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Morning Notes: Trotz, Predators, Saints

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The future is still cloudy for reigning Stanley Cup Champion head coach Barry Trotz, as no one has a clear read on where he will go next. Trotz resigned from the Washington Capitals after the two sides couldn’t agree on a salary increase, and now there is rampant speculation that he will join the New York Islanders under Lou Lamoriello. Nothing under Lamoriello though is ever certain until a press release is given out—and even those can be misleading at times—which is why Arthur Staple of The Athletic (subscription required) can’t say for sure what’s about to happen.

Staple writes that some of his sources around the league believe Trotz has already agreed to come on board with the Islanders for what would likely be a five-year deal worth around $25MM, but knows Lamoriello well enough to not report any guarantees. Staple writes that there was “stony silence” on Wednesday from everyone involved. The Islanders fired head coach Doug Weight quickly after Lamoriello took control of the hockey operations, and are one of only two (including Washington) vacancies around the league.

*Moments after posting this, both Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet and Darren Dreger of TSN reported that the Islanders and Trotz were closing in on a deal.

  • The Nashville Predators have shuffled around some people in the organization, promoting Tom Nolan to Chief Amateur Scout in the wake of Jeff Kealty being bumped up from that position to Assistant General Manager. The team has also moved Stan Drulia from the coaching side of the Milwaukee Admirals to the scouting division within the Predators front office. All of these moves were caused by long-time AGM Paul Fenton accepting a role in Minnesota, allowing an opportunity to move everyone up a step on the executive ladder. Nolan has been credited with finding a ton of the Predators top players, with the team release naming Ryan Ellis, Kevin Fiala, Colton Sissons, Eeli Tolvanen, Viktor Arvidsson and Juuse Saros as players drafted as a direct result of his work. He’ll try again tomorrow night when the Predators will have to wait until the third round to make a selection.
  • The Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL have been purchased by a group of former and current NHL players and coaches. Names like Johnny Gaudreau, Zemgus Girgensons, Dan Bylsma and Peter Luukko have surfaced from the sale, a move that several other former players have done in various junior leagues around the world. Gaudreau played one season for the Saints in 2010-11, scoring 72 points in 60 games and winning the league championship before heading to Boston College.

Snapshots: Trotz, Tavares, Salary Cap, Seattle

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As soon as Barry Trotz announced his resignation from the Washington Capitals, the vast majority of speculation pointed to him joining the Metropolitan Division-rival New York Islanders, now under the control of famed executive Lou Lamoriello. Recent events will only add fuel to that fire. Newsday’s Andrew Gross believes that Lamoriello prefers to have a coach named before the beginning of the NHL Draft in Dallas on Friday. While Gross notes that Lamoriello will not rush if time doesn’t permit him to fully consider his choice, it seems likely that Lamoriello knows who he wants and simply wants to finalize terms ahead of a major roster-building event. Yet there have been no reports of any candidates formally interviewing for the Islanders’ head coach vacancy, though several names have been brought up so far. However, who was spotted at an airport in Newark yesterday but Trotz. As expected, it seems Trotz is likely on his way in to New York to meet with Lamoriello and the Islanders and, if all goes well, Lamoriello will make the call prior to the draft.

  • Another important note for the pace of the Islanders’ head coach hiring is its impact on the John Tavares situation. With each day closer to the opening of free agency, the Isles lose control over their superstar player. If Lamoriello can land Trotz, one of the top coaches in the game, it could help to finalize an extension with Tavares. However, at this point it seems inevitable that Tavares will at least meet with interested teams. In fact, he and agent Pat Brisson have already whittled down the suitors. While no organizations have been specifically named, TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that if Tavares entertains other offers, he will likely only meet with up to five other teams. This self-limited market could benefit the Islanders, but it could also indicate to each of the five teams that they have a legitimate chance of signing Tavares and could up the ante. Only time will tell as July 1st fast approaches.
  • As teams get ready to spend this summer, there is still some question as to what limit they will have. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly estimated earlier this month that the salary cap ceiling for 2018-19 would rise to somewhere between $78-82MM from its current $75MM. This would present quite a jump, but still leaves teams with a $4MM window of possibility. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston states that clarification is coming soon. He expects an official announcement in the next day or two, likely prior to the start of the draft on Friday. Johnston estimates a narrower range of possibility, speculating that the cap limit will be somewhere on the lower end to midpoint of the original projection, between $79-80MM.
  • Looking further ahead, Don Muret of the Oak View Group relayed information today from recently named CEO and President of the Seattle expansion team Tod Leiweke. Leiweke, the younger brother of Oak View CEO and part owner in the venture Tim Leiweke, has clarified the timeline of the expansion process somewhat over the next year or so. Leiweke stated that both the NHL Board of Governors and the city of Seattle will have their final vote in early September. Assuming the team is moving forward, they will break ground on a new stadium in October. Leiweke expects that construction will be a two-year project, likely meaning that Seattle’s inaugural season will be 2020-21. Regardless, Leiweke and company expect to reveal a name for the future team in the first quarter of 2019. This process is moving a bit slower than it did with the Vegas Golden Knights, but still seems to be full steam ahead.

