Sport-Scan Daily Brief

SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 9/24/2019 Anaheim Ducks Columbus Blue Jackets 1153882 Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler pays price again for 1153915 Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins blocking a shot disappointed after allowing five goals in game 1153883 ‘For me, it just shows that he cares’: How Dallas Eakins’ 1153916 Dean Kukan fighting to keep his spot on the Columbus human touch is quickly winning over Ducks’ vets Blue Jackets' crowded blue line 1153917 Burning questions, bold predictions for the Blue Jackets in Arizona Coyotes 2019-20 1153884 Arizona Coyotes lineup projections 2.0: Barrett Hayton in, Christian Fischer out? Dallas Stars 1153885 Arizona Coyotes make more roster cuts; 4 sent to Tucson 1153918 Dallas Stars still searching for standout among 1153886 An educated guess at the Coyotes’ opening-night roster preseason's bubble forwards 1153919 Stars sign defenseman Thomas Harley to three-year, Boston Bruins entry-level contract 1153887 Bruins return to Garden for first time since crushing loss in 1153920 Dallas Stars promotional schedule includes giveaways, Game 7 of Cup Final — and win themes and college spirit nights 1153888 Bruins tie it late, then beat Flyers in overtime 1153921 Thomas Harley never had a real chance to make the Stars 1153889 Preseason reps big even with no rust for Bruins this season. Here’s why. 1153890 Bruins’ David Krejci knows how to deal with linemate 1153922 Dowling? Gurianov? Harley? Handicapping the race for uncertainty final spots on Stars’ opening-night roster 1153891 Talking Points from the Bruins' 4-3 OT win over the Flyers in preseason Detroit Red Wings 1153892 David Krejci (lower body) OUT of Bruins preseason home 1153923 How Madison Bowey can earn a roster spot with the opener after two shifts Detroit Red Wings 1153894 Bruins make first training camp cuts at 'difficult camp' for 1153924 Recap: Detroit Red Wings fall to New York Islanders, 3-2, young hopefuls in OT 1153895 Six observations from the Bruins’ 4-3 overtime win over 1153925 How Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin put injury fears to Philadelphia rest in preseason debut 1153896 Necklaces. McDonald’s gift cards. Even saves. Inside the 1153926 Jimmy Howard makes 40 saves, Red Wings fall to world of hockey players’ gift-giving Islanders in OT again 1153927 Red Wings' edgy Adam Erne has 'good combination of Buffalo Sabres physicality and skill' 1153897 After slow start to preseason, Casey Mittelstadt hoping to 1153928 Jimmy Howard makes 40 saves but Red Wings fall in OT find middle ground for Sabres 1153929 Dennis Cholowski taking aggressive approach in Red 1153898 Clarence native, Cup champ Kevyn Adams named Sabres Wings’ roster battle senior VP of business 1153930 Projecting the Red Wings’ 2019-20 opening night lineup 1153899 Amerks open camp with plenty of reinforcements yet to (version 2.0) come from Sabres 1153900 How the Sabres’ roster is coming into focus as the Edmonton Oilers preseason winds down 1153931 Oilers Notes: Smith adds new dynamic to Edmonton 1153901 State of the Amerks: ‘We’ve got to make a long playoff crease run’ 1153932 Connor McDavid pushing the limits in practice, looks like he's ready Calgary Flames 1153933 Mike Smith moves from sick bay to Edmonton Oilers 1153902 Stone rolling through pre-season miles with Flames crease 1153903 Flames sign first-round pick Pelletier, send him back to 1153934 Connor McDavid’s nearing return and four other things junior we’ve learned from Oilers camp 1153904 While Artyom Zagidulin may be a goalie of few words off 1153935 How five months in Kelowna changed Leon Draisaitl’s the ice, his play on it speaks volumes hockey career Carolina Hurricanes Florida Panthers 1153905 Canes’ Martinook helps Pack crank up the volume 1153936 With the regular season fast approaching, here’s how the 1153906 With a flurry of moves at the goalie position, Canes’ Alex Panthers roster is shaping up Nedeljkovic isn’t fazed 1153907 Maturing Hurricanes Eye Second-Straight Playoff Berth Los Angeles Kings 1153937 Cal Petersen one of several young players eager to prove Chicago Blackhawks they belong on Kings 1153908 Step 1 in building Dylan Strome’s confidence was telling 1153938 Column: Kings goalie Jonathan Quick says he wasn’t him to find an apartment. Now it’s at an all-time hig ‘nearly good enough’ last season 1153909 Will Corey Crawford or Robin Lehner get more starts in 1153939 When will Jack Campbell or Cal Petersen take over for goal? 3 hot topics facing the Blackhawks this season. Jonathan Quick? Both seem ready to start now 1153910 Shaw looking to help Blackhawks return to playoffs 1153940 LAK 3, ANA 0: BOX SCORES; MCLELLAN, CARTER, 1153911 Breaking down Blackhawks' final roster battles of 2019 LIZOTTE, BJORNFOT QUOTES training camp 1153941 LIVE BLOG: LOS ANGELES VS ANAHEIM 1153912 ‘When the times comes, we’ll get something done’: Alex 1153942 REIGN CAMP, DAY 1 – LINE COMBOS, NOTES, DeBrincat hopes for easy Blackhawks negotiation STOTHERS, REMPAL, DURZI 1153943 CARTER AT WING & MCLELLAN’S HISTORY WITH Colorado Avalanche C/W; BJORNFOT-DOUGHTY; BROWN’S UPDATE 1153913 Joonas Donskoi on coming to Avalanche: “It’s just a good 1153944 20 PLAYERS ASSIGNED; FRK ON WAIVERS; KINGS situation” PREPARE FOR DUCKS 1153914 Why taking a penalty against the Avalanche might not be 1153945 ONTARIO REIGN TRAINING CAMP PRIMER a good idea this season Minnesota Wild Philadelphia Flyers 1153946 Wild already keeping an eye on Devan Dubnyk's workload 1153981 Travis Konecny and two rookies fighting for jobs shine in in net Flyers’ preseason OT loss to Bruins 1153947 Boudreau, Wild aim to disprove belief they are on decline 1153982 Flyers’ Morgan Frost injured and probably won’t be on 1153948 DENVER — Nobody’s saying the Wild have a luxury of opening-night roster riches when it comes to scorers, but they do have one 1153983 Carsen Twarynski does it again, German Rubtsov's heck faceoffs, more on Flyers' preseason loss to Bruins 1153984 Flyers at Bruins preseason: Storylines, game time and Montreal Canadiens more 1153949 In the Habs' Room: Maple Leafs' youngsters embarrass 1153985 Morgan Frost's injury impacts Flyers' 2019-20 roster Canadiens decisions 1153950 Toronto Marlies shut out Canadiens at Bell Centre 1153986 Kevin Hayes: Flyers' Sean Couturier is 'an elite center in 1153951 Canadiens' Claude Julien and Maple Leafs' Mike Babcock this league' share a bond 1153952 Stu Cowan: Fierce competition for a spot on Canadiens' Pittsburgh Penguins fourth line 1153987 Penguins giving Nick Bjugstad look as penalty killer 1153953 Canadiens Game Day: A bad night for Habs and fans who 1153988 Penguins reduce their training camp roster to 27 players bought tickets 1153989 Penguins send draft picks Nathan Legare, Sam Poulin 1153954 Bubble Report: It’s too early to worry about Jesperi back to junior teams Kotkaniemi 1153990 The Penguins' Bryan Rust is ready for the 'ride' — no 1153955 Why the Canadiens turned to Phillip Danault and Jordan matter the passengers Weal to fix the power play 1153991 What did Penguins players’ say about GM Jim Rutherford 1153956 The most important Rocket training camp since moving to calling out team chemistry, hunger last season? Laval gets underway San Jose Sharks Nashville Predators 1153992 Sharks waiting for veteran defenseman to take charge 1153957 How is the Predators’ roster shaping up as opening night 1153993 Sharks send trio of high-scoring forward prospects to approaches? Barracuda camp 1153958 2019-20 NHL Season Preview: Nashville Predators 1153994 Sharks raise over $42K for Gilroy Foundation with #GILROYSTRONG fundraisers New Jersey Devils 1153995 Sharks' Mario Ferraro absorbing advice while competing 1153959 How Devils lined up in 1st combined practice | Kyle for NHL roster Palmieri sits out 1153996 Kendall Coyne Schofield steals show at SAP Center again 1153960 Breaking down battles for Devils’ final roster spots | Which vs. Sharks alumni players still need to make a case? 1153997 Assessing the Sharks’ roster after the first significant cuts 1153961 Is this the year Michael McLeod breaks out for the Devils? of training camp 1153962 Devils: Kyle Palmieri injured, Nathan Bastian states his case as training camp winds down St Louis Blues 1153963 NJ Devils roster predictions: Does Jesper Boqvist make it? 1153998 Kostin continues to make a case to start season with 1153964 Projecting the Devils’ opening-night roster: Who wins the Blues final camp battles? 1153999 Blues notebook: The goal for Blais is more goals 1154000 Tarasenko misses his second Blues practice New York Islanders 1154001 NHL teams aim to fill arenas, drawing fans away from 1153965 Islanders Break Ground on Arena at Belmont Park screens 1153966 Cal Clutterbuck makes preseason debut for Islanders, has 1154002 Blues geared up for challenge of being defending physical ups and downs champions 1153967 Andrew Cuomo breaks ground for Islanders arena at Belmont Park Tampa Bay Lightning 1153968 Seven more Islanders games moved to NYCB Live's 1154003 Lightning sign Brayden Point before regular season Nassau Coliseum this season 1154004 How the Brayden Point deal got done and what the ripple 1153969 What we know, what we think we know and what we don’t effect will be on Lightning cap know about the Islanders 1154005 ‘I don’t f— with sharks, man’: Lightning hopeful Luke 1153970 Islanders bringing Rangers rivalry back to Coliseum in Witkowski’s quest for his ‘bucket-list’ fish schedule change Toronto Maple Leafs New York Rangers 1154006 Hutchinson stakes claim to Leafs’ backup goalie job with 1153971 Rangers trying to diagnose their very sloppy play 38-save shutout in Montreal 1153972 Rangers will give Tony DeAngelo every chance to earn 1154007 Leafs’ split decisions lead to some long faces as opening huge raise night approaches 1153973 Al Trautwig takes abrupt leave of absence from MSG 1154008 Shades of Rielly in teen Sandin, who just might make the 1153974 Rangers' Tony DeAngelo practices for first time since Maple Leafs defence agreement to deal 1154009 C Change: Are captains needed in today’s NHL? 1153975 Al Trautwig takes leave of absence from MSG Networks 1154010 Maple Leafs scrubs upset Canadiens 1153976 Projecting the Rangers’ opening night lineup halfway 1154011 Leafs roster decisions to come, but Sandin entrenching through the preseason himself on blue line 1154012 Sandin, Marincin taking another step forward as Leafs Ottawa Senators roster coming into shape 1153977 Warrenspiece: Pageau's voice gets louder, top line sits 1154013 Leafs' Babcock, Habs' Julien no strangers to job stress out, the surprise line, and Elton John's influence on 1154014 NHL notes: Chiarot's on fire in Montreal 1153978 Smith goes back to the future in the hopes of finding 1154015 Maple Leafs review at halfway mark of camp chemistry 1154016 Leafs Report Cards: Nic Petan and Egor Korshkov 1153979 The west coach experience: the tennis-kick ball approach dominate as Toronto’s AHL squad defeats Montreal’s NHL to hockey success lineup 1153980 Why the Senators’ prospects are better off in Belleville this 1154017 Monday Morning Leafs Report: Bubble watch, Jake season Muzzin and Tyson Barrie, fresh starts and camp observations Vancouver Canucks 1154034 Canucks 6 Senators 4: Petey plays Rocketman on potent power play 1154035 Closer and closer: Canucks ship four more to Utica in roster trim 1154036 Willes' Musings: Five critical questions facing the Canucks this season 1154037 Canucks Preseason: Net front presence, the Benn breakaway and the Abbotsford thing 1154038 How Jake Virtanen’s offensive progress has masked his two-way decline Vegas Golden Knights 1154018 Nate Schmidt works to reform NHL’s PED testing, report says 1154019 Golden Knights’ Brandon Pirri wants to do more 1154020 Center or wing? Tomas Nosek’s position for upcoming season still uncertain 1154021 Vegas dressing room survey: Golden Knights predict who is primed for a big season 1154022 WNBA Aces Selling Game 4 Playoff Tickets Starting At $21; VGK Wednesday Preseason Game Tickets Available For $ Washington Capitals 1154023 For Capitals goalie Ilya Samsonov, the future might be arriving fast 1154024 Capitals hire former Olympian Haley Skarupa as hockey ambassador 1154025 Message received: Boyd, Stephenson know they are in a fight to keep their jobs 1154026 Meet the Capitals’ new defenseman Radko Gudas — and his beard Websites 1154039 Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens veterans get wake-up call in sobering loss to barren Leafs 1154040 Sportsnet.ca / Elias Pettersson looking like elite NHL scorer in Canucks' pre-season win 1154041 Sportsnet.ca / McDavid dominating Oilers practices as return to game action nears 1154042 Sportsnet.ca / 5 takeaways from first half of Maple Leafs training camp 1154043 Sportsnet.ca / Analyzing the NHL's skill players: Who is the best shooter? 1154044 Sportsnet.ca / Five reasons why the Winnipeg Jets are still Stanley Cup contenders 1154045 Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs winger Dmytro Timashov quietly inching closer to NHL job 1154046 TSN.CA / Five Takeaways: Senators @ Canucks 1154047 TSN.CA / Sandin sticking with Leafs’ NHL group 1154048 TSN.CA / Rule change could spur growth in faceoff trend 1154049 TSN.CA / Spezza looking to win Babcock over in limited role with Leafs 1154050 TSN.CA / Canucks vs Sens: Preseason game day preview 1154051 TSN.CA / Suzuki looking NHL ready in impressive preseason Winnipeg Jets 1154027 Bitetto feeling right at home 1154028 Young NHL stars' done deals give Jets, Laine, Connor roadmap to resolution 1154029 Jets' Nogier has moved into Maurice's depth house 1154030 Jets' Berdin isn't your typical goalie, and that's A-OK 1154031 LeBrun: RFA pressure mounts after Point signing, Taylor Hall’s value and Winnipeg’s options with Byfuglien 1154032 Four players helping their cases and three players hurting them after 10 days of Winnipeg Jets camp 1154033 Rookie blueliner Ville Heinola makes his case for an unexpected extended stay in Winnipeg SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1153882 Anaheim Ducks “It’s all been about us. The prep stuff has been easy. We don’t care much about what the other team is doing right now or who they’re dressing. Certainly, it gives people a really quick impression and then if you do Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler pays price again for blocking a shot have an off night, it gives you the ability to get a chance to rebound as well.”

KINGS BLANK DUCKS By ELLIOTT TEAFORD The Ducks fired 31 shots at Kings goaltenders Cal Petersen and Jack PUBLISHED: September 23, 2019 at 3:42 pm Campbell, but couldn’t put one past them during a 3-0 loss at Staples Center. Petersen made 23 saves in the first two periods and Campbell UPDATED: September 23, 2019 at 11:42 PM stopped all eight shots he faced in the third.

Jeff Carter, Dustin Brown (short-handed) and Anze Kopitar (empty net) ANAHEIM — Cam Fowler’s parents called the other day with some scored for the Kings. The Ducks had their chances, especially during a advice on how to play his position. Clearly, they believed the Ducks five-on-three power play for 51 seconds in the second period. Ryan defenseman hadn’t learned a valuable lesson from last season and had Getzlaf set up Max Comtois for what would have been the tying goal, but once again paid a steep price for a very painful mistake on the ice. Comtois couldn’t convert the cross-ice pass.

Fowler’s error in judgment?

He stuck out his stick in an attempt to block a shot from the perimeter by Elliott Teaford Derek Stepan of the Arizona Coyotes during the Ducks’ shootout loss in an exhibition game Saturday at Gila River Arena. The puck ricocheted off Fowler’s stick blade and struck him in the cheek, just below his visor. Orange County Register: LOADED: 09.24.2019 Not again.

Yes, again.

Fowler did the same thing during a game last Nov. 12 against Nashville, deflecting a shot from the Predators’ Craig Smith. The puck struck Fowler in the face, just below his visor, fracturing cheek, jaw and orbital bones and necessitating a complicated surgery.

This time, Fowler suffered a gash that required several stitches to close, preventing him from completing Saturday’s exhibition against the Coyotes. Last time, he sat out for nearly two months following surgery and didn’t return to the lineup until Jan. 6 against the Edmonton Oilers.

“It was pretty much the same thing as last year,” Fowler said Monday. “Off the stick, underneath the visor, but all good. Just a little scary with what happened to me last year. When it first happened, (last season’s injury) was really the first thing I thought about.

“The impact was similar. Once I got into the locker room, I didn’t have the same discomfort I had last year. I figured it was going to be OK. The doctors took pretty good care of me. The cut wasn’t that deep, so it was just a couple of stitches. The swelling is the main thing.”

Fowler skated with his Ducks teammates on Sunday and Monday, but he was not in the lineup for their exhibition game against the Kings at Staples Center. He could have played, but Ducks coach Dallas Eakins went with a different lineup than Saturday’s game against the Coyotes.

“All good,” Fowler said.

INJURIES (PART 2)

Center Sam Steel has a lower-body injury and did not skate the past two days. Eakins said he doesn’t expect Steel to be sidelined for long. In addition to Monday’s game, the Ducks have exhibitions Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks, Wednesday against the Kings and Saturday against the Coyotes.

“We’ll see,” Eakins said of Steel, who has formed a formidable line with left wing Rickard Rakell and right wing Jakob Silfverberg during training camp. “I feel like it shouldn’t be anything too major, but when you see him start back on the ice, that’s when you know he’s getting close.”

LOOKING AHEAD

After playing only twice last week, the Ducks conclude their six-game exhibition schedule with a flurry of activity this week. Opening night Oct. 3 against the Coyotes is approaching quickly and the coaching staff was looking forward to getting a closer look at the roster.

Practice is great, practice is important, but games are far better for evaluating players.

“We’ve all been sitting here, like, ‘Man, we want to play, we want to play, we want to play,’” Eakins said. “Well, now you get to play. We’ve all been talking about our lack of games and now we get them all in a row. It’s not bad because prepping for the other team isn’t a big deal right now. 1153883 Anaheim Ducks since December 2014. But his record and how his tenure will be judged officially starts Oct. 3 when Anaheim hosts Arizona. And to work on starting that tenure off well meant getting to know better those he only ‘For me, it just shows that he cares’: How Dallas Eakins’ human touch is had limited interactions with during training camps while coaching the quickly winning over Ducks’ vets Ducks’ AHL team in San Diego.

If that meant packing a suitcase and carrying his passport, so be it.

Eric Stephens Before making his way up to Gävle, Eakins met with forward Rickard Rakell near the scorer’s home outside Stockholm. As he traveled back to Sep 23, 2019 the States, Eakins stopped in Pittsburgh to dine with franchise goalie John Gibson. And there were lunches in south Orange County with other

key veterans. Adam Henrique. Hampus Lindholm. IRVINE, Calif. – The visitor was flying thousands of miles and making Most important was getting together with Ryan Getzlaf. The 34-year-old another two-hour drive up to his hometown along the Baltic Sea, so center has been the captain and leader of the Ducks for the last decade. Jakob Silfverberg was going to reciprocate the kind of effort that was He has been their driving force for longer. Eakins needed Getzlaf’s views being put into making this meeting happen. on the club and what it needs in order to bounce back from their first At the Gävle Golf Club (in Swedish, it’s spelled Gävleklubb) near the playoff-less season in seven years and third over his 14 seasons. home he has made with his wife, Clara, and their young son, the There was no relationship between the center and his new coach. Some Anaheim Ducks’ fine two-way forward enlisted the help of Erik Hellstrom, interactions on the ice and a few short conversations over the years. the head chef and co-owner of the club’s restaurant. Over the years, Most of what he knew was through watching him from afar or when he Silfverberg and Hellstrom have come to know each other well. When was on the bench for Edmonton. another frozen winter gives way to another glorious green summer, Silfverberg is often sitting at Hellstrom’s place for lunch. “I’ve always quietly admired his career even when I was in other organizations,” Eakins said. Frankly, often isn’t the right word. Now his coach after being introduced by the Ducks in June, Eakins went “We see him every day,” Silfverberg said, flashing a smile with a familiar about forging a connection right away. missing-tooth gap that he has yet to fill. “We started playing a few rounds of golf together. Every Wednesday, there’s a big group of friends that “He just reached out,” Getzlaf said. “I’m not going to get into specifics on play four-ball. He’s always one of the guys that’s in there too.” our conversations. But he reached out. We had lunch together early on and we’ve had meetings since. He gets to know you as a person. The Another long NHL season has been put behind him. But hockey has family. All that stuff. So that he knows what’s going on in my life. been woven throughout Silfverberg’s life since he entered this world. His father, Jan-Erik, won four Elitserien titles with the hometown Brynas IF in “And then you get into the hockey side of things and what the Sweden and the son followed suit as a champion, winning the 2012 title expectations are. And we go from there.” and being the MVP of the regular season and playoffs. It might have been another easygoing summer, but the visitor was someone who was Those talks over a plate of food have had a theme. Hockey was naturally going to become an important part of his life for the oncoming season. a topic. The team. What can be done differently? What has worked well? But what often got discussed had nothing to do with strategy or It was time to call on his good buddy, the culinary expert. philosophy or vision. And the company at the table wasn’t limited to player and coach. “He wasn’t supposed to work,” Silfverberg said. “I talked to him maybe a week and a half in advance and he said, ‘I’ll come in and make sure you Wives were included. Girlfriends. Eakins wanted their involvement. He guys get something good to eat.’ That was pretty cool.” wanted to know the people that support the players he’ll lead.

That is where the specifics of what was prepared began to turn hazy. “I coached Gibby,” Eakins said. “I already knew who Gibby was. But I didn’t know Silfverberg. I didn’t know Rakell. You go through the list of “Honestly, I don’t even know what he did,” he added. “I gave him full names. Some guys already knew what my values were. They knew who I trust. To be honest, I can’t even remember what it was. He went pretty was as a person. They knew my wife. They knew I had two kids. I wanted Swedish. But, honestly, I can’t remember the details. I didn’t pay that to sit down with them and understand who they were. In some instances, close (attention). All I know is the food was good. I had their wives sit with us as well. “I think he more so cooked for my wife. He knows she loves fish and “It was more of, ‘We start there. We get to know each other. We share. there was some fish dish. I’m not a huge fan but it was still pretty good.” We start to care about each other.’ And the rest of the stuff comes pretty Let’s have Hellstrom fill in the gaps. He started the night by preparing organically.” toast Skagen, a classic Swedish appetizer containing prawns and It left an impression on Silfverberg, who found Eakins just as willing to mayonnaise. Following that came the main course, a quail with chicken engage with his wife over their dinner as with him. If not more. broth, butter, fresh truffle, and parsley root pure. The chef then brought in his closer, a dessert featuring vanilla ice cream with fresh Swedish “She thought it was really cool,” Silfverberg said. “Obviously, she felt that strawberries. he really respected her and listened to what she had to say. I don’t how you say it … amazed. But it was really cool. We always have these “It’s good that he’s better at hockey than golf and remembering what he events and they say ‘hi’ to the coach and the coach says ‘hi.’ But with had for dinner,” Hellstrom said through Facebook. this, it’s a different relationship. All that mattered to Silfverberg was leaving a good impression on Dallas “Not that she feels like she knows the coach but it’s becoming a little bit Eakins. His new head coach was making good on his quest to know the of a part (that’s) closer to the team. I don’t know how to say it. But she Ducks’ longtime right wing better, as well as several of his veteran thought it was pretty cool way of doing things. And so did I.” teammates. Even if took traveling to another continent. In Pittsburgh, Gibson and his wife, Alexa, took Eakins to an Italian The food was important – even though the memory of Erik’s meal didn’t restaurant in the city’s historic and revitalized Market Square downtown. stick with him. The two talked about what areas could use improvement and shared “If you ask Dallas, he probably won’t remember either,” Silfverberg said. their goals. But they also talked about family. A lot. That was different. “But the food was really good. He took a lot of pride in that too. He He doesn’t recall any head coach coming to visit with him during the thought it was a lot of fun.” offseason. (Since 2005, the Ducks have only had Randy Carlyle and Breaking Bread. Bruce Boudreau as their coaches.)

Such might have been the title of a summer series if there was a “We’ve kind of had two ends of the spectrum here,” Gibson said, hinting television crew tagging along and filming Eakins with his players over the to the gruff Carlyle and player-friendly Boudreau. “I think this is going to meals they shared. The Ducks’ coach was guiding his team for the first be good for us.” time Tuesday night in San Jose, the first time he had run an NHL bench “I think it says a lot that he wants to come meet with guys and their “I think we all were at the end of the season,” Henrique said. “There’s a families or wives or whatever,” the goalie added. “Get to know them and lot of guys that played for him. And obviously with him coaching before in learn about the people. I think it goes a long way. It’s a good change. Edmonton, you hear different things from that time. Even he said he’s And I’m not saying there’s a right way to coach or a wrong way. I think it’s learned so much from that and has grown as a person and as a coach. something is needed around here. I think it’s going to be good for the organization.” “But honestly when the young kids would come in, not one negative thing. He sets out his game plan. We know what to expect. We know Henrique met with Eakins when he was still in Orange County. He when it’s time to come in here and work. But he does things differently. estimated that their conversation was “probably more 25 percent hockey, He throws on music out on the rink. He goes about certain things 75 percent life in general.” It was something uncommon in his experience differently.” in dealing with a new head coach. Murray chuckled when he heard the electronic dance music blaring “He told me about his family and his kids,” said the 29-year-old veteran, during a drill at Great Park Ice. “Things are very different here guys,” he entering his third year with the Ducks and ninth in the league. “There’s a said. “If it allows them to work harder and get the work in they need to get lot going on for him too, to make that transition to come here and live with in, I don’t care what they do out there. … This is Dallas. He wanted the his family. Putting the kids in school. There’s a lot that goes on behind music in there. He said, ‘I’ve got to be able to play music.’ So. Whatever.” the scenes really and a lot of people that are affected by things outside of this room. Fowler called Eakins a “new age” coach and enjoys that he is all about communication. Others have also bought in. “Not only the players, but wives, girlfriends, kids. People who make a lot of sacrifices for us to play. He knows that and he’s big on that.” “That’s kind of the generation coming up now,” Lindholm said. “I think the coaches you see having success kind of have that attitude. If you care Cam Fowler’s busy summer included tying the knot with his longtime about someone and you start to learn about someone, it’s so much girlfriend, Jasmine Maggard. Fowler and Eakins spoke on the phone a easier for him also. To know Hampus isn’t doing this maybe or probably short time after Eakins was hired. Hockey came up. The expectations he because of that. But if you never know a person, you never know had of the defenseman and how he, now that he’s 10 years in with the anything. Ducks, can have more of an impact from a leadership standpoint. “When you feel like your coach cares about you … I think everyone in But Eakins was just as eager to chat about the player’s upcoming this locker room really wants to play well for him.” wedding and how the plans were going with his then-fiancée. Fowler has seen his coach incorporate family into subsequent meetings, whether The most important relationship could be the one Eakins builds with his one-on-one or collectively as a group. captain. The Ducks have followed the beat that Getzlaf marches to for many years. When he’s rolling, they’ve been highly competitive and won “We need to come in here and we need to make it worth it for them,” a lot. But their few poor seasons have also coincided with his down Fowler said. “We got to put our work in because they’re doing so much years. for us. There’s a big part of him that believes in the people away from the rink and the family. He talked to me about that.” Eakins has said all the right things: “The guy’s been a great captain. He’s an amazing father. He’s a good teammate. I knew I was sitting down with New coaches routinely initiate communication with the players they’re a good person. Yes, we sat down right away. Like I do with all the going to lean on. Especially if there is little history between individuals. players, I try to get to them every day.” Eakins is no different in that regard. Still, how much does a new coach – especially one where there has been But to several of the veterans interviewed for this piece, they do feel that scant history together with his most influential players – have to work at he goes about that contact a little differently. Even go the extra mile. building a relationship and getting those players to believe in him? Many, if needed. “Well, it’s a two-way street all the time,” Getzlaf said. “When you come in “For me, it just shows that he cares,” Rakell said. “He cares about the as a coach into an organization that’s had the success we’ve had and the opinions from the players on our team. Not only me. He cares a lot about veteran players that we have, you’ve got to earn the trust. Both ways. the families as well. … He understands that they make a lot of sacrifices He’s got to earn ours and we’ve got to earn his. It starts on Day 1.” for us to be out in travel and spend as much time at the arena to prepare to win something for them. But do those get-to-know-you conversations away from the rink go some way toward that? “I think it builds a bigger picture. Just a better guy within this whole organization.” “Oh yeah,” the center said. “Exactly. That’s an example of him reaching out. Caring who you are as a human. Caring about your family. Those The 52-year-old Eakins was a natural hire for the Ducks. After his kind of things. Those are people you want to be around and you want to reputation as a forward-thinking coach took a bruising during his 18 play hard for.” months guiding the struggling Oilers, Eakins repaired much of it during a successful four-year stint with the AHL’s Gulls. Anaheim general Talk can be cheap if the proof isn’t there. The Ducks can start showing manager Bob Murray had seen how he managed the tricky combination that they’re prepared to capitalize on the new energy Eakins is bringing of developing the club’s best prospects and creating at atmosphere that when Arizona visits in less than two weeks. Everything from then on will produced winning results. count and the new coach’s methods will be up for judgement.

His final season in San Diego was his best, with the Gulls dealing with an But Eakins is intent on making sure that there’s a person behind the man ever-changing roster and still marching all the way to the Calder Cup blowing the whistle. He wants them to know that he will be as invested as semifinals. And his coaching of several players that could play key roles they will be. Whether they succeed or fail. for the Ducks in this season and those that follow was a key factor in “The one thing that I know for sure now is that these players aren’t going Murray’s choice. to care what I know until they know that I care,” he said. “So that’s where But there is one job among the many that Eakins needs to do if the it starts. And that doesn’t mean it’s going to be rainbows and butterflies Ducks are to make their awful 2018-19 season a blip and bounce back to around here every day. I just really believe that the better that we can their usual winning ways. The new coach will have potential incoming know each other, that when there is a problem, there is conflict or regulars Sam Steel, Troy Terry and Max Jones as believers in his whatever it is, number one we can move on from it quickly because we program. They know him and know his plan worked, at least at the AHL know we care about each other. level. “I got to tell ya, I really dislike that word sell. We’re not trying to sell This team won’t be led by Steel or Terry or Jones, though. It will be anything here. We’re just trying to create an environment where whatever Getzlaf. Gibson. Lindholm. Fowler. And so on. Eakins must get them on this culture’s going to be, it’s theirs.” board with him. They figure to do so, but they’ve got to have something to believe in when tough times arise. And those times will. Eric Stephens Veterans began to do their investigative work on Eakins even as he was merely a candidate for the permanent job Murray was handling in the interim. The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153884 Arizona Coyotes Third pair: Goligoski took a step back last season while Oesterle had somewhat of a breakout year, earning himself a contract extension. Oesterle was a better possession player without Goligoski last season Arizona Coyotes lineup projections 2.0: Barrett Hayton in, Christian but this still seems like the most serviceable option as a third pairing. Fischer out? Goaltenders: We're still waiting to find out who receives the bulk of the starts, but this still looks like one of the most formidable goaltending tandems in the NHL. Kuemper is probably first in the running to start the Richard Morin, opener, but we'll see how the rest of preseason plays out.

Published 5:01 p.m. MT Sept. 23, 2019 Scratches: A team source indicated Monday the Coyotes do not plan on carrying 14 forwards to start the season, which means only one extra

forward will make it. Someone like Chaput would make more sense than Back in July we took a look at how the Coyotes' lineup might look before a young forward like Hayton, Fischer or Lane Pederson. For the spare training camp began. Now, with a little more than a week to go before the defenseman, that looks to be Lyubushkin, who played well as a rookie regular-season opener, we have a better idea of who fits where. last season. The Coyotes have also not ruled out first-round pick Victor Soderstrom, although it seems unlikely at this point. Here's a projection and breakdown of forward combinations, defensive pairings and every other aspect of the Coyotes' roster in 2019-20: Tucson: If a spot goes to Hayton then it is hard to see a young player such as Fischer also getting one just to ride on the bench. Fischer is Projected lineup in 2019-20 waiver-exempt, so he could be sent to the Coyotes' AHL affiliate in Tucson with no problem. He will have to earn his spot as the final days of Line combinations: preseason wind down. Nick Merkley, Pederson and Michael Bunting Clayton Keller—Derek Stepan—Phil Kessel would be right behind Fischer in the pecking order. Kyle Capobianco, Aaron Ness and Jordan Gross seem to be the next defensemen up, Christian Dvorak—Nick Schmaltz—Conor Garland along with Soderstrom, should he be sent to Tucson and not return to Sweden. Michael Grabner—Brad Richardson—Vinnie Hinostroza

Lawson Crouse—Carl Soderberg—Barrett Hayton Arizona Republic LOADED: 09.24.2019 Defense pairings:

Oliver Ekman-Larsson—Jason Demers

Jakob Chychrun—Niklas Hjalmarsson

Alex Goligoski—Jordan Oesterle

Goalies:

Darcy Kuemper

Antti Raanta

Scratched: Michael Chaput, Ilya Lyubushkin.

Explanations

First forward line: For a while it looked like Crouse might play on that top line but Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet has been rolling with Keller, Stepan and Kessel recently and it seems to have some promise. Still, Tocchet could try out Schmaltz and/or Crouse with Kessel in the coming weeks.

Second line: Schmaltz and Keller really seemed to click last season but the Dvorak-Schmaltz-Garland line has been consistent in camp and even played together in Saturday's game against the Ducks. Dvorak, who also played on Schmaltz's left wing when the two were youth players, can effectively split the center position with Schmaltz.

Third line: This line was money last season and I don't expect Tocchet to turn away from it. Tocchet views Grabner and Richardson as a valuable pair and he should try to keep them together. Along with Hinostroza, the trio logged over 282 minutes of ice time last season and were excelled in Tocchet's de-factor shutdown line with a still-potent ability to provide offense.

Fourth line: This is probably the hardest line to predict since Hayton's roster status is still up in the air. If Hayton makes the team, he won't be relegated to bench duty. You might not think fourth-line is any better but Soderberg and Crouse are no slouches. Chaput has impressed and looks like he could be the extra forward. If Hayton is cut, Christian Fischer would likely take his spot. Fischer missing out would be a surprise since the 22-year-old has played the entirety of the last two seasons with the Coyotes, but it seems like a real possibility at this point.

First defense pair: No need to change things up here. Ekman-Larsson and Demers have excelled together over the last few seasons. The pair logged over 375 minutes last season and controlled possession more than 50% of the time.

Second pair: Chychrun and Hjalmarsson have complimentary skills. Chychrun is an offensive-minded defenseman with some defensive lapses, while Hjalmarsson is still one of the best shut-down defenders in the league. The pair has performed well together in the past. 1153885 Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes make more roster cuts; 4 sent to Tucson

BY MATT LAYMAN

SEPTEMBER 22, 2019 AT 9:06 PM

The Arizona Coyotes announced five more cuts from the training camp roster on Sunday, trimming the official count of players in camp to 35.

Forwards Brayden Burke, Nick Merkley and Tyler Steenbergen and goaltender Ivan Prosvetov were all sent to the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL. Forward Jan Jenik was assigned to his junior team.

Additionally, the list of players to be placed on waivers on Sunday reportedly included four Coyotes players: forwards Beau Bennett and Andy Miele and defensemen Dysin Mayo and Robbie Russo. These players are not waivers-exempt, and therefore need to be placed on waivers in order to be assigned to the AHL.

Counting the four players on waivers, the training camp roster would be reduced to 31 players.

Perhaps the most notable cut of Sunday’s roster reduction was Merkley, a first-round pick by the Coyotes (30th overall) in 2015, the same first- round draft class that included Dylan Strome and Lawson Crouse (drafted by Florida). Merkley, 22, played one NHL game for the Coyotes in 2017-18.

Prosvetov heads to Tucson after spending last season with Saginaw in the OHL.

Bennett and Miele, who each have NHL experience the latter of whom played for the Coyotes previously, signed two-way contracts with the Coyotes as free agents this offseason. Mayo, 23, was a fifth-round pick by the Coyotes in 2014, but has yet to make his NHL debut. Russo played 19 games at the NHL level for the Red Wings in the 2016-17 season.

Some of the remaining players in camp still competing for a roster spot include forwards Hudson Fasching, Michael Chaput and Michael Bunting — among others.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153886 Arizona Coyotes goal and three assists in three games, and he was tied for third in the NHL in points before Sunday’s games, a good sign that the 20 games he played at the end of last season helped him move past an injury-riddled An educated guess at the Coyotes’ opening-night roster year. Stepan and Keller are coming off down years in production. The Coyotes will need more from both in their top-six roles.

What about call-ups? There is a long list of veteran call-ups available to By Craig Morgan the Coyotes. Anybody who watched Saturday’s game saw the energy that the Lane Pederson-Michael Chaput-Michael Bunting line brought. All Sep 22, 2019 of those players are potential call-ups, assuming they clear waivers to be re-assigned to Tucson (none is waivers exempt). Other candidates include hard-luck, 2015 first-round pick Nick Merkley, Andy Miele, This Coyotes training camp is noticeably absent of the roster intrigue that Hudson Fasching and Beau Bennett. Call-ups depend on a variety of accompanied previous seasons. The team was kind enough to remove variables including which position the Coyotes need filled due to injury, any remaining drama in its penultimate practice before a one-week road matchups, how those AHL players are playing at the time and the trip to conclude the preseason. schedule.

If you attended Sunday’s practice at the Ice Den in Scottsdale, you would Defense (7) have counted 23 men on the ice. It is no coincidence that that is also the NHL roster limit. Nobody has said it outright, but 22 of those 23 players The 7: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jason Demers, Alex Goligoski, Niklas will be on the final roster, with defenseman Victor Söderström the lone Hjalmarsson, Jakob Chychrun, Jordan Oesterle, Ilya Lyubushkin. exception. We’ll get back to the Söderström plan in a moment, but first, What’s the plan with Victor Söderström? Tocchet said the Coyotes will here is our educated guess at the 23-, er, 22-man roster that will board keep Söderström with them for the next week to gain experience. He will the flight to Anaheim for the season opener on Oct. 3, with some analysis accompany the team on its preseason road trip to Edmonton, Vancouver of their roles, their health, the position battles ahead and the most likely and Anaheim, but with the defense corps “pretty set,” he is not expected candidates for call-ups. to remain with the team for the regular season. Forwards (13) The Coyotes have likely decided where Söderström will play next The 13: Derek Stepan, Clayton Keller, Phil Kessel, Nick Schmaltz, season, but they have not divulged that publicly. He will either return to Christian Dvorak, Vinnie Hinostroza, Carl Söderberg, Lawson Crouse, Sweden to play for Brynäs, which should have an improved team, or he Christian Fischer, Michael Grabner, Brad Richardson, Conor Garland, will play for Tucson (he is AHL eligible because he was drafted out of the Barrett Hayton. SHL, not the CHL). Playing in Tucson would clearly allow him to adapt to the smaller ice surface of the North American game, while also Why not 14? The Coyotes do not plan to keep a 14th forward to begin acclimating to American culture. Playing in Sweden would allow an 18- the season, coach Rick Tocchet said Sunday. When the team takes year-old kid to be in more comfortable, secure surroundings while still lengthy road trips, it could choose to carry two extra forwards rather than playing against men in an elite league. have them make the cross-country flight in a pinch when injuries occur, but there is money to be saved against the cap by carrying 13 instead of Both choices have their merits. 14, and the move allows that 14th forward to play in the AHL, rather than “Players develop best where they feel comfortable,” Chayka said. “It’s sit in the press box in the NHL, eating subpar hot dogs. easy to say, ‘Put them where you want to put them’ but they are the ones Position battles: Tocchet will tell you that nobody’s position is secure. All living there, and they have to feel like they are getting the most for their players have to have to perform, but of the 13 guys listed above, careers. Garland, Fischer and Hayton are the ones who will have to fight the most “The ice surface creates a different game and a different style of play and for ice time and a regular role. Tocchet has made it clear that he does not you have different styles of players over in Europe so what’s the best want Hayton to be a spare part, but there isn’t much value in sending him benefit: him being in North America, playing a more North American style back to Sault Ste. Marie of the Ontario Hockey League for another year or being over in Sweden where he has played before and has that level and he is not AHL-eligible due to that annoying CHL-NHL agreement that of comfort and family? With some young players, family is more could become a talking point for the next collective bargaining important so you have to take everything into consideration.” agreement. The captain’s health: Ekman-Larsson returned to full practice last week “The one thing I can tell you is the last thing we’re going to do is have and played his first preseason game on Saturday. He looked sharp and (Barrett) on our team and then play him four for five minutes a night,” he played with that subtle edge that lets you know he is dialed in and at Tocchet said. “That’s not going to develop him. That’s not what we’re the top of his game. The Coyotes wanted to be careful after Ekman- looking to do here so he’s got to check the boxes.” Larsson had what the team termed a minor offseason procedure, but he That said, president of hockey operations John Chayka has cited the appears ready to go for the season opener. That’s a huge benefit in a approach the St. Louis Blues took with forward Robert Thomas last number of areas, not the least of which is the rebuilt power play, which season as an example of how the Coyotes might handle Hayton. The has been taking a lot of reps in practice with Ekman-Larsson at the point. Blues brought their 2017 first-round pick along slowly, gradually What about call-ups? If Söderström heads to the AHL, he is one increasing his role and minutes until he became a significant contributor possibility. So is Kyle Capobianco if he is ready to go after ACL surgery in their run to the Stanley Cup. in February. Chayka said previously that the Coyotes wanted to be Garland has had a good camp, bringing the same sort of energy that he cautious with Capobianco in camp, but he has not played a preseason brought after his call-up last season in the wake of injuries to other game so he may need a little more time. players. Fischer must take a step forward as he approaches restricted Keep an eye on Aaron Ness, whom the Coyotes signed to a two-year, free agency. Tocchet wants to see him do more than win battles in the two-way contract in July. He has quietly stuck around camp. Ness led all corners and along the walls. He wants to see Fischer make plays out of AHL defensemen in points last season with 55 (50 assists) for Hershey, a those battles, or get to the net for scoring chances whether that be on his Washington Capitals affiliate. Robbie Russo and Dysin Mayo are also own for deflections or rebounds or screens. Tocchet sees a lot of himself options. in Fischer’s game. Goalies (2) Schmaltz’s health: We wrote about Schmaltz’s importance to an improved offense and the overall success of this team. He said this week The 2: Antti Raanta, Darcy Kuemper that he is feeling no ill effects or pain from the meniscus surgery he had last season, but he hasn’t played a regular-season game in nine months. How is Raanta looking? A little rusty, as expected after knee surgery. He It showed early in the preseason, but he looked a little sharper in a 4-3 hasn’t played a regular-season game in 10 months and the fourth goal he shootout win against the Ducks on Saturday. allowed against Los Angeles in a preseason loss was evidence, but Tocchet also thought he made some good saves early in that game (he Best camps: For what it’s worth, Stepan, Keller, Dvorak and Garland did). He’ll get a chance to play more on this upcoming road trip. Kuemper have looked sharp in the preseason. Dvorak leads the Coyotes with a has played well, so Raanta is in a battle to be the opening-night starter. What’s the plan in goal? We’re glad you asked. We asked goalie Corey Schwab. You can read his articulate and detailed responses here.

What about call-ups? Adin Hill remains the first guy in line, but if you want to get a feel for the organizational depth chart, Cat Silverman did all the legwork you need in a thorough piece.

Craig Morgan

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153887 Boston Bruins where he’ll play exactly this year. But he’s certainly done a nice job for us.”

Travis Konecny equalized at 12:44. The Flyers’ Carsen Twarynski flipped Bruins return to Garden for first time since crushing loss in Game 7 of a shot past a sprawling Vladar at 4:42, and Connor Bunnaman scored a Cup Final — and win power-play goal with a centering pass off Frederic’s stick for a 3-2 lead at 6:46 of the final period. Chris Wagner finished Sean Kuraly’s center pass for a 3-3 tie at 18:14. DeBrusk then scored at 2:35 of overtime. By Frank Dell’Apa Globe Patrice Bergeron (groin) probably will make his debut on Saturday. September 23, 2019, 7:03 p.m. Bergeron centered a line with Par Lindholm and Peter Cehlarik in practice at Warrior Ice Arena Monday morning.

GLOBE STAFF Last season ended abruptly for the Bruins when they lost, 4-1, at home to the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Boston Globe LOADED: 09.24.2019 Final on June 12, a warm Wednesday night. The Bruins returned to TD Garden 103 days later, this time making their preseason home debut with a 4-3 overtime win over the Philadelphia Flyers Monday night.

The Bruins, 2-1-1 in the preseason, snapped a three-game home losing streak – their only Garden victory in the Cup Final was in Game 1 May 27. But the concern now is preparing for the regular season, which starts at Dallas Oct. 3.

The Bruins planned to audition Brett Ritchie on a line with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. But Krejci (lower-body injury) lasted only two shifts and his status has not been determined for Wednesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.

“I don’t think he’s serious,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Took a hit early on and tried to keep playing. He just felt it was better not to push through. We’ll know more tomorrow but I don’t think it was serious.”

Ritchie, though, ended up getting plenty of playing time, with Trent Frederic replacing Krejci at center.

“To me he’s as advertised, big man that will play down below the circles with the puck,” Cassidy said of Ritchie. “He’s not trying to make something happen that isn’t there. The puck hasn’t found him a lot, unfortunately. When you play with [Krejci] it tends to, so it would’ve been interesting to see how that played out with him and Jake. But didn’t happen as much. He’s been a good, steady player for us, physical on the forecheck a couple times. Those things are what he brings.”

GLOBE STAFF The game did provide a stage for Charlie Coyle to center the Bruins’ first line with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. And the combination proved to be effective, as Marchand scored off a Pastrnak feed for a 2-1 lead at 1:03 of the second period.

“Those guys know each other and you can see it more when you’re playing with them,” Coyle said. “And you saw the goal they had. It’s almost like you try not to interfere with it. Just play your game and see how you feed off of them, they feed off of you. Nice to play with the caliber of players like that.”

Cassidy has said he hoped to keep Coyle as the team’s third-line center.

“I’m sure whatever happens, injuries, there’s always stuff that happens and guys usually are moved up and down the lineup,” Coyle said. “I’ll be ready for anything, if that’s the case. That’s why it’s good to play with different guys in camp and you gain a little chemistry with guys.”

TD Garden also has been revamped since Game 7.

“It wasn’t the locker room I remember from last year,” Coyle said. “Things look a little different from ice level but it looks good. But it was nice to be back here and playing another game in this building.”

Goaltender Tuukka Rask made his preseason debut, making 17 saves over two periods before being relieved by Dan Vladar. Rask also will play against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. Jaroslav Halak is set for Wednesday’s game against the Devils, and as backup Saturday. “[Rask] just thought after two periods he got his work in and felt that was enough for tonight,” Cassidy said.

Jakub Lauko opened the scoring with an impressive backhander from the left circle after slicing past the Flyers’ Justin Braun at the blue line at 9:32 of the opening period. “That’s what he does, when he’s on his game he’s moving his feet, he’s chipping and chasing,” Cassidy said. “He’s a tough guy to stop, he’s got a nice shot, he can make some plays. He’s still learning the ropes away from the puck, breakout situations, defensive zone situations. That’s perfectly normal at 19. It’s nice to have a guy like that. I don’t know where he’s going to end up right now, to be honest, 1153888 Boston Bruins “He had some numbers in Sweden,” Cassidy said. “Can he play with skill guys in the National Hockey League? Well, when I saw him playing in Toronto he’s playing with fourth-line guys. … That’s what we’re trying to Bruins tie it late, then beat Flyers in overtime find out.”

Back on the ice

By MARISA INGEMI Before Krejci was injured, he skated alongside usual left winger DeBrusk while Brett Ritchie made his debut on the right. Zdeno Chara, making his PUBLISHED: September 23, 2019 at 10:06 pm preseason debut, was paired on the blue line with Connor Clifton — who made his debut in Philadelphia last week. David Pastrnak and Brad UPDATED: September 23, 2019 at 10:09 PM Marchand also saw their first preseason action on a line centered by Charlie Coyle.

Chris Wagner scored with 1:46 left in the third to send the Bruins to Rask also was making his preseason debut, and although Cassidy said overtime, then drew a penalty in the extra frame that led to Jake the goalie would play the entirety of Monday’s contest, he went to the DeBrusk‘s game winner with 2:25 left to give the Bruins a 4-3 preseason bench of Vladar. victory Monday night against the Flyers at the Garden. Cassidy added Rask would play for as long as he felt he needed during David Krejci, dressing for his first preseason contest, played just two Saturday’s matinee against the Blackhawks at the Garden. Jaroslav shifts and 1:55 in the first period before not returning with a lower-body Halak will have most of the game Wednesday night at home against the injury. Devils. …

Things started out well for the Bruins. Jakub Lauko deked his way around Patrice Bergeron (groin) is expected to play in one of the preseason a Flyers defender to enter the offensive zone, using the boards to pass to games, and Cassidy believes it would be Saturday. himself and then rifled a shot in for the 1-0 lead with 10:28 left in the first. “But a guy like him, it will be his call,” Cassidy said. The Flyers tied it 1-1 with 7:16 left in the first, with James van Riemsdyk Bergeron didn’t dress in the preseason last year. … centering the pass to an open Travis Konecny at the goalmouth. Anton Blidh was injured last Thursday in Philadelphia and didn’t return. It took just 1:03 into the second for the Bruins to retake the lead. Brad Cassidy said there would be an update on his status shortly. Marchand connected with David Pastrnak, who went back to Marchand at the left post for the tap-in and a 2-1 advantage.

Tuukka Rask made 16 saves on 17 shots before being relieved by Dan Marisa Ingemi Vladar in the third period.

Vladar was tested early, and the Flyers tied it 2-2 just 4:42 into the third. The Bruins defenders failed to clear the crease, and while Vladar was on Boston Herald LOADED: 09.24.2019 his back, Carsen Twarynski batted the puck out of the air and into the net.

The Flyers took their first lead with 13:14 left in regulation. On the power play, Connor Bunnaman tried to center the puck from under the left circle, but it deflected off the stick of Bruins center Trent Frederic and past Vladar.

Wagner tied the game on a feed from Sean Kuraly with 1:46 left in the third.

Lindholm on Par

While the Bruins have most of their roster likely squared away aside from a couple of mysteries, where Par Lindholm fits is an intriguing piece to the puzzle.

Signed as a free agent in the offseason, the center has plenty of qualities the Bruins like. He’s strong defensively and is versatile enough to play on the penalty kill. He scored Saturday night in Chicago and has been impressive overall in the preseason.

Where he fits remains to be seen; if all goes well, the Bruins have all four of their centers.

But, as was shown last year, there always is the need for depth, and they could do a lot worse than Lindholm.

“He’s a steady player, he goes to the right spot,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He’s around the puck. For him it’s getting his confidence back. … He was trying to find his way in the league last year. … We just have to bring out a little bit of that offense that was in him in the Swedish league a few years ago. But still, his calling card will be his penalty killing and defensive zone play.”

Where Lindholm might help his cause is if his offense does pick up. Last year in 65 games split between Winnipeg and Toronto, the 27-year-old combined for 13 points. He played primarily on the fourth line with the Leafs — where he appeared in 61 contests before being traded Feb. 25 to the Jets — with limited opportunities to show offensive skill.

But two years ago in Sweden, Lindholm notched 47 points in 49 games. The Bruins are not expecting him to be an offensive force, but contributions like that would make a real case for him to get more time. 1153889 Boston Bruins

Preseason reps big even with no rust for Bruins

By MARISA INGEMI

PUBLISHED: September 23, 2019 at 6:19 pm

UPDATED: September 23, 2019 at 6:20 PM

It’s tough to get rusty after a layoff of less than 10 weeks.

The Bruins hadn’t been off the ice for long by the time preseason rolled around, after going to the final day of the season. While there aren’t signs of rust from the shortened offseason, there’s other elements to the preseason the players are using to be prepared for the season.

“I think it’s just getting your timing back,” Sean Kuraly said before playing in his second preseason game Monday night against the Flyers at the Garden. “Finding the spots in the game, remembering things you thought about last year, just refreshing yourself. A lot of it too is the preparation for the game, practicing going through that again, remembering what you did and how you did it. Little things you think just come, but there are so many things you have to keep in mind to do.”

There are position battles this season, but for the most part a lot of the same group that went to the Stanley Cup Final last season is returning, so the need to establish chemistry isn’t as urgent as a year ago.

There are some elements, such as players like Charlie Coyle playing in the preseason with the Bruins for the first time after he was thrust into the lineup in late February.

Coyle’s routine changed in some ways after being traded, but his unique position of being from Massachusetts, where he normally spend the offseason anyway, alleviated some of the challenges ahead of exhibition games.

“Thinking back right now, it feels like it just went one after another,” Coyle said. “You try to take the summer and a few weeks off, but then you’re doing things with your family and things you don’t usually get to do during the season, and then the summer just flies by. It usually does, but it was extra quick this time around.

“It was kind of weird in a way. Usually I have to figure out when I get my flight home, when I go home, pack up everything. This was mosey down the street to where I stay in the summer. That made it easier. … I think that kind of helped. It was nice to already live right here and help you through the tough times.”

Coyle is one of the few players on the roster who didn’t start the season at Bruins training camp last season, so the routine still is new. But for Kuraly and others — even young players such as Connor Clifton and Karson Kuhlman who didn’t start the season on the roster — this preseason has been more about getting back into the routine of game days again more than it’s been about being mentally prepared to be back on the ice.

“(Being prepared) keeps you playing how you want to,” Kuraly said last week. “I’ve been catching myself like, ‘Oh, usually I would do this thing at this time.’ ”

There might not be any cobwebs, but such a short time to rest with the plethora of injuries the Bruins had last season has left things to start a bit slowly, especially for the veterans. They’ve tried to ease into camp and the games, but with the regular season scheduled to begin next Thursday in Dallas, everything seems on schedule for getting timing back.

“You get motivated to get back out there,” Coyle said. “One more win, and that’s what you look forward to.”

Marisa Ingemi

Boston Herald LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153890 Boston Bruins “He likes to have the pucks in certain areas. I think he could be intimidating if you don’t see the game as well as he does because he wants players to go to certain spots when he has the puck,” Cassidy Bruins’ David Krejci knows how to deal with linemate uncertainty said. “But part of that’s on him to communicate that as well and letting chemistry develop.”

Krejci has done a good job of shepherding DeBrusk into the league and By STEVE CONROY helping him become a productive NHL player. Perhaps he’ll do the same for Kuhlman, or maybe he’ll help the veteran Ritchie find his stride. While PUBLISHED: September 23, 2019 at 4:30 pm Cassidy couldn’t speak to Krejci’s mindset early in his career — “I only UPDATED: September 23, 2019 at 10:27 PM know what you guys wrote,” he joked — the coach said the veteran has been amenable to dealing with the uncertainties of the situation.

“I’ve found him to be very adaptable, for obvious reasons. We’ve used a The Bruins’ search for David Krejci’s right winger continued Monday night lot of different guys there,” Cassidy said. “I think he has guys he prefers at the Garden. to play with, and he’ll tell you that, but so does (Patrice Bergeron), so does (Sean) Kuraly, so does Coyle. At the end of the day, I think he’s So what else is new? Ever since Jarome Iginla left for Colorado after a been very good about different linemates. He’s done a done a good job. one-year stint with the B’s, there has been a revolving door on Krejci’s He had (73) points last year. I think what he’s tried to do is just go out right. and play and pull along whoever is on his wing.” But while that was once a major point of consternation heading into a season — it was once believed that Krejci needed to be with two big, straight-line wingers like Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton — the 33-year- Steve Conroy old center seems to be more adaptable than he was earlier in his career. Whether he believes that himself, Krejci wasn’t saying. His focus is on the big picture. Boston Herald LOADED: 09.24.2019 “I don’t know, I guess that’s up to you guys to decide,” Krejci said before Monday’s preseason game against the Flyers. “To me, I just want to go out there and help the team win. When the team is winning, you come into practice the next day, everybody’s happy. We all love this sport, and if you’re winning, it’s so much more enjoyable the next day at the rink.”

With a little more than a week remaining before the season opener in Dallas on Oct. 3, the leading candidates are Karson Kuhlman and possibly Brett Ritchie, who was going to have his first chance on Krejci’s line Monday night. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Ritchie is more in the Horton/Iginla mold.

But that Ritchie experiment never got a full viewing. Krejci left the game after his second shift with a lower body injury and did not return. Missing Krejci for any length of time, of course, would be a whole new issue, but coach Bruce Cassidy said, after some initial concern, the injury does not appear to be anything major.

“I don’t think he’s serious,” said Cassidy. “He took a hit early on and he tried to keep playing and he just felt it was better not to push through. It wasn’t worth it. Obviously, we’ll know more (Tuesday) but I don’t believe it’s serious.”

Obviously, that bears watching. But presuming Krejci is fine, there are a host of other possibilities for his right wing. There’s Danton Heinen. There’s Anders Bjork, though he’s been playing mostly on the left wing this camp as he tries to jump-start his young, injury-riddled career. David Backes has played there, though he’s not considered a long-term solution. Charlie Coyle could possibly bump up at some point, but Cassidy has said repeatedly he likes what the Weymouth native gives the team as a third-line center.

That’s a lot of variables and a wide array of styles, but Krejci was well aware of the situation coming into camp, thanks to communication with Cassidy. He’s learned to deal with it.

“We talk a lot. We talked about this kind of situation last year, the last couple of years as well,” said Krejci, who has enjoyed a constant on his left side with Jake DeBrusk the past two seasons. “But it is what it is. It’s nothing new to me. I know every single player on this team. I know they can all play. I always just have to adjust to what kind of player is on the line at that moment.”

Before the game, Krejci had expressed excitement to get a chance to play with Ritchie. He has been bullish on Kuhlman as well.

“We had some great games last year. It’s going to be interesting to see how things are going to unfold, but we had some practices this training camp,” Krejci said. “I know what to expect from him. He complements my game pretty well. We’ll see how things turn out.”

There was a time when Krejci was perceived as being finicky about who played on his line but that seems to be in the past, though Cassidy could see how some players might find him intimidating to play with. 1153891 Boston Bruins

Talking Points from the Bruins' 4-3 OT win over the Flyers in preseason

By Joe Haggerty

September 23, 2019 10:17 PM

Here are Joe Haggerty's Talking Points from the Bruins' 4-3 OT win over the Flyers in their preseason home opener.

GOLD STAR: Bruins left winger Jake DeBrusk certainly feel great about the way his season ended last year, but he started things off with a bang this year in the preseason. DeBrusk potted the overtime game-winner when he crashed the front of the net and pushed in a rebound of a Brad Marchand shot during a 4-on-3 power play for the Bruins in overtime. DeBrusk was strong throughout the game with five shots on net to go along with the goal in 16 plus minutes of ice time, and even more so when you considered that his regular center man, David Krejci, was knocked out just two shifts into the game for the Black and Gold.

BLACK EYE: It was a rough one for David Krejci, who exited the game after two shifts in the first period after a collision with Shayne Gostisbehere where it looked like his right knee buckled after a bit of a hip check. Krejci wasn’t on the bench to start the second period and certainly didn’t want to start his preseason out this way. The good news is that Bruce Cassidy said postgame that it was more precautionary than anything else, but it’s never good to see any of the aging core group dinged up during the largely meaningless preseason.

Krejci (lower-body) exits Bruins-Flyers after just two shifts

TURNING POINT: It looked like the Bruins were going to go quietly into that good night trailing 3-2 late in the third period, but instead the fourth line stepped up and allowed the Bruins to win it in overtime. Sean Kuraly made the play feeding to a wide-open Chris Wagner in transition, and Wagner did the rest dangling the puck through Brian Elliott’s five-hole for the game-tying score late in the third period. It shows once again the kind of possibilities that the Bruins will have this season if they can figure out the second and third line mix because the top line and the fourth line are already good to go for the Black and Gold.

HONORABLE MENTION: Jakub Lauko only played nine minutes in the game, but he was dynamite for the Bruins while scoring the first goal of the game. Lauko threw a puck to himself off the boards while blowing by Flyers defenseman Mark Friedman, and then he sniped a wrist shot from a bad angle under the bar past a stunned Elliott. It was Lauko’s only shot on net in the game, but it was a memorable one as it spoke to the dazzling skills that the youngsters bring to the table each time he’s on the ice. The lack of ice time for him tonight, though, speaks to the very slim chances he has of making the team given the older, experienced players around him.

BY THE NUMBERS: 2 – the number of assists for David Backes in a solid night for him as the 35-year-old continues to fight for a job with the Bruins amidst some stiff competition at the forward position.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “I don’t think it’s serious. [We] felt it was better to not push through it. We’ll know more [on Tuesday].” –Bruce Cassidy speaking about the lower-body injury to David Krejci, which sounded precautionary more than anything else.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153892 Boston Bruins

David Krejci (lower body) OUT of Bruins preseason home opener after two shifts

By Joe Haggerty

September 23, 2019 8:42 PM

BOSTON – The Bruins were excited to get back on home ice for the first time this preseason when they suited up against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night at TD Garden.

The enthusiasm lasted about 20 minutes as David Krejci left Boston’s preseason home opener after playing two shifts in the first period with a lower-body injury. Krejci finished with 1:55 of ice time in the first period and was missing from the bench at the start of the second period after appearing to tweak his right ankle/knee after a collision in front of the Flyers net with Shayne Gostisbehere.

It was a short-lived Krejci preseason debut for the Bruins just as Zdeno Chara, Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak and Tuukka Rask were all appearing in their first game action during the 2019 exhibition season.

DeBrusk aware of what to expect as a RFA

Now the Bruins have to hope that the 33-year-old Krejci is going to be okay with the regular season opener just less than two weeks away, and the Bruins holding little real depth when it comes to top-6 centers. Sure, Charlie Coyle could push up and fill in for a short period of time behind Patrice Bergeron, but the 35-year-old Bergeron is another playing taking it slowly this preseason while coming back from a nagging groin issue.

"I don't think it's serious," Bruce Cassidy said after the game. "We'll know more tomorrow."

Krejci played 81 games last season for the Bruins while posting 20 goals and 73 points, and was in the midst of the Bruins trying to find a right winger to go with No. 46 and Jake DeBrusk on the Bruins second line.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153893 Boston Bruins

David Krejci (lower body) OUT of Bruins preseason home opener after two shifts

By Joe Haggerty

September 23, 2019 8:42 PM

BOSTON – The Bruins were excited to get back on home ice for the first time this preseason when they suited up against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night at TD Garden.

DeBrusk aware of what to expect as a RFA

"I don't think it's serious," Bruce Cassidy said after the game. "We'll know more tomorrow."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153894 Boston Bruins

Bruins make first training camp cuts at 'difficult camp' for young hopefuls

By Joe Haggerty

September 23, 2019 12:07 PM

BRIGHTON, Mass. — The Bruins made their first cuts of NHL training camp over the weekend with their preseason schedule halfway over, and Providence Bruins camp for their AHL farm club set to begin on Monday. Young D-men Axel Andersson and Wiley Sherman were sent down to Providence this weekend, and Samuel Asselin, Chris Breen, Alexey Solovyev, Brendan Woods and Cooper Zech were all assigned to the P- Bruins as well.

The moves still leave the Bruins with a few young faces in NHL training camp as more veterans will be inserted into the lineup for the three home preseason games beginning tonight at TD Garden against the Philadelphia Flyers. But Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy has been quick to point out that there aren’t many open spots for young hopefuls this time around for the Black and Gold coming off last year’s Stanley Cup Final run, and taking into account all of the different players with NHL contracts in this season’s camp.

“This year is a more difficult camp to find a spot in the lineup. We just have more returning players. It doesn’t mean you can’t beat a guy out, but it’s more difficult than maybe last year where we created some competition at different spots hoping that a young guy would take over. This year [there are fewer openings] just because of the trade for Coyle and the growth of [Karson] Kuhlman. There’s competition for that right wing spot with [David] Krejci, but we like what Kuhlman did.

“It makes it tougher for those young guys trying to crack the lineup. So what you’re trying to do is identify yourself as a depth player that can be the first call-up in certain situations. That’s about the best you can do with the hand you’re dealt.”

DeBrusk aware of what's to come as a looming RFA

Take for example, young center Jack Studnicka, considered by most to be Boston’s top young prospect entering his first season as a pro. Studnicka has been solid in camp and did his best to bulk up a bit in his first real shot at an NHL job, but it’s also pretty apparent the 21-year-old is going to be best served by some development time in the AHL where he can keep getting bigger and stronger.

“It’s going to be tough in the middle for Jack. We’d have to move pieces around, which we said we would do [if he was ready]. But I don’t think he’s there yet and that’s fine. With Jack there is great hockey instincts and great will, but I just think he hasn’t grown into his body yet strength- wise. It is what it is,” said Cassidy. “But we like how he’s playing. Is he ready to unseat anybody? I wouldn’t say so yet.”

With the numbers beginning to get pared down, here’s the expected lineup for tonight’s first preseason game at TD Garden this fall. Conspicuously absent from Monday night’s starter-filled Bruins lineup is Patrice Bergeron, who should make his only preseason appearance in Saturday’s finale at TD Garden vs. the Blackhawks just a few days before the start of the regular season:

Marchand-Coyle-Pastrnak

DeBrusk-Krejci-Ritchie

Heinen-Frederic-Wagner

Lauko-Kuraly-Backes

Chara-Clifton

Vaakanainen-Petrovic

Zboril-Didier

Rask Vladar

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153895 Boston Bruins Lauko may be faster than Marchand and DeBrusk. Once he gains experience, strength and pro savvy, the exuberant left wing could be a good offensive option on the third line. He already has NHL wheels.

Six observations from the Bruins’ 4-3 overtime win over Philadelphia “When he’s on his game, he’s moving his feet, he’s chipping and chasing, he’s a tough guy to stop,” Cassidy said. “He’s got a nice shot. He can make some plays. He’s still learning the ropes away from the By Fluto Shinzawa puck in breakout situations, defensive-zone situations. I think that’s perfectly normal at 19. That will be the challenge for him: to take care of Sep 23, 2019 the details. He’ll always be fast. He’ll always want to score. Always be competitive, get under people’s skin. For him, it’s learning how to play every night.” Six thoughts on the Bruins’ 4-3 preseason win over the Flyers:

1. Center David Krejci received the reminder the hard way: There is nothing safe about hockey, even in the preseason. The No. 2 center had Fluto Shinzawa his work cut short in Monday’s first period after landing awkwardly on his left leg while fishing for a net-front puck. Krejci called it a night after just 1:55 of action, although his early departure did not necessarily signal The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 significant distress.

“I don’t think it’s serious,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Took a hit early on. Tried to keep playing. He just felt it was better to not push through. We’ll know more (Tuesday), but I don’t think it’s serious.”

2. The loss of Krejci busted up Cassidy’s plan to evaluate Brett Ritchie at No. 2 right wing opposite Jake DeBrusk. Karson Kuhlman, Danton Heinen, Anders Bjork, Zach Senyshyn and Oskar Steen are among the right-siders bidding for work between first-liner David Pastrnak and fourth-liner Chris Wagner.

But Ritchie’s primary competition may be veteran David Backes because of their physical similarities. Backes has the edge in experience, hands and hockey sense. Ritchie, nine years younger, is the better skater in terms of agility, quickness and top-end speed. In today’s game, that may be the biggest advantage in a roster fight.

“He’s as advertised: a big man that will play down below the circles with the puck,” Cassidy said. “He’s not trying to make something happen that isn’t there. Certainly, he’s been responsible for us. Puck hasn’t found him a lot, unfortunately. When you play with Krech, it tends to. It would have been interesting to see how that played out with him and Jake, but it didn’t happen as much, couple times. I think he’s been a good, steady player.”

3. The Bruins are better insulated against injuries to Krejci and Patrice Bergeron because of the full-time presence of Charlie Coyle. The East Weymouth native has been excellent throughout camp: skating well, being strong on pucks, going hard in all areas. On the Bruins, Coyle is primed for results as the No. 3 center because of the matchups he’ll face. But he should be able to assume a top-two role when needed.

Coyle is an unrestricted free agent after this season. He would serve as a good bridge to the next generation of centers.

4. Connor Clifton did not lose any of his exuberance over the summer. The Flyers got a full dose of Cliffy Hockey, as the right-shot defenseman played with abandon in all three zones. The Bruins are in very good shape on the right side with Clifton (24 years old), Brandon Carlo (22) and Charlie McAvoy (21) for years to come.

Clifton has one year remaining on his entry-level contract. In 2020-21, Clifton begins a three-year, $3 million second contract. General manager Don Sweeney has been excellent at locking in undervalued players out of entry-level. Previous examples are Matt Grzelcyk (two years, $2.8 million) and Sean Kuraly (three years, $3.825 million).

5. The Bruins scored the game-winning goal in overtime with Philadelphia’s Kevin Hayes in the box for holding. With McAvoy, Grzelcyk and Torey Krug in street clothes, Cassidy rolled four forwards for the power play: Coyle, DeBrusk, Brad Marchand and Pastrnak. Brian Elliott stopped Marchand’s shot, but DeBrusk scored on the rebound.

“I would consider it if Torey wasn’t in the lineup,” Cassidy said of a four- forward setup on a regular-season OT power play. “But then you’ve got Charlie and Grizz that are mobile back there and can move the puck. It would take a lot of those guys not being in the lineup. But I didn’t mind the look.”

6. With time, Jakub Lauko could develop into a good No. 3 left wing behind Marchand and DeBrusk. The 19-year-old scored a dazzler in the first period by tapping the puck past two defenders before ripping a sharp-angle shot past Elliott. 1153896 Boston Bruins Matt Grzelcyk

“We do a Secret Santa every year and those are always funny. I can remember when I was in Ann Arbor (U.S. National Team Development Necklaces. McDonald’s gift cards. Even saves. Inside the world of Program) someone gave me, as a joke, a McDonald’s gift card because I hockey players’ gift-giving was so skinny, probably 140 pounds when I first got there. So I thought that was kind of funny. I used it too. I ordered a couple of double quarter pounders. I put on 30 pounds that year, so that was probably the start of By Joe McDonald it. It was funny. That got me good because I had never heard of somebody doing that before. It was small but something that always Sep 23, 2019 stuck with me.”

Jake DeBrusk Hockey players take care of their own. “Probably a tap in, to be honest; a backdoor tap in from (David) Krejci, I It’s common practice that when a player signs a long-term contract, he at would say, and nothing really competes with that. A few other gifts like least picks up the dinner tab. In some cases they’ll do a little more. wine, but a tap in from Krejci would be up there. Some dinners in there, Occasionally, a lot more. Last week, Bruins defensemen Charlie McAvoy too, especially when you’re a young guy. I don’t think I paid for a single and Brandon Carlo signed new deals, leaving their teammates expecting thing my entire rookie year, so that also helps too. There were some big at least a little something. tabs I thought I would have to pay but the older guys helped me out with that.” “I tried to get Charlie to pay for dinner last night, but he wouldn’t do it, ” Chris Wagner said with a laugh. Sean Kuraly

It got us thinking about what teammates do for one another, so we asked “Oh, this is an easy one. Bergy gave us all a David Yurman necklace for players about the best gift they’ve received from a teammate. But, his (1,000th) game. It was insane. I was like, ‘Shouldn’t I be buying you perhaps as we should have expected, nearly every player made the something?’ You see the guys wearing them all the time too. It’s a black same choice: the designer necklace Patrice Bergeron gave his chain, so that’s easily the best one. He also gave everybody a teammates when he reached his 1,000th game last season. Yes, you personalized note. I kept that one. Not only did he spend a bunch of read that right: The necklace he gave them when he reached his money, and he’s probably already underpaid, but he also took the time milestone. Not the other way around. out of his day with the kids and the family to write a note to every single guy. He’s a pretty special guy. I don’t know how many guys would do So, with Bergeron already presumed the winner, let’s look at why his gift that.” meant so much to his teammates — and what other presents have served as worthy runners-up for the group of Bruins. David Backes

Brandon Carlo “Thirty tip-ins one year (laughs). Probably the tutelage that Keith Tkachuk gave me as a young player to take me into his house and let me live “Just for him to do that with an accomplishment of his is absolutely there for free and watch what a pro does to live the life and dedicate insane — it’s only a Bergy thing. I remember the feeling when he did that himself to the game. It set the tone for my career.” for all of us — it was just shock. It blew me away, in a good way obviously. Yeah, definitely the most special thing I’ve ever received from Charlie Coyle a teammate, for sure. Now that I’ve signed a new contract I’ll buy the “I remember one time for my birthday, Jason Zucker and I used to live guys dinner one night as appreciation for helping me reach this point. together, we were close, and we went to a Luke Bryan concert at The X Just gotta get my credit card limit up first.” (Excel Energy Center in St. Paul) one time. And I love country, and you Patrice Bergeron see someone playing the guitar you think it would be so cool to play the guitar. We were like, ‘We gotta get guitars.’ We were half-kidding and the “A lot of guys will buy dinner for the rest of the group. That’s probably the next day after practice, we took separate cars home, and when I got nicest thing I’ve received are dinners. I have a linemate that went above home I expected to see him there but he wasn’t there. He comes in about and beyond, but I don’t know if I can really talk about it. So I’m not going a half-hour later with two guitars and was like, ‘Let’s play, man. Happy to say what (Brad Marchand) did for me but it was pretty impressive. I’ve birthday.’ We played for like a week, maybe, and after a four-game road given out gifts. I’ve given out gift certificates to go shopping in a nice trip we never touched them again. It was a nice guitar too. I’ll get back on store, but I’m not going to name the store. I’ve given out wine and also it. I have it somewhere. I think my sister has it. Maybe she’s playing it.” necklaces last year to all the boys for my (1,000th game). It means a lot to the rest of the guys, knowing that they have a huge impact on us.” Chris Wagner

Brad Marchand “(Anaheim center Ryan Getzlaf) gave us all headphones back in the day. It was cool, especially since it was him because he’s a big deal in the “A bottle of Captain Morgan from a Secret Santa. What have I given out? league. I was a young kid and didn’t really know him. So that was huge I’ve given somebody a good watch before; I won’t name names. All I for me, and I needed headphones.” know is I’ve heard (Nicklas) Backstrom bought the whole team (Washington Capitals) an iPad, so I’m expecting an iPad from McAvoy Steven Kampfer and Carlo, one for each of my kids. When Bergy got the boys necklaces “I can tell you the funniest gift I ever received. Last year I lost two teeth (that) was very impressive. That was probably the biggest gift. Normally, right before we had our gift exchange and Brandon Carlo got me when guys hit milestones they get gifts, but for him to give a gift like that mouthwash and a toothbrush. So that’s kind of funny. Other than that, a to the entire group just shows how much he cherishes being part of this lot of it is wine or alcohol. Guys must think I’m an alcoholic (laughs) but group and the kind of guy and leader he is. And it speaks a lot to his that’s kind of customary. The mouthwash and toothbrush was perfect character.” timing, so that was pretty funny.” Tuukka Rask Joakim Nordstrom “We give Christmas gifts, but they’re usually funny gifts. I’ve given out “Bergy, believe it or not, when he played his 1,000th game last year, he saves, that’s about it. Bergy’s gift (for 1,000 games) was awesome. Well, was the one that gave us gifts. Not only was it a nice gift, but he wrote I mean, it’s Bergy. He does that.” personal notes too. So it was just very thoughtful. He really put a lot of Torey Krug thought and effort into it. So that’s for sure the nicest thing a teammate and friend has ever done. Bergy’s a top-notch guy.” “I’m sure you’ve gotten the same answer from a lot of guys; the necklace from Bergy. You got nice bottles of wine every year from guys when you Zdeno Chara do charity events. I don’t know if I’d call it a gift, but I got Iggy (Jarome “A hug.” Iginla) to sign a stick, so that was pretty cool. I’d have to say Bergy’s necklace. I haven’t given out a gift yet, but hoping I get a (long-term) Bruce Cassidy contract first (laughs).” “The best gift as a coach is Jay (Pandolfo) and his bottles of wine, which is always nice. (As a player) there were a lot of gag gifts but none of them stick out, which means they were probably nothing great, right? Oh, I know. I was 22 when I got called up on Dec. 22 and Chicago had their Christmas party on the 23rd. I played a game, went to the Christmas party and they gave us two tickets to anywhere United Airlines flies, because (teams) always used to take the frequent-flyer miles back then. I got sent down on Dec. 24, so the airline tickets were the best gift I ever received. I was with the Blackhawks three days and I got the tickets and I went to Hawaii on those tickets.

That was by far the best I ever got. The best part was Mike Hudson, who I lived with in the minors, along with Brian Noonan, one of us were always up, and sometimes two, rarely all three of us and (Hudson) was the one that got sent down when I got called up. He was with Chicago two months, got sent down, and I was there for the Christmas party and got the tickets and he didn’t. When you’re 22 years old that’s $1,000 and a lot of money, so I was howling at him: ‘Sorry, buddy. My name’s on it and I can’t change it.’ He got screwed and for once I caught a break from Chicago with two free tickets.”

Joe McDonald

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153897 Buffalo Sabres system and you're always going to do some things maybe you haven't done before in your life.

"He can't overthink the game. He's got a high hockey IQ and he's very After slow start to preseason, Casey Mittelstadt hoping to find middle skilled," Rodrigues said. "Just play his game. As a center, there's a lot of ground for Sabres work to be done but if we do play together we can both play on the wing and at center and can help each other out. He has to play his game, make plays, just read and react and that's what he's good at. We'll try to By Mike Harrington get him doing that this week."

Published Mon, Sep 23, 2019 Cozens gets a 'badge of honor'

Cozens, who survived the first major roster cut of camp Sunday, took a stick to the lips during practice Monday and was getting stitches while the With only six games of NHL experience on Casey Mittelstadt's resume, media was in the locker room. Cozens didn't appear to miss any time in hindsight shows it was unfair to gift him the role as the Buffalo Sabres' the workout. No. 2 center ahead of last season. "He's got a first badge of honor here," a smiling Krueger said. "But he The Sabres are now trying veteran Marcus Johansson in that role while took it well, bounced right back into practice and got stitched up after. We Mittelstadt, 20, continues to learn about life down the middle in the NHL love the way he's involving himself in the group and looking for his and new coach Ralph Krueger's system. opportunity here. Let's let him continue to push the group for now. He's "Playing center anywhere in the NHL is tough. You have to play the definitely here to continue to grow and learn right now." whole rink and be responsible no matter what system you're in," "I think he's done a great job," Mittelstadt said of Cozens. "He's been Mittelstadt said after practice Monday in KeyBank Center. "Ralph has told over with me and (defenseman Rasmus Dahlin) hanging out a couple of us to rely on instincts a lot, make your own reads and I'm getting more times. He's a big kid, pretty funny. He can fly and make plays with the comfortable with it." way he's moving fast. It's exciting to see and he's got a great future." Mittelstadt has been outplayed much of this preseason by No. 1 draft Injury/waiver report pick Dylan Cozens but took steps forward during Friday's loss at Toronto and was on a line at practice Monday with Jimmy Vesey and Evan Jean-Sebastien Dea and Conor Sheary (both lower body), Johan Rodrigues. Larsson (upper body) and Rasmus Ristolainen (illness) all sat out practice and are listed as day to day. Larsson has not played since the That could be a trio in Wednesday's game here against Columbus. opening preseason game Sept. 16 against Pittsburgh but Krueger said Cozens, who only played 8 1/2 minutes in Saturday's win against the he's hopeful to get him back on the ice Tuesday. Leafs after two previously strong outings, did not have a line Monday. That's a sign he's probably heading back to juniors this week. After the workout, Dea was assigned to Rochester pending waivers. That move is a little surprising, because Dea was signed to a two-year, $1.4 Mittelstadt got heavy use in his first game of the preseason Tuesday at million deal over the summer and his one-way deal means he will making Columbus, as he got stuck on the ice for four shifts over 90 seconds and $700,000 to play in the AHL. clocked a team-high 23 minutes, 23 seconds. But in all that ice time, he had no shot attempts and was just 3-10 on faceoffs. Winger C.J. Smith and goalie Andrew Hammond, both placed on waivers Sunday, each cleared Monday and reported to Rochester. The Amerks Mittelstadt started slowly Friday as well but became more engaged as opened their training camp Monday. the game went on. He played 14:37 and had six shot attempts, albeit only one on goal. In the circle, he improved to 4-6. The Sabres have 35 players on their roster and 30 actively participating in camp. With Monday's missing joining Scott Wilson (lower body) on the "The first game is always a little tough, trying to get your feet and hands sideline, 26 players were on the ice. back up to speed, and I think that showed," Mittelstadt said. "I started feeling a lot better the second game, making a few plays. That's something I have to keep building off of. By game three, your hands and game shape should be there fully. You start getting it going now when it Mike Harrington gets close to the regular season. It gets real."

Mittelstadt also had a great chance to break the Sabres' shutout with five Buffalo News LOADED: 09.24.2019 minutes left as he broke in alone on Toronto goalie Michael Hutchinson but hit the crossbar with his shot.

"I started to have some better shifts in the second period to build up to that," he said. "I thought I had it, just hit the crossbar. But it was nice to get that chance, work into that spot."

Krueger has said multiple times in camp he understands that his system puts the most pressure on the men in the middle. That makes it especially tough for younger players such as Mittelstadt, who had 12 goals and 13 assists last year with a minus-19 rating in 77 games.

"His curve is definitely in the right direction," Krueger said. "He's understanding more and more of the concepts that we're trying to play. He's all-in trying to get it right. Lots of good questions coming from him and I think through the questions he's finding answers. We'd like to take a look at him again on Wednesday and see how that evolution is.

"For young players, the responsibility we're expecting here without the puck and the commitment to that game is large. It will take a little bit away from their offense as they grow into that understanding. But the offense will follow."

Mittelstadt skated Friday with Vladimir Sobotka and Kyle Okposo but got an upgrade on linemates Monday. Rodrigues liked the combination and said his versatility can help Mittelstadt through the rough patches.

"My entire life I've been able to go out and figure it out. I would say maybe I'm asking a few more questions," Mittelstadt said. "It's a new 1153898 Buffalo Sabres

Clarence native, Cup champ Kevyn Adams named Sabres senior VP of business

By Mike Harrington

Published Mon, Sep 23, 2019

One of the key players over LECOM Harborcenter's first six years is getting a big promotion into the Sabres front office.

Clarence native Kevyn Adams, a Stanley Cup champion in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes, has been named the Sabres' senior vice president of business administration. Adams had been serving as general manager of Harborcenter since January, partly in the wake of the executive purge that took place late last year at Pegula Sports and Entertainment.

"Kevyn has been a valuable member of our leadership team since 2013 and is the perfect person to oversee the Buffalo Sabres’ day-to-day business operations,” Sabres president Kim Pegula said in a statement. “Kevyn brings unsurpassed experience, perspective and vision to this position. He exemplifies our company values of teamwork, respect, accountability, integrity, trust and success; and will further our company mission in this role.”

Adams, 44, will be taking on a business role and he will not be involved in hockey operations. After an 11-year playing career in the NHL with six teams, Adams originally joined the Sabres in 2009 as player development coach and served as assistant coach from 2011-2013. He was named vice president and director of the Academy of Hockey at LECOM Harborcenter in October 2013, a year before the facility opened.

“I’m grateful for the trust Terry and Kim have shown in me,” Adams said in the same statement, referencing team owner Terry Pegula. "We have worked together over the last six years to grow the game of hockey in a variety of ways through the Academy of Hockey and Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization. Our visions remain aligned as we turn to the daily business operation of the Sabres franchise. I am humbled and honored to begin this responsibility.”

