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Negotiation Notes: Backstrom, Markstrom, Babcock

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Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman had plenty to say on last night’s edition of “Saturday Headlines”, but none more important that news on negotiations between the Washington Capitals and star center Nicklas Backstrom. Despite his age, the 32-year-old Backstrom will be one of, if not the top player available should he hit the free agent market this coming summer. One of the top players in Capitals history, Backstrom is the epitome of consistency as a reliable 70+ point threat every year and he has shown no signs of slowing down. Washington previously stated that they would be patient with contract talks with both Backstrom and starting goalie Braden Holtby, but Friedman reports that negotiations are officially underway with Backstrom at least. On top of that, Backstrom has also elected not to use an agent for these extension talks, which could be a good indication that he is concerned more with staying in Washington than he is maximizing he free agency value. Backstrom showed a willingness to take term over money on his last deal – a ten-year, $67MM pact signed before the current eight-year limit was implemented – and he could do so again. While he won’t get a max-term offer, much less another decade deal from Washington, Backstrom also knows that he can command more than his previous $6.7MM cap hit. However, in terms of the current landscape of NHL contracts, it is very possible that Backstrom still opts to take a hometown discount to stay with the Caps that pays him below market value over a significant term, ensuring that he can stay and likely finish out his career in Washington.

  • Jacob Markstrom and the Vancouver Canucks have yet to formally begin contract extension talks, as the impending free agent goaltender has had personal issues to deal with early this season, but Friedman reports that those discussions are expected to “intensify” over the coming weeks. He believes that the Canucks, despite their depth in promising goalie prospects like Thatcher Demko and Michael DiPietro, still hope and plan on bringing Markstrom back. The team will have to make a significant commitment to do so, as the 29-year-old should draw considerable interest if he hits the open market this summer. Among impending UFA goalies, Markstrom is second only to Holtby right now in games played, with the next closest being geriatric options like Craig Anderson and Mike Smith. This is not to say that Holtby and Markstrom will be the only two keepers viewed as potential starters this summer, but he is one of a small group who can back up a claim of being an established NHL workhorse starter. Markstrom is also in the top five among potential free agent stoppers with at least ten games played in save percentage and goals against average. With relative youth and solid numbers on his side, Markstrom is easily looking at an improvement to his current three-year, $11MM contract, whether that offer comes from Vancouver or elsewhere.
  • As for a current free agent, recently-fired Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, Friedman warns not to get hopes up for a quick re-location. He states that “informal feelers” have already been sent out by teams and media members alike to see where Babcock’s head is at with regards to coaching again this season. There will likely be some more coaching vacancies down the road in 2019-20 and clubs will certainly be interested in at least talking to Babcock. However, Friedman has inferred from the results of those conversations that the coach is planning to take some time off before jumping into a new gig. Those closest to Babcock do not believe that he will coach again this season. It’s worth noting as well that Babcock is still under contract with Toronto, having only been relieved of his coaching duties for now, meaning all interested teams will first have to seek permission to interview the veteran bench boss.

Pacific Notes: Vancouver Penalty Kill, Brodie, Nygard, Vilardi

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The Vancouver Canucks may not be leading any categories in their penalty kill, but with a 13th-ranked special teams unit that kills off penalties at 82.9 percent, the team found itself challenged against Washington Saturday as the team was without four of its top penalty killers. The team played without Jay Beagle (hip), Brandon Sutter (groin), Tyler Motte (foot) and Alexander Edler (upper body), yet still fared quite well shutting down Washington’s power play on three separate occasions to win the game in a 2-1 shootout.

The Province’s Ben Kuzma writes that the team may be without that group for several more days and the success of the team’s battered penalty kill will likely have a big impact on the remainder of their three-game road trip throughout next week.