Toronto Notes: Keefe, Dubas, Draft, Greening

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While winning a Calder Cup championship historically bodes well for that AHL head coach, so far it doesn’t look like it will help Toronto Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe with getting an NHL gig.

Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reports that no NHL team has requested permission from the Maple Leafs to speak with Keefe. The 37-year-old highly-touted coach was on many teams list earlier this offseason when there were many coaching lists. He was rumored to have been on the candidate list for job openings in Dallas and the New York Rangers. However, most of the NHL coaching vacancies were already filled before his team finished their playoff run.

Now there are only two current NHL head coaching positions remaining and the Washington Capitals are technically already set as the team is expected to either re-sign Barry Trotz, who is a free agent, or promote assistant coach Todd Reirden. That leaves the New York Islanders, which seems like a good fit with former Maple Leafs Lou Lamoriello now in charge in New York. However, Lamoriello is well-known for keeping things to himself.

Keefe posted a 150-63-15 record in three seasons with the Toronto Marlies with two all-star appearances and two 54-win seasons in that span. Nine NHL coaches currently sport AHL titles, so it’s likely Keefe will get that opportunity at some point, but whether it will be this year might be another question.

  • Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said the team has made no definitive decisions on their unrestricted free agents, which include James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak and Leo Komarov amongst others, according to The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler. The scribe reports that Dubas is still in touch with their agents, but speculates that it sounds like nothing is in the works. Dubas also said that he expects that the success of the Marlies will have an effect on their outlook on free agency as many of those players will be in the mix for next year’s Maple Leafs’ roster.
  • While the perception is that Dubas has a draft history of trading down, the GM said he is more than willing to consider moving up in this draft, especially with all the assets the team has, according to The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel. “I think if there is an opportunity for us to add players that can help our team, we have the capital in draft choices to be able to do so,” Dubas said.
  • TSN’s Kristen Shilton reports that Colin Greening has chosen to re-sign with the Toronto Marlies as he has signed a one-year deal with the AHL franchise. The alternate captain of the Calder Cup champions opted to return to the team after posting 16 goals this season as a veteran presence for the team. After playing in 286 NHL games throughout his career, he has accepted his role as a veteran leader for the minor league franchise. He played a critical role in the Marlies’ playoff run, putting up four goals and nine points.

Capitals Have Not Made Contract Offer To Barry Trotz

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The Washington Capitals, defending Stanley Cup champions, would like to bring back the man who led them to the promised land, head coach Barry Trotz. Trotz was in the final year of his contract and will be a free agent along with the players when the new league year begins. It is common sense for Washington to want him back, but has nonetheless been reported by several sources as well. Yet, the Caps have a funny way of showing their loyalty to Trotz; Sportsnet’s John Shannon reports that the team has yet to extend a contract offer to their coach.

Trotz, 55, has long been expected to be a free agent this summer. Despite a immensely successful career by a wins standard, Trotz had often been criticized for not being able to get the job done in the postseason. That excuse is out the door now, after the Capitals secured their first Cup title in franchise history last week. As a result, rumors of Trotz’ free agency were also supposed to be thrown away. It seemed like a sure thing that GM Brian MacLellan and the Caps would want to retain his services. However, an offer has yet to be made and Shannon adds that the two sides do not have any meetings schedule to negotiate an extension.