In other PSE news, Jason Long has been promoted from assistant general manager to GM of LECOM Harborcenter. Former Sabres center and Rochester Amerks captain Matt Ellis has been named director of the Academy of Hockey after serving in multiple coaching roles there since his retirement as a player in 2016.

Mike Harrington

Buffalo News LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153899 Buffalo Sabres Taylor said. “I’ve had J.S. (Dea) in Wilkes-Barre, a proven goal scorer. Lazar has a lot of NHL experience and we need guys like that, guys who can put puck in the net. That’s where we struggled last year in the Amerks open camp with plenty of reinforcements yet to come from playoffs, we couldn’t put the puck in the net, the year before we couldn’t Sabres keep it out of our net. So we need to find that right balance. The third year is supposed to be the charm, right?’’

After the Toronto series, Taylor spent several days dissecting what Leo Roth happened. Rochester held a 70-30 edge in prime scoring chances yet couldn’t win a game. The year before, the Amerks were swept by Published 5:32 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 Syracuse.

“It was tough,’’ Taylor said. “I went to the office every day and went over BUFFALO – Say this about new Buffalo Sabres coach Ralph Krueger: video, just trying to reflect on what happened. It’s hard. A lot of people He sees the puck bucket as always half full. thought the games could’ve gone either way, and that’s the hard part. But now we have to find a way to overcome the stigma of losing in the first Injuries or illness have sidelined roughly a half-dozen players heading round.’’ into the final two games of the NHL preseason, but the situation means longer looks for others as training camp winds down. Despite those playoff sweeps, Krueger, who comes to Buffalo after a long career in international hockey, said sending players to Rochester “There’s always two sides to the coin,’’ Krueger said Monday after are difficult decisions made a lot easier knowing they're headed into a practice at KeyBank Center. “It will give us an opportunity to look at depth positive environment created by general manager Randy Sexton, Taylor a bit more, at the same time, I really don’t mind having another week with – and the fans. this group. Everyone here will see games in some way shape or form throughout the long season ahead of us. It’s still an opportunity to teach, “We know when a player is moving to Rochester, he’s getting more time to solidify how we want to play, our habits both on and off the ice, and to learn, more time to be taught, more time to develop and to grow,’’ hopefully by next Sunday we will have a clear picture of the guys who will Krueger said. “It’s an hour away to call someone up every day, on the be here.’’ day, and it’s finding those pathways to the best possible lineup every night for the teams we are playing and there can be some movement The Sabres, who host Columbus Wednesday and play at Pittsburgh there because of it. So how do I feel about it? I feel really good about Saturday before opening their 50th anniversary season on Oct. 3 at what we have in Rochester to do all those things.’’ Pittsburgh, have 35 players still in camp (19 forwards, 13 defensemen, three goaltenders). Johan Larsson (upper body), Conor Sheary (lower body) and Rasmus Ristolainen (illness) are day-to-day for Buffalo. Defenseman Zach Buffalo Sabres coach Ralph Krueger watches during the third period of Bogosian (hip), Lawrence Pilut (shoulder) and Brandon Montour (hand) the team's NHL preseason hockey game against the Toronto Maple remain out longer term. Leafs. Krueger has worked hard establishing communication line with Rochester coach Chris Taylor. Here is Rochester’s training camp roster for now:

NHL teams have until Oct. 1 to set their 23-man rosters for the regular Forwards (17): Pascal Aquin, Shaw Boomhower, Jarrett Burton, Eric season. Cornel, *Jean-Sebastian Dea, Carl Hesler, Taylor Leier, Sean Malone, Mason Mitchell, Brett Murray, Andrew Oglevie, Kyle Olson, Kevin Porter, Free agent center Jean-Sebastian Dea was placed on waivers for Tyler Randell, C.J. Smith, Dalton Smith and John Wiitala. reassignment to the Rochester Americans, who opened their training camp on Monday at Blue Cross Arena. On Sunday, 14 players were sent Defensemen (12): Justin Baudry, Tobie Bisson, Jacob Bryson, Casey to Rochester, including high-scoring forward C.J. Smith and free agent Fitzgerald, Kurt Gosselin, Connor Hall, Brandon Hickey, Frank Hora, goaltender Andrew Hammond, veterans who needed to clear waivers Andrew MacWilliam, Nathan Paetsch, Zach Redmond and Devante and did. Stephens.

The first of Rochester’s three exhibition games takes place at 7 p.m. Goaltenders (3): Andrew Hammond, Michael Houser and Jonas Thursday against the Syracuse Crunch at RIT’s Gene Polisseni Center. Johansson. The Amerks then play a home-and-home weekend series with the *subject to waivers Toronto Marlies, starting with a “home’’ game at 7 p.m. Friday at the LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo.

The regular season opens Oct. 4 against Syracuse at home. Democrat and Chronicle LOADED: 09.24.2019 Our subscribers make this coverage possible. Subscribe to the Democrat and Chronicle today at democratandchronicle.com/deal.

Toronto swept Rochester in three games in the opening round of last season’s Calder Cup playoffs, the second consecutive season the Amerks were eliminated in the playoffs without winning a game.

While 30-goal scorer Victor Olofsson, who scored twice in Buffalo’s 5-3 win over Toronto last Saturday, is graduating to the Sabres, third-year coach Chris Taylor is expected to wind up with an even stronger roster than the one that produced 99 points once final cuts in Buffalo are made.

Rasmus Asplund, Remi Elie, Tage Thompson and defenseman Will Borgen are still with the Sabres, as is free agent center Curtis Lazar, who scored 20 goals for Stockton, and free agent defenseman John Gilmour, who had 20 goals and 54 points for Hartford.

Hammond has played 56 NHL games in goal, mostly with Ottawa, and will eventually pair with top prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in goal for Rochester; Luukkonen is out until at least November after hip surgery.

Michael Houser, who had a strong year in Cincinnati with the ECHL, and former third-round pick Jonas Johansson, are the other goaltenders in Amerks camp.

“Obviously we want them to do well in Sabres’ camp, to give them a shot at the NHL, but ultimately if they’re down, we’ll have great leadership,’’ 1153900 Buffalo Sabres Krueger keeps them together with Vesey or puts Sheary back next to Eichel to see if that continues to work well. For now it seems like a win- win situation. Vesey has looked like a natural fit with Eichel.

How the Sabres’ roster is coming into focus as the preseason winds Krueger’s system seems to work well for Rodrigues, whose forecheck down talents are put to great use. He was tenacious against Toronto and seeing him more with Skinner could give Buffalo a very annoying second unit for teams to deal with. By Joe Yerdon Defense Sep 23, 2019 Rasmus Dahlin, Rasmus Ristolainen, Brandon Montour (injured), Colin Miller, Marco Scandella, Jake McCabe

After 10 days of training camp and four preseason games, the Sabres’ The top six is pretty well set. The questions heading into camp were how roster is coming into focus. After Sunday’s cuts, the roster is down to 31 guys would look early and how much they’d be challenged by younger active players and five others who are injured. players and newcomers. This isn’t to say that hasn’t happened, but these six haven’t done anything to lose their jobs as most have played There are 19 forwards, nine defensemen and two goalies still in admirably. Most mistakes or misreads any of these players have made competition for the opening night roster. While there isn’t a goaltending can be chalked up to rustiness and getting accustomed to a new system. competition, there’s a lot to sort out among the skaters. What has been encouraging out of this group is how well they’ve been Let’s get the obvious roster spots out of the way first. able to jump into the offense to keep pucks alive and how well they’ve Goalies been able to rotate in coverage. We saw too many times last season where there was confusion about who was covering who. That hasn’t Carter Hutton, Linus Ullmark happened so far and the simplification in the system and the reads are helping everyone out. These two were the de facto tandem headed into the season. They would have needed to be flat out horrible to be unseated. They weren’t, The eagerness of Dahlin to help maintain possession in zone is so now Andrew Hammond, Jonas Johansson, and Michael Houser are something he excels at, but seeing McCabe and Miller and Ristolainen headed to Rochester (Hammond pending waivers). do it responsibly is encouraging. If there’s something that’s stood out about the Sabres attack so far in preseason, it’s their ability to maintain With two preseason games left, the safe assumption is Hutton and zone time and continue to press opponents. Ullmark will each get a full game to get ready for the regular season. Ullmark had an outstanding two periods against Toronto on Friday and The Battle Ahead Hutton played all 60 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Leafs. Forwards There are still some preseason goals that everyone would like to have back, but the pressure on Hutton and Ullmark to hold things down early Cozens, Curtis Lazar, Johan Larsson, Zemgus Girgensons, Scott Wilson on while the rest of the team finds their way in a new system is heavy. (injured, day-to-day), Rasmus Asplund, Jean-Sebastien Dea, Vladimir Better to get the ugly ones out of the way in games that don’t count. That Sobotka, Remi Elie, Tage Thompson said, after the way last season ended for both of them, it’s encouraging to There were 10 forwards listed above that should be locks for the roster. see great stops like this: There are 10 more here who are fighting for three or four more spots. If it Forwards weren’t his first NHL camp and the Sabres weren’t stressing development, Cozens would be penciled into the lineup right now. Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, Jeff Skinner, Conor Sheary, Kyle Okposo, Marcus Johansson, Jimmy Vesey, Evan Rodrigues, Casey Mittelstadt, Cozens’ play through three games has been very solid. He, along with Victor Olofsson Thompson, stood out at the game at Penn State and he showed a lot of mature play in Toronto Friday. Ralph Krueger included Cozens again on Most of these guys were automatic so there’s not a ton of need to get Saturday night to get a further look at him, but he was limited to 8:37 time into what sets them aside from the others. If you thought Eichel or on-ice. Skinner were in a battle to make the team, I hope you were talking about your fantasy hockey roster. At this point it would be easy to see Cozens starting the season with the Sabres and getting a possible nine-game look to see if he’s ready for the If there was any question about Olofsson going into camp, he put that NHL right now. aside after his two-goal performance Saturday against the Leafs. Thompson has had another strong camp. He was able to beat Alex “Victor was just permanently dangerous and he’s a shooter,” Ralph Nylander for a spot on the roster last season and this time around it’s his Krueger said about Olofsson on Saturday. “In practice we’ve been skill set that sets him apart from the others. He’s stronger, he’s going to watching it, we’ve seen it in the other games already, he’s a threat all the the net more, and he’s used his size much more effectively. time… He’s an exciting tool in our box.” It was notable that veterans Larsson and Girgensons didn’t play in either Looking at this group, the breakdown is heavy on wingers. The center game against Toronto over the weekend, but that appeared to be a move spot — with Eichel, Rodrigues, and Mittelstadt — could be easy to pencil to make sure there was room in the lineup for guys Krueger wanted a in as a top-three down the middle. What throws a wrench into that a bit is longer look at. After all, you know what you’re getting with Larsson and Johansson. In his preseason debut on Saturday, Johansson played Girgensons but Cozens, Lazar, Arttu Ruotsalainen, and C.J. Smith center, something he hasn’t done much of since his time in Washington. needed more of a look. Asplund was scheduled to play on Saturday, but Everything is worth trying in the preseason, but it is a curious move his appearance on Friday was due to a lower-body injury to Kevin Porter. nonetheless. Fans aren’t huge supporters of Sobotka, but his play on Friday in Toronto “I believe we will be looking at another game of that. It gives us an was very good. If that’s the kind of effort he provides regularly, he’ll be on exciting option to put the lineup in a different color,” Krueger said. “I think the team and will be counted on to provide the grit and grind Krueger we all know the depth through the center helps us. We’re leaning towards wants to see from parts of his lineup. He won 14 of 19 faceoffs, was giving him another look there.” intense on the forecheck and generated a couple shots.

Mittelstadt struggled in Columbus and had a tough period in Toronto on A lot of the same can be said of both Elie and Lazar, who have played to Friday as well. He found his rhythm and confidence with the puck as the their strengths of getting in deep on the forecheck, pressuring puck game went on, which is good for him to build on with Johansson getting a carriers, and using their bodies effectively. look at center and first-round pick Dylan Cozens having a strong camp. Their offensive upside is minimal, but if Krueger’s plan is to have an As for other positives, Sheary has been dynamite in both games he’s energy line, that only helps the case for guys like Elie and Sobotka. Fans played and seems to have really taken to the aggressive style Krueger would scream at their inclusion and the results would have to pay off. wants. Reinhart and Eichel finding their chemistry again wasn’t a Having a lot of guys who are good at playing up on the forecheck and surprise, as Reinhart shined on Saturday. It’ll be worth watching if being physical is nice, but depth scoring is what sets contenders apart from pretenders.

As for forecasting how the final spots could go, Krueger has shown flexibility in which side wings have played as well as taking advantage of having center-capable forwards.

“I always say the ideal lineup has six centermen in it just because they bring a natural defensive awareness to the group,” Krueger said. “It’s not something we’re going to target on, we’ll see how the cards fall in the end, but there will be times we’ll have six centermen in the lineup where you are clearly stronger in the penalty kill, clearly stronger in the matchups defensively with players who have come from that position… It’s good to have players that can move around. When you start looking at the way we play the position, you have some flexibility with the way we check and the way we come home into our own zone and the wingers need to take more responsibility in that and free centermen up at times – so that depth of experience helps us.”

Defense

Henri Jokiharju, Casey Nelson, John Gilmour, William Borgen

With Montour’s injury keeping him out of the remainder of camp and possibly into the start of the season, there are at least two spots to be had here. We’ve discussed the competition part of this already, but with Montour out and no Lawrence Pilut or Zach Bogosian, this is a huge opportunity for everyone.

Jokiharju has gotten a look in three games already. He was outstanding against the Penguins at Penn State, struggled against the Maple Leafs in Toronto with over 20 minutes of ice time, but rebounded decently in 13 minutes the next night. He’s the guy with the most potential out of these four, but he’s also the youngest and those learning moments are still there for him. Seeing him excel against the Penguins’ lineup of mostly AHL players but hit some bumps against the likes of Auston Matthews and John Tavares is appropriate.

Gilmour has been similarly exciting to see when he’s been on. His goal against the Penguins showed how his speed sets him apart. In Toronto on Friday, he and Borgen saw a lot of time against the Matthews line and it did not go well, posting roughly a 15% CorsiFor at 5-on-5 against them (via Natural Stat Trick). Matthews and William Nylander are a handful for elite NHL defensemen to handle, never mind guys battling for a spot on the third pair of the Sabres.

As for Nelson, he’s quietly been a steady player through camp. He has the veteran edge on the rest of the group but he’s not letting that affect his effort. He’s been strong in his zone and eager to get pucks to the net. It’s not going to wow you, but if he’s your No. 6 or 7 defenseman (or No. 8) that’s all right.

Joe Yerdon

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153901 Buffalo Sabres stronger, go down better. They’re going to continue to push to get some games here.

“We’re going to have two good hockey clubs.” State of the Amerks: ‘We’ve got to make a long playoff run’ Forwards

Name Contract By John Vogl Andrew Oglevie NHL Sep 23, 2019 9 Brett Murray Unsigned

C.J. Smith NHL That one hurt. Dalton Smith AHL Rochester had established itself as an elite team in the American Hockey League. The Americans finished third overall in the 31-team league, Eric Cornel AHL going 46-23-7 for the organization’s best record in 14 years. On the eve of the playoffs, longtime veteran Kevin Porter confided that it was the Jarrett Burton AHL best team he’d ever played on. John Wiitala AHL

Then it was one, two, three strikes they’re out in the old playoffs. Kevin Porter AHL

For the second straight postseason, the Amerks got swept away. They Kyle Olson Unsigned haven’t won a series since 2005 or even a playoff game since 2014, but they really believed the skid was going to end last spring. Mason Mitchell AHL

“It definitely stings a lot,” coach Chris Taylor said last week. “To come up Pascal Aquin AHL short was disappointing with the guys that we had and the team that we Sean Malone AHL had. It definitely hurts.” Taylor Leier AHL It took awhile to get over it. Even defenseman Casey Fitzgerald, who didn’t join the team until March when his collegiate career ended, sensed Tyler Randell AHL something special was possible. The Amerks have to reload after the graduation of leading scorer Victor “I know all the guys, myself included, had high hopes for the Olofsson, the trade of Alex Nylander and the departures of Danny postseason,” he said. “We wanted that (Calder) Cup, but I think it’s fuel O’Regan (20 goals) and Wayne Simpson (21). Left wing C.J. Smith will for the fire. This year coming up, all the guys, you can kind of tell they be the catalyst after finishing second to Olofsson in goals (28) and points have a chip on their shoulder. They’re still talking about it to this day, (58). ‘That hurt. That really hurt.’ While Asplund would like to remain in Buffalo, he’d become Rochester’s “So you know it was a special team with a special group of guys.” No. 1 center with a demotion. He finished last season with seven goals and 23 points in the Amerks’ final 22 games. And now they’re back. It’s the Amerks’ third year under Taylor and general managers Jason Botterill and Randy Sexton. The first year was Dea, who played under Botterill and Sexton in the Penguins’ about establishing a winning attitude. The second year was about organization, will be relied upon heavily (provided he’s around). The building off that. There’s no doubt what this year is about. center had 17 goals and 44 points in 46 AHL games, but he also totaled 23 NHL games with Pittsburgh and New Jersey, so he might get a few “We’ve got to make a long playoff run,” Porter said. recalls. The Sabres signed him to a two-year deal, lessening the The 33-year-old captain quickly caught himself, saying it was important likelihood another team would claim him on waivers. not to get ahead of themselves and build from a good start to a winning Porter continues to provide two-way depth and leadership down the record to a division title. But his first words really are the goal. middle. The Amerks need to make a long playoff run. There’s certainly opportunity on the wings. Injuries limited Leier to 35 “We’ve got all the tools to do it,” Porter said. “We’ve just got to put the games, but he was effective with 12 goals and 23 points. Lazar was a 20- pieces together. That’s kind of the goal on our end.” goal scorer for Calgary’s AHL club. Oglevie was a point-producer at Notre Dame but had his first pro season cut short by a concussion. The Amerks hope to be even better despite possibly losing seven of their Thompson had eight goals in 11 games at the end of the year. He’s in a top 10 scorers through trades, promotions and free agency. Increased fight with Buffalo veterans such as Zemgus Girgensons and Johan competition for roster spots in Buffalo will trickle down to the Amerks (and Larsson for one of the last NHL roster spots. even further down to Cincinnati of the ECHL). Established NHL veterans might once again be riding the bus in Rochester, playing hard for a recall. Defense

Plus, the Amerks have 10 forwards and eight defensemen signed to AHL Name Contract deals. They’ll be working to stay in Rochester instead of reporting to Andrew MacWilliam AHL Cincy. Brandon Hickey NHL “They’ve signed some great players for Buffalo and for Rochester,” Porter said. “Guys are fighting for spots and who knows who is going to Casey Fitzgerald NHL be where? They’ll decide that at the end of camp. We’ll see who ends up in Rochester and we’ll get those guys to get on our page and play hard. Devante Stephens NHL

“We’re going to have good players either way.” Frank Hora AHL

The Sabres made their first round of cuts Sunday, but at least seven Jacob Bryson NHL more players are bound for Rochester. The possibilities include forwards Justin Baudry AHL Tage Thompson, Curtis Lazar, Jean-Sebastien Dea and Rasmus Asplund, plus defensemen Will Borgen, Henri Jokiharju and John Kurt Gosselin AHL Gilmour. Nathan Paetsch AHL “The players who will be going down to Rochester have helped push the players that will remain here to really work for their spots,” Sabres coach Shaw Boomhower AHL Ralph Krueger said. “The players that do go down (will) go down Tobie Paquette-Bisson AHL Zach Redmond AHL

The Amerks’ strength is the back end. Redmond is the reigning AHL Defenseman of the Year after a 21-goal, 50-point season. It’s possible he’s joined by Gilmour, who was second in the league with 20 goals for the Rangers’ AHL club.

Hickey and Fitzgerald were a formidable pair in the Sabres’ Prospect Challenge and stayed together throughout training camp.

Gosselin showed well during an 11-game stint following his graduation from Alabama-Huntsville. Bryson led Providence College defensemen in assists. The feisty MacWilliam dissuades opposing forwards from heading to the front or the corners. The 36-year-old Paetsch is a two-time Calder Cup champion.

The Amerks could also get the services of puck-moving Jokiharju and hard-hitting Borgen.

The blue line is ready.

“We have that young talent, but that core group of older guys – Reds, MacWilliam, Smitty, Ports, Paetscher, all these guys – it’s such a strong group that it makes it so much easier for these young guys to play their game,” Fitzgerald said.

Goaltending

Name Contract

Andrew Hammond NHL

Jonas Johansson NHL

Michael Houser AHL

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen NHL

The Luukkonen era won’t start until November because the Sabres’ top goalie prospect underwent offseason hip surgery. The signs say he’ll be worth the wait.

The 20-year-old is coming off a season for the ages. He backstopped Finland to the World Junior Championship. He was named the Ontario Hockey League MVP and Goalie of the Year after carrying Sudbury with a 38-11-2 record and .920 save percentage. A second-round draft pick in 2017, the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder has the tools to make scouts drool.

Until he’s healthy, expect Hammond and Johansson to split the load. Hammond, who rose to fame with the Ottawa Senators in 2015, was 17th in the AHL last season with a .910 save percentage for Iowa. After shuffling between Rochester and Cincinnati the past two seasons, Johansson appears ready to make his case for a full-time AHL job.

Coaching

Taylor, a member of the Amerks Hall of Fame, is right where he wants to be. And there’s serious continuity as assistant coaches Gord Dineen and Toby Petersen also return for their third season.

“You can tell how much passion they have,” Fitzgerald said of the staff. “They’re really competitive and that rubs off on everything. They run a tight ship, but it’s good because everyone is on the same page and striving for the same goal.”

The goal this year is to make noise in the playoffs. The Amerks have added enough new faces to make things interesting, but they’ve also brought back plenty of guys who want to erase the pain of last spring.

“You lose two times in the playoffs, six straight pretty much, you would think that we would change things up,” Taylor said. “But we don’t. We really love our leadership group, and they’ve done a really good job. They’re definitely an extension of us, and we respect what they bring to the team and organization. They do a phenomenal job, and we’ve just got to keep getting better.”

John Vogl

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153902 Calgary Flames “When he approached me with another opportunity, I thought about it and now we’re here.”

Four games into the pre-season, things appear to be clicking early. Stone rolling through pre-season miles with Flames Playing with left-shot defenceman Oliver Kylington for the past two friendlies, Stone has managed to rack up two assists and is a plus-four.

Kristen Anderson This is very early, we all know that.

September 23, 2019 9:12 PM MDT But after only playing 14 games last season in total, Stone will take as much ice time as he can get. And no one should be surprised that he feels fitter than ever.

Derek Ryan feeling comfy, confident heading into second season with “I’ve practised enough so it’s nice to play games,” Stone said with a Flames chuckle. “It’s getting my timing back, I got to this level for a reason so I know where to be and what to do. It’s more to get those consistent reps If it looks like Michael Stone has an extra jump in his step, it’s because and touches and the awkward plays you don’t get in practice.” he does. While many players look to the preseason to knock some rust off and find The Calgary Flames defenceman has been a willing, enthusiastic their groove again, Stone is thrilled to be skating again. Period. participant this pre-season, skating in all four of the team’s scheduled games. Other than Alexander Yelesin, who came over from the KHL this “I didn’t see it playing out like this, I didn’t know this was even possible . . spring and is relatively unknown in the organization, Stone is the only . I’m happy to be back here,” he said. “This is a chance to start fresh with Flames player to play in all contests possible. some familiarity and I’m looking forward to that. I’m excited to just play hockey now. Considering the 29-year-old married father of three only logged 14 games last season, the extra ice time is important. “You go through, what I call, a summer training program in the middle of the season last year, I felt like you came back in March and it was the “I think it was understood that I didn’t get a whole lot last year so we’ll try beginning of the season for me and it was done. It was a long, stressful to get in as many as we can,” said Stone after Sunday’s 4-1 exhibition summer but I’m excited to just play hockey.” loss at Bell MTS Place.

The 2018-19 National Hockey League campaign was a forgettable one for the former Calgary Hitmen defender, who is best known for his Calgary Sun: LOADED: 09.24.2019 booming point shot.

Early on in the season, Stone suffered a blood clot in his arm and was kept out of the lineup until March 16 at Winnipeg.

When he returned, Stone’s place on the team’s third pairing and in the depth chart had slipped due to the emergence of fellow right-shot blueliner Rasmus Andersson.

Skating every day, practising early and staying late, Stone improved his conditioning to try and get himself up to game speed. But by the time he was healthy and ready to gear up for a long playoff run, the season was over — an early playoff exit in the first round at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche.

Beyond that game in Winnipeg, he only logged two regular-season appearances after that — April 1 at Los Angeles and April 3 at Anaheim.

The summer was murky for Stone and only complicated matters when the Flames’ — trying to balance the books and make room for impending restricted free agent signings — bought him out of the last year of his three-year contract worth US$3.5-million in cap space per season. The move, a business decision, saved the Flames US$2.33-million in cap space and only put Stone on the books for US$1.167-million for 2019-20 and 2020-21.

But when Juuso Valimaki went down with a torn ACL, suddenly the Flames were in need of a capable, reliable defenceman.

There was familiarity with Stone as a player, of course, and that gave both sides comfort.

“Sometimes fresh starts are wanted and welcomed,” said the Winnipeg native, who was able to see his parents after Sunday’s game. “But I’m happy to be in a situation where I’m back with some familiar faces and staff I knew.”

There was never animosity or hard feelings over either decision: the decision to buy him out in the first place or the decision to bring him back.

Because, at the end of the day, there is a good chance Stone can slot in on Calgary’s third pairing — right where he left off last year.

“I had some opportunities and determined that this was going to be the best fit for me,” he said. “I’d like to think I have a pretty good relationship with (Flames GM Brad Treliving), throughout the whole process, he made me feel like it wasn’t personal. It didn’t have anything to do with my abilities on the ice and more the business side. I understand that — everyone should understand that this is a business and a sport we play for fun. I get all that. 1153903 Calgary Flames “It’ll be a good flight home, I’ll get him to sit with me for a little bit and get him to talk and see what he experienced in the last three weeks,” said Flames bench boss Bill Peters before the team beetled back from Bell Flames sign first-round pick Pelletier, send him back to junior MTS Place in the ’Peg. “It’s been a long stretch for him, going hard. He’s probably not quite used to the pace and the schedule and the fact you’re flying and playing and then you’re back into Calgary. It’s been a good eye-opener for him. Wes Gilbertson “Now, he’s going to go back and take the lessons that he’s learned here September 23, 2019 5:53 PM MDT and apply them in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Then, it’s up to him, after that season, to have a real good summer.”

Jakob Pelletier’s dream destination hasn’t changed any. After his first live look at Gaudreau, Monahan and the rest of the Flames’ full-timers, Pelletier will now be watching from afar for the remainder of Now, the 18-year-old left-winger understands the road-map better. the winter.

The Calgary Flames’ first-round selection of the 2019 NHL Draft, Pelletier Rest assured, kid, you made a positive first impression. was among Monday’s training-camp cuts, but he didn’t leave emptyhanded. Before departing the Saddledome to return for another That contract is further proof of that. winter with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Moncton Wildcats, “He’s skilled. He’s talented. But what I really like about (Pelletier) is from he scribbled his signature on a three-year, entry-level contract. Day 1 when he came here, where everything was new and he had to find “If I go back to junior, I want to go back with my head up,” Pelletier said out the pace and systems and so on, it took him no time,” praised Flames late last week, knowing another campaign in Moncton was the most likely assistant coach Martin Gelinas. “He gets it quick. I think in the future, he scenario. “I want to be a more complete player and I think if I develop is going to be a big part of our team. His hockey IQ is really strong. His more in junior, I’m going to come back next year more complete and compete level is really strong. He wants to get better. He is on the ice all more ready to be in the NHL.” the time. He stays after practice, so he has all the qualities to get better.

A more complete player — that’s a standard objective for any up-and- “There’s lots to learn, right? The meetings are long, a lot longer than you comer. would get in junior. There’s a lot of things that are different, and the tempo is different. Everything needs to happen a little faster. He was able After spending the tail-end of summer at the Saddledome, after a taste of to pick that up pretty quick so credit to him, he’s got that part down. Now, big-league training camp, after signing his first professional pact Monday he just has to keep improving his game.” afternoon, the talented teenager has a better grasp of what exactly that means.

“It’s a great experience, just to watch the pro players,” Pelletier beamed Calgary Sun: LOADED: 09.24.2019 after one of his on-ice sweats with the big boys. “I think that can help me a lot for my future. Just in practice, you kind of watch what they’re doing and try to repeat the same thing. If I can watch them and execute the same way, I think it’s going to be pretty good for me.”

Asked if he was paying attention to anybody in particular, Pelletier rattled off a handful of names.

You could tell he could have run through most of the roster.

“Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau, (Mikael) Backlund, (Michael) Frolik, Sam Bennett … They are some of the elite of the NHL,” Pelletier said. “You see that you can’t take a shift off in this league. Even if it’s preseason or if it’s a regular game, guys are going hard. And I think even though they are on the first two lines, they still fight for a jersey. Their compete level is pretty high, so it’s good to see.

“The pace, it’s faster. The guys are bigger, stronger. I think the puck is moving way quicker than in junior or in the rookie camp. And the shots of those guys, it’s pretty amazing.”

The Flames trimmed a grand total of 20 hopefuls in Monday’s moves, including a lengthy list of demotions to the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat.

Among those reassigned to the farm club were forwards Glenn Gawdin, Ryan Lomberg, Luke Philp, Matthew Phillips, Martin Pospisil, Adam Ruzicka and Eetu Tuulola, plus defencemen Robert Hamilton, Zach Leslie, Corey Schueneman and Alexander Yelesin and puck-stoppers Tyler Parsons and Artyom Zagidulin. They’ll soon be joined in Stockton by up-fronters Byron Froese, Justin Kirkland and Buddy Robinson and rearguards Andrew Nielsen and Rinat Valiev, but those gents must clear waivers first.

The Flames also released winger Alexander Grenier from his PTO, keeping four other tryouts in town for now.

It’s certainly not a surprise to see Pelletier returning to Moncton, where he piled up 39 goals and 89 points in 65 regular-season spins as a draft- eligible. From the moment the Flames called his name at No. 26 overall in June’s NHL Draft, there was never an expectation that the 5-foot-10, 170-lb. forward would be an immediate factor this fall.

In a pair of pre-season auditions, including Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the Jets in Winnipeg, Pelletier showed impressive wheels and totalled two shots on goal. 1153904 Calgary Flames He turned up nothing but positive feedback.

“Robert is really good at getting information, so we had a real sense of what the kid was like, which sort of helps,” MacKinnon said. “What came While Artyom Zagidulin may be a goalie of few words off the ice, his play back was, he had a lot of talent. He never got down, that he doesn’t get on it speaks volumes rattled.”

The Flames began to rustle up footage of Zagidulin — and a bunch of By Scott Cruickshank other unsigned netminders — to put into the hands of goalie coach Jordan Sigalet. Sep 23, 2019 As it happens, goalkeeper is the one position that lends itself to off-site appraisals. Back when he was doing pre-scout reports for the Dallas Stars, MacKinnon says he could glean plenty about tendencies from International man of mystery, Artyom Zagidulin dutifully takes his place, video packages alone. standing near the front of the Calgary Flames’ interview back-drop. After all, there’s a pile of camera angles — all trained on the net. Smiling sheepishly, he lifts his mask — only as much as necessary — “Besides some body-language stuff,” Sigalet said, “you’re pretty much and peeks over his white gloves. going to catch everything.” The post-practice gathering for him is small, only a Russian interpreter, Early last season, Sigalet started squinting his way through the stack of Iya Gavrilova — a three-time Olympian who often helps out the team with recordings, which included 15 of Zagidulin’s appearances. He ended up translating needs — and a notepad-toting stranger. liking the Russian the best. Despite the modest scrum, Zagidulin is shy. Even with Gavrilova gamely “You get a feel for a guy right away when they have a calmness about handling the back-and-forth, he politely provides only the bare bones. them … when they slow the game down and make it look easy,” Sigalet That he started in hockey when he was six. That he took up goalkeeping said. “You can’t teach that. There’s a lot of tools there.” when no one else on his team was interested. That his father Rinat was a After checking two boxes — the character test (after Neuhauser’s big hockey fan. That his hero was Evgeni Nabokov, who, during the diligence), the ability test (after Sigalet’s scrutiny) — the business side of 2004-05 lockout, played in his home town of Magnitogorsk. That he the affair came next. Helping matters? Zagidulin’s representatives, as wasn’t good enough to get drafted. That only in recent years did he part of a larger network, were familiar with the Flames. They’d previously realize the NHL was a possibility. worked with Calgary on arrangements for Jakub Nakladal and David Seldom interviewed, even in his KHL days, the 6-foot-2, 180-pounder Rittich. declines to divulge much more. “There’s a trust level there with us,” MacKinnon said. “We’ve done right Which isn’t to say Zagidulin is wracked by anxiety during his first visit to by them. We’ve developed a little bit of a relationship and they’ve been North America. Through Gavrilova, he says that because he’s been living very good, very candid. They said, ‘Listen, this guy’s sort of behind the in Calgary for a couple of months, he’s not nervous. Like, at all. Marty Brodeur of Magnitogorsk.'”

In fact, a cool-headed demeanour happens to be one of his assets. Indeed, Vasily Koshechkin, 36, had been entrusted with the KHL club’s (Although, from his crease, he’s been known to bellow: “Nogi! Nogi! heavy lifting. Last season, despite obvious upside, despite solid stats — Nogi!” which, translated into English, means “Legs! Legs! Legs!” which, 1.96 goals-against average, .924 save percentage — Zagidulin got less translated into hockey, means “Wheel! Wheel! Wheel!”) than half the work of his elder. (Nothing is going to change there. Already this season, Koshechkin has started and finished all nine of his team’s Since this young man is no attention-craver, it’s somewhat appropriate games.) that his preseason performances have taken place away from prying eyes — stopping all 31 shots in Red Deer against the Edmonton Oilers’ So Calgary made a formal pitch to Zagidulin, based solely on hard- rookies, stopping all 15 shots in Victoria against the Vancouver Canucks’ earned intelligence. split-squad. (Sunday in Winnipeg, he backed up Cam Talbot.) “You’d love to seem them (play live) 10 times,” MacKinnon said. “I’m sure With the spree of excellence, he is surging up the company’s depth chart (general manager Brad Treliving) before he puts his name on the and steadily building a fan base. contract, would like to have seen 15 reports on the kid. But this is an educated shot in the dark. So good for Artyom.” Starting with Derek MacKinnon, the Flames’ director of player personnel, who, after playing a pivotal role in Zagidulin’s arrival, is paying close On April 9, the Flames signed him to a one-year (two-way) deal, worth attention to the up-and-comer’s progress. $750,000 at the NHL level and $70,000 in the minors.

“I’d love to tell you it’s like Jon Lovitz (who played caustic scout Ernie “They’re willing to see where this goes,” MacKinnon said of Zagidulin and Capadino) in A League of Their Own — just send them on their way and his handlers. “They’re not going to come over and demand to leave in 30 off you go,” MacKinnon said while chuckling. “But they’re a little like your games. So it was a real good fit that way.” own children. You’re invested in this, right? You’re part of it, so you want The investment appears shrewd. At least so far. them to be comfortable. I’m like a parent.” Last week coach Bill Peters raved about Zagidulin’s perfect display in the The Flames’ bush-beaters, like everyone else in the scouting racket, are preseason, pointing to his poise, then added: “A tough guy to talk to, forever on the lookout for tidbits on information, according to MacKinnon. unfortunately.” “Even if it’s small talk at the world championships.” (Candice Ward/Calgary Flames) Having heard whispers about Zagidulin, he travelled in 2016-17 to see Aware of those limitations, the Flames, in the hopes of easing the Metallurg Magnitogorsk’s second-division outfit in the KHL. There, he transition, had arranged for Zagidulin to visit Rittich in Jihlava, Czech could get reads on defender Viktor Antipin and Zagidulin. Republic, in June. Antipin suited up, then played. Zagidulin warmed up, then sat on the “It’s like, ‘Why not?'” Rittich said. “He’s young. He can learn something bench. from me.” (At this point of the tale, MacKinnon notes that the Nashville Predators, The netminders spent more than a week together. They worked out twice once upon a time, used a single warmup viewing as the basis for an a day and got onto the ice three times — along with a couple of hired eighth-round Hail Mary — on someone named Pekka Rinne.) shooters and San Jose Barracuda puck-stopper Josef Korenar. Further, Piqued by Zagidulin’s potential, Robert Neuhauser, one of the Flames’ Rittich convinced a buddy, who’s from Belarus, to stop by and help with highly regarded talent appraisers in Europe, dug into background the language barrier. research. He quietly put out feelers about the goalie as a person, as a Still, communication didn’t exactly flow, even with frantic tapping on their teammate. translation apps. “Oh, that was really hard,” Rittich said. “I didn’t want to go to school for the Russian language, so I tried to figure out with him some stuff in English but it was really hard.

“It’s hard if you’re going somewhere and you don’t know anyone. That was what it was like for him — he came to my home town, didn’t know anyone, didn’t know the city, especially the language. But he’s a good guy.”

Instructive for Zagidulin, surely, was the outgoing attitude of Rittich. He’s a role model for cultural assimilation, with his willingness to dive into the deep end.

“But he’s kind of shy or quiet — I’m not,” Rittich said with a laugh. “I don’t know if he wants to learn English like me.”

Because, upon his arrival three years ago, Rittich blundered fearlessly into his new language. If there had been occasional missteps — everyone still gets a kick out of the goalie’s reference to his sore “ka-nee” — so be it.

“At some point, you just have to take it on your own,” Sigalet said. “If people laugh at you, that’s how you learn, right? That’s how Ritter was — he didn’t care what he said. You don’t get down on yourself. Ritter made fun of himself. Look where he is now with English, it’s incredible.”

Personalities aside, there are striking similarities between the young men. More than once down at the Saddledome, Zagidulin has been described as Rittich 2.0 — an unheralded goalie blossoming overseas and now a commodity.

“It’s nice to hear this because I heard a lot of stories about myself — ‘You’ve never been drafted and you’re in the NHL right now,'” Rittich said. “It’s about hard work. It’s about how you’re going to compete every day, every night. It’s about what you want to do — if you want to go do more workouts or go lay on the couch at home.”

In his first year in North America, 2016-17, Rittich, then 24, spent the entire season with AHL Stockton — except for a one-period morsel in the Flames’ regular-season finale.

The following winter, he proved to be a reliable backup at the NHL level. Then last season he safeguarded the Flames’ fortunes while Mike Smith wobbled, earning, in the process, the nickname Big Save Dave.

Now, with a freshly negotiated two-year contract tucked into his hip pocket, he is expected to carry the mail in Calgary.

Talk about a steady step-by-step march to the starter’s net.

Rittich’s rise gives the Flames confidence as Zagidulin, 24, begins his own adventure. Even with a Stockton assignment in his future — he’ll join Tyler Parsons — the newcomer is making an impression.

“You’re trying to follow the procedure you’ve mined a few times,” MacKinnon said. “We went through almost the identical process with Rittich. We identified him. I went and looked at some video. I thought probably what you guys are seeing now — pretty calm, pretty good laterally. Obviously, his numbers are outstanding. It sort of built from that.

“These sorts of chances are what you have to take. (Goaltending is) a thin pool. You try to include data, things like that, and an analytical approach. But, really, this comes down to an eye test and your gut. There was enough there that you’re really trying to push for this kid. And, obviously, you’re crossing your fingers.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153905 Carolina Hurricanes

Canes’ Martinook helps Pack crank up the volume

BY CHIP ALEXANDER SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 04:56 PM

RALEIGH-Jordan Martinook of the Carolina Hurricanes scored some field passes to N.C. State’s football game Saturday and took some friends with him to Carter-Finley Stadium.

Then, the fun began.

Martinook, wearing a floppy hat and red No. 19 Wolfpack jersey, posed for photos with teammates Andrei Svechnikov, Warren Foegele, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Dougie Hamilton and Clark Bishop on the sideline. Before long, the Canes forward was leading State fans in the “Wolf! Pack! Wolf! Pack!” cheer, waving his arms, asking for volume, clearly the ringleader.

“It was cool,” Martinook said Monday. “That’s the first time I’ve ever been down there that close to the game. Walking behind the bench, it’s cool to see how big those boys are. Real big. The atmosphere was just awesome.”

Martinook, a native of Brandon, Manitoba, said he played a little football as a kid. Wide receiver, running back, quarterback, safety ... Martinook said he tried those positions until his first year of bantam hockey as a young teenager.

“I was a big, big football guy but it comes to a point where you have to pick, right?” he said. “I was going from hockey game on a Saturday afternoon to a football game Saturday night. It was a lot back then. But I love football, I love watching it.”

Martinook and the Canes contingent watched as the Pack topped Ball State 34-23, the biggest play coming on Thayer Thomas’ 76-yard punt return for a score in the third quarter.

“I’m a big fan of Thayer,” Martinook said. “Reminds me of Renfrow from Clemson.”

That would be Hunter Renfrow, now with the Oakland Raiders, a smaller receiver with deceptive speed and good hands.

“That punt return was cool,” Martinook said.

As for leading the cheers with the fans, Martinook said, “I went to a game last year and saw it and knew it was a thing they do. They kind of had it going there and I stepped in late.”

News Observer LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153906 Carolina Hurricanes Checkers JUMP MAIN Nedeljkovic, called “Ned” by teammates and coaches, doesn’t recall

much about the aftermath of that clinching game, that moment. He said, With a flurry of moves at the goalie position, Canes’ Alex Nedeljkovic isn’t with a smile, that it was as if he blacked out from the excitement. fazed “Just jumping around, screaming and yelling,” he said. “I do remember the one big roar when we got to see Mr. Kahn raise that Cup over his head.” BY CHIP ALEXANDER SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 11:20 AM Much like the Stanley Cup, the Calder Cup later is passed around from player to player to have their “day” with the cup. Nedeljkovic, from Parma, Ohio, said he low-keyed it, taking the cup to downtown Cleveland RALEIGH-In the span of eight days this summer there were six for a few photos with family, then on to a pool party. goaltending moves involving the Carolina Hurricanes. Come September, Nedeljkovic hopped behind the wheel of his F-150 and All of them, in a sense, affected goalie Alex Nedeljkovic and where he headed south, putting in the miles and jumping into the logjam at the might play this season. position. To quickly recap: BRIND’AMOUR FEELS GOOD ABOUT GOALTENDING The Canes traded for goalie Anton Forsberg on June 24 in the deal that Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said Saturday morning that he felt “really sent defenseman Calvin de Haan to the Chicago Blackhawks. good” about the goaltending after more than a week of camp. The Canes re-signed Nedeljkovic to a two-year contract on June 28. “I like all of them,” he said. “I think it’s certainly different from last year, Carolina traded for James Reimer in the June 30 deal with the Florida coming into this situation, so I feel way better.” Panthers in which goalie Scott Darling went to Florida. The Canes suffered a 3-2 preseason loss Saturday night in Washington, The Canes then re-signed Petr Mrazek on July 1, the start of NHL free in a game Brind’Amour called disgusting. Forsberg, the starter, allowed agency, as Curtis McElhinney left and signed with Tampa Bay. two goals on 10 shots and Reimer one goal on 10 as they split up the game. Nedeljkovic’s reaction to that flurry of goaltending activity? Nedeljkovic’s only preseason appearance was Wednesday against “You see it, everybody sees it but I try not to look too deep into it, just Tampa Bay. Coming in midway through the second period after Mrazek focus on myself,” Nedeljkovic said Saturday in an N&O interview. “It’s the started, he stopped all 15 shots to complete the 2-0 shutout. same with any situation, whether it’s two new guys here or me coming in by myself. You’ve got to find that compete inside you, that drive inside Being a good goalie calls for sound technique and quick instincts but also you, to get better.” mental toughness. For the past few years, Nedeljkovic has consulted with Dr. Saul Miller, a mental coach who has worked with other pro Nedeljkovic, 23, said general manager Don Waddell’s job was to put the athletes and is the author of “Hockey Tough: A Winning Mental Game.” best team on the ice, adding, “If that’s bringing in other guys that are doing better than me, then obviously I’ve got some work to do. But the “Every year I feel like I’m mentally stronger, mentally tougher,” only thing I can do is worry about myself. That’s what’s going to get me to Nedeljkovic said. “I can get over a bad night. I don’t turn one bad night the next level.” into two and two doesn’t go into three.

For Nedeljkovic, named the American Hockey League goaltender of the “If you have a bad night, shake it off, try to refocus and get back to being year in 2018-19, the “next level” would likely mean Mrazek’s backup with consistent. It so easy for things to go south or go sideways on you. You the Canes this season. There were six goalies in training camp before have to come to the rink and it’s a new day, a fresh start.” Callum Booth and Jeremy Helvig were reassigned Saturday to the News Observer LOADED: 09.24.2019 Charlotte Checkers, the Canes’ AHL affiliate.

It’s now three for one: Nedeljkovic, Reimer and Forsberg competing for that second position on the roster. But Nedeljkovic has a two-way contract this season (one-way in 2020-21) and is waiver exempt. Reimer and Forsberg have NHL contracts, Reimer drawing a $3.1 million salary and Forsberg being awarded a one-year, one-way deal after he filed for arbitration following the trade from Chicago.

NEDELJKOVIC WINS THE CALDER CUP

When practice was held Monday, Mrazek and Reimer were with the more veteran group. Nedeljkovic and Forsberg were with the second group, with a primary camp roster cut down still to be announced.

Reimer and Forsberg were in the NHL last season, Reimer appearing in 36 games for the Panthers and Forsberg 35 for Chicago while also playing in the AHL. Both put up pedestrian NHL numbers, generally in backup roles.

Nedeljkovic, a second-round draft pick by Carolina in 2014, had one game for the Canes, making his first NHL start in the Jan. 23 game at Vancouver and earning his first NHL victory with 24 saves as the Canes won 5-2. The Canes had lost three of four games, the victory allowed them to go into the NHL All-Star break on an uptick.

“Really special,” Nedeljkovic said of the game. “My parents were in town and it was a dream come true, to be able to make it to that level and win that first start.”

Another special game was to come in early June. The Charlotte Checkers beat the Chicago Wolves to clinch the AHL’s Calder Cup. That ended a dream season for the Checkers, team owner Michael Kahn and Nedeljkovic, who had a 34-9-5 record in the regular season and was 10-4 in the postseason. 1153907 Carolina Hurricanes Can Reimer seamlessly slide into that No. 2 role while bouncing back after a season in which he matched his career worst save percentage (.900)?

Maturing Hurricanes Eye Second-Straight Playoff Berth Outlook

It’s been a challenge over the past two decades for the Hurricanes to build upon their successes. A key to doing so this season might come BY THE CANADIAN PRESS SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2019 with the man advantage. Carolina scored on less than 10% of its postseason chances on the power play — the worst rate of any team that

reached the second round — and went stretches of 24 and 13 RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes ended a nine-year post- consecutive power plays without scoring. Dzingel, Erik Haula and season drought last season. Gardiner should help with that.

This year, their goal: to end an even longer one. Prediction

The Hurricanes are looking to reach the postseason for a second straight The Hurricanes went 46-29-7 last season and their 99 points ranked year — something they haven’t done in 18 years. second in team history only to the 2006 Cup champions, and their 31-12- 2 regular season record after Jan. 1 was no fluke. Aside from Williams, Carolina advanced to the Eastern Conference final last season before the core of that team — chiefly Aho, Teuvo Teravainen, star-in-waiting Boston swept the Hurricanes. That deep run gave a largely young team a Andrei Svechnikov and virtually the entire defensive unit — is back and a taste of the post-season, after only a handful of players had any playoff year more mature. It might be too much to expect another run to the East experience entering that first-round series with Washington. final, but a second straight playoff berth is very much within reach.

“It’s a whole new year, so what’s done is done,” coach Rod Brind’Amour LOADED: 09.24.2019 said, “and you’ve got to move on and you’ve got to find a way to be that much better.”

And find a way to avoid the playoff hangovers that have plagued this team in the past.

In the three seasons that followed their three most recent playoff appearances — 2003, ’07 and ’10 — Carolina’s point total has dropped by an average of 26.7 points. The Hurricanes finished last in the old Southeast Division the year after making the 2002 Stanley Cup final, and wound up third in the five-team division after both the 2006 Cup title and the run to the 2009 conference final.

Who’s Here

The Hurricanes didn’t make many flashy acquisitions during the offseason, instead sprinkling some solid veterans throughout the roster. They re-signed free-agent goalie Petr Mrazek to a two-year contract, picked up James Reimer as his likely backup, brought in centre Ryan Dzingel for two years and gave defenceman Jake Gardiner a four-year deal shortly before camp.

Petr Mrazek, Carolina Hurricanes

Their most significant move was keeping one of their young stars — Sebastian Aho. Less than 24 hours after Montreal tendered him a $42 million offer sheet, they matched the deal and signed the 22-year-old restricted free agent to a front-loaded, bonus-heavy contract that locks him up through 2023-24.

“I think we assembled another solid team, and I think had some good additions,” forward Jordan Staal said. “I think we’ll be a team that’s, obviously with Roddy, going to be one of the hardest-working teams, and we’ll give it everything we’ve got every game, and that’s going to give us an edge.”

Who’s Not

Justin Williams — for now, anyway. The captain of last year’s team said he was taking a break from the sport to start this season, but left the door open to the possibility of a midseason return. Carolina also traded defenceman Calvin de Haan to Chicago and let forwards Micheal Ferland (Vancouver) and Greg McKegg (New York Rangers) and goalie Curtis McElhinney (Tampa Bay) leave via free agency. They also cut ties with Scott Darling, sending him to Florida in the Reimer trade.

Justin Williams

Key Players

All eyes will be on Aho, especially during the opener — which, coincidentally, comes against the very same Canadiens team that tried to pry him away. He isn’t worried about handling the pressure that comes with that big contract won’t be a problem, and says he doesn’t set his goals in terms of goals or points: “I just want to be a better player,” said Aho, who had team highs of 30 goals and 83 points last season.

Keep an eye on Reimer, too. Mrazek and McElhinney were almost interchangeable last season, pairing to give the Hurricanes a solid one- two combination in both the regular season and playoffs. A key question: 1153908 Chicago Blackhawks Strome was at Belfry’s camp at the invitation of Kane, who also brought DeBrincat. Kane has a clear affection for Strome, whom he refers to as “The Stat Man.”

Step 1 in building Dylan Strome’s confidence was telling him to find an “If you need a stat about a hockey player or something, he’s always apartment. Now it’s at an all-time high as he begins his 1st full season going to give it to you,” Kane said. “If you’ve got an interesting stat, you with the Blackhawks. might ask him or tell him about it. He usually knows it too. He’s always looking at that stuff, which I always enjoy talking to him about.”

Kane and Strome also know how to have fun with their hockey By JIMMY GREENFIELD CHICAGO TRIBUNE |SEP 23, 2019 | 3:44 PM obsession.

“The last couple days Kaner’s been making Dylan text me to try to get a picture of (Rangers rookie) Kaapo Kakko’s curve because they want to One of Dylan Strome’s first calls after he was traded to the Blackhawks see what curve he uses,” Ryan Strome said. “I’ve been in the dressing last November was to Alex DeBrincat, one his best friends. room trying to find his stick and take pictures for them. That’s their The first chirp upon his initial walk into the Hawks locker room came from quirkiness.” Brent Seabrook, whom Strome never had met. A lot is riding on Strome being able to repeat last season’s success. He “He yelled I was late for practice,” Strome recalled with a chuckle. “You is going to center the second line again and will be an essential part of kind of feel at home, like part of the team. When you have some pretty the power play as the Hawks try to end a two-year playoff drought. impressive players talking to you and giving you tips and see what they Strome becomes a restricted free agent next summer and could be in do away from the rink, it makes you feel more comfortable. That you can line for a sizable raise. do it, that you can be part of something special here in Chicago. That’s Less than a year after worrying if he would have any NHL career at all, what you’re trying to work toward.” Strome is on the cusp of becoming a star. The immediacy with which Strome established himself as a vital member “I love playing hockey,” Strome said. “I love having fun. I love being of the Hawks can be traced to that welcoming environment created by around the guys. I’m a loud guy; I try to make jokes and have fun. But at veterans Seabrook, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith. the same time I feel like I’m a pretty serious guy at games and practices. But all new players are wrapped in a bear hug when they arrive. I feel like I know when to keep it honest and keep it real and try to keep it Feeling comfortable didn’t wipe away three years of uncertainty that had light at the right times and have fun with the young guys. built up since the Coyotes drafted Strome with the No. 3 pick in 2015. It “I remember when I was at my first couple (training) camps, I was pretty didn’t erase withering tweets declaring him a bust at age 21 after scoring stressed out and pretty nervous and not really myself. So I feel like if just 16 points in 48 NHL games. And it didn’t put the puck in the net. there’s one thing I regret, I would go back and have fun, be myself. But But it helped. maybe I wouldn’t be here then. So everything works out for a reason.”

“(I played) 40-some-odd games in Arizona, and that just wasn’t working,” Chicago Tribune LOADED: 09.24.2019 Strome said. “You start doubting yourself and start thinking you can’t do it anymore. Now it’s just the opposite to where I know I can do it.”

One of the first things the Hawks did was tell Strome it was OK to find an apartment. That might seem like a small thing, but the impact was enormous. Getting the go-ahead to get an apartment meant he wasn’t in Chicago on a tryout basis and wasn’t at risk of getting sent to the minors.

It meant Strome had a real home. During his three brief stints with the Coyotes, he never moved out of the hotel the team put him up in.

“I remember when he called me and told me Stan Bowman had told him to get a place in the first two days he was here, and he was over the moon and thrilled,” said Ryan Strome, Dylan’s older brother by four years who plays for the Rangers. “It goes a long way toward making a player feel comfortable and feel wanted.”

Strome couldn’t have been transported into a better environment if he had orchestrated it himself, and the dividends came quickly. He had a goal and an assist in his first game with the Hawks and never went more than five straight games without a point the rest of the season.

He finished the season with 51 points in 58 games with the Hawks after scoring just six points in 20 games with the Coyotes before the trade. His addition to the Hawks power play helped turn one of the worst in the NHL into one of the most effective.

“Once he got traded, I thought this was the best situation he could be in,” Ryan Strome said. “You get to learn from some future Hall of Famers and you have a familiar face in Alex and an Original Six market and one of the best sports cities in the world. There was a lot of positives, and he was able to take it and run with it.

“I was proud. I remember watching the first game against Vegas and he scored and I was fired up watching it on my couch. I’m like, he’s just going to get rolling from here, and he kind of did.”

Strome spent the summer doing all the things you might expect from a hockey rat. He took a few weeks off, including to attend Ryan’s wedding, but most of it was spent on the ice.

He went to the world championships with Team Canada for a month, worked out in Chicago during most of July and August and attended a weeklong camp that skills coach Darryl Belfry runs in Florida. 1153909 Chicago Blackhawks The Hawks understand that and don’t seem interested in rushing things with de Haan, which would temporarily open a roster spot for another defenseman. Boqvist is definitely in the mix, and even if he proves not yet ready to defend against faster, stronger NHL players, a few games — Will Corey Crawford or Robin Lehner get more starts in goal? 3 hot topics even one game — would be invaluable experience. facing the Blackhawks this season. When de Haan is ready to play, Boqvist can go to Rockford and work on his game while waiting for his next opportunity. He is the most exciting defensive prospect the Hawks have had in years. There’s no reason to By JIMMY GREENFIELD CHICAGO TRIBUNE |SEP 23, 2019 | 10:15 rush him. AM Point: The Hawks should scour the waiver wire for better depth forwards.

Counterpoint: The Hawks seem pretty happy with their depth forwards. The first 10 days of Blackhawks training camp have been defined by a word that would make George Costanza proud: Nothing. Excluding first-round pick Kirby Dach, who hasn’t practiced with the team because of a concussion he suffered Sept. 10, the Hawks have five There have been no controversies, no raging players, no building angst forwards left in camp battling for one or two roster spots: Brendan Perlini, ready to boil over. Anton Wedin, John Quenneville, Aleksi Saarela and Jacob Nilsson. That doesn’t mean nothing has been happening, of course. Which brings What the Hawks do to start the season may be as simple as keeping us to a few issues that we’ll explore in our first point/counterpoint of the guys they might lose if they have to pass through waivers. Perlini and season. Quenneville would have to pass through waivers. Wedin, Saarela and Point: Corey Crawford should get more starts than Robin Lehner. Nilsson would not.

Counterpoint: Lehner should get more starts than Crawford. Could the 26-year-old Wedin, whom the Hawks signed to a one-year contract in May, still sneak onto the roster? Colliton has put an emphasis How Lehner and Crawford perform might have the biggest impact on the on versatility, and during Saturday’s 3-2 preseason win against the season, but how their playing time gets divvied up won’t be a mystery. Bruins he had Wedin center the third line with Brandon Saad and Dominik Kubalik despite not playing the position in two years. Crawford will no doubt start the season opener in Prague on Oct. 4 and perhaps the home opener at the United Center six days later. But from Wedin had three faceoff wins in six tries, a solid effort for any player, let that point on coach Jeremy Colliton will only need to see who has the hot alone someone who rarely lines up on the dot. hand to decide who will be in net. “I think (Wedin) plays with a lot of energy and he’s a conscientious Neither has missed any time during training camp and both have looked player,” Colliton said after the game. “He works hard, both sides of the good during limited preseason action. puck. He has a little bit of skill, he’s a strong skater, I thought he’s shown well on the wing and we wanted to rotate the lineup a little bit and see if It’s a fallacy that Crawford needs to be treated with kid gloves because he could fit in at center, and I thought he did well. I liked that line.” he suffered concussions each of the last two seasons. Colliton started him 13 straight games in the final month last season as the Hawks fought NHL teams have already started putting their early camp cuts on the to stay in the playoff picture. waiver wire, and the Hawks haven’t snapped anybody up. With the depth they have this season, they probably won’t have to. Crawford started back-to-back games twice during that stretch and posted a 7-3-3 record with a .928 save percentage. He doesn’t need Chicago Tribune LOADED: 09.24.2019 have to prove he can be great again. He was great as recently as last March.

On the other hand, Lehner had a .930 save percentage while playing in 46 regular-season games. He was even better in the playoffs with a .936 save percentage before the Islanders exited in the second round.

The Hawks have problems to solve. Who will be in net isn't one of them.

Point: Adam Boqvist should start the season with the Hawks if Calvin de Haan isn’t ready.

Counterpoint: Let Boqvist start at Rockford and improve defensively before calling him up.

How the Hawks are handling Boqvist, 19, is in sharp contrast to last season when Henri Jokiharju made the opening-day roster at 19. Boqvist has a much higher ceiling than Jokiharju, who played 38 games and was traded to the Sabres for Alex Nylander in the offseason.

The ease with which Hawks fans can watch Boqvist make spectacular plays on social media makes the prospect of his arrival feel imminent, not to mention mouthwatering.

It also makes it easy to forget Boqvist is only 19 and hasn’t played any professional hockey yet.

Blackhawks defenseman Adam Boqvist, center, keeps Red Wings left wing Givani Smith from the puck during the second period Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, at the United Center.

This issue will be moot if de Haan, who had offseason shoulder surgery, isn’t able to play in the opener. But that’s far from certain, and de Haan is back practicing with the team. However, the Hawks haven’t let him play in any preseason games.

He’s arguably their most important defenseman as they look to improve after allowing the second-most goals in the NHL last season. They can’t risk losing him for a lengthy period of time. 1153910 Chicago Blackhawks PREDICTION Life is tough in the rough-and-tumble Central Division, home of the

defending Stanley Cup champion Blues and the loaded Predators and Shaw looking to help Blackhawks return to playoffs Jets. But if de Haan and Maatta can stay healthy and Chicago gets more secondary scoring from its bottom two lines, it could return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.

By JAY COHEN Daily Herald Times LOADED: 09.24.2019

CHICAGO -- Andrew Shaw started chirping right away. A few lines for Jonathan Toews. A few more for a couple new teammates.

It was like he never left.

Trying for a turnaround after two down years, the Chicago Blackhawks once again dipped into their past as part of a flurry of offseason moves. General manager Stan Bowman reacquired Shaw in a trade with Montreal in June, looking to add more grit and energy to a lineup that seemed like it needed a spark at times last year.

The 28-year-old Shaw returns to Chicago a married father, with another child on the way. But the pesky forward said his game remains very similar.

"Maybe just a little less reckless," he said. "Still physical, still hits, but just try not to lead with my head anymore."

Shaw was selected by Chicago in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. He helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015 before he was dealt to the Canadiens three years ago.

The addition of Shaw gives coach Jeremy Colliton another versatile piece. He could grab a spot on one of Chicago's top two lines, or provide some offense on the third or fourth group. Shaw set career highs with 28 assists and 47 points in his final season with Montreal. He scored a career-best 20 goals during the 2013-14 season with the Blackhawks.

"Whether he's top six or he could be on the fourth line, he's still going to contribute," Colliton said. "We want to have that sort of personality throughout our lineup. I think we have a bunch of guys who can move up and down."

Shaw became one of Chicago's most beloved players during his first stint with the team, and he said he has been greeted warmly since he came back this summer.

"Love. I mean pure love. It's awesome," he said. "People coming up to you, recognizing you, glad to have you back, saying they missed you. It feels good. It feels good to be loved."

WHO'S HERE

The Blackhawks acquired Calvin de Haan and Olli Maatta in a pair of June trades to help bolster their defensive pairings. But de Haan is coming back from right shoulder surgery and Maatta has struggled with injuries over the years, in addition to concerns about his skating ability.

WHO'S NOT

Chicago traded promising young defenseman Henri Jokiharju to Buffalo in July for Alex Nylander, a talented forward who hasn't lived up to expectations since he was selected by the Sabres with the eighth overall pick in the 2016 draft. The progress of the 20-year-old Jokiharju and 21- year-old Nylander will be closely watched in Chicago and Buffalo over the next couple seasons.

KEY PLAYERS

The addition of Robin Lehner gives Chicago one of the best goaltender situations in the league. Lehner agreed to a $5 million, one-year deal in free agency after he went 25-13-5 with a 2.13 goals-against average last season with the New York Islanders. Corey Crawford was sidelined by a concussion during each of the past two seasons, but showed flashes of his stellar form last year. If Lehner or Crawford goes down, the Blackhawks have Collin Delia waiting in the minors.

OUTLOOK

Chicago allowed a whopping 291 goals last season, second worst in the league behind Ottawa, and finished with the NHL's worst penalty kill at 72.7%. Bowman made several moves this summer to address those issues. If they don't work out, it could be another long year. 1153911 Chicago Blackhawks — Ryan Carpenter — Kirby Dach

— Alex DeBrincat Breaking down Blackhawks' final roster battles of 2019 training camp — David Kampf

— Patrick Kane By Charlie Roumeliotis September 23, 2019 2:30 PM — Dominik Kubalik

— Alex Nylander In a matter of days, the Blackhawks trimmed their roster nearly in half as they look to finalize their Opening Day roster. But the hard part is just — Brendan Perlini beginning. — John Quenneville The ones who have made it this far means they've given the coaching staff and management group something to think about. And that's exactly — Brandon Saad how the Blackhawks want it. They want these decisions to be difficult. — Aleksi Saarela

"It’s great to be down to one group, but it’s such a big group," coach — Andrew Shaw Jeremy Colliton said. "We’re in that middle ground where it is nice to just focus on the guys that are immediately in the mix for our team but it’s a — Zack Smith lot of guys to manage for one practice. ... Eventually that won’t be the case anymore, but it is nice to be able to spend a little more time with — Dylan Strome only the guys who are potentially going to play for us." — Jonathan Toews

Teams have until Oct. 1 to become cap compliant with its official 23-man — Anton Wedin roster, but the Blackhawks are allowed to take 25 overseas for their season opener in Prague. The Blackhawks depart for Berlin on Thursday This is where the roster battles get interesting. The forward group is and they must make a few more cuts before then, currently sitting at 30 starting to become clearer, but the bubble spots are still up for grabs. players after assigning forward Jacob Nilsson and defenseman Philip Holm to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs on Monday. Here are the six forwards who appear to be battling for the final few spots: Dach, Nylander, Perlini, Quenneville, Saarela and Wedin. And So let's break down the final position battles left of 2019 training camp: each situation is different.

Goaltenders (3): Dach remains out with a concussion, but he skated on his own again on Monday and the Blackhawks aren't going to make a decision on his — Corey Crawford status until they see him practicing with the team and in game action.

— Collin Delia Nylander has been a standout at training camp, but he was quiet in — Robin Lehner Saturday's preseason game against Boston and the Blackhawks are looking for consistency out of him. There isn't much debate here. Crawford and Lehner will be the two goaltenders on Day 1, but Delia serves as a dependable No. 3 option Perlini was a healthy scratch on Saturday and there's a chance he could throughout the season if needed. be on Wednesday also. The Blackhawks know what they have in him so he could be an option for the 13th or 14th forward spot, somebody who Defensemen (10): can rotate in and out of the lineup and give the team bursts.

— Adam Boqvist Quenneville has been out for almost a week with a hip injury, so he's losing some valuable evaluation time. But the Blackhawks don't want to — Carl Dahlstrom make a final decision on him until they have to.

— Calvin de Haan Saarela is the prospect who didn't get a shot in Carolina but could in — Dennis Gilbert Chicago. It's still more than likely he starts the season in Rockford, but the fact he hasn't been among the first two rounds of cuts is a positive — Erik Gustafsson sign about what his chances could be of a call-up mid-season.

— Duncan Keith And then there's Wedin, who was given a shot in the third-line center role on Saturday and he held his own. They like the versatility he brings. — Slater Koekkoek All that being said, there might be only one everyday forward spot — Olli Maatta available and the other one or two as the extras, depending on how — Connor Murphy many players the Blackhawks want to carry once they return from Prague. Wednesday's preseason contest against the Washington — Brent Seabrook Capitals in Chicago will be the final chance for some players in this group to make their cases before the Blackhawks head to Europe and reduce The Blackhawks essentially have five defensemen locked in: Gustafsson, their roster one last time. Keith, Maatta, Murphy and Seabrook. If he's healthy for opening day, de Haan will round out the group. The seventh defenseman spot is the one Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 that's to be determined.

Boqvist and Gilbert will probably start the season in Rockford but Colliton said Monday that they're both still in the mix and, at the very least, are getting some valuable experience. They're still viewed as long-shots, but it's a good sign that they're still around.

That leaves Dahlstrom and Koekkoek as the two guys competing for the final spot and, although unlikely, the possibility of carrying eight defensemen hasn't been ruled out. Dahlstrom and Koekkoek would have to go through waivers if they were to be assigned to Rockford, so that plays into the equation.

Forwards (17):

— Drake Caggiula 1153912 Chicago Blackhawks “I’m in the game, so I follow it,” Bowman said on Saturday. “You read what’s going on. I’ve talked to other managers. It’s hard to draw a lot of conclusions because each situation is different. We’ve seen a number of high-profile guys sign in the last 10 days, but there’s still a group of guys ‘When the times comes, we’ll get something done’: Alex DeBrincat hopes that are still out there. I think it boils down to the individual player, the for easy Blackhawks negotiation agent and the team, where they’re at. Each situation is different. Certain teams have a number of guys they’ve already committed to, some don’t.

Some players are looking for shorter term, longer term. So, although it’s By Scott Powers Sep 23, 2019 interesting, and you should follow what’s going on in the league, what really matters is your situation and the player.

“I’m following it. It might impact us. Really when it’s all said and done, it’s Alex DeBrincat can’t imagine sitting at home, waiting to get a contract between the team and the player and the agent to find a deal that works done while NHL training camp rolled along without him. for both sides. When that happens, that’s when deals get done. It could happen really early, could be done right before camp, could be done The thought makes him uneasy. It’d eat at him not be on the ice with his during camp or into the season. It’s really impossible to prognosticate teammates. over time.” “I know thinking about that, I obviously wouldn’t want to miss camp, DeBrincat said he was open to talking with the Blackhawks now, but he wouldn’t want to miss any part of the year,” DeBrincat said last week wasn’t stressing about the timeline. after a Blackhawks practice. “It doesn’t matter to me,” DeBrincat said. “I don’t think I’ll be part of most DeBrincat realizes that’s easier said than done, though. He hopes the of the conversations. Whatever they come up with, I agree with, and we process goes according to plan and a deal gets done quickly, but he’s can maybe get something done. But I think I’m just going to focus on still technically a season away from becoming a restricted free agent. It hockey right now and not worry about it. When the times comes, we’ll get still feels like he has all the time in the world to negotiate a new contract. something done.” But the current unsigned restricted free agents are facing that Bowman has some major player decisions ahead of him. Both of his undesirable reality, still negotiating in late September. goalies, Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner, can become unrestricted free DeBrincat doesn’t necessarily want that same scenario a year from now, agents after the season. DeBrincat, Dylan Strome, Dominik Kubalik, but he understands why it’s gotten to that point. Drake Caggiula and Brendan Perlini, all forwards who are expected to be on the Blackhawks’ season-opening roster, can become restricted free “You only have so many years in hockey to get your money,” the 21- agents after the season. year-old DeBrincat said. “Careers are so short. You really got to work hard, and I think a lot of those guys in the RFA market are worth big While the Blackhawks have some money coming off the books, Bowman money right now. I completely get why they’re standing their ground, will likely have to create more cap space if he wants to re-sign one of believe they’re worth that much. You see what guys are getting paid now, those two goalies, DeBrincat, Strome and anyone else. Bowman is it’s pretty up there. You got to see both sides of the story. Obviously they aware of that, but it’s not his main focus right now. want to be at camp, they don’t want to be sitting at home, but you got to “That’s our job to manage the present and the future,” Bowman said. stand up for what you believe in. I think it goes both ways. I’m sure a year “You got to be living in both worlds at the same time. As we’re sitting ago they didn’t think they’d be in this position. So, I guess things change here today, I’m not fixated on next year’s cap because we haven’t even and stuff happens. We’ll see what happens.” played a game. If we’re only worried about next year’s cap, then we DeBrincat will likely first see what happens with the current restricted free could do things to create cap space right now and be in a really good agents’ deals before serious discussions begin. Comparables are often a position. But what about this season, though? significant piece to negotiation puzzles, and DeBrincat and his agent Jeff “So we got to focus on Game 1 of the year and get off to a good start. At Jackson will likely want to know what fellow wingers Kyle Connor, Patrik the same time we’re doing that, we’re going to be thinking about where Laine and Matthew Tkachuk get on their second deals. All three of them we’re going to be. The other thing is a lot of things change. Like, we remain unsigned. didn’t have Strome a year ago and now we’re talking about what’s he DeBrincat already has some comparables among wingers. Through two going to make next year. So there’s a player we don’t even have on our seasons, he’s totaled 69 goals and 59 assists in 164 games. Brock team right now who might be a big player in March. I don’t know, maybe Boeser put up 59 goals and 57 assists in his first 140 games and recently not. If you try to do too much planning, you have to balance that, the got a three-year deal with a $5.875 million cap hit from the Vancouver present with the future. Canucks. If DeBrincat is looking for a bridge deal, Boeser is one player to “Of course, it matters. I can’t say I’m not even (thinking about it), I’ll figure look at. it out at the end of June. That’s not true. But my primary focus right now There are also examples of long-term deals. William Nylander had 48 is not that. It’s trying to manage the short term without saying the future goals and 87 assists through 185 games when he agreed last season to doesn’t matter. They both matter.” a six-year, $45 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Before that, The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 David Pastrnak signed a six-year, $40 million contract after he produced 59 goals and 64 assists in 172 games with the Boston Bruins. If DeBrincat has a huge season, he could potentially even look at Mitch Marner’s new deal of six years and $65.358 million. Marner was coming off a 94-point season and had 67 goals and 157 assists in 241 games before agreeing to his new contract with the Maple Leafs.

DeBrincat said he’s letting Jackson steer the ship in terms of a fair price for his future.

“I’m not worrying too much about that,” DeBrincat said. “I’m going to let my agent kind of figure out most of the stuff and figure out what I’m worth. I’m just going to let him handle it. I haven’t looked much into it. I couldn’t really tell you much. … He’s obviously been in the business for a long time and knows what he’s doing. I don’t think he’s going to hurt me in any way.”

Jackson, who is part of the Orr Hockey Group, declined to comment on DeBrincat’s negotiations on Sunday.

The other party in the negotiations, Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman, is also paying attention to what’s happening around the league with restricted free agents. 1153913 Colorado Avalanche

Joonas Donskoi on coming to Avalanche: “It’s just a good situation”

Donskoi hopes to soon play with Finnish countryman Mikko Rantanen, who remains unsigned

By MIKE CHAMBERS | September 23, 2019 at 5:17 PM

CASTLE PINES — New Avalanche forward Joonas Donskoi continues to settle into the Denver area. On Monday, he golfed for the first time in Colorado.

Mike Chambers, The Denver Post

Joonas Donskoi takes part in the Colorado Avalanche’s annual charity golf outing at The Ridge in Castle Pines on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019.

When asked if he was hitting the ball straight at The Ridge during the Avs’ annual charity golf tournament, Donskoi replied, “Uh, no.”

Donskoi, 27, is calling Colorado home after living in San Jose the last four years as a member of the Sharks. He joined the NHL squad in 2015 after playing his first six professional seasons for SM-liiga in his native Finland.

“I’m loving it so far,” Donskoi said of Colorado. “I came here over a month before camp. I wanted to come in early, get settled in and get used to the altitude and all that stuff. I’ve been loving it. I love the city. I love my new teammates. It’s just a good situation.”

Donskoi signed with the Avs on July 1 as an unrestricted free agent. He said countryman Mikko Rantanen, the Avs’ All-Star right-winger, factored in his decision. But Rantanen, 22, remains unsigned as a restricted free agent and was training in Bern, Switzerland, as of Sunday.

“Everybody knows how big of an impact he is to the team, what a good player he is, so we really need him and I hope they get the deal done as soon as possible,” Donskoi said of Rantanen.

“Having another Finn on the roster is always helpful. But it wasn’t the only factor. We (the Sharks) played these guys last year in the playoffs and I really like the style the Avs played. I think the organization is heading into the right direction after having a couple bad years. There’s a lot of good young guys coming up and I felt this team would be a good fit for me.”

The Avs and Rantanen could be further apart in contract negotiations after one of Rantanen’s best comparables, Brayden Point, signed a team-friendly deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.

Point, 23, agreed to a three-year “bridge” contract worth $20.25 million ($6.75 million annual cap hit). Point, who had 41 goals and 92 points in 79 games last season for what was the NHL’s best team in the regular season, will again be a restricted free agent at the end of the deal.

Rantanen and the Avs are trying to agree to a long-term deal with unrestricted free agency at the end of it, Colorado general manager Joe Sakic said last month. Rantanen had a career-high 31 goals and 87 points in 74 games last season and is presumably seeking a deal worth $8 million to $10 million annually.

Rantanen’s best comparable is probably Toronto’s Mitch Marner, 22, who signed a six-year, $65.4 million deal ($10.9 annual cap hit) on Sept. 13.

Now there’s a difference of more than $4 million between Marner and Point.

Footnote. The Avs will practice Tuesday and Wednesday morning before a 20-player lineup travels to Las Vegas for Wednesday night’s preseason game against the Golden Knights. Colorado concludes the preseason Saturday at Dallas.

Denver Post: LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153914 Colorado Avalanche Running a power-play unit is something Makar accomplished with great success during his sophomore season at the University of Massachusetts.

Why taking a penalty against the Avalanche might not be a good idea HERE’S A  AT @CMAKAR16’S FIRST POWER-PLAY GOAL OF this season THE SEASON (12TH OVERALL) #HOBEYNEEDSMORECALE

VOTE ➡️ HTTPS://T.CO/ZKJF0GOKDR#NEWMASS | #FLAGSHIP  PIC.TWITTER.COM/EDYFVYVI4Z By Ryan S. Clark Sep 23, 2019 — UMASS HOCKEY (@UMASSHOCKEY) MARCH 1, 2019

UMass also operated in a 1-3-1 with Makar stationing the point. He was The poor Avalanche, having to make do when playing with the also given the freedom to be flexible and roam if it was needed. The advantage. Hobey Baker Award-winning defenseman was at the controls of the Because having Gabriel Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko nation’s No. 1 power-play unit that converted 28.5 percent of its chances. Rantanen — once he agrees to a new contract — serving as your team’s The Minutemen were second in total power-play goals but were only 36th foundational power-play pieces is simply not enough. nationally with 151 opportunities. This is what some would classify as a first-world problem. Footage from one of Makar’s games against Boston College shows he It only gets “worse” for Jared Bednar upon realizing he is adding Nazem positioned himself on the left side. Makar hovered around that side of the Kadri and Cale Makar to a unit that finished in the top eight in ice but shifted to the point as passes were being exchanged. He consecutive seasons. Surely, this constitutes creating a GoFundMe page remained in the neutral zone on reloads and would stay there in the in such a time of need. event possession was lost or the puck was cleared out of the zone.

Narrator: It does not. He scored only two power-play goals as a sophomore, but his 13 assists were tied for 10th nationally among defensemen. “Yeah, it’s been good. Naz is an unreal middle guy and he was amazing in Toronto and it’s nice to have a fresh mind and new ideas here,” Practicing with the first-team unit results in Makar staying around the MacKinnon said. “Obviously, Cale is amazing up top as well. It’s two point, but his quickness gives him the freedom to hover and go really good additions.” horizontally with the idea Burakovsky and MacKinnon are not far away on the half-wall. Practically any conversation surrounding the Colorado Avalanche this preseason centers on what is a realistic expectation. Is this a team that, There was a sequence when MacKinnon had possession at the faceoff based on the postseason and offseason, is strong enough to challenge circle and fed it to Makar at the point. Makar moved as if he was going to the NHL’s elite? Or is this a roster that can get there soon enough but fire a shot from the point, which took a bit of attention away from must first prove it is capable? MacKinnon for a brief second. It was enough for Makar to move the puck back to MacKinnon for a one-timer. The power play could be a microcosm of the team’s expectations. Having Landeskog, MacKinnon and Rantanen on the first-team power-play unit MacKinnon’s shot was saved, but the rebound was corralled by reinforces the idea that the Avalanche possess the proven talent required Burakovsky. He gave it back to Makar at the top of the point, and Makar to be a threat. But how long will the new unit get up to speed after adding gave it back to MacKinnon right as there was oncoming pressure. That Kadri and Makar, who were successful in other places? forced the defending penalty-kill unit to back off and allowed the power play to move possession. Finding a way to assimilate two new figures could be tricky, but that number could rise to three. Andre Burakovsky is filling in on the first-team It would end with Burakovsky playing a cross-ice pass to MacKinnon for unit as the Avs continue to negotiate with Rantanen, a restricted free another one-timer. agent, on a new contract. “We want to be interchangeable and we don’t want to be predictable, and “When you add new players and getting different guys, it takes a little bit everyone can play any one position and that’s been the message at of time, but the structure is still there,” said Landeskog, who scored 10 of camp,” MacKinnon said. “I think when you get stagnant and stuck in your his 34 goals last season on the man advantage. “We’re still trying to do a own spot and don’t want to move, it gets too predictable and for us, we lot of the same things, and we’re still trying to move the puck around and have five guys who can play any position, including Cale. I mean, I can attack from different angles. Obviously, Cale is a threat from up top to go to the point and me and Cale can switch. It’s good. We have good shoot the puck but also passes it, and Naz has been really good in the chemistry.” middle being an option in practice. Kadri is in a different situation than Makar. Kadri is a proven forward with “I think all five guys that are trying to get on the same page right now as several years of NHL experience operating in the middle. far as with the way we want to attack and where we want to find Kadri showed what he can provide at the center of the 1-3-1 during a openings, but we’re going to go through Nate. He’s an elite playmaker, five-on-three power-play goal against the Calgary Flames last season an elite shooter and a threat every time he’s on the ice.” while performing on a unit that featured players such as Mitch Marner Bednar has the Avalanche operating out of a 1-3-1 system, and it might and John Tavares. be the most commonly used set up in the NHL. The Maple Leafs were initially spread out but collectively began closing in It sets up like this: There is one player at the point with three across the to shrink space. Kadri, who was to the goaltender’s left, remained there middle while the final member operates down low. This is what the as he received a cross-ice pass from Marner for an uncontested one- Avalanche have done the past few years. It’s just that defenseman Tyson timer. Barrie operated from up top with MacKinnon on one side of the half-wall Or, there is this one goal he scored against a team that might be familiar. opposite Rantanen. The players who’ve occupied the middle have rotated and now includes forwards such as Colin Wilson while Kadri slipped behind Matt Calvert and Carl Soderberg to get in the middle Landeskog has controlled the low role. while the Leafs were moving possession in the hopes of creating an opening. In a matter of seconds, the puck went from Morgan Rielly at the Now? Landeskog and MacKinnon are still in the same places and so will point to Auston Matthews above the faceoff circle to Tavares at the goal Rantanen once he returns, but Burakovsky currently has his spot. But line. Barrie was traded to the Maple Leafs in the deal that sent Kadri to Avalanche. All four Avalanche penalty-killers had their heads turned toward the puck. None of them was paying attention to Kadri. Tavares saw him and it led Makar is charged with replacing Barrie in facilitating the power play while to Kadri unleashing a short-range one-timer that beat Semyon Varlamov simultaneously creating chances. Kadri will secure that multi-functional for a goal. middle role in addition to other new responsibilities that could make the first-team power-play unit appear even more unique compared to a “Seeing Naz in practice, for me, it’s been patience with the puck mixed season ago. with the skill level and it’s that combination,” said Calvert, a key member of the Avalanche’s PK unit. “You just watch him and he makes that move. Lot of times, you put me in that situation or someone else, and you kinda panic and you’re wondering where the next player is or where’s that next option. He’s calm. He’s smooth and that’s something that is really going to help our power play.

“Eventually, when we get our full unit when Mikko comes back … you add that patience in the middle and there might be a few more backdoor tap-ins than what we saw last season.”

Bednar and his staff are hoping they can receive the version of Kadri that played a significant role in making the Maple Leafs one of the NHL’s premier power-play units a few years ago. Kadri finished with a team- leading 12 power-play goals in consecutive seasons from 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Toronto was the league’s No. 2 power-play unit in both of those seasons. It just so happens those were the same campaigns when Kadri recorded 32 goals in back-to-back years. Kadri still received time on the first-team power-play unit last season only to see his production fall to four goals, likely due to Tavares’ arrival. He was still third on the team in goals on the man advantage.

“Playing that middle position, I think, it’s a little bit of everything,” he said. “You’re basically the support guy, so, guys rely on you to be in the right spot to give them some sort of relief if they’re under pressure. That position, that player can really break down defensive penalties kill. And with skilled guys on each flank, I gotta be prepared to shoot the puck because they’re going to find the open man.

“Then, there’s picking up rebounds off the entries. It’s just a little bit of everything.”

Kadri also wins faceoffs at a high rate, giving the Avalanche added depth in those situations.

Landeskog was primarily responsible for winning draws. He won 92 of his 166 faceoffs on the power play (55.4 percent), which is higher than the league average of 53.1 percent, according to Puckbase.

Kadri has taken most, if not all, of the faceoffs whenever the first-team unit is practicing. He ended last season with a career-best 55.2 percent on draws and was 50 percent from the dot the season before. From 2013-14 through the 2017-18 campaign, Kadri logged more than 1,000 faceoffs until last season when that figure fell to 730.

“I like what we’re doing on the start of power plays when those lines come out,” Bednar said. “You have Kadri and then you have Landeskog. You see Kadri get kicked out a couple times. He can get aggressive on the dot and cheat as much as he can, and if he gets kicked out, then, we still have Landeskog. So we’re pretty good in the faceoff circle.”

Bednar has the sort of options that could make this the strongest first- team power-play unit he’s had during his four-year tenure with the Avalanche.

He can either have Kadri, Landeskog or MacKinnon take faceoffs. Plus, he has two veterans in Kadri and Landeskog who can find or create space in high-traffic areas. MacKinnon and Rantanen, once he returns, can either create chances for others on the flank or they can launch shots.