  • The Calgary Flames could be getting back defenseman T.J. Brodie sooner than later. The blueliner, who collapsed during practice on Nov. 14, skated on his own Saturday and, according to a Sportsnet report, is expected to join practice with the Flames on Sunday. The team has done a barrage of tests, but have found no evidence that Brodie’s collapse was nothing more than him fainting. Brodie has joined the team on their road trip and may return to action as soon as Monday against Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old has eight assists in 21 games.
  • Edmonton Oilers forward Joakim Nygard was brought in from the SHL to add a speedy winger who can immediately become a top-nine presence, who could help their quick-moving centers with some secondary scoring. However, despite his impressive speed in 10 games, Nygard just has one goal to show for it as he has struggled to finish around the net. Edmonton Sun’s Jim Matheson suggests that Nygard may be more of a third-line winger as opposed to a second-liner. “There’s still another level there,” said head coach Dave Tippett. “The good thing about him? He’s really determined, he’s not here to mess around. He wants to be a good player and that’s positive to see.”
  • The Athletic’s Lisa Dillman (subscription required) writes that Los Angeles Kings prospect Gabe Vilardi fared well in Friday’s AHL debut. The 11th-overall pick in 2017 has barely played in the past year and a half with a back injury, having seen four games with the AHL Ontario Reign last season. While Vilardi didn’t register a point, he did have a breakaway opportunity and looked happy throughout the contest. “Now, to see him last night, he had a smile on his face,” Kings director of player personnel Glen Murray said. “We lost the game (4-1). But for him, it was successful. It was a passing grade, for sure. He’s come a long way. It’s been a long year. He did well. To be off a year – his game legs aren’t going to be there – but he made some nice plays, won a lot of faceoffs and he had this breakaway in the third period last night.”

Poll: Which Team Most Needs To Make A Trade?

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At the quarter mark of the season, the wheels have begun turning for many general managers. Enough time has passed in the 2019-20 campaign to tell whether a team can contend as currently constructed or not. The standings at the end of November are usually a strong indicator of where teams will end up at the conclusion of the regular season and a number of clubs will not be happy with where they currently sit. The New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, and Edmonton Oilers hold the five best records in the NHL and may be content to wait for the NHL Trade Deadline to make a move, but others are already feeling the pressure to do so as soon as possible.

The two biggest disappointments of the season so far are easily the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames. The Flames were the regular season champs of the Western Conference with 107 points, while the Leafs were a 100-point team themselves. Yet, the struggle for both squads seemingly started in last year’s playoffs with frustrating first-round exits. Toronto again fell victim to the rival Boston Bruins, while Calgary was stunned in five games by the eight-seeded Colorado Avalanche. Both teams entered the new season with something to prove but have only found more disappointment. The Flames and Maple Leafs are shockingly just .500 teams through 20+ games apiece, with each riding a significant losing streak. Neither team has any cap space available, but are in desperate need of a shake-up nonetheless. The Leafs seem to be lacking an edge defensively (and could also use a goalie), while Calgary’s offense is third-worst in the league.

However, is maintaining relevance more important than finally achieving it? Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but after strong starts to the season, the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks appear to be tailing off yet again. Buffalo was electric to begin the year, just as they were in 2018-19, but are just 2-6-2 in their past ten games and would miss the playoffs if they started today. That would make it a league-worst nine years in a row without postseason hockey for the Sabres, who somehow need to find a way to stay consistent over the course of a season, especially in the Atlantic Division. A new addition up front would go a long way for Buffalo. The Canucks are doing a slightly better job, still holding down the third spot in the Pacific Division, but they are far from safe at their current pace. Vancouver’s .571 points percentage is just 16th in the league and the team is trending in the wrong direction, winning just three of their past ten contests. With the aforementioned Flames, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the red-hot San Jose Sharks on their heels, Vancouver cannot afford to let this lapse in play continue. Another missed postseason would make it five in a row. A veteran leader in the locker room who can also make an impact on the ice would be a major addition for the young Canucks.

Which one of these four teams most needs to make a trade to shake things up and get back to their winning ways? Or is there another team under pressure whose needs are even more immediate? Vote below and support your selection in the comments.

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Injury Notes: Bruins, Sabourin, Juolevi

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When the Boston Bruins placed Torey Krug on injured reserve earlier today, it was more a reflection of their injury-riddled lineup than it was the extent of his injury and timeline for recovery. While Krug is expected to miss at least a couple more games with an upper-body injury, the Bruins could not afford to wait that long to bring up reinforcements. Yet, the team had already recalled rookie Urho Vaakanainen to sub in for Krug, so it was veteran forward Paul Carey getting the all from AHL Providence. As it turns out, that move was made in response to Patrice Bergeron needing to take a seat tonight, as Boston hosts the Washington Capitals. Head coach Bruce Cassidy spoke to the media about the situation, indicating that Bergeron is dealing with a nagging lower-body injury, a frequent issue for the star center over the past few seasons, and the team feels that giving him the night off in the second game of a back-to-back may help to prevent the injury from lingering. Bergeron is considered day-to-day, but this is likely a case of load management and he could return to the lineup as soon as the team’s next game on Tuesday.