This could simply be the pre-occupied champions dragging their feet or focusing all of their attention to catching up on draft and free agency preparations. Of course, it could be something else entirely. It’s possible that Trotz, now a championship coach, is intrigued with the possibility of other positions. Lou Lamoriello and the New York Islanders are known to be eyeing Trotz for their current vacancy, while it has also been rumored that at least one team with a head coach has considered hiring Trotz regardless if he was to become available. Trotz has reportedly had some preliminary contract talks with the Capitals already and it could be that the recent title and his improved free agent status has raised the price tag beyond what Washington is comfortable paying. This very real possibility is only supported further by the idea that the team had been grooming assistant Todd Reirden to take over. Anticipating the expiration of Trotz’ contract and, after years of letdowns, not expecting their miraculous Stanley Cup run, the Capitals were reportedly comfortable with handing the job off to Reirden. Of course, the situation has changed greatly, but if the price is too high to retain Trotz, Washington would not panic, but could simply stick with their original plan.

The odds still favor an extension for Trotz. He is fresh off of a title with the Capitals, knows and trusts his players and staff, and understands that his best chance at another Cup is likely to stay in Washington. However, Shannon’s report that – with days remaining on his contract – Trotz does not have an extension offer nor any scheduled meetings to discuss a new deal, raises questions. The lure of more money and a new challenge could be enticing Trotz and his asking price could be scaring off the Capitals. Only time will tell, but suddenly the idea of one of the winningest coaches in NHL history hitting the free agent market is back in the realm of possibility.

Snapshots: Islanders, Gudlevskis, Lucic, Canadiens

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The New York Islanders have made a coaching move, but not the anticipated one. Still lacking a head coach for his team, Lou Lamoriello has nevertheless made another change to the coaching staff, firing assistant Greg Cronin. The Athletic’s Arthur Staple confirmed the move, but added that no other coaching decisions have been made yet at the NHL or AHL level. Staple also had nothing to say about any of the motivations behind Cronin’s departure. Ironically, if Lamoriello was to tab Boston Bruins’ assistant Jay Pandolfo as his head coach, the Boston native Cronin would be an easy fix to replace him.

  • The Islanders have struggled in net for too long and need to make a change at goalie. That all but rules out recycling any of their unrestricted free agent goaltenders. Jaroslav Halak, Christopher Gibson, and Kristers Gudlevskis are all set to hit the open market and of the three, Gudlevskis faces the lowest chances of finding employment again in the NHL. Once a highly-regarded prospect for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Gudlevskis play in the AHL simply never reached an elite level that would have warranted an extended look at the highest level. This past season, he performed poorly and was handily outplayed by Gibson. As such, he may not have many opportunities in North America next season. It is no surprise then that Latvian news outlet OlyBet reports that Gudlevksis has had preliminary talks with Dinamo Riga, the KHL team in his native country. Gudlevskis was brought up in the Riga junior ranks and even appeared in two games with the big league team before coming overseas. Gudlevskis has never returned to Europe since and his preference would likely be to stay in the NHL, but it would be a natural fit with Dinamo if the offers don’t come from NHL teams this summer.
  • In today’s edition of TSN’s “Insider Trading”, Pierre LeBrun and Darren Dreger have set the record straight about the trade market for Edmonton Oilers forward Milan Lucic. It was previously believed that the Oilers were shopping Lucic in hopes of ridding themselves of his contract, but in speaking with several team executives, LeBrun and Dreger feel that is not the case. Instead, they have heard that Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli is seeking hockey trades rather than cap dump trades for Lucic. This would indicate that it is Lucic who has requested the trade and Edmonton is simply trying to oblige him.
  • One team rumored to be in on Lucic is actually out, according to LeBrun. The Montreal Canadiens, who pursued the power forward and former Bruins enforcer vigorously when he initially hit free agency, were speculated to again be interested in acquiring Lucic. The Habs could use some size up front and Lucic shared a strong rapport with coach Claude Julien when the pair were in Boston. However, LeBrun states that they are definitively “out” on Lucic.

John Tavares Focusing On Extension With New York Islanders

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We’re just a few weeks away from a potential superstar hitting the free agent market, but teams shouldn’t count the New York Islanders out just yet. Darren Dreger of TSN reports that John Tavares has been in constant communication with GM Lou Lamoriello, and is focused on extension negotiations with his current team. Dreger speculates that a deal could come together quickly, though obviously nothing is done yet. Tavares could still wait until the interview period that starts just a few days after the upcoming draft, in which he could talk to potential suitors to see what kind of deals are out on the open market.