All this while Makar operates at the point with the understanding he has the necessary playmakers who are comfortable enough with running the attack if he has moved to another spot on the ice.

Then there is the trickle-down effect. Rantanen’s return moves Burakovsky to the second-team unit. He would likely be joined by a cast comprising of J.T. Compher, Samuel Girard and Tyson Jost. Bednar could always alternate between Joonas Donskoi and Colin Wilson for the fifth spot on the unit.

“It’s got potential to definitely be in the upper echelon of the NHL,” Kadri said. “For us, it’s about generating that early chemistry. I think we still need power plays to get organized and kinda be able to read off each other and know where each other are. But we got a good start and we’re excited about it.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153915 Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins disappointed after allowing five goals in game

Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch

The extent of Elvis Merzlikins’ NHL experience, thus far, has been a prospect tournament, a handful of scrimmages and two preseason appearances with the Blue Jackets, with limited lineup regulars surrounding him.

Still, the 25-year-old Latvian goaltender didn’t use inexperience as an excuse for allowing five goals Sunday in a 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues at the Enterprise Center.

“There were a couple good stops, but five goals is a lot to take,” Merzlikins said, shaking his head. “I’m not happy about that, that it’s five. The game was tied (3-3 in the third period). I could do better on the fourth and fifth goals, I guess.

"It’s not excuses, because I’m not a guy who offers excuses, but it’s just … I learned. I learned from the good players.”

What has he learned thus far about NHL players?

Well, for one thing, they’re incredibly skilled, even those on the cusp of becoming full-time NHLers. They shoot harder and with more accuracy than almost any other players on the planet. Their hands are deft and quick. Their passes are right to the tape, occasionally at impossible angles.

“They are really quick with the hands, and they can surprise you, even at the last second,” said Merzlikins, who allowed the first goal in St. Louis to go under his right pad and then was beaten high four straight times from close range. “That’s what I have to learn, and the quicker I learn, the better it’s going to be.”

The goaltender who guarded the Jackets’ net the past seven years, Sergei Bobrovsky, called it a “process,” and belabored that point until it basically became a running joke among media and fans alike.

Merzlikins stands about the same height and weight as Bobrovsky — displaying similar athleticism at times — but he doesn’t use clichés like “it’s a process,” to help erase the sting of five-goal games.

No, Merzlikins says stuff like this instead, when asked if learning to brush off tough games quickly is a skill he needs to hone:

“I completely understand that, but … um … I want to win,” Merzlikins said. “I want to win the games, and it’s more personal, too. I want to perform. I want to show to myself and I want to show to my mom, my brother … these people really give a lot in (the) last (few) years and when I was kid, they basically give everything to me. I want to show them there was a reason for it.”

That’s heavy stuff for a postgame self-assessment of an exhibition game. That’s also Merzlikins, an intensely competitive player who puts a lot of pressure on himself.

“The aura (about him) is in the intensity and the competitiveness that are off the charts,“ Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace said. “I (can) see why he’s going to rub somebody the wrong way, but I love it. It reminds me of Patrick Roy, like that type of intensity, but Patrick never turned it off. Patrick was Patrick, 24-7, where (Merzlikins) turns it off.”

Making sure he doesn’t forget to use that switch will be one of Legace’s biggest challenges, as Merzlikins heads into his first NHL season in tandem with Joonas Korpisalo.

“He’s a really good kid, but once you put a game situation on, it’s like, ‘Game on, let’s go … I’m gonna beat you, whatever it takes,’” Legace said. “That’s what I love about him, because he’s so competitive, which is awesome. It’s going to carry him a long way.”

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153916 Columbus Blue Jackets Adam Clendening, Zac Dalpe, Markus Hannikainen and Ryan MacInnis were placed on waivers, with the intention of assigning them to Cleveland if they clear at noon Tuesday. Doyle Domerby and goalie Veini Vehvilainen were assigned to Cleveland. Dean Kukan fighting to keep his spot on the Columbus Blue Jackets' crowded blue line The Blue Jackets are down to 28 players in camp. The roster maximum is 23 to start the season.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 09.24.2019 Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch

Two years ago, Dean Kukan listened to offers from professional teams in Switzerland, thinking his NHL dream might be running out.

It was around Christmas in 2017, and the Swiss-born Blue Jackets defenseman had spent two-plus seasons playing predominantly in the American Hockey League.

“I was kind of close to saying, ‘OK, I’ll give it another month or two (here),’ and then I got a call-up here,” said Kukan, 26, who stayed with the Blue Jackets the remainder of that season and earned a two-year, one-way contract extension.

“After I stayed up here, I was like, ‘OK, if I’m going to be here, I’m not going to give up on it.’”

Kukan is still putting in hard work to make it happen. He is locked in a tight race with other NHL-caliber hopefuls vying for a regular role on the blue line.

The others include Scott Harrington, Vladislav Gavrikov and Andrew Peeke — all defensemen with good size, shots and skating ability. Peeke has played well in scrimmages and his one preseason appearance, but he might start out in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters because it doesn’t require waivers to make that move.

That would still leave a tight race among Gavrikov, Kukan and Harrington for the lion’s share of minutes likely playing alongside Markus Nutivaara on the third pairing. Barring a trade that utilizes the Jackets’ depth on the back end to add draft picks, prospects or added punch up front, it looks like a competition that could last into the season.

“We’ve got eight defensemen battling for six spots,” said assistant coach Brad Shaw, who runs the defense pairings on the bench. “That’s great for us. It’s great for them. It pushes them. We become a better team with all that internal competition.”

Kukan, who impressed in March last season and into the playoffs, hopes to add clarity to it.

“My main goal is to get a top-six defenseman spot,” he said. “That’s been my main goal since I came over here, and it’s my fifth (pro) season now and I haven’t given up. I’m still working on it.”

Slow start

Early returns haven’t been great for a forward line the Blue Jackets hope will eventually click.

Alexander Wennberg centers the trio, which includes Oliver Bjorkstrand at left wing and Gustav Nyquist — the Jackets’ biggest splash in free agency — on the right. They began skating together in scrimmages to open training camp, but in two exhibition games they haven't produced much.

Wennberg had impressive flashes Sunday in a 5-3 road loss to the St. Louis Blues, but Shaw — who ran the bench — had been hoping to see more.

“They should have a little more attack, a little more zip to their attack, and I would attribute that to still not quite getting into sync and getting up to pace with the puck,” Shaw said. “It’s the execution, it’s that final play. It’s that staying ahead of pressure, staying ahead of the defensive players to have a chance to continue on offense a little bit longer.”

Shaw said it’s possible the sluggish start for the trio is tied to tired legs, especially for Nyquist, who is going through his first training camp under the direction of coach John Tortorella.

Roster cuts

The Blue Jackets didn’t practice Monday but did trim their camp roster by six more players. 1153917 Columbus Blue Jackets AP: 54. It’s funny how a confident goaltender looks like a bigger goaltender, and Korpisalo has played bigger so far in this preseason. I think Elvis Merzlikins is going to push for a bigger role, but that could be one start per week (three or four a month) during his rookie season. Burning questions, bold predictions for the Blue Jackets in 2019-20 Does coach John Tortorella survive this season?

AP: Hard to believe Tortorella is the seventh-longest tenured coach in the Alison Lukan and Aaron Portzline Sep 23, 2019 league, but it’s a reminder of how quick the hook is in the NHL. The most likely way I think it’s possible Tortorella gets fired this season is always

the No. 1 reason coaches are fired … bad goaltending. If Korpisalo and COLUMBUS, Ohio — Now might be a good time to buy stock in the Blue Merzlikins aren’t ready for the bright lights, the Blue Jackets’ season Jackets. could go south in a hurry. (There is no capable, serviceable veteran waiting in the AHL, either.) And if it goes south in a hurry, firing the coach The Hockey News has them finishing last in the Metropolitan Division. is the escape hatch GMs pull. To answer the question? Yes. I think he Vegas (the tacky city, not the Golden Knights) has them as 65-1 odds to finishes this season as the Blue Jackets’ coach. win the Stanley Cup. Almost nobody has them making the playoffs. Coach John Tortorella will no doubt show up on many “first to be fired” AL: If all of our predictions come true, yes. If this team remains in lists. contention down the stretch, yes. But should things go off the rails record-wise, and Torts can’t right the ship, he might be the sacrificial With less than two weeks to go before the 2019-20 season opener, The lamb. This season overall is also going to be a big ask for the coach’s Athletic’s Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan sat down for a back-and-forth patience — he’s got a young group (again), and the chip on his shoulder chat about some of this season’s pressing issues. We handled the might be the biggest of any in the room. He *wants* success for this burning questions, put forth some bold predictions and, regrettably, team. He’ll have to manage that passion appropriately to keep this team agreed on way too many things. motivated.

Here’s the conversation: Who will be this club’s second-line center?

How many points for the Blue Jackets and where will they finish in the AL: Alexander Wennberg. I think he can have a resurgence this season, Metro? Playoffs or no? and while last year wasn’t great for him, it was a one-year anomaly. There wasn’t really a two-year drop off a cliff. AP: I believe the reports of this club’s demise have been greatly overstated. I’m going with 99 points (one more than last season) and AP: Alexander Wennberg. So far, Wennberg has been one of the bright third in the Metro, two spots higher than last season. Yes, I’m more spots in camp. He’s shooting more and carrying the puck longer to make bullish on the Blue Jackets than most, but I’m significantly less impressed plays, the two things John Tortorella has been on him about for two years with the rest of the Metro than most, too. I think the Blue Jackets are now. If he’s dialed in again, it’ll make a huge difference for this club. better than all three New York metro area teams (Rangers, Islanders and Devils), and better than the Flyers and Carolina. So, obviously, yes, Blue Jackets power play … bottom 10, middle 10 or top 10? playoffs. AP: Middle 10. Best I can tell, the Blue Jackets have taken the power AL: I’m going to put them at 94 points, somewhere from third to fifth in play apart and reassembled it, which is easier to do when a monumental the division, and, yes, in the playoffs. player like Panarin leaves town. Texier is going to help but so is another rookie, Emil Bemstrom. I’m not sure what Bemstrom produces five-on- Who wins the Metro? Who finishes last? five, but his game comes to life on the man advantage. The bigger issue is whether the guys around him can process the five-on-four as quickly AL: I think Carolina and Washington are going to duke it out for first, with as he does. Washington getting the slight edge due to the situation in Carolina’s net (déjà vu). Washington remains a strong team that is likely even a bit AL: Middle 10, because, seriously, regression has to kick in some time, more fiery after last season’s first-round playoff exit, and Carolina has right? Also, if Bemstrom makes the team, with that shot … had an impressive offseason to add to a young and strong core. Who will be the Blue Jackets’ breakout forward? AP: The regular season doesn’t mean as much to Washington as it used to, but I think they win the Metro for a fifth consecutive season. I think the AL: For forward, I’m going with Alexandre Texier. This kid just keeps Devils finish last again, but I think the Metro has the smallest points gap throwing surprises at us from blowing up the AHL last year to playing in from last place to first place of any division in the NHL. the playoffs to now skating on the top line with Dubois and Atkinson. He has a calm to him that belies his years, and his was a name that was Who will lead the Blue Jackets in scoring and with how many goals? Who coming up unprompted from veterans before training camp even began. leads in points and how many points? There might be some regression in his play as the season goes along — that’s normal for a rookie, but I think Texier is a player a lot of people will AP: Cam Atkinson, with 37 goals. I do think there will be a post-Bread be talking about. adjustment period for that line, but Atkinson knows how to find space and score no matter where he plays. As for points, I’ll go with Atkinson there, AP: Oliver Bjorkstrand hits 30-plus this season. Heck, he had 23 last too. And I’ll say 70 points. But I think there will be three guys with 30-plus season with 12:20 in ice time. Those are appropriate minutes for a fourth- goals (Bjorkstrand, Anderson) and five players with 60-plus points liner, which is why Tortorella is under pressure to get him more minutes (Atkinson, Dubois, Bjorkstrand, Anderson, Nyquist). this season. Imagine the production if he’s drawing 16-plus minutes per night, which isn’t out of the question. Having said that, Bjorkstrand can’t AL: Cam Atkinson is going to have 35-plus goals to lead the team. He’s wait until after Christmas to find his gears. He has to demand more ice arguably one of the most underappreciated offensive talents in the time with his play beginning Oct. 4. league right now, and damn if he isn’t going to have extra motivation to remind folks of that this year. I not only expect him to continue at a Which Blue Jackets rookie will get the most points in end-of-season similar level of play as he has shown the past four years (27, 35, 24, 41 Calder voting? goals respectively), I also expect him to get a boost from a power play that shows improvement over last year. Most points? Nipping at Cam’s AP: The Jackets could have four rookies contributing regularly, but I’ll go heels will be Pierre-Luc Dubois. He’s going to have the puck on his stick with Alexander Texier. The Blue Jackets are expecting big things and more, which should help his assist totals, and is also expected to up his giving him a big role. He’s playing in Panarin’s old spot on the No. 1 line goal total from last year. Let’s go with 30-37-67 for the centerman. and drawing in on the power play. If he can stick there, the points will follow. How many starts will goaltender Joonas Korpisalo make this season? AL: Texier. AL: 50. The jury is still out on who will emerge this season as the best goaltender for the Blue Jackets, but I think because Elvis Merzlikins is Who is most likely to be traded? going to require an easing-in period. He might also need adjustment time AL: For me, this is a question of who is the team willing to part with that to the physical demands of a full 82-game season that jumps all over also has strong value on the market, so I’d guess that we could see Ryan North America. Murray, David Savard or Markus Nutivaara move if there’s a forward out there who can help the club.

AP: A defenseman, but that’s not specific enough, is it? Every time Ryan Murray gets injured the Blue Jackets probably kick themselves for not having traded him when he was playing and thriving, but when he plays and stays healthy, he’s so damn good that you’d never trade away a player with his ability. The Blue Jackets have eight defensemen who are NHL ready. They can see where the season goes before determining whether they need forward help or perhaps help at goaltender. The return for Scott Harrington and Dean Kukan probably isn’t substantial enough to trade away your depth. So, Murray.

How many games will Ryan Murray play?

AP: 67. I don’t think the Blue Jackets would let him play 82 games even if he remains healthy all season. They say there’s no plan in place as of today, but I think Murray gets a couple of games off per month to make sure the wear and tear on his back is managed. With so much depth on the blue line, it only makes sense to take advantage by letting some guys draw into the lineup and letting Murray rest. Side note: Yes, I realize I’ve predicted he’ll play 65 games and suggested he’d be the most likely guy to be traded. Hey, there’s nothing against hedging your bets.

AL: I think Ryan Murray will play in the neighborhood of 62 games this season, but not because the player is injured, because the team is going to employ some load management strategies with him, and I don’t mind that at all. As I wrote this summer, a healthy Murray gives you three top pair defensemen on the team. To spread Murray’s play strategically across the season to ensure he remains healthy and can contribute in the postseason is far more important than playing him every game and potentially driving a recurrence of a back issue.

Who wins the sixth D spot?

AL: Presuming the first five are Jones, Werenski, Murray, Savard, Nutivaara, I think the team starts the season with Kukan as the sixth defenseman. Vladislav Gavrikov, Harrington and Kukan each offer a slightly different look on the back end, and I wager the Blue Jackets will want the two-way talents of Kukan on the ice more than not. But! I don’t know that the spot doesn’t get shared around a bit — like we have seen the past two seasons. I’d expect Harrington to get more than a few games, and, as the organization figures out what Gavrikov can be on North American ice, he could come into the picture as well.

AP: Vladislav Gavrikov. I think he beats out Harrington and Kukan to earn the job next to Murray or Nutivaara on the third pair.

Bold, possibly insane prediction …

AP: A love affair between Elvis Merzlikins and the city of Columbus begins to bloom this season. The kid is crazy talented, hyper-competitive, has a magnetic personality and a highly marketable name. This is the season in which everybody learns his (first) name, in Columbus and across the NHL. But he’ll be on billboards and T-shirts in no time. Rock star.

AL: Four or more of the following players clear 60 points this season: Atkinson, Dubois, Nyquist, Anderson, Wennberg, Texier, Jones.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153918 Dallas Stars But for a Stars team that has Stanley Cup aspirations, improvement from depth players such as Gurianov is vital.

Briefly: Montgomery said Perry will see a doctor Thursday, two weeks Dallas Stars still searching for standout among preseason's bubble into his recovery from a fractured foot. Dowling saw a doctor Monday and forwards Montgomery hopes he can practice Tuesday. Montgomery also wants to get Dowling in preseason games.

"He's got to earn his way into the lineup, he's got to get in games," By Matthew DeFranks11:09 PM on Sep 23, 2019 Montgomery said.

-- The Stars will use the final three preseason games to, among other evaluations, gauge chemistry among forward lines and defensive FRISCO -- This training camp for the Stars could have been a pairings, Montgomery said. On Tuesday morning, the Stars used these in celebration -- of the discovery of a new top-six option or of an practice: encouraging step in the right direction for a young forward. Instead, the Stars are still waiting. Hintz - Seguin - Radulov

Four games into the preseason (with three remaining), the Stars still Benn - Pavelski - DickinsonJanmark - Faksa - ComeauKiviranta - have holes to fill on their forward lines. They need a winger to complete Dellandrea - GurianovCogliano - Gardner - Caamano/Robertson the top two lines already populated by Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Alexander Radulov, Joe Pavelski and Roope Hintz. And they need a 12th L'Esperance or 13th forward to complete their bottom six. Only problem is no one has Harley - Klingberg seized either spot yet. Lindell - HeiskanenSekera - FedunOleksiak - Polak "We need someone to go out and grab it," coach Jim Montgomery said. "Not disappointed, but not overly excited either. People got to step up. Joel Hanley Got an opportunity to play in the NHL, they should be excited about that opportunity and hopefully we're going to see that here in the last three While the forward lines are expected to change frequently during the games." season -- it's part of Montgomery's philosophy to get players used to playing with everyone, and also a byproduct of a versatile top-six group Denis Gurianov has been afforded the most opportunity among the of forwards -- the defensive pairs remained somewhat constant last candidates, playing a top-six role throughout practices and dressing for season. three games in a top-six role alongside either Pavelski or Hintz. But he's had just three total shots on goal and hasn't recorded a point. "Oleksiak and Polak, will they be a fit?" Montgomery said. "Maybe it's Fedun and Oleksiak. Who's going to be fitting with who? Sekera with Gurianov understands the opportunity. It was one that wasn't present last Oleksiak, Sekera with Polak, all those kind of things." training camp when he had four points in four preseason games and went on to post his best season since arriving in North America. But it's -- Montgomery said Anton Khudobin would play the whole game here now, partly because of his age as a 22-year-old former first-round Thursday night against Minnesota, while Ben Bishop would play the pick and partly because of Corey Perry's fractured foot. whole game Saturday night against Colorado. The goaltending plan for Tuesday night in St. Louis had not been determined. "I feel like coaches are giving me more chances than last year," Gurianov said. "Maybe I'm ready more than last year and a little bit grown up." Dallas Morning News LOADED: 09.24.2019

Last year, he played in 21 NHL games and scored his first career goal when a point shot deflected off his knee against Nashville. He added only three more assists the rest of his time in the NHL, and the coaching staff wanted to see the other parts of Gurianov's game stand out when his scoring didn't.

Gurianov said he's learned from his first extended playing time in the NHL, about how tough active and skilled defensemen can be to cover, about how much faster and smarter players are and about how each mistake matters more against the best players in the world. He said he's playing Tuesday at St. Louis in what should be a key audition for other roster hopefuls.

On Monday morning, Gurianov was on a line with winger Joel Kiviranta and center Ty Dellandrea, both of whom are also trying to crack the NHL roster. Outside of a decent preseason debut from Kiviranta against St. Louis, neither he nor Dellandrea has stood out and neither profiles as a top-six winger this year. Rhett Gardner, Jason Robertson, Nick Caamano and Joel L'Esperance also remain in camp, but all are likely ticketed for AHL affiliate Texas.

Last year, Hintz made the Stars' job easy by wowing during preseason with three goals in six games, leading to a roster spot, the eventual departures of Remi Elie and Gemel Smith and an expanded role this season.

So what can bubble forwards do to provde themselves?

"One, attention to detail and habits without the puck, that their checking skills are really good," Montgomery said. "And then making plays and possessing the puck, not throwing pucks away. Trying to make plays, possess pucks so that we can create some more offense."

This preseason battle may not even matter when Perry, the former Hart Trophy winner and 50-goal scorer sidelined by a fractured foot, takes the ice for the first time as a Star and claims a top-six spot. The bottom-six role may be solidified when Justin Dowling returns from an upper-body injury, potentially as early as this week. 1153919 Dallas Stars

Stars sign defenseman Thomas Harley to three-year, entry-level contract

By Matthew DeFranks9:00 PM on Sep 23, 2019

The Stars signed first-round defenseman Thomas Harley to a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday afternoon.

Harley, 18, has had a surprising training camp for the Stars and is one of the final nine healthy defensemen remaining with three preseason games left. He is still expected to play for Mississauga in the Ontario Hockey League this season after posting 58 points in 68 games for the Steelheads last season.

If Harley plays fewer than 10 NHL games in a season when he's either 18 or 19 years old, his contract will slide a season into the future. He cannot play in the AHL until he is 20 years old because of the NHL's agreement with Canadian major junior hockey.

Signing an entry-level contract does little to impact the Stars' ultimate decision on where Harley will play this season. Ty Dellandrea signed his ELC one day before he was sent back to the OHL last September. Miro Heiskanen signed his in July 2017 and didn't debut in the NHL until last season. Jason Robertson signed in May 2018 and hasn't cracked an NHL roster.

Harley profiles as a major part of the Stars blue line in the future, a mobile, left-handed defenseman who's already 6-3. He's impressed coach Jim Montgomery with his skating and passing ability and is arguably the top prospect in the Stars' system.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153920 Dallas Stars

Dallas Stars promotional schedule includes giveaways, themes and college spirit nights

BY STEFAN STEVENSON

The Dallas Stars released their promotional schedule for the 2019-2020 season at American Airlines Center. The schedule includes five giveaway nights, six theme nights and seven college spirit nights.

STARS GIVEAWAYS NIGHTS

Nov. 25, Tyler Seguin Tattoo Sleeve (first 10,000)

Dec. 22, Miro Heiskanen Youth Jersey (first 5,000 kids)

Feb. 11, Camp Stars cap (first 10,000)

March 12, Stars License plate cover (first 5,000)

Every Tuesday game, Texas artist poster series (first 5,000)

THEME NIGHTS

Nov. 21, Hockey Fights Cancer night

Jan. 27, Texas Rangers Night

Feb. 7, Retro Night

Feb. 11, Military Night

Feb. 23, Alumni Game

March 30, Fan Appreciation Night

COLLEGE SPIRIT NIGHTS

The first 500 tickets purchased through the link includes the limited- edition school-inspired Stars caps. To purchase tickets for a specific college spirt night, click the specific school link at DallasStars.com.

Oct. 21, Oklahoma Sooners Night

Oct. 24, Baylor Bears Night

Oct. 29, Texas Longhorns Night

Nov. 5, Okahoma State Cowboys Night

Nov. 19, North Texas Mean Green Night

Dec. 5, Texas Tech Red Raiders Night

Dec. 10, TCU Horned Frogs Night

Star-Telegram LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153921 Dallas Stars happens this week. But the Steelheads coaching staff can probably confidently count on getting their best defenseman back sometime sooner than later.

Thomas Harley never had a real chance to make the Stars this season. This is a reality of the business of hockey, and the cap implications also Here’s why. made it practically impossible for Harley to make the team, even if it was just a short cameo for nine or fewer games before it burned a year of his entry-level contract.

By Sean Shapiro Sep 23, 2019 If the expected candidates make the NHL roster, the Stars are going to be just $75,835 from the $81.5 million salary cap. That’s with Martin

Hanzal and Stephen Johns on the books, so there would be room to use FRISCO, Texas — Jim Nill doesn’t like to speak in absolutes. long-term injured reserve, but that’s a path the Stars wouldn’t want to go down at this point. They’d like to accrue as much cap space as possible It’s a smart mechanism for the Dallas Stars general manager when to potentially weaponize that LTIR for an in-season trade that could land addressing the media. By failing to commit to a certain mindset or them a bigger fish. approach, he effectively leaves all of his options open publicly, whether or not there’s a private plan he’s been following along. Harley and his $925,000 cap hit would take the Stars over the cap and essentially force Dallas to part with a player that requires waivers, one That’s what is happening with defensive prospect Thomas Harley. who Nill doesn’t want to part with.

The Stars’ 2019 first-round draft pick has been one of the biggest stories For example, Taylor Fedun and the Stars knew what they were doing in training camp and a Harley hype machine revved up when Stars coach when the defenseman signed a two-year deal with a cap hit of $737,500. Jim Montgomery compared him to Miro Heiskanen on the first day of It’s a low number that will keep Fedun in the NHL and saving money on camp. That comparison prompted public speculation that Harley could seventh or sixth defenseman is required when you are giving big money play in the NHL as an 18-year-old, a murmur that turned into more of a to the top end of the roster. Fedun may look like he’s in a battle for a roar as he survived a couple rounds of cuts and then signed his NHL roster spot, but he was always part of the plan when it became clear entry-level contract on Monday afternoon. Johns might once again not play.

Harley, however, had just as much of a chance of making the NHL roster Nill also has to think big-picture: Harley spending this season – and this season as Stefan Noesen or Scottie Upshall, and they were both maybe even next – in the OHL is much better for the Stars’ long-term cap released from professional tryout contracts this weekend. prognosis. Miro Heiskanen is going to get paid big, in two years when his entry-level deal expires. John Klingberg is going to cost a hefty amount I spoke to Nill after Harley signed on Monday. If you want the true the following summer when his current deal expires. It’s best to have indication of what’s happening with Harley, you need to take a deeper Harley on a cost-effective entry-level contract when Heiskanen’s next look at his statements. deal starts during the 2021-22 season. Why did the Stars sign Harley on Monday? This whole Harley hype also started with a comment that took on more “He’s come to camp, he’s played very well, he’s earned the games that life than it should have. When Montgomery was talking about Harley he’s got. We don’t give out free passes for players, which has shown he’s looking like Heiskanen, it was more of a comment on his skating ability earned that right,” Nill said. “So we just think it’s a good time (to sign). It’s and how well he moves. But in a quick-tweet society – we’ve all been a peace of mind for him to know he’s a big part of the future. It allows him guilty of it, myself included – “he looks like Miro” became “he’s NHL to just focus on hockey, and so just a good time to do it while he’s here.” ready right now, like Miro was” in a hurry.

Translation: We really like Harley as a prospect, and it’s a nice It also drew absolutes that weren’t fair to Harley. It didn’t need to be opportunity to sign him to a contract in person rather than doing it black-and-white; making the NHL roster never should have never an remotely when he’s back in Mississauga and the Ontario Hockey expectation. Now, when he’s cut, some will comment on his return to the League. OHL as a failure for either the player or the organization.

Is Harley part of the team’s plans for 2019-20? Harley is a tremendous prospect – the Stars’ best at this point, according to my colleague Corey Pronman. That’s something to celebrate for the “It’s a big-picture thing, we’ve got to analyze everything,” Nill said. “Can Stars and their fans. But it’s also important to be realistic about where the he help us this season? But you’ve got to take everything into Stars plan on having him play this season. consideration. His age, level he’s played at – you’ve got to take into consideration it’s training camp and it’s exhibition games, and then “We are very happy where he is at,” Nill said. “Everybody gets out there, you’ve got to take into consideration into down the road what’s best for and there is all this speculation. He’s in a good spot; no matter what his development. Lot of different factors come into play, and I know happens, he’s in a good spot. He’s gonna be in a situation where he’s people are out there speculating different things. In the end, we’re gonna play lots, and we’re going to make sure he’s in that situation. excited that the player has come in and done everything he can do.” Whether that’s in the OHL or in Dallas or wherever it’s gonna be, he’s gonna be in a good situation and he’s on the right path.” Translation: Harley is part of the big picture, he’s done everything he could to confirm the Stars’ faith that they made the right choice at the Right now, that’s back to the Steelheads, who have lost their first two 2019 NHL draft, but there was nothing he could do to make the NHL games to start the season. They’ll be happy to have Harley back for Oct. roster this season as a teenager. 4 against the Hamilton Bulldogs.

How important is playing time? The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019

“The No. 1 thing is how much you play. When you are 18 years old, you can’t be sitting on the bench playing five minutes a night. You can’t be playing every 10 to 11th or 12th game; you need to play 60, 70, 80 games a year,” Nill said. “That’s one of the biggest things that come into analyzing. He’s a young man, he needs to play lots. If he’s in a situation where he’s in the top six, where he’s going to playing 18 minutes a night – but that’s where over the years, being in the business, the history has shown the NHL is a very tough league and can eat you up quick. So you’ve got to be very cautious of that.”

Translation: He’s not going to be a top-four defenseman getting 18 minutes a night in Dallas this season. It’s better to have him playing 23 minutes or more per game in the OHL.

Because he avoids absolutes, Nill hasn’t officially tabbed Harley for a return to Mississauga. So there is an out for the GM if something crazy 1153922 Dallas Stars Dickinson gets elevated up in the lineup in Gurianov’s stead. Kiviranta is going to play in the NHL this season; that’s not a bold statement. The question is whether it’s right from the start or as the first forward call-up from Texas. Dowling? Gurianov? Harley? Handicapping the race for final spots on Stars’ opening-night roster 6. Ty Dellandrea Dellandrea came into camp with a chance to prove he belonged in the NHL and potentially extend his look with the NHL team for at least nine games before the Stars would need to make a decision about whether to keep him or send him back to the Flint Firebirds and the By Sean Shapiro Sep 23, 2019 OHL. Dellandrea has been good, but not good enough to move the needle and force his inclusion on the NHL roster. He has many positive traits, but he’s also been physically overmatched in preseason games. FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Stars made another round of cuts on That indicates he needs another year of physical maturity. Sunday, trimming their training camp roster to 34 players with roughly a week remaining before the regular season. 7. Joel L’Esperance L’Esperance didn’t practice on Sunday and is dealing with a minor injury. While he played in the NHL last season, he Of those 34, we can confidently assume that 19 have NHL jobs. Barring wasn’t a trusted player during the playoffs and hasn’t done much during injury, they’ll be lineup options for Stars coach Jim Montgomery on Oct. 3 training camp to prove he should be higher on this list of potential against the Boston Bruins. We know several more who won’t make the NHLers to start the season. L’Esperance is at an early crossroads in his cut. Two of the players in camp are AHL goalies Jake Oettinger and NHL career — while he has scored quite a bit in the AHL, that doesn’t Landon Bow, while Martin Hanzal is officially on the roster even though guarantee he’ll find the keys to success at the top. his NHL career has come to an end due to injury. Prospect Joseph Cecconi is also still in camp but hasn’t been medically cleared after 8. Thomas Harley He’s still here, which is mildly surprising, but the offseason shoulder surgery. Harley hype is also setting an unrealistic expectation among the fan base that the 18-year-old might play in the NHL this season. The chances are That leaves 11 players who really have something to play for this week extremely slim. It’s important to listen to tone rather than words when it as the Stars trim down their roster over the course of three preseason comes to Harley’s realistic chances of making the team. On Saturday, I games. asked Montgomery if Harley had played his way into the NHL conversation. The coach said Harley had, but his tone was that of a man To be clear, there aren’t going to be any surprises with established NHL trying to say the right thing about a first-round draft pick. The same goes players. While there may be a vocal contingent of fans pushing for for conversations with Jim Nill about Harley. He’s extremely excited certain veterans to get bounced for younger players, that simply isn’t about the defenseman’s future, but his tone doesn’t indicate the happening. 11 forwards and six defensemen are solidly entrenched in the prospect’s NHL future starts this season. Contracts come into play — as NHL. stated earlier, the top-six defensemen are established, and Fedun is That leaves three or four jobs available, depending on how many players pretty close to a lock at No. 7. So why is Harley still around? Well, there the Stars plan to carry into the regular season. Let’s handicap the 11 are still three more NHL preseason games the Stars can give their top skaters vying for jobs in order of who has the best chance of making the prospect. Additionally, having nine healthy defensemen this week allows team after four preseason games. Dallas to use more of a rotation to rest bigger names in games that don’t count toward the standings. 1. Justin Dowling If you don’t think he’s making the team, you haven’t paid much attention to what’s happened over the past six months. 9. Jason Robertson Based on his play, Robertson should be below Montgomery trusts Dowling. He trusted him to play in all 13 playoff Nicholas Caamano or Rhett Gardner on this list. But his natural ability to games in the spring, and he trusts him as both a fourth-line center as well put the puck in the net could lead to a goal spurt during the final three as a player who could get minutes on the second power play if needed. preseason games, and then the Stars likely would have to consider him Dowling is dealing with a minor upper-body injury, and Montgomery said for the top-six role if Gurianov still hasn’t solidified himself in that spot. more cuts would come once players like Dowling and Joel L’Esperance Robertson can take over games — or at least he could in the OHL — and were medically cleared. If you read between the lines, it’s clear someone the Stars were excited to see that this month. It simply hasn’t happened. is currently a placeholder in practice for Dowling. On top of the coach’s 10. Nicholas Caamano Caamano parlayed a really good camp a couple trust, Dowling is also cheap against the salary cap at $750,000. years ago into a permanent spot on the NHL radar in training camp. He’s 2. Taylor Fedun Fedun may have lost a bit of luster in the playoffs as he been used in a bottom-six role in practices and preseason games was scratched, but he also has the coach’s trust. That doesn’t throughout camp, and if he’s going to get called up this season, it would necessarily mean Montgomery is on his side, but Stars assistant coach be in that capacity. For now, Caamano is headed back to Texas sooner Rick Bowness, who runs the defense, believes in Fedun after the player than later. forged that faith last season. Fedun is the ideal seventh defenseman 11. Rhett Gardner Gardner is a nice depth piece and could be a future and, like Dowling, he comes cheap, with a $737,500 hit against the cap. fourth-line center. There are some things to like, and he did a nice job Even as the seventh defenseman, Fedun could be in the lineup mix early getting used to NHL faceoffs in preseason games, but he’s not making in the season with a loaded October road schedule. the team to start the season. Earlier, I mentioned that someone feels like 3. Denis Gurianov The Stars are giving Gurianov every chance to win a placeholder for Dowling in the lineup: That’s Gardner, who is just taking that top-six role. Thus far, he hasn’t really wowed them or proven he shifts at center. should be the one lining up on Tyler Seguin’s or Roope Hintz’ wing So, if we use this list as our guideline, the Stars’ opening-night roster against the Bruins. But there are still three preseason games remaining, ends up looking something like this: and with Corey Perry still battling a foot injury, a forward slot is Gurianov’s to lose. Gurianov’s issue is that he’s not protected by the Forwards (13): Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, Joe Pavelski, Alexander waiver situation. If he doesn’t fit in the top six, he could end up back in Radulov, Andrew Cogliano, Blake Comeau, Mattias Janmark, Radek Texas rather quickly. Faksa, Corey Perry, Jason Dickinson, Roope Hintz, Justin Dowling, Denis Gurianov 4. Joel Hanley Hanley and Fedun are battling for the seventh defenseman role, and in theory they could both make the NHL roster if Defensemen (7): Esa Lindell, John Klingberg, Jamie Oleksiak, Roman the Stars elect to once again carry eight defensemen. Handedness isn’t a Polak, Andrej Sekera, Miro Heiskanen, Taylor Fedun huge factor for the Stars, but Fedun’s status as a right-handed defenseman would give him the edge in the event of a tie if it comes Goaltenders (2): Ben Bishop, Anton Khudobin down to which players make the NHL roster. Hanley isn’t waiver-exempt, The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 so there could be some fear about sending him down and risking losing him. But in all likelihood, he’s starting the season in the AHL.

5. Joel Kiviranta Kiviranta is ready for the NHL in a bottom-six role. His spot in Dallas, however, will be determined by what happens with Gurianov. If Gurianov falters and can’t gain the coaching staff’s trust in the top six, Kiviranta would be a better fit in the bottom six if Jason 1153923 Detroit Red Wings

How Madison Bowey can earn a roster spot with the Detroit Red Wings

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Pres Published 2:38 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 | Updated 6:11 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019

The Detroit Red Wings are evaluating who will be on their third defense pairing, and Madison Bowey is one option.

Bowey is in his first camp with the Wings, having been acquired at the trade deadline last season as part of the Nick Jensen package. The Wings described Bowey as a “reclamation project,” a former second- round pick who might be able to find his footing in Detroit.

“If he can be a big, 6-foot-2 defender that breaks the puck out and is good on the penalty kill, we’ve got a spot for that,” coach Jeff Blashill said Monday. “That’s what he’s working towards. And then if he can add some offense without risk, then that’s a really good player. He’s had a good start to the preseason and will get a few more and we’ll see.”

Madison Bowey is trying to claim a spot in the Detroit Red Wings' lineup.

Danny DeKeyser, Mike Green, Filip Hronek and Patrik Nemeth are expected to flesh out the top four spots on defense. Veteran Trevor Daley is likely to slot onto the third pairing, with Bowey, Dennis Cholowski, Oliwer Kaski and Moritz Seider vying for a job. Veteran Jonathan Ericsson is injured, but if he’s healthy to start the season, he could be an option either for the third pairing or as the seventh defenseman.

Bowey, 24, scored in overtime Sunday and assisted on two goals. In order to earn a job, he has to show he can be trusted defensively. He has played only 101 NHL games, most of them with the Washington Capitals, who drafted him at 53rd overall in 2013. Bowey played 17 games for the Wings, averaging 18:12.

“Part of it was us trying to figure out what he is as a player and I think right now, he’s done a good job of understanding that he has to do a good job defensively,” Blashill said. “One area he can keep being good at is winning stick battles and clearing on the PK. We need our PK to be better so if he can help us be a way better PK team, that’s great.”

Bowey is likely to stick because he is not waiver exempt — Seider, Cholowski and Kaski all can be sent to Grand Rapids without waivers — but his battle is to get into the lineup. He would seem to have an edge on the prospects; Blashill said Seider “looks like he belongs physically” because he’s 6-4, 200-odd pounds and learned to manage his game last season playing in Germany’s top hockey league, but he’s only 18 and acclimating to the smaller North American ice sheet. Kaski, 24, looks as if he needs a season in the AHL before trying to establish if he can play in the NHL.

Cholowski, 21, played 52 games with the Wings last season, his rookie year. He’s a smooth skater and has offensive instincts (seven goals, nine assists) but he was sent to Grand Rapids to work on his defense and penalty killing after reaching minus-20. His advantage in shooting left is that he could convince the coaching staff he’d make the power play better. He, like Seider and Bowey, has been given looks on the penalty kill during the preseason.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153924 Detroit Red Wings

Recap: Detroit Red Wings fall to New York Islanders, 3-2, in OT

Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free Press Published 12:50 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 | Updated 10:28 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019

Preseason: Detroit Red Wings (2-1-1, 5 points) vs. New York Islanders (3-1-0, 6 points)

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

TV/radio: None.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153925 Detroit Red Wings "(Larkin) did a great job of moving the puck up the ice and singlehandedly drew a lot of guys in the O zone," he said of his game- winner. "I was just lucky enough to find the open ice and he made a great play. All I had to do was finish it off." How Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin put injury fears to rest in preseason debut Detroit Free Press LOADED: 09.24.2019

Dana Gauruder, Special to Detroit Free Press Published 6:01 a.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 | Updated 7:24 a.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019

Any doubts about Dylan Larkin's health were squashed in his preseason debut on Sunday night. The Detroit Red Wings' star center picked up steam as the game went along, then put his speed, skill and playmaking ability into overdrive on the final play.

Larkin's assist on Madison Bowey's overtime game-winner put the dazzle into an otherwise drab preseason game.

Larkin won a faceoff against Pittsburgh's Jared McCann in his own zone, pounced on the puck and skated along the left side, then made a cut to the right while splitting defenders after entering the Penguins' zone. He reached the goal line, stopped hard and found Bowey wide open in the slot. The pass, as usual, was exquisite.

"Better and better as the game went along," coach Jeff Blashill said of Larkin's debut. "Obviously, he made an unreal play at the end there."

Having Larkin back was much like taking the Lamborghini out of the garage for a spin.

His mere presence elevated the play of his teammates. He was on the ice for all of the Wings' goal in a 3-2 victory.

More importantly, the heel injury that kept him out of the first three preseason games wasn't an issue.

"Glad we took the time," Larkin said. "Right now, after playing a full game, it feels good."

There may be a lot of uncertainty around the other Wings line combinations but there's no doubt who will man the top line. Larkin's linemates, Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi, scored the goals in regulation.

Mantha ripped a slapshot from the left circle past Pittsburgh goalkeeper Tristan Jarry during the second period..

A few minutes earlier, Bertuzzi was credited with a goal off a Bowey shot that bounced off him. Mantha then forced a Pittsburgh defenseman to lose control of the puck for a de facto 'own goal.'

More: Projecting the Detroit Red Wings' opening night lineup, version 2.0

"Mo had a great game, he was flying," Larkin said. "Bert was moving the puck and getting to the net."

Larkin, Mantha and Bertuzzi blended well late last season and, after a spotty first period, they rediscovered their mojo.

"Chemistry is important and that's the positive of knowing that line is going to play together, that they can gain that chemistry," Blashill said.

Larkin had a breakaway chance late in the first period but his shot went well wide after he briefly lost control of the puck. Was he trying to add something to his bag of tricks? That's what he hinted.

"I don't want to talk about it. Saving it for the regular season," he said with a smile. "I was trying something there so, no comment."

Bowey, acquired last season via trade from Washington, again showed his desire to claim a regular spot in the defensive rotation. With many of the other veteran defensemen sitting this one out, Bowey was paired with 2019 first-round pick Moritz Seider and delivered a solid all-around performance.

He was the only player who finished with a plus-3 for the evening.

"My message to him is to make sure you earn trust and the way you earn trust is that you don't give up a whole bunch, and then start to slowly add your offense," Blashill said.

Having Larkin provide a perfect setup facilitated that process for Bowey. 1153926 Detroit Red Wings

Jimmy Howard makes 40 saves, Red Wings fall to Islanders in OT again

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News Published 10:06 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019

Anders Lee scored with 29 seconds left in overtime to give the New York Islanders a 3-2 victory over the Red Wings Monday in Uniondale, New York.

Michael Rasmussen and Evgeny Svechnikov (power play) scored goals for the Red Wings, while goaltender Jimmy Howard was arguably the Wings’ best player, stopping 40 shots.

The Islanders outshot the Wings, 43-23.

Jordan Eberle had the other two Islanders goals, one a power play.

The Wings are 2-1-2 this preseason, and conclude the exhibition schedule with four games in four nights beginning Wednesday in Pittsburgh.

Detroit News LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153927 Detroit Red Wings “You know he’s going to battle hard,” Mantha said. “He’s going to be first on the forecheck, he’s able to protect the puck real well. He’s playing hard hockey, the way he’s supposed to.

Red Wings' edgy Adam Erne has 'good combination of physicality and “If he keeps playing that way, he’s going to be able to help the team.” skill' Cholowski impressing

Defenseman Dennis Cholowski made the Wings’ opening night roster Ted Kulfan The Detroit News Published 3:53 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 | last season and held his own through the first half of the season. Updated 3:59 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 But gradually his defensive work slipped and he was demoted to Grand Rapids.

Detroit – Teams will sometimes acquire a player in a low-risk trade and it Cholowski’s main focus this September has been on his performance can turn out to be a steal. without the puck, and thus far, Blashill has been pleased with Cholowski’s progress. The Red Wings are still a long way from being congratulated on a steal, but it feels like acquiring forward Adam Erne from Tampa Bay for 2020 “Dennis has been sharp moving the puck, he’s been more physically fourth-round pick could prove to be a shrewd acquisition. engaged, he’s ended cycles better,” Blashill said. “He’s had a real good start to this preseason. He’s spent a couple of summers here really Erne has played with an edge during this exhibition season, looks like working and he’s put himself in good position, and now you have to keep can be a good net-front presence, and might have some offensive going.” potential that is untapped. A year of experience, said Cholowski, has made him more comfortable “He can bring a pretty good combination of physicality and skill,” coach and confident. Jeff Blashill said. “That’s a rare combination in the league. Not many guys in the league are super physical and still have skill to play in the top “I feel a little more like I know what I’m doing,” Cholowski said. “Just the nine (forwards). mental side of it mostly, coping with the fact I got sent down. I made mistakes and there were things they didn’t like in my game. So it’s just “He’s got that ability.” kind of being mentally strong and having a good mind frame and going in every day to practice and work on those things.” Erne, 24, was a 2013 second-round pick of Tampa Bay, when Steve Yzerman was general manager of the Lightning. Cholowski is likely in a battle with Madison Bowey, Oliwer Kaski and Moritz Seider for a roster spot on defense, although it's unlikely the Yzerman now the Wings’ GM, worked out a trade with his former team in Wings would keep Cholowski, Seider or Kaski on the roster without a August, quickly signing Erne, a restricted free agent, to a one-year regular spot in the lineup. contract worth $1.05 million. Bowey also isn't waiver exempt, meaning he'd be exposed to waivers Erne (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) played in 65 games with the Lightning last and likely lost to another team, if he were to be sent down to Grand season, his first full NHL season, and had 20 points (seven goals, 13 Rapids. assists). Detroit News LOADED: 09.24.2019 But on the stacked Tampa roster, Erne wasn’t going to rise on the depth chart any time soon.

“Adam has a chance to be a top-nine forward in the NHL,” said Yzerman in training camp. “He’s got good puck skills, he’s got a good shot and he’s worked extremely hard. His skating is good, he’s a very powerful, strong guy.

“He’s difficult to play against because he’s thick. He’s got pretty good hockey sense. He fits in with our group of players and the young guys coming up.”

Erne believes Yzerman being familiar with his style of play was one of the reasons Erne was brought to Detroit.

“I was with him in Tampa so he knows what I can bring to the table,” Erne said. “I’m just trying to play my game and work my way into the lineup. I’m a big, two-way forward who can make plays, score goals, someone who can be used up and down the lineup.

“We’ll see where I can fit.”

In Tampa's skilled lineup, Erne was asked to be a physical presence on a fourth-line energy role.

“In Tampa, with all the skill we had, sometimes I was relied on to be a bigger body,” Erne said. “I’m just looking to get back to creating offense and be good on that side of the puck, for sure.

“It’s an opportunity that I see available here and it’s exciting. There’s a lot of talent and a real great group of guys. Form old to young (players), there’s no cliques, a real good mesh.”

Erne’s skills were on display Friday against the New York Islanders.

Erne irritated Islanders forward Matt Martin with a couple of big hits on the physical forward, then also fed Filip Hronek on a power-play goal with a nifty pass.

Forward Anthony Mantha feels Erne’s edgy play will be a big addition to the lineup. 1153928 Detroit Red Wings

Jimmy Howard makes 40 saves but Red Wings fall in OT

By Ansar Khan

Jimmy Howard made 40 saves Monday, but Anders Lee scored with 29 seconds remaining in overtime and the New York Islanders defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in a preseason game at the Nassau Coliseum.

Michael Rasmussen and Evgeny Svechnikov scored for Detroit.

The Red Wings (2-1-2) have played three consecutive OT games. They are off Tuesday before closing out their exhibition schedule with four games in four nights, starting Wednesday in Pittsburgh (7 p.m., no TV).

The Islanders led 2-0 after the first period on a pair of goals by Jordan Eberle, at 5:13 and at 8:50 on the power play.

Rasmussen scored his second goal of the preseason at 17:15 of the second period, on assists from Givani Smith and Madison Bowey, who has four points in the past two games (goal, three assists).

Svechnikov tied it on the power play at 6:21 of the third. He was set up by Joe Veleno (three assists in the preseason) and Oliwer Kaski.

The Islanders outshot the Red Wings 43-23.

Michigan Live LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153929 Detroit Red Wings “We would prefer a left, if possible.” The other players manning the point on the power play are righties Green

and Hronek. Dennis Cholowski taking aggressive approach in Red Wings’ roster battle Michigan Live LOADED: 09.24.2019

By Ansar Khan

DETROIT – Dennis Cholowski’s poise with the puck and contribution to the power play earned him a job out of training camp and a prominent role on the Detroit Red Wings defense.

But a season that began with much promise turned to disappointment due to defensive mistakes. Cholowski’s minutes were reduced, he was scratched some games and was finally assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins in early February for the remainder of his rookie season.

Cholowski, 21, enters Year 2 mentally stronger and more aware of what he needs to do to land a roster spot.

“I’ve got a year under my belt and I feel a little more like I know what I’m doing,” Cholowski, the club’s top pick in 2016 (20th overall), said.

“Just the mental side of it mostly, coping with the fact I got sent down. I made mistakes and there were things they didn’t like in my game. So just kind of being mentally strong and having a good mind frame and going in every day to practice and working on those things.”

The mobile, puck-mover showed his offensive ability in 52 games, leading Detroit’s low-scoring defense with seven goals. He was tied for third in power-play goals (four); nine of his 16 points came during the man-advantage.

He wasn’t nearly as sharp defensively and finished with a team-worst minus-20 rating.

His main focus is being better without the puck.

“Just being harder to play against, winning my battles in the D-zone, boxing guys out,” Cholowski said. “That was the biggest thing they stressed to me. I went down to Grand Rapids and tried to do that every game and I’ve been working on it over the summer, too.

“It’s being more aggressive in the D-zone. Having a little more of a defensive mentality and being a little more of a (expletive) on the ice, I guess.”

Cholowski’s checklist includes winning battles, killing plays quicker, having tighter gaps and getting the puck moving north.

Coach Jeff Blashill has liked what he’s seen thus far. Cholowski will play in his fourth preseason game tonight at the New York Islanders (7 p.m., no TV or radio).

“I think Dennis has been sharp moving the puck, I think he’s been more physically engaged, I think he’s ended cycles better, I think he’s gapped (well),” Blashill said. “I think he’s had a really good start to his preseason. He’s spent a couple summers here really working. He’s put himself in good position after (three) games, now you got to keep going.”

Unless there’s a drastic change, the Red Wings appear set with their top two defense pairs – Mike Green and Filip Hronek on the right side and Danny DeKeyser and Patrik Nemeth on the left.

Cholowski likely would need to beat out two of three veterans in Jonathan Ericsson, Trevor Daley and Madison Bowey to make the season-opening roster. Rookies Moritz Seider and Oliwer Kaski face the same task.

Neither of these three young players will stick around as the seventh or eighth defenseman when they can be playing regularly in Grand Rapids. They need to be playing in Detroit’s top six to stay.

Being a left-handed shooter at the point on the power play could help Cholowski’s cause.

“The left shot is important on that power play because everybody else is lefty,” Blashill said. “When you walk down the wall, you have a lefty up top to Cholowski, you have a lefty to (Dylan) Larkin, you have a lefty to (Anthony) Mantha. It makes it harder on the penalty kill for sure. Their top forward can’t just overprotect Larkin, he’s got to be aware of that shot coming back to Cholowski. 1153930 Detroit Red Wings opportunity for more ice time than he got in Tampa Bay. He showed on his assist to Filip Hronek on Friday that he’s capable of making skilled plays, in addition to the tough ones. But it would probably be nice for all involved, including Erne, if Filip Zadina could use this final week of Projecting the Red Wings’ 2019-20 opening night lineup (version 2.0) exhibition games to latch onto the wide-open spot on the right side of that line, where he has been playing but could use a strong closing statement

to cement himself. By Max Bultman Sep 23, 2019 Zadina has done about half of what Blashill laid out in Traverse City when discussing how Zadina could show he was ready for the NHL developmentally. He’s not cheating for offense, he’s been engaged all In a span of just the last six days, the Red Wings wrapped up their camp over the ice, and that’s all essential for a 19-year-old trying to break in. in Traverse City, moved back into Little Caesars Arena and knocked out He’s shown dimensions to his game. But he also probably still has to half their preseason schedule. They got three of their star players back score at some point, or at least be generating scoring chances, at a into the lineup (after minor tweaks hampered Dylan Larkin, Andreas consistent, high level. That’s the main thing he can prove over the next Athanasiou and Tyler Bertuzzi) and, finally, they got to see some of their week. His game has clearly progressed from a year ago, so don’t take top prospects against real, live NHL competition. his exclusion from the above graphic as too damning for his chances Oct. 5. (Maybe read that last sentence twice, just to be safe.) The opportunity So it’s been a pretty busy week — and, as is only fitting, a revealing one is there. But he needs to reach out and snatch it. Otherwise, it’ll be all too for the players vying for spots on the Red Wings’ roster. Half of a easy to slot someone like Darren Helm, who has played up in the lineup preseason slate is still left, so there’s plenty of time remaining for final before and can be a hard forechecker and defender, into one of those final impressions. Nothing, save for perhaps the top forward line, is set in winger spots until the team is sufficiently convinced Zadina is ready. stone. The fourth line is straightforward enough: Justin Abdelkader, Luke But now that four preseason games are in the books, it’s worth checking Glendening and then Christoffer Ehn slotted in where Helm might back in on the battles for opening-night roster spots at several key otherwise be (though Ehn is realistically someone who could play positions, including the third pair on defense and the middle-six wingers. wherever is needed in the bottom six.) Blashill said Thursday he’d like Forwards the flexibility to play Ehn and Jacob De La Rose at center or wing, and so here Ehn gets the call on the right side, with De La Rose the 13th Left wing Center Right wing forward.

Tyler Bertuzzi Dylan Larkin Anthony Mantha Defensemen

Andreas Athanasiou Valtteri Filppula Taro Hirose Left defense Right defense

Adam Erne Frans Nielsen Darren Helm Danny DeKeyser Filip Hronek

Justin Abdelkader Luke Glendening Christoffer Ehn Patrik Nemeth Mike Green

Jacob De La Rose Dennis Cholowski Trevor Daley

Finally all healthy and reunited Sunday night, the Red Wings’ top line Jonathan Ericsson Madison Bowey picked up right where it left off at the end of last season, accounting for both regulation goals in Detroit’s 3-2 overtime win against the Penguins. Nemeth has clearly made an impression with his willingness to block Anthony Mantha’s slapshot looked as blistering as ever. Bertuzzi chipped shots, but DeKeyser was Blashill’s go-to in tough situations last season, in a weird one by being around the net. And Larkin set up Madison and it’s hard to see that changing overnight. Combine that with the fact Bowey’s overtime game winner after winning a defensive-zone faceoff he plays with Hronek, one of the emerging core pieces on the blue line, and carrying it the length of the ice himself. There’s a reason this line is and that line should be poised for big minutes pretty quickly. the only one that should be written in ink at this stage: The players on it Patrik Nemeth and Mike Green, then, slot in next, in what should come complement each other well and clearly have the chemistry to make as a surprise to no one. They’re a veteran pair that complements each each other better. Even when they weren’t scoring, they created perhaps other well, and Nemeth should help this team defend better on the whole the most dangerous chance of the night on a tic-tac-toe power-play than last year. setup. The third pair, meanwhile, will likely come down to the wire. But I’m going ABSOLUTE LARCENY FROM JARRY, ROBBING MANTHA OF A GOAL to call my shot a bit here and say Dennis Cholowski will win this job. OFF OF A PRETTY PASSING PLAY. #LGRW Here’s what Blashill had to say about him after Sunday’s game: PIC.TWITTER.COM/PQGWAUPSSY “You know what, I think Dennis played very well. I think Dennis has been — RYAN HANA (@RYANHANAWWP) SEPTEMBER 22, 2019 sharp moving the puck, I think he’s been more physically engaged, I think Things get tricky, though, after that top line. Athanasiou is going to be on he’s ended cycles better, I think he’s gapped good. I think he’s had a the second line, and from there it’s a question of fitting a bunch of puzzle really good start to his preseason. He spent a couple summers here pieces together. From a sheer line-balancing standpoint, putting Taro really working — you want to talk about putting the work in, he’s done it. Hirose opposite Athanasiou accomplishes a lot offensively but also puts So he’s put himself in good position after two games. Now (he’s) gotta a little more pressure on the defensemen and centers if they lose the keep going.” puck. Athanasiou is also someone who can create offense on his own If you’ve been following along with Cholowski’s saga, that’s noted when needed, and for that reason it wouldn’t be totally shocking if Detroit improvement in just about every place the coaching staff has wanted. opted to give him a more hard-nosed linemate as a balancing measure. He’s going to have to keep it up to prove it’s not a fluke, or overly At the same time, there are always trade-offs, and coach Jeff Blashill has influenced by the quality of competition he’s faced, but that praise from called Hirose someone who gets “exponentially better with better Blashill is a great place for him to start from. players,” which may ultimately be what this decision comes down to. Another reason I think it makes sense to project him in the lineup: The Hirose has to officially make the roster first, and late last week Blashill Red Wings like having a left-handed quarterback for their top power-play was still publicly just calling Hirose “in the conversation.” But things unit because it’s comprised of all lefties. And their other main power-play certainly appear to be trending toward Hirose as a full-timer and a power- options (Hronek and Green) are right-handed. play contributor, and his hockey IQ plays up when he’s opposite someone who can think the game at his same level. As the roster is Think of it as a bonus that matters far less than the defensive strides currently constructed, Athanasiou is the Red Wing who best fits that bill. Cholowski has made, and not as a deciding factor, but it’s certainly not Valtteri Filppula has played between the two at points during camp, so for going to hurt Cholowski’s case, either. now let’s stick with that as the projection. From there, Trevor Daley can naturally project as a veteran partner, while Adam Erne has spent the week helping his cause to lock up a middle-six Bowey (who had a great one-timer for the game-winner Sunday) and wing job, and slotting him on the left side on line 3 would give him the Jonathan Ericsson could rotate in and out as needed. (And there’s obviously still time this week for either of them to make their cases as starters instead.)

Don’t forget about Oliwer Kaski here, but Grand Rapids is an easy option for him since he’s waiver exempt. And then there’s Moritz Seider, who continues to look impressive even in spite of a turnover in his own zone that led to a goal on Sunday. Outside of that, it’s certainly been an encouraging preseason for the sixth-overall pick.

Goalies

Jimmy Howard

Jonathan Bernier

Not much more that needs to be said here, although Blashill has complemented both on their sharpness so far. That’s a good sign early, because this is probably not a team that’s going to be able to win games with mediocre goaltending. It needs both to be sharp and fresh whenever possible.

A lot can still happen from here, of course, just as a lot happened in the first six days of the preseason. But by this time next week, the Red Wings will have five more exhibitions in the books — and hopefully, a few more answers to go with them.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153931 Edmonton Oilers The Oilers feel for Russian import Anton Burdasov, who is trying his best to catch up to just about everything in an 11th hour bid to make the team.

“It’s tough coming in a week late,” said Connor McDavid. “That can’t be Oilers Notes: Smith adds new dynamic to Edmonton crease easy. Lot’s of credit to him; he’s working hard. He’s doing everything he can. And he looks pretty good.”

Tippett is giving the 6-foot-2, 227-pounder every opportunity, but he Robert Tychkowski knows it’s a lot to ask of any player, even a 28-year-old.

“The culture, the size of the rink, how you play, limited understand of the language, it’s hard,” Tippett said of the hard-shooting winger. “But every KELOWNA, B.C. — When a team has concerns on defence, it’s never a practice he digs in. Every practice he gets better. bad idea to have three of them out there at once. “He’s always talking to his linemates; he wants to find out what’s going That’s where new goalie Mike Smith can also make an impact. In on. It’s been good so far, but whether he can get up to speed to where addition to his primary responsibility, making saves, Smith’s exceptional you feel like you’re comfortable putting him in a (regular season) game, puck handling ability has the potential to make life easier for all of his time will tell.” teammates. NICE BREAK “Even for us (forwards),” said winger Leon Draisaitl. “He’s one of the few guys in the league who can move it up to you as a hard pass. The three-day trip to Kelowna is over, but it served its purpose well. In addition to a couple of long, fast-paced practices, the Oilers got in some “I think it’s really going to help us in transitioning out of our D zone, trying team bonding, which is always helpful when there are so many new to break out past their forecheck. You just have to be ready for it because players in the room. you know as a player he can get you the puck.” “The relationships in the dressing room are really important for the on-ice Having played against Smith when he was in Calgary, Draisaitl also part of it,” said McDavid. “It was a good opportunity set up by the knows how frustrating it can be to try and generate a cycle off a dump in coaches and management for us to get to know each other really well. when he’s in net. “There are lots of new faces, lots of people coming from different parts of ”It’s hard to forecheck teams like that because it essentially gives you the world. It’s a good opportunity for us to get to know each other.” another player. It’s always six against five. Sometimes you feel like you’re always running late, you’re always one step behind. It goes bang- Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 09.24.2019 bang and out. It’s nice to be on that side of it for once.”

The defencemen might appreciate it the most. They’ll have help retrieving and moving the puck, a key element that was missing in their game last year. They are already strategizing.

“The quicker we can get on the same page with guys knowing where they’re supposed to be at certain times … it just makes life a lot easier for the D and goalie,” said Smith, who is trying to get everyone up to speed in his first few days back at practice after being sick for the start of camp.

“I believe it’s a big part of my game, and a big part of helping the D out from being pounded into the end wall all season long.”

INTO FOCUS

With just three games left until the pre-season, there isn’t much time for head coach Dave Tippett to make the final seven cuts before the bullets start flying for real. He needs to whittle down three defencemen, three forwards and a goaltender.

“It’s clearer, just because I’ve gotten to know players a little better, but there are still positions up for grabs,” said Tippett.

“The defence is not set in stone by any stretch. There is still some tinkering there to do. There are still some of those battles.

“Everyone will get a chance to show what they’ve got before the end of the week. We’ll probably take 30 (players) through the end of the week. There are still some hard decisions to be made.”

NEW TEACHER

With a new coaching staff coming in, the players are once again being asked to learn a way of doing things, but after 10 coaches in the last 11 years it’s nothing they aren’t used to.

“For us it’s been new coaches almost every year, it seems like, so you try and learn on the fly, learn quick and get used to new things,” said Draisaitl. “Everyone is doing a very good job. “

But, ultimately, it’s just hockey, and these guys have been around the game their whole lives, so the learning curve isn’t as steep as it might sound.

“I feel like every coach has his own philosophy, everyone probably coaches a little different,” said Draisaitl. “But, to be honest, there are only so many systems you can play in the NHL nowadays. You’re not reinventing the game, It’s little things, details, things that we can do a lot better.”

BURD DOGGED 1153932 Edmonton Oilers There is a precedent for this, of course. When he returned from a broken collarbone in his rookie season, and people were wondering how long it would take him to regain his confidence and form, McDavid responded with one of the goals of the year in his first game back against Columbus. Connor McDavid pushing the limits in practice, looks like he's ready “It’s crazy,” said Klefbom. “It’s not an easy injury, coming back from collarbone surgery, and this one is even worse.

Robert Tychkowski “It feels good to see him out there. He’s been going through a big thing. We all know how important he is to us, we want him back as close to 100

per cent as we can.” Kelowna, B.C. — You don’t have to be a doctor. It doesn’t matter if We like to assume that the reason he is this ready this fast is that you’ve never seen the MRI. You don’t even really need to know what a because he’s Connor McDavid he is somehow blessed with super- PCL is or what it does. regenerative powers. The reality is that it didn’t just happen, he put in the One look at Connor McDavid in training camp Monday and any concern work to make it happen. about the once-injured ligament in his knee was gone. “There was lots of uncertainty with the injury, lot’s of different stuff going The way he was flying around the ice in Kelowna, fast even by Connor on in the summer,” said the 22-year-old. “To feel good on the ice is McDavid standards, torching defencemen at will and making physics- something I’m really happy about. The fact we’re even talking about defying cuts with the puck glued to his stick, tells you all you need to games is something I’m really proud of. know. “It’s been a long summer, lots of hard work, lots of good doctors and He’s ready. smart people. I really appreciate all that they’ve done for me.”

“I’m going to take the doctor’s opinion ahead of yours,” laughed head Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 09.24.2019 coach Dave Tippett, when informed by the media that his captain is good to go.

“No disrespect or anything, but when the doctors tell me OK, then I’ll say OK.”

In all seriousness, it wasn’t just Monday. McDavid has been red-lining since the start of camp, not just testing his limits, but pressing them hard. Everyone can see it.

“I’m trying to push myself, too,” he said. “Everyone’s played games by now. I’m the only one who hasn’t. I have to make sure I’m ready to go when that time comes.”

That time could be very soon. The decision-makers met to discuss the matter again Monday afternoon.

“I think he would like to get in some games before the end of the week, but it comes down to making sure the doctors have clearance,” said Tippett, whose club plays Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

“It will be a group discussion. (McDavid) has to be comfortable with it, doctors have to comfortable with it, then Ken will come to me and we’ll talk about it and see if it’s the right thing to do.”

McDavid is definitely comfortable with it. In fact, it looked a lot like he was trying to make a point out there. He looked like Secretariat banging his chest in the starting gate, almost daring the medical staff to keep him out.

“I asked him and he said ‘I want to play so bad, I want to play every single game that’s left,’” said defenceman Oscar Klefbom. “So, the hunger is there. I’ll be excited to see his first game back.”

Of course, there is a pretty significant difference between controlled drills against teammates who are being very careful not to expose him to any risk and live game action against hungry training camp opponents desperate to get noticed. That’s the only issue that remains.

“To me, he’s skated well all the time,” said Tippett. “It’s just getting your mind wrapped around getting into full contact, full adrenaline mode of a game situation.

“Our practices have lots of that game action in them, so I think he’s feeling more confident, like he can jump into something and not think about his injury.”

Hard to believe, when he was being helped off the ice that night in Calgary, that he would be back to normal in time for the regular season, looking like the accident never even happened. But there he is, blazing around the rink like he has the PCL of 10 men.

“Connor is obviously a little bit of a freak when it comes to hockey,” said Leon Draisaitl. “To me, he looks really good.”

“It’s incredible watching him up close,” added Sam Gagner. “Seeing him in practice every day is a different animal. He looks great. Coming off a major injury like that, you think there would be some tentative feelings, but he looks great and continues to get better every day in camp. He’s fun to watch.” 1153933 Edmonton Oilers “I feel great about where my game is at. I had a good finish to my season last year and a great summer. I’m ready to do whatever I have to do to play a lot of games.”

Mike Smith moves from sick bay to Edmonton Oilers crease Smith had a lukewarm regular season in Calgary (a .898 save percentage on a much better defensive team than Edmonton) but he figured something out in the playoffs and was by far their best player in a first-round exit. Robert Tychkowski “I can tell you it wasn’t physical, so that only leaves one other thing,” he

said, adding he’s in a very good place right now and believes he can pick KELOWNA – It’s no secret that Mike Smith wanted to get off to a hot start up right were he left off. with the Edmonton Oilers, but the last week definitely wasn’t the kind of “I learned a lot about myself last year, let’s put it that way. Hopefully I can fever pitch he envisioned. take that experience and make it a heck of a year this year.” He is still recovering from a wicked illness that floored him at the start of Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 09.24.2019 training camp, leaving him bed ridden, isolated from the team and forcing him to play catch up with opening night fast approaching.

“It’s not the start I was looking for, being that sick for that long was obviously not cool,” said the newly-acquired former Calgary Flames netminder.

“It’s nice to be back with the team and starting to get to know guys more.”

The Oilers only expected Smith to be out a couple of days when he first fell ill, but before long they realized he was dealing with a more serious case of pneumonia.

“At first I thought it was just the flu, but it turned out to be a little bit worse than that,” he said after his first full practice with the team Sunday. “I’ve honestly never been so sick in my life. I’m not someone to be down and out for four, five or six days.

“To not be able to move for three or four days and being stuck in bed with four kids at home is not the most ideal situation, but I got through it. The energy levels are starting to come back up now and I’m starting to feel more like myself.”

Not only did the 37-year-old miss out on nine days of camp, he also depleted his physical reserves. His energy, stamina and weight are down as he tries to make up for the lost time.

“It takes a few days to get back in the rhythm of things, to get over the initial shock of being down and out,” he said. “I worked really hard all summer to be in the best shape possible. It’s just a freak thing that this happened at this time of the year.

“Obviously missing a big chunk of camp you’re kind of cramming to get games in now. Today was a good start to get on the ice with the team, feel some shots from NHL shooters and ramp up the energy level. We’ll see where it takes us.”

Head coach Dave Tippett says the team will evaluate Smith on a daily basis to see how much they can put on his plate. They want to get him up to speed, but understand they can’t rush someone who is just getting his feet back under him.

“He battled through his first practice,” said Tippett. “We’ll see how he is on Monday. I’d like to get him into one full game, maybe two. We’ll see how he gets through Monday, that will determine how much he plays the rest of the week.”

Goaltending is one of the key areas people are watching as the Oilers attempt to prove the skeptics wrong and make the playoffs for the first time in three years. Between Smith and a hopefully rejuvenated Mikko Koskinen, the team is hoping they can shore up what’s been a weak spot the last two seasons.

“That’s why we need to get Smitty up and going,” said Tippett. “I would like to see him play a partial game on Tuesday and hopefully he’s ready for a full game on Thursday.”

Tippett said from the start the No.1 job in Edmonton has been promised to no one. It will be a competition just like the ones on defence and at forward. Even though Smith is late to the party — “I’m still trying to figure out guys first names on the team,” – he embraces the challenge and makes no secret of his desire to be the man.

“One of the big reasons why I signed here is there is an opportunity to play games,” he said.

“I think that’s all you can ask for as a player in this league, an opportunity to get in there and show what you’ve got. 1153934 Edmonton Oilers The Oilers don’t want a young player serving as the seventh defenceman, which could give Manning, an expensive veteran, a leg up for the extra role.

Connor McDavid’s nearing return and four other things we’ve learned Up front, Colby Cave and Gaëtan Haas are vying for one of the last two from Oilers camp centre positions. Patrick Russell and Tomas Jurco are looking for extra forward jobs.

“It’s a little different here just because we have a lot of guys going for the By Daniel Nugent-Bowman Sep 23, 2019 same role,” Jurco said.

“I have to show what I can do and that I can play in the NHL. This year, I feel more ready than I have in many, many years. It’s a good sign for KELOWNA, B.C. — Mum’s still the word, but it appears Connor McDavid me.” is tracking toward playing a preseason game this week. Joakim Nygard or tryout player Anton Burdasov could grab a job at If there was one thing evident at Oilers practice Monday it was McDavid second-line wing or in the bottom six — or maybe even not make the cruising around the ice at warp speed, juking and cutting around team. defencemen as he drove to the net. “There’s still players here that, even though they won’t play (Tuesday) Neither the captain himself nor coach Dave Tippett were able or willing to night, I’d still like to see them at some point this week,” Tippett said. divulge a plan for when McDavid will return to game action. Doctors need “We’ll see where it goes.” to sign off and there will be a discussion with all involved once that happens. What to make of Burdasov

It’s clear that McDavid wants to play. We’re now into the second week of the Anton Burdasov experiment after his tryout began last Wednesday at practice. “I’m trying to push myself,” he said. “Everyone’s played games by now. I’m the only one that hasn’t. I’ve gotta make sure I’m ready to go when Playing right wing on a line with Nygard and Haas in Kelowna, the the time comes.” reviews were positive.

It’ll be six months in October since he partially tore the PCL in his left “Every practice he gets better. Every practice he digs in. You can tell,” knee, an injury that occurred in the 2018-19 season finale on April 6. Tippett said. “Whether he can get up to a place where you feel like you’re comfortable playing him in a (regular season) game, we’ll see.” McDavid first skated in Edmonton on Sept. 7 when he informally shared the ice with prospective teammates. He said afterward he felt like nothing Burdasov, a 28-year-old trying to make the NHL for the first time, needs a had changed and it sure looked that way. However, he couldn’t or contract. The Oilers have 48 players signed and the maximum is 50. wouldn’t say for sure if he would be ready for the start of the season other than adding that was the plan. They have a big decision to make — and not much time to make it — with little cap space at their disposal. It sure seems like he’s continued to progress. CapFriendly notes they are roughly $1.5 million under the cap, but that “I asked him, and he said. ‘I want to play every single (preseason) game total wouldn’t account for games-played bonuses for Smith, the that’s left,’” defenceman Oscar Klefbom said. “So, the hunger is there, possibility of savings incurred if Kyle Brodziak goes on long-term injury and he looks pretty good. Oh boy.” reserve and potential roster shuffles (for instance, if Manning is waived and demoted). In Kelowna, McDavid skated with a vengeance. It looked like he was out there with the intention of dominating two-on-two rushes. “He’s working hard and he’s doing everything he can,” McDavid said. “I think he looks pretty good. But that’s not my choice. “I think he’s just feeling more confident,” coach Dave Tippett said. “Thinking he can jump into (anything) and not worry about his injury. “He wants to be here. He wants to play here. He’s made that pretty clear.” “He sets the pace out there, which is nice. It picks up the whole pace of practice.” Haas’ plan

After a long recovery, there’s a lot to be optimistic about. Haas has been anything but spectacular as he tries to win an NHL job for the first time. After coming over from Switzerland, perhaps that’s to be “To feel good on the ice is something I’m really happy about,” McDavid expected. said. “The fact that we’re talking about games is something I’m real proud of.” “I need time for adaption. I need games,” he said. “The feeling in the first game was pretty hard for me. Let the battles begin “The second game was way better. I feel better in the game. But still, it’s There are 17 forwards and 10 defencemen remaining at camp. It likely still not the way I want to play. I want to play better than that.” means three forwards and a trio of blueliners must be cut before the roster is finalized next week. Time is ticking for Haas to make a good impression and he doesn’t want to let it slip away. He had to delay a chance at playing in the NHL for a The plan is for the coaching staff to ease into that evaluation because year because he was locked into his contract with SC Bern. His contract Tippett intends to play a more veteran lineup Tuesday at home against for this season had an out clause, allowing him to sign with the Oilers in Arizona. There will probably be a lot more at stake for the last two July. preseason games. “This year I got the opportunity again and I jumped on it,” he said. “It’s “There are still some of those battles,” Tippett said. “Everyone will get a late, maybe. I’m 27. I don’t wanna finish my career and say, ‘Why I never chance to show what they’ve got by the end of the week. There are still try?’” some hard decisions to be made.” Haas is on a one-year, entry-level deal and doesn’t require waivers to be Barring any changes, there aren’t expected to be cuts until after the final sent to the AHL. He’s an unrestricted free agent next summer. But if he preseason game is played on Saturday. The only exception may be doesn’t make the Oilers, chances are won’t be with the organization for goalie Shane Starrett — and that’s if Tippett likes the way Mike Smith is long — or at all. progressing from his illness. He made it clear to the Oilers and to SC Bern when he signed that he On defence, there are five returnees: Klefbom, Darnell Nurse, Adam won’t be spending the season in the AHL. He said he may accept a Larsson, Kris Russell and Matt Benning. Five defenceman — Joel demotion for a couple of weeks, but after that he’ll be heading back to Persson, Evan Bouchard, Ethan Bear, Brandon Manning and William Switzerland. Lagesson — are fighting it out for two spots. Persson, who has been paired with Klefbom all camp, has an inside track on one of them. Injury update Smith is expected to make his first start Tuesday for the Oilers. He missed more than a week with the flu, finally practising Sunday. Defenceman Kris Russell, who collided with a teammate during a captains’ skate before the start of camp, is expected to make his preseason debut, too.

Jurco practised without taking contact on Sunday because of a left shoulder ailment but said Monday he has been cleared to play.

“It was a little sore and a little swollen for a little bit,” he said. “It was a little injury that you have a lot of during the season.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153935 Edmonton Oilers Hamilton and the Rockets coaching staff, led by Dan Lambert, wanted hockey to be fun for Draisaitl again. He would play with his old pal Josh Morrissey, now of the Jets, who was also acquired from the Raiders a month earlier. How five months in Kelowna changed Leon Draisaitl’s hockey career The Rockets were loaded. The likes of Nick Merkley, Rourke Chartier and Madison Bowey gave Draisaitl a talented cast with whom to work.

By Daniel Nugent-Bowman Sep 23, 2019 Make no mistake though, Draisaitl was the focal point.

“He knew where he stood in the group,” Hamilton said. “How we were going to do in the end was going to be decided by him.” KELOWNA, B.C. – It was hard for Leon Draisaitl to miss how revered he is in these parts. The transition to his new surroundings had a few bumps in the early stages. A couple of metres above eye level are larger-than-life murals of some of the greatest players ever to skate for the Kelowna Rockets. Draisaitl is Rockets assistant coach Kris Mallette says the first 15 games were a bit the third-most recent player painted on the wall in the bowels of Prospera of a struggle. Draisaitl had to adjust to the slower pace and adapt to his Place. He’s wearing a white Rockets sweater, his arms raised in the air teammates who weren’t pro calibre – at least not yet in the case of some with his hands clasped around either end of the Ed Chynoweth Cup. of them.

Back in Kelowna for the first time since he led the Rockets to WHL glory “He probably thought it was going to be a little easier than it was,” in 2015, Draisaitl was speaking with a few reporters while dressed in his Mallette said. Oilers skivvies and sandals as his grand image beamed above. Draisaitl had elite vision. He boasted a superb scoring touch. His Oilers coach Dave Tippett walks bye while Draisaitl is talking and he playmaking abilities, particularly on the backhand, were off the charts. “I hollers to get his attention and embarrass him a little. Draisaitl is barely haven’t had a player that could pass the puck like him,” Hamilton said. fazed. Those skills quickly became evident to Mallette. But what impressed the “It looks good,” he shoots back, proudly. coach the most was the player’s devotion to his craft.

They don’t put nobodies on the wall of this place. Duncan Keith. Shea Draisaitl wasn’t very interesting in watching video; he’d rather be on the Weber. Luke Schenn. Tyler Myers. Jamie Benn. Tyson Barrie. They’re ice fine-tuning his trade instead. He’d pester coaches to help him with his just a handful of those depicted in Rockets gear, each hoisting a faceoffs and feed him pucks before and after practice. Draisaitl was a championship trophy or wearing a world junior gold medal. rink rat, skating whenever he could to up his speed on the ice.

That Draisaitl’s up there, too, shows how impactful he was to the Rockets “Once he figured out everything, the pace and everything else, he was in just a few short months with the team – and how big of a star he then picking guys apart,” Mallette said. “Other players were able to read off became. him.”

“Being here was great for my development,” he says. After the initial displeasure wore off – it took a couple of days, he says – Draisaitl came to understand being in Kelowna made more sense than Fresh off a season as the only NHL player to score 50 goals and record languishing in Edmonton. 100 points, Draisaitl has developed into one of the sport’s top offensive talents. The Deutschland Dangler, as his teammates called him, would finish a truncated regular season with 53 points in just 32 WHL games. Without that half-season spent in the Okanagan Valley, he may never have gotten to that point. Getting accustomed on the ice was one thing. Doing so off the ice was another. (Daniel Nugent-Bowman/The Athletic) Returning to junior meant living with a billet family again, a big change for Drafted third overall in 2014, Draisaitl was seemingly ready to make the a someone with a taste of pro hockey life. jump right to the NHL after a 105-point season with the Prince Albert Raiders. Then-Oilers GM Craig MacTavish and coach Dallas Eakins felt He lived with Mike Twack, his wife Wendy Van Donkelaar and the he was up to the task after training camp and Draisaitl made the team. youngest of the couple’s three daughters, Anneka, then 12. Twack did his best to show Draisaitl the benefits of living a lavish lifestyle. His early days in the NHL couldn’t have gone much worse. The Oilers were terrible and Eakins was canned 31 games into his second season Twack owns a contracting company and builds some of the most behind the bench. Draisaitl was barely contributing. luxurious homes in the area. Twack claims his house is one of the nicest places in Kelowna. The Oilers burned a year of control towards free agency by having him on the roster past the team’s 40th game. Meanwhile, Draisaitl had little in Aside from getting Draisaitl to shovel wet snow on his first day there, the way of positivity to grasp. He had two goals and nine points through Twack tried to pamper the young star. 37 games and was a minus-17 while averaging 12:42 of ice time. The only thing Twack wouldn’t buy Draisaitl were cookies. He figured “I clearly wasn’t ready to make an impact every night,” Draisaitl says. Draisaitl, still pulling in his NHL salary, could purchase those himself.

His confidence was waning, but the Oilers couldn’t send him to the AHL. “That’s the one thing I didn’t get,” Draisaitl said while laughing. “But He was only 19 and too young for the minor pros because he was a everything was great. The food was great. They have a beautiful home.” CHL-drafted player. Their only option, other than the status quo, was shipping Draisaitl back to junior. Twack threw five parties at the home during Draisaitl’s half-season, providing pizza, wings, ribs and even some adult beverages for the older The Raiders had retained his rights but were in the midst of a rebuild. players. Making sure everyone was well-fed and safe by night’s end was With rumours intensifying that the Oilers would return Draisaitl to the his focus. WHL, Rockets owner and GM Bruce Hamilton started talking with MacTavish to get a read on the situation. Draisaitl assumed the task of policing his teammates’ behaviour, telling them to clean up any messes they made. The Oilers wanted Draisaitl to play for a front-running junior squad and the Rockets fit the bill that season. He was demoted just after the New “I was one of the older guys,” he said. “I wanted to be a good leader; be a Year and Hamilton consummated a deal with the Raiders less than 48 guy the younger guys could look up to.” hours later. If there wasn’t a gathering or if he wasn’t on the ice, Draisaitl could “Initially, you’re very disappointed,” Draisaitl said. “It’s no joke. Obviously, usually be found watching a hockey game with Mike. my goal was to be in the NHL. I wanted to make an impact.” “He was watching the stars all the time, the players who were the “He was frustrated before he came here,” Hamilton said. “I would say we leaders, the captains and the goal-scorers,” Twack said. simplified things for him.” “I still do that today,” Draisaitl said. “I love watching hockey and love learning still.”

“He just thought he had as much or more in the coming years to offer,” Twack continued. “It’s been proven right. He was confident and felt secure in his skin that what he was doing and working towards. He was on track to get where he wanted.”

Where he wanted to get was right back to the NHL after becoming a better player. The Rockets forced him to work on his play away from the puck and wanted him killing penalties “because of his brain,” Mallette said.

That doesn’t mean he wasn’t in Kelowna to win. The Rockets went 22-7- 3 after Draisaitl’s arrival, required 19 games to win the league championship and reached the Memorial Cup final before losing in overtime to Oshawa, the representative from the OHL. Draisaitl was named MVP of the league playoffs and the Canadian major junior tournament.

Still, he didn’t let defeats slide off his back.

“He thought about it. He analyzed the games and why they didn’t win,” Twack said. “He paid more attention to why they didn’t win rather than why they won. He was always paying attention to how he could make improvements.”

Draisaitl was consumed by hockey when he was in Kelowna. That’s something that continued after he left.

Twack tried to match him up with his middle daughter, Chela, after Draisaitl returned to Edmonton the following season. She wasn’t interested because all he talked about was hockey.

That devotion to the sport won over his teammates at least.

“The guys on the Rockets really admired him,” Twack said. “He understood hockey forwards and backwards. The boys all looked up to Leon and wanted to be Leon.”

That probably hasn’t changed now that he’s one of the NHL’s biggest stars who’s teaming up with Connor McDavid.

Before McDavid arrived on the scene in Edmonton, his running mate was searching for a way to rediscover his career path.

Draisaitl came to Kelowna unsure of himself as a player and did so well in five months there, that his image is now a permanent fixture in the building. That brief period has turned into the Oilers’ gain, especially last season.

“You’d like to think we played a small part in growing his confidence,” Mallette said. “Leon was always looking to improve.

