, the Detroit Red Wings are entering a new phase of reality—and it will be painful writes the Athletic’s Corey Pronman. There is an entire generation of Detroit fans who didn’t know the playoffs without the Red Wings in them, but that will become a harsh truth as Detroit attempts to restock a steady–but hardly elite cupboard of talent. Pronman identifies Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, and Andreas Athanasiou as the pillars of hope for Detroit, but they are hardly the likes of Steve Yzerman, Sergei Fedorov or Nicklas Lidstrom, players the Red Wings rode into Stanley Cup glory two decades ago. Pronman continues, writing that it’s not a knock on the players but instead, shows just how hard it is to win consistently in the NHL. Additionally, he reminds Wings fans looking for a full teardown that there is only a 25% chance that tanking will garner a #1 pick–which may not even pan out. Regardless of the path they take, Detroit is surely in for bumpy times ahead.
- The Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James quotes Wings coach Jeff Blashill calling the new Little Caesars Arena the “Ritz Carlton” of hockey arenas. After years of playing at the hastily constructed and outdated Joe Louis Arena, the Red Wings step into a state of the art facility that houses a practice rink and mammoth 25,000 square foot locker room.
- St. James also writes that P.A. Parenteau, who signed a PTO with the Red Wings has the best chance of getting a permanent spot by boosting the Red Wings powerplay. Last season, Detroit was dreadful with the man advantage and Parenteau has made a career of potting powerplay goals and it may be a perfect match for both the Wings and the nine-year veteran.
- The Red Wings are “standing firm” on their contract offer to forward Andreas Athanasiou, putting a two-year, $3.8M deal on the table. TSN’s Bob McKenzie cited progress between the camps and TSN reported that general manager Ken Holland expects to make a move in order to get cap compliant.
Brian Hart, Cameron Darcy Clear Unconditional Waivers
The Tampa Bay Lightning placed both Brian Hart and Cameron Darcy on unconditional waivers yesterday for the purpose of a mutual contract termination according to CapFriendly. The pair each had one year left on their entry-level contracts, but will become free agents after the termination is made official.
Hart was drafted in the second round five years ago, but hasn’t been able to develop into the power forward that was expected. In three seasons at Harvard, and two professional seasons split between the AHL and ECHL, Hart never did bring the offensive game that he showed in his high school days in Maine. In 33 games with the Syracuse Crunch last season, he registered just seven points. He’ll likely have to settle for a two-way minor league deal somewhere.
Darcy on the other hand was a seventh-round pick who was exceptional in the QMJHL, but has had trouble at the professional level. Still, he scored 25 points in 20 games for the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings last season, and has always shown a knack for setting up his teammates.
Stralman Misses Third Day Of Camp
Nail Yakupov‘s story is quite well known. Edmonton’s first-overall pick in the 2012 draft, who started his career off right with 17 goals in a 48-game strike-shortened season, started a downward spiral that led to him getting traded to St. Louis and then finding himself getting benched and sitting in the press box not long after coach Mike Yeo took over. Now, signing a one-year “prove it” deal with the offensively challenged Colorado Avalanche, the 23-year-old is out to show that he still belongs in the NHL.
After that 17 goal season in 2012-13, his numbers tapered off, dropping to 11, then up to 14 and down to eight. His three goals in 40 games was a sign that he may be running out of time. However, according to AJ Haefele of BSN Denver, Yakupov is doing everything he can to resurrect his career in Colorado. “This is a chance I have to take,” the normally chatty Yakupov said succinctly.
Early reports say that Yakupov’s effort and skills are showing in training camp. During today’s scrimmage, BSN’s Adrian Dater tweeted that Yakupov was diving in front of pucks and showed his hunger. He had two assists in the scrimmage. The Avalanche need the youngster to rebound as the team finished last with 165 goals and managed just 48 points as a team. He is currently partnered with Matt Duchene and while that matchup is likely not going to stick, he looks like he is heading for regular minutes again.
- Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times writes that Tampa Bay veteran defenseman Anton Stralman missed his third straight practice today with an undisclosed injury, but he did skate and stickhandle on his own. The 31-year-old defenseman had a down year with just 22 points, but is still considered to be a top-pairing defenseman.
- Another defenseman who is also missing time is Buffalo’s Marco Scandella missed practice, according to John Vogl of the Buffalo News. The 27-year-old blueliner, who came over from Minnesota this offseason had arthroscopic surgery on his left hip in May was forced to take a day off. After putting up 13 points in limited minutes with the Wild a year ago, the Sabres hope Scandella can take that next step this year.
- Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald writes that Curtis Lazar is ready to make the Calgary Flames roster. The 22-year-old center and former 2013 first-round pick of the Ottawa Senators had mononucleosis last year, missing all of training camp and the early part of the season and was never able to regain his form, prompting a trade from Ottawa to Calgary. According to Odland, he has regained the weight he lost from the illness and bulked up and has looked good in camp so far.