The fact that Tavares is working towards an extension should come as no real surprise. Even though Lamoriello cleaned house soon after he arrived in New York, Tavares has always maintained the fact that he wants to stay with the Islanders his whole career if possible. While circumstances around the success and stability of the organization may have thrown that into uncertainty, there was still always a chance that he would re-sign with the team that drafted him. That chance seems to be alive and well, even though it feels every day like Tavares is closer to free agency.

One of Lamoriello’s most often used phrases is “if you have time, use it” but you can bet he would love to have some certainty on Tavares before heading into the draft next Friday. Teams are allowed to start talking to potential free agents on June 25th, at which point all bets are off on who will eventually land the superstar center. There would also be the option of trading Tavares’ rights if a deal couldn’t be agreed to, in order to take advantage of the eighth year that the Islanders can offer. It is important to remember though that a situation like that would have to be a sign-and-trade, since only the team who owned a player’s rights at the most recent trade deadline is allowed to extend an eight-year offer. Should they trade Tavares without a contract in place already, the acquiring team could only offer him seven years. The Islanders themselves could only offer seven should Tavares wait until July 1st, making it hard to imagine a situation where they re-sign him after that date.

If the team retains their captain, the Islanders would be locked in long-term with two offensive stars down the middle. Mathew Barzal proved as a rookie that he can handle a huge load offensively, making defense and goaltending the biggest issues for Lamoriello to address later this offseason. With rumors of Philipp Grubauer’s availability, and other defensemen on the block, this could be a summer filled with fireworks for the Islanders. They’re armed with two first-round picks in next week’s draft, an asset Lamoriello has never been shy to move for the right player.

New York Islanders Hire Steve Pellegrini As Assistant General Manager

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The New York Islanders have made another addition to their front office, hiring Steve Pellegrini as an Assistant General Manager. Pellegrini will work along with current AGM Chris Lamoriello, and has previous experience with GM Lou Lamoriello from their days with the New Jersey Devils.

Pellegrini has experience with player development and acquisition, but really brings expertise in all things CBA related after working with the NHL’s Central Registry for the better part of a decade. Very familiar with contract terms and cap structure, he’ll be a worthwhile addition to a front office trying to turn around a struggling franchise. Lamoriello has been known for his “loophole” tactics, many of which were done with Pellegrini by his side in New Jersey.

Bringing in a skilled negotiator can only help the Islanders as they desperately try to retain John Tavares before he hits the open market in a few weeks. Other teams are allowed to speak with the star forward just a few days after the upcoming draft, which would likely only weaken the Islanders position. A mega contract of that type obviously has cap ramifications, something that Pellegrini will be able to help with as the Islanders try to navigate future deals with young star Mathew Barzal and others.

Trotz Will Have Leverage Against Capitals In Contract Negotiations

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Barry Trotz couldn’t be in a better position for a free agent.

The 2018-19 Stanley Cup Champion-winning coach accomplished that feat on an expiring contract and now becomes that rare free agent coach who should cash in on his success. While Trotz has said that he “absolutely” sees a future for himself in Washington next season after the team won the Stanley Cup on Thursday, he suddenly has all the power.

The Athletic’s Craig Custance (subscription required) writes that Trotz is in rare company for a head coach as few great coaches hit the open market. Not only has he fared so well, but Washington was likely expected to move on from Trotz had the team been knocked out of the first round against the Blue Jackets. In fact, Custance writes that he was assigned to cover Game 3 of Washington’s first-round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Had the team lost in Columbus, he would have written a story about the end of Trotz’ tenure in Washington. It was believed that Trotz’ contract would not be renewed and the team had a plan to hire assistant coach Todd Reirden, who had one more year on his deal, as the new head coach. The fact that both Trotz and long-time assistant coach Lane Lambert were on their final year of their contract, only made the rumor seem more realistic.

If anything, that will only give Trotz more power to negotiate a new deal. In 2015, Mike Babcock was in a similar situation as Detroit, San Jose, Toronto and Buffalo all were bidding on bringing Babcock aboard. However, Trotz’s situation has some differences. There aren’t many openings for Trotz to choose from now as most teams have found their head coach. In fact there is just one coaching opening remaining (besides the Capitals) — the New York Islanders. Would Trotz consider leaving Washington to join up with Lou Lamoriello?

Custance writes that Trotz’ salary will not likely compare to Babcock’s eight-year, $50MM contract he signed with Toronto. However, he believes that at a minimum, Trotz should be able to make $4MM per year and if the Islanders really want the veteran coach, maybe higher.