“It was no surprise to me. You just needed to find the right couple of guys to play him with. As you’re seeing with Edmonton, two guys are doing a lot of it by themselves. He’s a pretty special player, to say the least.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153936 Florida Panthers Samuel Montembeault, 22, is expected to be the backup, but he has just 11 games of NHL experience. The Panthers could search waivers/trades for a veteran backup, but “Monty’s” shutout on Saturday helped his cause. With the regular season fast approaching, here’s how the Panthers roster is shaping up ROSTER CUTS

The Panthers have reduced their training camp roster to 29 players. Goaltender Phillipe Desrosiers, defenseman Ethan Prow and BY WALTER VILLA MIAMI HERALD WRITER defenseman Thomas Schemitsch have been loaned to Florida’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds and are

expected to attend Springfield’s training camp. Following a 6-0 win over the Dallas Stars on Saturday, the Florida The Panthers training camp roster now stands at 17 forwards, nine Panthers have a 1-3-1 preseason record, which is meaningless, of defenseman and three goaltenders. course — games don’t begin to count until they open their season Oct. 3 at the Tampa Bay Lightning. Miami Herald LOADED: 09.24.2019 But what does count are the roster battles, and here’s how that’s shaping up so far:

▪ Defensemen: The Panthers were the third-worst defensive team in the league last season, allowing 3.4 goals per game. Turnovers in their own end were a huge problem, and the Panthers will need improvements from the holdovers in the group: Keith Yandle, Aaron Ekblad, Mike Matheson, Mark Pysyk and MacKenzie Weegar.

The newcomer is Anton Stralman, 33, who left the Lightning in July, signing a three-year, $16.5 million contract.

Josh Brown is favored to be Florida’s seventh defenseman, beating out Ian McCoshen and Riley Stillman.

The good news for the Panthers in their first five exhibition games is that they went 16-for-16 killing penalties.

▪ Forwards: The Hockey News lists center Aleksander Barkov as the No. 8 player in the entire league, and winger Jonathan Huberdeau comes in at No. 48. Evgenii Dadonov completes a deadly first line that last season accounted for 93 goals and 102 assists.

In Wednesday’s 4-3 loss to Montreal, that trio combined for two goals and four assists, and a blind pass from Huberdeau to Dadonov for a score perfectly illustrated their chemistry.

Winger Mike Hoffman, whose 17 power-play goals last season ranked fourth in the league, leads a second line that also includes center Vincent Trocheck, a former All-Star who is now healthy. Hoffman scored a career-high 36 goals last season, the top number ever for a player in his first campaign with the Panthers.

Pencil in Panthers newcomer Brett Connolly on that second line after he scored 21 of his 22 goals at even strength last season with the Washington Capitals.

Connolly scored a goal in each of his first two Panthers preseason games, including one on a power play, showing he could be ready for an expanded role.

Frank Vatrano, who scored a career-high 24 goals last season, is an easy choice to lead the third line, if not higher. Next to him could be two former first-round picks the Panthers have been waiting on to produce: center Henrik Borgstrom and winger Owen Tippett, who have both had impressive camps.

Former Bruins agitator Noel Acciari, who had a game-high seven hits on Thursday, leads the fourth line. He ranked 16th in the NHL in hits last season with 2.6 per game.

That’s where the roster fights get interesting as Colton Sceviour, Jayce Hawryluk, Dryden Hunt, Denis Malgin, Anthony Greco and Troy Brouwer are competing for likely four spots.

Greco, who turns 26 next week, is a sleeper. He scored a goal on Thursday after coming up with a steal and he had two goals and one assist on Saturday. Last season, he led AHL Springfield and set career highs with 30 goals and 29 assists.

“We have some tough decisions to make,” Panthers GM Dale Tallon said.

▪ Goalies: Sergei Bobrovsky, who was held out of the first four games as the Panthers evaluated younger goalies, figures to start 60-to-65 times this season. Among goalies, only Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy is ranked higher than Bobrovsky, who signed a seven-year, $70 million contract with the Panthers. 1153937 Los Angeles Kings Though Jaret Anderson-Dolan played just five games with the Kings before being sent back to juniors last year, the 5-foot-11, 188-pound center “had to figure out how to use my body a little bit better,” he said. “Use my speed and my quickness, that was the biggest thing for me. Cal Petersen one of several young players eager to prove they belong on Make the big guys skate and keep up to me.” Kings Anaheim Ducks v Los Angeles Kings Cal Petersen warms up before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. HOCKEY

Kings’ Jaret Anderson-Dolan is determined to play full season in NHL By JACK HARRISSEP. 23, 2019 4:23 PM In 62 NHL games last season, speedy winger Austin Wagner rounded out his game by studying the veterans. One example: “How [Dustin Brown] positions his body on guys on the wall, how he protects it, how he Cal Petersen racked up keepsakes during his first NHL season last year. has his stick,” said Wagner, who had 21 points in 2018-19. “There’s a lot The Kings goalie has the puck from his first career game against the of things you can look at.” Toronto Maple Leafs, and his first career win against the Chicago Defenseman Matt Roy, meanwhile, was constantly self-evaluating during Blackhawks. After he earned his first career shutout against the St. Louis his 25-game rookie campaign last season. “Last year, it was a lot of film Blues, the Kings gave him a shadow-box display that included his with the coaching staff,” he said. “There’s little mistakes you think back spotless stat sheet. on, ‘Oh I should have done this’ ... You try to avoid that moving forward.” “I got a little collection of things at home,” Petersen, 24, said. Even forward Blake Lizotte, who signed as an undrafted free agent late The things that stuck with him the most, however, were the tips he picked last season after finishing his college season at St. Cloud State, up along the way. The importance of his 11-appearance debut season benefited from his one appearance in the Kings’ season finale. was evident. There’s no replicating the impact of a first NHL stint. “More so just to get used to the game-day routine and to be around the “When I got my taste last year, I think it broke the ice, broke that barrier,” superstars like Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar, guys I’ve looked up to Petersen said. “You always strive to think you can play in the NHL, but since I was 5 or 6 years old,” he said. “You kind of get star struck by you don’t really know until you’re out there.” those guys, so to get that out of the way of, ‘Wow, it’s these all-stars,’ was good for me.” Petersen is one of 15 players with 80 or fewer games of NHL experience still with the Kings this preseason. Kings forward Blake Lizotte chases the puck during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 19. What we learned from the Kings’ 4-1 victory over Ottawa on Saturday Lizotte chipped a tooth that night too. HOCKEY “First NHL game,” he said, laughing. “You’re not a hockey player without Kings’ deal with Ben Hutton was prompted by injuries to their it.” defensemen Less than two weeks from their season opener, the Kings’ final roster After reassigning 20 players on Sunday, the Kings have 32 left in training remains undecided. The team has a deep crop of young centers trying to camp. Most fall into one of two groups: veterans with lengthy resumes, snag a bottom-six role, including Amadio, Lizotte, Anderson-Dolan, 2018 lots of capital, and all but certain roster spots; or budding, yet barely first-round pick Rasmus Kupari and 26-year-old Russian prospect Nikolai tested, fringe players battling for a place on the season-opening 23-man Prokhorkin, a 2012 Kings’ fourth-round draft pick who has spent the last roster. nine seasons in the KHL.

“Players that come to training camp have a lifeline,” coach Todd On the wing, Wagner, Carl Grundstrom (who scored five goals for the McLellan said. “You only get so many go’s at it before the buzzer goes Kings last season after being acquired in the Jake Muzzin trade), and off and we’ve got to move on.” offseason signee Mario Kempe are all opening-night possibilities.

Petersen’s chance to start the season in the NHL is slim, stuck behind 2019 NHL Draft - Round 2-7 established goalies Jonathan Quick and Jack Campbell. But the Kings’ other young players enter the final week of preseason games in heavy HOCKEY contention for the roughly half-dozen roster spots still up for grabs. Kings GM knows a return to Stanley Cup contention leans on prospect Arizona Coyotes v Los Angeles Kings development

None of them have been in the NHL very long, if at all. Still, they’re Even the blue line remains unsettled. On Monday morning, 2019 first- leaning on the limited experiences they do have to get a leg up. Those round pick Tobias Bjornfot, a Swedish prospect who is expected to return who can best leverage those early lessons might have the best chance to to Europe this year, was surprisingly paired with Doughty in practice. stick around. As the team tries to whittle down the roster, McLellan said he talks with “The nervousness is a little less obvious in players who have maybe general manager Rob Blake and other front-office members daily. played here in the past, which is natural,” McLellan said. “My experience “Now we’re starting to discuss players, we’re starting to get, ‘Hey, this is … with other teams is, that individual that you saw last year comes back what we’re seeing,’ in whoever,” McLellan said. “We’re starting to and he’s 10 pounds heavier and a little bigger, a little more confident. formulate opinions. We’re starting to share them.” Feels a little more like he belongs.” The Kings’ wave of up-and-comers hasn’t made the process easy. Michael Amadio served as an example Saturday night. The 23-year-old center scored twice in the Kings’ 7-5 win over the Vancouver Canucks. “There’s a competitive edge, everyone is trying to make the team,” He also rotated in on the power-play and penalty-kill units, recorded a Amadio said. “But we’re all in the same boat, so we’re all trying to help team-high six shots, and was praised by McLellan as “obviously an NHL each other out.” player.” LA Times: LOADED: 09.24.2019 For Amadio, such performances have been two abbreviated NHL seasons in the making.

“Consistency has been the biggest thing with me,” said Amadio, who has 21 points in 80 NHL games. “Trying to play the same way every night. That way, coach knows what he’s going to get out of me.”

Other Kings have made similar NHL adjustments. 1153938 Los Angeles Kings the net, so he gets upset with himself if it’s a bad read on his part or it doesn’t go where it’s supposed to go.

“But the bottom line is he’s paid to stop the puck and that’s what he loves Column: Kings goalie Jonathan Quick says he wasn’t ‘nearly good to do.” enough’ last season Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick waits for play to resume during a game Kings goalie Jonathan Quick plays against the Arizona Coyotes. against the Vegas Golden Knights on April 6.

Quick does more than stop the puck, and that’s why his success in regaining his old form is crucial to the Kings’ rebuilding process. By HELENE ELLIOTT SPORTS COLUMNIST SEP. 23, 2019 3:43 PM The emergence of Jack Campbell — one of Ranford’s best reclamation projects — and of Cal Petersen, who displayed immense promise in 11 NHL games last season, triggered speculation the Kings might trade Jonathan Quick has always thought he should stop every shot that Quick if they find a taker for a contract that carries a $5.8-million annual comes at him, which is admirable but hardly realistic. salary cap hit through the 2022-23 season. But there are other Through 12 seasons, two Stanley Cup championships, one Conn Smythe considerations to weigh. Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs and twice winning the As new coach Todd McLellan soon learned, Quick has extra value here Jennings Trophy for playing on the team that allowed the fewest goals, because of his history and his place at the heart of the team. Take him Quick’s feistiness hasn’t faded. out of the mix and the chemistry will change unpredictably. “I didn’t It doesn’t matter if the puck was turned over in front of him or it deflected realize he was as much an alpha on this team as he is,” McLellan said. off someone’s leg or stick and changed direction: the Kings goaltender “He does have a presence and he does carry himself around his takes it personally when the puck gets past him, and more than a few teammates.” innocent sticks and goal posts have felt his wrath. Those teammates believe Quick will rebound this season. “He’s a battler. Quick had plenty of occasions to be angry last season, when the team’s He’s a hell of a goalie. He’s one of the best goalies in the league. We’re defense collapsed and he posted dismal personal numbers with a .888 not worried about Quickie at all,” Doughty said. “What we should be save percentage and 3.38 goals-against average. He easily could have worrying about is the team in front of him because we left him out to dry a thrown teammates under the bus. Instead, he took responsibility in even lot last year and I wouldn’t say his numbers had anything to do with his the worst of circumstances — and there were many of those in a season performance.” whose only virtue is that it’s over. Kings goalie Jonathan Quick waits to take the ice before the preseason Toronto Maple Leafs v Los Angeles Kings game against the Arizona Coyotes.

HOCKEY Quick can’t turn the Kings around by himself, and he shouldn’t have to. He said he liked the upbeat atmosphere and brisk tempo during training Cal Petersen one of several young players eager to prove they belong on camp, creating an optimistic start to what still looms as a long season. Kings “Our most successful years have been when we take care of our own “The No. 1 thing about Quickie is he’s never, ever, ever going to look at end. It starts with goaltending obviously, and then with a group of five his defensemen and say, ‘What are you doing there?’ Never,” playing well in our own end,” Quick said. “It’s something that we want to defenseman Drew Doughty said. “Never once has he said, ‘You get back to, that and the penalty kill creating momentum for us and screened me,’ or, ‘Get out of the way.’ Never, not one time in his life. keeping them off the board when we have the opportunity.

“You see other guys around the league throw their hands up when their “The past few years there’s been changes but our job is simply, just gotta D-man is screening them and the puck goes in. You’ll never in a million stop the puck.” years see Quickie do that. And if there’s a handoff behind the net and it’s clearly one of the D-men’s fault, Quickie is going to pipe up and say it No matter what happens, he won’t stop shouldering the blame, warranted was his fault, when it wasn’t. That’s just the type of guy he is.” or not.

True to form, Quick said he never felt he’d been abandoned last season LA Times: LOADED: 09.24.2019 while the Kings shredded their identity as a staunch defensive team.

Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick makes a glove save off the shot by Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson.

“I’ll tell you first and foremost I wasn’t nearly good enough. For me to point out mistakes on anyone else would be ridiculous,” he said. “I know I have to be better for these guys. I think when I can do that, it calms everyone down and allows them to play their game. I’ve got to be better for them, and it goes from there.”

For the Kings to be better Quick must be better, and for that to happen, he must be free of the groin and lower-body injuries that have plagued him the last few seasons. He played only 17 games in 2016-17 and, after undergoing knee surgery, played 46 games last season.

Goaltending coach Bill Ranford said he and Quick discussed “some small adjustments in his game that we wanted to do just to take a little strain off his body,” and Quick has been getting sharper during training camp while meeting Ranford’s milestones.

2019 NHL Draft - Round 2-7

HOCKEY

Kings GM knows a return to Stanley Cup contention leans on prospect development

Ranford was smart enough not to tinker with Quick’s mind-set. “That’s what makes a No. 1 guy a No. 1 guy,” Ranford said. “You kind of take the approach that no puck is unstoppable, even though we realize it is at times. I think he’s just always looking for a way to prevent it from going in 1153939 Los Angeles Kings 2015 via trade. When asked if there is a plan for him to split the net more with Quick, Ranford understandably punted a bit. Quick is a franchise icon and commands a ton of respect throughout the Kings organization. Los Angeles wants to see him get back to being himself again first and When will Jack Campbell or Cal Petersen take over for Jonathan Quick? foremost. Both seem ready to start now “I have to make sure all three guys are ready to go and that’s the coach’s decision,” Ranford said in response to the question.

By Josh Cooper Sep 23, 2019 A drop-off for Campbell is possible, as it is for any player, but he seems to have found his groove here, and people around the league have

noticed. EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Near the end of last season, Kings backup “I think Jack has really defined his game,” a goaltending coach said. “He goaltender Jack Campbell said he believed he was ready to be a starter has made great strides and evolved. Billy and his crew have done a nice in the NHL. job with him. They have instilled a balance in how he plays the game that Back then, Campbell was about to finish a year that saw him put up a seems to be effective for him.” 2.30 goals-against average and .928 save percentage in 31 games for As for the 24-year-old Petersen, who at points has seemed to be the the 30th-place team in the NHL. He looked every bit the part of a No. 1 in Kings’ goaltender of the future based on his talent and the way the team the league. has talked about him, the goal is to get more seasoning in the AHL with Also, Jonathan Quick struggled in the worst season of his career, an Ontario Reign team that should be vastly improved. Last season, prompting the question of whether L.A. would trade him to give Campbell Petersen often found himself under siege with Ontario, with a 4.02 goal- and talented youngster Cal Petersen a chance in a long-term rebuild. against average and .896 save percentage in 38 games. With the Kings, he had a 2.60 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. Then the summer happened. Quick – and a lot of other high-priced veterans – never got dealt and Campbell agreed to a two-year $3.3 “My kind of mantra I’ve had since Day One is taking it day by day,” million contract extension that put him under Kings control for another Petersen said. “Things can happen and change fast so my thing is just three seasons. He’s already under contract for this year at $675,000. try to have the best day I possibly can and then improve on it the next day, and whether that’s with the Reign or with the Kings, whatever L.A. also re-upped Petersen – a high-end goaltending prospect who opportunity I get I kind of want to make the most of it and make sure that played 11 games in the NHL last season – with a three-year contract. I’m the best possible person and goaltender I can be during those days.” The first season includes a two-way contract, but the next two years are at a one-way salary, meaning there’s a higher likelihood he’ll play more Absent this season will be Dusty Imoo, L.A.’s former goaltending NHL games. consultant who was vital to the respective developments of Campbell and Petersen. Imoo took a job coaching goaltenders for Kunlun Red Star in After all these moves, when asked again this month about whether he the KHL, but has noted that his line is always open if his former players could start in the league right now – with Quick again possibly blocking seek advice. Whether they do or not, he thinks both guys are ready for the way – Campbell struck a more deferential tone. the big time. Will it be this year? Who knows. But some day … and having this type of organizational talent can only help the Kings. “Part of the reason I extended too was I’d take less money to learn from Jonathan Quick. He’s a Hall of Famer and you can’t put a price-tag on “I’ve said it many times along the way that I felt Soup (Campbell) had all being able to watch somebody like that and kind of groom me to be ready the … I believe he can be a No. 1 goalie and it was just a matter of time for that,” Campbell said after the first day of 2019-20 training camp. “I do that, I thought, given the chance that he could prove it and I think he did feel like my game is getting better every day. I’m not going to say any that last year and showed that,” Imoo said when reached by phone in more about that. I’m just going to let it all speak for itself on the ice.” China, later adding, “I said the same thing about Cal last year. I felt all through the year that he was ready and when the opportunity arose I The Kings, in some ways, are in great position in goal with Quick, believed he could make the most of it and he did in a big way.” Campbell and Petersen all locked up for at least the next three seasons. Quick is under contract for the next four years at $5.8 million per year. The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 How it will all play out is unclear because all of those netminders have value and any could be traded at any time. At the very least, Los Angeles’ creation of goalie depth — at bargain-basement costs for Campbell (who said he decided to forgo unrestricted free agency next summer in the name of loyalty to L.A.) and Petersen — will help them as they try to rebuild, no matter what decision they make.

“I think your goaltending chain is always important, and any time that you can get two guys that are kind of, Jack in the middle of his career and Cal just kind of getting it going, to get two guys signed you know kind of bridge contracts is huge for us,” Kings goaltending coach Bill Ranford said.

Added Kings forward Kyle Clifford, “For guys trying to score goals in practice, it doesn’t make it any easier than when you have Jonathan Quick, Jack Campbell and Cal Petersen in net.”

So how could L.A.’s goaltending play out? For one, the ‘Trade Quick Scenario,’ which we have talked about a lot, could happen if the right deal comes to fruition but it seems a bit less likely now. The expansion draft will come in two years and Los Angeles will have to expose a goaltender. If they can squeeze two more decent seasons out of the 33- year-old Quick, then they can expose him and ensure that they still have Campbell and Petersen under contract.

“The expansion draft factors into all your planning,” an NHL team executive said when asked about the Kings’ goaltending. “In the end though you just have to know you’re going to lose a player somewhere in your organization.”

The best-case scenario for Campbell, a former first-round draft pick of the Dallas Stars, is to have another solid season, continuing the improvements he has made with the Kings since he arrived in L.A. in 1153940 Los Angeles Kings breakdown he wants to work on that part of the game. He wants to improve, and if some players are impatient and they give up on that improving, I don’t see Cal in that situation. He’s going to remain patient, he’s going to wait for his opportunity and he’s going to continue to work, LAK 3, ANA 0: BOX SCORES; MCLELLAN, CARTER, LIZOTTE, and if he does that, he’ll have a good, long career. BJORNFOT QUOTES McLellan, on Ben Hutton:

Tough situation for him to come into. Tough summer. Probably thought JON ROSEN SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 he would be a little more comfortable than he is contract-wise, but he obviously did some homework. He’s in pretty good shape. He’s come in,

and for him to pick up the classroom as quick as he has, it’s been pretty Todd McLellan, on how the team improved on Monday: impressive. He’s done some really good things – retrieving pucks, breakouts. He’s an NHL defensemen. He’s got poise and he’s been here I thought better game management. We’ve witnessed a game where we before, so we’re seeing that. gave up the lead and a little bit of sloppy play late in the game in Salt Lake City. I thought we managed ourselves down the stretch better. I Jeff Carter, on training camp: thought the penalty kill improved from the night before. Individuals looked I think the pace in camp has been good, and I think that’s helped me get like they were more comfortable playing, e specially the young ones. The going. I felt better my third game, and I’ve felt like I built it. I feel good. older players provided some leadership. You take Kovy and Carts for example to play with Blake, they were talking a lot on the bench with him Carter, on Blake Lizotte playing between him and Ilya Kovalchuk: as an individual and made him feel comfortable. Drew with Bjornfot as well, so those were all steps in the right direction. We got to see Cal play He’s fun to play with. He’s got a motor, and he goes. He never quits on a really good game. It leaves us with a lot of confidence in the depth of pucks, he always seems like he’ds in the right spots and he’s turning the goaltending, so there were a lot of real positives tonight. pucks over. And he’s got great skill – he can make plays, so he’s fun to play with. McLellan, on how much the penalty kill has been “tweaked” or evolved: Carter, on whether it makes any difference whether he plays center or We haven’t really tweaked it, we’ve just implemented it and we pick a wing: piece of it almost on a daily basis and just try and work on that one specific area. It’s funny – the players are so advanced, they’re almost No. I’m comfortable wherever. I’ve played both in my time here. playing chess and th4e coaches are playing checkers. We want to get Whatever works. the simple little thing down, and they’re already talking ‘what if’ and ‘when Carter, on the preseason: this happens.’ ‘No, just do this right now, and then we’ll get to the next piece, and we’ve been piecing things together. It’s been coming together I feel good. I think the pace of the camp’s been high, and it’s helped to slowly, but we’re asking for their patience right now. Let’s perfect one get up to speed. I feel like by the third game, I’ve kind of built every game area and then get to the next. – built it up – so I feel good.

McLellan, on whether Drew Doughty’s guidance of Tobias Bjornfot has Carter, on whether he’s 100% healthy: been natural: Yeah, I feel good. I think the players here set themselves up pretty well for providing good leadership, coming in with good habits. They’re going to practice like they Blake Lizotte, on whether this is his standard energy level: mean it. Again, I don’t want to keep going to last year, but I just read I try and bring my best every night. Obviously, you’re at the highest level comments, I listened to individuals. Hey, they had to lay it on the line to now, so there’s a little extra something there, a little motivation, for sure. this point so far, and then carry it all the way through the year. They But all the way growing up, whether it was squirt, high school, junior, spoke up. When you put your name on the line like that at the end of last college, I’ve always tried to bring intensity like that. But for sure, when year, you have to provide the team with those things. My understanding you’re playing against the best in the world, you’ve got to bring that extra is that Drew’s done that quite a bit in that situation, but there are others little edge every night. that have stepped up. They were and they are a proud group, and they’re not happy with the way it was last year, so they’re trying to do their best Tobias Bjornfot, on whether he was encouraged with his performance: right now. I’m happy they’re bringing the kids along, because the kids can play. There are some good young players here that are really pushing. Is Yeah, I felt very good out there, and to play with Drew Doughty, they say it their time? I don’t know, we’ll have to figure that out. But there are he’s a good person and a good hockey player, too, so I felt comfortable some good young players here. out there.

McLellan, on Tyler Toffoli’s preseason: Bjornfot, on what getting repetitions at this level means:

I think Toff has gotten better every game – Game 1, Game 2 and Game A lot more confidence when I play more games. I try to do stuff on the 3. He made good, smart plays tonight, he broke plays up. We’re probably offensive blue line, and I think I just have good confidence when I play all looking for Toff to skate down the win and shoot it by the goalie 40 more games. times. It’s a tough thing to do in this league. I’m looking for him to play Bjornfot, on whether Drew Doughty makes it easier for him: well positionally, to make good, smart plays, break things up, work for his teammates. I saw a lot of that tonight. I thought he had a real solid game Yeah, he makes it easy, he talks a lot, so it’s easy to make the play, and and got better as the camp’s gone on. He’s got to be feeling pretty good he’s a great hockey player, too. about himself. Has it gone in the net for him? No, but that’ll happen eventually. LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.24.2019

McLellan, on Kurtis MacDermid’s use of his stick in defending:

Trent Yawney has worked a lot with the back end and positioning and how we want them to play certain areas of the ice. We saw a lot of that on the penalty kill where Dermie broke it up, but he’s got control of his body right now, he’s putting his stick in a good position. He still has that physicality to it, but it’s under control and he’s well positioned.

McLellan, on whether Cal Petersen could “slip in” to an NHL roster this season:

I don’t think anybody just ‘slips in.’ You’ve really got to work, especially in that position, but he’s put his time in and he continues to hone his craft. I see when he comes in and sits with Billy and they go through certain situations he asks great questions, he’s inquisitive. If there’s a 1153941 Los Angeles Kings 13:35 – Walker cuts into the offensive zone, receives a pass and fires — but Miller fights it off with his right arm.

12:45 – Terrific shift by Lizotte and Bjornfot. Bjornfot denied an easy LIVE BLOG: LOS ANGELES VS ANAHEIM entry, forcing a lob into the LA zone that was knocked down by Lizotte and quickly fed up-ice to Carter. Lizotte playing like he’s going to make this team.

JON ROSEN SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 11:30 – Not a good decision by Wagner to try to skate the puck out of the deep end of his zone.

11:11 – Iafallo goes down to block a Manson shot. GAME THREADS 9:40 – Two good Kings looks, the second of which came from Toffoli and Los Angeles Kings 3, Anaheim Ducks 0 caught Miller’s left skate. Final 8:58 – Terry nearly converts off a Kovalchuk turnover after the winger Radio Feed mishandled the puck leaving the defensive zone.

Ice Tracker 8:23 – PENALTY LAK. Walker for hooking.

Box Score 7:04 – Two good saves by Petersen on Getzlaf, the second of which he lunged to his right to knock down. Event Summary 6:03 – Good shift by MacDermid, who created zone time by stripping SOG: LAK – 30; ANA – 31 Kase of the puck on a zone entry and pushing play in the other direction.

PP: LAK – 0/2; ANA – 0/3 4:45 – Kings are chasing the play in their defensive zone. Good shift by the Jones-Shore-Sprong line. LAK starters: G Cal Petersen, D Ben Hutton, D Sean Walker, LW Jaret Anderson-Dolan, C Rasmus Kupari, RW Austin Wagner 4:30 – Lizotte confidence to execute a give-and-go. Ultimately finds Bjornfot, the trailer, who snaps the puck on goal. ANA starters: G Ryan Miller, D Josh Manson, D Hampus Lindholm, LW Nic Deslauriers, C Benoit-Olivier Groulx, RW Kiefer Sherwood First Period

Third Period 20:00 – And we’re off.

20:00 – Campbell spells Petersen (20/20) and faces an early flurry of 17:35 – Good one-on-one defending by LaDue on Manson. activity. 17:04 – GOAL LAK. 1-0. Carter from above the left circle, towards the 14:30 – PENALTY LAK. Tripping on Grundstrom, who got his stick in high slot. Lizotte plucked a loose puck, danced low in the zone to create Lindholm’s skates, and down the defenseman went. space, and dished across the zone to Carter, who beat Miller between the legs. 13:35 – Another zone entry disrupted by MacDermid’s stick. 13:29 – LAK pressure off the faceoff. 13:21 – PENALTY LAK. MacDermid for hooking, shortly after his stick work. 51 seconds of an Anaheim 5-on-3. 13:22 – PENALTY ANA. Wideman for interference after LAK again applied pressure off the faceoff. First LAK unit is Doughty-Lizotte-Iafallo- 13:00 – Henrique shot, Kopitar block and clear. Kopitar-Brown. 12:29 – Henrique shot deflects out of play. 5-on-4 for the next 1:08. 12:25 – Effective dive by Devin Shore to swat the puck out of the LAK 11:28 – SHORTHANDED GOAL LAK. 2-0. After killing the front end of a zone. 5-on-3, Brown generates a 2-on-1 break with time running out on the 11:39 – Kovalchuk one-timer; Miller save. back end. He shoots the puck off Miller and into the net. 6:48 – Good battle by Amadio in a defensive zone corner. 8:49 – Grundstrom hustles for a loose puck and drops it for Toffoli, whose snapper was fended off by Miller’s right pad. 2:50 – Fun shift with JAD, Kupari and Wagner up front and Bjornfot and Doughty on the back end. Bjornfot involved; activated low and worked a 7:42 – Kopitar drives wide around Manson towards the low slot and puck behind the net. nearly chips a backhand into the far corner. 1:09 – Hutton involved in a netfront scrum in the defensive end. Carter, 6:08 – Nice skating by Hutton to calm a play down deep in his own zone MacDermid, Getzlaf, Ritchie get involved. Scrummin’. and escape trouble. 0:45 – Kovalchuk zone entry, drop to Bjornfot, who whistles the puck well 3:40 – Sprong has his head down and mid-dangle skates directly into over the net. Walker, bouncing off him and falling. Good balance by Walker, I guess? LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.24.2019 1:26 – EMPTY NET GOAL LAK. 3-0. Kopitar lobs it into the open net from distance.

0:00 – Two preseason games remain. It’s getting close, Insiders.

Second Period

20:00 – Puck drop.

19:23 – Kopitar drives into the zone, but his shot ramps off Wideman’s stick and out of play.

17:27 – PENALTY ANA. Goaltender interference on Jones, who gets a bit frisky around Petersen during some Anaheim zone time.

15:24 – Nothing going, save for some adventurous defensive zone exits.

15:09 – Hakanpaa grabs a hold to a netbound Wagner while pushing the puck off his stick and towards Miller, who extends his left pad to keep it out of the net. 1153942 Los Angeles Kings On if the NHL coaching staff gave him anything specific to work on when he was assigned to Ontario

Not yet, I think throughout this week I’ll have some meetings with some REIGN CAMP, DAY 1 – LINE COMBOS, NOTES, STOTHERS, of the development coaches, so I don’t have any specific judgement right REMPAL, DURZI now. I’ll look forward to that this week, getting some feedback and obviously getting ready to start the season here in two weeks.

On if being assigned to Ontario serves as a motivating factor for him ZACH DOOLEY SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 Absolutely. I think there was never a doubt with me coming in. Obviously I didn’t have the camp that I wanted to and I think it was kind of the same thing as last year. I think I came in with too high of expectations and then Day 1 of Reign training camp in the books, a hard, hour-long skate this when you don’t live up to those every game, you start to get down on morning in El Segundo. yourself. I’ve just got to reset here, back being in Ontario, I’m excited. Here’s how the group lined up for the first AHL skate of the season – Hopefully I can get off to a hot start and be back up soon.

Eyssimont – Kupari – Rempal Mike Stothers, General Camp Impressions from Day 1

Sodergran – Sutter – Luff I was really happy with Day 1, actually. It was an earlier practice after a day off, and sometimes it takes the guys a little while to get going, but we Morrison – Rymsha – Imama didn’t have that issue this morning. They were crisp and sharp right from the get go, so that was good. We hit them with some video before Bouma- Bergh – Garreffa practice, we hit them with some video after, they were able to get an off- Boudens – St. Amant – Doty ice workout in. From an execution standpoint I was happy, from a daily plan I was happy with it. Anderson – Durzi On any differences in what he’s teaching, with a new NHL staff in place Brickley – Clague and if there is an increased emphasis on tempo and pace under this Reddekopp – Strand regime

Stanton – Phillips Everybody has their thoughts and ideas about pace. I think the pace was good with the Kings with Darryl and John, maybe it dropped off a little bit Gottlieb – Galipeau after that change, but I know Todd wants to really re-establish that. Having coached against the Kings, he knew how hard it was to play Villalta / Kehler / (Petersen) against them, one of the many things was the pace, the detail, the Notes – heaviness and physicality they played with. Is that necessarily going to stay the same? Probably not, the game’s changed a little bit. There’s – Kupari and Anderson have not been assigned from Los Angeles to more speed, there’s more skill and Todd’s trying to help that process Ontario, but skated with the Reign group to balance out lines and along and we’ll try to implement it as much as possible with our group pairings between the NHL and AHL groups. Goaltender Cal Petersen here with the Reign. The forecheck’s a little bit different, the neutral zone also skated briefly with the Reign group today but was off the ice early – forecheck’s different, there’s some alterations to everybody’s systems As Jon estimated here, Petersen could play tonight for the Kings. and how the game’s expected to be played. Right now, it doesn’t much Forward Martin Frk did not skate with either group, as he was placed on matter as long as everybody’s on board and everybody’s trying to follow waivers earlier today. If he clears, he’s expected to be assigned to Reign the game plan, you’ve got a chance of success. If you’ve got some camp tomorrow. people resisting or not quite in tune with the way things need to be done, then it’s going to take a little bit longer. All in all, for the first couple of Placed on Waivers weeks we’ve been here, I think it’s been pretty good for both groups. I Martin Frk (RW) | Los Angeles think you can see us taking that same philosophy and, as you said, we Kings#GoKingsGohttps://t.co/1QlOPxQWwg [the Reign] prided ourselves on our tempo in practice, our pace, and tried to play that way in games. We’re sticklers for details, and want to make — CapFriendly Transactions (@CF_Transactions) September 23, 2019 sure everything’s done right.

– Lance Bouma is in camp on a PTO, while the other five non-contracted On getting first-year players up to speed in the first week of practices players are in camp on tryouts. Bouma is a particularly interesting player when considering the lack of experience up front for Ontario. Beyond Oh boy, there’s a lot there. You don’t expect them to grasp and absorb Brett Sutter, second and third year players like Luff and Imama are the everything immediately, it’s a big change for them. They’re used to most experienced in the group, pending Frk’s status. Bouma brings good coming from an environment where they were probably the big fish in a experience and pedigree to the Reign if things work out. small pond and they are now maybe the guy who is trying to find where they’re going to fit in and how their minutes are going to play out. There’s – The backend is already filling up. While Anderson is still a member of a lot of things that most of them need to know, as far as how the game is the Kings, 6 of the other top 7 on the above depth chart are on NHL to be played and more so, when you’re without the puck and trying to get contracts and Stanton is a veteran on an AHL deal, who is expected to it back. The play in their own zone is usually a big adjustment for all of be a key member on the blueline for Ontario this season. Gottlieb is also them, whether they’re forwards or defensemen. The strength, the size, on an AHL deal and showed promise at the end of last season, while the speed of playing against men, even for the goalies, the shots are Galipeau is on a camp try out after playing five games in the AHL last heavier, harder, more accurate…you can’t rely on your reflexes as much. season with Providence. This is ALL while considering that the Kings still It’s much the same as how it works for the defensemen. The gaps that have 11 contracted defensemen on their camp roster still, including the they could have closed in juniors aren’t there, they’re going the wrong injured Derek Forbort. Somewhere, something’s got to give… way and kind of chasing, it’s just a matter of getting used to the level of hockey that you’re playing at. I think the fact that we’ve got a couple of Quotes – exhibition games against American Hockey League talent will help these Sheldon Rempal on his impressions from Day 1 guys along. There’s so many things that it’s hard to break it down in one day, one week. As we talked about last year, you and I, you like to have It was good, actually, I thought the pace was up and obviously guys a starting point and a month or two down the road, see if you’ve had coming in, I think they’re a little nervous. I think the skate was pretty some progression. Certainly by the end of the year, you want to see good, guys were moving it quick. Overall, I think it was an efficient skate. some growth in all areas and some improvement. If you’ve done that, chances are you’re happy with the results. On if there’s a big difference between NHL and AHL pace LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.24.2019 I wouldn’t say that, there’s not that much of a difference. Obviously there’s world class players here at this level that are trying to work their way up, so I don’t think the pace is too different. Obviously there’s a bit of a step there. I’m excited to be here and work my way back up. 1153943 Los Angeles Kings That Bjornfot is still in Los Angeles while other high-profile players targeted for minor or European leagues – Kale Clague, Samuel Fagemo and Matt Luff among them – is not a coincidence. The rookie is a veteran presence internationally for Sweden’s national junior team and has CARTER AT WING & MCLELLAN’S HISTORY WITH C/W; BJORNFOT- channeled his poise and unflappability into his first NHL training camp. DOUGHTY; BROWN’S UPDATE “For a young man that hasn’t lived here, he hasn’t spent a lot of time in North America, he’s come over to a National Hockey League camp and there’s been a little bit of pressure, I’m sure, because of his draft status, JON ROSEN SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 but incredible poise, very few errors or mistakes, positionally sound and unfazed when things go wrong. He’s able to recover really quick,” McLellan said. “A lot of players at that age, you use them for a little while MORNING SKATE NOTESPROSPECTS AND SCOUTING and they try and make up for it. Toby, he regroups and away he goes, so it’s been impressive.” A fine Monday afternoon to you, Insiders. The LA Kings took the TSPC ice shortly before 10:30 a.m., and while they showed the following More on the context of both Carter and Bjornfot’s placement: alignment, there are likely to be changes. Todd McLellan, on Jeff Carter and maneuverability between wing and First, this morning’s groupings: center:

Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown My development opinion: if every player could be trained as a center, it’s perfect, because they can go to the wing, they can always come back. I Kovalchuk-Lizotte-Carter think that transition is easier than always being trained as a winger and Grundstrom-Amadio-Toffoli going into the middle. We can go all the way back to San Jose where we played Marleau, Pavelski and Thornton on a line – three centers. They Anderson-Dolan-Prokhorkin-Wagner were forwards. They just filled in for different positions, different faceoff M.Kempe-A.Kempe-Lewis hands, and that’s how I look at it with Carts and whoever he’s playing with. [Reporter: Those teams often led the league in faceoff percentages Clifford too, I recall.] With the new rules, and you’ve got a lefty and a righty out there and they’re both capable of winning one, I’d take advantage of it. Bjornfot-Doughty There’s another area of the game we’ve got to work on. [Reporter: No Hutton-Walker coincidence then that a lot of the young, impressive guys are centers that are pushing right now.] Teams put such value on the players that can MacDermid-LaDue play in the middle of the rink. For me, I personally think Anderson-Dolan’s a better center than he is a winger, but he’s got to learn both positions. Ryan-Roy Hopefully when he gets here and he arrives, he’s playing a long time for Martinez the Kings down the middle. But the ability to swing both ways is really important. [Reporter: For some of those guys, if they’re ready to make Notes! the roster right away, but maybe it’s as a wing, how do you weigh that where if they go back down they can stay in the middle?] It’s part of ‘are — Similar to Thursday and Saturday’s skates, this isn’t how they’ll line up we ready for them?’ Do we have that slot open? There’s so much more tonight when they face Anaheim (7:30 p.m. / FOX Sports West / FOX that goes into planning the team and building the team and throwing the Sports GO / LA Kings Audio Network) to begin a Monday-Wednesday- team out on the ice than just putting the skates on and executing the Friday schedule that caps the preseason. Expect Rasmus Kupari to play play. There’s the business aspect, the cap management, the waiver in place of Nikolai Prokhorkin, who remained on the ice with Kyle Clifford, aspect, the development process and down the road what’s better for Alec Martinez, the Kempe line and the Ryan-Roy pairing. Kupari and that individual, so a lot of that goes into the decision process. Mikey Anderson skated with the Ontario group prior to the morning skate. Jonathan Quick remained on the ice for extra work and isn’t expected to McLellan, on what he hopes to get out of playing Tobias Bjornfot against start tonight. I’m projecting Cal Petersen, who took an abbreviated skate Drew Doughty: with Ontario, to start against the Ducks. A good game – obviously that’s what we’re hoping for. Drew plays — Please abide by LAKI’s golden rule: Pay No Attention To Preseason against some high-end competition, some of the better players in the Lines. This rule is both good and true and should be followed universally league, and for us to drag Tobias into that, he’ll have to play with him amidst rare exceptions. Such exceptions took place today when tonight. We want to evaluate him against Getzlaf and those type of players, so that puts him in a position for us to do that. A) Jeff Carter was to the right of Ilya Kovalchuk and Blake Lizotte McLellan, on whether he needs to see “more” or “more of the same” from B) Tobias Bjornfot was Drew Doughty’s partner Bjornfot: Let’s begin with A. As you recall, there was the thought process that Again, there’s two sides to that. Is Toby ready, and are we ready for came to light early in the off-season that Jeff Carter could be moved from Toby? And we have to continue to ask ourselves those questions. For a center to wing, and such a decision would ultimately be made by the young player to stay, there’s prospect success paths that are well- coaching staff. So, Todd McLellan, is Carter a center or a wing? chronicled and then there are failure paths. We have to make sure we “Forward,” he answered. “They’re all forwards, in my mind.” keep him on the successful path, so that’s our job to make sure we’re This is important as it relates to McLellan’s history. For a very visible ready for him. His job is to continue to evolve and continue to grow. This example – one the coach cited on Monday – San Jose relied on an week the competition will be stiffer than it was last week, and we’re still in extremely versatile group of forwards. Patrick Marleau, Logan Couture the evaluation process, that’s all we’re doing. and Joe Pavelski were all players often used interchangeably between Drew Doughty, on playing with an 18-year-old on defense: the middle of the ice and the wing, and Carter appears to be in the same boat. More on that shortly. I enjoy helping young guys. When I was a young guy I the league I relished the opportunity to play with veteran guys, so I’m sure he’s doing Juan Ocampo/NHLI the same thing. From watching him in the one game I did play, I thought As for B, what better way to get a firm read on a player than to play him he’s got a lot of poise for an 18-year-old, a lot more poise than you see alongside Drew Doughty and against the opposition’s top talent? It out of other 18-year-old defensemen. He’s a really good player and I’m sounds like the Kings’ top defenseman already has a pretty good handle going to try to help him as much as I can and teach him anything I’ve on who he’ll play with tonight. learnt over the years. If he has any questions, he’ll ask me. I’m just good at talking on the ice – that’s how I help my partner the most, so I think “He’s a smooth skater, he’s confident with the puck, good poise, good maybe he’ll learn a little bit of that. defensively, but he’s 18 years old, so he’s got a lot of time to develop still,” Doughty said of Bjornfot. “But he’s going to be an NHLer one day, — The first week of training camp has given way to the second week, that’s for sure.” and with that, the roster has been whittled down and the focus has narrowed with the goal to be ready to go when the season opens in and look up and see where I can make plays. It’s a faster game, and you Edmonton a week from Saturday. need to know where you should play.

The group has only been together for a week and a half, though McLellan Looks like Ryan Miller and Anthony Stolarz are tonight's Ducks goalies in has been encouraged by the group’s willingness “to try and make it L.A. The potential lineup vs. Kings: work.” He’s been happy with “their attention to positioning and understanding why we’re doing certain things,” which is important to Comtois-Getzlaf-Terry impart upon a group led by veterans who are reprogramming their Ritchie-Henrique-Kase actions and reactions in a variety of situations. Jones-Shore-Sprong “From my perspective, it’s exciting, honestly,” Dustin Brown said. “My brain’s been working a little bit harder than I want it to, but that’s part of Deslauriers-Groulx-Sherwood the process of learning, especially for some of the guys that’ve been here Lindholm-Manson forever. We’ve played the same system pretty much since Terry – maybe even prior to that, if I really had to think about it. So, I’m leaving the rink Benoit-Wideman thinking about it, and that’s probably the only different part. But now that we’re starting to settle in, I’ll get my second game, I’m hoping to play Mahura-Hakanpaa more. And when you get those two-to-four preseason games with the — Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) September 23, 2019 new system, like I said, you’re a little more comfortable and you kind of just get used to the system.” LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.24.2019 The start of the season is just that. It’s not an end date or an ultimatum. “We’ve got so much more work to do, and we’re not going to be fully up- and-running when the season starts,” McLellan said. “We’ll continue to add on, we’ll expand, we’ll grow different areas of our game, but we want to get the foundation and the basis down and then play from there.”

The team is still implementing its structure, which requires a more concerted touch than the team had experienced in recent years, given the adjustment in the forecheck and the push to become more aggressive on both sides of the puck.

Even as the team is still “pounding the X’s and O’s every day,” according to Brown, this is still a week players across the league use to get their bodies ready for the 82 games that follow. “Every year it’s the same – you’ve just got to get your body used to the grind again, and once you get into this phase, then it’s really focusing on getting your game where it needs to be for October 5.”

— Ben Hutton admitted it was somewhat strange to jump right into a game against his former teammates, but that quickly getting into Saturday’s preseason win over the Canucks was important to assimilate with his new teammates. “When you battle with guys, that’s when you become the closest with them, so jumping on the ice with the squad was nice for sure,” he said.

Hutton, who assisted on Jaret Anderson-Dolan’s first period goal, is focused on continuing to learn the systems – and everyone’s names. As he shared last week, he didn’t know anyone in the dressing room when he joined the team after agreeing on a one-year, $1.5-million contract.

“Just getting more and more comfortable every day with the new systems and the guys,” he said. “Everything’s kind of new to me, so the more comfortable I get, I’ll play more confident, so that’s probably the number one thing.”

— Blake Lizotte will look to transfer his motor to a more skilled spot in the lineup alongside Ilya Kovalchuk and Jeff Carter. “His mistakes are by commission. He’s making them because he’s giving everything he has. There’s no floating, there’s no overthinking, so we appreciate that,” said McLellan, who noted that such work makes the veterans happy because it provides them “a little pop.”

Asked for a young player he’d coached whose energy and motor were noticeable before they’d established themselves in the NHL, McLellan referenced Darren Helm. “When he came into the league, he had a tenacity to him that was contagious – it kind of spread around the locker room and he took pride in it.”

Tobias Bjornfot, on remaining with the team in the second week of the preseason:

I love hockey and I love to play hockey, so it feels good to be here.

Bjornfot, on whether he’s gotten to know Drew Doughty well:

I had lunch with him, I’ve talked with him on the ice and the bench. He’s a funny guy, so it’s funny to be around him.

Bjornfot, on what he has learned from playing on the small ice:

I think you need to have your head up. I know I have a good hockey IQ, and when it’s on the smaller ice, I need to use my Hockey IQ all the time 1153944 Los Angeles Kings

20 PLAYERS ASSIGNED; FRK ON WAIVERS; KINGS PREPARE FOR DUCKS

JON ROSEN SEPTEMBER 23, 2019

ROSTER MOVES

The Ontario Reign opened training camp on Monday with 20 players assigned to them from the Los Angeles Kings via a transaction that took place Sunday:

Assigned to AHL-Ontario: Daniel Brickley, Kale Clague, Sean Durzi, Mikey Eyssimont, Boko Imama, Cole Kehler, Matt Luff, Brad Morrison, Markus Phillips, Chaz Reddekopp, Sheldon Rempal, Drake Rymsha, Johan Sodergran, Austin Strand, Matt Villalta

Assigned to AHL-Ontario camp: Mason Bergh, Brett Sutter, Lance Bouma, Max Gottlieb, Ryan Stanton

Also, Martin Frk was placed on waivers on Monday, and once he is either claimed or passes through and is assigned to Ontario, there will be 31 players remaining on the roster.

Forwards (18): Michael Amadio, Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter, Kyle Clifford, Martin Frk, Carl Grundstrom, Alex Iafallo, Adrian Kempe, Mario Kempe, Ilya Kovalchuk, Anze Kopitar, Rasmus Kupari, Trevor Lewis, Blake Lizotte, Nikolai Prokhorkin, Tyler Toffoli, Austin Wagner

Defensemen (11): Mikey Anderson, Tobias Bjornfot, Drew Doughty, Derek Forbort, Ben Hutton, Paul LaDue, Kurtis MacDermid, Alec Martinez, Matt Roy, Joakim Ryan, Sean Walker

Goalies (3): Jack Campbell, Cal Petersen, Jonathan Quick

Teams’ 23-man, cap-compliant rosters must be submitted to the league by 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1. The 2019-20 salary cap is $81.5M.

Hints towards the lineup the Kings will use against the Ducks tonight at Staples Center (7:30 p.m. / Prime Ticket / FOX Sports GO / LA Kings Audio Network):

Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown

Kovalchuk-Lizotte-Carter

Grundstrom-Amadio-Toffoli

JAD-Prokhorkin-Wagner

M.Kempe-A.Kempe-Lewis

Bjornfot-Doughty

Ryan-Roy

Hutton-Walker

MacDermid-LaDue

Kupari skated with ONT this morning. Martinez, Clifford present; didn't catch them in a rotation.

— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) September 23, 2019

Those who remain on the club’s roster but aren’t in tonight’s lineup or the above alignment (for example, Rasmus Kupari and Mikey Anderson) skated this morning with Ontario.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153945 Los Angeles Kings

ONTARIO REIGN TRAINING CAMP PRIMER

ZACH DOOLEYSEPTEMBER 23, 2019

ONTARIO REIGN

Good Morning, Insiders!

Today marks the start of Ontario Reign training camp at Toyota Sports Performance Center. The Reign are on the ice this morning at 9 AM, as well as the next two days, leading into their preseason opener against the San Diego Gulls on Thursday in Ontario. Here’s the key info to know for training camp –

Schedule –

Monday, September 23 – 9 AM

Tuesday, September 24 – 9 AM

Wednesday, September 25 – 9 AM

Thursday, September 26 – Ontario vs. San Diego – 10 AM @ Toyota Arena

Friday, September 27 – 9 AM

Saturday, September 28 – OFF DAY

Sunday, September 29 – 9 AM

Monday, September 30 – Ontario @ San Diego – 7 PM @ Honda Center in Anaheim

All practices will be held at Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo, CA and are open to the public.

Roster –

By my count the Reign opening training camp with two goaltenders, nine defensemen and 14 forwards. Here’s how the Reign line up for Day 1.

Goaltenders (2) – Cole Kehler, Matthew Villalta

Defensemen (9) – Daniel Brickley, Kale Clague, Sean Durzi, Olivier Galipeau, Max Gottlieb, Markus Phillips, Chaz Reddekopp, Ryan Stanton, Austin Strand

Forwards (14) – Mason Bergh, Matt Boudens, Lance Bouma, Jacob Doty, Mikey Eyssimont, Joseph Garreffa, Boko Imama, Matt Luff, Brad Morrison, Sheldon Rempal, Drake Rymsha, Johan Sodergran, Shawn St. Amant, Brett Sutter

Breakdown –

– Of the 25 players to open camp with the Reign, 15 are on NHL contracts with the Los Angeles Kings, 4 are on AHL contracts with Ontario and 6 are on training camp try outs.

– 11 players on the camp roster spent significant time with Ontario last season, while an additional two (Bergh, Gottlieb) made their professional debuts with the Reign at the end of the season, and one (Kehler) dressed multiple times as the backup goaltender but did not see any game action.

– 3 players (Brickley, Luff, Rempal) skated in the NHL with the Kings last season, while six players overall on the opening camp roster have played in the NHL during their professional career.

– Of the six try out players, three (Boudens, Galipeau, St. Amant) are contracted to ECHL deals with the Fort Wayne Komets, one is contracted to an ECHL deal with the Allen Americans (Doty), one attended rookie camp with the Kings (Garreffa) and one attended NHL camp with the Kings (Bouma). Bouma is on a PTO, while the other five are on try outs.

More to come throughout the day, stay tuned!

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153946 Minnesota Wild Challenges like these always shift the spotlight to a position as vital as goaltending, and Dubnyk is aware how important it is to get in a rhythm early.

Wild already keeping an eye on Devan Dubnyk's workload in net "We can't dip our toe in to start the season and see how it's going to go," he said. "We need to get off quick and at the same time if we lose a couple, we just need to understand that we need that next one.

By Sarah McLellan "… Win or lose we need to make sure that we're forgetting about it and getting ready for the next game because October is important. You can't SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 — 12:36AM make the playoffs in October, but you can certainly put yourself in a tough spot to be out of them."

VAIL, Colo. – The postgame routine started off like all the others, with the Sarah McLellan Wild packing up and clearing out of Pepsi Center in Denver on Sunday night after a preseason clash with the Avalanche. Star Tribune LOADED: 09.24.2019 But instead of busing to the airport to return to the Twin Cities like it normally would when the next road game is four days away, the team traveled west through the Rocky Mountains to temporarily relocate training camp to Vail.

This getaway is a preview of what's to come for the Wild, since the team will be away from home for 13 of the first 18 tests on the calendar, wiping out more than a third of its road schedule in the opening six weeks of the season.

A stretch as rigorous as this — especially when it is spiked with division battles — has the potential to define the trajectory of the Wild's season, but it will also magnify goalie Devan Dubnyk's workload as he returns to the crease after being one of the busiest netminders in the NHL last season.

"I certainly don't mind it," Dubnyk said. "I want to be a guy that's going to go out there and win a game that needs to be won."

At 67 games and 66 starts, Dubnyk made the most appearances around the league in 2018-19.

His 3,855 minutes, 16 seconds of action were second to only Montreal's Carey Price, who logged about 25 minutes more of ice time.

It was the most Dubnyk had played since his first full-length season with the Wild in 2015-16, but the 33-year-old embarked on the summer without any red flags.

"Nothing was nagging," said Dubnyk, who went 31-28-6 with a .913 save percentage and 2.54 goals-against average. "Didn't feel tired. I've been pretty grateful for all these opportunities over the last few years. I'm not about to start suggesting I play less."

Ideally, though, the Wild want to add more downtime to Dubnyk's docket this season, with 57 starts the target number. Plans can change, but this is the team's intention — an aim that could become clear as soon as road-heavy October begins since coach Bruce Boudreau said backup Alex Stalock could debut in the first week.

"Alex is going to have to come in and play games not always on a back- to-back," Boudreau said. "We are going to need two goalies if we want to succeed."

Still, Dubnyk likely will be a fixture between the pipes, and it could be tempting to keep relying on him if he rediscovers his road prowess from last season.

His 19 wins tied for first in the NHL, and he set the franchise record for road victories (78) on March 29 with a 3-2 decision over the Golden Knights in Vegas.

"We just played really simple on the road, which was good," Dubnyk said. "We didn't just wait to see what was going to happen. We just stuck to our plan. We were really simple and structured. We jumped on opportunities when we got them. We weren't going out trying to force things or do things that weren't there."

What will up the difficulty of this road swing is the competition.

Chicago is the only Central Division team the Wild won't face in its first 18 games, a segment that includes two trips to Nashville and stops in Dallas and St. Louis on consecutive nights.

With many of these teams already being labeled contenders, it seems as if the Wild will have to succeed against its rivals — and in their buildings — to stay relevant. 1153947 Minnesota Wild first pair. Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin are next, giving them one of the deepest blue line groups in the game.

While Devan Dubnyk has been one of the most durable goalies in the Boudreau, Wild aim to disprove belief they are on decline NHL, he has been more vulnerable lately. Last season, Dubnyk finished 14th in goals-against average among netminders with 27 or more games and tied for 21st in save percentage. Following their lowest goal total in five years, the Wild need a strong offensive start to the season to support By DAVE CAMPBELL Dubnyk during a daunting early schedule. SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 — 3:40PM Starting Oct. 3 at Nashville, the Wild play six of their first seven games on the road. Including the home opener on Oct. 12 against Pittsburgh, they face three teams that hit the 100-point mark last season. ST. PAUL, Minn. — After their six-year streak of making the playoffs came to an end, the Minnesota Wild went through an eventful summer in PREDICTION which the major change was made in the front office, not to the roster. The Wild tumbled down the stretch, going 4-9-1 over their final 14 games The Wild were the fifth-lowest scoring team in the league last season. to finish 37-36-9. They landed in last place for the first time in 13 years, Among their top seven point producers from 2018-19, four will be at least when they were in a five-team division under the NHL's prior alignment. 35 years old by midseason. Even if Zuccarello can provide a scoring boost, Dumba re-establishes his pre-injury productivity and the presence of Guerin brings some badly There's no surprise, then, that the external expectations for success are needed positive vibes, the Wild face a steep climb back to the playoffs. scant. The Central Division is stacked, with defending Stanley Cup champion "That's good. Let them pick us to be at the bottom," coach Bruce St. Louis, Nashville, Winnipeg, Dallas and Colorado all having qualified Boudreau said. "But we believe in ourselves, and we're counting on for the postseason last spring. Boudreau has the second-best record surprising people." among active head coaches, behind only Tampa Bay's Jon Cooper, but a best-case scenario would be getting one of the two Western Conference With stalwarts Zach Parise and Ryan Suter coming off strong post-injury wild card spots. Missing the playoffs is more likely than not, with Guerin performances in 2018-19, there is precedent for Mikko Koivu (knee) and bound to take a patient approach to building a contender. Matt Dumba (shoulder) to do the same a year later after their absences last season contributed significantly to the decline. Just as helpful toward Star Tribune LOADED: 09.24.2019 improvement might be an extra edge the Wild have brought to the ice this fall.

"Every team that didn't win is going to say it has a chip on its shoulder," Boudreau said, "but all I know is when they predict you to be 32nd in a 31-team league, it might piss you off a little bit."

The first jolt came at the end of July when owner Craig Leipold fired general manager Paul Fenton after less than 15 months on the job. Bill Guerin was hired to take over and restore some trust from the players.

"We've got guys who have won in this league for a long time," Guerin said, "and I'm confident this group is going to bounce back."

WHO'S HERE

The last moves Fenton made before he was fired were signing free agents Mats Zuccarello (five years, $30 million) for more offense from the top-six forwards and Ryan Hartman (two years, $3.8 million) for more toughness on the fourth line. The length of Zuccarello's contract raised eyebrows, considering the Wild now have five players 32 or older among their eight highest salary cap charges. His experience, however, can't hurt a team that could have as many as five players 23 or younger (centers Luke Kunin and Joel Eriksson Ek and wings Kevin Fiala, Ryan Donato and Jordan Greenway) among the top three lines.

WHO'S NOT

After Fenton traded mainstays Nino Niederreiter, Charlie Coyle and Mikael Granlund last winter before the deadline, there wasn't much left to change on the roster in the summer. Right wings Eric Fehr and Pontus Aberg and defensemen Nate Prosser and Anthony Bitetto, all bit players, were free agents who went elsewhere.

KEY PLAYERS

To keep up in the West, the Wild will need some of those under-24 players to break out. Fiala is under the most scrutiny, an underachieving 11th overall pick from the 2014 draft who came from Nashville in the deal for Granlund. Having a healthy Dumba, one of the NHL's most productive defensemen, and Koivu, one of the best defensive forwards in the league, will go a long way toward helping the Wild play at their potential. Dumba had 12 goals in 32 games last season.

"If I can contribute 30 toward this team, I think we're going to be pretty well off," Dumba said.

OUTLOOK

After leading the league in percentage of goals by defensemen last season (20.9) and finishing tied for fifth in percentage of points by defensemen (26.3), the Wild have Dumba back to skate with Suter on the 1153948 Minnesota Wild Pateryn is ready to start the year or general manager Bill Guerin opts to keep eight defensemen.

Belpedio has played three NHL games in parts of two seasons with the DENVER — Nobody’s saying the Wild have a luxury of riches when it Wild. Soucy was so good two years ago, he earned regular-season and comes to scorers, but they do have one heck of a logjam when it comes playoff action. But he had a poor camp last fall and was an early to which players Bruce Boudreau can use on the power play this season. demotion to Iowa.

It’s one reason why the Wild coach has used basically every forward on “(Belpedio) looked a lot better than he did the first (exhibition game),” the power play during exhibition games. Boudreau said. “He was handling the puck and making plays, and a great goal the way he went up into the play like that. … (Soucy) played well Call it an audition of sorts. and we wanted to reward him and give him one more game. He was “We have three power-play units,” Boudreau said before Sunday’s 3-2 coming (to Vail anyway), so we decided to give him one more shot at it.” shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche. “We really don’t know. We’ve Belpedio, the Miami University alum, said, “Whether I’m here or I’m in got guys that have all played the power play. But we want guys to be Iowa, I still have to be the best I can be every day. That’s all I’m trying to successful on the power play. So we’ll work them all in.” do. While I’m here, I’m trying to make a good showing and prove that I Say the No. 1 unit up front is Zach Parise, Eric Staal and Mats Zuccarello can handle myself and prove that I can play and belong in this league. If I with Matt Dumba and Ryan Suter at the point, Boudreau will have to end up in Iowa, I just have to be the best I can be every day and help the decide between Jason Zucker, Mikko Koivu, Kevin Fiala, Ryan Donato, team win down there. Luke Kunin and Jordan Greenway as to which three forwards play up “Last year, spending 95 percent of the year in the (AHL), helped me a front on Power Play No. 2. Defenseman Jared Spurgeon will surely play ton. Just from the beginning of the year ‘til the end, I felt like I grew a lot. I the point on that unit, as would sniper Brad Hunt whenever he’s in the felt like I learned how to play the pro game better than maybe my first lineup. year right when I came out of college. That’s the fun part. You want to get Boudreau was hoping he could use Fiala at the point in games that better every day and see how much better you can get.” perhaps Hunt doesn’t play, but when he asked assistant coach Dean Time to bond Evason whether Fiala can play the point, Boudreau said Evason answered, “Absolutely not.” Evason coached Fiala with the AHL The Wild will have a golf tournament Monday and other team-building Milwaukee Admirals once upon a time. activities the next three days. They have in the past gone to Duluth for some bonding trips during camp, and former GM Paul Fenton came up “There is a logjam,” Boudreau said. “Look at all the guys that are used to with the idea of Vail between exhibition games in Colorado and Dallas. playing the power play. We’ve got new guys knocking at the door to play the power play. So it’s an interesting thing and like I told (the players), “We talked about bonding last year. We didn’t have a chance to do an we’re going to play the guys that are scoring, so do what you have to do.” awful lot of stuff, so we want to make sure that before the season starts that we have a tight-knit group,” Boudreau said. “I think one of the things Boudreau will probably mix and match early in the season on the second you can tell about that is the way we’re blocking shots in preseason. unit. Guys are laying out their body pretty good, so I think the character is For instance, if the Wild need a faceoff win, Koivu, the all-time leader in pretty good. power-play points, would almost surely see the ice. But if the Wild are “We’ve got a lot of new guys and a lot of guys that came in at the end of changing on the fly, perhaps somebody hops the boards instead of last year. I think it’s important that we get to know each other on a Koivu. If Boudreau feels he needs a net-front guy like Greenway or a different level than we have recently rather than coming to the rink and right-hand shot to play the bumper spot like Kunin, he could work them being friends. And I get it. We have a lot of parents on the team, so in. there’s that camaraderie off the ice that there used to be at home. So this “We have a lot of options,” Boudreau said. is a great chance for us to get together, have some fun and have a couple good practices as well.” The Wild did score once on the power play in Sunday’s game. Donato streaked down the left-wing boards and crossed a perfect pass to inside Odds and ends the right circle for a pinching Spurgeon, who slam-dunked a shot home Kevin Fiala, after a 16-hour travel day Friday and practicing for the first on a one-timer. time Saturday, didn’t play Sunday. Boudreau said he was jet-lagged and In preseason games, Boudreau has used absolutely everybody on the will play the final two exhibition games Thursday in Dallas and Saturday power play. Not only has he used the usual power-play suspects, he’s at home against Winnipeg. … played guys that likely won’t see power-play action like Ryan Hartman, The roster will be trimmed to 29 players Monday when Kyle Rau, Luke Joel Eriksson Ek and Victor Rask. Johnson and Matt Bartkowski go on waivers. If they clear, they’ll be But Boudreau said after Sunday’s game that he’s done with that assigned to Iowa. … experiment. With the team bussing after the game to Beaver Creek for Roster hopefuls Victor Rask, J.T. Brown, Nico Sturm, Gerry Mayhew and three days of training camp, Boudreau indicated he’ll cut the power-play Drew Stafford all made the trip to Vail. units to the ones he plans to start the season with during practices Tuesday and Wednesday.

“We’ll get back to two groups, and that’s it, and, ‘If you’re not successful, Michael Russo somebody else will come in,’ but we’re not going to play all 12 forwards on the power play,” Boudreau said. “That’s just not going to happen.”

Belpedio, Soucy rewarded

Defenseman Louie Belpedio, 23, played his best game of training camp at an opportune time and defenseman Carson Soucy, 25, played another strong game.

Belpedio scored a goal and was poised with the puck throughout. Like Soucy, he earned a trip to the Rockies as fellow right-shot defenseman Greg Pateryn remains on the mend from a nagging lower-body injury. Boudreau hopes Pateryn, who accompanied the team on the trip, can play the final two exhibition games.

Nevertheless, Belpedio and Soucy were brought to Vail as a reward. They’ve played well in camp and have put themselves in a position to be call-ups this season or even make the team depending on whether 1153949 Montreal Canadiens

In the Habs' Room: Maple Leafs' youngsters embarrass Canadiens

PAT HICKEY,

Updated: September 23, 2019

Jonathan Drouin said the Canadiens knew what to expect from a rookie- laden Toronto Maple Leafs team Monday night, but they seemed ill- prepared to deal with the situation.

The Leafs, who gave all their high-priced help the night off, defeated the Canadiens 3-0 at the Bell Centre. It was the first loss of the preseason for the Canadiens, who won their first four games.

The Canadiens’ performance was as embarrassing as the lineup the Leafs brought to town.

Drouin said there’s still value in reviewing the game, although most of the tape will show how not to do things.

“There’s stuff you have to look at as a player, as a coach, and as a team as well,” said Drouin. “Everyone can benefit from a game like this. We knew they were going to come out hard, not a lot of veterans, but young guys who have a lot of pride and didn’t have a lot of chances to play in the preseason, and they were ready from the get-go. We were caught off guard a little bit.”

The Canadiens stepped up the pace in the third period when they outshot the visitors 19-5, but they were unable to beat journeyman goaltender Michael Hutchinson.

Charlie Lindgren was a surprise starter in the Montreal goal. He was pressed into service after a doctor suggested Carey Price take a few days off because of a bruised trapper (left) hand.

“We kept him out as a precaution,” said coach Claude Julien. “He saw the doctor and the doctor suggested he take a few days. We hope to see him back by the end of the week.”

Julien received a rude introduction to a rule change when he challenged the Leafs’ second goal by Darren Archibald. Julien felt there was goaltender interference but his challenge was rejected after the video review. Under the new rule, a team is assessed a minor penalty if the challenge fails.

“It’s a fine line because you want to protect the goaltender and you want to show your goaltender that you support him,” said Julien. “In most of these cases, it’s 50-50. I’m not saying I’m right and the referee is wrong, but things can go either way. Last year, you challenged and if it didn’t go your way, you lost your timeout and you moved on. Now, you’re in a position where you lose the challenge and you’re down a goal and you’re shorthanded. It makes you think carefully before you challenge. What they’re telling me is: Don’t challenge. This is the preseason and it doesn’t matter, but how can I challenge those in the regular season?”

For four players, their bids to start the season in the NHL ended with this game. Riley Barber, Jake Evans, Alex Belzile and Josh Brook were all reassigned to the Laval Rocket after the game.

Evans has had a good camp, but the Notre Dame grad was in a logjam as he battled for a spot on the fourth line. Nate Thompson, who had a strong game Monday, is the incumbent and he’s being challenged by rookie Ryan Poehling. There’s no room for Evans, but if he continues to progress in Laval, he’ll head the shortlist of forwards for call-up duty if the Canadiens run into injuries.

Brook was expected to challenge for a spot, especially with Noah Juulsen sidelined with headaches. There’s no doubt Brook has offensive skills, but making the jump from junior hockey can be difficult and he has often appeared lost on defence.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153950 Montreal Canadiens

Toronto Marlies shut out Canadiens at Bell Centre

PAT HICKEY,

Updated: September 23, 2019

It was unreasonable to think that the Canadiens could win all seven of their preseason games, but there was no reason to believe they could lose Monday night’s game against a group of imposters wearing Toronto Maple Leafs sweaters.

But with the clock clicking down toward next week’s regular-season opener, the Canadiens turned in a listless performance as they lost 3-0 at the Bell Centre. They outshot the visitors 38-25 with a third-period push but they failed to generate many Grade-A scoring chances against Michael Hutchinson, a goaltender who has appeared in only 12 games over the past two seasons.

At the other end of the ice, Charlie Lindgren wasn’t terrible, but he didn’t do anything to suggest he could steal the backup job from Keith Kinkaid. He was beaten by guys named Darren Archibald and Yegor Korshkov, who is a five-year veteran of the KHL. Korshkov scored on a power play to open the scoring and then stripped the puck from Brett Kulak to give Toronto a 3-0 lead which is how the game ended.

This should have been a cakewalk because the Maple Leafs arrived with a lineup that was embarrassingly light on NHL-calibre talent. NHL rules call for teams to dress at least eight players who have played at least 100 NHL games or appeared in 30 games last season. There were only seven players who met that criteria but the Leafs met the bare minimum because Timothy Liljegren qualifies as a first-round draft choice.

And the Leafs were also short on quality. Fans who paid top dollar to see Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander or even Jason Spezza were disappointed. None of the seven NHL players is in line to make more than $800,000 this season and one of them, Matt Read, is in camp on a tryout and doesn’t have a contract.

The Montreal power play, which showed signs of life with three goals in Ottawa on Saturday, reverted to form and went 0-for-4. Max Domi and Jesperi Kotkaniemi provided a spark on a power play to start the third period. The Canadiens had four shots on goal but couldn’t score.

Jonathan Drouin was back at right wing on the top line with Domi and Tomas Tatar. On the plus side, he won both of his faceoffs and had two solid hits, but the team’s highest-paid forward has to produce more than a single shot on goal.

Nate Thompson showed why he has a spot on this team as he won more faceoffs than he lost and had a shorthanded scoring chance. He was also credited with three hits.

Defence prospect Josh Brook produced three shots on goal but he’ll need a lot of time in Laval honing his defensive skills before he’s ready for the NHL. Karl Alzner made his first start of the preseason and he blocked shots and had three shots on goal, but it remains to be seen what he can do to avoid another season buried in Laval.

The Canadiens and the Leafs meet again Wednesday night in Toronto, and the Leafs are expected to have a stronger lineup.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153951 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens' Claude Julien and Maple Leafs' Mike Babcock share a bond

STU COWAN,

Updated: September 23, 2019

Mike Babcock and Claude Julien were both behind the bench when Team Canada won gold at the 2014 Olympics, and they have remained close ever since.

Babcock was the head coach at the Sochi Games and Julien was one of his three associate coaches, along with Ken Hitchcock and Lindy Ruff. Babcock and Julien still keep in touch and were texting each other ahead of Monday night’s NHL pre-season game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Canadiens at the Bell Centre.

“We more or less chat about our situation and everything else,” Julien said after the Canadiens’ morning skate Monday in Brossard.

No two coaches in the NHL are under more pressure or work in a bigger spotlight than Julien in Montreal and Babcock in Toronto. They’re also two of the highest-paid coaches in the NHL, with Babcock earning US$6.25 million in the fifth year of his eight-year $50-million contract and Julien earning US$5 million in the third year of his five-year $25-million contract.

So, it’s not surprising Julien and Babcock can relate to each other.

“Some people enjoy these kind of environments and I have no issues with that,” Julien said about the pressure of coaching the Canadiens. “It’s a great city, fans are great, there’s a lot of interest and at the end of the day you do your job and you hope that you can bring a championship to this city.

“So that’s what I look at. I don’t look at it as pressure or even …,” Julien added before stopping to sneeze.

“Excuse me,” the coach continued with a chuckle. “Talking about that makes me sneeze.

“Those kind of things are actually great,” Julien added. “Pressure, it can be handled in different ways. It can be daunting or it can be exciting and it can be motivating.”

Julien and Babcock are facing different kinds of pressure this season.

The Canadiens are simply hoping to make the playoffs for the first time in three years and then “anything can happen,” as GM Marc Bergevin likes to say. Nothing less than a Stanley Cup is expected in Toronto with the Maple Leafs’ high-priced lineup that includes forwards Auston Matthews ($11.634 million), John Tavares ($11 million), Mitch Marner ($10.893 million) and William Nylander ($6.962 million), who will eat up more than half of the Leafs’ US$81.5-million salary cap this season.

None of those four players were at the Bell Centre Monday night as the Leafs brought a roster that looked more like the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

“We’ve exchanged texts when it comes to that, and we’ve exchanged our lineups,” Julien said about the pre-season rosters. “But at the end of the day, I can’t control what he brings. What I can control is what I’m trying to do here with this team. Our team has to play a certain way and that’s where our focus is going to be. Not so much on who’s on the other side.”

The Canadiens and Leafs will meet again Wednesday in Toronto (7 p.m., TSN2, TSN4, RDS, TSN 690 Radio).

Since taking over from Michel Therrien as head coach of the Canadiens on Feb. 14, 2017, Julien has an overall record of 89-77-22, losing in the first round of the playoffs the first year and missing the post-season in each of the last two seasons. Babcock has a 164-123-41 record behind the Leafs bench, missing the playoffs in his first season and being eliminated in the first round in each of the last three years.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153952 Montreal Canadiens “You don’t play like the coach wants you to play early in the year and that kind of stuff happens,” Peca added about becoming a healthy scratch. “So you kind of just have to go back to the drawing board, work hard, keep your head down and don’t take anything for granted.” Stu Cowan: Fierce competition for a spot on Canadiens' fourth line As for the competition heading into the final week of training camp, Peca said: “It brings out the best in guys. You watch guys having good games, young guys coming up, having great games, and it just forces you to be STU COWAN ready. Be ready to go, don’t take anything for granted. Take everything Updated: September 23, 2019 seriously and go out there and do your best.

“There’s still opportunity and that’s kind of all you ask for a player in my position,” he added. Playing on the fourth line is not an easy job in the NHL, especially for someone with offensive talent who is accustomed to getting lots of ice time. Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.24.2019 That was the case with Matthew Peca after he joined the Canadiens last season. The previous year, Peca posted 13-33-46 totals in 63 games with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch and 1-1-2 totals in 10 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Peca impressed Marc Bergevin enough that the Canadiens’ GM signed the 5-foot-9, 182-pound forward to a two-year, one-way contract as a free agent worth US$2.6 million.

After going pointless and minus-2 in his first three games with the Canadiens, Peca was made a healthy scratch for the first time — something that became a common occurrence as the season went on. The 26-year-old ended up playing only 39 games, posting 3-7-10 totals, and was a healthy scratch for 18 of the last 19 games. His minus-14 was the worst plus/minus rating on the team.

“This year coming in, I just want to kind of gain the coach’s respect back and gain the staff’s trust back to be able to put me out against guys and be hard to play against in the D zone and stuff like that, and create energy,” Peca said after the Canadiens’ morning skate Monday in Brossard. “Puck possession is huge. We didn’t do a good enough job of puck possession as a fourth line last year. So those are all little things that I worked on this summer.

“The relentless part,” Peca added. “Just that part of your role you need to be a line that guys don’t want to play against. You want to be in everyone’s face and that’s just the style of game we play also, right? With the speed we have, the guys that are fighting for those last three spots there’s no reason why they can’t be effective.”

The battle for a spot on the Canadiens’ fourth line will be fierce during the last week of training camp with three pre-season games on the schedule, starting with Monday night’s contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre. Peca was in the lineup against the Leafs, skating at left wing on a line with centre Jake Evans and right-winger Riley Barber.

Last season, Peca averaged only 10:31 of ice time per game. The only Canadiens who averaged fewer minutes were Dale Weise (10:05) and Nicolas Deslauriers (10:02).

“It’s less touches, it’s less looks,” Peca said about his ice time. “It’s harder to get into the game. And the guys that have been around and been doing that role are the best at it and the best at being 100 per cent for those insignificant amount of minutes, and they do such a good job. So I just kind of took that to heart and watched a lot of tape on guys that do it right and you just want to come back and be a good teammate, be a hard player to play against.

“You see skilled guys in these type of roles all the time and they contribute,” Peca added. “But they also do the little things right. Once you find that happy medium, that’s where good stuff happens.”

Peca focused on fourth-line players while watching the Stanley Cup playoffs on TV last season and noted how they made a difference on the best teams, allowing them to roll four lines, which becomes so important as the season progresses.

Canadiens head coach Claude Julien likes to roll four lines, but had a hard time finding a consistent fourth line last season that he could trust. As a result, the fourth line became a revolving door. Nate Thompson and Jordan Weal, both acquired at the NHL trade deadline, helped solidify things late in the season and the acquisition of Weise added some depth. Bergevin signed free-agent Nick Cousins during the summer to add more depth — and more competition — on the fourth line.

“I wish I would have adjusted better,” Peca said about playing on the fourth line last season. “I wasn’t typically used to playing a fourth-line role. … It takes time to learn that kind of game. 1153953 Montreal Canadiens of it. It’s pretty black and white in a game like that. They outwork you and they get results.

“I think guys have to know that it doesn’t matter what lineup is in, it Canadiens Game Day: A bad night for Habs and fans who bought tickets doesn’t matter who they have over there. It’s an NHL hockey game and guys are coming to work, they’re coming to play. Some guys are getting a chance to play in the NHL and they’re going to make the most of it. They did and we didn’t.” STU COWAN, New number for Thompson Updated: September 24, 2019 Thompson, who wore No. 21 last season after the Canadiens acquired

him from Los Angeles at the NHL trade deadline, is now wearing No. 44, You have to feel sorry for people who paid for tickets to Monday night’s which he had with the Kings. NHL pre-season game between the Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs Why didn’t he take No. 44 last season since nobody else on the at the Bell Centre. Canadiens had it? First of all, the real Maple Leafs never even showed up. Instead, it was “I think when I got here I was just given 21 and I just minded my Ps and basically the AHL’s Toronto Marlies wearing Leafs sweaters and — to Qs and just took it,” Thompson said. make matters worse — they beat the Canadiens 3-0. Forwards Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner and William Nylander, Now, he’s happy to get No. 44, which has only been worn by nine other defenceman Reilly Morgan, goalie Frederik Anderson and all other players in Canadiens history: Stéphane Richer (1896-98), Bryan Fogarty recognizable Leafs players stayed home in Toronto. (1994-95), Jonas Hoglund (1998-99), Stéphane Robidas (2000), Sheldon Souray (2000-07), Roman Hamrlik 2008-11), Davis Drewiske (2013), Fans didn’t even get to see Carey Price in action for the Canadiens and Darren Dietz (2016) and Bobby Farnham (2017). coach Claude Julien explained why after the game, saying the goalie has a bruised left hand. Thompson said he first wore No. 44 after being claimed on waivers by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2010 from the New York Islanders. After the morning skate in Brossard, Julien said he hadn’t decided yet who would start in goal. Charlie Lindgren ended up getting the call, “I kind of just stuck with it and kept with it ever since,” he said. stopping 22 of 25 shots. Thompson added there was another reason why he no longer wanted to When asked after the game if Price was injured during the morning wear No. 21 with the Canadiens. skate, Julien said: “It doesn’t matter when it happened, guys. All it is is a bruised hand and when he went to see the doctor the doctor said for “I saw Guy Carbonneau’s getting inducted into the Hall of Fame, so I precautionary reasons we’re going to keep him out for a few days. So imagine his (No. 21) jersey’s probably going up in the rafters pretty that’s all it is. So we should see him back on the ice hopefully before the soon,” Thompson said. end of this week.” “I didn’t want to wear it, but then they give it to (Nick Cousins), so what Toronto has a high-priced roster with Matthews ($11.634 million), are you going to do, you know?” Thompson added with a chuckle. Tavares ($11 million), Marner ($10.893 million) and Nylander ($6.962 Lindgren excited to play million) eating up more than half of the Leafs’ US$81.5-million salary cap this season. The Leafs didn’t have a single player in the lineup Monday Lindgren said he found out just before he went on the ice for practice night who will earn $1 million this season. around 11:15 a.m. Monday in Brossard that he would be getting the start in goal instead of Price. Yegor Korshkov was named the first star after scoring two goals and goalie Michael Hutchinson was the second star after stopping all 38 “Just like any other game, whenever you get the call to play at the Bell shots he faced. Korshkov, 23, has been playing in the KHL since the Centre in front of these fans, obviously very excited,” he said. “I wanted Maple Leafs selected him in the second round (31st overall) at the 2016 to treat it like any other game and I felt pretty good out there tonight.” NHL Draft. Hutchinson had a 14-7-1 record last season with the Marlies, along with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Lindgren spent last season with the AHL’s Laval Rocket, so he knew a lot of the players in the Leafs lineup. Voici les alignements pour le match de ce soir au Centre Bell. “I’ve played a lot of those guys about 30 times the last couple of years, Here are the lineups for tonight’s game at the Bell Centre.#GoHabsGo so I’ve seen them a lot,” the goalie said. “You got to give credit to them. pic.twitter.com/bs8Z1Kt9bf— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) We talked about it in the dressing room beforehand. They don’t have a September 23, 2019 ton of NHL experience, so we knew they were going to come in and play hard at the Bell Centre. Obviously, a very fun place to play and they Thompson earns third star worked hard tonight and they got a lot of skills.” Nate Thompson was one of the few Canadiens who showed up to play Four more cuts Monday night and earned the third star. Max Domi also played well and led the Canadiens with six shots on goal. After the game, the Canadiens announced that forwards Riley Barber, Alex Belzile and Jake Evans had been sent down to the Rocket, along This wasn’t the first time Thompson, a 34-year-old veteran, has seen a with defenceman Josh Brook. team of minor-leaguers win an NHL pre-season game. All four were in the lineup Monday night against the Leafs. “It’s always a good lesson for everybody to know that you can’t just flip the switch and just turn it on,” Thompson said. “You have to be ready to The Rocket opened their training camp on Monday morning and Laval play every game, pre-season and regular season, because guys are head coach Joël Bouchard was at the Bell Centre to watch Monday coming to work. I don’t think any guy thought it was going to be easy. I night’s game. don’t think that’s the case. I just think that we weren’t ready to play and they were. They capitalized on some chances, we didn’t. They played a Pas de demi-mesures, Diane Bibaud joue comme si c’était la vraie good, solid, sound hockey game over there and they took advantage of saison. us.” It’s preseason, but Diane Bibaud is playing all the hits.

Thompson heard the Bell Centre fans who were booing at times during Alzner in the lineup the game. Canadiens defenceman Karl Alzner played his first pre-season game “It was pretty clear they weren’t happy and we weren’t happy, either,” he Monday night after recovering from a groin injury suffered early in training said. “We didn’t play a good game tonight. That was obvious. They camp. outbattled, they outworked us, they won more battles than us. We had a lot of one-and-dones. We weren’t really getting to the net. That was kind It seems pretty certain that Alzner — who is entering the third season of a five-year, $23.125-million contract — will start this season with the Rocket. Alzner played 34 games with the Rocket last season, posting 1- 4-5 totals. The 30-year-old played only nine games with the Canadiens, picking up one assist.

“We’ve already chatted about the expectations and everything else,” Julien said about Alzner’s situation after Monday’s morning skate. “Unfortunately, he had that injury early in camp because you would have seen him earlier than that. But he needs to be seen, evaluated, and he needs to have a chance. So that’s what we’re doing.”

Alzner logged 16:07 of ice time against the Leafs while paired with Cale Fleury, was even in plus/minus, had three shots on goal and two blocked shots.

The lines

Here’s how the Canadiens forward lines and defence pairings looked for Monday night’s game:

Tatar – Domi – Drouin

Hudon – Kotkaniemi – Armia

Peca – Evans – Barber

Cousins – Thompson – Belzile

Chiarot – Petry

Kulak – Brook

Alzner – Fleury

Byron skating again

Paul Byron, who suffered an upper-body injury in last Thursday’s 5-4 shootout win over the Florida Panthers at the Bell Centre, skated Monday in Brossard.

“He’s recovering well,” Julien said about the speedy forward. “His injury was one that looks like it was just a 3-4 day injury and he’s back on recovery. At the same time, I think it’s OK for me to tell you guys that he could easily be playing in a day or two if we wanted to. In training camp you’re better to be cautious than sorry. That’s what we do with some of the guys. So Paulie’s in great shape … maybe we see him Saturday (when the Canadiens wrap up the pre-season schedule in Ottawa). We’ll see as we move on here.”

Julien added that Ryan Poehling is continuing to follow the concussion protocol after being checked hard into the boards in last Wednesday’s 4- 2 win over the Panthers in Bathurst, N.B.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this report had Byron sidelined with a concussion. In fact, the Canadiens reported he has an upper-body injury.

What’s next?

The Canadiens will have the day off on Tuesday and be back in action Wednesday night in Toronto against the Maple Leafs (7 p.m., TSN2, TSN4, RDS, TSN 690 Radio). The Canadiens will then play their final pre-season game Saturday night at the Bell Centre against the Senators (7 p.m., TSN5, RDS, TSN 690 Radio).