In more encouraging news for the injury-plagued Bruins, Cassidy noted that Krug skated this morning, as did forwards Jake DeBrusk and Brett Ritchie and defenseman John Moore, who has yet to play this season. Cassidy stated that Ritchie is the closest to returning and could be in play for Tuesday as well. The potential returns of Ritchie, DeBrusk, and Moore sooner rather than later would allow the Bruins to return to some state of normalcy, as they currently are lining up with an entire line – Carey, Par Lindholm, and Trent Frederic – of players who were not expected to have a regular role in Boston this season. The Bruins have done relatively well for themselves to not allow injuries to slow them down too much this season, but the team has struggled this past week or so and improved health would help to get them back on track.

  • Among the Bruins not yet ready to resume skating are Kevan Miller, Karson Kuhlman, Zach Senyshyn, and David Backes. Backes has been out since early November following a violent collision with Ottawa Senators forward Scott Sabourin, which left the latter hospitalized. There is no time table for Backes’ return, and the same goes for Sabourin. The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reports that the journeyman grinder has finally resumed working out, but exclusively off the ice. Sabourin has not been cleared to resume skating and the Senators have not released any details on when to expect him to return to play. While Backes’ history with head injuries it what is keeping him off the ice, it was very evident from the collision that it was Sabourin who received the more serious hit to the head and is likely dealing with a severe concussion.
  • Another season, another setback for Vancouver Canucks’ defensive prospect Olli Juolevi. Canucks GM Jim Benning announced that Juolevi has been removed from the roster of the AHL’s Utica Comets and is on his way to Vancouver to undergo medical testing. Although all reports out of Utica were that Juolevi’s recent absences from practice were precautionary, the status quo has clearly changed, as he is now expected to miss considerable time. This is purportedly a new lower-body injury plaguing Juolevi, unrelated to the issue that cost him all but 18 AHL games last year. The 2016 No. 5 overall pick seems as far away from making his NHL debut as ever before and it’s fair to begin wondering if he will ever be an impact player in Vancouver.

Snapshots: Brodie, Luongo, Vande Sompel

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There was a frightening moment at Calgary Flames practice today when defenseman T.J. Brodie collapsed and started convulsing on the ice. Paramedics were called to the rink and Brodie was transported to hospital. He was “alert and responsive” according to the team, and has been discharged.  A further update is expected on Friday morning.

Everyone in the hockey world is hoping for a speedy recovery for the veteran defenseman.

  • When Roberto Luongo took a job with the Florida Panthers, questions started being raised about the cap recapture penalties that his retirement had caused earlier this summer. The Panthers and Vancouver Canucks are currently dealing with cap penalties because of the structure of Luongo’s contract, but Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic (subscription required) reports that there will be no relief given now that he is employed by Florida once again. Both teams and the league addressed the issue before the hiring and determined that it was not cap circumvention in any way. LeBrun goes on to examine the other potential recapture situations around the league.
  • While providing updates on several of his injured players, New York Islanders Lou Lamoriello told reporters today that Mitch Vande Sompel will likely be out for the entire season. Vande Sompel suffered an injury in training camp when he crashed into the net and has been on season-opening injured reserve all year. The 22-year old defenseman scored 31 points in 70 games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last season and was an up-and-coming prospect for the Islanders.

Canucks Place Brandon Sutter On Injured Reserve

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As the story of Brandon Sutter’s recent injury has unraveled, the extent of the injury has in fact become less clear. After Sutter was forced out of Tuesday night’s game between the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators, The Province’s Patrick Johnston writes that the veteran center was in good spirits and said his unknown ailment was “only minor”. GM Jim Benning backed that claim, stating that Sutter would go in for an MRI on Wednesday morning, but that he was hopeful that he wouldn’t miss much time. Yet, as Wednesday wore on, the Canucks made not one but a pair of additions up front, recalling Zack MacEwen and, more notably, a center in Tyler Graovac. As if the hint wasn’t enough that Sutter’s status wasn’t positive, TSN’s Jeff Paterson now points out that Sutter has officially been placed on the injured reserve.

While the move is retroactive to Tuesday, it still leaves Vancouver without Sutter for at least the next four games. He must spend a minimum of ten days out of the lineup while on IR, meaning he will miss match-ups with the Colorado Avalanche, two with the Dallas Stars, and a rematch with the Predators. He will also still be on the shelf when the Canucks depart on a six-game road trip, raising some question over whether he would meet the team on the road if healthy or if he could potentially miss another four games while waiting to make his return at home. Sutter has quietly played an important role for the resurgent Canucks this season, as he is currently fifth on the team in goals and leads all forwards in plus/minus. Somewhat surprisingly, with eight points through 19 games, Sutter was on pace for 35 points through a full 82-game season this year, which would have been the second-best scoring campaign of his career and his best in Vancouver. This injury will likely limit that upside, but Sutter has already surpassed his six total points from last year and could challenge his 26 points from the year before.