Regardless, Trotz is likely to take a few days to enjoy the moment before he begins negotiating. Will he be negotiating with one team or two?

 

Poll: New York Islanders’ Next Head Coach

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When Lou Lamoriello cleaned house this week, firing Islanders GM Garth Snow and head coach Doug Weight, it became very clear that the legendary executive was in total control in New York and has a plan to turn the franchise around. That plan now includes hiring a new head coach, which is admittedly more difficult to do at this point in the off-season, but there will still be plenty of willing applicants for the job. However, Lamoriello will turn 76 this year and this is almost surely his last hurrah as the architect of a franchise. As such, the candidates for the Isles’ head coaching vacancy will be limited. Lamoriello seems unlikely to hire a first-time head coach or a more out-of-the-box option. He is likely looking at experienced, veteran coaches and those that the knows and trusts. Here are some of the names who could be considered as the the next head coach of the Islanders:

Barry Trotz: It has already been revealed that the Isles have interest in Trotz if he becomes a free agent after the Stanley Cup Final. The veteran coach does not have a contract in place with the Washington Capitals for next season and could decide to move on, either for more money or a new challenge after potentially winning the Cup. It seems more likely that Trotz returns to the Caps, but Lamoriello would work quickly to lock him up if he chooses otherwise.

Alain Vigneault: Could Vigneault remain in New York after all? The former New York Rangers coach has extensive NHL experience and an all-around good track record of winning with several franchises. He would be a safe pick for Lamoriello as a wise and innovative mind behind the bench. The only knock on Vigneault, like many older coaches, is that he has the reputation of struggling with younger players. There are certainly some promising young athletes on the Islanders’ roster, but one would think that Lamoriello is leaning toward taking the team in a more veteran-centric route anyway.

Brent Sutter: A hiring that would go a long way with lifelong Islanders fans, the former New York captain brings nearly 20 years of NHL playing experience and another five seasons as an NHL head coach to the table. Sutter hasn’t been a coach in the NHL since his time with the Calgary Flames from 2009 to 2012, but in the meantime has been the coach and GM of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels. An experienced hockey mind in many ways, Sutter is more than qualified for the job. Add in that Sutter’s most successful seasons as an NHL head coach were with Lamoriello’s Devils and he may in fact be a top candidate. He could even boost his value further if he can bring in brother Darryl Sutter as an assistant.

Sheldon Keefe: Keefe’s name has been a popular one on the coaching market for more than a year now. The head coach of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, Keefe is currently competing for a Calder Cup to add to an already impressive minor league resume. Although the 37-year-old lacks NHL coaching experience, he knows Lamoriello through the Maple Leafs and perhaps no one has a better idea of his coaching ability than the former Toronto GM.

Jay Pandolfo: A Boston Bruins assistant and a long-time Devil during Lamoriello’s reign in New Jersey, Pandolfo is well-regarded among coaches and players. Recently a finalist for one of the biggest jobs in college hockey at Boston University, Pandolfo is searching for more responsibility, as he did as a player and locker room leader with the Devils. Lamoriello may be the man to give it to him. If Pandolfo can convince Anton Khudobin, one of the top goalies in a weak market, to follow him, that only helps his case.

John Madden: The current coach of the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters and a former assistant with the Florida Panthers, Madden was also once a two-way star with Lamoriello’s Devils as well and has an innate understanding of balanced play. Madden hasn’t had noteworthy success as a coach just yet, but seems destined to be a successful NHL coach someday. It would be easy to see Lamoriello trying to get to Madden before his stock rises.

Scott Stevens: It’s unknown if Stevens is open to returning to coaching after resigning from his role as an assistant with the Minnesota Wild in 2017 to take a TV job and spend more time with his family. If he is, Lamoriello could certainly kick the tires on his former star defenseman in New Jersey. Stevens served as an assistant with the Devils for three years prior to moving on to Minnesota and brings a greater understanding of the defensive aspects of the game than perhaps anyone else on this list.

So, who will Lamoriello choose to lead the Islanders into a brighter future?