The Canadiens will open the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 3, when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio).

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153954 Montreal Canadiens Brook continued his slow, yet steady progression. He’s starting to look much more comfortable, making smart, timely decisions at both ends of the rink. As his confidence grows, so does the amount of time he has the puck on his stick, but he still has a lot of work to do when it comes to Bubble Report: It’s too early to worry about Jesperi Kotkaniemi defensive positioning. He was caught out of position on a couple of occasions, which is a recurring theme for Brook. For what it’s worth,

these are the same kind of issues Fleury was dealing with upon his By Marc Dumont arrival in Laval last season. A year, or two, under Joël Bouchard’s tutelage should do him a lot of good. He has the right skill set, now he Sep 23, 2019 needs to work on the details.

Bubble bobble

The Canadiens’ preseason unbeaten streak came to a crashing end on I can’t criticize Charles Hudon’s effort against the Leafs. He set up two Monday night, losing 3-0 to a Toronto Maple Leafs team that was more decent scoring chances and he was clearly giving his best every shift. Marlie than Leaf. It was an alarmingly unenthusiastic effort from the For whatever reason, possibly his underwhelming release, things simply Canadiens, the hockey equivalent of that video featuring three lions lazily aren’t clicking for Hudon. He has most of the important tools to make it in passing a ball around. the NHL, and yet he’s missing the most important one: execution. He can’t find that missing piece of the puzzle, the one which allows all, or at This is the point in the preseason when you start to pay attention to the least some of his hard work to shine through. veterans, who, for the most part, turned in an oatmeal raisin paired with diet ginger ale-like performance against Toronto. It’s much too early to The same can be said about Charlie Lindgren, another vestige of the start panicking, but there’s a rather lengthy list of established Canadiens Sylvain Lefebvre AHL era. He also had a very decent game against the players that have yet to find their groove. Leafs, but nothing more than decent, which isn’t good enough at this stage in his career. With the addition of Cayden Primeau to the The roster hopefuls also failed to take advantage of the weak quality of organizational goaltending mix, Lindgren is at risk of getting lost in the competition, though we did see a few encouraging signs from those shuffle. At one point in your development, you need to take the next step, attempting to extend their training camp stay in Montreal. It was not and with his injury issues hopefully behind him, Lindgren will need to enough in some cases, seeing as the Canadiens reassigned Jake Evans, have a strong season in Laval to maintain his place in the goaltending Josh Brook, Alex Belzile and Riley Barber to the Laval Rocket hierarchy. immediately following the game. Final Word Much ado about nothing Let’s start with the good news. No one got injured. Jesperi Kotkaniemi is having a hard time creating scoring opportunities, a frustrating situation for a playmaker. That can lead to a lot of hesitation That’s it. That’s the list. and a lack of confidence, which seems to be the case for the 19-year-old centre. The Canadiens were bad and they should feel bad. As Admiral Ackbar would have pointed out, given the weakened Leafs roster and the Yes, he’s having a rough preseason, and no, I’m not worried. Though, if discrepancy in talent from both teams, this had all the makings of a trap not for his excellent rookie season I’d be a little more concerned. game, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of effort from Canadiens young and old. Remember when we caught our first glimpses of Kotkaniemi in action last year at development camp in late June? He barely stood out as a Though it was a good reminder that this young squad may struggle this legitimate prospect. He then attended the rookie tournament in Laval, season, and despite the lack of standouts among the roster hopefuls they where he slowly started to put it all together, though he was very, very still outplayed the vast majority of the established NHLers. quiet. It wasn’t until preseason that he really hit his stride. From there up until the time he ran out of gas in early March, he never stopped Then again, so did the Marlies. improving.

Despite my best efforts to mention his age half a dozen times per article, Marc Dumont we often lose sight of just how young he is. Sure, he plays like a veteran, but he’s still going to deal with the same peaks and valleys as every other player, because, in case you missed it, he’s just 19. Sometimes those trips into the valley will last a little longer than expected. The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019

Like a rock

Once again, Evans provided a solid two-way presence, with the Canadiens controlling almost 75 percent of the shots and scoring chances while he was on the ice. He was standing out while playing on the fourth line and the penalty kill. You can’t ask for much more than that.

Thanks to his versatility and vision on the ice, he was having a very strong camp, and if it weren’t for the play of Nate Thompson and Nick Cousins, he probably would have had a very good shot at securing the fourth-line centre job. However, both those players happen to be having great camps as well, which has delayed Evans’ bid to make the NHL, for now.

He returns to the Rocket with the confidence and knowledge that he made a lot of noise at camp, more than most expected.

Rookie Blue

Compared to his first two outings, Cale Fleury failed to impress, although it would be unfair to categorize it as a poor performance. It just wasn’t up to the same standard as he established earlier in the preseason. He was caught running around in his own zone on a few occasions, losing his defensive coverage once things got hectic in front of Charlie Lindgren.

He survived the latest round of cuts, but he must consistently stand out for the remainder of camp if he’s to win that coveted third-pairing spot on the roster. 1153955 Montreal Canadiens Weal noted that before all of this unfolded there was still a bit of artistic licence in terms of the way the rule is applied.

“There’s still a little confusion with regards to if we can wait until they put Why the Canadiens turned to Phillip Danault and Jordan Weal to fix the their guys out and then make the call,” Weal said, who hopes whatever power play lingering confusion there is can be dissipated by the time the season opens. “If you can wait and see what center they put out, and then you can choose the side, I think that’s going to give the team the biggest advantage. I asked last game (Saturday) and he said we had to send it By Marc Antoine Godin out first because they had the second change, we have to say what side Sep 23, 2019 we wanted to go first.”

According to Julien, the advantages conferred by the new rule could be short-lived as pre-scouting and video analysis pull apart how each team Phillip Danault admitted it with a teasing grin: sure the NHL’s new faceoff reacts and game-plans for those situations. rules on power plays benefit him directly, and if they incentivize Claude Julien to call on him even more often, well then all the better. “The only thing you can do is give yourself the advantage to say ‘here’s my centre and his strong side is this one or that one,” he said. “(Jordan) Weal and I are happy!” he said when asked about this year’s “Regardless of who the other team puts on the ice, at some point, regulatory tweak, which will allow the attacking team to determine which everybody will get used to it. The advantage will be there, but it will be side the initial offensive zone faceoff will take place on the power play. very small.”

With Danault established as the best left-shooting Canadiens player at Small? Really? the dot and Weal the top righty, the team has two solid options to open the power play with possession – a not insignificant advantage. An average NHL centre will win 50 percent of his draws, whereas a very good one can expect to better that by five percent or so. Here’s the thing: Rule changes notwithstanding, the Canadiens internalized the lesson last last year Danault was 5.1 percent better against righties than he was year. After 66 games where they generated a pocketful of nothing on the against lefties. Every little situational detail matters, no? power play, pairing Danault and Weal on the top unit during a late- season swing through California allowed the Canadiens to hit an Danault and Weal are not sexy choices for the power play, other eminently respectable 18.8 percent success rate over the final month. forwards on the team have been known to display a good deal more That was good enough for 15th-best in the league over the period. natural offensive ability. In principle, they would be better fits for a second power-play unit while the Domis, Gallaghers, Tatars and Kotkaniemis Once they became central fixtures on the power play, Danault and take charge of the first. But in actual reality, inserting Weal on the right Weal’s contributions in the circle left room for exactly zero doubt as to half-wall, where he acts as the conductor of this previously dissonant their effectiveness. Behold: orchestra, has had a cascading effect on the roles several of his teammates play. Even if we’re talking about a small sample size (16 games), the positive net impact from Danault and Weal was undeniable when one considers First, a little background is in order to justify his existence in that job. the power play’s production when they were on the ice. “Weal is really strong on the puck,” Danault noted. “I’ve never seen a guy Now, a word of caution: the mere fact of winning more faceoffs on the as strong when it comes to creating space for himself. He creates plays power play is no guarantee a team will score more goals. Some clubs are and he has excellent vision.” stacked with two, if not three, elite shooters and they don’t need to boss the dot to manufacture goals. And in the mirror example, some teams From his post on the right boards, Weal can fire passes to Danault, who have a dominant faceoff taker who doesn’t have the requisite supporting is stationed on the goal line, hit a teammate for a one-timer in the slot or cast for his success to translate into puck possession, chances and slide the puck back to the point to Drouin, who formerly ran things from goals. the half-wall.

It was difficult to establish a clear, direct causal relationship between Weal says he spent a lot of time watching Claude Giroux exploit that area faceoff wins and success with the extra man last season, but it is of the ice as a member of the Flyers and as a result he tries to keep the reasonable to conclude many of the teams with pop gun power plays puck moving quickly in order to escape the penalty killers’ attempts to also had trouble with draws. pressure it; doing so required taking a rapid and accurate read on where his teammates and opponents are positionally. Every team has its unique flaws, and what matters for this discussion is the correlation between faceoff wins and power-play success was very “Everyone can make plays when you got time and space, but I watched real for the Canadiens. In fact, the enormous difficulty Montreal had re- Claude Giroux for a long time in Philly and he was so good. When entering the zone after a lost draw was perhaps the central element that pressure was coming on really quick and the pucks were bobbling, he torpedoed them a season ago. Given it’s basically impossible to separate always knew where to go with it,” Weal said. “And you kind of knew faceoffs and the entry challenge for the Canadiens, it stands to reason before things started happening where to go with it because it was the coaches would view job one as maximizing the odds in their favour planned and structured out that way. So that’s just something you can when the puck is dropped. change and try to work on and build and if we can have success as a power play as a group it’s going to help our team.” Danault and Weal certainly allow the Canadiens to hold their own relative to the rest of the NHL in terms of winning faceoffs, but if you separate The fact the power play sets up on the right side with Weal has a direct their contributions from the other players’ results, Montreal’s power play influence on who will play in the central slot. If he’s looking for someone slides down to the depths adjacent to their overall rank last season. to get shots off quickly and one-time passes, he’ll need another righty. They’re important. Brendan Gallagher practiced in that spot on Sunday, but Joel Armia is the guy who joined Weal and Danault on the first wave in the latter half of “We’ve put a little more focus on the faceoff and on winning that first 2018-19. He was there again on Saturday in Ottawa. battle,” winger Jonathan Drouin said on Sunday. “It’s tough when it’s a lefty and we’re set up on my side,” Weal said. This coming season, the ability to decide where the battle will take place “They can leave that guy alone a little bit because he’s got to grab the should enhance the attacking team’s competitive advantage; even if the puck, turn and shoot, and in that time where he has to turn and shoot, other side deploys a centre who is well accustomed to the penalty kill, guys could close that so quick.” there’s now a 100 percent likelihood he will have to work on his weaker side. The by-product from the set-up involving Weal and Danault is Drouin has been pigeonholed as the point man, at least for now. Drouin shifted On Saturday night in Ottawa, Claude Julien had an inkling the Senators between that spot to the wall last year but if there’s to be a genuine effort would send out right-shooting Jean-Gabriel Pageau, their top man on the at creating stability and continuity — important factors for success — penalty kill, to take the draw. So Weal stepped into the right-hand circle – there’s a decent chance he’ll be there for a while. his forehand side, which forced Pageau onto his backhand – won the faceoff and Jeff Petry opened the scoring 11 seconds later. Assuming, of course, this type of hideous mishap doesn’t happen too often. “Weber and I have the ability to give the puck to each other and I know how to find his sweet spot; we’ve done it before,” the 24-year-old Drouin said. “Sometimes we’ll switch everything up after a weekend where things didn’t go well, so I can’t really say (what will happen), but in my mind, I’m going to play in that position and I’m going to try and be the best at that position.”

With Weber sneaking closer to the faceoff dot to make his shot even more fearsome, we’re starting to get an idea of how the first unit will look at the season’s outset.

The second unit could take on different guises depending on whether Nick Suzuki earns a roster spot. On Sunday he alternated with Jesperi Kotkaniemi on the left-hand boards but the fact Armia seems to be the go-to choice in the slot suggests Max Domi, also stationed on the right half-wall, will be the guy who directs the operation.

If, for argument’s sake, the coaches had their hearts set on placing Kotkaniemi and Suzuki on the same unit, it would make sense to use Kotkaniemi as the quarterback on the left side, thus bringing Tomas Tatar into play as the one-time option in the slot and Domi as the weakside shooter (the fact he’s also a lefty would create a second one-timer possibility).

Intriguing, isn’t it?

As it stands, the first unit is constructed in such a way as to stack the odds for the initial faceoff. But if the puck exits the other team’s end, prompting a line change, the coaches would do well to have a second unit that is designed around making clean zone entries. The presence of Petry and Domi, both of whom are excellent with the puck on their stick in transition, should help further the cause.

Petry reckons that no matter who happens to be on the ice, the power- play unit has to be able to both win possession from the faceoff and reliably create zone entries when the penalty kill succeeds in creating zone clearances. The key point, he said, is that the puck carrier not flub his initial pass, which upsets everyone else’s timing.

“Last year we made adjustments to teams where I think this year it looks like we’re going to make teams adjust to us,” Petry said. “And I think we have a couple of breakouts that we’re just working on to fine-tune and it seems like if we stick to those, everyone is on the same page.”

A great many factors will determine whether the Canadiens find a path into the NHL postseason derby. But if the club isn’t able to make major progress on the power play, the risk is they’ll find themselves in the same position as last year. Sitting at home.

(Faceoff statistics via Puckbase.com. All other stats courtesy of NaturalStatTrick)

Marc Antoine Godin

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153956 Montreal Canadiens On the defensive side of things, only two players who have contracts with the Canadiens are expected to be in Laval on Monday: David Sklenička and the aforementioned Leskinen. Much like Alain and Vejdemo, Sklenička is entering his second season with the Rocket, and much like The most important Rocket training camp since moving to Laval gets the two forwards, he showed encouraging signs of growth following a underway rocky start to the year, but he too must take the next step if he’s to be considered more than just AHL depth.

Leskinen, on the other hand, had a very good showing at Canadiens By Marc Dumont camp and has quickly established himself as a leading candidate for a Sep 23, 2019 call-up among the defensive prospects. With Fleury, Josh Brook, Xavier Ouellet and Karl Alzner still in Montreal, Leskinen will have an opportunity to shine at Rocket camp. He is in line to get lots of ice time in Laval, which the 22-year-old would be accustomed to seeing as he was With Canadiens cuts starting to trickle in, the most important Laval among the average ice time leaders in Liiga last season. Rocket training camp we have seen gets underway Monday morning at Place Bell. There is the influx of talent and premier prospects expected to And while there’ll hardly be enough warm bodies up front or on defence play in Laval that adds importance, but also that fans are hungry for a to ice a full roster at camp, there’s already a goaltender logjam in Laval. playoff appearance, something the Rocket has yet to do since arriving in Laval in 2017. Or rather, the logjam only got worse over the summer when the Canadiens signed Primeau to his entry-level contract. Fortunately for those fans, they’re set to enjoy a buffet of talent, though some dishes might take a little longer to come out of the kitchen. For now, the goaltending triumvirate will consist of Primeau, Michael McNiven and Connor LaCouvee, the latter two coming off better Defenceman Otto Leskinen and goaltender Cayden Primeau were the statistical seasons than incumbent Charlie Lindgren, who remains in latest players to be reassigned to the AHL on Sunday, joining the 14 Montreal as the third goaltender at training camp, and must go through prospects sent to the Rocket on Saturday. There’s more to come, but waivers before being reassigned to Laval. seeing as the Canadiens are dealing with a strong push by several rookies to earn a roster spot, including Nick Suzuki, Cale Fleury, Jake Early look Evans and even Alex Belzile, the Rocket will have to wait for some of the Once we add the players signed to AHL deals and the tryouts, it bigger names to arrive. To complicate matters further, the waiting line for becomes abundantly clear that for the time being, there’s a lack of the infirmary is growing exponentially, with potential Rocket players players heading to the farm. Gustav Olofsson, Michael McCarron, Joel Teasdale, Ryan Poehling and Noah Juulsen all listed as injured at Canadiens camp. Keep in mind, this is just the first group of players, and there will be a lot more talent added to the mix once the Canadiens figure out who they The jockeying for roles on the Rocket will start as soon as head coach want to bring to opening night in Raleigh on Oct. 3. Joël Bouchard drops the first puck at practice Monday. First impressions go a long way, as was the case last season when Evans caught the Which leads us to the question, whom should we expect in Laval over the coaching staff’s attention at the very first practice with his ability to listen next week or two? carefully and willingness to work on his weaknesses. For what it’s worth, Fleury incited the same type of reaction, and it’s no surprise that both Based on logic and a fair amount of educated guessing, we can whittle players ended up being among the most heavily used players on the down the list from the 40 players currently in Montreal fighting for a job to team, and it’s definitely no coincidence that both are now making noise at get a better idea of who could be heading to the AHL. Canadiens camp. First off, we can eliminate the players who are very likely to make the Habs hopefuls Canadiens roster.

For players like Lukas Vejdemo and Alexandre Alain, it will be the perfect We can argue as to whether Nate Thompson, Nick Cousins and Mike opportunity to earn some extra attention and show the coaching staff Reilly’s spots are safe, but for now, let’s assume those are the 18 players they’re ready to take the next step in their development. Both had a the coaching staff has down as locks to make the team. somewhat underwhelming 2018-19 campaign, though they showed That leaves 13 players at camp fighting for three spots. In other words, flashes of offensive flair, and their confidence, as well as their difficult decisions will have to be made. responsibilities, grew throughout the season. Some of the most impressive young players at camp, arguably front- Now that they have some experience and a lot more comfort in their runners for the roster openings, happen to be exempt from waivers, surroundings, their main goal this year will be establishing a lot more which might ultimately seal their fate regardless of their preseason consistency in their game, especially in their offensive production, which performance. But as you can see, no matter which players make the cut, was rather erratic in their rookie season. there’s a bevy of talent on its way to Laval. If they do manage to create a little more offense while maintaining their With this incoming crop of prospects, the coaching staff will play a key sound defensive game, Bouchard will undoubtedly reward them with ice part in the development and culture change in Laval, which is already time once injuries or call-ups inevitably hit. If they falter, he won’t hesitate well underway. Bouchard managed to establish a strong work ethic in to demote them. Simply put, if they want to take the next step, they’ll Laval last season, which extended well beyond practice and into games, need to get an early start or they’ll risk being lost in the shuffle once the with most players, regardless of their pedigree or draft position, seeing roster is bolstered by more cuts. an improvement in various aspects of their game. As for Hayden Verbeek, he struggled to earn ice time last season on his However, there’s still a lot left to prove. Bouchard and company have way to a seven-point, 48-game season, although he was one of the said all the right things and there’s been some early evidence as to their better players at the Rookie Showdown in Belleville and he’ll try to effectiveness in the professional ranks, but the real test for those at the maintain the momentum he built earlier in the month upon his arrival in helm of the Rocket begins Monday morning. Laval.

Speed is Verbeek’s strength and he often leaves his coverage in the dust, though his hands can’t always keep up with his feet, which amounts Marc Dumont to very little offence in the long run. Verbeek, along with Michael Pezzetta and Antoine Waked, spent some time in the ECHL last season and will likely feature in the Rocket’s bottom six this season, though there will be The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 opportunities for promotions throughout the year. They’re also on the shortlist to be reassigned to the ECHL, which means once the music stops, there’s a very good chance they’ll all be fighting for the same chair. 1153957 Nashville Predators Assigned to the AHL: Frederic Allard, Arvin Atwal, Alexandre Carrier, Jeremy Davies, Matt Donovan, Brandon Fortunato, Josh Healey, Scott Savage, Adam Smith

How is the Predators’ roster shaping up as opening night approaches? The Predators’ third defense pairing is going to be a weakness this season, regardless of which two players are on it. Ideally, Irwin and Santini are used sparingly, but there figures to be some sort of rotation throughout the season. Santini being acquired as part of the P.K. Subban By Adam Vingan trade might give him a slight edge over Irwin if the team carries seven Sep 23, 2019 defensemen.

Irwin and Weber were the Predators’ most commonly used third pair last season, though that was a product of Hamhuis either being injured or The Predators made the first significant cuts to their roster Sunday and filling in for Subban when he was out of the lineup. Hamhuis and Weber Monday, leaving 26 players in training camp. should start the year there. Tinordi hasn’t played in the NHL since March 2016, and that isn’t expected to change this season. Based on who remains, it appears the Predators’ 23-man opening-night roster, which must be submitted by Oct. 1, won’t feature many surprises. On Monday, Laviolette paired Josi with Ellis and Ekholm with Fabbro.

Forward “He got put into the biggest stage last year, and he did it without much of an introduction to the regular season,” Laviolette said when asked if he’ll Locks: Viktor Arvidsson, Nick Bonino, Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg, monitor Fabbro’s usage at the start of his first full season. “When he got Mikael Granlund, Rocco Grimaldi, Calle Jarnkrok, Ryan Johansen, here, he played, and when he got to the playoffs, he played really well. Colton Sissons, Craig Smith, Kyle Turris, Austin Watson We’ll obviously keep an eye on him and how we go about business with Fighting for a spot: Daniel Carr, Frederick Gaudreau, Miikka Salomaki him, but right now, he’s shown that he belongs.”

Assigned to the AHL: Colin Blackwell, Lukas Craggs, Laurent Dauphin, Goaltender Tanner Jeannot, Zach Magwood, Thomas Novak, Mathieu Olivier, Joe Locks: Pekka Rinne, Juuse Saros Pendenza, Rem Pitlick, Anthony Richard, Hugo Roy, Cole Schneider, Eeli Tolvanen, Yakov Trenin, Josh Wilkins Assigned to the AHL: Ken Appleby, Connor Ingram, Troy Grosenick

Assigned to juniors: Egor Afanasyev (OHL Windsor), Philip Tomasino The goaltending tandem is set. Rinne will start the Predators’ season (OHL Niagara) opener for the 10th consecutive year Oct. 3 against the Minnesota Wild.

Any potential drama disappeared when the team assigned Tolvanen and Pitlick, both of whom stood out during the preseason, to the Milwaukee Admirals. Neither required waivers to be sent to the minors, which was Adam Vingan always working against them, even as they had strong showings in the The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 rookie tournament and preseason games.

The decision to send Tolvanen to the AHL makes sense, as he doesn’t belong in a bottom-six role. Pitlick, though, wouldn’t have looked out of place on the Predators’ third line.

“They both had good camps,” Predators coach Peter Laviolette said Monday. “Eeli really showed improvement from last camp to this camp. Rem coming in and really getting a look at him for the first time, he played the one game at the end of last year, but that was when he first got here, and he’s a completely different player now. We’ve got good players up here as well. (Tolvanen and Pitlick) are good players. It’s a chance for them to continue to develop and play in all situations.

“Young players sitting out of the lineup up here or playing fourth-line minutes, especially those two players, doesn’t really accomplish anything. They both had terrific camps. We’re really happy with them. They’re part of the future. … We’re really happy with the camp of both of them. I think it’s a really good, positive thing for our organization to have that depth.”

Last week, Predators general manager David Poile said, “A lot of the decisions that we’re going to make at training camp will be with an eye towards offense.” The projected bottom six will not accomplish that. Carr’s ability to generate high-quality scoring opportunities should help, and it’s possible Smith moves to the third line if Turris, who practiced with Johansen and Arvidsson on Monday, starts as a top-six winger. But there are too many question marks.

Salomaki and Gaudreau, who have a combined 14 career goals, aren’t going to provide much of anything in the offensive zone. Salomaki’s straight-ahead, physical style has made him a favorite of the coaching staff, but his impact has been negligible. Gaudreau has never let his brief stardom affect his mindset, but the 26-year-old has reached his ceiling as a solid but unspectacular forward. At least one of them will be waived by next week.

Defense

Locks: Mattias Ekholm, Ryan Ellis, Dante Fabbro, Dan Hamhuis, Roman Josi, Yannick Weber

Fighting for a spot: Matt Irwin, Steven Santini, Jarred Tinordi 1153958 Nashville Predators Predators have long craved practically since the team’s inception, but one that remains elusive to them. The hope was that Johansen could be that, but he never reached that apex and I have my doubts Duchene will get there either. 2019-20 NHL Season Preview: Nashville Predators Duchene can score, there’s no question about that, but there are questions about how much. Last year was his strongest season since 2013-14 scoring 70 points in 73 games, but there should be concern with By Dom Luszczyszyn how often pucks were going in for him. He scored on 18 percent of his Sep 23, 2019 shots, a career peak and a touch higher than the 13.6 percent he managed the three seasons prior. That was driven by a power play shooting percentage of 26 percent, which is unlikely to repeat. Nashville struggled mightily on the power play last season, but unless Duchene Three years ago the Nashville Predators began their ascent to contention can manage to pull that off again it’s unlikely he’s going to be the answer with a surprising trip to their first ever Stanley Cup final, losing to the as he’s never had the strongest power play numbers himself. He should Pittsburgh Penguins. Two years ago the team won the Presidents’ be in the ballpark of 70 points this season and anything more would likely Trophy, but lost in the second round. Last year they won the division for mean some things falling his way a bit. the second straight season, but with 17 fewer points en route to a first round exit. The bigger issue is Duchene’s ability to drive play as he’s had a below average expected goals rate in five straight seasons. He has the talent That’s not a great trend. and personal finishing ability to offset that, but arguably not enough to The Predators are in the thick of their window, but are struggling to make consider him an elite option. He’s personally strong with the puck with it over the hump. They have a bunch of phoney banners and paper rings, good entry, exit and contributions numbers – it just hasn’t translated to but they’re still on the hunt for the real thing and a real ring. Not to take on-ice success often in his career. It’s a lot of flash, but not as much anything away from those accomplishments – this is a tough league and substance as his reputation might suggest. those achievements deserve some recognition – it’s just not what teams He’s never had much support, though. From Colorado to Ottawa it’s been play for. It’s Stanley Cup or bust. a long time since he’s been with a franchise with a winning culture, one Big moves were made this summer in the name of balance with the goal with talented players to surround him with. His most common linemates of winning it all and the team looks to be in good shape to make a run. have been Ryan Dzingel (in both Ottawa and Columbus), Mike Hoffman, The one issue is that last year’s defending Stanley Cup champion hails Bobby Ryan, and a complete line blender through most of his time in from their division, putting a musical shaped roadblock between Nashville Colorado featuring Jarome Iginla, Nail Yakupov, Alex Tanguay and pre- and eternal glory. breakout Nathan MacKinnon. Hardly a murderer’s row of players who can drive play. Nashville has that in spades with very strong winger depth The battle between the two looks tight, though, and it wouldn’t be a in the top six, guys that may be able to elevate his game to another level. surprise to see either team represent the West. For now, Nashville is a Fit matters a ton and it’s why the match made a lot of sense for both top five team, but a small step behind the West’s best in St. Louis. parties. It gives reason for optimism that Duchene can be better than The margins between Nashville, Carolina and Vegas for the final spot in shown and hopefully live up to the massive contract he’s signed. the top five are razor-thin with just 0.5 points separating the three. While the lineup is still very much in flux, there seems to be a good Nashville gets the slight edge for now, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be chance that Duchene starts the season with Nashville’s most talented the other two (or another team) in the top five come April. While Nashville forwards flanking him: Filip Forsberg and Mikael Granlund. Together, is ranked fifth overall, that’s not a guarantee by any means. The they form what could be a top 15 line in the league, one that may be Predators end up in the top five in just 38 percent of simulations and only even better than the famed JOFA line. Splitting up the team’s best line the top two teams are above 50 percent. Even making it to the top five is may feel like a risk, but it should be worth the reward given the talent on a difficult feat. A third consecutive 100-point season looks likely, but isn’t display. a promise either at 56 percent probability. As mentioned above, fit and chemistry mean a lot and this potential line That’s the regular season, though, and it’s hard to care about that feels like a great spot for Duchene as he’ll be sandwiched between two anymore in Nashville after the disappointing way the last three seasons players with first line caliber scoring rates that can put up 65 points, but ended. The Predators have the sixth best chance at the Cup at seven perhaps more importantly have had a strong history of pushing play in percent. The path through the Central will be grueling where even the the right direction. Forsberg is easily the team’s strongest forward and first round will be tough – the Predators only look to be 55 percent should be more highly regarded as one of the game’s strongest play- favorites there. That could mean a repeat of last year’s playoffs where drivers. He’d be in the elite tier if not for his relative fragility. Over the last Nashville was upset by the Stars and went home early. With a 14 percent three seasons he leads all Predators forwards in expected goals RAPM probability, that just so happens to be their most likely playoff opponent by virtue of being the team’s best player at pushing offense. He’s the come April too. engine on the top line and was the team’s best player at entering the This is a different team, though. Last year’s version was built off an zone until Duchene arrived. Having two weapons like that on the top line incredible defense group with a forward core that just didn’t stack up to make it that much more dangerous. other elite teams. The Stars’ elite forwards made them pay. While the Granlund, a byproduct of Minnesota’s stingy system, is the defensive Predators still lack the high-end talent up front to go toe-to-toe with other muscle here and should help Duchene improve his standing there. He’s a elite teams, they’ve bridged the gap slightly with a big-time offseason strong two-way winger who’s a gifted playmaker, which should fit right in add. It took a big sacrifice on defense to make it happen, but one that with two players that love to score. His first 16 games with Nashville should pay off. didn’t go according to plan as he managed just five points total – only The big difference between last year’s team and this year’s is that Matt one of which was at 5-on-5 – while getting outchanced and badly Duchene is in via free agency and P.K. Subban is out via trade. The outscored, but he has a lengthy history of significantly stronger results. In team had long had an interest in Duchene dating back to the Kyle Turris his previous three seasons with Minnesota he has a sterling 56 percent deal, but fitting him under the cap meant getting rid of equivalent salary expected goals rate buoyed by a 1.94 expected goals against per 60 rate elsewhere. With the team quite deep at defense, it meant Subban was that would easily be the team’s best mark, and a 1.91 points per 60 that expendable, especially after a down season by his standards. Both falls just shy of first line territory. His best strength, though, is on the players have similar win valuations around roughly two wins, but this power play where he’s scored six points per 60 over the last three change shifts the balance back to the forward ranks. Before the “swap” seasons, but it appears he won’t be used there to start; an odd choice for the Predators forward group ranked 17th while their defense ranked a team so anemic in that area. fourth. After, the forwards and defense now both rank ninth. Now the Despite the Duchene addition, the Predators’ very expensive center team is top 10 at every position, rather than having an elite defense depth still ranks in the league’s bottom third. The team has spent a lot of corps and an average forward group. money and resources there trying to shore things up and while it’s the Duchene is a bona fide first-liner that gives the team a decent one-two deepest it’s arguably ever been, it still pales in comparison to a lot of punch with Ryan Johansen, but he’s not the elite star down the middle other teams. That’s at their current projection, though, and the hope is that most contending teams are built around. It’s the type of player the that the addition of Duchene can spark a trickle-down effect that gets Johansen playing his best hockey now that the focus is on another line struggle to recuperate his value depending of course on potential (while Johansen may be first on the depth chart for now according to linemates. lines from Adam Vingan, I know which line I’m trying to shut down if I’m an opposing coach). With Turris moving up and the deadline addition of Granlund, it looks like Craig Smith and his wicked shot volume will be relegated to the third line Johansen’s 64 points last year were a Nashville high built off a 2.21 with Colton Sissons and Calle Jarnkrok. Smith looks like a player that points per 60 at 5-on-5 that was a career high thanks to his place on a can drive goals and has earned a first line caliber scoring rate in each of high octane top line. Johansen and company had no trouble generating the past two seasons, but that’ll be much more difficult to accomplish with offense, but last season it was at the expense of defense – a part of two players that are more defensively minded. Aside from Granlund, who Johansen’s game that has deteriorated over the last few seasons. Three spent nearly all of his time in Minnesota, Jarnkrok and Sissons grade out seasons ago, the Predators allowed just 2.12 expected goals against per as the team’s best defensive forwards. 60 with Johansen on the ice, leading to a strong 54 percent expected goals rate. At that point, you could consider Johansen a strong two-way They were the team’s stingiest forwards last season along with Rocco center, but that’s not really the case anymore. Last year, that figure Grimaldi and Nick Bonino on the fourth line. Bonino had a renaissance ballooned to 2.89 expected goals against per 60, the worst mark of his 2018-19 season, but that looks largely percentages driven. I’m not sure career and the second worst mark on the team ahead of only linemate the team will outscore opponents by 1.2 goals per 60 with him on the ice Viktor Arvidsson. It showed up on the scoresheet too where he only again when he’s carrying a below break-even expected goals rate, but he carried 51 percent of the goals, a sizeable dropoff from the 56 percent he still looks to be a decent player who is a luxury on the fourth line. A well- was at in Nashville prior. Johansen should also consider cleaning up his paid luxury who was another one of the team’s center solutions that penalties too as he’s the team’s least disciplined player with a projected didn’t quite pan out. At the very least, it gives the team four lines they can minus-eight penalty differential – a difficult accomplishment for a forward. run, though hopefully they proportion the minutes between the top and For him to be a bona fide top line center, he needs to get back to being a bottom six better than they have in years past. complete 200-foot player, especially if the new guy isn’t very adept in his On defense, Subban is gone but the hope is that the team doesn’t miss a own end either. He’ll have a better chance to do so on the second line. beat as long as Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm pick up the That he’s still paired with Arvidsson doesn’t bode well for that as the slack. All three grade out as No. 1 defenders who can put up points, drive gifted goal scorer is the team’s worst defensive asset, though there’s a offense, defend well in tough minutes and move the puck. The complete chance the lesser assignments help his standing too. What Arvidsson package to varying degrees. gives up in his own end he more than makes up for on offense, though, Josi appears to be the best (though the weakest defensively) and is one with last year being his strongest season to date. He’s been quite the find of the game’s best offensive forces from the back end, excelling at for Nashville since arriving onto the scene three seasons ago, scoring gaining the zone, breaking out the puck and creating chances on offense. well above a first line rate in every season. Last year he became the He’s amazing with the puck and creates his own chances on defense premier scorer many hoped he could be, especially at 5-on-5. While his better than any other. His projected 14.8 individual expected goals leads individual shot rates have remained unchanged over the last three all defensemen and he led the league last year with 17. His 15 goals seasons always hovering around 11.4 shots per 60, the relative danger scored were legit. He forms an elite pair with Ellis on the right side, the of those chances have gone up as he’s elevated his individual expected fifth best in hockey that’s earned 58 percent of the goals and 53 percent goals per 60 from 0.89 to 0.96 to 1.06 last season, the 15th best mark in of the expected goals together over the last two seasons. Ellis is the the league. Arvidsson took full advantage of that scoring 1.85 goals per team’s next best offensive option, forming a high octane pair that could 60, a figure that not only led the league, but was also the second highest make Nashville’s top five-man unit one of the league’s most dangerous. since 2007-08 behind only Sidney Crosby’s ridiculous 41-game run in A very underrated trait from these two, though: their strong discipline. 2010-11. That’s incredibly impressive, and though he likely has 35-40 Josi is expected to have just a minus-2.5 penalty differential while Ellis is goal upside, I’d bet he gets there with volume more than the 16 percent even stronger at plus-4.7. That’s difficult to do for a defenseman and the shooting percentage he earned last season. latter mark ranks second in the league to only Colorado’s Samuel Girard.

Less impressive is his work on the power play. For such a gifted goal When it comes to Ellis, his impacts are always strong, but it’s worth scorer, it’s strange that Arvidsson hasn’t been able to figure things out on noting his numbers aren’t as strong as his reputation might indicate. He’s the man advantage scoring just three goals and four points in 164 still above average at breaking out the puck, but he’s not elite like Josi. minutes last season. His 1.46 points per 60 was the 12th lowest among With Subban gone, he’ll need to step things up in that department. forwards who played more than 100 minutes. Ekholm mans the second pair as always and though it’s still a top 30 pair, It’s worth noting too that last year that duo struggled mightily in its 150 it likely won’t be the elite one it’s long been in the past without Subban on minutes without Forsberg on the left side. With Forsberg likely lining up the right side. That’s the sacrifice that needs to be made to boost the with Duchene, Turris slides onto the left side and that lessens the duo’s offense and I think the team will be just fine having its second pair still be likely impact barring a big bounce-back season. Turris was among the top pair caliber. Ekholm himself was magnificent last year, arguably his many stopgap solutions to the team’s center problem and was the best season to date and there’s a case to be made he was the team’s consolation prize to the team missing out on Duchene just two seasons best last year – at least he was by GSVA. He’s the underrated gem on ago. He was a worthy one at the time and was excellent in 2017-18 but this blueline and in terms of defensive impact he’s a top 10 defenseman. experienced a steep dropoff last season. He’s gone from decent second He’s elite there and last year he showed some offensive flair scoring a line center to third-liner who’s been relegated to the wing. This switch to career-high 44 points. wing represents a rehabilitation project after his struggles last season. He’ll be paired with rookie Dante Fabbro, a prospect so tantalizing that Turris isn’t a liability in his own end like Arvidsson, but if last season was the team felt he could step right into the top four making Subban any indication he’s somehow turned into an expensive black hole on expendable. The idea is that Fabbro can reasonably fill some of the void offense. Overnight he seemingly lost a lot of his puck skills, shooting at a steep discount, giving the team flexibility to solve some of their less, creating shots for teammates less and carrying the puck up ice with forward issues in the form of Duchene. It’s a big ask, but this team knows control less. It was a mess and led to a steep drop in his on-ice expected defensemen and the 2016 17th overall pick looks ready after tearing up goals rates from 3.1 to 2.4 year-over-year. In 55 games last season, Hockey East with Boston University, scoring 33 points in 39 games. He Turris had an abysmal 1.1 points per 60 at 5-on-5, scoring just two goals suited up for four regular season games and six playoff games last year there all season. It was a sharp decline from the 1.7 points per 60 from a and performed admirably, earning a stellar 56 percent expected goals year ago that hinged almost entirely on Turris’ own inability to create share. Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes are understandably getting a lot of chances. Some blame can be placed on his woeful 3.4 percent shooting hype among rookie defensemen, but Fabbro deserves some love too. He percentage, but when a player is only generating 0.38 expected goals should be able to provide top four value this season. per 60 himself, it’s to be expected that not a lot of them are going in. That’s a big drop from the 0.67 he generated in his first year in Nashville The top four is strong and is the league’s fourth best, but it’s partially and ranked as the eighth worst mark in all of hockey. undone by a weak bottom pair. Both Dan Hamhuis and Yannick Weber project to be below replacement level on the basis of modest play-driving At 30, it’s hard to know whether he can get back to his previous level, but numbers in very sheltered minutes while providing little offensive upside. that would provide a big boost to Nashville if he could. That’ll be easier to Both are very weak at breaking out the puck, which may explain some of do if he sticks in the top six with Johansen and Arvidsson, but if he can’t the weaker numbers from the team’s bottom six. The duo ranks as the cut it there all hope may be lost for him in the bottom six where it’ll be a second worst pair by my model. While the team ranks in the top 10 at both forward and defense, the true strength looks to be in net where Nashville is carrying a top five tandem with two of the league’s best goalies. The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019

Pekka Rinne is the present. He’s just one season removed from a Vezina Trophy, a season where he saved 17.7 goals above expected, the sixth best mark in the league that year off the strength of a .927 save percentage. Those numbers both dropped last year to 9.5 goals saved and a .918 save percentage, but were still very strong with the former number ranking in the league’s top 10. Over the last two seasons he ranks third in the league behind John Gibson and Sergei Bobrovsky and is projected to be firmly in the league’s top 10 this season.

Juuse Saros is the future. How soon depends on Rinne’s play which doesn’t appear to be slowing down soon. But if he does falter Saros looks very ready to step right in and shoulder the load. Over the last three seasons as the backup his delta save percentage has actually been stronger than Rinne’s in each season and over the last two seasons he’s saved 20 goals above expected – an elite number for a backup. The 24-year-old has a lot of upside and with Rinne turning 37 in November it’s only a matter of time before it’s his net.

There may be questions about Nashville’s standing as a top five team thanks in part to their lack of elite forward talent, but they belong here. That’s because of a clear mandate for better balance this offseason, one they accomplished in adding Duchene and subtracting Subban. The Predators are one of just three teams in the league to rank top 10 at every position, a huge advantage that makes them a significantly more formidable opponent than in year’s past. Everyone knows they have great goaltending and they’re deep at defense, something that remains even without Subban. Now they’re deep at forward too.

The contending window is wide open for the Predators and they should once again challenge for the division crown after winning it in back-to- back seasons. Whether they can go further and get over the hump to deliver the city of Nashville a championship is the real question, though.

Market Expectations

Nashville Predators: 97.5 points

The market is a bit lower than I am on the Predators, likely due to an aging core and questions about the way the team is trending over the last season. Nashville’s underlying numbers last year weren’t the best either, leaving room for regression as well.

What Fans Predict

Public Sample: 1,337

Fan Sample: 34

The public is right on the money with the market while my model is closer in line with Nashville’s own fan base. I see the reason for both arguments, but I’m not convinced the Predators should be downgraded just yet. My model has been high on the Predators since its inception, being bullish on the team before its improbable Cup final run.

What The Athletic Insider Thinks

Adam Vingan: Admittedly, I’m not sure what to make of this team. I expect the Predators to reach the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, but I’m not convinced that they’re a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, which is what they’ve been constructed to be.

Duchene improves a forward corps that annually is among the least productive in the NHL. In terms of the percentage of goals scored by forwards, the Predators have finished no higher than 27th in the past five seasons. Their high-scoring defense has been a luxury but hasn’t helped them win a championship.

There are too many question marks for me to be confident in their Stanley Cup chances. Is a potential move to the wing going to revive Turris or is it simply a last-ditch attempt to squeeze value from him? Will Granlund regain his 60-point form in a contract year? Can Forsberg and Arvidsson take the next step and reach 40 goals, which no Predators player has ever done? Where are the goals going to come from in the bottom six? Can Rinne, who will be 37 when the playoffs start, hold up long enough to provide the goaltending that propelled the Predators to the Stanley Cup final in 2017?

The Predators are going to be good, but the Central Division is Thunderdome. Seven teams enter, and I don’t think the Predators are going to be the team that leaves. 1153959 New Jersey Devils

How Devils lined up in 1st combined practice | Kyle Palmieri sits out

Updated Sep 23, 11:49 AM;

Posted Sep 23, 11:17 AM

By Chris Ryan

The Devils were down to one practice session on Monday following the latest rounds of cuts, allowing the remaining players in training camp to all skate at the same time.

Forward Kyle Palmieri did not participate due to a lower body injury. He worked out off ice and is considered day-to-day. Forward Pavel Zacha was still absent while he continues to wait for his work visa to be approved.

But the rest of the players on the ice provided an idea of what the line combinations and defensive pairings could look like for the rest of the preseason.

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Here’s how the team lined up for 5-on-5 drills:

FORWARDS

Taylor Hall - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt

Nikita Gusev - Jack Hughes - Wayne Simmonds

Blake Coleman - Travis Zajac - Jesper Boqvist

Miles Wood - Kevin Rooney - John Hayden

Michael McLeod - Nathan Bastian

McLeod hopped onto the top line in place of Hischier after one rotation through. Bastian went on the fourth line for Hayden.

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DEFENSEMEN

Andy Greene- P.K. Subban

Sami Vatanen - Damon Severson

Will Butcher - Matt Tennyson

Mirco Mueller - Connor Carrick

Ty Smith

Smith rotated in for Subban after the Devils ran through one set of drills, so he was not part of the original four pairings.

GOALIES

Cory Schneider

Mackenzie Blackwood

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Chris Ryan

Star Ledger LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153960 New Jersey Devils that number goes to 13, he might need to start the season in the AHL until he’s needed in New Jersey.

John Hayden Breaking down battles for Devils’ final roster spots | Which players still Hayden, like Rooney, can fill a role on the fourth line as a physical and need to make a case? defensive presence while also contributing some offense. Considering the Devils traded John Quenneville in June to get Hayden, they clearly saw something the liked in Hayden, and he can fill a bottom-six role they Updated Sep 23, 9:08 AM; lacked last season. Like Rooney, Hayden would need waivers to go to Binghamton. Posted Sep 23, 9:06 AM DEFENSEMEN By Chris Ryan Number of players left in camp: 9

Potential cuts still to make: 1 or 2 Devils training camp is down to 27 players, and over the course of the next week, the coaching staff will trim that number to the final 23 for the Who’s still fighting? start of the season. Ty Smith The Devils still have two preseason games to sort out the competition for roster spots, and entering Monday, everyone still in camp has made a Smith has had an up and down training camp, but the Devils continue to case to be on the team. give him opportunities to show he’s ready to stick in the NHL full time. He should again get the chance to play in the final preseason games, and But a few of them are going to eventually miss the cut. Here’s a look at the Devils would also have a nine-game window at the start of the regular the players still fighting for roster spots and where they stand entering the season to determine if he’s ready to be a full-time pro, or if he needs to final week of camp. go back to junior hockey for one more season.

FORWARDS Matt Tennyson

Number of players left in camp: 16 Tennyson has played at least four NHL games in every season since 2012-13, but the 29-year-old has primarily been an AHL player over the Potential cuts still to make: 2 or 3 course of his career. So when the Devils signed him as a free agent in Who’s still fighting? July, that was the logical role for him: an AHL veteran to help mentor some of the team’s younger prospects, while also being capable of filling Jesper Boqvist in on the big club when needed. So far he’s shown enough at camp to stick around to this point, though it’s unclear if he’ll be able to steal a spot Of the players that entered the preseason fighting for NHL spots, Boqvist on the final roster. has been the most impressive. On top of the two-goal outing he had in Saturday’s preseason win, he’s pieced together consistent performances Mirco Mueller in games and practices, showing he can sustain a certain level of play in the NHL. He’ll still need to keep doing that to hold on to a spot, but at this Mueller’s roster status is probably the safest of any player mentioned point, he’s given the Devils a reason to keep him, rather than sending here, but it’s worth noting he didn’t play in either preseason game over him back to Sweden for a full another season of development. the weekend. If the Devils keep Smith, they’d most likely keep eight defensemen, and it’s hard to see them risk losing Mueller on waivers Introducing Devils Insider: Sign up for exclusive news, behind-the-scenes after trading for him two years ago. He’d likely enter the season as the observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers team’s seventh or eighth defenseman, capable of jumping into the lineup when needed. Michael McLeod Get Devils Insider text messages from reporters: Cut through the clutter McLeod is in his fourth NHL training camp, and this preseason has been of social media and communicate directly with Devils beat writer Chris the best so far for the 2016 first-round pick. On top of finding the Ryan. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now. scoresheet in two of his three preseason games, he’s been a consistent figure each time he’s stepped on the ice. While McLeod’s speed has Chris Ryan always been present, his ability to play within an NHL structure was one of the biggest learning curves during his development. This training camp, he’s displayed the ability to do so. Star Ledger LOADED: 09.24.2019 The biggest problem facing McLeod now is how tight the competition is for the final roster spots. He may become a victim of the numbers game at the end of camp, and the Devils might find it better for him to continue to play a top-line role in Binghamton, rather than a much smaller one in N.J. Either way, McLeod has made strides toward becoming a full-time NHL player.

Nathan Bastian

Bastian is in a similar boat as McLeod. He brings a good net-front presence and physical game to a bottom-six line, and he showed at the end of last season and during training camp that he could be an effective player in a certain role on an NHL team. He could also be the victim of the numbers game, and like McLeod, wouldn’t need waivers to go to the AHL. At a minimum, if they don’t make the roster, Bastian and McLeod have put themselves in position to get call-ups during the season when injuries inevitably occur.

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Kevin Rooney

Rooney carved out an NHL role last season, showing he could center a fourth line and serve as a reliable penalty killer. The only reason he’s here is because there are only so many forward spots to go around. If the Devils keep 14 forwards on their roster, Rooney is probably safe. But if 1153961 New Jersey Devils end and you can’t just use speed to create offense all the time, or defense.

“Understanding play without the puck and systematic structures, it is a Is this the year Michael McLeod breaks out for the Devils? big part of playing in the National Hockey League. And he's taking steps towards that.”

There is still a chance McLeod ends up back in Binghamton next week. Abbey Mastracco, The Devils have other players on their roster who would require waivers to move to the American Hockey League and they likely wouldn’t make it Published 7:48 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 through. And there’s a chance a few others outplay McLeod over the final week of training camp.

NEWARK — The thing about prospects is that rarely is a negative word McLeod will see time in the NHL this year, whether he starts with the ever spoken about them publicly. These kids were usually the best team or not, and the difference between this year and last is that he players on every team growing up and in many cases the best in every knows what it takes to stay there. league as well.

They get drafted and everyone hypes up their talent and their abilities. Bergen Record LOADED: 09.24.2019 This is especially true for players drafted in the first round where the flaws are seen as minimal and weaknesses are minimized. First-round picks are supposed to become franchise cornerstones in most markets and in the New York market, franchise saviors.

After an era of bad draft picks, Michael McLeod wasn’t quite billed as the latter but the big center was considered maybe the savior of a farm system thin on talent. So when the 12th overall pick in 2016 was sent back to his junior team in the Ontario Hockey League after training camps in 2016 and 2017, some wondered if he was yet another bust for a New Jersey system that had seen a lot of them in the mid-aughts.

McLeod didn’t quite put up the same gaudy numbers in the American Hockey League he did in the O but that’s to be expected. And he didn’t put them up in the NHL in the 21 games he played last season either. So here’s where the negative finally came: He was over-skating, irresponsible without the puck and getting exposed in the defensive zone. But he improved throughout those 21 games last and took management’s edicts into the offseason.

His work paid off.

“Michael has taken a step this year,” coach John Hynes said. “He’s bigger, stronger. He’s stronger on the skates. Think he’s an energy-work type of player. So I think sometimes for players like that to do that and be effective at this level they need a little bit more physical maturity. I think you can see that.”

The 21-year-old McLeod’s biggest asset has always been his speed but in order to succeed, he had to slow the game down.

“I’m trying to slow down and be in areas where I can get the puck more,” McLeod said. “Even on breakouts, just slowing down and being available for the D is something I really wanted to get into my game this year.”

NJ Devils roster predictions: Does Jesper Boqvist make it?

NJ Devils: Kyle Palmieri injured, Nathan Bastian states his case as training camp winds down

The work he’s done with a skating coach has not gone unnoticed. McLeod has put himself in better positions to score and he’s done so twice in the preseason.

“He's playing quick, but he's not in a hurry,” Hynes said. “He's not blowing by plays and things like that.”

But it’s not just about showing up on the scoresheet.

Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd (26) and New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (41) battle for the puck in a face off during the first period at Prudential Center.

Both of those goals were somewhat flukey, though McLeod put himself in position to capitalize on mistakes which maybe wasn’t something he was capable of doing last season. He’s made the transition to wing and still been able to show he’s improved the defensive side of his game and his play without the puck. Hynes said he’s understanding how his role has changed since he was a point-producer in junior hockey and how it needs to continue to change.

“Playing NHL games is a great teacher,” Hynes said. “When he came up from junior he was a scorer and in a points guy based off of being faster and out-working with other players. And now you move up to pro hockey and you're still fast, you still have a work ethic, but maybe it's a different role, or you have to adjust your game a bit because you can't go end-to- 1153962 New Jersey Devils “I think both guys have played well and both have competed for the starting job,” Hynes said. “They’ve come back to camp in excellent shape and in the right mindset that they want the net and they’re doing what they can to do it.” Devils: Kyle Palmieri injured, Nathan Bastian states his case as training camp winds down - The goalies had a big victory Monday. The Devils practiced 3-on-3 and shootout drills. After calling on several forwards to take shootout goals, Hynes called on two defensemen, Sami Vatanen and P.K. Subban, owners of some booming point shots. Hynes gave the team this directive: Abbey Mastracco, If either defenseman scores, the goalies had to skate a lap. If the goalies Published 5:30 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 held strong, the skaters had to take a lap.

Updated 8:08 p.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 Vatanen was unsuccessful against Schneider and the veteran flexed as his teammate tried to put it in on second, then third effort. Subban gave it a valiant effort but went careening into the end boards. Blackwood thought he tripped him but Subban quickly confirmed it was, in fact, a NEWARK — Kyle Palmieri was held out of practice for the Devils on good save. Monday at Prudential Center, but before you go into panic mode remembering that injury-riddled nightmare of a 2018-19 season, for now it seems as though it’s just precautionary. Bergen Record LOADED: 09.24.2019 Palmieri is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury but coach John Hynes said he “tentatively” expects him to be back on the ice Tuesday. New Jersey’s next preseason game is Wednesday in Boston against the Bruins.

Some news observations from Monday’s practice:

- Jack Hughes will play Wednesday in Boston. It’s only preseason, but it should be a good experience for the rookie. Hughes will go on the road to face a lineup heavy with NHL regulars from a team coming off a Stanley Cup Final appearance.

Hughes also has a locker in main the dressing room now. Rookies and prospects typically locker in the old room down the hall while the veterans take the main room. When the few remaining propsects were moved to the main room Sunday, Taylor Hall requested to have Hughes' locker placed next to his.

"Taylor really mentioned it, which is a good sign," Hynes said. "I think Taylor should be a good role model for him. He's gone through a lot of things he'll go through. If you just look at what Taylor's accomplished in his career, first overall pick, being a young player in the league. It's a good mix and hopefully, that helps some conversation and some talk."

- Pavel Zacha is still stuck in limbo waiting on his employment visa. He has not yet received the OK to start practicing. The Devils still do not believe it will affect the 23-man roster, but they’re getting closer to having to make a tough decision.

- Speaking of tough decisions, the competition for forwards on the back end is heating up with the roster cut down to 27. John Hayden, Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian are still in camp and they’re still in camp for a reason. Hynes spoke highly of Hayden and the physical aspect he brings over the weekend and he’s said more than once that he feels Michael McLeod has upped his game.

Checking in with Hynes on the last of the trio, it sounds like the three may be neck-and-neck.

“One of the things we’ve talked about since last season was getting bigger and getting some more nasty in our lineup,” Hynes said. “If you look at Nate Bastian’s camp, he’s probably been one of our strongest, most tenacious, more physical forwards. He’s hard on the puck, he’s physical, he gets to the net-front, he manages the puck and plays hard maybe more so than some of other guys so that’s why he’s still here.”

NJ Devils roster predictions: Does Jesper Boqvist make it?

Devils: John Hynes sends message to training camp: Step it up

Size guarantees nothing, so Zacha and Miles Wood need to make sure they’re pushing themselves just as hard as those three are pushing,

“We have big guys, but they have to play big,” Hynes said. “We have a team, not everybody is going to be (Taylor) Hall or (Nikita) Gusev or (Jack) Hughes or (Nico) Hischier. Those other guys have got to be drummers and we need to make sure those other guys are playing the right way.”

- The goalie battle is also a close one, though true to form Hynes isn’t exactly tipping his hand as to whether he would prefer Cory Schneider or Mackenzie Blackwood. 1153963 New Jersey Devils edge on the ice. You might have heard Hynes use the phrase “grit and compete” on a few occasions. Hayden prides himself on playing with both of those qualities and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

NJ Devils roster predictions: Does Jesper Boqvist make it? “I thought he really made a statement,” Hynes said following the game against the Islanders. “We talked about guys having to play to their identities and I think when you look at tonight, John Hayden certainly had an impact on the game.” Abbey Mastracco, Nathan Bastian and Michael McLeod could grab one, if not both of these Published 8:55 a.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 forward spots as well. The Mississauga Steelhead super buddies have Updated 9:56 a.m. ET Sept. 23, 2019 played well and management has spoken highly of McLeod, but those two are still on their entry-level contracts so they would not require waivers to be shuttled back and forth from the AHL. Hayden would need to pass waivers and there is a chance he doesn’t clear. After the second round of cuts Sunday morning, the Devils’ training camp roster is starting to look more like the opening night roster. There are only Defensemen 27 remaining players in camp, four more than the 23-man maximum and the biggest battle remains at forward. However, an extra spot could open Sami Vatanen up there if the club determines that defenseman prospect Ty Smith isn’t P.K. Subban quite ready for the NHL just yet. Andy Greene Remember, Smith and Jesper Boqvist are unable to play in the American Hockey League next season. Smith’s birthday makes this a particularly Damon Severson difficult decision. Will Butcher Roster Rules: Just so we’re all on the same page, the NHL mandates a roster of no more than 23 players from the start of the season through Connor Carrick the trade deadline. Each roster needs 18 skaters and two goalies. Mirco Mueller Goalies Based on the last week, I’m not sure Smith makes the team. Smith had a Cory Schneider rough game at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, making a big, but very fixable error behind the net that ultimately resulted in the Mackenzie Blackwood Rangers putting one into a completely empty net. He had a few giveaways on Saturday and was somewhat inconsistent. When I asked Brett Howden #21 of the New York Rangers slides into Mackenzie Hynes what he thought of the 19-year-old Smith and his defense partner, Blackwood #29 of the New Jersey Devils during the first period at the Connor Carrick, he paused and said he’d have to go back and look. This Prudential Center on September 20, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. is a pretty typical reaction for the coach when he’s wavering on a certain Evan Cormier and Gilles Senn were assigned to Binghamton of the AHL player’s performance, but doesn’t want to directly call him out. He’s on Sunday, leaving Schneider and Blackwood to play the last two protecting an emerging prospect and good on him for doing so. preseason games. A true No. 1 has not been named and New Jersey If Smith isn’t ready, then it would be tough to justify putting him on the may not actually name one, with coach John Hynes saying he wants the roster. He would get exposed at the NHL level and they aren’t going to goalies to platoon this season with the top goalie starting around 55 carry him just to sit him every night. That would be extremely detrimental games. to his development. Forwards As I stated before, the club would have to return him to his junior team, Taylor Hall Spokane of the Western Hockey League. But that might not be the best route for him either. Most of his teammates from that playoff run last Nico Hischier spring have departed the team and the head coach Dan Lambert is now an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators. Kyle Palmieri Could I be wrong? Absolutely. In fact, I probably am. Projecting a roster Nikita Gusev is really just a fun training camp exercise. Smith has another week and Jack Hughes likely another game to prove that he’s capable of making an impact on the blue line come Oct. 4. Wayne Simmonds

Miles Wood Bergen Record LOADED: 09.24.2019 Travis Zajac

Blake Coleman

Pavel Zacha

Kevin Rooney

Jesper Bratt

Jesper Boqvist

John Hayden

Last week, I predicted Boqvist would make it. He’s done nothing but strengthen his case since then. He scored two power-play goals in Saturday’s preseason win over the Islanders and that was just a highlight for him. The 20-year-old Boqvist has maintained a high level of play since he left Sweden and got to Newark. A sustained level of play is what Hynes and management have consistently cited as something they’re looking for from any rookie trying to crack the roster, but Boqvist in particular.

Hayden brings a much-needed size element to a roster with some smaller players. Despite polite, soft-spoken demeanor, he plays with an 1153964 New Jersey Devils That’s been the biggest key. Boqvist has near-elite speed and NHL-level playmaking ability. The Devils needed to see how he would handle the transition to the smaller ice and to the different style of play at this level. He’s looked a lot like Bratt — someone who has a strong hockey IQ and Projecting the Devils’ opening-night roster: Who wins the final camp a willingness to engage and compete in the corners, along the wall and in battles? front of the net.

Boqvist is going to make the roster unless he fades over the next week. He looks like a player who, once he’s there, can be more than a By Corey Masisak replacement-level guy. Sep 23, 2019 The last forward spot (or two, depending in part on what happens with the defense corps) has turned into quite the competition. It seemed likely that a spot was waiting for Boqvist if he could do enough to claim it, and The Devils sent 16 players to Binghamton on Sunday, and four more will so far, so good for him. join them should they clear waivers Monday. New Jersey’s roster is down to 29 players, with the battles for the last few spots coming into focus. Hayden and Rooney are both on one-way contracts, while the other top contenders can all go to Binghamton without needing to pass through There are still two more preseason games to play — Wednesday at waivers. One of the camp surprises, Mikhail Maltsev, has already been Boston and Friday at Columbus. It might take the Devils until next assigned. Two other guys who were expected to be part of the weekend to make the final roster decisions. competition, Joey Anderson and Brett Seney, are also gone.

Which 23 players will be on the roster when the Winnipeg Jets visit It’s not that Anderson had a bad camp, but he didn’t do a lot to stand out. Prudential Center on Oct. 4? Let’s get to making an educated guess. Same with Seney. It’s probably a sign of how different this roster will be in 2019-20 that a guy who played 51 games for the Devils last year was Goaltenders barely mentioned by Hynes over the past couple of weeks. Locks: Cory Schneider, Mackenzie Blackwood The contenders remaining are Nathan Bastian and Michael McLeod. This is the easy part. Both Schneider and Blackwood have looked ready Both have played well. McLeod has earned more praise, but it’s also for the start of the season, while everyone else has been dispersed to worth nothing that Hynes has fielded more questions about him than any their 2019-20 destinations. other contenders, save for Boqvist. Bastian had a few strong shifts against the Islanders, but hasn’t been quite as noticeable as Boqvist or Unless the Devils see someone on waivers between now and the start of McLeod. the season, Schneider and Blackwood will be in Newark, Gilles Senn and Evan Cormier will be in Binghamton, Eamon McAdam will be in It’s also worth nothing that, among the forwards who have played more Adirondack (ECHL), Akira Schmid will be in Omaha (USHL) and Cole than one exhibition game, all of the following players except for Boqvist Brady will be in Fargo (USHL). have posted bad puck possession numbers. Here are the Corsi-For percentages for those who were competing for the last 2-3 roster spots: Schneider will likely start against the Jets and Blackwood the following night in Buffalo, and then they’ll go from there. Expect Schneider to be Miles Wood – 33.87% the No. 1 guy early on and get about two-thirds of the starts. Based Michael McLeod – 33.9% purely on the schedule, they’ll likely split the first four games. With only six games the rest of the month, Schneider could play seven of the first Kevin Rooney – 35.85% 10 if his exhibition form continues into the regular season. Brett Seney – 36.84% Forwards John Hayden – 38.98% Locks: Jesper Bratt, Blake Coleman, Nikita Gusev, Taylor Hall, Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Kyle Palmieri, Wayne Simmonds, Travis Zajac Nathan Bastian – 40.0%

If these nine guys are healthy, they’ll be in the lineup. Other than Joey Anderson – 50.0% Simmonds’ minor injury, it’s hard to find anything to nitpick with anyone in Mikhail Maltsev – 54.0% this group. They’ve all played somewhere between pretty well to great. Jesper Boqvist – 55.74% Given how well Hughes and Gusev have played, it seems likely New Jersey has its deepest collection of forwards since the 2012 run to the Any number below 45 percent is considered bad. If any of these guys are Stanley Cup Final. at 40 or worse in the regular season, they won’t be in the lineup long for a club that is trying to make the playoffs. Likely locks: Miles Wood, Pavel Zacha So why Wood, Hayden and Rooney over McLeod, Bastian and Maltsev? Wood has not played as poorly as some fans have suggested on social Because while everyone makes a big deal about which players makes media. He had a decent game with Hughes and Gusev against an the opening-night lineup, not having to put someone through waivers is overmatched Bruins lineup, then struggled against the Rangers and often a key factor in the decision-making process. Islanders. This is the time of the season when other teams are far more likely to The Devils certainly aren’t going to put him on waivers just to keep one of grab a fringe roster player on waivers. It’s easier to sneak someone the kids who can go to Binghamton. It’s also highly unlikely that general through waivers after Game 7 or 15 than it is right at the end of training manager Ray Shero will make a trade before opening night, unless camp. there’s an injury on defense or in goal. McLeod has played better than Wood or Rooney at times this preseason. Zacha hasn’t been available because he doesn’t have a work visa. Is it worth risking losing someone for nothing to keep McLeod and Assuming he can get one by Wednesday, Zacha could still play in the making him the 13th or 14th forward? Or would he be better off going to final two exhibition games and be ready. He should be on the opening- Binghamton, playing in all situations and waiting for an injury or two to night roster, but his place in the lineup could be in jeopardy if he doesn’t come back and have a chance to get consistent playing time? have a strong finish to camp (once he’s cleared to participate). Defensemen If the season started today: Jesper Boqvist, John Hayden, Kevin Rooney Locks: Will Butcher, Connor Carrick, Andy Greene, Damon Severson, Boqvist has impressed throughout the preseason. He cemented his P.K. Subban, Sami Vatanen strong camp by scoring a pair of power-play goals against the Islanders and creating a few other good scoring chances. Not a lot to say here. Subban has looked very good. Butcher has had a strong camp and looks like he deserves a place in the top four. It’s not a “I think in the competitive areas of the ice, he’s done a good job of getting certainty that Vatanen will play with Subban, but if he does then it could into and utilizing his skill and speed,” coach John Hynes said after the game Saturday night. be an interesting decision for the coaching staff between Butcher and Corey Masisak Greene for who plays next to Severson.

Greene and Severson played 77 games together last year. Butcher played with Severson in Montreal, and with Vatanen in the two games The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 Subban did not play. That’s going to be one of the most interesting battles to watch this week with the defense corps.

Likely lock: Mirco Mueller

The only way Mueller could be in danger is if Ty Smith makes the roster and the Devils still want to carry 14 forwards. At the point, the decision will essentially come down to who gets exposed to waivers between Mueller, Hayden and Rooney. Given the Devils’ lack of NHL-ready depth on defense, the smart money would be on Rooney or Hayden.

But the projected roster already has 14 forwards, so …

As of Monday, Smith’s chances of making the opening-night roster are not looking great. To be clear, he has an opportunity to play in two more games and three more practices. That’s a long time, in training camp math, to rebound and make a final push.

There are several reasons for not putting him on the roster right now.

1. The Devils have 23 players on one-way contracts, including seven defensemen. If Smith had excelled so far like Boqvist has, they’d be more likely to squeeze someone out.

2. Smith has barely played on the penalty kill in three preseason games (2:55 total). Subban, Butcher and Severson were expected to be ahead of him on the power-play pecking order. If he isn’t going to play at all on special teams, he has a smaller margin of error at even strength to make the club.

3. Tom Fitzgerald pointed out a couple of things with his comments in this story. One, that the Devils don’t seem worried at all about the idea that “there’s nothing left to prove in juniors.” Two, he said he’d like to see what the careers of 19-year-old defensemen look like after they’ve played in the NHL versus those who were held back another year.

Fitzgerald also mentioned that you need to have the roster spot to let someone have a nine-game trial. That goes back to No. 1 — the Devils don’t seem likely to expose someone to waivers to extend Smith’s chances of sticking around into the regular season.

4. The Devils are not thinking solely about this season, specifically when it comes to Smith and his development.

There is an argument that Smith’s inconsistent play so far in camp could get ironed out once he settles in as an NHL player and the Devils would be a better team in February or March with him than not. That said, the Devils want Smith to be a top-four defenseman for them for a decade, and the idea that he might be slightly better than their sixth-best defenseman after some struggles early on is probably not enough of a convincing argument to keep him.

If Smith does get sent back to Spokane, the Chiefs could be a contender again in the WHL and he’d likely be a top defenseman for Canada at the world junior championship. If Smith were born in December instead of March, he’d likely start this season with Binghamton, which would be a better challenge for him than returning to Spokane. The Devils Devils won’t be in alone in bemoaning an archaic and outdated agreement between the NHL and the CHL.

Even if the CHL and NHL want to avoid a wave of Canadian teenagers playing in the AHL, perhaps an exemption of some kind could be created for players like Smith who earned all-league status. But that’s not going to help Smith and the Devils right now.

It’s really hard for teenaged defensemen to play in the NHL. Smith earned a lot of praise last year at training camp, but a) he had more chances to play on the power play with a less talented roster and b) there was significantly less pressure on him.

Everyone outside of the organization, this writer included, expected him to make the roster. That same thought might not have prevailed internally, on top of Smith being inconsistent in his first three exhibition games.

He’s still got a few more days to make a late comeback, with the talent and ability to do so. But if the season started Monday night, Smith likely wouldn’t be on the roster.

1153965 New York Islanders New York Times LOADED: 09.24.2019

Islanders Break Ground on Arena at Belmont Park

By Allan Kreda

Published Sept. 23, 2019

Updated Sept. 24, 2019, 12:50 a.m. ET

The Islanders finally removed all doubt about their move to Belmont Park, putting shovels into the ground on Monday, almost two years after vowing to return full time to Long Island with a new arena on the racetrack grounds.

The 19,000-seat arena (about 17,000 for hockey) is expected to be in use for the 2021-22 hockey season, ending the team’s stay in Brooklyn, which began in the 2015-16 season.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who pressed for development of the arena, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony, along with members of the team; Jon Ledecky, one of the Islanders’ majority owners; N.H.L. Commissioner Gary Bettman; and construction workers.

“The Islanders are more than a hockey team. They were a Long Island identity,” said Cuomo, who was flanked by Ledecky and Islanders captain Anders Lee as they moved ceremonial scoops of dirt with shovels that had hockey sticks for handles. “They said to Long Island, ‘You are special, you have your own team.’ There’s no place like the Islanders playing on Long Island, period.”

Bettman announced that seven more games — including both regular- season contests against the Rangers — would be added to the Nassau Coliseum schedule for this season, which starts Oct. 4 for the Islanders with a game against the Washington Capitals. That means 28 of the Islanders’ 41 home games will be played on Long Island and only 13 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The team split last season between Barclays Center and Nassau Coliseum, the Islanders’ original home in Uniondale starting in 1972.

The governor, Ledecky and Bettman originally announced the proposed Belmont redevelopment in December 2017, putting the arena on the site of parking lots near the racetrack grandstand.

The $1.3 billion construction project is expected to add Long Island Railroad access both eastbound (by 2021) and westbound (in late 2022) to Belmont Park — home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown. The park opened in 1905.

“People can take the Long Island Railroad to the games,” Cuomo said. “That is a game changer. It’s long overdue.”

Ledecky said the new home rink would bring stability to the franchise after several seasons of splitting time between Uniondale and Brooklyn, not to mention many years of uncertainty before the Islanders moved to Brooklyn.

“Our fans have been wandering for a while. They haven’t had the right type of facility,” Ledecky said. “As stewards of this franchise, we have brought fans an arena they deserve.”

There remains local opposition to the project, which will include about 350,000 square feet of retail space and a 250-room hotel.

A lawsuit filed this month in state Supreme Court in Mineola contends New York State does not have full authority to designate land at Belmont for private development. And the village of Floral Park near the racetrack filed a lawsuit on Sept. 9 that challenges the state’s environmental review process.

State Senator Anna Kaplan, whose district includes Floral Park and nearby Elmont, said she would work to unite residents opposed to such a large-scale construction project in what is essentially a residential neighborhood.

“We’re going to see how we can actually help out,” she said, “try to really help the communities that will be impacted closely.”

1153966 New York Islanders Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 09.24.2019

Cal Clutterbuck makes preseason debut for Islanders, has physical ups and downs

By Andrew Gross

Updated September 23, 2019 10:40 PM

Cal Clutterbuck may yet get a chance to play in the Islanders’ new arena after ending last season with some doubt as to whether he’d be able to continue his gritty career.

Then again, games like Monday night’s 3-2 preseason overtime win over the Red Wings at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum show Clutterbuck cannot take anything for granted. He’s had back problems and missed the bulk of the second period after tangling with Michael Rasmussen before returning for the third period.

“There was a point in time where I could have needed fusion [surgery],” the 31-year-old Clutterbuck said. “I may still need it some day. They get a couple of extra years out of me here.”

Clutterbuck made his nearly-truncated preseason debut in his normal spot on Casey Cizikas’ right wing with Matt Martin hours after the arena groundbreaking ceremony at Belmont Park, which is scheduled to open in October, 2021.

He exited at 1:52 of the second period, slowly rising from the ice after his run-in with Rasmussen, and skating hunched over to the Islanders’ bench. He remained there until 8:12, when he retreated to the team’s room. Instead of reaggravating his back, this time he was off the ice because of concussion protocol. He was cleared, and was back on the bench for the final minute of the second period.

His line started the third period and Clutterbuck drew a roughing call on defenseman Dylan McIlrath 49 seconds in — the former Rangers’ first- round pick didn’t like Clutterbuck’s check and shook him like a doll — and Clutterbuck was also used on the penalty kill in the period and in the three-on-three overtime.

Clutterbuck, whose five-year, $17.5 million deal runs through 2022, did undergo offseason back surgery to repair nerve damage after playing with increasing pain last season starting in February.

“There was doubt,” Clutterbuck said. “I was kind of worn out mentally when [the season] was over. It felt like the end of the world. There was a legitimate threat of that. Once we got the imaging done and we spoke to the specialists, it was a positive result.”

He has been on the ice with the Islanders since training camp opened but the organization took the cautious route in getting him into a game.

Coach Barry Trotz has spoken often of the crucial role the Martin- Cizikas-Clutterbuck line provides. Clutterbuck is also one of the Islanders’ top penalty killers, another reason Trotz wants to make sure he is ready for the regular-season opener against the Capitals on Oct. 4 at the Coliseum.

“He brings a little bit of that dust to the table, the sandpaper to the lineup,” Trotz said. “It’s been a long summer for him in terms of the rehab.”

Notes & Quotes: Anders Lee scored the winner with 28.7 seconds left in overtime…Right wing Jordan Eberle scored twice in the first period, including a power-play goal to make it 2-0 at 8:50. He has three goals in three preseason games…Mathew Barzal had two assists and has four in three preseason games…Goalie Semyon Varlamov played his first full game of the preseason, making 21 saves…Forwards Arnaud Durandeau, Scott Eansor, Manhasset’s Ryan Hitchcock, Jeff Kubiak, Kyle MacLean, John Stevens and defenseman Seth Helgeson did not participate with either of Monday’s morning practice groups. It’s likely they will be reassigned to Bridgeport.

By Andrew Gross

1153967 New York Islanders “We thought this was a great location for them,” Wilpon said, “and to see all this parking lot is now dug up, how we’ve got a hole and we’re going to pour concrete soon, it’s pretty amazing."

Andrew Cuomo breaks ground for Islanders arena at Belmont Park But a handful of Elmont civic leaders are challenging the legitimacy of the state’s approval process.

In a lawsuit filed Saturday in state Supreme Court in Mineola, they By Candice Ferrette and Jim Baumbach contend the state does not have the authority to designate its own land at Belmont for private development. The suit claims the property is parkland Updated September 23, 2019 8:51 PM that had served as a disaster evacuation site for nearby residents.

The suit names Empire State Development, developers New York Arena Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday called the redevelopment of state Partners and others as defendants. land at Belmont Park “a project Long Island deserves” as New York The Village of Floral Park also filed suit Sept. 9 challenging the state's Islanders’ owners, players and developers joined him at a celebratory environmental review process. groundbreaking on the site of a new arena for the National Hockey League team. Asked for comment about the lawsuits, Ledecky said: "That's really an Empire State Development situation. We’re full steam ahead. We’re Cuomo, who announced the winning bid for the underused 43-acre looking forward to commencing play here in October of 2021 and parcel 22 months ago, touted a planned full-time Elmont Long Island Rail dropping our puck for the first game." Road station, along with more than 10,000 construction jobs and about 3,200 full-time jobs the $1.3 billion project would create. Cuomo has been a champion of the project since he announced in December 2017 that the Islanders group had won the development rights “This is one of the largest and most impactful developments that have at Belmont. been done in the entire downstate region in a long, long time,” Cuomo told an audience of several hundred hockey fans, politicians and other Cuomo also was involved in negotiations that led the Islanders to split project supporters. their schedule between NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum and Barclays Center until the Belmont arena's scheduled opening in 2021. New York Arena Partners, a partnership among the owners of the Islanders, Mets and arena development company Oak View Group, have begun construction work on the project, which includes a 19,000-seat arena, 250-room hotel and 350,000 square feet of retail. By Candice Ferrette and Jim Baumbach

Cuomo, calling himself “an old Queens boy,” said Monday he had driven the Cross Island Parkway for decades wondering what would become of Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 09.24.2019 the public land at Belmont Park.

The Islanders had played at Nassau Coliseum before moving to Brooklyn's Barclays Center in 2015.

“There’s no place like the Islanders playing on Long Island,” Cuomo said before putting a symbolic golden shovel into the dirt under a blazing afternoon sun.

The ceremony marked an important step toward the end of the Islanders’ decadeslong search for their own arena.

It also comes during a period of tension between the villages of Floral Park and Elmont and state and county officials over the development. Two lawsuits have been filed to stop construction on the Belmont project.

Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the Islanders, said the team's fans deserve a new arena after decades of uncertainty.

“They've been wandering awhile, and they haven't had the right type of facility," Ledecky said. "To have this world-class, state-of-the-art, third- generation arena to call home is something they're worthy of."

Eric Gertler, acting commissioner of Empire State Development, the state agency overseeing the Belmont project, called the development “forward- thinking” and “truly visionary.”

“This site will be a beacon for New Yorkers and tourists worldwide,” said Gertler, noting $2.7 billion in economic activity the project is expected to generate. “The arena may be the centerpiece but it is only one part of this redevelopment.”

Construction of the arena, hotel and retail project is handled by the Wilpon family’s Sterling Project Development, which also built Citi Field.

Mets owner Fred Wilpon was on hand, watching the groundbreaking from the first row.

Jeff Wilpon recalled after the ceremony Monday that he grew up an Islanders fan in Roslyn and attended their Stanley Cup games as a teenager in the early 1980s.

He runs Sterling Project Development with partner Richard Browne and got involved with the Islanders’ project when developer Scott Malkin became the team's controlling partner in 2016.

Wilpon said he and Malkin worked together at a development firm in the mid-1980s and have remained friends since. They have spoken for several years about building an Islanders arena at Belmont. 1153968 New York Islanders arena that holds 15,795. It’s paid off, too. Bettman said the Islanders have twice as many season ticket holders as they did a year ago.

“God bless other parts where they play,” Cuomo said, “but there is no Seven more Islanders games moved to NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum place like the Islanders playing on Long Island, period.” this season

By Jim Baumbach and Candice Ferrette By Jim Baumbach and Candice Ferrette

Updated September 23, 2019 10:20 PM Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 09.24.2019

The NHL has agreed to move seven additional Islanders home games to NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum for this season, commissioner Gary Bettman said.

That brings the total of regular season games slated for the Coliseum to 28 compared with 13 for Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Two of the games being moved to Long Island are against the Rangers, which easily rank as the most anticipated games of the season by Islanders fans.

Bettman made the announcement during his turn at the dais Monday afternoon as part of the Islanders’ new arena groundbreaking ceremony at Belmont.

The Islanders’ Belmont arena is expected to be ready in October 2021, and they are splitting their home games between Barclays Center and the Coliseum until then in a deal brokered by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

“Islanders fans have waited a long time for a world-class home,” Bettman said, “and it’s now time to focus on the Isles' bright future on Long Island.”

Bettman said the extra games moved from Brooklyn to Uniondale this season were at the request of Cuomo and the Islanders, which occurred after the schedule was released in June, and the NHL recently approved the switch.

“The governor has made it a priority to tell me how important it was for the Islanders to begin the transition back to Long Island even sooner,” Bettman said.

Added Cuomo: “The commissioner promised me that they would play even more games at the Nassau Coliseum. I know the commissioner is a man of his word.”

The Brooklyn games that are moving to the Coliseum are:

Sunday, Oct. 6, vs. Winnipeg at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 8, vs. Edmonton at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 27, vs. Flyers at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 2, vs. Devils at 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 6, vs. Avalanche at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 16, vs. Rangers at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 25 vs. Rangers at 7 p.m.

This season marks the second in which the Islanders are engaged in an unusual setup in which they have two home arenas, both operated by BSE Global.

The NHL approved the setup a year ago because Empire State Development, the state’s business aid agency which is coordinating the Belmont project process, and the Islanders committed to a nearly $10 million Coliseum renovation to bring it into NHL compliance.

ESD contributed a $6 million grant and the Islanders covered the rest of the renovation that upgraded locker rooms, television equipment and ice- related upgrades.

The split schedule, while unusual, went off smoothly, with fans especially raving about the atmosphere at the Coliseum, which is more conducive for hockey than Barclays Center, where the scoreboard is off-center and there are some obstructed view seats.

Last season, the Islanders averaged 13,514 for the 21 games at the Coliseum, which holds 13,900. In Brooklyn, they averaged 11,248 at an 1153969 New York Islanders — Those kids will have to wait their turn — there’s just no room right now. Unless Lamoriello and Trotz radically alter their time-worn approaches to roster-building, none of the young guys mentioned will be here opening night. Between the many veterans locked into spots and What we know, what we think we know and what we don’t know about the cluster of waiver-eligible forwards fighting for space, the high-end the Islanders prospects will have to work hard to get back up.

What we think we know

By Arthur Staple — Noah Dobson has made this team. Watching the 19-year-old on Saturday in Newark was to see not only a future top-pair defenseman, Sep 23, 2019 but a player who deserves a spot on this season’s roster. “You’d never know he was 19 years old,” Trotz said.

With four preseason games down and three more to go, including two This isn’t the same situation that Toews faced last season, when crucial ones Monday at the Coliseum against the Red Wings and Lamoriello and Trotz opted for their usually cautious approach and sent a Tuesday at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers, Barry Trotz very undeserving Toews back to Bridgeport while keeping Luca Sbisa off seems to have a fairly straightforward task in making his roster. a tryout. Dobson can only go back to Rouyn-Noranda in the QMJHL or to Europe; neither would seem to help him develop into what the Islanders He said Saturday that there are tougher choices this camp than last, want Dobson to be. even though that was his first with the Islanders and he, GM Lou Lamoriello and the entire camp roster were feeling each other out. He’s certainly done enough. Whether that’s enough for the Islanders is still a bit up in the air. “After about 4-5 days of training camp, in my head I had about 85-90 percent of the team,” Trotz said. “I can’t say that this year. There’s too — Anthony Beauvillier and Brock Nelson look like a second-line tandem. much competition.” Trotz liked what he saw from those two on Friday. With Lee entrenched on Barzal’s left for now, Beauvillier working well on LW2 with Nelson is Even with Trotz’s professed uncertainty, there were a few questions an imperative for the top six. Bailey is the presumptive RW2 there. answered this past week — some directly by the coach himself and some “Some speed, five-on-five they were dangerous, three-on-three they we can simply see. We’ll look at what we know, what we think we know were dangerous,” Trotz said. “Lot of things to be excited about that.” and what we don’t know heading into the next two preseason games about the cuts to come Wednesday and how the team is starting to take — A few young guys haven’t quite stepped up. Kieffer Bellows and shape: Sebastian Aho likely weren’t making the team, but neither has shown a whole lot in the preseason games. Bellows definitely plays with an edge, What we know but the speed doesn’t seem to be there. Aho had an AHL All-Star season last year, but he’s looked a little unsure of himself this camp and he got — The first line and the fourth line are set. Trotz said prior to Saturday’s bounced around a bit in Detroit on Friday. game in Newark that the Anders Lee-Mathew Barzal-Jordan Eberle line was going to get a look, thanks in large part to what they did in the Neither requires waivers so there’s no harm in seeing them both go back postseason last spring. to Bridgeport, but neither took a huge step forward.