Even more so than just Sutter alone, the Canucks real challenge is dealing with both he and Jay Beagle being sidelined at the moment. Beagle missed Tuesday night’s game due to stiffness and there has been no word on his condition either. The duo are both key two way centers and the team’s top penalty killers, not to mention responsible for a majority of face-offs. Without a timeline for either veteran to return to the lineup, Vancouver will have to prepare as if they need a long-term solution for their lack of defense and experience down the middle. The rugged, physical Graovac hopes to help out while on recall, while Adam Gaudette lined up at center on Tuesday and will likely remain there. Johnston also writes that Antoine Roussel, another established two-way contributor, has begun skating with his teammates and could make his return to the lineup after a conditioning stint in the AHL. The Canucks hope it won’t take that long for Sutter or Beagle to return to the lineup, but for now that remains a mystery and the team must get ready for a busy stretch without two key veteran leaders.

Minor Transactions: 11/13/19

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Of all the talent suiting up in the NHL last night, perhaps the most unlikely star emerged in Colorado. Avalanche goaltender Adam Werner was forced into action when Pavel Francouz suffered an injury and made 40 saves en route to a shutout in his first career game. The Swedish netminder was selected in the fifth round three years ago and dominated the SHL last season.

Five more games are on the schedule tonight and as teams prepare, PHR will be right here keeping track of all the minor moves.

  • Late last night the Montreal Canadiens decided to send Ryan Poehling back to the minor leagues, giving him a chance to get some more ice time. Poehling had been playing fewer than ten minutes a night for the Canadiens and will get a bigger opportunity with the Laval Rocket.
  • The Winnipeg Jets have recalled prospect Michael Spacek from the minor leagues, giving the young forward the first NHL opportunity of his career. Selected in the fourth round in 2015, he was a standout for the Czech Republic at the World Juniors and has been a regular for the Manitoba Moose the last two seasons.
  • Zack MacEwen and Tyler Graovac have both been recalled by the Vancouver Canucks, who have also reassigned Jalen Chatfield. Chatfield did not actually suit up for the Canucks on his recall; the 23-year-old has yet to make his NHL debut. The team is back in action tomorrow against the Dallas Stars.
  • Jonathan Ericsson is back up with the Detroit Red Wings, at least for the time being. The team announced that the long-time defenseman, recently buried in the AHL, has been recalled, while Justin Abdelkader and Patrik Nemeth have been placed on injured reserve, retroactive to November 10th.

Minor Transactions: 11/08/19

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So much for a Colorado Avalanche team struggling to score without two members of their top line. The team exploded for six second period goals last night to down the Nashville Predators 9-4, but did lose another few bodies to injury. While we wait for news on Nathan MacKinnon’s precautionary removal, the rest of the league is preparing for the weekend action. As always, we’ll keep track of all the minor moves right here.

  • Last night the Detroit Red Wings sent Joe Hicketts back to the minor leagues, ending his short run in the NHL. The 23-year old defenseman averaged just over 18 minutes a game in four contests, but will have to wait for his next opportunity at the highest level.
  • The Philadelphia Flyers have recalled veteran forward Andy Andreoff while loaning Mikhail Vorobyev back to the minor leagues. Andreoff, 28, hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2017-18 season with the Los Angeles Kings, but does have seven points in 10 games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
  • After clearing waivers, Tomas Jurco and Nic Petan have both been assigned to the minor leagues by their respective teams. Martin Marincin has avoided that fate for the time being, though the Toronto Maple Leafs are still expected to clear a few more bodies before Zach Hyman returns next week.
  • Otto Koivula is back up from the minor leagues for the New York Islanders, which could mean their injured forwards aren’t quite ready to return just yet. Jordan Eberle and Leo Komarov both practiced in regular jerseys today, but aren’t guaranteed to be ready for tomorrow’s afternoon game.
  • Jalen Chatfield has received his first call-up of the season and is on his way to join the Vancouver Canucks. The 23-year old defenseman has yet to make his NHL debut and will serve as insurance for Chris Tanev who is dealing with injury.
  • Kyle Capobianco has been sent back to the AHL, meaning Jordan Oesterle may be ready to go for the Arizona Coyotes. The 22-year old Capobianco has to be used to this by now after being involved in six transactions since the start of the season.
  • Gavin Bayreuther has been recalled by the Dallas Stars, giving the team an extra defenseman as they deal with injuries on the back end. The 25-year old played 19 games for Dallas last season, scoring five points and recording 10 penalty minutes.