Metro Notes: Grubauer, Trotz, Alzner, Hurricanes

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Although he eventually gave the starter’s job back to Braden Holtby this postseason, Washington Capitals goaltender Philipp Grubauer has more than proven himself to be a top option in 2017-18. The 26-year-old won over the leading role in net late in the regular season for the Caps and finished with a .923 save percentage and 2.35 GAA; both marks were substantially better than Holtby’s for the year albeit in 35 appearances versus 54 for Holtby. Entering restricted free agency this summer, Grubauer has shown the potential to be a starter in the NHL and will use that to cash in on his next contract. As such, that contract likely won’t be with Washington. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports that there is already considerable trade interest across the league in Grubauer, as the cap-strapped Capitals cannot afford an expensive backup goalie, especially since they hope to re-sign one of the top names on the free agent market in defenseman John Carlson. According to LeBrun, the leading suitors thus far, for obvious reasons, have been the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes. Both teams have underwhelming veteran starters heading to free agency – Jaroslav Halak and Cam Ward – with the disappointing backups that lost their jobs now slated to return to starting in Thomas Greiss and Scott Darling respectively. Grubauer would likely be an upgrade to either and at the very least would create some competition in net. LeBrun doubts that those two teams will be the only major contenders for Grubauer this off-season, citing that interest may increase once Washington wraps up the Stanley Cup final. It is also fair to be skeptical of the Capitals trading him within the division if they truly believe in his ability. Don’t rule out a Martin Jones scenario wherein the San Jose Sharks acquired Jones from the Los Angeles Kings through the Boston Bruins a few years back, much to the chagrin of the division rival Kings. One way or another, it seems likely that Grubauer’s time in Washington is over. At least it appears he could end his stay with a title.

  • A more surprising name who could also end his stay in D.C. with a Stanley Cup is head coach Barry Trotz. Trotz still does not have a contract for next season and LeBrun reports that the team has not had any talks with their bench boss during the postseason so as to remain focused. As a result, Trotz is able to consider his options once the season comes to an end. Assuming the Capitals extend an offer to their coach, who has always been a title away from being considered one of the best in the game, Trotz could simply choose to stay and defend his championship with a team that won’t change much this off-season. However, he could opt for more money or a new challenge with another franchise. Again, LeBrun adds that the Islanders are rumored to be in the running. After firing Doug Weight on Tuesday, the Isles are the only team in the league that currently has a vacancy at head coach and Lou Lamoriello could be intrigued by adding a proven winner to lead the team he is trying to turn around. If the offer was overwhelming, the Capitals may be content to give the job to assistant Todd Reirden, who LeBrun notes has long been considered the heir apparent. Only time will tell what Trotz’ decision is, but LeBrun reports that he and agent Gil Scott will meet to map out their plans as soon as the season ends.
  • One player upset at missing out on the Capitals’ current cap run is former defenseman Karl Alzner. Alzner, who was drafted by Washington with the 5th overall pick in 2007 and played nine seasons with the team, departed in free agency last summer, joining the Montreal Canadiens to the tune of five years and $23MM. While the contract was enticing for the stay-at-home defender, his desire to win was also one of the main reasons he left after repeated playoff collapses by the Caps. This makes the cruel irony of this season that much worse, as Washington seems poised to win its first ever Stanley Cup title while Alzner’s first year in Montreal was nothing short of a disaster by both individual and team performance standards. Unsurprisingly, when Alzner spoke on 960 The Fan in Calgary today he said he was “super jealous”. He goes on to say that he will be excited for his good friends on the team if they lift the Cup later in the series, but it’s hard to believe that Alzner won’t feel discouraged by the championship win as well. Unfortunately, a player who wanted so badly to win missed out by one season and chose to sign with a team that is quite far away from being a legitimate contender.
  • There has been a lot made already about the new administration in Carolina and the changes coming to the Hurricanes, but it seems unlikely that the news will stop anytime soon. LeBrun confirmed that new GM Don Waddell has been taking a lot of calls on his players and that a major move could be imminent. LeBrun says that scoring winger Jeff Skinner is the most likely to move and that a trade could be made in the next week or so. The price on Skinner is currently a first-round pick and prospect, which LeBrun says has soured some teams, but without pressure to make a deal, Waddell can hold on his asking prices and let the suitors budge. The same goes for his efforts to deal a defenseman. The Hurricanes are bursting at the seems with talented defenders, but that doesn’t mean that they have to make a trade. Instead, Waddell seems more likely to wait until he gets blown away by an offer, likely for veteran leader Justin Faulk or promising RFA Noah Hanifin, before he pulls the trigger. LeBrun also speculates that Elias Lindholm, another restricted free agent, could become available later this summer if the two sides can’t work out a long-term extension.

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