Watching that line control play every time it was on the ice Saturday — What we don’t know “They were in the fun zone,” Trotz said — cemented that it will be the No. 1 line on opening night 11 days from now. — Which of Michael Dal Colle and Josh Ho-Sang ends up making the team. There’s a chance both of them could and there’s a chance neither And even though we haven’t seen Cal Clutterbuck in a preseason game could, though those both seem remote. Both of them making it likely yet — he and Josh Bailey will make their debuts in one of these next two requires the Isles to keep 14 forwards and that would almost certainly games — Trotz is unconcerned that the Matt Martin-Casey Cizikas- mean trading a defenseman. Putting both on waivers seems like poor Clutterbuck trio will be anything but ready to go against the Caps on Oct. asset management, given the two 2014 first-rounders can contribute. 4. But Trotz has given neither winger a ringing endorsement. That could “You can’t take them apart,” Trotz said. “They have to go everywhere change with the next couple of games. Overall, Ho-Sang and Dal Colle together.” have been fine — a few good moments and a few unsung ones in their two preseason games. — At least half the defense is locked in. Adam Pelech, who looked especially strong alongside Noah Dobson on Saturday, is going to start Ho-Sang professed before Friday’s game that he’s understanding Trotz’s the season with Ryan Pulock as the No. 1 pair. They ran out of gas system better this time around and the coach praised Ho-Sang’s maturity against the Hurricanes, but from about February on they were very — he was already gone by this time last camp. Dal Colle was gone by effective, and never more so than against the Penguins in the playoffs. this time, too, but he came back to stay after tearing up the AHL for six weeks. Devon Toews also looks ready to go — and go, and go. Paired with up- and-coming prospect Grant Hutton (who’s all of 18 months younger than “Where he’s come from, just seeing him at development camp and Toews) on Friday in Detroit, Toews was up in the rush, scored a power- training camp last year to where he finished up, he’s a much different play goal and assisted on Anthony Beauvillier’s overtime winner. Toews player,” Trotz said. “We also are pretty deep, so he’s in a battle. He’ll is going to be on the left side of the second pair, almost certainly with have to separate himself. Right now, there’s a big lump of coal right Scott Mayfield, though Trotz hasn’t said much about that as of yet. there. We have to figure out once we break it apart, which piece you’re going to take. He had a good year last year, but he can’t take anything — The goaltending tandem was never in doubt. Semyon Varlamov has for granted.” looked sharp in his 70 or so minutes of work and he’s likely to get a full game this week. Thomas Greiss didn’t look quite as sharp in the first two The simplest path is Dal Colle stays and the Islanders risk Ho-Sang on periods on Saturday, but he’ll get a full game, as well, and it will be those waivers, since he’s the lesser risk to be claimed. two on the roster opening night. — Who of the more veteran depth forwards stays: Tanner Fritz, Tom — There are some kids knocking on the door. Oliver Wahlstrom hasn’t Kuhnhackl or Ross Johnston? The last two spent the bulk of last season looked out of place at all. He didn’t have an especially strong game on with the Islanders and Fritz had a few call-ups before a blood clot ended Friday, but still managed to start the play that tied the game late. Otto his season. All three have been battling for basically one roster spot all Koivula sniped home the tying goal in the third period on Saturday and, camp; as with Dal Colle and Ho-Sang, a defenseman being moved out like Wahlstrom, wouldn’t be a surprise to see an Isles uniform sometime helps create more space up front, but it seems likely now that only one of this season. these three avoids waivers.

Newcomers Mason Jobst and Hutton have opened some eyes. Arnaud Kuhnhackl is a Trotz favorite. “He’s got two (Stanley Cup) rings and Durandeau looks like a player. Even Simon Holmstrom, the baby-faced keeps making teams where a lot of times he’s an afterthought,” Trotz 2019 first-rounder, has impressed more than a few veterans with his skill. said. “He forces organizations to make him not an afterthought.” There’s some real depth in the organization now and that’s a huge plus. — What the hell will happen on defense? Thomas Hickey has looked pretty solid in camp. Nick Leddy, too. Johnny Boychuk tried to scrape off the rust in his first preseason game on Friday, but he’s a wily old vet. If Dobson continues to force the Isles’ hand, two of those three longtime Islanders defensemen will be sitting out opening night.

A trade makes the most sense, and there seems to be a robust market for defensemen even at this late date. Hickey and his $2.5 million cap hit could be the easiest to move, especially if Lamoriello retains some salary, but that still leaves one veteran getting bag-skated more often than not.

If the Isles keep all seven NHL vets and send Dobson back … well, that’s the simplest decision from a roster-management standpoint, but the fans might riot.

Arthur Staple

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Islanders bringing Rangers rivalry back to Coliseum in schedule change

By Mollie Walker

September 23, 2019 | 4:55PM

The Islanders announced Monday they are moving seven of their regular season games to Nassau Coliseum, which includes bringing the Islanders-Rangers rivalry back to Long Island.

Two of the relocated games, which were originally set to take place at the Barclays Center, are against the Rangers on Jan. 16 and Feb. 25. The Isles now have 28 games scheduled at the Coliseum for the 2019-20 season. The Jan. 16 game will mark the first time the rivals have played at the Coliseum since March 10, 2015, a 2-1 Rangers win.

After the 2014-15 season, the Isles moved their home games to Barclays Center, but starting last year they split their home games between Barclays and the Coliseum until their new Belmont arena is complete. The move will be a welcome one for the Rangers, who didn’t get their first win at Barclays until Jan. 12 of this year.

This is the second year of a three-year agreement arrangement by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that ensures the Islanders split games between the Coliseum, which served as their home arena from 1972 through 2015, and Barclays Center, where they played full-time from 2015 until 2018.

In 2017, the Coliseum reopened after a $180 million renovation and in the summer of 2018 underwent another renovation worth nearly $10 million in order to bring the arena into NHL compliance to host Islander games.

With the Islanders’ $1.3 billion Belmont arena project officially breaking ground on Monday, the team won’t have to split their schedule between two homes for much longer. The arena is set to be ready in 2021.

The other games moved from Brooklyn to Nassau are Oct. 6 vs. Winnipeg; Oct. 8 vs. Edmonton; Oct. 27 vs. Philadelphia; Jan. 2 vs. New Jersey and Jan. 6 vs. Colorado.

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Rangers trying to diagnose their very sloppy play

By Larry Brooks

September 24, 2019 | 12:41am

The first three preseason games that featured fractured lineups and produced uneven competition were more about evaluating personnel than generating results. That is a good thing given the Rangers lost all three while being outscored by an aggregate 12-6 by the Devils (twice) and Flyers.

It is never a good thing, however, to be as disjointed and disconnected as the Blueshirts through most of the three contests, with and without the puck. And most certainly not when these types of breakdowns were an epidemic the second half of last season.

Which is why, after a day off on Sunday (as opposed to the preceding off-nights in Philadelphia and New Jersey, respectively), the Rangers focused a fair amount on cleaning up their approach when they reconvened for Monday’s split-squad sessions.

“We talked about it,” said Henrik Lundqvist, scheduled to play half of Tuesday night’s Garden match against the Islanders. “If you look at the lineups, especially the two games on the road, there was a pretty big disparity, but being disciplined with the puck is something we’re going to want to pay attention to the next three [exhibition] games.

“We definitely have the skill to make plays and be able to make the difference in games, but the key for us is going to be puck management and knowing when and how to use that skill and when not to just rely on talent but instead rely on our structure. That’s what you need to be able to do in the critical moments.

“Well, all game, really, but it comes down to making the right play in the big moment. Having skill is very important, but so is being smart.”

David Quinn said his team had yielded eight five-on-five scoring chances off defensive-zone coverage but 27 off the rush. The first represents an acceptable total. The other, though, signifies something quite different.

“Guys are trying to do too much,” the coach said. “Some guys are trying to do too much to make the roster and other guys that think they’re on the roster are trying to do too much to crawl up the roster. That’s not what we’re looking for.

“We’re looking for people to do things that will allow us to have success collectively and play winning hockey. We certainly haven’t had enough of that the last two games.”

Asked whether 20-year-old Filip Chytil should be considered an incumbent or whether he needs to earn a spot on the opening roster after doing so both as an 18-year-old and 19-year-old, Quinn said, “He needs to make the team.”

When asked where No. 72 stood at this juncture, the coach said, “He’s in the process of making the team.”

Brendan Lemieux, who had been nursing a tender groin, is set for his pre-season debut on Tuesday. … Marc Staal is scheduled to skate on the left with Adam Fox. … Brett Howden will skate between Vitali Kravtsov on the left and Kaapo Kakko on the right while the team’s presumptive first line of Artemi Panarin-Mika Zibanejad-Pavel Buchnevich debuts. … The presumptive first defense pair of Brady Skjei- Jacob Trouba will skate together for a third game.

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Rangers will give Tony DeAngelo every chance to earn huge raise

By Larry Brooks

September 23, 2019 | 4:19PM

There was the time in late January that Tony DeAngelo, who’d been a healthy scratch more than any Ranger throughout David Quinn’s first year as head coach, needed to sit because of his comportment on the bench. Then there was another time around the middle of March.

But the defenseman, who skated with his teammates at training camp on Monday for the first time since his contract dispute ended Friday with a one-year, $925,000 agreement, told The Post that he doesn’t anticipate those scenarios repeating themselves this year.

“I think last year was more the coach establishing the ground rules for me, where the leash might have been a little tighter for me,” No. 77 said. “I think he was trying to get certain things through to me about what was expected and required from me.

“As the year went on, the second half, especially, I thought it was good. I think we got onto the same page and I think we understand each other really well. I’m an emotional guy and that’s how I play. Last year was good for us. I wouldn’t anticipate those issues coming up this year.”

DeAngelo was an offensive driver from the back end, recording 30 points (4-26) in 61 games, with 20 points (4-16) at even-strength. Elevated onto the first pair the final six weeks after replacing Neal Pionk on Marc Staal’s right side, DeAngelo is likely to open as the second-pair righty, perhaps with Staal on his left, perhaps with Libor Hajek or Ryan Lindgren.

And he will be a significant component on the second power play unit, perhaps teaming on the blue line with fellow American righty defenseman Adam Fox. Regardless, DeAngelo will receive a heaping amount of opportunity while playing on this contract that will lead him into a salary arbitration-eligible summer. A productive season and DeAngelo will be looking at a two-year deal in the range of $3.25-to-3.75 million per season. Maybe more.

“I wasn’t looking to let this [impasse] go into the season,” said DeAngelo, who had zero leverage absent presentation of an offer sheet that never came. “It was nothing personal. There were a lot of RFA’s waiting it out. The cap is what it is. I’m happy to be here at camp with my teammates.”

DeAngelo had his share of coverage and positioning issues last season but that was hardly unique among the New York group of defensemen. He posted 16 points, all assists, over his final 25 games of the season while averaging 20:16 of ice per. There is this, too: the 2017-18 season- ending high left ankle sprain he suffered on Mar. 14, 2018, has finally healed.

“It was a four-to-six week injury and if we’d been playing in June that year, I would have tried,” DeAngelo said. “But it really didn’t heal completely until this summer.”

DeAngelo, who was the 19th-overall pick in the 2014 draft by Tampa Bay before being traded to Arizona and then to the Rangers as part of the return for Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta in June of 2017, is being counted on as a top-four staple. The Rangers need him not only to pick up where he left off, but progress.

“I’m pretty confident I can back up [my second half],” said DeAngelo, who is likely to play in the final two preseason games on Thursday and Saturday. “I see myself in a similar role and don’t think I have to change much, but my priority is to contribute to the team and make us better.

“It’s been two straight years out of the playoffs so we’re all looking to put the team first. That’s the most important thing.”

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Al Trautwig takes abrupt leave of absence from MSG

By Andrew Marchand

September 23, 2019 | 4:16pm

Al Trautwig is taking a personal leave of absence from MSG Networks, The Post has learned.

Trautwig, 63, is expected to return to his Knicks and Rangers hosting duties at some point during the regular season, though an exact date is undetermined. It is unknown what issue Trautwig is dealing with.

MSG Network confirmed the leave, but did not specify the reason.

“I’m going to be taking some personal time off, and look forward to returning to what I love most — bringing NY fans the coverage they crave on MSG Networks,” Trautwig said in a statement.

Besides being with MSG for three decades, Trautwig has been a broadcast network announcer, most notably on NBC’s coverage of the Olympics.

Last Wednesday, Trautwig did not look well during his time on air. It was noticed by viewers and the network’s personnel. MSG executives huddled with Trautwig to determine the best course of action.

While the Rangers do have exhibition games this week, there are no pre- and post-game shows. John Giannone will handle the intermission duties.

It is undetermined how MSG Network will fill Trautwig’s role during the regular season, but Bill Pidto — who already does Knicks and Rangers — figures to be even more in the mix.

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Rangers' Tony DeAngelo practices for first time since agreement to deal

By Colin Stephenson

Updated September 23, 2019 6:23 PM

GREENBURGH, N.Y.— Tony DeAngelo was back at practice Monday and happy to be there. The 23-year-old defenseman skated with his Rangers teammates for the first time since agreeing to a one-year, $925,000 contract on Friday.

“There’s nothing personal. I think we were just kind of waiting, looking at options, and stuff,’’ said DeAngelo, the South Jersey native who was a restricted free agent this summer. “This is a good spot for me. It’s a good situation. The cap situation is what it is. I’m happy to be back and have a good season.’’

DeAngelo, a 5-11, 180-pound, righthanded shooter, led all Rangers defensemen in scoring last season, amassing 30 points (four goals, 26 assists) in 61 games. But as an RFA without arbitration rights, he had no real leverage to negotiate much more than the $874,125 qualifying offer the Rangers were obligated to give him. And with the Rangers in a tight salary cap squeeze, even if management was willing to give him more money, it really couldn’t afford to do it. So, eight days after camp opened, DeAngelo and his agent, Pat Brisson, decided to take what they could get and just report to camp.

“Obviously, I wasn’t looking to let this go into the season. I wanted to play a full season,’’ DeAngelo said. “I wanted to be here, with my teammates and stuff, too. I wasn’t even looking to not be here the week before, but it is what it is.’’

With the Rangers having added the talented Jacob Trouba and rookie Adam Fox to their defense corps this summer, DeAngelo was asked what he expects of himself this season. He said he expects to just build on the consistent play he put together in the second half of last season.

“I’m just going to go out there and try to contribute the same way I did and keep getting better,’’ he said. “And we’re all looking to win. Obviously, we want to take a big step forward this season, so whatever it takes for us to win, everybody’s going to be on board with. Obviously, everybody wants to have personal success, but, two years in a row out of the playoffs, I think we’re looking to put the team first, and everything else will fall into place.’’

Rangers coach David Quinn said DeAngelo is “in great shape,’’ and may play Thursday, when the Rangers host the Philadelphia Flyers at the Garden. DeAngelo said he hopes to be able to play in both of the remaining two preseason games. The Rangers finish their preseason schedule Saturday in Bridgeport, Connecticut, against the Islanders.

Notes & quotes: DeAngelo was in the second practice group. The first group is the lineup that will face the Islanders in Tuesday’s preseason game at the Garden. LW Artemi Panarin, who left last Wednesday’s game against the Devils with a groin strain, practiced and is expected to play Tuesday. Gs Henrik Lundqvist and Alexandar Georgiev will both play, Quinn said, though the coach didn’t know whether the two would have equal playing time… D Yegor Rykov, who sprained an ankle in the Traverse City prospect tournament, practiced for the first time since camp began… RW Vinni Lettieri sat out practice with what Quinn said was a lower body injury. It’s not considered serious, the coach said… The Rangers assigned five players to AHL Hartford: Fs Dawson Leedahl, Tim Gettinger, Nick Jones and Connor Brickley, and D Sean Day.

By Colin Stephenson

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Al Trautwig takes leave of absence from MSG Networks

By Neil Best

September 23, 2019 5:25 PM

Al Trautwig, a longtime MSG Networks host and announcer, has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons, MSG confirmed on Monday.

The network did not detail a reason for Trautwig’s leave, but his appearance during a Rangers preseason game last week alarmed some viewers. His leave was reported first by The New York Post.

Trautwig, 63, who grew up in Franklin Square, said in a statement released by MSG, “I’m going to be taking some personal time off, and look forward to returning to what I love most – bringing New York fans the coverage they crave on MSG Networks.”

Bill Pidto figures to have an increased studio role during Trautwig’s absence.

By Neil Best

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153976 New York Rangers keeping him on the big team or burying him really isn’t a financial decision.

Forwards: Projecting the Rangers’ opening night lineup halfway through the Quinn has already stated – early and often – that his No. 1 line is going preseason to be Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich. So they will have time to work or not, and really, it’s up to Buchnevich to hold up his end of the deal. By Rick Carpiniello That makes Chris Kreider-Filip Chytil-Kaapo Kakko the No. 2 line. That Sep 23, 2019 could change if Chytil, just 20 and still very much learning the game away from the puck, can’t handle the defensive responsibilities. And it could

change if Kakko eventually replaces Buchnevich on the first line. But As we head down the final stretch of the preseason, with three games left either way, it appears those will be the top six forwards for the time being (Tuesday vs. the Islanders, Thursday vs. the Flyers, both at MSG, then and for a while. Saturday in Bridgeport vs. the Islanders), some decisions need to be The rest of the decisions should be made backward. Because you have made regarding the Rangers’ roster. to decide which of the following players is not going to be in the top 12 “At this point in time in training camp, I think we’re closing in on it,” (or more accurately, in the bottom six) on opening night: Ryan Strome, Rangers coach David Quinn said. “I don’t think we’re quite there yet. Vlad Namestnikov, Jesper Fast, Lias Andersson, Brett Howden, Vitali Kravtsov, Brendan Lemieux, Boo Nieves, Greg McKegg. That’s nine for “We still want to evaluate people. Like I said when training camp started, six spots. Seven spots if you count an extra forward. Now, it’s possible I think you would be hard-pressed to find a camp with more opportunity that Howden and/or Andersson could flop and go down, but not likely. than ours. We want to give people plenty of opportunity.” Fast, Namestnikov, Strome and Lemieux are going nowhere – unless there’s a trade, which is eventually possible. In reality, most jobs are nailed down and have been for a while. There aren’t that many decisions to be made, other than line combinations and That leaves room for one of the other forwards. So do they keep perhaps D pairs – though a lot of those, for now, have been determined Kravtsov or keep up Nieves or McKegg and let Kravtsov – like Shesterkin too. and Rykov and Lindgren – get big minutes in the minors for a bit?

Goalies: Kravtsov, Shesterkin and Rykov are kind of a trio, or were during the summer, all of them spending their first months in North America together This one’s easy at the moment, but will get complicated later. learning the language. It might be good for Kravtsov and the other two to Henrik Lundqvist is No. 1 and Alexandar Georgiev is No. 2 … or perhaps be together in Hartford for now. 1A. Igor Shesterkin will almost certainly start in Hartford, where he will Can McKegg make the team? Based on what he did last year and how work with Benoit Allaire and Hartford goalie coach Eric Raymond and he’s caught Quinn’s eye already, yes indeed. Can he unseat Nieves? continue to get accustomed to the North American rinks and the pro Why not? game, not to mention the language and culture. Don’t be surprised if he’s up at some point, especially if there’s an injury. But don’t be surprised if I also think the Rangers might like to keep Micheal Haley in the Adam Huska comes up to be a backup first. Shesterkin’s clock starts organization, but he can’t be on the opening night roster with the glut of ticking for real next season. much better options. Would he sign to play in Hartford?

Defensemen: So here’s what the opening night lineup looks like, to me anyway.

Pair No. 1 is set, for the time being anyway. I expect that time being to be Forwards quite a while. Jacob Trouba is their No. 1 pair righty. Until he shows he can’t handle it – and I’m not saying he can or can’t – his partner is his Panarin-Zibanejad-Buchnevich buddy, Brady Skjei. They have underwhelmed in two preseason games, Kreider-Chytil-Kakko but it’s preseason, so … you know. Namestnikov-Andersson-Strome It sure looks like Libor Hajek-Adam Fox is going to be a pair, which makes all the sense in the world. Both look, so far, like they belong, and Lemieux-(Howden or McKegg or Nieves)-Fast like they’ll both be legit NHL players. I know, small sample, but … (one of those three centers ends up in Hartford, and I’m guessing it’s That leaves Marc Staal and Tony DeAngelo, who finished last season as Nieves). the No. 1 pair out of necessity. This year they could be the second or third. We can be almost certain that DeAngelo, who still hasn’t skated Defensemen with the team after signing his contract late, isn’t going to get the minutes Skjei-Trouba he had in the second half last year, either at even strength or on the power play, where Trouba and Fox are ahead of him. Hajek-Fox

Barring that pair not working out — and it should be fine — the only Staal-DeAngelo decision on D then is whether Yegor Rykov or Ryan Lindgren can win a spot. Lindgren is getting a chance to work as a righty, which would Smith or Rykov or Lindgren (two of those in Hartford). enhance his chances. Rykov has been hampered by an injury. Both of Goalies those players are considered top prospects, but they’re blocked at the moment. Lundqvist

Which means the decision could also go another way. Quinn and Jeff Georgiev Gorton and Co. have to ask themselves if keeping a rookie as the No. 7 D and having him practicing with NHL players and learning from a NHL staff would be better than having him playing every big minutes every The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 night in Hartford.

If the answer to that question is Hartford, then perhaps the Rangers keep Brendan Smith as their No. 7 defenseman and — as he showed last year — a capable fill-in at forward.

The idea that the Rangers need to bury Smith in the minors for cap reasons doesn’t actually add up. If Smith goes to Hartford, his cap hit is reduced to $3.325 million. If he stays, it’s $4.35 million. To replace him with a player with, say, a $925,000 cap hit makes it a virtual wash. So 1153977 Ottawa Senators “I’m working on little things, the timing, trying to get better in the puck battles,” said 32-year-old Bobby Ryan. “Everything in training camp (practices) is a simulation. It’s about getting through (the final exhibition games), where everyone is trying to put the body on you and you have to Warrenspiece: Pageau's voice gets louder, top line sits out, the surprise get through the walls and win the little battles. When you win them, you line, and Elton John's influence on the game of hockey get a feel for where you are.”

ABOUT THAT CENTRAL DIVISION?

Ken Warren “The big thing is just to continue to figure out our identity,” Smith on what he’s hoping to see from his team on the west coast. “We’re in arguably

the toughest division in hockey and we need to know how we’re going to ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Jean-Gabriel Pageau is in a far better place than play and know what our identity is every night. Every game we’re getting he was a year ago at this time. closer to that.”… Why did the Senators and Canucks play in Abbotsford Monday? Blame it on Elton John. Tickets for two Elton John shows at And by that, we don’t mean British Columbia. We mean he’s not sitting Rogers Arena sold out so fast that organizers added a third show for on his couch, with his leg in a cast. Monday — a date which had previously been given to the Canucks for an exhibition game. Suddenly, Abbotsford became the next best option. You Rewind the clock to the start of fall 2018, and Pageau was still coming to have to wonder if Elton John might get confused about where he is later terms with the devastating Achilles injury on the opening day of training this week. After Monday’s third show at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, camp. It kept him out of game action until January. he moves on for Friday and Saturday shows at Rogers Place in Now, he’s confidently talking about being where he wants to be Edmonton … On the topic of driving around in B.C., gas is $1.52 per litre. physically, as well as recognizing he has a bigger role in talking to the Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.24.2019 next generation of Senators players.

“It’s just good to be on the ice and the conditioning is almost there … you always want your conditioning level to be at the top starting the season,” Pageau said after putting in some extra skating work at the University of British Columbia’s David Bauer Arena Monday morning.

As a leader, Pageau has generally been more of a quiet, follow-what-I-do type, working his way into what is now an eighth season with the Senators. As he has inherited an alternate captain’s role along with Mark Borowiecki and Ron Hainsey, however, he has added more of his voice to dressing room discussions.

“It’s just being open to all the younger guys that ask questions and they shouldn’t be shy to ask the older guys,” he said. “I’ve had some good experiences and bad ones. I’ve learned to say a word here or there. But to have a letter, it just means you have to bring your best every day.”

WATCHING … AND WAITING

The wannabe Senators top line of Brady Tkachuk, Colin White, and Connor Brown joined Pageau, Filip Chlapik, Mikkel Boedker, Hainsey, Cody Goloubef and Craig Anderson as spectators Monday. All are expected to play in the rematch against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.

The Canucks had a far more NHL-proven lineup Monday and that’s exactly the test Senators coach D.J. Smith was looking for.

“We’re later on in the exhibition (schedule), where you’re playing against mostly NHL players,” said Smith. “If you can have yourself a game against these guys, it really bodes well for you.”

THE SURPRISE LINE

While Alex Formenton and Max Veronneau were among those sent to Belleville before the trip to Vancouver, Parker Kelly, Jordan Szwarz and Scott Sabourin remained around, playing as a unit Monday. Kelly had established himself as a player to watch while winning the Jonathan Pitre Award as the hardest working Senator at the past two summer development camps.

Szwarz and Sabourin, however, have slid under the radar somewhat.

The 28-year Szwarz has played 47 big-league games with Arizona and Boston and scored 23 goals and 23 assists with Providence of the AHL last season. His night didn’t last long. By the eight-minute mark, he had a major, minor and game misconduct. And that might just do it for his Senators audition.

Sabourin is the 27-year-old tough guy from Orleans who earned himself at least one more game for being an all-around pest against the Toronto Maple Leafs last week. He’s not likely to still be there when the Senators play their final pre-season game Saturday against Montreal. But then again, he wasn’t expected to be here this long, either.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

While every pre-season game is pivotal for the bubble players such as Sabourin, the exhibition schedule serves as more of a tune-up for the 30- somethings who have been through it a time or 12. 1153978 Ottawa Senators

Smith goes back to the future in the hopes of finding chemistry

Ken Warren

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — After a ho-hum start to training camp for three of the Ottawa Senators top prospects, the Senators looked back Monday, hoping for a bigger push ahead.

Coach D.J. Smith dressed a line of Nick Paul, Logan Brown and Drake Batherson against the Vancouver Canucks, hoping to rekindle the magic the trio delivered with the Belleville Senators late in the 2018-19 season.

“We had a lot of chemistry and I loved playing with them last year,” Brown said of his new/old wingers. “We made a lot of plays and scored a lot of goals.”

In the bigger stage of the NHL and the Senators opening day roster, crunch time is looming. There are no guarantees for any of the above to make the team.

After the overall listless display in a 4-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at Canadian Tire Centre Saturday, followed a round of cuts, coach D.J. Smith is looking for a spark somewhere. Brown and Batherson did look good together in rookie camp.

“I wanted to give (Brown) a chance maybe to have some familiarity and some success with guys he has played with in the past,” said Smith.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153979 Ottawa Senators As much as the Senators would like to immediately return to the playoffs and challenge for a Stanley Cup, that’s not likely going to happen in the short term. There are lessons to be learned in how to deal with the stresses that lie ahead. The west coach experience: the tennis-kick ball approach to hockey success “There were some speeches about motivation, little games between us just to get to know each other better,” said Pageau. “There were also (discussions) about relaxation. We push so hard, you have to learn how to come down, too.” Ken Warren Winger Anthony Duclair, who has experienced a rebirth in his career

since arriving from Columbus at the trade deadline last February, is ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — From The Rock to The Rockies, the Ottawa gladly taking it all in as he hopes to secure a spot on one of the Senators Senators have undergone the ultimate all-Canadian pre-season top two lines. schedule. “It has been a solid first three weeks (of training camp),” said Duclair, It seems a tad bizarre, flying all the way east to the Atlantic, followed by a who has breathed the ocean air at both sides of the country in the past pitstop in Canada’s capital and then another trip all the way west here to week. “It has been fun and competitive, as well. Now we’re going down to the Pacific, just to help decide a few precious roster spots to start the the last week and you want to make sure you’re dialed in every day and season. For those counting, it’s approximately 7,285 kilometres from St. make sure you’re ready for opening night.” John’s to Vancouver. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.24.2019 New coach D.J. Smith, however, has no issues with any of the above, riding the wave of travel to try and make the most of the timetable that’s in front of him.

That included the oddity of a Monday morning skate at the David Bauer Arena on the campus of the University of British Columbia before Monday’s late game against the Vancouver Canucks in Abbotsford, B.C. That’s a different sort of trap, a 90-120 minute logjam through the notorious Vancouver traffic jams that mark the daily commute here.

The clubs will play again Wednesday in a more traditional arena, at the Rogers Arena in downtown Vancouver.

“I love Newfoundland and Vancouver is a great place to go, too,” Smith said. “It’s a five-hour plane ride (from Ottawa to Vancouver), but for most of these guys, they’ve done a lot of busing. Five hours on the plane is nothing. It’s a great bonding trip.”

Tuesday will be a day away from the ice. If the rain stays away, there was some talk about fishing and golfing in the afternoon. Smith also had plans on bringing his team back to the UBC campus in the morning.

“I’ve got something set up where the guys play tennis-kick ball and we’re trying to make everything competitive,” said Smith. “Even in those games, you find out who the best competitors are. It starts out as fun and joking around and by the end, some guys just refuse to lose. Really, we want as many guys that refuse to lose and compete as much as possible around you.”

The Senators are probably better off avoiding the typically touristy venture of a trip to Stanley Park. On a Senators team-bonding cycling venture through the Vancouver landmark many moons ago, defenceman Anton Volchenkov got lost.

But don’t sell the tennis-kick ball thing short.

“We get pretty fired up when we go head to head with that kind of stuff,” said winger Bobby Ryan.

“You get a sense of who is who and how the team is going to gel. We’ve got a lot of new faces coming in. We’ve got some young guys who are not so vocal and you want to put them into positions where they’re loosening up a bit. We’ve got 82 (regular season) games. You want to know everyone.”

The games out here will go a long way in determining the roster for opening day on Oct. 2 — the most intriguing combinations Monday included a trio of Nick Paul, Logan Brown and Drake Batherson, along with the Parker Kelly-Jordan Szwarz-Scott Sabourin threesome — but whatever happens, it will be team with lots of youngsters.

The motivational exercises to bring everyone together on the trip began with a seminar on Sunday, pushing some of the quieter players into different roles.

“We had some good laughs, got some people to sit up a bit,” said alternate captain Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who didn’t play Monday night. “Some of the guys who are not loud or big speakers, we got them to talk. We got to spend some time together. It’s a big challenge. It’s a big season for everyone. It’s a crucial time to get to know each other.” 1153980 Ottawa Senators FORMENTON FINDS HIM BACKDOOR ON THE PP TO TIE THINGS UP 1-1 #SENSROOKS PIC.TWITTER.COM/DLR8E5BAW2

— SENS PROSPECTS (@SENSPROSPECTS) SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 Why the Senators’ prospects are better off in Belleville this season What’s best for the development of the player should always be the overriding consideration. There’s always the feeling among bottom dwelling teams that there’s pressure within an organization to help out By Chris Stevenson Sep 23, 2019 the marketing of the team by keeping a blue-chip kid in the hopes of selling a couple of tickets with a recognizable name.

That brings us to Brown and defenceman Erik Brannstrom. The 2019-20 season, in my mind, represents the first year of the second part of the Ottawa Senators’ rebuild on the road to five years of This is a massive week for both of them with three preseason games left. Unparalleled Success™. I think with a great week, both of them could be around for the start of the NHL season. When it comes to who could be with the team on opening The first part, of course, was the Senators divesting of a couple of the night, it looks like the edge goes to Brown at this point. best players in franchise history — Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone — along with a pretty good one, Matt Duchene. They were sent packing to I like that coach D.J. Smith reunited Brown with Paul and Batherson for acquire some of the assets that hopefully will form the nucleus of the the game against the Canucks on Monday. There’s a comfort level there team for the next decade. based on their success last season. It looks like the Senators are trying to create a situation where the young players would feel comfortable and This season is crucial for two big reasons which are not mutually have a chance to show their best. That’s a good move. exclusive: the Senators should be positioning themselves for a top pick in next summer’s draft (one of the deepest in recent memory, according to If Brown impresses with a big week, who knows, maybe the Senators a couple of scouts) and making sure the prospects they have already are could have a deal in the works to make some room for him. groomed to maximize their potential. Brannstrom needs to crank up his game to go along with the deeper rosters that will be dressed as we draw closer to the start of the season. Which, in an admittedly roundabout way, brings us to the cuts announced There are nine defencemen left in camp (including Christian Wolanin, on the weekend by the Senators. who’s out for four months with a shoulder injury). Defenceman Maxime Lajoie and forward Max Veronneau were among Brannstrom, the big return in the Stone trade, needs to play. If he can’t those assigned to the Belleville Senators before the team left for a pair of be a regular in the top six, there’s no point having him in the NHL. So if exhibition games against the Vancouver Canucks this week. I thought you concede the top four to Thomas Chabot, Nikita Zaitsev, Ron Hainsey both were having decent camps which, combined with their previous (if and Dylan DeMelo and Mark Borowiecki as the fifth guy, Brannstrom limited) NHL experience, might have given them a good chance of being needs to clearly beat out Christian Jaros or Cody Goloubef to stick. around at least for the start of the season. Then there’s the question of whether Brannstrom is better off playing last But, as they like to say, the players make the cuts. Veronneau needs to pair minutes in the NHL (and maybe some power play time) or playing add more of a physical edge to his game and Lajoie still needs some top pair minutes in the AHL? ripening. There’s lots to be decided in the final week of camp. Rather than on a plane to British Columbia, they were on their way to Belleville where the AHL team opened its camp Monday morning. After selling the rebuild hard over the past year, the Senators aren’t yet in that portion of the program where they have to be a playoff contender or For this season, I think Belleville is the best place for the Senators’ young show off their shiny new toys as evidence they are doing it right. players to be. It doesn’t look like there is another Brady Tkachuk at this point who clearly showed as a rookie he was ready to contribute on a That might have been the case in the past with a Curtis Lazar or a Cody nightly basis in the NHL. Ceci.

Under Troy Mann, who is entering his second season as the coach in Do what’s right for the kids. Belleville, I thought the AHL team made a lot of progress last season and were in the fight for a playoff spot until the final weekend. There was a I like general manager Pierre Dorion’s position that there’s no such thing stretch in February where the Senators were one of the hottest teams in as leaving a player too long in Belleville. the league (they won nine out of 10 games). The line of Nick Paul, Logan If they are going to be the nucleus of the five years of Unparalleled Brown and Drake Batherson was the hottest in the league. Success™ then having the kids play together and learn to win in It was a good season when you consider the Senators had about 200 Belleville would seem to be the way to go, no? transactions because of injuries and call-ups. At the NHL level, this season should be about Smith establishing his Accountability was a big part of the standards Mann installed last season. foundation of play and getting the experience of being behind an NHL (I remember a game in early March while the team was fighting for a bench as a head coach for the first time. A benefit of this situation is playoff spot. Mann didn’t like the effort from the Brown line so he there won’t be pressure to win with this roster. Everybody recognizes this benched them for the last six minutes of the second period.) is a transition season.

Talking to a couple of rival AHL coaches, they thought Belleville made Push for the players to compete like hell? For sure. Establish the good progress through the season and had a scheme that made them a Senators identity as a hardworking team that’s tough to play against? tough opponent in the second half of the season. Absolutely.

They should be trying to build on that this season and continue to create But with two first-round picks and three more in the second round next a winning environment to incubate their top prospects. summer, the Senators are going to be better served to finish last again this season despite the coaching staff trying like hell to keep that from Now, that’s easier said than done because they will have their share of happening. rookies to start the season like Veronneau, Alex Formenton, Jonathan Davidsson (though he does have pro experience in Sweden), Josh Norris There are going to be injuries and call-ups earned through meritorious and Mark Kastelic. If Brown sticks with the Senators, they are going to service (think of Batherson last season), but the default position for the need a guy like Norris to quickly step up at centre. That could be asking a Senators this season should be to leave the prospects in Belleville. lot. There are no guarantees, but there’s a good chance under Mann they Interesting to note Norris and Formenton showed some chemistry at the can be part of a pretty good team. rookie showcase … I’m not sure any of the Senators prospects at this point are poised to be  JOSH NORRIS!! significant contributors to the NHL team’s success this season, but they could help Belleville be a winner. The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153981 Philadelphia Flyers Midway through Monday’s first period, the Bruins took a 1-0 first-period lead as 19-year-old Jakub Lauko, from a nearly impossible angle near the goal line, sent a short-side shot over Elliott’s shoulder. Elliott stopped 18 of 22 shots. Travis Konecny and two rookies fighting for jobs shine in Flyers’ preseason OT loss to Bruins Carter Hart is scheduled to play the entire game Thursday against the Rangers. Hart is the leader in the clubhouse for the No. 1 goaltender spot, having turned aside all 25 shots he has faced in two appearances. by Sam Carchidi Breakaways

Chris Wagner burned defenseman Phil Myers (minus-2) and tied the game with 1:46 left. ... The Flyers killed two early penalties, including a Travis Konecny has squashed any concerns that reporting late to training five-on-three for 21 seconds, to make them 14-for-14 on the PK in the camp would hinder his play. preseason. … The Flyers, who outshot the Bruins, 33-22, will practice in The Flyers’ kinetic right winger was in a contract dispute and missed the Voorhees on Tuesday and Wednesday. first four days of camp before signing a six-year, $33 million deal. Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 09.24.2019 Konecny missed the first two exhibition games but was surprisingly sharp in his preseason debut Saturday against the New York Rangers.

On Monday in Boston, he continued to look like his old self, using his speed to create offense and scoring the Flyers’ first goal by converting James van Riemsdyk’s slick pass from behind the net. Sean Couturier’s forechecking put the sequence in motion.

“I was the last guy in the zone, so I wasn’t trying to dive in,” said Konecny, who finished with a team-high five shots. “JVR ended up with the puck and I just went to the scoring area and he put it on my tape.”

Boston defeated the Flyers (1-2-2) in overtime, 4-3, in an exhibition game. Jake DeBrusk scored a power-play goal for the winner after goalie Brian Elliott tried to cover the shot and it trickled through him. The Flyers argued the whistle had blown before the goal was scored, but it was to no avail.

Konecny said he felt better than in his preseason debut.

“I think I have a little bit more legs, but I’m still trying to find ways to not waste my energy by running around on useless plays, and trying to find that middle ground,” he said.

Early in the second period, Konecny set up van Riemsdyk on a two-on- one rush, but Boston goalie Tuukka Rask denied the left winger. On the ensuing rush down the ice, Brad Marchand finished off a two-on-one with David Pastrnak, putting the Bruins ahead, 2-1.

Defenseman Travis Sanheim was caught up ice, and Marchand capitalized.

Eight of the 20 Flyers players who dressed for Monday’s game were not assured of a spot on the opening-night roster.

Of those on-the-bubble eight, wingers Connor Bunnaman, Carsen Twarynski and Nic Aube-Kubel were the most active players. Twarynski, who had a goal and seven shots in Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Rangers, tied Monday’s game at 2-2 with relentless work in front of the net. With 15:18 left in the third, he eventually knocked in a rebound on his second try.

Bunnaman’s power-play goal made it 3-2 with 13:14 remaining as his pass deflected off Boston forward Trent Frederic and into the net.

Andy Andreoff, German Rubtsov, Samuel Morin, and Mark Friedman were the other players in the lineup who are battling for roster spots.

The Flyers are expected to send a handful of players to the AHL’s Phantoms on Tuesday. They play their final NHL exhibition Thursday against the host Rangers, and originally planned to have on-the-bubble forwards Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee in their lineup that night.

But Frost, a center, has a strained groin and will be sidelined five to seven days, general manager Chuck Fletcher said Monday. That might increase Rubtsov’s chances of landing a roster spot. Rubtsov, however, struggled Monday and was 0-for-7 in the faceoff circle.

With injured third-line center Nolan Patrick doubtful for the Oct. 4 season opener against Chicago in Prague, Rubtsov is a candidate to fill his spot, though Bunnaman (four shots) can play center or wing if he makes the team. Center Mikhail Vorobyev is a dark-horse candidate.

Scott Laughton, who entered camp penciled in as the fourth-line center, could move to the third unit while Patrick is sidelined. 1153982 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers’ Morgan Frost injured and probably won’t be on opening-night roster

by Sam Carchidi

Rookie Morgan Frost created a slew of scoring chances in two preseason games and was a strong contender to start the season as the Flyers’ third- or fourth-line center.

That was before general manager Chuck Fletcher announced Monday that Frost would be sidelined five to seven days because of a groin strain.

Frost missed the first two preseason games with what the Flyers called a minor groin injury. He played in the last two and fared well, though he didn’t finish any of his scoring chances.

Frost wasn’t going to play in Monday’s exhibition game in Boston, but the plan was for him to be in the lineup Thursday against the host New York Rangers, the Flyers’ last preseason matchup against an NHL team.

There is an opening at center because Nolan Patrick has an undisclosed upper-body injury and will likely miss the Oct. 4 opener against Chicago in Prague.

With Frost sidelined, center German Rubtsov’s chances of being on the opening-night roster increased, though he didn’t play well in Monday’s 4- 3 overtime loss in Boston. Rubtsov was a first-round selection in the 2016 draft.

Rookies Mikhail “Misha” Vorobyev and Connor Bunnaman are also candidates to play center. Scott Laughton, penciled in as the fourth-line center when camp started, could center the third unit when the season starts.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153983 Philadelphia Flyers — Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) September 24, 2019 • Andy Andreoff is a 28-year-old forward with positional versatility that the

Flyers brought in on a one-way deal July 1. He had a productive 2018-19 Carsen Twarynski does it again, German Rubtsov's faceoffs, more on with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch (26 goals, 29 assists) and was expected Flyers' preseason loss to Bruins to compete for the Flyers' bottom-six jobs. However, he looks behind many of the Flyers' original internal options for those roster vacancies.

Andreoff has some skill and physicality, but he's been inconsistent and By Jordan Hall September 23, 2019 10:20 PM sloppy at times through three preseason games. During the second period Monday, he bobbled the puck as the Flyers were trying to

transition up ice and then carelessly turned it over with a pass to the The Flyers suffered their second overtime loss of the preseason Monday middle, giving the Bruins a scoring chance. Those are not the type of night with a 4-3 decision to the Bruins at TD Garden. plays you want from a bottom-sixer.

The team has lost four of its five exhibition games thus far and has two He looked good early in camp, but games are the truest way to evaluate. remaining. • Philippe Myers was better. He looked composed, made the simple "This is my 16th or 17th full season, I don't remember one of my pass, was tougher and broke up plays. A positive game from the 22-year- preseason records," Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault said with a smile old defenseman. last Saturday. "You do want, though, the good feeling of winning. I'll give • Brian Elliott played the full game and wasn't sharp with 18 saves on 22 you that one." shots. He tried to corral a rebound in overtime and it squeezed through There were plenty of more positives over the past two outings compared his legs for the winning goal. to the first three. A few of the goals were tough ones for the 34-year-old, including David "I expect a set of cuts after the Monday game and then that will probably Pastrnak and Brad Marchand hooking up on a 2-on-1 during the middle leave us with just a couple of decisions after the New York game, before period. going to Europe," Vigneault said Sunday. • Mark Friedman misplayed the Jakub Lauko goal in the first period as Let's get into observations from the fifth game: the Bruins' center played the puck to himself, but the Flyers weren't very good on that sequence overall. Nicolas Aube-Kubel flew by Lauko in the • Think Carsen Twarynski wants that roster spot? neutral zone and Rubtsov was a bit slow getting back.

A game after Vigneault called him the "best player on the ice," Twarynski • The Flyers will practice Tuesday and Wednesday before playing the scored another grind-it-out type of goal. He made a smart dump and Rangers Thursday at Madison Square Garden (7 p.m./no local chase and then wreaked havoc in front of the net to bat home the game- broadcast). tying marker during the third period. His two goals over the past two games came on pure effort and he moves well for his size (6-2/206). The team flies out to Switzerland Friday ahead of its preseason finale next Monday against HC Lausanne (2 p.m./NBCSP+). Twarynski knows exactly what the Flyers want and he's giving it to them. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 Relentless work by @CTwarynski. pic.twitter.com/amX1Nk6WB2

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) September 24, 2019

• Kevin Hayes has been as advertised in three preseason games. The penalty kill prowess, the disruptive size, the puck protection.

He wants to be a one-two punch with Sean Couturier. The potential with the 27-year-old Hayes and 26-year-old Couturier is fun to picture.

• It's fair to wonder if German Rubtsov's faceoff abilities will impact his roster chances. Over his past three games, the 21-year-old center has lost 24 of 30 faceoffs.

Now, of course, performances in the circle are not everything as we saw last season with the Flyers, who led the league in faceoff percentage. That didn't prevent them from yielding the NHL's third-most goals per game at 3.41 and finishing with a minus-37 goal differential.

But it's something to keep an eye on with Rubtsov, who would be asked to kill penalties when faceoffs are crucial. He can play winger, as well.

• The hockey gods rewarded Connor Bunnaman for his effort with a go- ahead goal in the third period.

.@CBunnaman74 gives us the lead with absolutely zero assistance from the defenseman at all. None. pic.twitter.com/CEzjrEr0GW

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) September 24, 2019

The 21-year-old has potential as a future depth forward and Vigneault recently said Bunnaman was one of the Flyers' "best conditioned athletes" in camp.

• Much of Vigneault's system is predicated on pinning the opposition in its own zone. One thing the Flyers can do more of this season is winning possession and creating offense behind the net. It's a great way to change the eyes of quality goalies and the Flyers did that in the first period on Travis Konecny's goal.

Couturier worked hard to put the Flyers in the offensive zone and a talented player like James van Riemsdyk did damage below the goal line. A good goaltender like Tuukka Rask had no chance.

Konnecting the dots. pic.twitter.com/Fv09Jhjt2j 1153984 Philadelphia Flyers Shayne Gostisbehere-Justin Braun Samuel Morin-Mark Friedman

Goalies Flyers at Bruins preseason: Storylines, game time and more Brian Elliott

Carter Hart By Jordan Hall September 23, 2019 4:35 PM Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019

The roster evaluation continues Monday night when the Flyers visit the Bruins for their fifth exhibition game.

The team's roster is at 34 players and needs to be down to the maximum 23 by Oct. 1.

The Flyers play the Rangers Thursday night before flying out to Switzerland Friday for their preseason finale Sept. 30.

Let's get into the essentials for tonight:

• When: 7 p.m. ET

• Where: TD Garden

• Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia+

• A lot of bottom-six candidates to watch.

The Flyers last Saturday liked the line of Carsen Twarynski, Scott Laughton and Chris Stewart, so they're going to take another look at it tonight. Could Twarynski win a job with another standout performance? Head coach Alain Vigneault called the winger the "best player on the ice" in the Flyers' 4-1 win over the Rangers.

The third line features three roster hopefuls: Andy Andreoff, German Rubtsov and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. A big game for Rubtsov down the middle could do wonders for the 21-year-old's chances. He has impressed with his steadiness; providing some offense would be a major plus. Aube-Kubel has also drawn praise from the Flyers' staff, while Andreoff is experienced with a blend of physicality and scoring, but has to show more.

Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost are not playing. Here's the latest on the two prospects.

• Keep an eye on Philippe Myers.

Following a great rookie game, the 22-year-old defenseman has played two preseason games and accumulated six penalty minutes. It looks like he's trying to do a little too much at times, which is understandable given he's 6-foot-5, mobile and shooting to win a job. However, Myers is at his best when he stays within himself — and that's what the Flyers want.

"There's some upside there, but right now I think he might be trying to do a little bit too much," Vigneault said after last Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Bruins. "He needs to be strong in his 1-on-1 battles and keeping his puck decisions at a high percentage. I've seen him play at the Worlds, I've seen him play better than he has tonight. He's going to get another opportunity to play."

• Brian Elliott will start and is expected to play the full game. Carter Hart will get the full game Thursday.

Quotable

I expect a set of cuts after the Monday game and then that will probably leave us with just a couple of decisions after the New York game, before going to Europe.

- Vigneault to reporters on Sunday

Projected lineup

Forwards

James van Riemsdyk-Sean Couturier-Travis Konecny

Connor Bunnaman-Kevin Hayes-Oskar Lindblom

Andy Andreoff-German Rubtsov-Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Carsen Twarynski-Scott Laughton-Chris Stewart

Defensemen

Travis Sanheim-Philippe Myers 1153985 Philadelphia Flyers

Morgan Frost's injury impacts Flyers' 2019-20 roster decisions

By Jordan Hall September 23, 2019 12:24 PM

Morgan Frost played only one preseason game last year before being sent back to his junior club the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

This year, the playmaking prospect was looking forward to a real shot to showcase himself for a bid at the Flyers' roster. Turns out, he played only one more game than he did the previous preseason. Frost has a groin strain and will be out five to seven days. He missed the team's first two preseason games dealing with the groin issue.

"Definitely wanted to play, but at the same time, I want to stay healthy, that's definitely important," Frost said after missing the opening two games. "Make sure I'm 100 percent when I go into a game so I can show my best and prove that I can make the team."

The Flyers play exhibition games Monday and Thursday night before flying out to Switzerland Friday ahead of their final preseason contest next Monday.

With that, Frost's preseason is more than likely over.

The 20-year-old didn't look out of place during training camp and two exhibition games. He was challenged on Day 2 and showed some nice things in game action. He exhibited his skill and improved strength on the puck, along with a good forecheck.

However, he was held off the score sheet. Turning pro this season and with an injury to Nolan Patrick, Frost was vying for a job in the Flyers' bottom six. At this point, though, it would be surprising to see him make the big club's roster. Production would have forced the hand of the front office and coaching staff, but Frost was limited to two games and couldn't generate points in his short audition.

The Flyers have plenty of candidates still pushing for the vacancies at forward, including German Rubtsov, Carsen Twarynski, Joel Farabee, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Andy Andreoff, Chris Stewart and Mikhail Vorobyev.

It's a tough blow for Frost, but his health is most important. It's not like the Flyers don't know what Frost can do. It's very possible, though, Frost and Farabee will open the 2019-20 season with AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley.

Farabee, who is scoreless through three games, shouldn’t be counted out. He might get one more game Thursday at Madison Square Garden. An impressive performance from the 19-year-old winger will make the decision harder. His game can play up and down the lineup, so if he's not scoring, it's not a deal-breaker.

"I don't think we're at that decision-making point," Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault said Saturday. "We still have a few games before we leave for Europe. But those two young men, you can tell there's a tremendous amount of potential and upside, smarts to their game. We have a lot to work with there. It's just a matter of doing what's right for the team and that's what we're going to do here when we make the final decisions."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153986 Philadelphia Flyers

Kevin Hayes: Flyers' Sean Couturier is 'an elite center in this league'

By Jordan Hall September 23, 2019 2:29 PM

Kevin Hayes knows what it's like to have a plate full of responsibilities on the ice.

He's a 6-foot-5 center who changes the game defensively and on the penalty kill. The 27-year-old is poised for his biggest offensive role yet, so versatility will be one of Hayes' most impactful qualities with the Flyers.

But not many have done it like Sean Couturier over the past two seasons.

While the 26-year-old was left off the NHL Network's list of top-20 centers this offseason, a player like Hayes can appreciate a player like Couturier.

Sean's an elite center in this league," Hayes said this month in a sit-down interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia's Taryn Hatcher and Derek Souders. "His stats speak for themselves, but I think he's a little bit underrated. He's one of the toughest guys to play against, he plays on the top line and he plays against the other teams' top line. There are not a lot of centers that do that in this league, there are probably a handful of them.

I do believe he should have been on the top-20 centers, for sure. He's very underrated and maybe because of his style of play, he doesn't get appreciated as much as the flashy centers. I'm not sure if that's a big deal for him.

Ideally, Hayes' similar do-it-all characteristics can help alleviate the burden on Couturier's shoulders. Over the past two seasons, Couturier ranks first on the Flyers in goals (64), game-winning goals (11), faceoffs taken (2,324) and shorthanded faceoffs won (158), and second in points (152), power play goals (15), ice time per game (21:51), shorthanded ice time (340:04) and plus-minus (plus-36).

Along with Claude Giroux, Couturier does a ton for the Flyers.

"I'm excited to be a one-two punch with him," Hayes said.

For more from Hayes on why he was sold on the Flyers, his expectations and the rivalry with the Rangers, watch the "Break the Ice" video above.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153987 Pittsburgh Penguins At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Bjugstad is the Penguins’ tallest player and boasts a reach longer than most in the NHL. Ideally, those long limbs can clog up shooting and passing lanes.

Penguins giving Nick Bjugstad look as penalty killer “I can bring some dynamic with my reach and taking away space a little bit,” he said. “The big thing for me is learning not to try to go at guys, be a little patient and just take the middle of the ice away.

SETH RORABAUGH | Monday, September 23, 2019 1:08 p.m. “That can go one of two ways. You can open too much of a triangle, and these guys in this league are smart enough to put it under you. So there’s

something to be said that you don’t get too long. But I definitely think my It is not so much of a job requirement as it is the job itself. reach can help and benefit me on the (penalty kill).”

To to be a third-line center for the Penguins, killing penalties is a must. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said: “He has all the attributes to be a Especially because the No. 1 and 2 centers haven’t been asked to do it good penalty killer. He’s big, has a long reach, he has good hockey much over the past decade-plus. sense and he can skate. From our standpoint, we believe he has what it takes to be a good penalty killer. We just have to try to help him with Ever since an 18-year-old Jordan Staal forced general manager Ray giving him the reps that he needs and also, just coaching him along the Shero to keep him on the NHL roster in the fall of 2006, the Penguins’ way so that he can continue to get familiar with some of the concepts. No. 3 center has had the task of taking defensive-zone draws against the But so far, we think he’s done a really good job.” opposition’s top center and blocking shots from the defensemen capable of reaching the mid-90s on the speed gun. In two preseason appearances, Bjugstad already has logged 6:43 of short-handed ice time. He’s willing to take on as many minutes the Staal probably did it better than most. coaches will grant him no matter the circumstances.

Brandon Sutter did it better than he got credit for. “You’ve got to take it where you can get it,” Bjugstad said. “I just want to help the team whatever way I can. As long as I’m on the ice contributing, Nick Bonino did it with such abandon, his body often looked like a ripe I’ll do what I need to do. I’m going to continue to do my homework on it cadaver. and work on it during games.” Riley Sheahan did it because the Penguins had no one else who could Note: The Penguins had a scheduled day off on Monday and will resume do it. training camp in Cranberry on Tuesday. Even Derick Brassard did it a little bit (but not that well). Tribune Review LOADED: 09.24.2019 Now, Nick Bjugstad will be expected to do it, too.

During Saturday’s 3-1 preseason loss at Columbus, the Penguins’ No. 3 center logged 1 minute, 55 seconds of short-handed ice time. While hardly an ample total, it represented a considerable jump over the 1:32 of short-handed time he experienced in 64 games split between the Penguins and Florida Panthers last season.

“I’ve done it growing up and everything, but the last few years, (with) Florida, I didn’t (penalty kill),” said Bjugstad, who joined the Penguins on Feb. 1 via trade with the Panthers. “It would have been nice to because (unless) you’re playing second power-play unit or you’re not playing (penalty kill), you’re sitting on that bench. You’re trying to find ways to keep rhythm in the game.”

Throughout his NHL existence, Bjugstad has been a rare participant on the penalty kill.

With the retirement of Matt Cullen, now a development coach with the team, the Penguins need someone to account for the Cullen’s 158 minutes of short-handed ice time (most among the team’s forwards) and a team-leading 150 short-handed faceoffs.

While Sidney Crosby was integrated more onto the penalty kill last season, his short-handed appearances are usually reserved for the late stages of a penalty in hopes of creating offense. The bulk of the penalty killing chores for the team’s centers will be handled by Bjugstad, Jared McCann and Teddy Blueger.

McCann and Blueger have far more extensive experience in that area than Bjugstad.

“Still learning,” said Bjugstad, 27. “The system is part of it. Trying to dial those in. The coaches have done a really good job of talking to us. Matt Cullen has been quite a bit of help so far. No (penalty killing) for me last year, obviously coming to a new team. Hopefully, I can excel in that role and help the team out in that area.”

Considering Crosby and Evgeni Malkin command so much playing time at even strength and on the power play, the penalty kill serves as an avenue for the No. 3 center to get on the ice more often.

“It keeps you into the game,” said Bjugstad. “If there’s a ton of penalties and you’re sitting on the bench, you’re getting cold. You want to be out there trying to help your team whatever way it is. If it’s penalty killing, I’m all for it. It seemed to go pretty well (Saturday). An emphasis of winning the faceoff right away and getting it out right away is a big thing for me. Continuing to work on those faceoffs is huge, too.” 1153988 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins reduce their training camp roster to 27 players

SETH RORABAUGH | Monday, September 23, 2019 12:30 p.m.

The Penguins made their second round of cuts from training on Monday.

The following players were assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League:

Forwards: Andrew Agozzino, Justin Almeida, Anthony Angello, Kasper Bjorkqvist, Joseph Blandisi, Joseph Cramarossa, Thomas Di Pauli, Ryan Haggerty, Sam Lafferty, Jake Lucchini, Sam Miletic, Oula Palve.

Defensemen: Niclas Almari, Kevin Czuczman, Pierre-Olivier Joseph, David Warsofsky.

Goaltender: Emil Larmi.

Agozzino, Blandisi, Cramarossa, Czuczman, Di Pauli, Haggerty and Warsofsky must clear waivers by noon on Tuesday before reporting to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Forwards Sam Poulin (Sherbrooke of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) and Nathan Legare (Baie-Comeau, QMJHL) were returned to their junior teams. Poulin and Legare were the team’s first- and third- round selections in this year’s draft, respectively.

With today’s cuts, the team’s roster stands at 27 players. NHL rosters may not exceed 23 active players once the regular season begins.

Tribune Review LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153989 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins send draft picks Nathan Legare, Sam Poulin back to junior teams

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

The Penguins on Monday reduced their training camp roster to 27 players.

Draft picks Nathan Legare and Sam Poulin, who each recently signed entry-level deals, were returned to their respective junior teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Seventeen players were assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. They are: forwards Andrew Agozzino, Justin Almeida, Anthony Angello, Kasper Bjorkqvist, Joseph Blandisi, Joseph Cramarossa, Thomas Di Pauli, Ryan Haggerty, Sam Lafferty, Jake Lucchini, Sam Miletic and Oula Palve; defensemen Niclas Almari, Kevin Czuczman, Pierre-Olivier Joseph and David Warsofsky; and goaltender Emil Larmi.

Post Gazette LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153990 Pittsburgh Penguins “The more you get away from that,” he said, “the less effective you are.” Rust at one point went 21 consecutive games without a goal before

recording a hat trick in a Dec. 12 loss in Chicago and finally exhaling. The Penguins' Bryan Rust is ready for the 'ride' — no matter the Two games later, he scored another goal. He did it again the next game. passengers Plus the one after that.

Over a torrid 33-game stretch that included a promotion to the Sidney Crosby line, Rust scored 16 goals. His previous career-high for an entire MATT VENSEL season was 15.

Sullivan shrugged before Sunday’s preseason game at Detroit when asked what Rust was doing then that maybe he hadn’t done the first two The day after newcomer Brandon Tanev in his Pittsburgh preseason months. debut was everything the Penguins hope he will be when the games actually matter, Mike Sullivan went on and on and on Friday about what “It’s a good question,” he said. “The puck went in the net for him, you he likes about Tanev. know?”

He has legs and knows how to use them. He goes to the net, disrupts Continuing, Sullivan said Rust is at his best when he skates pedal to the breakouts, sacrifices his body and forces turnovers all over the ice. metal and plays with tenacity, regardless of who has the puck. And when Sullivan believes those qualities will help the team whether Tanev is on Rust does get it in dangerous areas, Sullivan wants him to keep it simple the first line or the fourth. and shoot.

The coach paused, then added, “He’s similar to Rusty in that regard.” “That’s what we preach to him regardless of whether he’s scoring or not scoring,” he said. “You can’t always control whether the puck goes in the Yes, Bryan Rust is still here. The subject of trade speculation after the net. All you can do is control the process — the commitment level, day in signing of Tanev put the Penguins up against the salary cap ceiling, Rust and day out.” had to plug one finger in each ear as he watched his then-fiancée walk down the aisle. •Rust was on pace to pass the 20-goal mark when he injured his ankle Feb. 26. He returned a month later but was clearly slowed the rest of the Summertime came and went without a deal going down. And Rust way. He finished with 18 goals, 35 points and a plus-10 rating — stats returned to Pittsburgh, eager to show he is the two-way winger who very similar to 2017-18. made an impact nearly every night from December through February, not the tentative one who scored once in the first 29 games while forgetting He opened camp on the fourth line. Friday, Rust got bumped up to play to do some of the little stuff. on Malkin’s right wing in practice. During Sunday’s loss in Detroit, he flipped over to the left to accommodate young Nathan Legare, his “I’m ready for the same ride that every season’s been — up and down linemate for one night. the lineup,” the 27-year-old said Friday. “There’s going to be good times. There’s going to be bad times. But I’m excited to go. The offseason was The line for the Bryan Rust lineup roller-coaster forms to your left. too long. I think everybody came here a little bit anxious and ready to kind of get things going.” In the second period Sunday, Rust earned an assist by hustling to pick off a pass behind the Red Wings net, cutting in front and making a simple It’s hard to imagine that many Penguins felt more anxiety than Rust. backhand pass to Jared McCann, who fired a power-play goal past Jonathan Bernier. Wanting your wedding to go off without a hitch is one thing. It’s another when you have spent nine years with one organization and hoisted a Whether Rust is skating with Crosby and Jake Guentzel or relegated to heavy trophy a couple of times, making lasting relationships with many one of the bottom two lines, Sullivan wants to see more of that Rust this along the way, and then you hear rumblings that you may get shipped season. out for financial reasons. “If he moves up [into the top six], the reason he’s going there is because Two hours after signing Tanev on July 1, general manager Jim of the dimension that he brings,” Sullivan said. “He doesn’t have to Rutherford said the Penguins would “likely” have to trade a veteran with a change how he plays just because he’s playing in a top-six role versus a seven-figure cap hit to fit Tanev and defenseman Marcus Pettersson bottom-six role. under the cap. Rust, with a $3.5 million salary and a similar game to Tanev, seemed to be a candidate. “We’re asking him to do the very same things. And that’s tenacity on the puck, utilizing his speed and being conscientious defensively. And when “It was what it was. There’s not much to write about hockey in the plays are there to be made offensively, make the plays. Rusty’s done summertime,” he said. “So there’s got to be something to write about. a really good job at understanding what he brings to the table in helping How extensive it was or how true it was or how likely it was, [I don’t this team win.” know]. I just tried to ignore it.” Post Gazette LOADED: 09.24.2019 Rust said the Penguins at no point reached out to reassure him that he would be sticking around, though he believes that “if anything serious was coming about, I probably would have heard about it.” He leaned on his agent, family and close friends for support and tried to focus on what he could control.

He married Kelsey Burton on July 13. The skies in Michigan were blue. The venue was perfect. And, according to teammates, the cake was to die for.

“The wedding was awesome. It went perfectly,” he said. “A lot of the boys from the past teams were there, so it definitely made for a really good time.”

Last summer, the Penguins were the ones committing long-term to Rust. They signed the former third-round pick to a four-year, $14 million deal after he made clutch contributions during their consecutive Stanley Cup seasons.

Rust has admitted he put too much pressure on himself, particularly to put more pucks into the net, early last season. He was hesitant, his mind moving rapidly during October and November when his skates should have been. 1153991 Pittsburgh Penguins Since joining the Penguins at the trade deadline in 2016, Schultz has matured into a second-paring staple on defense.

“Off the ice, we’re a pretty close group. We’re pretty close friends; we’d What did Penguins players’ say about GM Jim Rutherford calling out do anything for each other. Maybe it just didn’t click for that group on the team chemistry, hunger last season? ice for whatever reason. But it happens. And hopefully it’ll be better this year.

“I think we were hungry last year. It was just inconsistent for us. Some By Rob Rossi Sep 23, 2019 games we had it. Some games we didn’t.

“Guys wanted to win, I know that. We didn’t want to be done early. The way it happened, it felt like we didn’t even make the playoffs. I think it’s Love hurts. Tough love bruises. just made us hungrier for this year.” General manager Jim Rutherford brought the verbal pain a few days after Jared McCann the Penguins were swept in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs last spring. Addressing the media — and essentially using it to After being acquired from the Panthers last season, McCann (a natural deliver a message to players (if not fans) — Rutherford called into center) played his way onto the Penguins’ top line as a winger. question the Penguins’ “chemistry” and “hunger.” “It makes you think about the way you play and if you really left He offered the assessment without being asked. His delivery was matter- everything out there. I think we all took that to heart, and this year’s going of-fact, without a hint of emotion. Names were not named. Specifics were to be a lot different. not given. Aside from bringing up players who had been with the Penguins for both (or either of) the 2016 and 2017 Cup wins, “Obviously, coming from a different team, it’s different — just trying to Rutherford’s critique was kept general, open-ended. play with different guys all the time. I’m still trying to just take it one step at a time. I know wing is a different position for me. I’m going to figure it It was almost like he wanted each of his players to think he could have out quickly and try to make an impact out there.” been talking about them. Nick Bjugstad Did he? Rutherford won’t say. Also part of that deal with the Panthers, Bjugstad (previously a winger) Still, he said something similar about the Penguins’ primary problems was called on by the coaches to center the third line. having to do with “chemistry” and “hunger” throughout the offseason. Returning players would need to have spent the summer in outer space “It’s not that guys weren’t getting along. At the end, it just was not clicking to avoid the message their boss was transmitting. And if they missed it, a for whatever reason. quick glance around the dressing room at the start of training camp “From what I came into, I noticed leadership that from top to bottom was would have made the point. unbelievable. Everyone worked hard. I guess I can’t really comment too Phil Kessel, a star scorer: gone. Swapped for Alex Galchenyuk. much, not being here at the beginning and seeing how everything changed last season and what didn’t change. I guess I came in with my Olli Maatta, a respected defenseman: gone. Traded for Dominik Kahun. eyes open, watching some of these older guys who had won Stanley Cups. A lot of guys in that room had done it, so obviously they were Evgeni Malkin had returned from his worst season looking as strong and doing stuff right. sharp as steel culled in his native Magnitogorsk. Seven players were on contracts set to expire, including Galchenyuk and defenseman Justin “But, like I said, in the playoffs, it wasn’t clicking for us. I don’t know why. Schultz. Brandon Tanev, a winger known more for his feistiness than It’s tough to explain chemistry. Sometimes it just happens. Sometimes it his offensive prowess, was a free-agent signee who had twice as many doesn’t. years on his contract as did Malkin or defenseman Kris Letang — and as many as captain Sidney Crosby. “As a new guy, you want to just be at your best, play whatever role you’re given. Like I said, coming in like I did, I saw guys who were all very good Oh, and coach Mike Sullivan possessed the security of a four-year people and very hard workers. So that’s the standpoint I’m coming from.” extension. Matt Murray Rutherford had talked the talk then walked the walk. Every offseason move had been made with chemistry and restored hunger in mind. (Read A two-time Cup champion, Murray returned to form in the second half of Dom Luszczyszyn’s 2019-20 Penguins preview.) last season after dealing with health and family issues since the end of the Penguins’ recent title runs. We asked 10 returning Penguins the same question: What did you think about your GM repeatedly saying chemistry and hunger were significant “I think we’re always trying to come together as a group. I’ll leave it at problems last season? that.

Stated in their own words, these were their answers: “That’s what we try to do each and every year: come together as a group. I think we’ve done a good job of that in the past, and we’re always trying Patrick Hornqvist to do better.”

A gritty, unselfish winger, Hornqvist was an emotional catalyst on the Bryan Rust 2016 and 2017 Cup clubs. A winger who has floated up and down the lineup dating to the 2016 Cup “Obviously, you want to work harder in the summer and show run, Rust’s penchant for Game 7 heroics wasn’t a factor when the (management) they’re wrong. Penguins were swept by the Islanders.

“I know we have the hunger in here. I know we have the type of players “I think you take it personally. It’s kind of a challenge: come back here we need to win. At the same time, we needed a change. I’m not looking having worked hard over the summer. Come back wanting to win more, back. I’m excited to look forward (because) there are so many good guys pay attention to the details more, play harder, do more of the little things that are here. that gave us success in the past.

“I think this league is so good these days, it doesn’t matter who’s on your “I do think guys took ownership of their games. Guys came back in real roster. It does come down to chemistry and hunger, to be honest. That’s good shape. I think it’s been a fun training camp and will be a real good why St. Louis won last year. season.

“(Chemistry) is all over. It’s finding a role. It’s playing with the same “It is tough (to recognize issues) during the season. The whole chemistry linemates for a longer time. And (you have to) trust each other — that’s thing — I’m not sure about that. But the stuff about hunger — definitely. the biggest thing.” You can definitely tell it slipped, just kind of going over it in my head a bit over the summer. It is really hard to put your finger on it when you’re in Justin Schultz the process. “But I think the way last season ended kind of put an exclamation point on it and made everybody realize.”

Brian Dumoulin

A steady defenseman, Dumoulin has formed a top-paring partnership with Kris Letang to anchor the Penguins’ back end.

“Not having the success you think you should, obviously you have to address it and see where things went wrong. From (management’s) point of view, that’s where they thought it went wrong — in the locker room.

“You can feel, like, something just being different from being around your teammates and stuff. I mean, a little bit you have to agree with them. I don’t think last year we were as much of a team as we were the last three years. Obviously, we wanted to be. We tried to play as a team as much.

“But I think there was a lot of complaining, a lot of feeling sorry for ourselves, a lot of finding excuses, a lot of guys just looking for the next guy to do it. We’ve realized that. It takes a full year of agony to learn from it. If we’re going to have fun, we’ve got to do it together and learn from those lessons from last year.

“I mean, before that, we didn’t have it. At least when I was here. At least now we can see with our eyes wide open that what we did last year isn’t the recipe.”

Jake Guentzel

His 2017 postseason scoring surge was no fluke; Guentzel became only the second winger of the Sidney Crosby/Evgeni Malkin era to score 40 goals for the Penguins last season.

“It kind of stings a little bit. We all want to win. We’re all hungry to win. I think that just got us all more motivated for summer workouts.

“And coming back this year, it’s been a hard camp. You can just tell by (watching) everyone. There’s been a good pace.”

Jack Johnson

A veteran who joined the Penguins as a free agent prior to last season, Johnson bore the brunt of fan criticism even though injuries to other defensemen often forced him into a top-four role that was never part of management’s plan.

“I think it’s just a good reminder of how hard it is to win in this league. Just like any other major professional sport, there’s so much parity. It’s not easy and the only way to have any success is to be hungry, be driven and be willing to do whatever it takes.

“Chemistry is not just being buddies off the ice. To me, it’s having the responsibility to the guy next to me in the room before a game and (him) knowing I’m going to do my part, that I’ve prepared, that I’m picking up my slack of the rope, so to speak. Just having trust in the guy next to me, I think that’s a huge part of team chemistry, just having no doubt in your mind that everyone in the room has done the same thing and pushed just as hard as you have.

“If you can get everyone in the group in the room and believing, it’s a powerful thing.”

Sidney Crosby

A three-time Cup captain, Crosby’s finest two-way season also featured his return to the land of 100-point scorers.

“Usually, those are things you evaluate — especially when you lose. I think you always evaluate yourself based on results. And we got swept; we didn’t do a number of things right.

“I don’t know if (a lack of chemistry and hunger) was the case. We still had 100 points. That’s not easy, you know, considering we had a lot of injuries. I think we should be happy about that but not satisfied with the way we finished in the playoffs.

“(Chemistry) is a pretty general term. I think it can mean (finding) your team’s identity, guys specifically finding roles. We had new guys coming in, and I think it takes time to build all that. It doesn’t happen overnight. And we didn’t do a good enough job of finding that identity as a group.

“There could be any number of reasons for that. As a group, that’s what you look at.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153992 San Jose Sharks point on the Sharks’ second power play unit, although rookie forward Danil Yurtaykin was also given a couple reps in Heed’s spot.

Monday, Heed was paired with Jacob Middleton as the Sharks reduced Sharks waiting for veteran defenseman to take charge their camp roster by a handful of players. Still, at worst, it seems, Heed will start the season as the Sharks’ seventh defenseman.

How much Heed plays this season, though, is a question mark. By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: September 23, 2019 at 11:14 am | UPDATED: September 23, 2019 at 2:57 PM “I think last year, he really established himself for the longest period since I’ve been here of making a case that he’s a full time NHL guy, an every night guy,” DeBoer said. “The hope is that this year he takes that and finds another level.” SAN JOSE — This would seem like the ideal season for defenseman Tim Heed to take a step forward and become the type of player that can San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 09.24.2019 dress for a large majority of the Sharks’ regular season games.

After all, the Sharks traded Justin Braun to the Philadelphia Flyers in June, creating a chance for a right shot defenseman to establish himself on the third pair. It made sense that Heed, after he signed a one-year contract in July to return for his fourth season in the Sharks organization, would be the one to fill that void.

But halfway through Sharks training camp, things aren’t that clear cut. Coach Pete DeBoer said prior to Saturday’s preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights that he wanted to see a few more defensemen make a bigger impression in camp, including the 28-year-old Heed.

“When Heed’s playing his best, he’s assertive defensively and he’s assertive offensively,” DeBoer said Sunday. “Just looking for a little bit more of that at both ends.”

Heed, 28, struggled in the Sharks’ preseason opener against the Anaheim Ducks last Tuesday, but bounced back the following night against the Calgary Flames, playing 21 minutes and having a plus-minus rating of +2.

“Everything’s been picking up every day, both for me and the team,” Heed said. “I feel like I’m getting close to where I wanted to be. But at the same time, it’s still a work in progress. I think it’ll be like that the whole year.

‘I want to keep improving every day, and I think I’m going the right way.”

Meanwhile. Dalton Prout, himself a veteran of 262 NHL games and also a right-shot defenseman, has impressed the Sharks’ coaching staff so far. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he’s also four inches taller and 35 pounds heavier than the more offensively talented Heed.

Asked if he could see a platoon situation this season where either Heed or Prout dress for a game depending on what is needed against a particular opponent, DeBoer said, “it could be. Or one of them could just take the every night job. Dalton Prout’s had a good camp. I think he’s a better player that people give him credit for.

“He gets around the ice well, he’s got a physical presence and he’s done a good job of being a moving the puck, first-pass guy. He’s been good. Everybody here is on notice, fighting for a position.”

Heed had 13 points in 37 games last season, both NHL career-bests. The Sharks carried eight defensemen out of camp last year, and the bulk of Heed’s playing time came in the second half of the season when Erik Karlsson was out with a groin injury.

Heed, who signed a one-year deal July 1 as an unrestricted free agent to remain with the Sharks, said his objectives for this training camp were simple — win a spot on the roster and earn more playing time.

“I didn’t want to have a another year where I didn’t play that much,” Heed said. “I’m not getting any younger. This is my fourth year now. Been with the Barracuda and now I’ve been up most of the time, so I want to take a step every year.”

Heed said he received some interest from other teams last summer as he approached unrestricted free agency status. But he and his wife love the area and just had their second child. Heed wanted to make it work here rather than move to another city.

“When they traded Brauner, I thought this was the best to stay here, and that’s what I wanted from the beginning,” Heed said. “So it all worked out and it’s just up to me to prove that I deserve to be in the lineup.”

Heed’s place on the NHL roster isn’t in doubt at the moment. In Sunday’s practice at SAP Center before a few hundred fans, Heed was on the 1153993 San Jose Sharks

Sharks send trio of high-scoring forward prospects to Barracuda camp

By Marcus White September 23, 2019

Sharks prospects Joachim Blichfeld, Ivan Chekhovich and Sasha Chmelevski will start the season in San Jose. They just won't do it in the NHL.

The trio of promising forwards were among the 25 players named to the AHL Barracuda's training-camp roster Monday, ahead of all three prospects' first full professional seasons.

#SJBarracuda announce 2019 training camp roster, which consists of three goaltenders, six defensemen and 16 forwards.

 | https://t.co/TvKLnaf3a7 pic.twitter.com/wrsTMePTMP

— San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) September 23, 2019

All but four of the Barracuda players were in camp with the Sharks, and the team cut two more players to reduce their training-camp roster to 32. Blichfeld, Chekhovich and Chmelevski were among a group of forwards competing for roster spots following the Sharks' litany of offseason departures, but waivers-exempt forwards with AHL experience Dylan Gambrell, Antti Suomela and Alexander True remained with the Sharks on Monday, as did German rookie Lean Bergmann and former Kings winger Jonny Brodzinski.

Blichfeld scored scored 114 points with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks last season, while Chmelevski (75 points with the OHL's Ottawa 67s) and Chekhovich (105 points with the QMJHL's Baie-Comeau Drakkar) also enjoyed successful final seasons in Canadian major junior. Chmelevski starred for the United States at the IIHF World Junior Championships, winning a silver medal and tying for second on the team with seven points at the tournament. They each played in one of the Sharks' preseason games, with Blichfeld (goal) and Chekhovich (goal, assist) getting on the score sheet.

None of Blichfeld, Chekhovich and Chmelevski are older than 21, and each likely will be relied upon to play big roles in the AHL. That doesn't necessarily mean you won't see them make their NHL debuts this season.

"I think the good thing is that we’ve seen over the years that regardless of where you start, we need bodies, we need depth," Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said last week (H/T The Athletic). "Guys are going to get opportunities throughout the season regardless of where they end up starting.”

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Sharks raise over $42K for Gilroy Foundation with #GILROYSTRONG fundraisers

By NBC Sports Bay Area staff September 23, 2019 2:52 PM

The Sharks did their best to lift up a community in need.

Following the tragic shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival on July 28 that left four people dead and 12 more injured, the Sharks, led by new team captain Logan Couture, raised more than $42,000 at the Sept. 9 #GILROYSTRONG fundraiser, the team announced Monday in a press release.

Couture, Erik Karlsson, Tomas Hertl, Brenden Dillon, Kevin Labanc, as well as former players Jonathan Cheechoo and Jamie Baker and play- by-play announcer Dan Rusanowsky attended two events Sept. 9 in downtown Gilroy to help raise money to support those affected by the tragedy.

The Sharks Foundation also will hold a "Heroes Appreciation Night" on Jan. 27 when the Sharks play the Anaheim Ducks at SAP Center. Prior to the game, the Sharks will honor first responders and acknowledge some of them in an on-ice ceremony. The proceeds from that night's 50/50 raffle and an in-game auction will go to the Gilroy Foundation to help with future Gilroy Garlic Festivals and other long-term projects.

Well done, Sharks.

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Sharks' Mario Ferraro absorbing advice while competing for NHL roster

By Chelena Goldman September 23, 2019 2:53 PM

SAN JOSE -- Mario Ferraro hasn't earned himself a spot on the Sharks' opening night roster just yet. With an impressive preseason campaign wrapping up this week, however, it's looking more and more likely that the 21-year-old will skate with the big club when the regular season opens up on October 2.

But Ferraro isn't getting ahead of himself.

Despite clearly being on the shortlist of young players who could make the Sharks' roster out of camp, he's just trying to build up his game and learn from all of the established players around him.

"I feel like I'm in a good spot, but I try not to focus on that kind of stuff," Ferraro said Saturday after San Jose's tune-up contest against the Vegas Golden Knights. "I try to improve as much as I can to hopefully one day be a Shark, and I take in all the advice that I can from people around me."

The competition has been fierce in this year's camp with San Jose having roster spots that need to be filled, and the blue line has been no exception, particularly with Radim Simek questionable to return for the start of the season.

According to Ferraro, that heightened competition is fuel to work harder.

"This is the NHL level so you're going to get some pretty good competition, especially on the back end in San Jose," Ferraro said. "But that competition pushes me and pushes everyone else in this room to get better and better. And that's something that you don't get everywhere. To be surrounded by such great players who are all competing for the same goal, it really pushes me and makes me a better player."

One player who has been pushing Ferraro that extra mile has been Dalton Prout -- a new face in San Jose's dressing room, but also an eight-year veteran. The two have been paired up on San Jose's blue line as of late, and having a teammate like Prout to look up to both on the ice and off has been a plus for an NHL hopeful like Ferraro, who brings a lot of energy to the game.

"We actually grabbed a bite to eat the other night just before the game," Ferraro recalled with a smile. "I'm thankful to be able to play with a guy like that. He's such a great leader and a really good person. It's good to learn from a guy like that who has experience and he definitely does a good job of covering my back out there for sure."

Ferraro got an extended look in Saturday's preseason game, leading all Sharks' skaters with 22:17 minutes of ice time. He also contributed three of the 31 hits San Jose laid on Vegas that evening -- a testament to Ferraro gearing up for heightened physicality at the NHL level.

"I think he's getting used to the NHL pace and the size of the guys," Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer said, going on to compliment Ferraro's performance throughout training camp. "His competitiveness has always been off the charts. He's ready to play every night and he brings a lot of good energy."

Whether that energy is something Ferraro gets to put on the NHL ice at the start of the season still hasn't been determined yet. But his drive to continue building on his game and learn from the players around him speaks well for his future.

"I'm always looking to get stronger and stronger," Ferraro said. "There's always room to improve."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153996 San Jose Sharks

Kendall Coyne Schofield steals show at SAP Center again vs. Sharks alumni

By NBC Sports Bay Area staff September 23, 2019 12:46 PM

Kendall Coyne Schofield returned to the site of her historic lap from NHL All-Star Weekend on Sunday, skating with players from the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) in a game against a team of Sharks alumni.

THANK YOU @SanJoseSharks and @SharksAlumni for an incredible weekend in San Jose. You sought out the mission of the @PWHPA and provided us with this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the game together. Thank you. 麗 #TealTogether #ForTheGame pic.twitter.com/ymN0vpid69

— Kendall Coyne Schofield (@KendallCoyne) September 23, 2019

Coyne Schofield, who will join San Jose's broadcast team this season, scored a goal and an assist in the PWHPA's 3-2 win in Sunday night's "Legends Game." The 2018 Olympic gold medalist dished to Gigi Marvin for the game's first goal in the first period, and she then picked a corner on her second-period goal, giving the PWHPA squad a 2-0 lead at the time.

This goal by @PWHPA's Gigi Marvin is a beaut  #SJSharksFest pic.twitter.com/J2xwS5wrcJ

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) September 23, 2019

Our newest broadcaster @KendallCoyne gets on the board for the @PWHPA!#SJSharksFest pic.twitter.com/MSeRXWPSER

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) September 23, 2019

The PWHPA hung on to win, but Coyne Schofield made her switch to the Sharks "official" after the game. Fellow broadcasters Bret Hedican and Jamie Baker helped Coyne Schofield don a teal sweater.

Making it jersey official.  @BretHedican and @Bakes_Jamie13 welcomed @KendallCoyne to Team Teal after the Legends Game! pic.twitter.com/ONYfIwtaq5

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) September 23, 2019

SAP Center is starting to give Coyne Schofield a real home-ice advantage. Back in January, Coyne Schofield became the first woman to compete in an NHL All-Star Weekend event when she filled in for Nathan MacKinnon in the "Fastest Skater" competition.

"I've always felt a part of the San Jose family since I left that moment" Coyne Schofield told NBC Sports California earlier this month, "and everyone's been so supportive and the outreach from the San Jose community just to me as a hockey player has been unbelievable."

Coyne Schofield, as well as her 15 PWHPA peers who skated in the "Legends Game" and others who played in events around North America last weekend, are not playing in the NWHL this season in an effort to push for the creation of a women's hockey league that the organization considers to be a "realistic equivalent" to the NHL.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153997 San Jose Sharks The probables Melker Karlsson, Brodzinski, Radil, Dalton Prout

All four of these guys would need to clear waivers before any Assessing the Sharks’ roster after the first significant cuts of training reassignment, so that helps all of their respective causes. Yes, camp Brodzinski was skating on what might be considered the fifth line for Monday’s practice, but I’m not reading too much into that. Perhaps they just want a closer look at someone else on the wing. By Kevin Kurz Sep 23, 2019 As for Radil, DeBoer touched on his situation Monday: “I know what we get out of Rads. I thought he did a good job last year. He’s an NHL player and he can help us.” To me, that sounds like he’s on the roster. The message from coach Pete DeBoer on Monday after the Sharks made their first significant roster cuts of the preseason: no two teams are Prout is also a guy that DeBoer pointed to on Saturday before the alike. preseason game with Vegas as someone who “has had a really good camp. I like what he’s done.” Give Prout the edge in starting on the right Last season’s version of the Sharks was often a freewheeling adventure side on that third defensive pair. in scoring chances on both sides. More often than not, the Sharks prevailed, finishing tied for second in the league in goals scored while As for Melker Karlsson, DeBoer has always liked him, and it makes getting just enough saves from their goaltenders, as they advanced to sense to keep him around for depth. the Western Conference final. Our roster now stands at 18 players, including the goaltenders. This is But the Sharks don’t have as much firepower, at least up front, as they where it gets interesting. did last season (in case you haven’t heard, forwards Joe Pavelski, Gus Nyquist and Joonas Donskoi have all departed). It might be impossible to Guys who have separated themselves from the pack replicate the 2018-19 offensive attack, as they will look to their group of Bergmann, Mario Ferraro young, untested centers and wingers to help make up for what they lost. Bergmann, who turns 21 on Oct. 4, might have made the team on Monday’s line combinations after the cuts reflect those challenges, as the Saturday with his performance against the Golden Knights in which he only trio consisting of three NHL-proven players was Logan Couture was noticeable on nearly every shift. centering Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc. “Plays with energy, plays the right way,” Couture said about Bergmann. Here are Monday’s lines, in full: “He’s still learning the systems, but to me he looked like a guy that can Timo Meier — Logan Couture — Kevin Labanc play at the NHL level.”