Minor Transactions: 11/06/19

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Last night was another step in the right direction for three struggling Western Conference teams, as the Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild were all victorious in their respective matchups. The same can not be said about the Los Angeles Kings, who are now 5-10 and have trade rumors swirling all about. Just two games are on the schedule tonight, and as teams prepare for that action we’ll be right here keeping track of all the minor moves.

  • With Alexandre Texier nearing a return, the Columbus Blue Jackets have sent Markus Hannikainen to the minor leagues. Hannikainen still hasn’t played in a single game for the Blue Jackets this season after suiting up 44 times in 2018-19. The 26-year old is just injury depth at this point.
  • Dominic Toninato has been recalled by the Florida Panthers, after they sent Riley Stillman back yesterday. The Panthers acquired Toninato from the Colorado Avalanche just a few months ago, and this will be his first call-up with the organization.
  • German Rubtsov’s time with the NHL club is over for now, as the Philadelphia Flyers have sent him back to the AHL and recalled Mikhail Vorobyev. In three games Rubtsov was held scoreless and still looks to have some development to do in the minor leagues. The 21-year old has played just 21 AHL games so far after injury robbed him of much of the 2018-19 season.
  • Nicolas Hague and Nicolas Roy are on their way back to the Chicago Wolves, the latest in a series of transactions for the pair of Vegas Golden Knights prospects. The team is using off days to bank some cap space, but could recall one or both down the road.
  • The Vancouver Canucks have sent Ashton Sautner back down, a good sign after he was forced from his only game with an injury. The 25-year old defenseman won’t be a full-time player for the Canucks this season, but is valuable injury depth.
  • Josh Mahura has been assigned to the Anaheim Ducks, another likely cap-saving move that while the team waits for their next game. The Ducks don’t play again until Sunday.
  • Zachary Senyshyn and Cameron Hughes have both been sent back down by the Boston Bruins, who don’t play again until Friday evening. At least one of the young forwards will likely be recalled at that time, but for now the team will save some cap space on the off days.
  • Jayson Megna has been returned to the AHL by the Colorado Avalanche, with T.J. Tynan taking his place on the NHL roster. The 27-year old Tynan has been on fire at the minor league level, scoring 12 points in his first ten games for the Colorado Eagles.
  • The Washington Capitals have returned Liam O’Brien to the minor leagues, giving him a chance at some playing time after sitting on the sidelines the last few days. O’Brien is an important player for the Hershey Bears, but hasn’t suited up for an NHL game since 2017-18.
  • The Chicago Blackhawks announced that defenseman Dennis Gilbert has been re-assigned to the AHL’s Rockford Ice Hogs. The 23-year-old has split his season between the NHL and AHL, most recently getting some starts in Chicago in place of Brent Seabrook. 

Early Notes: Klingberg, Canucks, Draft Rankings

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Darren Dreger of TSN reports that Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg will have an MRI today to determine the severity of his injury after being struck in the neck by a puck last night. The team announced to reporters including Matthew DeFranks of the Dallas Morning News that it would be at least two weeks, while Dreger suggests a 2-4 week timeline was the original prognosis.

The Stars are already without Andrej Sekera, Roman Polak and Stephen Johns, meaning their defensive depth will be stretched awfully thin over the next few weeks without Klingberg in the lineup. That comes just as they are finally hitting their stride, winning seven of their last eight games to climb back into the Western Conference playoff race.

  • The Vancouver Canucks have given extensions to their assistant coaching staff according to Scott Rintoul of Sportsnet. The team has not confirmed exactly who received these extensions or how long they are for, but this is an obvious sign that the front office is pleased with the progress over the last while. The Canucks took the defending Stanley Cup champions to overtime last night and are now 9-3-3 on the season.
  • Sportsnet has released their November draft rankings for the 2020 class, and it comes as no surprise that Alexis Lafreniere and Quinton Byfield lead the group. The pair of CHL stars have absolutely dominated their respective leagues to this point, with a combined 76 points (43 for Lafreniere, 33 for Byfield) in just 36 games.

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