Evander Kane — Tomas Hertl — Lukas Radil DeBoer even mentioned Bergmann’s name on Monday when replying to a question about Gambrell. Danil Yurtaykin — Joe Thornton — Dylan Gambrell “A lot of these (preseason) games you’re playing against American Barclay Goodrow — Antti Suomela — Melker Karlsson League guys or mixed lineups, so you’re looking for guys to have an impact on the game. I think Bergmann has done that here in the camp so Lean Bergmann — Alex True — Jonny Brodzinski far,” DeBoer said. (Left wing Marcus Sorensen is dealing with a hip flexor injury that isn’t What also might help Bergmann’s cause is that he hits, and he’s not believed to be serious.) afraid to get his nose dirty and drop the gloves when necessary. That DeBoer was asked if he’s confident that the current group of forwards could make him an option for the fourth line. remaining in camp can make up the offense that was lost in the “I’ve been described as a power forward (who gets) in the dirty areas,” offseason. Bergmann said on Saturday night. “Play tough on the puck and shoot “That’s kind of wait to be seen, right? You hope so,” he said. “If it’s not, when you have the chance.” we’re going to have to find different ways to win — we’ll have to be better On defense, the Simek injury could open the door for Ferraro to make his defensively or have other guys step up. NHL debut. He’s following up his strong performance in the rookie “That’s the thing, no two teams are the same. It’s probably not realistic tournament in Irvine earlier this month with an equally strong training that we’re going to lead the league or be in the top two in goals — for this camp. year. So I think we’ve got to be better in other areas.” “There’s no hesitation in his game,” DeBoer said about Ferraro before Fair enough, but the Sharks are still going to need production from up Saturday’s game. “He’s very direct, he’s very firm. He gets places and down the lineup. Although you never want to read too much into line quickly, with authority. He’s got a lot of the Simek-type characteristics combinations at this stage, the fact is that Radil, who has seven goals that made him so valuable for us last year.” and 11 points in 36 career NHL games, was slotted in as a top-six winger Ferraro and Prout were paired together on Monday. Could that be an on Monday. The guy who was in that spot last week, Gambrell, has one opening night lineup hint? Maybe. point (a goal) in 13 career NHL games. If Bergmann and Ferraro both make the team, that leaves us at 20 The defense could also have one or two new names come Oct. 2, when healthy bodies for a roster that will likely be either 21 or 22 players. the Sharks open up in Las Vegas against the Golden Knights. Radim Simek, although he’s skating, is still not practicing with the team, so he Still have to do more should probably be considered doubtful for that first game. Gambrell, Suomela, Alex True, Yurtaykin, Tim Heed, Jacob Middleton In total, there are 32 players who remain in camp. Let’s take a closer look at how the opening night roster is shaping up. Let’s start on defense with this group. Heed and Middleton were both mentioned by DeBoer on Saturday afternoon as guys who can “do a little The locks bit more.” Heed, in particular, had a rough game against the Ducks in the preseason opener, and it seems like he’s been leap-frogged by Prout on Forwards: Couture, Goodrow, Hertl, Kane, Labanc, Meier, Sorensen, the depth chart. Heed will probably make the team, but if he continues to Thornton struggle over the final week he could be a candidate for the waiver wire, Defense: Brent Burns, Brenden Dillon, Erik Karlsson, Marc-Edouard too. Vlasic Gambrell has been given every opportunity to thrive in camp, beginning Goalies: Martin Jones, Aaron Dell on a line with Hertl and skating with Thornton on Monday. He was scoreless with no shots and a minus-4 rating in Calgary last Wednesday, That gets our roster to 14 players (Simek makes 15, if he begins on but had three shots and five shot-attempts against Vegas on Saturday. injured reserve). Let’s move on. “I think he’s had some good moments,” DeBoer said. “Want a little more consistency, a little more impact on the games, especially in the exhibition games.”

Gambrell said: “I’ve done pretty well so far, but I think there’s room for improvement. I’m going to look to do that these next few games.”

Unlike Gambrell, a center who has been moved to the wing for camp, Suomela and True have remained in the middle. Perhaps they are battling for that fourth-line center job, and if that’s the case, Suomela probably has the slight edge at this point.

Very unlikely to make the final cut

Manuel Wiederer, Trevor Carrick, Artemi Kniazev, Ryan Merkley, Antoine Bibeau

Carrick and Bibeau were both placed on waivers on Monday. As long as he clears, Bibeau will be insurance for Dell, who will have to play better than he did last season as Jones’ backup.

Merkley remains in camp, but still needs work on his two-way game and needs to get bigger. Although he’s still without a junior team, it just wouldn’t make sense to keep the former first-round pick on the NHL roster at this stage of his career.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1153998 St Louis Blues He also hasn’t shown any hesitancy about the kind of game someone who is 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 212 pounds should play. Kostin goes to the net and is prepared to stand there and do what is needed.

Kostin continues to make a case to start season with Blues “I’m a big guy, that’s my work, go to the net, screen the goalie,” he said. “I just play how the coach says. Play simple, dump the puck in the corner and go work. Nothing else.”

By Tom Timmermann St. Louis Post-Dispatch Of his goal, he said, “It was a good pass from ‘Schwartzie,’ it was a little luck for me. I tried to do my best, that’s what I try. I try to make the team,

try to show the coach what I can do.” Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo sees some similarities between teammate There’s one more reason why Kostin might need some more time. He Vladimir Tarasenko, one of the NHL’s premier goalscorers, and was called for tripping in the first period, which was his fourth penalty in Tarasenko’s fellow Russian and teammate-in-waiting Klim Kostin. his past four periods after getting three in the Winnipeg game on Friday. “He shoots the puck like Vlady,” Pietrangelo said Sunday after the Blues’ He has averaged more than a penalty minute per game played in his two 5-3 exhibition win over Columbus at Enterprise Center. “Maybe I need to pro seasons. go to a Russian hockey school because they shoot the puck pretty good.” Does he think he takes too many penalties? Kostin showed some of his biggest attributes — size, hands and “Yeah, last game,” he said sheepishly. determination — in the third period when he scored the go-ahead goal for the Blues in their first game at home since Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Kostin remains a work in progress, but his progress has taken a big step Final. He took the puck and drove to the net, only to have his shot forward. blocked. Jaden Schwartz retrieved the puck in the corner and passed it back to Kostin who tried again, this time from the other direction. This St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.24.2019 time he backhanded it in.

“It’s the same thing when you watch Vlady,” Pietrangelo said. “People see a big body and don’t expect him to be able to skate and make the plays that he makes. It’s a tough combo to handle.”

There aren’t many — if any — open roster spots for the Blues, but Kostin is still making a case for one. With a goal and an assist on Sunday, he has three goals and three assists in three exhibition games, and his six points are the most in the NHL so far. Preseason goals don’t mean a whole lot — they’re better than nothing but hardly an accurate barometer. But Kostin is showing other things in his game that point to a player whose time might be coming soon.

“From what I’ve seen he looks like a very good player with a ton of upside,” said center Tyler Bozak, who played on a line with Kostin on Sunday. “And obviously this preseason he’s shown everyone what he’s capable of doing. Every game he’s played he’s done a heck of a job.”

“I just try to do my best and the coach is giving me a chance to play and I try to do my best,” said Kostin, who only this summer began to do interviews in English. (On Sunday, Ivan Barbashev peered out of a locker room door, grinning happily, while Kostin spoke to reporters, on standby in case he was needed as a translator.) “Play hard, play physical, shoot the puck.”

The odds still are on Kostin starting the season in San Antonio. The Blues have 10 forwards who are essentially locks for a roster spot. After that, there are four more — Sammy Blais, Robby Fabbri, Mackenzie MacEachern and Zach Sanford — who have the advantage of having more NHL experience, with all but MacEachern having appeared in a Stanley Cup Final. Add to that the fact that those four would all have to clear waivers to be sent down to San Antonio, while Kostin doesn’t and that makes a case for Kostin starting the season in San Antonio and then being first in line when a call-up is needed.

But there’s also the case of, if Kostin is playing like this, why wait?

The Blues have been patient with him before. He’s still only 20, just two months older than Robert Thomas, but this will be his third year playing professionally in North America. The Blues realized that there would be some period of adaptation needed for an 18-year-old who doesn’t speak any English coming to North America — specifically in San Antonio — to play hockey. They figured the first couple years might not be the most indicative of what he could do. In his first season, he had six goals and 22 assists. Last season, he had 10 goals and 14 assists in 66 games. This was the year they thought he could take off.

This camp he looks like a much more confident man.

“More (comfortable) than last year,” he said. “I don’t know (why), I just feel more comfortable.”

“I remember his first camp,” Blais said. “He didn’t really talk English and I think he’s not the same as his first year. He’s just a really good player. . . . He’s got everything. You saw his goal today. He’s only 20 years old and he’s a tank. He’s big, got good hands and can be physical too. He’s going to be a really good player for us here.” 1153999 St Louis Blues unavailable for comment after the game, so there was no update on Bortuzzo.

• Alexander Steen and Schwartz both wore the “A” for the Blues on Blues notebook: The goal for Blais is more goals Sunday as alternate captains. It’s a rotating designation in the preseason because of the mixed lineups every game. But for the first time in exhibition play the Blues had a “C” on the ice because Pietrangelo made his preseason debut. By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch • Jordan Binnington became the first Blues goalie to play a full game this

preseason, stopping 22 of 25 Columbus shots. Sammy Blais made strides last season for the Blues, but hasn’t reached • St. Louis native Ryan MacInnis, son of Blues Hall of Famer Al his full potential. MacInnnis, took the opening faceoff for Columbus and played 10:03. “What would I like to see more (from Blais)?,” coach Craig Berube asked St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.24.2019 Friday. “Goals.”

Blais obliged his coach with a dazzling goal Sunday afternoon against Columbus at Enterprise Center.

“That was impressive,” captain Alex Pietrangelo said. “That was silky.”

Blais scored the final goal in a 5-3 victory over the Blue Jackets on a play in which he weaved past two Columbus defenders, moved inside with a toe drag then beat goalie Elvis Merzlikins with a roof shot.

“It was nice to just get a goal there,” Blais said. “I was playing with ‘Schenner’ and Schwartz. I think it went pretty well.”

With Vladimir Tarasenko not in the lineup Sunday, Blais indeed took a spin with two of the Blues’ top talents — Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz. That line combined for two goals and four assists against Columbus. Schwartz got the Blues’ first goal (and an assist later), and Schenn racked up three assists in his preseason debut.

“They’re two really good players,” Blais said. “‘Schwartzy,’ he’s a working machine. ‘Schenner,’ he’s really good with the puck, really good center man.”

A year ago, Blais spent much of the offseason working to get stronger. The result was that his physical play reached new heights during the Blues’ Stanley Cup season. There was more of the same in the Blues’ shortened post-Cup summer this time around, with Blais putting a special emphasis on lower-body strength.

“During the playoffs, I got confident a lot,” Blais said. “I think I played pretty good in the playoffs; it just gave me some boost.

“This summer I worked hard and I just wanted to come here and play my best during the preseason to get ready for the season. If I keep playing hard and play my style of game, offensive and physical, it’s gonna be all right.”

So far, so good this preseason. Blais has 12 hits in three games, with a goal and three assists, and is plus-6.

FIVE MORE TO RAMPAGE

The Blues assigned forwards Robby Jackson, Dakota Joshua and Mike Vecchione, defenseman Mitch Reinke, and goalie Evan Fitzpatrick to minor-league San Antonio. Those moves trimmed the roster to 36, just 13 above the regular-season roster limit.

Jackson, Joshua, Vecchione and Reinke all took part in a morning practice Sunday at Enterprise that was for players not in the lineup against Columbus. Fitzpatrick was the backup goalie against the Blue Jackets.

Jackson did not see action in the preseason. Joshua was minus-1 in 11:11 of ice time Friday in Winnipeg in his only exhibition appearance. Vecchione played against Dallas and Winnipeg without any goals or assists, but was plus-3. Reinke appeared in the Washington and Winnipeg games and was minus-2 against the Jets.

Fitzpatrick played the third period in Washington, stopping eight of 10 shots but yielding a bad-hop goal with 6.9 seconds remaining that gave the Capitals a 3-2 victory.

The Blues also placed defenseman Derrick Pouliot on waivers, a procedural move that will result in Pouliot playing in San Antonio unless he’s claimed by another team.

BLUENOTES

Shaken up by a puck to the body, defenseman Robert Bortuzzo walked down the tunnel with a little over one minute to play. Berube was 1154000 St Louis Blues anyone wanted to talk to him after the Blue Jackets game. Members of the media were delayed, talking to players in the locker room. (Yes, things are a little more informal in the preseason.) ... The most interesting part about the roster breakdown Monday was that Mackenzie Tarasenko misses his second Blues practice MacEachern and Klim Kostin were not with the main group, but with a group that is largely slated for San Antonio.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.24.2019 By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch 12 hrs ago 0

Any time Vladimir Tarasenko isn’t on the ice for the Blues, it’s cause for notice. And in this case, Tarasenko has missed two straight practices.

He did not participate in the non-game group practice Sunday morning at Enterprise Center — for the group that didn’t participate in the Blues’ preseason game against Columbus that afternoon. And he wasn’t on the ice Monday morning for practice at Enterprise.

But there doesn’t appear to be cause for concern: coach Craig Berube said Tarasenko was sick.

“Hopefully tomorrow we’ll see him on the ice,” Berube said.

Sammy Blais took Tarasenko’s place on a line with Jaden Schwartz and Brayden Schenn in Monday’s first practice session, a group that looked like the Blues’ regular-season roster with the exception of defenseman Jake Walman.

Walman was scheduled to play Sunday against Columbus, but also was sick according to Berube. Berube plans to play Walman on Tuesday against Dallas, so he wanted him practicing with a full group Monday.

(With the roster down to only 36 players, only 13 players skated with the second group Monday.)

“Plus, I like having eight ‘D’ out there in practice,” Berube said.

THOMAS CLOSE

Forward Robert Thomas said the plan is for him to play in a preseason game or two, and it could be as early as Tuesday against the Stars. He’s in the final stages of rehab/recovery from offseason wrist surgery.

Thomas said the surgery took two hours and was to repair tendon damage.

TUESDAY'S LINEUP

The projected lineup for Tuesday's home game against Dallas is as close to a regular lineup as the Blues have gone with this preseason:

Forwards: Barbashev, Blais, Bozak, Fabbri, Kostin, O’Reilly, Perron, Sanford, Schenn, Schwartz, Steen, Sundqvist.

Defensemen: Bortuzzo, Dunn, Edmundson, Gunnarsson, Pietrangelo, Walman.

Goalies: Allen Wilcox

PRACTICE LINES

Here's how the Blues' first group lined up in practice Monday.

Forwards

Schwartz-Schenn-Blais

Sanford-O’Reilly-Perron

Fabbri-Bozak-Thomas

Steen-Barbashev-Sundqvist

Defensemen

Dunn-Pietrangelo

Bouwmeester-Parayko

Gunnarsson-Edmundon

Walman-Bortuzzo

BLUENOTES

Robert Bortuzzo said he took a puck off the ankle late in the Columbus game, but he practiced and looked full-go Monday. ... Berube, explaining his lack of a postgame media session Sunday, said he didn’t think 1154001 St Louis Blues in Major League Baseball, but the Hurricanes are a unique team in the NHL to try it.

"It gets people in the building for an affordable price," Hurricanes vice NHL teams aim to fill arenas, drawing fans away from screens president Mike Forman said. "We think if we can get people to a game, they're hooked."

Red Wings fan Melanie Bidwell was one of the many hooked on hockey BY LARRY LAGE AP SPORTS WRITER SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 02:43 in the Motor City for years, proudly counting herself as a season-ticket AM holder for more than a decade. When the team moved from Joe Louis to Little Caesars Arena two years ago, she continued to buy season tickets.

Last season, she gave up her tickets as her family got busier and doesn't DETROIT-Detroit Red Wings season-ticket holder Matt Larson pays regret it. about $74 for two of the cheapest seats in Little Caesars Arena. The 32- year-old fan gets a pair of high top chairs set up behind a counter, giving "It's nothing against the Red Wings, we still love them, but it's not him plenty of space for food and drink, in a spacious area perched near convenient to get to games when you're juggling work schedules and a 9- the rafters behind a net. year-old boy playing hockey," she said. "I'm excited that the season is starting again, but our family priorities will keep us at home watching "There's nothing better than watching hockey in person," Larson said games on TV so we can get our kid in bed for school and we can get up recently while watching Detroit hosted Chicago in a preseason game. for work." The Red Wings, and every other NHL team, hope there are a lot of Belleville News-Democrat LOADED: 09.24.2019 people who agree with him.

Detroit is desperately trying to keep hockey fans filing into its arena, which is a little more than two years old, as the allure of the spectacular facility wears off while the team trudges through a multiyear rebuild.

The Red Wings overcame the lack of success on the ice last season to be at 98 percent of capacity on average. They ranked in the middle of the pack in a league that generally is able to draw fans to watch its high- speed, full-contact product in person. Ten teams averaged sellouts and just five of 31 franchises had an average attendance last season that didn't fill at least 90 percent of their arenas.

While Detroit did not have trouble selling tickets last year, it wasn't always playing in front of a packed house because some fans simply couldn't get people to take and use their tickets. To make unoccupied seats stand out less on TV for Red Wings and Pistons games, the red material covering chairs has been replaced by black to blend in throughout Little Caesars Arena.

"It was an expensive choice," Larson said. "I would've hated to foot the bill for it."

NHL teams are invested in enhancing game-day experiences, knowing there's a lot at stake to keep them coming to arenas instead of staying at home.

Franchises with a lot of fans at their games strive for ways to keep them and those who regularly have empty patches of seats are trying to come up with creative ways to get people to witness the sport in person.

"Our biggest competitor is Netflix," San Jose Sharks vice president Doug Bentz said. "The one advantage we have over Netflix is you're a part of a community at a Sharks game. We want more of that in our world where so many are stuck on devices in isolation or binge-watching on a couch maybe with one other person."

On streets and in living rooms, St. Louis is still buzzing from its first Stanley Cup.

The Blues will raise a championship banner on Oct. 2 before opening the season against the Washington Capitals. Blues season-ticket holder Mike Buschhorn plans to be there for the party, deciding not to cash in on his tickets by selling them and watching the festivities on TV.

"You have to be at a hockey game in person to get it," the Blues fan said. "TV doesn't do it justice. It is the most exciting sport to be at."

The price of tickets, however, plays a part in keeping some fans at home.

"It's a lot cheaper for a 12 pack on the weekends," Blues fan John Fuchs said.

The Carolina Hurricanes have gotten creative, trying to climb up from the bottom of the NHL's attendance figures in terms of percentage of capacity. Carolina sold a little more than three-fourths of its tickets last season to rank ahead of only Ottawa after a three-year run of being last in the league.

The Raleigh, North Carolina-based team has been offering monthly subscription passes, giving fans access to a certain number of games for a one-time fee at a substantial savings compared to individual tickets. The mobile-only, ticket-selling innovation has become relatively common 1154002 St Louis Blues St. Louis native Patrick Maroon, who went home to play in front of his son and the rest of his family, signed a $900,000, one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Maroon scored the winning goal in double overtime of Game 7 against Dallas in the second round and will forever Blues geared up for challenge of being defending champions be a local hero.

KEY PLAYERS

BY STEPHEN WHYNO AP HOCKEY WRITER Captain Alex Pietrangelo should be next up for a new contract. Everything on the ice with the Blues starts with Pietrangelo, an all-around

No. 1 defenseman who can shut down opponents' top players, move the Jordan Binnington still doesn't look nervous. puck up ice on breakouts and contribute on offense. St. Louis is strong down the middle from Binnington out to the defense and at center with For the first time in his career, he is going into a season as a starting O'Reilly, Brayden Schenn and Tyler Bozak. Like Pietrangelo, Schenn is NHL goaltender and for the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis in a contract year and seems to be a perfect fit with the Blues. Blues. No big deal. OUTLOOK "It's the same game though, right?" Binnington said. "It's a new opportunity. Obviously it's a different situation. We're at the top right now. Nothing is certain in a competitive Central Division where the Dallas (Opponents are) going to come at us every game. It doesn't really Stars added Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry, the Nashville Predators change." signed Matt Duchene and the Chicago Blackhawks could return to the land of contenders. Still, the Blues were legitimate contenders a year ago Everything has changed for the Blues, who went from last in the league before a rough start and have the talent to be among the NHL's best yet Jan. 3 to the first championship in franchise history. The roster is virtually again. unchanged, Binnington and coach Craig Berube get to be around for a full season and expectations are now through the roof for St. Louis, PREDICTION which must now deal with the challenge of defending the Cup. The Blues know how small the margin of error is in the playoffs, and the "It's going to be very different," playoff MVP Ryan O'Reilly said. "We've Washington Capitals showed that playing a lot of hockey can take its toll. got to figure out, 'OK, how can we elevate our game?' We're not going to St. Louis will be a top three seed in the Central and make some noise in catch teams by surprise." the playoffs before fatigue catches up.

The Pittsburgh Penguins showed in 2017 that back-to-back isn't a pipe Belleville News-Democrat LOADED: 09.24.2019 dream. They also had a young goalie early in his professional career but did so with star talent in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

O'Reilly looks to be growing into that kind of game-changing player after winning the Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward and taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP while gutting through a cracked rib. Winger Vladimir Tarasenko has star power, too, but the Blues won — and are expected to continue to win — as a team full of strong contributors committed to a structured system.

Any notion that they're going to abandon that or play differently as defending champs is dashed with one look at Berube, who was rewarded with a three-year contract extension. Players have taken on the no- nonsense demeanor of their coach and seem to have perfected that approach facing a new obstacle.

"Our team's just trying to look at it as another season," forward Zach Sanford said. "We're just trying to put the pieces together and get back together as a group and get back on top of our game."

There's no way to duplicate the adversity that sparked St. Louis' worst to first run or the red-hot play that lasted from early January to mid-June. But O'Reilly believes the Blues learned a lot from the playoffs they can channel into this regular season, and those lessons are fresh in the minds of his teammates.

"I think we realized you don't stop," Binnington said. "To play at this level, you have to compete every day and you have to keep getting better. It comes together, right? You just have to worry about what you can control and let the rest take care of itself."

O'Reilly still gets plenty of handshakes and congratulations back home and in St. Louis for winning the Cup and wants to hold on to that joy as much as possible. The 28-year-old on top of the hockey world wants nothing more than to keep this high going into next summer.

"You want to get better, and you want to do it again," he said.

WHO'S HERE

The biggest additions came on the bench and in the front office. Longtime NHL forward Marc Savard joined Berube's coaching staff as an assistant and will run the power play, and 2011 Cup winning Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli signed on as an adviser under Doug Armstrong. More importantly, the Blues re-upped Binnington for two years and $8.8 million and fellow restricted free agents Sanford, Robby Fabbri, Ivan Barbashev, Oskar Sundqvist, Sammy Blais and Joel Edmundson. Potential unrestricted free agent defensemen Carl Gunnarsson and Jay Bouwmeester are back, too.

WHO'S NOT 1154003 Tampa Bay Lightning Right now, the important thing is Point is on his way back. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 09.24.2019

Lightning sign Brayden Point before regular season

Point will join the team this week, but isn’t expected to play until late October after hip surgery.

By Diana C. Nearhos

BRANDON — Brayden Point is back. It took longer than either side had hoped, but the star center is under contract once again.

The Lightning signed Point to a three-year deal worth $6.75 million a year on Monday.

A few whoops and a “wahoo” sounded in the dressing room when players heard the news after practice. No matter anyone’s thoughts on the actual contract, having Point back is a good thing.

“I can’t mention how happy our organization is to know that he’ll be joining our group shortly,” general manager Julien BriseBois said. “Him and all the other players we’ve been able to lock up in the past few years give us a great nucleus.”

The 23-year-old was just one on a list of elite restricted free agents who did not have contracts when training camp started. Toronto’s Mitch Marner was the biggest, and signed a six-year deal worth nearly $11 million a year on Sept. 13. Now, Colorado’s Mikko Rantenan and Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine are the last big names standing.

Point is expected to join the Lightning in Sunrise on Wednesday, but he will not be playing immediately. He had hip surgery in the spring and is not expected to return to games until late October. BriseBois said the team has been in contact with Point throughout his recovery.

The Lightning and Point agreed to a bridge deal, a term that comes from the tradition of bridging an entry-level contract with the next, presumably long-term, deal. At $6.7 million, this contract has the highest average annual value the Lightning has spent on a bridge deal.

In three years, when his contract is up, Point will still have one more season as an RFA, which means the Lightning will have the chance to match the contract any other team offers him.

Does that mean we do this all over again in 2022? Not necessarily.

Point’s salary will be $9 million in the final year of this contract, according to CapFriendly.com. The following year’s qualifying offer will have to match that final year’s salary.

If the Lightning sticks to it recent ways (which its doing with a bridge deal to begin with), Point might not get to that point. BriseBois said he fully expects to extend Point long-term.

Take Andrei Vasilevskiy and Nikita Kucherov for examples. Both signed three-year bridge deals and then extensions going into the final year of that contract (both for eight-years and $76 million). Kucherov’s extension just kicked in this year and Vasilevskiy’s starts next season.

Point just recorded his first 40-goal, 90-point season and shows every indication of that being the start of something, not the peak.

His “dynamic speed” struck Derek Lalonde when the assistant coach joined the organization last season. More than the speed itself, Point can make plays at that pace. Lalonde compared him to Connor McDavid, “the best in the world” at playing at pace.

Point played with the league’s best player on his wing last season. Kucherov’s playmaking ability doesn’t hurt his stats, but the speed with which Point plays is an indication of a trend versus a blip because of a good linemate.

If that’s true, why didn’t the Lightning lock Point up with a long-term deal?

Part of the reason is the salary cap. A long-term contract costs more (if a player is giving up his UFA years, he wants to be paid). The Lightning only had $8.5 million to work with this season, and this is already the largest bridge deal it’s granted anyone. The team also has more RFAs to pay next year. They’ll be in a very different position in three years, when this contract is up. 1154004 Tampa Bay Lightning performance of players. There’s going to be a number of variables for which we don’t have all the information.

“I think over time, we’ve gone with this model of doing bridge deals, How the Brayden Point deal got done and what the ripple effect will be on shorter-term deals with lower cap hits for these contracts, and it allows us Lightning cap to keep more of our good players. Ultimately, the third contract they sign is long-term and the model has worked well for us.”

Johannson said both sides realized early on that a long-term deal By Joe Smith Sep 23, 2019 wouldn’t work out money-wise, so they primarily discussed three-year options and mulled over a possible two-year deal as well. He said he

expects they’ll talk long-term extension in a couple of years. BriseBois BRANDON, Fla. — Gerry Johannson joked he might have found a new agreed that an extension is in the plans, just like it was for Tyler Johnson, negotiating strategy. Ondrej Palat, Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy. It was no doubt a selling point. Johannson, the agent for Lightning star Brayden Point, said he had been in regular contact with GM Julien BriseBois the last few weeks as they “‘Work with us and we’ll make sure you’re with a competitive team for the tried to end the contract impasse with the restricted free agent. The real next 4-5 years,” BriseBois said. “And eventually he’ll sign that big tipping point was that neither side wanted the No. 1 center to miss any contract and stay with the organization long-term.” regular-season games. The Point deal creates a ceiling for the likes of Cirelli, Sergachev and But Johannson said he wrapped up Point’s three-year bridge deal — Cernak next summer. But the way the contract is structured, Point’s $9 which will pay the All-Star an average of $6.75 million annually — in a million salary in Year 3 puts him in line for a massive qualifying offer or two-hour phone conversation Sunday night before boarding a flight from long-term deal that would likely make him the team’s highest-paid player, Portland, Ore., back to his home in Edmonton. Johansson said he was matching or passing Kucherov and Vasilevskiy’s $9.5 million AAV. By on the plane around midnight ET when they agreed to terms before the then a new TV deal and CBA could be in place. unofficial deadline of takeoff. So while the Lightning have solved the Point contract saga, it’s only “I might do that on my next negotiation,” Johannson told The Athletic. temporary. They’ll have to resolve it again in a few years when, after “Even if I’m not on an airplane.” another couple of big seasons, Point’s case in arbitration could result in a huge long-term deal. The key point here is that Point will soon be on an airplane from Calgary to join his Lightning teammates, who are ecstatic to have their 41-goal “You’re dealing with Tampa Bay. Brayden loves it there, and that’s why scorer under contract before the season. When the news broke in the you deal with them,” Johannson said. “What happens in the market is dressing room Monday afternoon, Victor Hedman let out a “Woo-hoo!” one thing, but you have to do your deal for the player. And I think Tampa is happy, Brayden is happy. It’s a short enough deal to where we’ll see However, Point, who underwent hip surgery in the spring to repair a what happens in two years when we start talking about an extension, and labrum tear in both sides, won’t be ready to begin the season, BriseBois that’ll give you some perspective on how this deal stacks up. said. Point will join the Lightning in Sunrise this week but is only cleared for non-contact drills, and the hope is that he’ll be ready to play by late “Everybody is going to get a slightly different deal depending on the club October. and the player.”

The key for both sides was that the negotiations didn’t last until then. Said former NHL GM Craig Button of the agreement: “Outstanding. (It) They just had to come to a compromise on the contract. stays within the structure the team established (three-year bridge) and (is) reflective of the value for Brayden given the current landscape for “I’m well aware there is a narrative that our players have, over the last these outstanding young players. The proverbial win-win.” few years, worked with the organization in terms of (agreeing to) contracts that allow us to keep our group (together) and have the best BriseBois said Point’s hip injury was a result of “wear and tear” over the team on the ice,” BriseBois said. “And now Brayden is the latest example years and not one specific play. There is “no long-term concern,” with the of that. It all started with Steven Stamkos (in 2016). injury, as BriseBois said a number of the franchise’s players have had similar procedures and bounced back. “By no means do we take that for granted. We want to thank Brayden for working with us and giving us the best chance to win the Cup not only It does open up another roster spot for a prospect to possibly make the this year but in the next three.” team. Alex Volkov, Carter Verhaeghe, Gemel Smith and Danick Martel are among the players still in camp. Many have already lauded Point’s three-year bridge deal as team-friendly or a bargain, at least compared to the market. But it’s a bit more even “(Point) is feeling really well, better than he felt prior to surgery and than it might seem on the surface. The Lightning moved up $1 million a almost back to normal,” BriseBois said. season from their previous offer of a $5.76 million AAV with the hopes of BriseBois said the team kept in constant contact this summer on Point’s closing the gap and bringing their No. 1 center into camp before the Oct. rehab, and skating coach Barb Underhill worked with the former All-Star 3 season opener. a few weeks back. There will be a follow-up appointment soon to With the team’s cap crunch, you can bet that even $1 million more a year determine where Point is in his recovery. was tough, but there would be some challenges with potential AAV if the “There’s no concerns,” BriseBois said. impasse had lasted into the regular season. It’s the largest three-year bridge deal the Lightning have given out, nearly $2 million more annually Johannson said the surgery didn’t factor into the negotiations between than the deal Nikita Kucherov signed three years ago ($4.76 million Point and the team. He said both he and BriseBois agreed that it would AAV). be better to see what the “landscape” would be in a couple of years before deciding on a long-term deal. BriseBois noted that there will have Despite the increased offer, the Lightning still managed to stick to their to be some cap-related cuts next summer if the Lightning are going to guns, knowing that their philosophy of bridging their young stars out of make it work. their entry-level deals was critical in maintaining the cap structure for what they hope remains a Cup-contending team. Following that But there could be some more flexibility in a few years when other precedent could set the tone for next offseason, which BriseBois contracts come off the books or players have their no-trade clauses suggests will be their “hardest summer yet” cap-wise, with $74 million switched to modified. already committed to just 14 players. That’s when Anthony Cirelli, Erik Cernak, Mikhail Sergachev and Mathieu Joseph are all due raises as Here’s how their no-trade clauses shake out, per CapFriendly. RFAs. Tyler Johnson: On June 15, 2021, his full no-trade clause turns into a But will all of those guys be willing to play ball the Tampa Bay way? modified clause with a 20-team list he can’t be traded to.

“Every negotiation is different,” BriseBois said. “There are a lot of Alex Killorn: Starting in 2020-21, he submits a list of 16 teams he can be unknowns regarding the contracts we are going to have to do over the traded to. next 12 months here, starting with what the cap is going to be (and) the Ondrej Palat: In 2021-22, he can submit a 20-team trade list he can’t be traded to.

Yanni Gourde: On July 1, 2022, he can submit a 22-team trade list he can’t be traded to.

“There’s no doubt in my mind it’ll be our hardest summer,” BriseBois said last week. “For years, people have been saying eventually we won’t be able to keep all of our players. And to this point, we’ve been able to keep pretty much everyone. But eventually the time is going to come, and more than likely it’ll be next summer. What shape or form that will take, I don’t know.”

While Toronto’s Mitch Marner received a massive six-year deal at $10.893 million AAV, BriseBois has made it clear that, in general, to hold onto their starts, the Lightning have to stick to their budgetary philosophy.

I remember asking Point late last season what he thought of Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews’ mega-deal as an RFA: five years, $58 million.

“Good for him,” Point said. “He deserves it. He’s a fantastic player. But I don’t think it has anything to do with me.”

BriseBois and the Lightning went three-year bridge deals with Johnson, Palat and even Vasilevskiy, who is in the third year of his at $3.5 million AAV before his eight-year, $9.5 million AAV extension kicks in next year. Kucherov, in Point’s position three years ago, signed his three-year bridge at $4.76 million AAV two days before the season opener.

BriseBois said “every organization is different and has different models,” with “the market literally all over the place.”

But you have to stick with your internal philosophy, he said.

“I think what happens throughout the NHL is relevant, (but) what happens in your organization is more relevant,” BriseBois said before Marner’s signing was announced. “This has always been true. Teams are at different places in their success cycle. They’re looking for different things. Some teams put more value on having the knowledge they have a player signed to a long-term deal. Other teams don’t value that as much.

“You have to have all of that in your evaluation. At the end of the day, you have to do what’s right for your organization. A player has to do what is right for him. That’s how decisions are made.”

While Johannson admitted the negotiations went relatively slowly, there was no acrimony or negativity on either side. While there were talks of offer sheets earlier in the summer, Point had no intention of signing anywhere else, so it just came down to the two sides figuring out the number.

Didn’t Point want a higher AAV, compared to the market?

“Every deal is different,” Johannson said. “This whole market is unique, I would say. That played a role. It was a slow process. But we just got down to business. There was enough information out there for all of us to just figure out the right deal.

“Every deal has its own time frame. The most important thing is that it got done.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154005 Tampa Bay Lightning “Sick rig,” Witkowski says. McFall, 21, a full-time captain and main guide, is a sixth-generation St.

Pete resident and fishing fanatic. He started when he was a child and ‘I don’t f— with sharks, man’: Lightning hopeful Luke Witkowski’s quest was competing in tournaments as a teenager. McFall was doing great for his ‘bucket-list’ fish business on a $4,000 boat he bought by selling his truck when he was recruited to join YachtFish.

“Guess they figured, ‘Imagine what he could do with a nice boat,'” he By Joe Smith Sep 23, 2019 quips.

McFall had been out fishing for bait for our trip, including Spanish mackerel we’d use to lure bigger fish. It’s not really tarpon season, which GULF OF MEXICO — Luke Witkowski is using every bit of his strength typically is strongest from April to August. And it’s a very windy day, trying to keep a hold of her. choppy on the water, so the conditions are not ideal. You can see sweat starting to permeate the back of his green T-shirt. But McFall had jumped a bunch the day before and has had success in a The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Lightning defenseman has gone toe-to-toe with secret spot he found. When he told his friends about his catch, they many heavyweights in the NHL. But this fight is a unique one. A thrilling thought he was a liar. one. A personal one. “If you want to try it, you’re never going to get it if you don’t try,” McFall “Come on girl, I’ll let you go,” Witkowski said. “I just want to say hello.” tells us. We’re in the Gulf of Mexico, a few miles off the shore of St. Petersburg, “What are the chances?” Witkowski asks. standing on a beautiful, 25-foot Avenger boat. Witkowski, 29, a passionate fisherman, has reeled in more than a dozen species of fish: “I give it 50-50,” McFall replies. “I don’t like talking about tarpon because perch, bass, redfish, muskie, snook. But today, we’re going after his they are the kind of fish that make you superstitious.” He bumps his head “bucket-list” catch. with his knuckle. “Knock on wood.”

A tarpon. Says Witkowski: “Might as well give it a shot.”

And there’s a 130-pounder on his line. Witkowski and I take our seats on the cooler for the bumpy ride out into the gulf, with McFall at the wheel behind us. The radio is blasting The Witkowski has had close calls with tarpon before, watching two slip away Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden” as gusts of wind nearly blow the hat off the past few years, including one off the Gandy Bridge. With Witkowski my head. back in town for Lightning training camp, hoping to crack the roster, The Athletic decided to join him on his quest for the catch of a lifetime. We Am I hard enough? Am I rough enough? chartered a boat from Yachtfish, brought a guide and headed out for what turned into a wild ride. Witkowski turns to me: “Couldn’t be a better song for today.”

“Anyone that catches a tarpon knows the excitement,” Witkowski said. Fishing for tarpon can test your patience. “When they jump out of the water. A big one or small one. The fight they You can have three lines in for a few hours and not get a nibble. Or you put into it. can spot 10 in one sitting, like McFall experienced the day before. “I’ve been close a couple times. Hopefully the third time is the charm “That’s fishing,” Witkowski says. today.” “That’s tarpon fishing,” McFall adds. We belly up to the bar at Fresco’s waterfront restaurant around 12:45 p.m., trying to kill time before boarding the boat. We decide that, since McFall’s tarpon spot is on the way to the other ones, we’ll give it a shot for the first hour of our four-hour outing. That Witkowski recalls how he began fishing when he was 2 years old, way, if we swing and miss, we can at least clean up on snook, snapper or “bobber fishing” at his family’s cabin near Big Rapids, Mich. His father, redfish in the Weedon Island area. John, wasn’t a golfer, so he’d fish, bringing his two boys, Luke and Nick, now 32, and his wife, Kris. They’d go tubing or waterskiing. McFall sets us up, putting the three poles in holes on the side of the boat and we wait. Whoever sees a jump or bite will rush and claim it — and be Witkowski felt at home on the water. ready for a fight. “I could just take my mind off things,” he said. It takes just 10 minutes for the first big bite. Witkowski goes for it. It Witkowski, a Holland, Mich. native, lives on Lake St. Clair, north of certainly doesn’t have the feel or size of a tarpon, but it is not your Detroit, often taking fishing trips on his 21-foot boat. He once caught 11 everyday catch. species of fish in one outing there on the freshwater and nabbed 13 It is a shark. different types in one outing in the Bay Area. There is something Forrest Gumpian about it: You never know what you’re gonna get. Witkowski and By the time Witkowski brings it in, we see it is a 13-14-inch baby bull some friends won a muskie tournament over the summer for the longest shark. fish: 53 3/4 inches. It is hard to handle, slipping out of McFall’s hands and flopping around “I had a picture,” Witkowski says, smiling. “It’s 54 inches.” the deck of the boat. McFall grabs the shark, who takes a big bite out of his overalls, nearly catching some flesh. McFall tells the story of how a Witkowski’s largest catch was a 100-pound sturgeon. But most shark once nearly broke his nose. fishermen, like hopeless romantics, can’t help but talk about the one that got away. That’s why we are here on this windy Thursday afternoon, “I don’t fuck with sharks, man,” Witkowski says. sipping a couple of Cigar City Jai Alais and staring out at the marina. We are able to corral it for Witkowski to hold and pose for a picture “What’s been your toughest fight?” I ask. before letting her loose.

“Hockey or fishing?” Witkowski replies with a chuckle. “Biggest shark I’ve ever caught,” he says.

On the water, Witkowski’s toughest tango was with a humongous bluefin It is about 2 p.m. and though we don’t have any tarpon, we decide to that took the combined efforts of him and a handful of his buddies on a head out toward Weedon Island and see if we can snag some redfish or bachelor party trip. snook. Maybe something for dinner that night.

Little does he know what he’ll be in for this afternoon. On the way, Witkowski receives a text. It is from Lightning forward Alex Killorn, who is posing with a redfish he caught off his Davis Islands dock. Garrett McFall pulls into slip 12 at the St. Petersburg Marina off Bayshore Several Tampa Bay players have gotten into fishing, including Hart Blvd. on his white Avenger. Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov and Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy, who was fishing in Stuart the day he signed his eight-year, You can see the way the rod is bending that it’s a big one, but Witkowski $76 million extension in July. holds on.

A lot of hockey players golf. Not Witkowski. What is his handicap? “Oh baby!” he yells.

“Golf is my handicap,” he jokes. I grab my iPhone to start filming. Maybe I’ll catch the “bucket-list” fish on film. Witkowski’s wife, Erin, grew up fishing too, thanks to her grandfather. They met at school at Western Michigan University: Witkowski was a But this is going to be a longer fight than I realize. The tarpon is a smart hockey star, Erin a soccer player. They fished a lot when they were one, and she’s trying to get loose. She’s circling the boat, taking dating, but that has slowed down a bit in the two years they’ve been Witkowski around the deck like they are ballroom dancing. married. “And they called you a liar?” Witkowski yells at McFall about his special Erin is expecting their first child, a baby girl, in February. spot and his dubious friends.

“It’s going to be a life-changer,” Witkowski says. Five minutes go by. Then 10 minutes. Then 15. Witkowski flexes his right bicep. That’s what makes this limbo period for Witkowski so challenging. Taken in the sixth round by the Lightning in 2008, Witkowski is in his second “It’s a heck of an arm workout,” Witkowski says. stint with the organization after spending the last two seasons with his hometown Detroit Red Wings. He has played in 119 career NHL games, I start to worry: All I need is to take a Lightning roster hopeful on a boat splitting time between wing and defense. He has had to scratch and claw and have him suffer an “upper-body injury.” But Witkowski is feeling no for his roster spot, as his 13 career fights would attest. “If they ask me to pain. It’s such a rush. be the third-string goalie, I’d do that,” Witkowski said. Nothing beats scoring an NHL goal, but landing a tarpon has to come He’s on a two-year, two-way deal but could get cut from training camp pretty close. and put on waivers at any time. Witkowski could end up at AHL Syracuse The tarpon darts under the boat and by the anchor, and McFall takes the or picked up by another club. Right now, Witkowski is living in a rod temporarily to maneuver it around the bow before handing it back to downtown Tampa hotel, the same spot he estimates he has spent 300- Witkowski. She jumps out of the water with a big splash. plus nights over his career up and down with the Lightning. “Whoa!” “The staff always seems happy to see me,” Witkowski says. We’re 25 minutes in, and we already have gone past the time we The hotel chef told Witkowski that if he catches something today, he’ll reserved the charter. But McFall says there is no way we are leaving this: prepare it for him that night for dinner. So there we are, side-by-side, We are in it until the end. standing on the side of the boat trying to reel in some snook, snapper or redfish. Even in mid-conversation, Witkowski always has his eyes on the “I’ll have to call my girlfriend and tell her I’ll be late for dinner,” he jokes. prize. “See those fish jumping?” It’s at least 30 minutes in, and my iPhone battery dies. I switch to I ask Witkowski: What is the bigger rush, scoring a goal or catching a big McFall’s phone, hoping to capture the moment when we can bring her fish? close enough. The tarpon is finally a bit worn out, and it comes toward the side of the boat. You can see how big and beautiful she is. “Nothing beats scoring a goal,” Witkowski says, smiling. “I’ve caught plenty of fish and only scored one NHL goal.” The tarpon is too big to bring on the boat. We just want to take a quick picture and let her go. That came in Nashville last season with the Red Wings. Witkowski scored on a breakaway. He has the milestone puck in a plaque in his Witkowski pulls her up by the mouth and is borderline giddy. His smile basement along with his stick, the game sheets and a few photos. says it all. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, he says.

“A goal-scorer’s goal,” he quips.

We don’t have much success in this spot. Plenty of bites, of course. After we safely let the tarpon go, we head back to the marina, and Witkowski catches a snapper, a decent size but probably only big enough Witkowski trades fist-bumps and handshakes with both of us. He thanks to feed one; a keeper nonetheless. us both for helping make it happen.

I get excited when it feels like I have a big snook on my line. I reel it in. I go in looking for a cool story. I leave with Witkowski’s best fish tale yet. He turns to look at me and says: “You’ve got it,” McFall says. “Nice and slow now.” “Bucket list? Check!” I see the snook pop out of the water about 10 feet from the boat, but when I reel in my line, I see it has gotten away. The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019

Damn. Thought I had it.

“That’s why they call it fishing, Joe,” Witkowski says.

I do end up catching a snook — my first one — a few minutes later. I pose for a picture then let it go.

We have only an hour left in our time with McFall. I suggest we head back to the tarpon spot to give it one more shot with our remaining time.

“Let’s do it,” Witkowski says.

The wind had slowed down a bit, and the water is a little calmer.

We pull up to McFall’s tarpon spot and set up the three Shimano rods with Spanish mac on the hook.

Time is running out. But, hey, worst case, we spent a full afternoon on the boat. There are worse ways to spend a workday, right?

But wait. We see a big bite on the rod closest to the front of the boat.

“There it is, go get it!” McFall yells. “Fuck, it’s a tarpon!”

McFall grabs the rod and hands it over to Witkowski. This is his chance.

“Go get her!” McFall screams. 1154006 Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Star LOADED: 09.24.2019

Hutchinson stakes claim to Leafs’ backup goalie job with 38-save shutout in Montreal

By Kelsey Patterson The Canadian Press

MONTREAL—Michael Hutchinson is making his case to land Toronto’s backup goaltender job.

Hutchinson made 38 saves for the shutout as the Maple Leafs blanked the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 on Monday in pre-season play. Either Hutchinson or Michal Neuvirth will be Frederik Andersen’s backup when the season starts Oct. 2.

“It was fun as a goalie,” said the 29-year-old Hutchinson. “They had a good third-period push. I had to stay focused and try to find pucks and make the saves when I had to. The guys played really great in front of me. They had some good scoring chances that our guys got sticks on, or they were able to poke the puck away at the last second.

“As a goalie, you see the energy the guys are bringing and it energizes you, too.”

Neuvirth, who is on a professional tryout, was supposed to share the net duties with Hutchinson on Monday, but the former Flyers goaltender did not travel to Montreal because of illness. Instead, Hutchinson played a full 60 minutes and frustrated the Canadiens throughout.

With Toronto leading 2-0 in the final frame, the Barrie native made big saves on Tomas Tatar on the power play, Nick Cousins from the crease and Alex Belzile alone in front to preserve the two-goal lead.

Earlier in the game, Hutchinson denied Charles Hudon on a two-on-one before stopping Tatar on a fast break late in the second.

“Tonight’s game was a good game for the goalie,” said Mike Babcock of Hutchinson, who was acquired from Florida last season. “We got a lead early. It’s no different than pitching, you like to get a lead. It’s easier for him. I thought Hutch did a good job.”

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He hasn’t been shy about telling anyone who’ll listen that he feels he’s close to NHL ready, but he also knows he has his work cut out for him.

“It’s important to keep working on my game. Obviously I can improve,” said Sandin, now in his second pro camp. “I feel a little bit more confident. I know what’s going on a little bit more. I know where I’m going to play this year. At least I’m going to stay in Toronto (either with the Marlies or Leafs).”

The last defenceman to make the team as a 19-year-old was Rielly, someone Sandin emulates.

“I’m trying to look and see what he’s doing on the ice, and what he’s doing off the ice, how he takes care of himself,” said Sandin. “He’s one of the best defencemen playing right now, and he’s one of those really good guys who talks to us, tries to give us tips so we can improve. I’m trying to learn from him.”

Lesser known is Timashov. Like Sandin, he’s Swedish — though born in Ukraine. He speaks Russian, too, and may have added value in the room given that forward Ilya Mikheyev — destined for the third line — is not exactly fluent in English.

Timashov is 22, a fifth-round pick from 2015 who has played three full seasons with the Marlies. A fourth-line job is available and he was working out there on Monday, with Frederik Gauthier and Jason Spezza.

Petan, Aberg and Agostino were considered to be ahead of Timashov on the depth chart, but Babcock sounded like he liked the Swedish left winger.

“This is what the does: He protects the puck. He’s smart defensively. He’s not a tall body, but he’s a thick body. He can play with real good pace,” said Babcock. “His biggest area of concern is when he gets (the puck), sometimes he turns it over too much. 1154009 Toronto Maple Leafs Just like a lot of guys in the room, last year was a bit of a learning experience.

“You understand, ‘This went well, this didn’t go well.’ You can just try and C Change: Are captains needed in today’s NHL? improve on it.”

Domi grew up idolizing Leafs captain Mats Sundin and plays alongside Montreal’s Shea Weber, but said the importance of the role isn’t what By Joshua Clipperton The Canadian Press some might think.

“(Weber’s) practice habits, his workout habits, the way he handles the media, the fans, how tough he is in games — he does everything,” Domi Patrick Kane answered one way and then caught himself. said. “He’s the guy driving the ship.” The Blackhawks winger is part of a leadership group captained by Ottawa defenceman Thomas Chabot, who’s name will no doubt be in the Jonathan Toews in Chicago, but as it stands, seven NHL teams don’t conversation if the Senators eventually name a captain, said players are currently have a player wearing the C heading into the 2019-20 season. encouraged to speak up regardless of their status in the hierarchy. So do NHL clubs really need captains? “Whether you have a C or you have an A on your jersey, you’re allowed “I think so, yeah,” Kane began, before quickly adding: “Well, it depends.” to talk in the room,” he said. “Everybody’s aware of that, everybody knows they’re part of the team. Everybody knows, everybody listens.” Or is having a captain an archaic nod to the past? Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar won the Cup in 2012 and 2014 “It’s overrated,” Montreal Canadiens forward Max Domi added at the as an assistant before assuming the top job in 2016. He said even with a recent NHL/NHLPA media tour in Chicago. “That being said, everyone letter on the front of his jersey, it’s always a collaborative effort. knows who the leaders are on the team.” “It’s not just the one guy,” he said. “I’m wearing the C ... but those guys Three of those captain-less clubs reside in Canada — the Maple Leafs, behind me or around me are just as important.” Canucks and Senators — although Toronto and Vancouver could name a new locker-room leader any day. Kane said having Toews — a “no-brainer” choice for the captaincy in Chicago in 2008 at 20 years old — has been a huge asset in both good But even if those roles are filled, a number of franchises will once again times and bad. head into the new campaign without a captain. “It really helps our team to have a guy like that, that you can look to lead YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN... discussions, say the right things in the locker room, lead things off the ice,” he said. “We have a few guys below him who can help lead that “With a lot of teams, it works,” said Red Wings centre Dylan Larkin, who charge. is among the candidates should Detroit decide to hand out the C in 2019- 20. “We have veteran guys who have played all over the league. “But it’s nice to have one guy.”

“We take the pressure off each other.” Toronto Star LOADED: 09.24.2019 At the other end of the spectrum, Arizona Coyotes centre Derek Stepan is a big believer in having one voice.

“I’ve been a part of two teams that didn’t have (a captain), and it felt like we always needed one,” said Stepan, who’s heading into his 10th NHL season. “One guy that can go — instead of five guys — into a coach’s office. One guy that can step up, instead of five guys doing it. I think that’s important. I’m probably old-school in that sense.

“I believe in a captain and two assistants.”

No team in the NHL without a captain has won the Stanley Cup since the 1972 Boston Bruins and its roster that included the likes of Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito.

The Vegas Golden Knights got close in their expansion season without a captain in 2018, but stoic leaders like Mark Messier and Steve Yzerman have been hallmarks in the game.

Times, at least in some situations, seem to have changed.

“Leadership can come from young guys, older guys, star players. Really, from anywhere,” Minnesota Wild defenceman Matt Dumba said. “I don’t know if it’s the biggest deal.”

Nashville Predators centre Matt Duchene said teams should only award the C when there’s a true candidate, and not just because the role needs to be filled.

“The great ones I’ve played with, they lead by example every day and set that standard,” he said. “But at the same time, you need different types of leadership in the locker room and that’s why having a strong leadership group is so important.

“It takes a lot more leaders to pull the thing in the right direction and it takes only a couple of guys to go the wrong way and tear it down.”

The Buffalo Sabres named Jack Eichel their captain last season at age 21 ahead of his fourth NHL season. With the likes of Auston Matthews in Toronto and Bo Horvat in Vancouver as potential candidates on their respective teams, Eichel said the added attention was an adjustment.

“Everything you do is a little bit more under the microscope,” he said. “Everyone’s looking at you for answers when things aren’t going well. 1154010 Toronto Maple Leafs a certain way and that’s where my focus is going to be, not who’s on the other side.”

IS IT HOT IN HERE? Maple Leafs scrubs upset Canadiens Babcock and Julien, friends from shared Team Canada experience who have worked in four of the NHL’s most hockey-mad markets, know what the coaching hotseat feels like — Julien for certain with three firings from Lance Hornby three different teams part of his long tenure.

This year is Babcock’s turn to hear those rumours, with three straight first round playoff defeats he is not likely to survive a fourth. MONTREAL — Hard to say who most enjoyed this spirited effort by the make-believe Maple Leafs, head coach Mike Babcock, Marlies head But if the two ever compare notes in their frequent texts, Julien wasn’t coach Sheldon Keefe, or scouts at the Bell Centre looking to see who revealing much. Toronto puts on waivers. “I don’t think we’ve discussed that, more than we chat about our (day to A group of ticked-off Toronto players, who found out Monday morning day business),” he said Monday morning at Canadiens practice. “Some they have been pushed towards the exit doors as opening night people enjoy these kind of environments. I have no issue with that. This approaches, flew here and gave Babcock and management a message is a great city, fans are great, there’s a lot of interest. At the end of the in a 3-0 win over most of the Habs’ regulars. day, do your job and hope you can bring a championship to the city.

“Not many happy faces showed up at the rink,” agreed winger Nic Petan, “I don’t look at it as pressure. Those kinds of things are actually great. who had two assists, while Russian rookie Egor Korshkov had two goals. Pressure can be handled in different ways; it can be daunting, or exciting “It was a motivated group. It (the NHL job quest) is not over ’til it’s over.” and it can be motivating.”

The Toronto lineup, which barely qualified under NHL exhibition rules of In the fifth year of his eight-year contract, Babcock must integrate new competition and didn’t have the usual regular-season support of travelling personnel, get the club back to 100-point range and then get the lads to Leafs fans, but made the Bell crowd boo in frustration at the buzzer. show some gumption in the playoffs. Julien, meanwhile, was praised for taking this version of the Canadiens to the brink of playoffs last spring. “We had good goaltending (Michael Hutchinson solidified the back-up job to Freddy Andersen with 38 saves), we worked really hard,” Babcock Julien still has Price, a strong two-way team with Max Domi and Brendan said. “Nick Shore, Matt Read and those guys provided great leadership. Gallagher, newcomer Ben Chiarot on defence and some hungry kids. That was important. You’re trying out for 31 teams in the league.” MATS TO THE MAX With almost three full lines, the top four or five defencemen and Andersen kept at home, the Leafs killed four penalties and had a power- Domi mentioned he has benefited from some expert tutelage via Mat play goal. Toronto’s big names were held back for the return match Sundin, the former Leafs captain, a big figure in his developing years Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena. when papa Tie was the Swede’s winger/bodyguard.

At first glance, it seemed Babcock and Keefe had mixed up their lineups “Last summer (2018), he was in charge of a lot of my training and off-ice cards, while Montreal was topped up by most of its 10 leading scorers. program and I talked to him quite a bit,” Domi said. “I talked to him a lot Only Carey Price was held back at the last minute by a bruised catching during the season. He’s like my uncle, we’re very close.” hand that will require a few days’ rest. But starter Charlie Lindgren was They spoke on the phone and caught up in person during Sundin’s rare not at fault as his teammates couldn’t execute against the determined visits back to Toronto. Leafs. “It’s moreso things he did when he played. I just pick his brain and he “Everyone in that room is itching to get an opportunity,” said special gives me little exercises he did back in the day,” Domi said. “He knows teams operative Read, who is on a PTO. “You’re split into two groups, what would help me the most because he has seen me play since I was but you come to Montreal to play most of their starters. You play hockey a little kid and knows my game really well. It’s conditioning stuff; we’re like that, do the simple things, it can go a long way if there’s a call-up or obviously very different players and also very different athletes. He’s a anything in the future.” more long-distance powerful guy; I’m more short-distance sprint. I’m Forward Darren Archibald had the other Toronto goal. Only third- and tapping energy systems that I haven’t before and he’s an expert in that, fourth-liners Kenny Agostino and Petan were projected Leafs among one of the hardest workers in the history of the game.” Monday’s forwards, while blue-liners Ben Harpur and Jordan Schmaltz DOMI’S DOG A CHAMP couldn’t have been thrilled to be sent here and not Rasmus Sandin and Martin Marincin. Domi must take extra care of himself because of his Type 1 diabetes, a daily challenge to his prep work that has earned the sporting world’s AND THE WINNER IS … admiration. Another health issue with Michal Neuvirth earlier in the day gave Part of his medical team is a 5-year-old golden retriever named Orion, Hutchinson a clear field and he made the most of it in his first 60-minute who is carefully trained to recognize odour changes in Domi’s blood outing. sugar via a pack around the player’s waist. “You forget how long a game is,” Hutchinson laughed. “It’s nice get the Domi checks his level about 15 to 20 times a day, but Orion is there if he third period in and bear down. It was good for me to stay focused and forgets or more importantly at night when his master is asleep after a find pucks. You see that energy the guys bring and it energizes you.” strength sapping game. Orion was bred in California, was introduced to The four power plays were just what Hutchinson wanted. Max in Arizona, but now has colder weather to deal with.

“In pre-season it’s nice to get those looks and get used to your legs “He’s a beach boy, that’s for sure,” Domi laughed. “He was a little bit sour burning. Playing 3-on-3 in summer, you don’t really have those long in the first couple of snowfalls; now he’s used to it, he thinks it’s pretty stretches in your stance.” cool, but he’s not a fan of the salt getting in his (paw pads).”

COACHES CORNER GOAT TRACKS

Old cronies Claude Julien and Babcock often pre-clear their exhibition In the comings and goings on the Leafs, it appears centre/winger Fredrik lineups with each other so they can see at least a few key players in ideal Gauthier still has a place in Babcock’s bottom-six plan. situations and not in a mismatch. But the Canadiens needed some sizzle “It’s just confidence. It’s being in the league, it’s understanding. for home fans and the Leafs had four exhibitions remaining to Montreal’s Everywhere Goat goes, he wins. He’s a big, strong guy that I guarantee three, putting the onus on Julien to get his best players ready. you other teams when they watch him, they think it’s a big, strong fourth- “We’ve exchanged texts when it has come to that, we’ve exchanged line guy who can penalty kill, and can take faceoffs, who can start in D- lineups,” Julien said. “At the end of the day, I can’t control who he brings, zone,” Babcock said. “That’s what we’re hoping. If Goat can keep taking what I can control is what I’m trying to do with this team. We have to play these steps, so you can put him out in the defensive zone instead of John Tavares or Auston Matthews, and they can always start in the offensive zone, we are a better hockey team.”

LOOSE LEAFS

It didn’t take Leaf pick Semyon Der-Arguchintsev long to get back into gear with the Peterborough Petes. “Sam” was named the OHL’s Player of the Week for with seven assists in two games along with a plus 2 … Archibald said a few weeks ago, he hoped to land a job with the Marlies to see how playing a year at home in his native GTA would feel like. Monday’s goal helped, though it had to survive a coach’s challenge from Julien … Korshkov’s second goal was beauty, fending off a Montreal checker. He has been overshadowed by fellow Russian Ilya Mikheyev at camp.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154011 Toronto Maple Leafs “He is a great player, the way he moves,” Rielly said. “He has a calm demeanour and he has confidence. He’s comfortable.

“It’s just about being consistent and keeping a level head. He’s fine.” Leafs roster decisions to come, but Sandin entrenching himself on blue [email protected] line twitter.com/koshtorontosun

Timashov has worked his way into the Leafs conversation at forward Terry Koshan Don’t overlook Dmytro Timashov as the Maple Leafs conclude their pre-

season schedule this week. Perhaps we got a peek at the Maple Leafs’ opening-night roster when the Coach Mike Babcock certainly won’t, holding the door open for the club gathered for practice on Monday. winger to step through and a secure a job. If so, it would include a third defence pair of rookie Rasmus Sandin with “Why not?” Babcock said on Monday when he was asked whether veteran Martin Marincin. Timashov has a chance to crack the Leafs lineup. “He protects the puck. The two were with the main group at the Ford Performance Centre, He is smart defensively. He is not a tall body (5-foot-10, 192 pounds) but playing behind the pairs of Morgan Rielly/Cody Ceci and Jake he is a thick body, he can play with really good pace. Muzzin/Tyson Barrie, and with the majority of forwards who will take to “His biggest area of concern is when he gets it sometimes he turns it the ice on Oct. 2 against the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of the regular over too much. What the young guys have to realize is the big guys don’t season. turn it over because they don’t want to play defence. They take care of it Coach Mike Babcock warned observers (mostly a bunch of curious so they get to play on offence. It’s what he has to learn. If he can do that, reporters) not to read too much into his Monday deployment, saying “let’s he can play.” not get ahead of ourselves” and that “nothing had been decided.” Timashov has come along nicely in three seasons with the Toronto Yet it wasn’t coincidence that Sandin, and ditto for Marincin, were sharing Marlies, hitting a career high in 2018-19 with 52 points in 72 games. the ice with Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner and others On Monday, Timashov was part of the main group, skating on a line with before the second group that headed off to play the Canadiens in Jason Spezza and Frederik Gauthier. Trevor Moore, who was on that line Montreal in a pre-season game on Monday night had its morning skate. on Saturday in a pre-season game in Buffalo, moved up to play with Alex Sandin has opened eyes at camp, not that his ability and potential have Kerfoot and Ilya Mikheyev. been a revelation, but more that he has been able to make such a Babcock sees the energetic Moore as a good example for Timashov. positive impact at the age of 19. As for Marincin, the Leafs would be unlikely to put him on waivers to send him to the Toronto Marlies, as the “He is what I’m hoping Timashov can be,” Babcock said. “They can thinking is he would be claimed. penalty kill, they can transport the puck, they can be heavy down low, they can get it back for the good players. They can play against really Babcock said on Saturday night in Buffalo after the Leafs lost a pre- good players.” season game against the Sabres that he would “put more good players together” in the final week to ensure that the regulars were on the same Toronto Sun LOADED: 09.24.2019 page and that more detail-related work could be done.

Again, Sandin was included in that group.

At the halfway point of the pre-season, it appears that either Sandin is going to have to fall off drastically (which no one is predicting) or one of veteran defencemen Ben Harpur, Justin Holl, Jordan Schmaltz or Kevin Gravel will have to step up and be absolutely convincing in order to move up in the pecking order.

“It feels good to be out there with all the guys who were out there (Monday),” Sandin said. “I just want to try to make sure I can stay up here. It was a fun day.

“I felt a bit more confident (this year in comparison to a year ago). I know what’s going on outside the rink. I know where I’m going to play this year. At least I’m going to stay in Toronto (with the Leafs or the Marlies) and that feels very good.”

What does Sandin, drafted 29th overall by the Leafs in 2018, think he has to do to further secure a job?

“Just play hard — not be very shy out there,” Sandin said. “Take a little bit of space and be myself, just play how I always been playing. I’m going to keep doing that and still try to improve that.”

And, in all likelihood, with Marincin as his partner. A lightning-rod for criticism at times in Leafs Nation, Marincin has been solid.

“I think Marty has been real good,” Babcock said. “Marty, for me, it has never been about ability, it has never been about skating, it has never been around reading the game, it has been about confidence.

“And he has got thicker and more confident. He sure looks like he wants to play for the Leafs.”

By the time the week is over, the Leafs might well decide that Sandin is best-suited to return to the Marlies, where he would play heavy minutes under Sheldon Keefe. Of course, if Sandin is ready to help the Leafs now, then by all means he should be with the club to start, and if a decision is to be made when he hits nine games, so be it.

Fact is, Leafs staff knows what it’s seeing in Sandin. So do the players. 1154012 Toronto Maple Leafs “I think Marty has been real good,” Babcock said. “Marty, for me, it has never been about ability, it has never been about skating, it has never been around reading the game, it has been about confidence.

Sandin, Marincin taking another step forward as Leafs roster coming into “And he has got thicker and thicker and more and more confident. He shape sure looks like he wants to play for the Leafs. He has to keep playing good.”

In goal, the plan was to have Michael Hutchinson and Michal Neuvirth Terry Koshan travel to Montreal, but it will be Joseph Woll going, not Neuvirth.

With some time already missed in camp because of an undisclosed injury, Neuvirth, in camp on a pro tryout, was not on the ice on Monday As much as Mike Babcock warns against reading into anything with four after playing two periods in Buffalo against the Sabres on Saturday. pre-season games remaining, the Maple Leafs’ roster is becoming a little more clear. “Neuvy was not feeling up to it so he’s not going today,” Babcock said.

Case in point: On Monday morning at the Ford Performance Centre, Toronto Sun LOADED: 09.24.2019 defencemen Rasmus Sandin and Martin Marincin practised as a pair with the main group — the one that’s going to be introduced on Oct. 2 before the regular-season opener against the Ottawa Senators — and so did winger Dmytro Timashov, who was on the fourth line with Jason Spezza and Frederik Gauthier.

The group playing Monday night in Montreal in a pre-season game against the Canadiens is slated to include the defence pairs of Ben Harpur-Justin Holl; Kevin Gravel-Justin Schmaltz; and Kristian Rubins- Timothy Liljegren.

The @MapleLeafs have announced the roster for tonight’s preseason game in Montreal. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/gVVZxEOjsj

— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) September 23, 2019

When asked in particular about Sandin, whose poise, skill and potential have put him ahead of the journeymen D-men in camp, Babcock said: “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There are four exhibition games left. We’re going to watch. What we tried to do tonight is put a bunch of people under a serious amount of duress. In other words, you’re going to be playing against NHL players, and there are no guys on your team to help you, you’re by yourself.

“Those four D, they are out there. Couple of our lines, the same thing. We have them in this situation to evaluate that group because we still don’t have players for our main group. (Auston) Matthews and (John) Tavares are going to make the team. Nothing is decided, we just work on it.”

Morning skate ✔️

✈️ to Montreal  pic.twitter.com/7MBeqspOOx

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 23, 2019

The forward lines in Montreal will include the trios of Nic Petan-Nick Shore-Kenny Agostino; Darren Archibald-Adam Brooks-Jeremy Bracco; Pierre Engvall-Hudson Elynuik-Pontus Aberg/Colt Conrad; and Egor Korshkov-Tyler Gaudet-Matt Read.

And while general manager Kyle Dubas brought aboard several veteran forwards to compete for low-end jobs, Timashov has moved ahead of the pack. With Timashov on the fourth line on Monday, Trevor Moore moved up to play with centre Alex Kerfoot and left winger Ilya Mikheyev.

And yes, Timashov has a chance to make it.

“Why not?” Babcock said. “This is what he does: He protects the puck. He is smart defensively. He is not a tall body but he is a thick body, he can play with really good pace. His biggest area of concern is when he gets it sometimes he turns it over too much.

“What the young guys have to realize is the big guys don’t turn it over because they don’t want to play defence. They take care of it so they get to play on offence. It’s what he has to learn. If he can do that, he can play.”

What does the 19-year-old Sandin have to do this week to ensure a spot on the opening-night roster?

“Just play hard,” Sandin said. “Not be every shy out there. Just take a little bit of space and be myself, just play how I always been playing. That’s why I am here. I am going to keep doing that and still try to improve that.”

And, in all likelihood, with Marincin as his partner. A lightning-rod at times in Leafs Nation, Marincin has had a solid camp. 1154013 Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs' Babcock, Habs' Julien no strangers to job stress

Lance Hornby

BROSSARD, Que. — Mike Babcock and Claude Julien know what the coaching hot seat feels like.

The two friends from shared Team Canada experience have worked in four of the NHL’s most hockey-mad markets: Toronto and Detroit for Babcock, Boston and Montreal (twice) for Julien. In that time, both have heard chatter about their jobs being in danger — Julien coming through three firings counting a stint in New Jersey. This autumn the spotlight’s on Babcock after three first-round playoff defeats.

If they joke about it in their frequent texts, Julien wasn’t revealing much.

“I don’t think we’ve discussed that more than we chat about our (day-today business),” Julien said Monday morning at practice, ahead of the first of two exhibitions against the Leafs.

“Some people enjoy these kind of environments. I have no issue with that. This is a great city, fans are great, there’s a lot of interest. At the end of the day, do your job and hope you can bring a championship to the city. I don’t look at it as pressure. Those kinds of things are actually great. Pressure can be handled in different ways — it can be daunting, or exciting and it can be motivating.”

In year five of his eight-season contract, Babcock must integrate new personnel, get back to the 100-point range and then get the Leafs to show some gumption in playoffs. Julien, meanwhile, was praised for taking this version of the Canadiens to the brink of playoffs last spring in the final week.

Julien still has Carey Price in goal, a strong two-way team with Max Domi and Brendan Gallagher, newcomer Ben Chiarot on defence and some hungry kids. The Leafs were due to see about half the Habs’ starting roster on Monday, with Babcock saving almost all his big names for the return match Wednesday in Toronto.

This watered-down lineup of roster bubble boys and Marlies couldn’t have been a shock to Julien, as he and Babcock often clear their preseason rosters with each other and usually take steps so it’s not too one- sided. But the Leafs have four exhibitions remaining to Montreal’s three, putting the onus on Julien to get his best players ready.

“We’ve exchanged texts when it has come to that, we’ve exchanged lineups,” Julien said. “At the end of the day, I can’t control who he brings, what I can control is what I’m trying to do with this team. We have to play a certain way and that’s where my focus is going to be, not who’s on the other side.”

Price will likely play some or all the game. Julien will have Max Domi between Tomas Tatar and Jonathan Drouin, plus Jesperi Kotkaniemi and defenceman Jeff Petry, in other words most of his top 10 scorers.

Domi mentioned he has benefitted this summer from some expert tutelage via Mat Sundin, the former Leaf captain who was a big figure in his life when papa Tie was the Swede’s winger/bodyguard.

“Last summer he was in charge of a lot of my training and off-ice program and I talked to him quite a bit,” Domi said. “I talked to him a lot during the season. He’s like my uncle, we’re very close.”

They spoke on the phone and caught up in person during Sundin’s rare visits back to Toronto.

“It’s moreso what he did when he played, I just pick his brain and he gives me little exercises he did back in the day,” Domi said. “He knows what would help me the most because he has seen me play since I was a little kid and knows my game really well.

“It’s conditioning stuff; we’re obviously very different players and also very athletes. He’s a more long distance powerful guy, I’m more short- distance sprint. I’m tapping energy systems that I haven’t before and he’s an expert in that, one of the hardest workers in the history of the game.”

Toronto Sun LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154014 Toronto Maple Leafs Nick Suzuki, a former No. 1 with Vegas, has three assists and is plus-3 in three games for Montreal. “We see his potential, it’s huge,” linemate Phillip Danault said of the 20-year-old from London. “He’s like a little magician. He’s very intelligent, always in the right place. He can play NHL notes: Chiarot's on fire in Montreal defence and he has good speed on top of exceptional hands. His hockey sense is really a step above the rest” … Mike Smith didn’t reach the

momentun he wanted in Edmonton’s camp, a strength-sapping virus Lance Hornby forcing the 37-year-old goaltender to stay in bed three or four days. He just rejoined the Oilers on the ice. “I’ve honestly never been so sick in my life,” Smith told reporters … We all know Bobby Orr can fly from the famous Cup winning goal picture, but in the past few days, his statue Carey Price and the Canadiens allowed fewer goals than six playoff actually did take off. Construction of a new building next to TD Garden in teams last year and hope the addition of defenceman Ben Chiarot holds Boston necessitated the iconic bronze be stored and then set up a short that line and reduces it this autumn. distance away. That’ll be for three years until he gets star billing in the Chiarot, who came East from the Winnipeg Jets and signed for three revamped entrance to the rink complex … Leaf centre Jason Spezza told years at US$10.5 million, is ready to lean his 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame Sportsnet that his wife Jennifer “runs a tight ship” with him away and four into a few opponents and get his new team back in the post-season daughters aged nine and under to organize for school etc. “When I come tournament. He’s a big upgrade for the Habs in more ways than one with home (in summer) it’s like I get in the way. It’s a well-oiled machine” … close Atlantic rivals Toronto and Ottawa making off-season blueline Monday marks 27 years since Manon Rheaume became the first woman moves as well. to play goal in an NHL exhibition, making seven saves on nine shots in one period for Tampa Bay against St. Louis. Current Leaf president Montreal, which is an NHL-best 4-0 in pre-season play, meets the Maple Brendan Shanahan had one of the goals, Jeff Brown the other. Rheaume Leafs (1-3) twice early this week to get the Hamilton-born Chiarot dialled later went into amateur women’s coaching. in on the NHL’s oldest rivalry and in at least one game. Chiarot is hitting it off with fluid partner Jeff Petry, who had a personal best 46 points in Toronto Sun LOADED: 09.24.2019 2018-19.

“He’s a guy that plays a physical game, which I like to have as a D partner,” Petry told the Montreal Gazette. “He said ‘join the play and do your thing and know that I’ll be back there.’ He’s shown that he can skate the puck up and join the attack as well.”

They also have an off-ice bond with wives and young families. Petry has three young kids, including a new baby, Chiarot becoming a first-time Dad in the summer. And not that five years in Winnipeg allowed Chiarot media seclusion, but Petry tried to brace him for the attention he’ll get in Montreal.

“Block out as much stuff and everything that you hear,” was Petry’s advice. “You’ve played the game long enough. It’s just a matter of going out there and playing because there’s going to be people who love your game and there’s going to be people who hate your game. You don’t want to get caught up in trying to please everybody.”

CAT OUT OF THE BAG

Alex DeBrincat’s celebrity has not yet caught up to his impressive point totals.

The laid back left winger from the Blackhawks is okay that his canine, a Shiba Inu nicknamed Ralph DeBrindog, is more of an internet sensation than himself. Fans regularly send Ralph chew toys and biscuits while TV cameras at the recent Bears-Packers game didn’t know who DeBrincat was when they panned a private box with him, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, only mentioning the latter two.

But the 21-year-old is making waves on the ice, looking to improve upon last year’s 41 goals and team-best 13 on the power play. The Michigan native is just the 10th NHLer in three decades to record more than 68 goals in his first two seasons.

“I feel like I’m more quiet in the locker room, I try to stay out of the chirping and stuff,” DeBrincat told the Chicago Sun Times. “Those core guys have been there for a long time and are obviously very respected around the league. So especially my first year, I kind of stayed away and kept my mouth shut so I didn’t get in any trouble.”

WELCOME MATT

Matt Duchene had quite an exhibition-game debut with the Nashville Predators, scoring with 3.6 seconds remaining in regulation against the Tampa Bay Lightning, before the Preds won 5-4 before a healthy crowd at home in overtime.

“It’s definitely the biggest preseason crowd I’ve played in front of, by double,” said Duchene, looking for some stability after playing on four teams since 2017-18. “It felt like a regular-season game with the crowd.”

It was the first time the Preds put all of their big guns in the lineup.

ICE CHIPS

First rounder Dylan Cozens, who played well against the Leafs in back- to-back games last weekend, survived Sunday’s first cuts in Buffalo … 1154015 Toronto Maple Leafs the battle to be Frederik Andersen’s back-up on the end of the bench. That duel intensified Saturday when Neuvirth shook off the rust from a long spell of injury and inactivity and did well in 40 minutes against the Sabres. Hutchinson has been in a good place all summer, hanging Maple Leafs review at halfway mark of camp around with Andersen, with Garret Sparks gone and dark horse Kasimir Kaskisuo placed on waivers. Andersen said he wanted three to four

games worth of September action and with one of the Detroit games later Lance Hornby in the week likely his final tune-up, the others will be the veteran Neuvirth’s last chance to make an impression on his professional tryout contract. But Babcock isn’t just looking to slap Polyfilla between the pipes. He has to be confident one of these goalies can start 25 games or Federal election blather is enough reason to wish October would get here more — in back-to-back cases and emergencies — if he’s to bring faster, with mind numbing NHL exhibition games a close second. Andersen’s projected starts below 60 games and maintain playoff At least the Maple Leafs are halfway through their eight-game pre- freshness. season grind with the promise of more meat for pundits to chew on this 5. JOB PROTECTION week in terms of final roster decisions. With the real thing starting a week Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena against the Ottawa Senators, here’s Hutchinson isn’t the only Leaf trying to save his job from a newcomer. what Toronto’s training camp has generated so far: Undrafted Trevor Moore, one of last year’s feel-good stories when he took the injured Matthews’ spot on the roster and was a full-time playoff 1. FORWARDS MARCH contributor by April, clearly didn’t rest on his laurels during the summer. The club’s 10 goals so far in one win and three losses are mostly via the Ditto for latecomer Nic Petan. Spezza’s role isn’t yet defined, but you usual suspects, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Kasperi Kapanen and have to think Babcock will find some role for the 36-year-old at centre, Andreas Johnsson, with a smattering of Nick Shore, Frederik Gauthier, wing or special teams, especially since he gets on well with the kids after Trevor Moore, Matt Read and Pierre Engvall. In separate games as the the departure of father figures Patrick Marleau and Ron Hainsey. Winger premier line, the units of Kapanen, Tavares and Mitch Marner and Matt Read is giving maximum effort, like Neuvirth turning down solid Matthews between Johnsson and William Nylander are certainly warming offers elsewhere to make the most of his PTO here. Shore, Read, up, but have to get their timing down on shots. In both cases, the left Gauthier, Tyler Gaudet, along with Marlies Engvall, Jeremy Bracco, wingers are under scrutiny; Kapanen to replace the dogged puck pursuit Dmytro Timashov and Hudson Elynuik have had bright moments in brief of the injured Zach Hyman and the smaller Johnsson to show he can game action, but they’ll need more getting close to cut-down time. stand up to abuse from forecheckers and big defencemen. Both port- Toronto Sun LOADED: 09.24.2019 siders have shown well in both speed and sass in a small sample size and given the talent they can feed pucks to — a stoked Matthews, leading scorer Marner and a net-nosed Tavares — the Leafs should do well against head-to-head top lines and coverage. The wild card is Nylander and his preference for the perimeter. While he didn’t click Friday versus the Sabres in one of his best offensive games going back to last year, 15 shot attempts were a good sign. And if he starts dishing off more pucks during his wide sweeps around the goal, he could help his mates.

2. RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

Ilya Mikheyev and Yegor Korshkov could pop up on the third or fourth lines as the indications are the two rookies will get a long look. Mikheyev, the least known of the two after Korshkov got in nine playoff games with the Marlies last spring, came on strong late in Friday’s game, a force to be reckoned with around the net at 6-foot-2. A free agent, Mikheyev is two years older than Korshkov, but in coach Mike Babcock’s opinion is not quite comfortable with the size of the North American rink. Older teammates such as Jason Spezza have tried to help him along, and language as much as anything has been a challenge. This week’s games against Montreal and Detroit should reveal a better picture , especially the idea of Mikheyev playing with new centre Alexander Kerfoot. Draft pick Korshkov is even bigger than his countryman and has thrown some hits to get noticed.

3. SORTING THROUGH THE D

An automatic upgrade on last year’s blue-line is Jake Muzzin playing with Tyson Barrie, two Western Conference veterans who have looked very solid, despite the odd communication breakdown such as Saturday in Buffalo. The pair not only fill their job description with Muzzin’s brawn and Barrie’s brains and blazing speed, but each can borrow from the other’s tool box: Muzzin a better passer than given credit for, Barrie a lot less unpredictable in his own end than the departed Jake Gardiner. Morgan Rielly and Cody Ceci are slowly finding their comfort level, keeping in mind Rielly is coming off a career year. Will Ceci follow suit, free from the nightly drudge of playing defence in Ottawa? Ben Harpur will endear himself to many people if he embraces his physical side and playing with Jordan Schmaltz so far could mean they’re together opening night. That’s not to ignore Kevin Gravel, Justin Holl and Teemu Kivihalme or rising young Swedes Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren. But it would make little sense to keep one or both the kids as a seventh or eight defenceman when they could keep developing with plenty of ice time on Sheldon Keefe’s Marlies.

4. OPEN MIKES

Either Michael Hutchinson or Michal Neuvirth would be happy charting faceoffs for Babcock come opening night, as it would mean they’d won 1154016 Toronto Maple Leafs Justin Holl (RD, No. 3) — This was a really good game for Holl. He looked confident with the puck on his stick, did a solid job defending, and laid out Jesperi Kotkoniemi along the boards with what might’ve been the biggest hit of Holl’s life. Leafs Report Cards: Nic Petan and Egor Korshkov dominate as Toronto’s AHL squad defeats Montreal’s NHL lineup BIG BOY HIT FROM JUSTIN HOLL#LEAFSFOREVER PIC.TWITTER.COM/I5R9NZ0TI7

— LEAFS ALL DAY (@LEAFSALLDAYY) SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 By Ian Tulloch Sep 23, 2019 Babcock gave him a big pat on the head after this. I’m not sure if it gets him on the roster, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up being the seventh defenceman to sit up in the press box early on (especially with Welcome to another edition of Leafs Report Cards. We’re currently in his $675,000 cap hit, which is actually lower than the 2019-20 league preseason mode (trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t), so minimum of $700,000). be sure to let me know in the comments section what you’d like to see in these postgame reports. I’ll be doing them all season, so I’d love to get Kenny Agostino (RW, No. 20) — I’ve been a fan of Agostino’s hustle an idea of what the readers are looking for in their postgame analysis since the beginning of training camp. He’s one of those guys who always (with a bit of fun mixed in, because we are talking about sports, after all). seems to be first on a loose puck, and if not he’s getting right in there. He did flub a few scoring chances in the offensive zone, but we’re talking Now, let’s get to the game! about a guy who scored at a third-line rate last season (I’m not too Key takeaways from the game worried about his offensive output). On a team that’s going to need cheap players to fill in the periphery of the roster in a complementary 1. Toronto’s AHL Squad outplayed Montreal’s NHL squad role, I would argue that Agostino would make the most sense to play in a “Zach Hyman” role if there were an injury. I know it’s just a preseason game, but Claude Julien can’t be feeling too great about a performance like that. On the other hand, Mike Babcock is Kevin Gravel (LD, No. 25) — I thought he looked pretty solid in this probably thrilled with the way his team played (especially Nic Petan and game, all things considered. He’s far from an elite stretch passer, but Egor Korshkov, who were absolutely dominant). he’s actually pretty good at completing shorter passes underneath to open teammates (whether it’s a reversal to his partner, a slip pass to the 2. The backup goaltending battle might not be settled centre underneath or a quick pass to the winger along the wall). He There’s been an assumption that Michael Neuvirth was going to win the reminds me a bit of Ron Hainsey in that he’s a slow skater but “he knows Leafs backup role if he was healthy, but he’s missed another game now where to stand” and has an active stick. I’m not sure if that makes him an that he was supposed to start — and Michael Hutchinson looked NHL defenceman on a team like Toronto, but I came away impressed excellent taking his place. with his game.

3. A few defencemen might have settled their fate Tyler Gaudet (C, No. 32) — Quick shoutout to Gaudet, a guy who had zero chance of cracking an NHL roster coming into camp but still played This was not a great game for Ben Harpur or Jordan Schmaltz, both of his butt off. I’ve become a huge fan of his play with and without the puck. whom have been vying for a spot on Toronto’s third pairing. With the He’s one of those guys coaches are going to love at the AHL level, where preseason winding down, this might have been their last chance to I’m curious to see what he can accomplish on the Marlies this season. impress the coaching staff — and they did not pass the test. ⭐⭐⭐ Player reports Matt Read (RW, No. 12) — He’s a speedy little player who can make ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ plays when he has time and space (like his chance off the rush on the Best player on the ice: Nic Petan (LW, No. 61) — He and Egor Korshkov penalty kill). I thought Ryan Fancey put it best when he said this about really separated themselves from the pack in this game. What Korshkov Read: provided with power and aggression, Petan brought with skill, making THE LEAFS INVITED TOO MANY BOTTOM SIX PLAYERS AND I tons of nifty little tip passes to get the puck up the ice and into dangerous HAVE NO IDEA WHICH ONES SHOULD MAKE IT. LIKE, MATT READ areas in the offensive zone. He’s always been a phenomenal passer, SEEMS PRETTY GOOD, BUT THERE ALMOST SURELY WON’T BE A which was on full display tonight. His between-the-legs touch pass on the SPOT FOR HIM. GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE BUT I FEEL BAD FOR A power play was my personal favourite, although he had a few others that FEW OF THE B’YS really stood out (e.g., his behind-the-net pass to Korshkov for a tap-in). — RYAN (@RYANFANCEY) SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 I would argue that passing is currently the biggest market inefficiency for bottom-six forwards, and Petan has that in spades. I’m not sure if he I think he’s an NHL player, I just don’t think he’s high enough on made the opening night roster based on this game alone, but he certainly Toronto’s depth chart to make the team. If you’re an NHL club looking for moved himself up Babcock’s pecking order. some depth scoring, he’s probably going to be available on a league minimum contract. I’d love to see him get another shot with the Leafs this year, even if he doesn’t crack the opening night lineup. Adam Brooks (C, No. 77) — I’ve always been a fan of the way Brooks thinks the game. He wasn’t super noticeable tonight, but he had a few Egor Korshkov (LW, No. 96) — After a few uninspiring performances with plays in which he created space in transition to get the puck up the ice. the Leafs this preseason (and Marlies last year in the playoffs), I wasn’t Throw in some strong positional play down the middle, and I’d call this a expecting much from Korshkov in this one, but he blew me away right solid game for Brooks (who probably starts the season as the Marlies’ from the get-go. He must have generated three or four Grade-A chances first-line centre). in the first couple minutes of the game, using his combination of size, strength and some underrated skill to get the puck to dangerous areas. I Jeremy Bracco (RW, No. 29) — Bracco’s such a weird player to evaluate still think he needs a full season in the AHL to work out the kinks in his at this level. He can’t really skate forwards (he’s always on his edges game, but he has a rare set of tools for a 6-foot-4 forward that could drifting sideways), but his vision and passing ability are otherworldly. He make him an interesting top-nine player if he hits his ceiling. reminds me of a midfielder in soccer who helps the team maintain possession and drive play forward with quick little one-touch passing. I ⭐⭐⭐⭐ still think he needs some work down in the AHL with all-world skating coach Barb Underhill, but if he can add a gear or two to his straight-line Michael Hutchinson (G, No. 30) — It’s hard to not give a goaltender five speed, I’d be really curious to see what he could do at the NHL level stars when they pitch a shutout, but Montreal didn’t generate much of (there aren’t too many players who can thread the needle like he can). anything tonight. I’m not sure if that says more about their poor play or Toronto’s AHL squad really bringing it, but there weren’t many quality ⭐⭐ chances Hutchinson needed to stop. With that being said, he looked great in his crease (excellent positioning) and was obviously perfect in Ben Harpur (LD, No. 22) — I didn’t think this was a bad game for Harpur this game, but it wasn’t your typical 60-minute workload. per se, but with his limitations (lack of foot speed and passing ability), I’m just not convinced he’s a fit for the modern game in 2019. For example, always recommend combining stats with video because single-game there was a puck that was flipped to his area in the second period, but he numbers can be wonky). lost the race to the loose puck, which resulted in a cross-crease pass (that just missed the target). He still has a shot at making Toronto’s final Most important clip of the night roster because of the physical element he brings to the table (that no one BABS LOVES WHAT HE SEES PIC.TWITTER.COM/MOZNK7VB8I else on the roster currently provides), but I’m still of the opinion that the team would be better off finding a player with more talent to fit that role, — LEAFS ALL DAY (@LEAFSALLDAYY) SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 whether it’s Mason Marchment or a player yet to be acquired via trade. This made me all warm and fuzzy inside. Is Holl an NHL defenceman? Hudson Elynuik (C, No. 76) — He had a few strong plays toward the net Probably not, but you love to see him getting praise from the coach for an using his size (at 6-foot-5), but I didn’t find myself jotting down too many area of his game that he’s often been criticized for (lack of physicality). notes about his play. Final thoughts from the game Darren Archibald (LW, No. 49) — He did score a goal off a rebound, but This was truly a bizarre game. Neither starting goalie showed up (literally other than that, this was a pretty quiet night for Archibald, who probably — the backups had to play), the AHL team outplayed the NHL team and ends up on the Marlies this year to provide some depth. Holl hit somebody. Preseason games like these are usually boring (when Nick Shore (C, No. 26) — I believe in Nick Shore. Now that I’ve typed one side dresses a varsity team), but I was legitimately entertained by that, I feel comfortable saying that he hasn’t impressed me very much so tonight’s game. Hockey can be a weird sport sometimes. far in the preseason. I found it interesting that he was getting lots of four- As per the readers’ requests, we’ll finish tonight’s report cards with my on-five time in this game, which suggests to me that Babcock wants him best guess at Toronto’s opening night roster: winning faceoffs and killing penalties if he’s going to fill in the 4C role. My guess is he gets sent down to the Marlies to start the season but could Kapanen-Tavares-Marner be used as an injury replacement if he doesn’t get picked up by another team on waivers (or overseas). Johnsson-Matthews-Nylander

Pontus Aberg (RW, No. 46) — Again, I believe in Pontus Aberg’s talent, Mikheyev-Kerfoot-Moore but he didn’t look great tonight either. We’re reaching the point where a Petan-Gauthier-Spezza few guys are clearly on the bubble (Agostino, Petan, Dmytro Timashov) and the others are on the outside looking in. Aberg appears to be on the Muzzin-Barrie latter right now. Rielly-Ceci Kristians Rubins (LD, No. 56) — I didn’t think he looked great tonight, but I don’t think we should hold him to the same standards as players fighting Sandin-Marincin for an NHL roster spot. I’m not sure how many more games we’re going Holl (Extra D, $675,000 contract) to see Rubins in a Leafs uniform, but I’m just going to enjoy the ride while it lasts. Andersen

Timothy Liljegren (RD, No. 37) — This was another disappointing game Neuvirth (if healthy) for Liljegren. He looks a step behind at this level, with players able to maneuver around him in transition. Even when it comes to his biggest Final grade: A strength (puck-moving ability), he looks much less confident than he did The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 with the Marlies in the Calder Cup playoffs. At times like these, I think it’s important to remember that the kid recently turned 20 and still has plenty of developing left to do, especially considering the time he’s missed over the past year and a half because of injuries (whether it’s mono or a high ankle sprain, he hasn’t been dealt a great hand).

After a few months of No. 1D duties on the Marlies (and time spent with Underhill working on his skating), I wouldn’t be shocked if Liljegren found himself on the Leafs before the end of the regular season — or maybe he needs another year before he’s ready (and that’s OK).

⭐

Pierre Engvall (LW, No. 47) — As a rule of thumb, if I had to ask whether you played tonight (and you’re not a defenceman), it typically means you didn’t play well. I’m a believer in the Pierre Engvall centre experiment, but he still probably needs some more seasoning in the AHL before he’s ready to make a legitimate crack at the Leafs’ roster.

Jordan Schmaltz (RD, No. 2) — He’s been my guy all preseason, so it hurts to put him here, but man … this wasn’t his night. He had a few rough Jake Gardiner-esque turnovers where it was difficult to see what he was thinking, and he wasn’t able to recover after the turnovers (resulting in plenty of sustained pressure against). I’m still high on his talent as a puck-mover, but I’m starting to see why a lot of people see Schmaltz as a Quad-A (AAAA) type of player — he has the skill set to dominate at the lower level, but when the game speeds up a tick, I’m not sure whether he’s able to process everything fast enough to avoid those back-breaking turnovers.

Here’s hoping he can get there in time, but if not, we’re probably looking at another Jordan Subban, which was lots of fun to watch with the Marlies last season.

Game Score

Game Score is a metric developed by The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn to quickly measure a player’s performance in a single game.

It’s not perfect, but it can help give us a decent idea of how well players performed in a particular game based on their numbers (although I’d 1154017 Toronto Maple Leafs Jake Muzzin spent most of his Toronto experience last season (30 games) with Nikita Zaitsev on what eventually became an effective shutdown pair. What’s the biggest change for him personally now that Tyson Barrie, a vastly different type of player, will be at his side? Monday Morning Leafs Report: Bubble watch, Jake Muzzin and Tyson Barrie, fresh starts and camp observations “Well, one, he can speak English, so that’s nice,” Muzzin said with a hearty laugh.

“No, obviously, (he’s) a little more offensive-minded (than Zaitsev). And I By Jonas Siegel Sep 23, 2019 think for me, reading that, I’ve just gotta let him do his thing a little bit and kinda sit back and cover a little bit more. I think we got in a little trouble in

St. John’s (in the first exhibition game) both pushing the pace and both *The Monday Morning Leafs Report will be a weekly collection of quotes, being a little too busy. But it’s the first game, so your mind’s kinda going observations, stats and notes. Stay tuned each week! a million miles. But just reading some certain situations off him; most of the time it’s situational play and it’s an easy read, but then there comes What’s become clear at Maple Leafs training camp with a week in the instinctive reads and stuff like that where it may take a few games and a books and a week still to go? That so much about the roster is still few more practices to talk things over and get used to.” unsettled, a point Mike Babcock hammered home after his team played in Buffalo over the weekend. Muzzin and Barrie teamed up for Canada at the 2015 world championships (Jason Spezza was also on the squad and led the He was still confused about plenty, specifically on defence. tournament in scoring), but Muzzin didn’t think that history made much difference. “Now, we’re playing a different system, different coach, Here’s what we think we know: different everything,” he said. “How many years ago was it? Rasmus Sandin has emerged as a favourite to play for the Leafs on “Things have changed a little bit since then,” Muzzin said. opening night. Training camp observations Frederik Gauthier has made a strong push to keep his job on the fourth line, maybe even at centre. Here’s a fun snapshot of what camp is like behind the scenes: Muzzin is on his way out of the Paradise Double Ice Complex one afternoon last Ilya Mikheyev is a lock to make the team, likely at third-line left wing. week in Newfoundland. He’s preparing to hop into one of the fleet of Ford Other than that? SUVs waiting on players and team staff. Oddly, Semyon Der- Arguchintsev, aka SDA, is joining him. “In the front, SDA,” Muzzin chirps, Beyond Sandin, it’s unclear who among Martin Marincin, Jordan “don’t say a word.” Schmaltz and Ben Harpur is going to claim the final spot on the third pair. Marincin is long and swats power plays away like flies. Schmaltz can dish The two ride off. the rock. Harpur is big and mean with some penalty-killing ability. But More notable was all the instruction — and subsequent repeating of which one fits best to start? Has any really distinguished himself? Maybe instruction — Babcock had to do with so many new players on hand. the Leafs end up keeping all three, alongside Sandin, and keep the tryout Among the new NHL players joining (or potentially joining) the Leafs are going into the regular season. Barrie, Kerfoot, Mikheyev, Harpur, Schmaltz, Spezza, Aberg, Agostino, Up front, the question remains of who lines up with Mikheyev and Cody Ceci and Nick Shore. “Does everybody understand?” Babcock Alexander Kerfoot on the revamped third line. Babcock would probably asked last week, just before a drill was set to begin. like it to be Kasperi Kapanen, but he’s filling in for the injured Zach “You understand or not really?” he said, questioning Ceci, who nodded. Hyman on John Tavares’ line. The Leafs coach has kept Trevor Moore in fourth-line terrain throughout camp, probably hoping the 24-year-old The drill started. Babcock stopped it after maybe 20 seconds. Then, he demands more opportunity, which is exactly what he seemed to do over skated into the corner of the zone in question and showed Ceci what he 13 minutes against the Sabres on Saturday. was looking for, pressing Johnsson into the boards.

If not Moore, who claims the job? None of Nic Petan, Jeremy Bracco, Another power-play weapon Pontus Aberg or Kenny Agostino has really snatched hold of a spot just yet. On top of the fit he could form with Muzzin on what’s essentially the Leafs’ top pair, the biggest plus Barrie may offer is on the power play. Could a dark horse like Dmytro Timashov somehow emerge? The 28-year-old was third among all defencemen with 16 primary assists on the power play last season. (Only Keith Yandle of the Paul The backup goalie competition is similarly muddled. McFarland-run Florida power play and John Carlson had more.) Michal Neuvirth looked sharp in two periods Saturday, but career-long The game plan, Barrie said, is for Morgan Rielly to remain atop what injury concerns have already popped up again. Do the Leafs feel they should be a revamped top unit and for him to spearhead the second can trust him, especially if Frederik Andersen is going to start fewer than group. 60 times? If the Neuvirth question is too large, how does the organization feel about Michael Hutchinson’s wobbly start to the preseason (five goals “It’s a good situation to have two guys that can both create offence and on 34 shots)? quarterback a power play,” said Barrie, who had 25 power-play points last season, tied for fifth-best among defencemen league-wide. “I think The next week should decide a lot. it’s a good opportunity for us to maybe work something like they did in Jobs are still there to be had with the Leafs. (Marc DesRosiers / USA San Jose with (Brent) Burns and (Erik) Karlsson.” Today) Tyson Barrie was one of the league’s top-producing defencemen on the More Sandman! power play in Colorado. (Sergei Belski / USA Today)

Here’s Andreas Johnsson’s download of everything interesting he’s Somewhat underplayed in the Leafs’ relative power-play struggles last discovered about the 19-year-old: season (they still finished eighth at 21.8 percent) was how little they got from the second unit, even after William Nylander returned from a “I would say in hockey, his mindset out there, how smart he is with the contract dispute in December. It was a pretty punchless group, with puck and how he moves and sets up (teammates) and then he finds Nylander (one goal) usually joined by Jake Gardiner (zero), Patrick another space to get open to get a pass back. And personally, even at Marleau (four), Tyler Ennis (two) and Johnsson (three). such a young age, he’s very forward (socially) so he feels older than he really is. I think it helped him a lot (that) he moved at a young age and Barrie may help change that on a fivesome that’s likely to include had to take care of himself. Nylander, Spezza, Kerfoot and whoever claims one of the last spots up front. Barrie sits fourth in total power-play assists among D over the past “I feel like he’s very mature, a very mature guy.” two seasons:

New-look top pair John Carlson: 58 Keith Yandle: 49 “You learn in this business,” Agostino said, “you can only control what you can control, and that’s by having a good day, and then come back to Torey Krug: 47 the rink and do it again the next day.”

Victor Hedman: 47 The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 Tyson Barrie: 46

Brent Burns: 43

Morgan Rielly: 42

Rasmus Ristolainen: 38

John Klingberg: 37

Shayne Gostisbehere: 36

Fresh start, Part 1

One among the many new guys kicking around camp this fall is Schmaltz, whose prospects petered out in St. Louis, where he was a first-round pick in 2012. He’s looking for new life with the Leafs, dubbing it a “fresh start.”

“It’s like your first year all over again,” said Schmaltz, who’s played in only 42 NHL games, nearly half of which were last season. “You’re learning the staff. You’re learning the trainers, coaches, how they want to play, the practice tendencies, all the different little things that are just new to you. It’s refreshing, and it’s been good so far.”

Schmaltz has a few ties to the organization. He played with Agostino on the Chicago Wolves and knows Nylander, who played minor hockey with his younger brother, Nick. The whole Nylander clan, he said, is “family.”

Schmaltz also played for new Leafs assistant Dave Hakstol at the University of North Dakota. Hakstol recruited him there, too. That connection, he acknowledged, won’t win him a job.

“I think I need to show I can move the puck,” Schmaltz said.

“I think they know I can do that — and get up in the play. But I also need to show that I’m willing to play defence at a high level and compete around the net especially. And if I can do that, I think I give myself a good chance to make the club.”

Fresh start, Part 2

Unlike Schmaltz, a one-organization man up until this season, Agostino has bounced around from Calgary to St. Louis to Boston to Montreal to New Jersey and, now, to Toronto. In the past two seasons alone, Agostino has suited up for Providence (AHL), Boston (NHL), Laval (AHL), Montreal (NHL) and New Jersey (NHL). He joined the Leafs on a two- year deal.

He’s gotten used to starting over, in other words.

What’s changed in recent years, he said, is a realization of how he needs to play to carve out a place in the NHL. It was crystallized during a conversation with Laval head coach Joel Bouchard after training camp with the Canadiens last fall.

“We realized,” Agostino said, “I might have a lot of offensive success in the AHL, but for me to be a regular in the NHL, it’s going to be being a bottom-six forward. And in order to do that, you gotta be responsible in all areas of the ice, and I think, let my offensive abilities take over when I have time and space in the offensive zone. But really, commitment to a 200-foot game, hard-nosed hockey, is what I’ve tried to form the last couple years.”

Kenny Agostino got his first sustained NHL opportunity with Montreal last season. (Kim Klement / USA Today)

Agostino had his NHL breakthrough last season, eventually winning a spot with the Canadiens before getting claimed off waivers by the Devils in February. He came up with 24 points in 63 games.

So far at camp, it’s felt like he’s been outside the mix for one of the final lineup spots. He was noticeable over almost 17 minutes on Friday, though. He nearly scored on a breakaway and set up Johnsson for a goal on the ensuing power play. He was all over the puck early.

If Moore does end up teaming with Mikheyev and Kerfoot on the third line, Agostino might fit on the left side of Spezza and Gauthier on the fourth unit.

“Simple, hard hockey” is his focus. 1154018 Vegas Golden Knights

Nate Schmidt works to reform NHL’s PED testing, report says

By David Schoen

September 23, 2019 - 8:03 PM

Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt hopes to reform the NHL’s drug testing program.

Schmidt, who was suspended 20 games at the start of the 2018-19 season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, is working with the NHL Players’ Association to raise the league’s minimum standard for a PED violation, according to a report by ESPN.com.

His efforts are part of the ongoing talks for a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and players’ association, ESPN.com noted.

The league and NHLPA recently declined to exercise their option to reopen the CBA, ensuring the current deal runs through the 2021-22 season.

The Knights did not practice Monday and Schmidt was not available to the media. Matt Keator, Schmidt’s agent, could not be reached for comment.

Schmidt was suspended Sept. 2, 2018, for violating the NHL/NHL Players Association Performance Enhancing Substances Program. He was the first NHL player suspended under the testing program since 2016 and the sixth since it began in 2005.

Schmidt cited “environmental contamination” as the reason in his statement after his suspension was announced. His appeal was denied by an independent arbitrator.

“One of the experts in environmental contamination who testified on my behalf at the appeal hearing described the amount of the substance found in my system — 7 billionths of a milligram/mL — as the equivalent of a pinch of salt in an Olympic-sized swimming pool,” he said at the time.

The CBA prevents Schmidt, the NHLPA and the league from disclosing the substance for which he tested positive.

The Knights backed Schmidt throughout the process. The club said in a statement last September it believed the presence of a banned substance in Schmidt’s system was “accidental and unintentional.”

Schmidt signed a six-year, $35.7 million contract extension Oct. 24 while he was serving his suspension. In 61 games after his return, Schmidt posted 30 points, including a career-high nine goals.

“I hope to help guys understand,” Schmidt said Nov. 7, the first day he was allowed to practice during his suspension. “I talked to as many guys as I could about my experience and what to do. I just don’t want this to happen to anybody else, and I’m going to try my hardest to make sure it doesn’t. I don’t want someone to have to go through what I did. It’s not fair to guys.

“I’m all about keeping our game clean, and I told them in the beginning, ‘Test me every day if you want to.’ The whole time. It wasn’t something that I was trying to shy away from. I want to be able to work with the league and the PA and put something together because I don’t want this to happen to anybody else. If I have to be the guy that it happens to for it to never happen again, that’ll be OK with me. I can live with that.”

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154019 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights’ Brandon Pirri wants to do more

By Ben Gotz

September 23, 2019 - 1:29 PM

Brandon Pirri, who lives in Chicago during the offseason, is ready to not go home this year.

The Golden Knights left wing’s sole focus this training camp has been to stay in Las Vegas and not begin a third straight season with the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. He may just get his wish.

“I have no intention of going back,” Pirri said. “My family’s here. I’m treating this like I’m on the team and that I can contribute every night.”

Pirri, 28, needed to prove he could be a consistent contributor after a tumultuous start to his career. The former second-round pick made his debut for the Chicago Blackhawks when he was 19, but by the time he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Knights in 2017 he was on his fifth NHL franchise.

He scored 29 goals with the Wolves that season, his first in the minors since 2013-14, then rebuilt himself in the offseason. He knew his sharp shot and scoring ability were NHL caliber. What needed to improve was his skating and defense.

So last offseason in Chicago he started working with trainer Brian Galivan, who this summer was named the director of sports science for USA Hockey’s national team development program.

“It changed the way I skated,” Pirri said. “At 27, not many guys can say their game changed a bit.”

Using his rebuilt stride, Pirri was named an AHL All-Star last season and earned a call-up from the Knights in December. He scored three goals in his first two games — and seven in his first eight — to force his way onto the roster, eventually for good.

“He’s a great shooter,” forward Tomas Nosek said. “He obviously knows how to shoot the puck and he’s good at finding spots.”

Coach Gerard Gallant was quick to point out it wasn’t just Pirri’s goal- scoring prowess that was impressive either. Gallant, who previously coached Pirri on the Florida Panthers, noticed the winger’s improved skating as well.

Pirri now hopes he takes another step after a second offseason with Galivan. He felt good enough to say he was in “the best shape of his life” during camp, and Gallant doesn’t necessarily disagree.

“The last two years he’s been really good,” Gallant said. “He’s really improved his conditioning, his skating. He’s an NHL player.”

Gallant’s last statement seems prescient as the Knights sort out who can fill spots in their bottom six forwards. There’s an opening on the wing on the team’s third line and Pirri wants to take it.

But this training camp isn’t about that for him. He doesn’t just want to win a job. He wants to keep it every night and show the two-year, $1.55 million contract the Knights signed him to July 1 was a bargain.

“This year it’s just kind of proving I should be in the lineup every night,” Pirri said. “The way my career has gone, I can’t really take a day off or I’m not going to be in the lineup. That’s the way I look at it. I’m still kind of scratching and clawing. It’s just for a different reason.”

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154020 Vegas Golden Knights “I think he’s a guy that can bounce back and forth,” coach Gerard Gallant said. “Do I have a preference? I don’t care, wherever I need him.”

“I don’t see a big difference between any of the three (forward) positions. Center or wing? Tomas Nosek’s position for upcoming season still He might feel more comfortable at one. I’m guessing he likes center a lot uncertain better.”

Gallant’s guess is correct. Nosek has openly shared his desire to play center, but he’s also shown he can succeed anywhere. That makes him By Justin Emerson a valuable asset for the Golden Knights regardless of his position.

“I think he’s a heck of a player,” Eakin said. “Wherever he’s going to play is going to be effective for us.” Monday, Sept. 23, 2019 | 2 a.m.

Vegas Golden Podcast LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 09.24.2019 A player per day: Shea Theodore

Justin Emerson and Case Keefer continue their preseason series looking at every player on the Vegas Golden Knights' roster with Shea Theodore.

Justin Emerson and Case Keefer continue their preseason series looking at every player on the Vegas Golden Knights' roster with likely fourth-line center Tomas Nosek.

Tomas Nosek knows what position he’d like to play. It’s the same position where he thinks he’s most valuable. It’s a different position from the one he’s played with the Vegas Golden Knights over the last two years.

Vegas has been stacked at center since its inception, forcing it to keep Nosek on the wing. In the Golden Knights’ first season, William Karlsson, Erik Haula, Cody Eakin and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare centered their respective lines.

Last season, Paul Stastny took Haula’s spot. But this year there’s no set fourth-line center. With Bellemare having left for Colorado in free agency, there’s an opening next to Ryan Reaves and William Carrier that Nosek hopes to fill.

“I’ve been playing center for my whole life,” Nosek said. “When I came here there were a lot of great centers here so I had to move to the wing and adjust my game a little bit, so I would say centerman is a better position.”

Nosek has transitioned between the two positions seamlessly. He said outside of taking faceoffs, which is the biggest difference between center and wing, that focusing on his play in the defensive end was the most crucial part of switching to center.

But those faceoffs shouldn’t be ignored.

It’s an admittedly small sample, but Nosek won 82 of his 132 faceoffs last year, a 62.1 percent rate that ranked tops in the NHL among players who registered at least 20 draws. His career mark going into last season was 53.9 percent, meaning it wasn’t entirely a fluke.

“Even when I was playing on the wing, I was taking faceoffs in practice,” Nosek said.

Nosek has scored 33 points in 152 career games, so he’s hardly a scoring maven. He’s more proficient in his own zone, and particularly on the penalty kill. The Golden Knights allowed only 35 high-danger chances by opponents when Nosek was on the ice short-handed, lower than the totals allowed by fellow penalty-killers Bellemare, Eakin and Ryan Carpenter.

He’s a strong defender regardless of his position, and it’s not as if he’s been totally shut out of playing center in Vegas.

He spent time in the middle when necessary last year, including during Game 7 of the playoff series against the Sharks when Bellemare was out with an injury.

“I played against (Nosek) first in the American (Hockey) League and he was a center and he was an absolute stud as a center,” Carrier said. “He can play there. It’s not like you’re throwing a winger there and telling him to play center.”

Right now, Nosek figures to be either the third-line left wing or fourth-line center. The center job could depend on the play of Nicolas Roy, who could also earn the spot.

There are even more candidates vying for the third-line wing opening with Brandon Pirri, Valentin Zykov and Cody Glass all potential options. 1154021 Vegas Golden Knights Brandon Pirri: I’ll go with Pacioretty. I think with a full year with Stone and Stastny, they’re all really going to benefit from that. You know what you’re going to get from Stastny, and with a full year of Stone to build that chemistry I just think as a goal-scorer you’re going to benefit from the Vegas dressing room survey: Golden Knights predict who is primed for a way those two handle the puck and distribute it. big season Alex Tuch: I think everyone in this room has the potential to exceed expectations. Some guys may have higher potential than others, but honestly you can never really predict anything. Hopefully everyone. It’s By Jesse Granger still early. Pacioretty had a really good game, but a bunch of other guys Sep 23, 2019 looked good too. We had a longer offseason to get into incredible physical condition so no one really stood out individually.

William Carrier: I think Tuch might have a good year. He’s right on the The Golden Knights’ dressing room was brimming with optimism through edge where his confidence is good, he’s skating and moving well. He the first week of training camp. played unbelievable last year so it’s tough to say he’s going to break out, but I think he’s going to just have a little bit better season this year. According to staff and management, the players showed up in phenomenal shape collectively after an offseason that was much longer Brayden McNabb: Probably Tuch. I think he’s probably ready. He and than they’d hoped. The silver lining to a first round playoff exit is that the Theodore have been really good, obviously, but I think they can take players had a full offseason to repair, rejuvenate and improve their another step. I think they both should be superstars in this league. Now bodies, and it showed both in off-ice physical tests and at practice. they have experience, so I expect them to take another step.

It’s the time of the year where every team in the league believes this Malcolm Subban: I’d say Pacioretty based off last night’s game (the could be its season. Each player believes he’s ready to step up for the morning after Pacioretty’s preseason hat trick). But seriously, my pick biggest season of his career. But who is actually primed to have the would be Alex Tuch. I think he can take another step this season. biggest season on the Golden Knights? Who better to ask than the players in the dressing room. Jon Merrill: I’m going to have to go with Mark Stone. The way that he adds that level of intensity, and just makes our team such a better team I asked 17 of the Golden Knights’ returning players who they think is every time he’s on the ice. He does so many things right on both ends of primed for a big season. Here are their responses: the ice. Offensively we know the numbers he can put up, but there’s so many things he does for your team without the puck. He’s always in the Nate Schmidt: Shea Theodore, and I’m not just saying that because he’s right spots in the defensive zone, and he breaks up plays. a fellow defenseman. He just has so much talent. When he’s at his best he’s one of the most indefensible players in the league. Plus, after Cody Eakin: Mark Stone. everything he’s been through (this summer) a hockey season will probably be easy. Nick Holden: I’ll say Marchy, because every day this summer he worked out with his shirt off so everybody could see his gains. He shed a little bit Max Pacioretty: I think Shea Theodore. He just had a big season, but I of his chub and gained a little muscle. I know he’s an elite scorer already, think he’s undervalued around the league. Maybe that’s not fair to say, but I expect him to come in and show that he’s as good as everyone but I think we value him higher than the rest of the league does. He thinks he is. skates just as good as any defenseman in the league and will get a lot of opportunities. He’s been here from day one, unlike last year, so he’s not behind the eight-ball. Good things happen to good people. He’s a great The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 teammate, as well, and we want to see him succeed.

Mark Stone: I think Theodore is going to be pretty big for us. I played with him last year for the first time and didn’t really know much about him. I knew he was a good skater and that was about it. But over the last six months, playing with him here for a few months and playing with him at worlds, I see he has so much more to give. He’s already a good player, but I think he can become a great player.

Deryk Engelland: I’ll go with Theodore. Sticking with the D-men. He has a lot more to give because he hasn’t skated until today. No, but seriously I think he’s just touching the surface right now. He has a very high ceiling to what he can accomplish in this league. He’s going to be a top D-man in this league for a long time.

William Karlsson: Shea Theodore.

Reilly Smith: I think Shea Theodore. I think last year was a big stepping stone for him, and he really came into his own. I think he’ll have a little more opportunity this year, and with his skating ability the sky’s the limit.

Jonathan Marchessault: I think Max (Pacioretty). The way he played in the last preseason game (scoring a hat trick), and I’ve always said that when that guy is healthy, he’s the only one who can have as many goals as Alex Ovechkin, year after year. I think he has the shot for it, has the strength for it. If he’s healthy, it’s going to be a real treat to see.

Paul Stastny: I guess you could say Patches (Pacioretty). I think he’s going to have a big year because he’s more comfortable, and motivated. He’s not motivated to where he’ll put too much pressure on himself, but motivated to win. The way things ended last year, and the summer he had, I think he’s one of the main guys in here on a mission. Not even looking at point totals, just playing winning hockey. I feel bad saying Pacioretty, because then it seems like I’m saying he wasn’t good last year, and that’s not the case. But I think he has a big season.

Shea Theodore: Patches. I think he came over last year and was getting adjusted, but watching the way he shoots the puck, I think he’s bound for a big year. 1154022 Vegas Golden Knights

WNBA Aces Selling Game 4 Playoff Tickets Starting At $21; VGK Wednesday Preseason Game Tickets Available For $75

September 23, 2019 Alan Snel

By Alan Snel

The Las Vegas Aces, fresh off a Game 3 win over the Washington Mystics to stay alive in the WNBA Semifinals Sunday, are contacting fans with Game 4 ticket prices that start at $21 for upper bowl seats at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

They range from the $21 upper bowl ticket to the $58 center court seat. Take a look.

A week ago, the Aces staged a flash sale for Game 3 by selling $15 upper bowl tickets for four hours and eight minutes after Aces forward scored a miracle three-point shot with 4.8 seconds left in regulation to propel the Aces past the Chicago Sky Sept. 15 into the semifinals.

Here’s the Aces’ statement on the flash sale via PR man John Maxwell: “We don’t really discuss specific promotions in that manner. I can tell you that, as you saw, we did have a great turnout for yesterday’s game, and saw a significant increase in sales coming out of the September 15 game.

“The 4.8 Hamby offer had great engagement on social, and helped fans who may not normally be able to attend a game bring their families and enjoy playoff basketball.”

Rough game for Elena Delle Donne and the Mystics Sunday.

Speaking of available tickets, the Vegas Golden Knights are contacting their fans to tell them about fixed seats starting at $75 each for the VGK preseason game Wednesday when the Colorado Avalanche visit T- Mobile Arena. The game starts 7 p.m.

LVSportsBiz.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154023 Washington Capitals an interpreter. Getting to know teammates who didn’t speak Russian was also a challenge.

It all reflected in his poor play to start the season, but Samsonov’s For Capitals goalie Ilya Samsonov, the future might be arriving fast season started to turn around in January as he acclimated to his surroundings, better understanding what was being said in meetings and video sessions. His improved English led to him forging friendships with Vanecek, a Czech, and forward Nathan Walker, an Aussie. He found a Isabelle Khurshudyan store in Hershey that sold his favorite Russian foods. September 23, 2019 at 11:09 AM EDT He recorded his first AHL shutout Jan. 12 and then another in his next start, rolling to a 15-3-1-1 record to end the regular season with a 1.78 goals against average and a .948 save percentage in that span. Ilya Samsonov booked his travel to Washington earlier this summer with the intention of spending more time on the ice with Capitals goaltending “I understood that, yeah, it was a tough start for me, but sooner or later, coach Scott Murray. But Murray wanted a more immersive way for the that would end,” Samsonov said during an interview in Russian. “It two to build their relationship: He suggested Samsonov, his wife and couldn’t get any worse, so I didn’t change anything and believed that it defenseman prospect Alex Alexeyev move in with him for a couple of would eventually improve.” weeks before training camp. Jonas Siegenthaler is hoping to stick with Capitals from the start this year “If you want to get to know someone, that’s not a bad way to do it,” For Murray, the advantage of working primarily with just four players Murray said. “It was important, I think for both of us, to learn more about rather than 20 is getting to know his goaltenders on a more personal each other and kind of find out some deeper stuff about each other.” level. He and Holtby took a trip together to Kelowna, British Columbia two The Samsonovs and Alexeyev were housesitters in Murray’s home for summers ago, and he has had one-on-one bonding time with Copley as roughly a week before he joined them for four days that included home- well. During those four days with Samsonov at his home, Murray got a cooked meals and nights playing Crokinole, a board game popular in better feel for Samsonov’s easygoing personality and sense of humor Murray’s southern Ontario hometown. For Samsonov, the organization’s and also enjoyed getting to know Samsonov’s wife, Maria, and seeing 2015 first-round draft pick and top prospect, it was another step toward the relationship between the newlyweds. getting acclimated as he readies for a full-time move to Washington Murray and Maria “handily” beat Alexeyev and Samsonov in Crokinole, some point soon. and the dinner responsibilities were split. Murray cooked salmon with a This training camp, the Capitals have declared their No. 2 goalie job Caesar salad one night, and Samsonov grilled steaks another. Alexeyev, open, despite having incumbent Pheonix Copley under contract for three who’s fluent in English and Russian, was there to interpret if needed, but more years. Samsonov, 22, was anointed the team’s goaltender of the everyone understood one another, for the most part. future as soon as he was drafted, and with starter Braden Holtby entering Samsonov and Murray might be spending even more time together the final season of his contract, Washington has incentive to get before long. Samsonov NHL experience. “Now that we’ve literally lived together and have gotten to know each Capitals training camp preview: Is Pheonix Copley’s job as the backup better and hung out more, there’s more trust there,” Samsonov said. “I goaltender safe? really like working with Scott, and I’m really comfortable. I’m enjoying “We’re not going to force it,” General Manager Brian MacLellan said at every day.” the start of training camp. “Based on performance, we’ll evaluate it. …

“We have four good goalies, we feel. We have a lot of depth. [Vitek] Washington Post LOADED: 09.24.2019 Vanecek played well – he was an all-star at the [American Hockey League] level last year, and I’d like to see him get games. I’d like to see Samsonov get games. Copley has continued to improve, so it’s going to be a competitive situation. We’re going to do what’s best for all four of them. We’re going to try to develop a couple guys, and we’re going to respect the guys we had last year.”

Vanecek, picked in the second round of the 2014 draft, has the advantage of a low salary cap hit ($717,000), which could be critical for a Capitals team currently projected to be more than $1.3 million over the $81.5 million salary cap ceiling when the season starts. But through three preseason games, Samsonov has played more than any other goaltender, including the second half of Wednesday’s game and all 60 minutes on Saturday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, when he got the 3-2 win but faced just 15 shots.

Holtby is expected to be in net for at least part of all of Washington’s final three exhibitions, meaning there won’t be too many more opportunities for the other goaltenders. But Samsonov seems to have impressed Coach Todd Reirden already.

“His physical attributes are obvious, but just in the net, he has a calming influence to him,” Reirden said. “That’s something that you can’t really teach goaltenders, and it’s not something they can fake. He looks extremely comfortable, and he is going to be an NHL goalie. It’s just when is he going to be that goalie and what’s the right timing for that.”

Capitals make second round of training camp cuts

This time last year, Samsonov didn’t feel comfortable. After three years playing in the Kontinental Hockey League, he made the move to North America for his first season with Washington’s AHL affiliate in Hershey, Pa. It was his first extended time away from home, in a foreign country where he didn’t know the language or culture. Rinks here are smaller than they are in Europe, so it took time to adjust to different angles, and he struggled to understand instruction from coaches without the help of 1154024 Washington Capitals

Capitals hire former Olympian Haley Skarupa as hockey ambassador

By Julia Karron

September 23, 2019 10:59 AM

Monday morning, the Capitals announced that Rockville, Md. native and Olympic gold medalist Haley Skarupa will spearhead their youth hockey efforts as the team's hockey ambassador.

Skarupa most recently played for the Boston Pride in the NWHL, and is currently part of the PWHPA and #ForTheGame movement, where she recently played against the San Jose Sharks alumni in an exhibition game.

The @PWHPA had a great time getting on the ice with over 100 girls in San Jose yesterday! Thank you @SanJoseSharks for your support and for having us as part of your Fan Fest Weekend.

“I’m extremely excited to join the Capitals organization,” Skarupa said in a press release. “I grew up playing hockey in the area, so this opportunity to come back and develop the game around the region is incredibly special. The Capitals have done such an amazing job growing this sport for boys and girls and I’m excited to use my experience and background to continue making a difference in the community and beyond.”

In her role as hockey ambassador, Skarupa will enhance the Caps' current youth hockey programming, establish women's and girls programming within the organization and will drive growth across the current youth hockey offerings.

The Caps will celebrate IIHF Girls Hockey Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 5, with two free Washington Capitals Girls Hockey Clinics for girls ages 8- 18 at MedStar Capitals IcePlex hosted by Skarupa.

“Her talent on the ice and her dedication to engaging participants in the sport make her a terrific role model for aspiring athletes," said Monumental Sports & Entertainment Founder, Chairman, Principal Partner and CEO, Ted Leonsis. "Over the past several years, we have seen a tremendous increase in youth hockey participation across the area and we believe her addition will continue to spur growth among young participants.”

According to USA Hockey, since Alex Ovechkin was drafted, participation by youth players has skyrocketed in the DC Metro Area by 221%, and now includes 22,144 players, coaches and officials.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154025 Washington Capitals The experience of fighting for playing time last season should help both players with knowing how to deal with that mental grind, according to Boyd.

Message received: Boyd, Stephenson know they are in a fight to keep “Going in and out and playing on the fourth line was something I haven't their jobs done,” Boyd said. “I couldn't really tell you how long it's been for me there. Just being comfortable in that situation I think will help. For me, just put a little bit more effort and a little bit more focus on the practices, especially when you get into the grind of the season and once you By J.J. Regan actually get into the midpart of the season where a lot of days you can September 23, 2019 9:32 AM come here and really not be feeling that fresh. You might be able to sneak through a practice without really working hard or as hard as you could, but someone who's going in and out of the lineup trying to go 100- percent every day and trying to keep not only your body in that game ARLINGTON, Va. -- Capitals forwards Travis Boyd and Chandler shape, but also trying to get your mind into making quick decisions still Stephenson were given a very clear message in the offseason. It came in and just trying to be ready for whenever you do get that chance again.” the form of the team signing free-agents Garnet Hathaway and Brendan Leipsic. First, however, both Boyd and Stephenson have to make the team which is not guaranteed. Both Boyd and Stephenson held depth roles last season, but the addition of two fourth-line players made it clear that the team was not satisfied Washington’s salary cap situation means general manager Brian with their play last season. Now in training camp, they find themselves in MacLellan is going to have to find a way to shed salary. That means a position where they have to compete to earn the roles they played last either Boyd or Stephenson, or perhaps even both players could find year. themselves on the move. Training camp and the preseason offer them the chance to show the team they still deserve to be in Washington. “It's a competition,” head coach Todd Reirden said at media day. “They know it's a competition. They're well-informed. It's a very clear message. The suspension to Evgeny Kuznetsov could also provide Boyd No one in situations where there's competition are wondering what's specifically a chance to impress. going on.” With Kuznetsov out, Lars Eller is expected to move to the second line to But even before camp started, both players understood what those replace him. That leaves an opening at third-line center. signings meant for them and why they were necessary. This training camp was already important with Boyd fighting for his job. “I wouldn't sit here and say I wasn't disappointed or a little frustrated I Now here is a chance to earn a third-line role to start the season and guess watching the signings that we had here,” Boyd told NBC Sports perhaps exhibit himself for the first three games until Kuznetsov returns. Washington, “But at the same time I think all those signings help the team and I think definitely makes the team and this group of guys “I can't even tell you how big it is,” Boyd said. “A chance to be in a role obviously a super dangerous group.” other than the fourth line if I am in that spot for these first three games, I'd love that. I'd love the chance, I'd love the opportunity. It's just a great Last season was Boyd’s first full year in the NHL. It got off to a rough opportunity for myself to showcase that I'm back from last year. I put on start as an injury kept him out for several weeks. When he finally did get 10, 11 pounds over the summer so I've got some more weight to me this into the lineup, he struggled to stay in and found himself cycling in and year, I feel like I'm moving well, I'm skating well I just want to go out there out for the rest of the season. He finished the season with 53 games. and, if I do get the chance in the first three games, go out there and show what I can do and hopefully show the coaching staff that hopefully I can Boyd said that overall he felt he had a good season and showed he could play.” contribute offensively with five goals and 15 assists in those 53 appearances. He did acknowledge though that the constant cycling in As for Stephenson, he is taking a more relaxed approach to camp. If the and out wore on him mentally which affected his play. pressure of staying in the lineup affected his play last season, he is determined to make sure the pressure of a competitive training camp “There would be times where you would go a week, week and a half in does not drag him down. between games,” Boyd said. “You don't really realize how tough that is until you're in that situation. Your ability to create offense in those “That'll just handcuff yourself and put you in a bad spot because you situations is a lot harder because if it's your first game in a week and a might be expecting something when it's not happening,” he said, “But for half, for me personally, I probably wouldn't have came out (sic) there in the most part, it's just a competitive camp. Come in, have fun, do what I the first period and been trying to make maybe some sort of a skill play at can do and just do everything I can to stay here. I want to be here.” a blue line. You end up taking kind of the easy way out because it was your first game in a week and a half and you don't want to turn a puck over and then all of a sudden as soon as you turn that over a coach is Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.24.2019 like alright. It doesn't look good.”

That sentiment of the mental grind of trying to stay in the lineup was echoed by Stephenson who saw his production decline from 18 points in 2017-18 to 11 last season.

“I wasn't really just kind of going out and playing, playing freely,” he said. “Just felt like every game it was kind of a mind game for myself just with trying to stay in the lineup. Just wasn't playing and that's the biggest thing that you can't let yourself get to that point. Once you start thinking instead of just playing, it's usually not going to end well.”

If a guy like Alex Ovechkin or T.J. Oshie has a bad game, it does not come with that fear of wondering whether it means you will be out of the lineup. They can move on, but it is more difficult for Boyd and Stephenson who knew one bad game or even one bad play could be the difference between playing or getting scratched and not knowing when your next game will come.

The unfortunate reality, however, is that with so many depth players, that is not going to change this season. Even if they both do make the team, with so many depth players they are going to have to justify their spot in the lineup. 1154026 Washington Capitals Asked about the accuracy of the description, Gudas did not disagree. “If they put in me in this category, I’m not against it,” he said shrugging. “I

play a physical game. If it’s something that goes well with the image, I’m Meet the Capitals’ new defenseman Radko Gudas — and his beard just going to embrace it.”

Over the years, companies that specialize in men’s grooming have sent him products, ranging from beard balms and oils to combs and brushes. By Tarik El-Bashir Gudas insists that he’s not a hipster beard enthusiast. He does, however, Sep 23, 2019 acknowledge that he takes the time to ensure his beard is trimmed, edged and otherwise on point.

“I’ve used a few (products) but I never stuck with one, to be honest,” ARLINGTON, Va. – Radko Gudas was a 21-year-old playing in the minor Gudas said. “I just try to keep as much gray out of it as possible, you leagues when he made a choice that would shape his on-ice image for know?” years to come. Gudas says he’s only shaved a few times since growing the beard out in The Norfolk Admirals were riding a six-game winning streak in February Norfolk. And it’s only been for special occasions, like a wedding or 2012. Worried about jinxing things, Gudas and a couple of teammates Movember or after some serious prodding from his wife. And even then, made a pact: they vowed not to shave, under any circumstances, until he joked, he never shaves all the way down to the skin. Norfolk lost again. “I always keep a little something up there,” he said. “I probably can count “Well, we finished the (regular) season with 28 straight wins,” Gudas said on both my hands how many times I’ve shaved it since Norfolk. I have of the streak, a professional hockey record in North America. “It was me, too many scars on my face to razor it all the way down.” Eric Neilson and Scott Jackson. We were the three most gifted guys on the team when it came to growing a beard.” Gudas also said he’s careful to keep the bushiness to a minimum on the cheeks. When he doesn’t, it gives opposing players fodder. “Once we were six games in, we were like, ‘You know what? We haven’t shaved. Maybe it’s the right thing to do.'” Gudas cracked. “We kept it all “The beard grows a lot on the sides. So, if I don’t trim it here,” he said, the way until June.” stroking his jaw, “it looks like I have an extra 25 pounds. I’ve been chirped about that. So I try to keep it close on my cheeks.” Indeed, that season ended with Gudas and the Admirals hoisting the Calder Cup, awarded annually to the American Hockey League’s Teammate T.J. Oshie says he’s in awe of the beard’s fullness and champion. Gudas’ commitment to maintaining it.

“But they didn’t like the beard at home,” he said, referring to his native “I mean, it’s very impressive,” Oshie said, smiling. “Obviously, that guy Czech Republic. wants to make the playoffs. He’s playing playoff hockey right now. You saw him the other night (in the preseason), right? It’s a good sign that Gudas persevered. After all, he liked his beard. Fans did, too. he’s already making that sacrifice and growing a playoff beard.” As a member of the Syracuse Crunch the following season, Gudas’ whiskers inspired a ‘Fear the beard’ night; every fan in attendance got a fake beard. The Crunch also produced a host of funny promotional The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 videos. The beard even spawned a Twitter account, @RadkoGudasBeard, which features a bio that reads, “I was born to greatness. Groomed to perfection. And very well conditioned.” Sadly, the account has tweeted only once since 2015.

There was no going back. Gudas’ manicured but robust beard had officially become a thing. Gudas’ own Twitter page makes mention of his facial hair: “Washington Capitals defenseman and bearded one.”

“I’ve got a little style to it,” he said after a recent practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Gudas was traded to the Caps from the Flyers in exchange for Matt Niskanen this offseason, and Gudas figures to play a significant role on the Caps’ blue line and penalty kill this season.

“Every year. I think it looks better and better,” Gudas added with a grin.

As an established NHL veteran now, the 29-year-old is renowned for his bushy brown beard.

“It’s definitely a trademark of his,” Capitals coach Todd Reirden said. “It fits his persona. I wouldn’t know what to think if I saw him without it.”

Reirden barely was able to keep it together due to unexpected line of questioning.

“It’s, um, it’s strong,” Reirden said with a hearty chuckle. “It comes in well. It’s not patchy. I’d like to see that thing get real long come June.”

Reirden’s assessment couldn’t be more accurate about the beard fitting Gudas’ on-ice rep. In a day and age where NHL players have begun to resemble Ferraris, Gudas is a Hummer. He’s a throwback to an earlier era.

Gudas relishes physical play, punishing hits and antagonizing opposing forwards. His brand of play often comes right up to the line. Sometimes it crosses the line. In fact, the NHL’s Department of Player of Safety has suspended the six-foot, 205-pound blueliner four times, including a two- game ban for high-sticking eventual league MVP Nikita Kucherov last season.

“Sports Illustrated” once described Gudas’ facial hair as a “Superman II, villain-esque beard.” 1154027 Winnipeg Jets as possible and it’s been good. The team’s really been welcoming. It’s going well. I’m excited."

The Jets will ice a fairly inexperienced lineup in the rematch against the Bitetto feeling right at home Flames, paving the way for what’s expected to be a wave of cuts on Wednesday.

"It will be the last young group," Maurice said. Mike McIntyre Winnipeg has 44 players in camp, but could go down to as little as 26 for Posted: 09/23/2019 9:14 PM the final two pre-season games Thursday at home against the Edmonton Oilers and Sunday afternoon in Minnesota. They have to get down to a

23-man maximum by early next week. Winnipeg Jets’ Anthony Bitetto takes part in training camp at Bell MTS Eric Comrie and Mikhail Berdin are expected to split netminding duties Iceplex on Monday morning. He’ll suit up tonight in Edmonton for the against the Flames. Connor Hellebuyck will start Thursday, while fourth time in five pre-season games. Hellebuyck and Laurent Brossoit may split the final game. Anthony Bitetto admits running his mouth comes naturally. Which is why Defenceman Sami Niku and forwards Adam Lowry and Mathieu he’s already exchanging friendly jabs with many of his Winnipeg Jets Perreault are dealing with minor injuries and didn’t skate with either teammates, despite only recently meeting most of them for the first time. group on Monday at Bell MTS Iceplex. "I grew up that way. Being from New York, you kinda don’t know when to One player who continues to impress is 18-year-old defenceman Ville shut up, probably," the 29-year-old defenceman from Island Park, N.Y., Heinola, who has played in three of the first four pre-season games. It joked Monday. was notable that Heinola was skating Monday with the group that That said, Bitetto hopes his play ultimately speaks loudest. The includes all the Jets regulars, rather than the earlier session that includes defenceman is in the running to crack the opening-night roster and the majority of players expected to be assigned to the Manitoba Moose. perhaps even be in the top six, especially with the absence of Dustin Maurice was asked if the 20th pick in this summer’s NHL draft could Byfuglien and departures of Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot crack the opening-night roster. in the off-season. "When does the Winnipeg Jets kind of take priority over the person and Bitetto will suit up tonight in Edmonton for the fourth time in five pre- the player at 18 years old? I’ve seen him play a few exhibition games. season games. He’s expected to once again be paired with Tucker Could he play in the NHL this year? You know, probably at times, from Poolman on the blue line. what we’ve seen. Does it make the most sense to have that happen?" "I think it’s going well. It’s a good group of guys in here — everyone’s Maurice said. been competing. It’s been some of the toughest and hardest-working "I feel a gush coming. Like this guy is a player. But we’ve got to be practices I’ve been a part of and it’s good to see early. The competition is careful, because of his skill set and the way he’s built, of getting too high," Bitetto said. excited." The 6-1, 210-pounder spent the first five years of his NHL career with the If not the Jets, the Moose could be an option for Heinola, a European Nashville Predators, unable to find full-time work behind a loaded player who was picked in the first round. The other option is to return hm defence that included the likes of P.K. Subban, Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis to Finland for the season. and Mattias Ekholm. He was placed on waivers in January and claimed by Minnesota, finishing the season with the Wild. "There’s stages to this that we want to be comfortable with. In a perfect world, I guess yes, every first-round pick would come in and blow the "Those were some elite players, even at three-four, I think they could be doors off and you’d say ‘Let’s put them in.’ But in a perfect world, those ones and twos on other teams with the four of those guys there. Even the guys would have a camp like Ville’s had and then go play for the Moose," five-six, I think I maybe tried to do too much at times, tried to break into Maurice said. that six constantly," said Bitetto, who has two goals and 17 assists in 132 career regular-season games. "Learn the pro game, get stronger, so that when you come up here, you don’t suffer the confidence losses that are inevitable for young players. He signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Jets this summer that pays Even if they are great ones, they go stretches where they’re not scoring him US$700,000 in the NHL. The Jets placed a premium on his or they’re getting run. character, as Bitetto has a reputation as the kind of "glue guy" every room can use. "I guess the best way to answer that would (be to) just shut my mouth and say you know what? He’s had a good camp." "It’s like when you get moved to a new school, making new friends. It’s not easy for everybody, but he doesn’t have that problem. He’s already chirping some of the forwards. He’s got a great personality and that was a real good pickup for us," Jets head coach Paul Maurice said Monday. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 09.24.2019

Bitetto had his best game of the pre-season in Sunday’s 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames at Bell MTS Place, firing a team-high five shots on goal, registering an assist and being a plus-three in 19:37 of action, including solid contributions on a penalty kill that went 3-for-3.

He also had two hits.

"Practises hard, plays hard, just a really good pro. How far he gets up in the lineup, we won’t limit that — we’ll let him come into the lineup and let his play dictate where he plays," Maurice said.

Bitetto isn’t spending a lot of time worrying how things shake out.

"I think the mindset’s the same. You come into camp and try to do your best no matter if you’re here for 10 years or you’re a first-year guy. Regardless of the situation, you’re always coming in with the mindset to compete and to work as hard as you can. And that’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do," he said.

"I try to be myself, like to have fun. This game is meant to be fun. You work and there’s time to be serious, but there’s a lot of times to have fun and enjoy these times. When I came in, I tried to make buddies as quick 1154028 Winnipeg Jets million to US$7.5 million. That includes more than US$6 million in signing bonuses.

Boeser, 22, has two full seasons under his belt, with 111 points in 131 Young NHL stars' done deals give Jets, Laine, Connor roadmap to games, including 55 goals. Laine is certainly the more accomplished resolution player at this point, and his salary should fairly reflect that.

Some have suggested the Marner contract is holding all this up. But that deal, which pays the Toronto Male Leafs winger an AAV of US$10.893 By: Mike McIntyre million, is a bit of an apples-to-oranges situation.

Posted: 09/23/2019 7:00 PM For one thing, it’s a six-year contract, which buys up a couple of unrestricted free agent years that the three-year bridge deals do not. Last Modified: 09/23/2019 9:06 PM That instantly drives the price up. Secondly, the Maple Leafs created their own in-house cap issues by also overpaying Auston Mathews and especially William Nylander before him, which compounded their Zach Werenski, Pavel Zacha, Kevin Fiala, Ivan Provorov, Mitch Marner, financial troubles. In that sense, the Marner deal is a bit of an outlier, Charlie McAvoy, Travis Konecny, Brock Boeser, Brayden Point. rather than a precedent-setter.

One by one, a large group of high-profile restricted free agents (RFAs) Kyle Connor is working out in Michigan and laying low. (John Woods / has been whittled down over the past couple weeks. A game of chicken Canadian Press files) between NHL general managers and an unprecedented number of young star players coming out of their entry-level deals appears to be coming to Kyle Connor is working out in Michigan and laying low. (John Woods / an end, with participants on both sides finding ways to work through their Canadian Press files) differences and get deals done. As for Connor, there's a widespread belief he'd prefer a long-term Funny how deadlines and the pressure of missing a paycheque or two extension. He said as much last month when I chatted with him at the work, isn’t it? Player's Cup golf tournament, where he played with a sponsor's exemption. Unlike Laine, we haven't heard a peep from him or his camp Just four big names remain, with two of them right here in Winnipeg in since then. Connor, 22, is working out in Michigan and laying low. the form of goal-scoring forwards Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor, who accounted for about 25 per cent of the Jets’ goals last season. Along with You'll note there haven't been many long-term deals signed by RFA the Colorado Avalanche’s Mikko Rantanen and Matthew Tkachuk of the forwards, so it's a bit harder to find a recent comparable. The closest Calgary Flames, time is running out to get these stalemates settled in might be the extension signed earlier this month by Arizona's Clayton time for the start of the regular season next week. That’s when Keller, which will pay him an AAV of US$7.15 million over eight seasons. everybody will really start to feel the sting. Keller, 21, has two full NHL seasons on his resumé, with 114 points in While there might not be a lot of optimism right now among the Jets 167 games, including 37 goals. After a promising rookie year of 23 goals, faithful, I suggest the path to new deals for the two young wingers has he regressed to just 14 last year. All of which must have Connor and his never been clearer. camp licking their lips. Connor, 22, has 128 points in 178 games, including 67 goals. He's clearly a much more accomplished scorer, at Let’s start with Laine. I don’t imagine he or his agent, Mike Liut, were least so far. doing cartwheels Monday when news broke that Point had signed a three-year deal that will pay the Tampa Bay Lightning centre an average Of course, it's fair to note Connor is a winger who has primarily played of US$6.75 million per season. Whether they like it or not, there’s no with Winnipeg's top two point producers in Mark Scheifele and Blake question it should provide a general outline for what a Laine deal would Wheeler, while Keller is a centre who hasn't had had a whole lot of look like. offensive help on his wings on a much-less talented Coyotes squad.

Point, 23, is coming off his third pro season, where he scored 41 goals That said, I suspect the Jets would happily lock Connor up for eight years and adding 51 assists in 79 games while also playing on a deep, talented at a similar AAV to Keller. And that would seem like entirely fair Tampa team that won the President’s Trophy. Laine, a 21-year-old compensation to Connor, given some of the variables mentioned above. winger, is also coming off his third pro season. In 2019-19 he scored 30 Should he decide he'd actually prefer a bridge deal, the Boeser contract goals and added 20 assists, which represented career lows. provides a blueprint on how that could play out.

Point has 198 points in 229 career games, including 91 goals. Laine has All of this is easier said than done, sure. But there's no reason both the 184 points in 237 games, including 110 goals. They’re very different Laine and Connor matters can't be resolved quickly, given all the related players playing different positions, of course, but with comparable business that's recently gone down. A little give and take, along with a offensive outputs over their careers so far, despite a wide disparity last dose of common sense and an increasing sense of urgency ought to be season. enough.

The structure of Point’s deal is important. Like other recent bridge contracts, the third year includes a significant jump in salary that Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 09.24.2019 guarantees a raise on the next contract, as other teams have to make a qualifying offer that is 100 per cent of the final year. Point will make US$5.25 million in his first year, US$6 million in his second and US$9 million in the third. Almost US$8 million of his US$20.25- million contract is in signing bonuses.

The Jets haven’t traditionally been big on signing bonuses, preferring the standard type of contract in which the majority of the money is paid in yearly salary. But they may have no choice in this matter but to adapt to the way the business has evolved. Same goes for that third-year bump, which I expect Laine’s camp is seeking. Fair enough.

But when it comes to the average annual value, Laine will have a hard time convincing anyone he should be paid a penny more than Point. If he truly believes he should, well, don’t expect him back any time soon. Laine can complain all he wants about how he’s used at five-on-five and which line he plays on, but the numbers don’t lie.

If Point’s deal represents a ceiling for Laine, than Boeser’s would be the floor. The Vancouver Canucks winger signed for an AAV of US$5.875 million, with his pay increasing each year, from US$4 million to US$6.125 1154029 Winnipeg Jets CUTS LOOMING The roster will be trimmed, but when the moves will be made is still a

mystery, although Maurice did say last week that the first transactions Jets' Nogier has moved into Maurice's depth house wouldn’t come until Wednesday, the day after Winnipeg’s fifth preseason game in Calgary.

Maurice said Monday he likely will whittle down his roster to three goalies Scott Billeck and 26 healthy bodies total.

September 23, 2019 8:01 PM CDT So is Tuesday night a last-chance corral for some?

“We’re not going to shoot anybody that doesn’t make the team,” Maurice joked. “All of these guys will get another chance.” Think, for a moment, about an off-the-radar defenceman in the Winnipeg Jets organization and Nelson Nogier will eventually emerge on the tip of The guys who don’t make the cut still had a purpose, Maurice said. your tongue. Specifically, it was to improve their standing within the organization.

Nogier hasn’t exactly been that first-guy-off-the-farm player that gets “You take a look at a player like Luke Green, he absolutely did,” Maurice uttered as soon as someone gets banged up on the big club’s blue line. said as an example. “He got into an exhibition game, followed it up with another one. Really, really liked his practice. He didn’t skate much last But with the changing landscape in Winnipeg’s rearguard over the year. So he came in and got his job done.” summer, and with Nogier taking another step last season and over this past summer to improving his stock with the Jets, he’s now moved into ROSTER FOR CALGARY Paul Maurice’s depth house. The group in uniform for Winnipeg’s fifth preseason game on Tuesday “When you tell your GM that you need a defenceman and he tells you will be relatively light on veteran depth up front. that Nogier is coming up, everyone’s happy,” Maurice said at BellMTS Iceplex on Monday. “He’s done well for himself here.” Eric Comrie will start in net, and Mikhail Berdin could see a period, Maurice said. Up until this past summer, the cupboards were well-stocked with defensive depth. Losing the whole right side of your NHL blue line will Maurice still has some questions and he’ll move some things around in change that in a hurry. search of answers, but it will be the last game where there’s a young group put onto the ice. Nogier’s played exactly one NHL game since seeing 10 games in the 2016-17 season. INFIRMARY UPDATE

A freak shoulder injury at the beginning of the 2017-18 season limited the Sami Niku, Adam Lowry, and Mathieu Perreault were the notable fourth-round pick in 2014 to just 13 games. absentees from Monday’s practices.

After spending most of that season recovering, Nogier returned last Niku has been dealing with a groin injury since last week, when he pulled season and played in 74 games with the Moose. himself out of practice on Thursday. He didn’t play a part in either game over the weekend for the team. He’ll now suit up in his third pre-season game on Tuesday at the Saddledome in Calgary looking to once again impress the coaching staff Lowry and Perreault are dealing with minor ailments of their own. with his quick feet and ability to control the gap. Maurice said the team is being extra cautious with a week and a bit “It’s not my first time around at Jets camp. I’ve been here for numerous before the regular season kicks off on Oct. 3. years now,” Nogier said over the weekend. “The end goal is to compete for an NHL spot. At the end of the day, it’s out of my control. The most I can do is show up every day to work and put my best foot forward.” Winnipeg Sun LOADED 09.24.2019 Even if that means moving up to forward in a pinch.

In a practice last week, Nogier — with the team’s forwards dealing with some injuries up front — was put on forward to fill the holes.

“He was systematically perfect,” Maurice said. “He has all the systems down, all the reads down. As a forward who never plays forward, he never made a mistake for the entire time.”

While Maurice doesn’t envision Nogier up front a la Dustin Byfuglien at times, being able to read the game so well there can certainly help at the other end of the ice.

“If you can play on the blue line every game but know exactly where the forwards are supposed to be, then your reads just come quite a bit faster,” Maurice said.

WEEK 2

Expect a less grindy week of practices as the Jets enter the final full week of training camp.

Week 1 was what you would refer to as heavy. Physical, tough skates and drills accompanied the team’s first week back on the ice.

“It’s just a transfer now,” Maurice said.

Maurice feels the block of things the team worked on during the first week were successful.

“We’ll carry some of those (over) and now we’ll go to more speed,” Maurice said. “Today, we really focused on our passing, something as simple as that even with NHL players. When they focus on it, man, they can move that thing up and pass it hard. And then they can move fast. If it’s on the tape and it’s hard, then you can skate faster.” 1154030 Winnipeg Jets The characteristics unique to each individual goalie are fine if they work in the bigger picture. If the pucks are being stopped, Maurice won’t intervene.

Jets' Berdin isn't your typical goalie, and that's A-OK “I talk about their emotions and their mindset to them quite often. How are you feeling? Where do you think you’re at?” Maurice said. “Of all the stories in hockey, the weird things goalies have done are maybe some of the more interesting and maybe least professional. It’s popcorn, hotdogs Scott Billeck on the bench — pizza — It always revolves around food, seemingly. September 23, 2019 7:15 PM CDT “If they’re stopping the puck, they get to have the moldy sandals. And then if we feel they’re not stopping the puck, then we’d say, ‘Hey, maybe that two-litre gallon of Coke before you go, maybe that’s not working for At the tender age of 21, ‘old’ isn’t precisely how one might describe you. We can change that.’ So we will intervene on any of that quirkiness Mikhail Berdin. based on performance.”

Then again, most of us mere mortals weren’t classified as a potential pro No changes necessary yet for Berdin, who wasn’t fazed by his first pro hockey goalie at age 14. season.

Most of us didn’t have to make a life-altering move early in our teens “I didn’t feel nervous,” he said. “I felt good. I felt confident.” from Ufa, Russia, to the capital in Moscow some 1,200 kilometres away. This year, he’ll be Eric Comrie’s understudy on the farm to start. At 17, most of us weren’t being whisked a world away to Sioux Falls, S.D., where everyone spoke a different language, the rink was smaller With Comrie’s deal structured in a way that he will be on a one-way next than the one back home and where the only commonality to home left year, it’s possible that he becomes Connor Hellebuyck’s back up next behind was a nearby McDonald’s down the way. season.

By the time he turned 20 last year, Berdin was on his way to splitting time Berdin’s goal this year, and in years to come, is to play in the NHL. And between the Jacksonville Icemen of the East Coast Hockey League and while it looks like that will have to wait for at least another season, Berdin the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League after aging out of would rather not think about it at all. junior hockey in the United States Hockey League. “I don’t want to think about this. I don’t want my head heavy,” he said. “I That’s five new homes in seven years for a guy who could only legally just want to enjoy hockey and play my game.” order a beverage in the United States this past March. For a goalie who’s become famous around these parts for doing the It’s one hell of a way to grow up. Billionaire Strut on skates after scoring a goal a couple of seasons ago, he shouldn’t have much fo a problem enjoying the ride. “But now it’s good,” Berdin said. “(My family and I) talk every day. At Christmas, my mom came here last year.” FLAHERTY HAS HANDLED A TOUGH LOAD

So not difficult. Ask Maurice how Jets goaltender coach Wade Flaherty and his relationship has grown over the years, Maurice will first say how the “Nah, I’m an old guy now,” he said. former NHL netminder now gets the bench boss’s humour.

Mature beyond his years. “He took some of those things very personally very early,” Maurice said with a smile on his face. And as he points out in the hallways of BellMTS Iceplex on Monday, he’s cut from a different fabric. On a more serious note, Flaherty’s ability to navigate the characters the team has seen at the position over the years has stuck out for Maurice. “I’m different than most goalies,” Berdin said. “Some challenging people to coach,” Maurice said. “That doesn’t mean While other goalies might be learning the ins and outs of the game in they’re necessarily bad people but they were goalies who were very their inaugural professional season, Berdin was learning some valuable stubborn in the way they perceive the game. I just really like the way he life lessons. handled them.” “I learned how to live by myself,” Berdin said after spending his two years in Sioux Falls living with a billet family. “I got older last year, that’s what I learned (from my first year in) pro hockey.” Winnipeg Sun LOADED 09.24.2019 Berdin’s quirks as a goalie aren’t limited to his own perception of them, however.

While most netminders set the auto-focus from the moment they get to the rink on a game day, Berdin will manually attune his head roughly five minutes before puck drop.

For Berdin, it’s important for his tranquility.

“A typical goalie does not talk much before the game, they practice before the game, focus more and think a lot about the game,” Berdin said. “They’re not laughing when other guys smile.

“I’ll drink a coke, actually, before the game, I don’t care. I just enjoy it before a game. Spend good time. If I feel comfortable, I’ll play good. I think it’s worked for me.”

If last season was any indication, the team may want to monitor his sugar intake.

Berdin’s 23 games with the Manitoba Moose, specifically, resulted in a 12-8-3 record and an impressive .927 save percentage.

The reports coach Paul Maurice has received from those working closest with him on the farm have been good. Goalies are a finicky bunch, and Maurice prefers to steer clear — for now. 1154031 Winnipeg Jets In the end, they moved to a $6.75 million AAV; and while the immediate reaction on Twitter was how Tampa did it again, getting a star player to sign for less than market value, I can tell you that the Bolts feel they moved here big time. LeBrun: RFA pressure mounts after Point signing, Taylor Hall’s value and Winnipeg’s options with Byfuglien I had always felt the deal would end up being 3 x 7 so I wasn’t too far off. The full breakdown of the deal:

Year 1: $5.25 million ($1 million salary, $4.25 million signing bonus By Pierre LeBrun payable within 10 days of registration)

Sep 23, 2019 Year 2: $6 million ($2.5 million salary, $3.5 million signing bonus)

Year 3: $9 million (all salary)

This is a big week on the RFA front, the pressure of the regular season The Point camp, led by agent Gerry Johannson, fought hard for that Year approaching affecting both sides in each negotiation. 3 salary, which was obviously a sizeable concession from the Lightning.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got the ball rolling Monday in re-signing But when all is said and done, Point will likely be worth at least $9 million Brayden Point to a three-year bridge deal with a $6.75 million AAV, so a year and probably more when it’s time for the third contract. that pressure already has had an impact this week. Especially because of the penalty that awaits any team waiting until after the season begins I think Johannson could have kept grinding away and tried to push the to finally sign their player. AAV a bit higher but that would have required the negotiation to drag closer to the regular season and perhaps beyond. The key here, from Remember that when William Nylander finally signed last Dec. 1, his what I understand, is that Point wanted this over with. Yes, he wanted a AAV for last season was calculated for cap purposes at a whopping fair deal, but getting this wrapped up now was very important. $10.2 million even though his actual AAV for the rest of the deal starting this season is $6.9 million. It’s important to remember you have humans involved in these negotiations. Missing part of camp and preseason was obviously grating The Leafs were still in smooth salary cap waters so it was no big deal. on Point but missing the start of the regular season would have been But if you’re cap-challenged teams like Calgary or Winnipeg, the start of even tougher to do. the regular season certainly means something (Colorado has ample cap room so they don’t have to sweat it as much). Just because Nylander was willing to push it to Dec. 1 last season doesn’t mean every RFA has that in his stomach. And frankly, the way “The rule really has an impact,” said one NHL team executive on Nylander played after he came back wasn’t a glowing endorsement for Monday. going that route, although he certainly got paid …

It’s because players are usually paid over 186 days. When a player signs Taylor Hall a multi-year contract with less than 186 days, the averaging of the contract is elevated in the first year to account for the compensation to be The star winger’s agent Darren Ferris was in New Jersey over the paid over a shorter period of time. The rule also prevents players and weekend and met with Devils GM Ray Shero in what is being labelled as teams from doing midseason signings without cap penalty. a preliminary discussion.

The only way around it as far as mitigating the cap implications is doing a This will be one of the big stories in the NHL this season with the 2017- one-year deal if it’s an in-season signing. But that’s hardly a great 18 Hart Trophy winner entering the final year of his contract before solution if you’re a team trying to put this issue to bed; you would just be becoming UFA. I’ve got no issues with the way Shero has handled this punting the problem away for a few months and lose the one window you so far in allowing such an important player to enter the season without have to sign a player with no salary arbitration rights. resolution on his future. The fact is, if for whatever reason Hall doesn’t sign during the season — and who’s to say he won’t — his value at the Now, a team could really play hardball and not pay a signing bonus like trade deadline next February wouldn’t have been much different than the Leafs did with Nylander, which help make him whole despite missing over the summer in my opinion. Why? Because I think most teams that the first half of the season. would want to show interest in him would want to see how he bounces back this season from the knee injury/surgery before deciding how much But then again, does that prevent the deal from getting done at all if you they want to ante up. He played only 33 games last season. aren’t willing to pay a signing bonus like everyone else gets these days? My point is that whether it’s for a full season or two months, I think the The bottom line, with Calgary with Matthew Tkachuk or Winnipeg with value on the rental player, even one as valuable as Hall, wouldn’t differ Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor, is that they want to get this done before much because of his health situation. Teams were going to be a bit coy. the season starts or not too long after it does. So from a Devils perspective, why not be patient with the process and “We will keep on working at them until we reach an agreement,” Jets GM hope that talks between both sides lead to an extension at some point Kevin Cheveldayoff said Monday, keeping consistent with his reluctance this season. But if not, if you have to trade him, there’s been nothing lost to say much while negotiations on both fronts are ongoing. in the interim in terms of asset value or management.

But for people who think Connor is close to signing, that’s just not the My gut feeling is that Hall ends up signing an extension and staying in case yet, his agent Rich Evans said Monday. New Jersey. The Devils are a team on the rise. Why would the grass be any greener elsewhere? “That’s just not true,” Evans said. But that’s certainly not a guarantee. Flames GM Brad Treliving declined comment Monday, saying he remains focused on trying to conclude a deal with the Tkachuk camp. It will cost, either way. A healthy, bounce back season for Hall should compute into John Tavares/Artemi Panarin type money on a new deal Point deal given his UFA leverage. So you’re talking around $11 million a year I would think. If not more. You wouldn’t believe how many times GMs or agents tell me they can do a deal in a day if need be. Dustin Byfuglien

That kind of happened on Brayden Point. I don’t know what else the Winnipeg Jets were supposed to do given their situation than to suspend Dustin Byfuglien without pay until further Don’t get me wrong, of course there had been discussions beforehand, notice. but the way it was described to me is that what seemed like a stalled negotiation finally broke through Sunday and the majority of the deal got The cap-challenged Jets still have Kyle Connor and Patrick Laine to sign done right then and there. and will need help on the blueline if they think Byfuglien isn’t coming back (still no indication either way on that). After months of going nowhere, Tampa’s offer to the Point camp had been just under $5.7 million AAV for three years; both sides finally got cracking Sunday. So they need the cap flexibility that suspending Byfuglien will give them. He was slated to earn $8 million this season and $6 million next year before his contract expires. That contract is off the books for now.

Here’s food for thought: what if this situation drags on long enough where the Jets and Byfuglien’s camp, led by agent Ben Hankinson, agreed to a mutual termination of the contract? (Think about how Tomas Plekanec’s contract went away for Montreal last season because he agreed to a mutual termination of the deal).

In my mind, the only way you’re signing off on that if you’re Hankinson is if you think Byfuglien still wants to play hockey. The mutual termination would suddenly make the 34-year-old a UFA, able to sign with any other team in the league.

Now again, keep in mind that if Byfuglien decides he wants to play hockey in a timely manner, the Jets want it to be for them and no one else, I presume.

The whole mutual termination scenario only comes into play if this situation drags on too long, especially if the Jets go out in the interim and trade for a defenceman.

I spoke with a couple of rival team executives on Monday about the merits of a mutual contract termination in this case and they both had the same response: if they’re the Jets, they retain Byfuglien’s rights instead and keep him suspended until further notice. Perhaps it leads to a trade eventually or he plays for Winnipeg again or he retires; but both execs would rather retain control of the player because there’s value there.

CBA talks

I promise not to provide weekly updates on CBA talks between the NHLPA and NHL but it’s worth pointing out that according to sources with both sides, talks are scheduled again for this week, which is significant because they will be the first sessions since the players announced they weren’t opting out next year.

In other words, despite the three-year cushion the league now finds itself having, there’s still genuine interest in continuing the momentum that’s been created in these sessions since July.

If it keeps going in that direction, perhaps we have a tentative deal announced within a couple of months. But of course there’s always the chance of talks stalling at some point as things get more serious.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154032 Winnipeg Jets “It takes all their anticipation away from them and now they have to go back to relying on the physical parts of the game — their speed, their skill. It’s a challenge. Sometimes, you’ll find a really smart player won’t look good in the game or engaged in the game because he can’t process Four players helping their cases and three players hurting them after 10 what’s in front of him.” days of Winnipeg Jets camp So who has looked good through Winnipeg’s four preseason games? Who hasn’t?

By Murat Ates And what have we learned about the 2019-20 Jets through 10 days of training camp? Sep 23, 2019 Rising:

A spot on the “risers” list doesn’t automatically mean a player has earned I spend a lot of time wondering what makes players look good in training a bigger role or a full-time NHL job but it does mean he’s looked good in camp. camp and earned himself a longer look. On the face of it, choosing impressive players should be easy. Just watch As an example, Tucker Poolman’s strong performance in 2017 camp the highlights and pore through the boxscores. Blake Wheeler scored the didn’t earn him a roster spot in October but it did make him a priority call- game winning goal against Calgary on Sunday night — his second of the up when Dustin Byfuglien and Toby Enstrom were injured in December preseason. He must be ready to go. Joona Luoto scored the insurance of that year. Poolman drew into 24 NHL games and became the player of goal, assisted by Logan Stanley and Seth Griffith. Those three players interest for Winnipeg that he remains today. must have had strong performances. Without further ado: Of course, that’s not at all how it works. If ever there were a “trust the process — not the results” portion of the NHL calendar, it would be Ville Heinola has been a standout throughout preseason. Honkajoki’s preseason. Rosters oscillate between loaded with NHL stars (usually at fourth most notable person has shown NHL level passing in terms of home) and loaded with professional hockey hopefuls (usually on the selection, timing, and execution. He consistently finds the right player in road.) The quality of hockey is high but not nearly the same as the the right spot — in stride, on the tape, with time — and he looks calm and regular season or playoffs and the amount of chaos is incredible, even by collected when he does it, despite being just 18 years old. hockey’s typically chaotic standards. Stanley continues to be a player of interest — a likely AHL minute muncher — but his Sunday night On Friday night, he lined up with Neal Pionk on Winnipeg’s top pairing performance was more about giveaways and slow transition than the and started Sunday’s game against Calgary with Winnipeg’s most play he made for his assist. Wheeler is the heart of the franchise but his veteran defenceman, Dmitry Kulikov. He played first-pairing minutes on goal was the product of about three fortunate bounces. So it goes. the penalty kill both nights and, on Sunday, found himself on the top power-play unit with Bryan Little, Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, and It follows that the true stars of training camp aren’t always the ones who Nikolaj Ehlers — and he looked like he belonged. show up on the score sheet. The most impressive players in preseason are the ones who make the best of the situation in front of them — like Heinola’s increasingly featured roles are starting to make some fans (and Ville Heinola, playing with veteran poise alongside Neal Pionk and then reporters) wonder just how long he might stick around in training camp. Dmitry Kulikov, or Andrei Chibisov who has shown well whether on the Could he be one of Winnipeg’s final cuts? Could he… make the team? fourth line or in a feature role. When we spoke at the draft, Heinola told me he attributed countryman These players don’t always make the final roster — consider CJ Suess’ Miro Heiskanen’s success as a 19-year-old NHL rookie to Heiskanen’s workmanlike camp in 2018 — but they can certainly help the case for development as an 18-year-old in Finland’s SM-liiga. At the time, it struck their professional careers. Similarly, players who don’t make the team out me that Heinola planned to return to Lukko in Finland for a second of camp — see Kyle Connor in 2017 — are sometimes still capable of consecutive season in Finland’s highest league. spectacular feats. Certainly, that might still be the right play. The version of Heinola we see I also spend a lot of time wondering what makes players look “light on in a year’s time will be a little bit stronger, a little more seasoned, with greatness,” to steal a phrase from Paul Maurice. one more year of experience defending against professionals. There are big minutes waiting for him at Lukko — minutes vital to an 18-year-old’s What costs a young player a shot at an NHL job? When a promising development. The easiest thing for Winnipeg to do with Heinola is send young defenceman who has produced at every level spends a night him home to Finland, high-five a scout or two, and reap the rewards of giving pucks away and looking lost in his own zone like Luke Green did Heinola’s development in one year’s time. on Sunday night, does that change the organization’s impression of him? I think that the answer should be a firm “no” — trust the process, In the meantime, it’s on Heinola to make that decision as hard as remember — but sometimes I wonder. humanly possible.

To glean some insight, I asked Maurice what he made of “chaos” in When Winnipeg signed 26 year old Russian Andrei Chibisov to a one- preseason hockey. year ELC this summer, I didn’t know very much about him. At 6-foot-4, 227-pounds, his size jumped off the page but 66 points in 220 career “There’s (a) player that has a very difficult time with that game and it’s KHL games didn’t scream NHL player to me. usually a really smart player,” Maurice said. “A player that relies on the reads in front of him to play very well. The guy who would excel in that After three games of preseason action, Chibisov looks like more than I game is the higher energy guy who plays off chaos because nobody’s first thought. really where they’re supposed to be and there’s a lot of slow transition in After a turn at left wing with Bryan Little and Logan Shaw in Edmonton, the neutral zone.” the left-shooting Chibisov has moved to his off-wing and looked good It makes sense to me and, to be honest, it’s the same principle in the doing so. Winnipeg carried the flow of play against Minnesota when NHL as in beer league. The game’s great thinkers shine when the Chibisov played with Mathieu Perreault and Mark Scheifele. Chibisov hockey is clean and structured. When it gets sloppy, sometimes you just didn’t look out of place, generating space on the cycle and also making need someone to make up their mind and make a play. some strong passes including a backhand feed through Matt Bartkowski’s skates to Scheifele in the slot. Maurice elaborated on this idea. Scheifele didn’t cash on the chance but clearly admired the pass — he “The real challenge is for the guy who’s a real cerebral player and skated over to Chibisov as soon as the whistle blew and made sure to nothing looks like it’s going to look in two weeks,” Maurice said. “I think throw him a fist bump. Of course, if Chibisov makes the Jets opening it’s far harder for defencemen to play in these games — especially guys night roster, it’s probably not going to be as Scheifele’s right wing. that are thinkers — because there’s so much less to read. There’s no road signs about what’s going to happen next — where those guys excel, Consider this possible forward group: right?” Ehlers / Scheifele / Wheeler Perreault / Little / Roslovic I had Mason Appleton’s NHL job written in pencil heading into camp but, like Vesalainen, he hasn’t shown me enough to reach for a Sharpie. He Copp / Lowry has the same zero points and two shots through three games as the With Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor absent, the Jets need a right wing, a young Finn and, despite his two-way strength, hasn’t looked like a player fourth line, and at least one press box forward. Chibisov is in the mix for confident enough to create order out of preseason chaos. That third line those jobs along with Mason Appleton, Gabriel Bourque, Mark Letestu, spot alongside Copp and Adam Lowry — or fourth line spot, when Kristian Vesalainen, and Logan Shaw. Connor and Laine return — is still Appleton’s to claim.

If Appleton claims the third line job and veterans Bourque and Letestu Logan Stanley is a player well loved by the Jets organization. From the make up two-thirds of Winnipeg’s fourth line, it’s on Chibisov to out-duel offseason to now, Paul Maurice and Pascal Vincent have taken turns young scorer Vesalainen and last season’s Moose standout, Shaw. heaping praise on Stanley’s professionalism and I’ve been under the Other players in the mix are Seth Griffith, CJ Suess, and Joona Luoto but impression that a long look in camp was on the way since roughly mid- I would argue Chibisov has done himself the most favours thus far — out June. I can certainly see what people like about Stanley — he’s big, of this whole group. It’s getting easier to imagine Winnipeg keeping the strong, and reasonably mobile for his size. I can also see some examples 26-year-old Chibisov at the expense of the younger Finns. of skilled plays and clever reverse passes.

And of course it’s possible that Chibisov’s minutes with Little and then All of this said, he’s not such a good skater that he can pivot off of Scheifele are a tell. forechecks or such a good passer that he looks poised to keep the Jets out of their own zone. I don’t see an NHL player — certainly not this Unlike Chibisov and Heinola, Sami Niku is an absolute lock to make season, even though one suspects he’ll draw into a few games as Winnipeg’s roster. The only question in Niku’s case is how high up the injuries occur. depth chart he can push. On Sunday night against Calgary, Stanley gave the puck away with high Recall that we deep-dived Niku’s progress in March 2018 and came to frequency and didn’t defend as well as his reputation implied, either. In two conclusions: the third period, Winnipeg moved Stanley away from the struggling Luke Green and onto a pairing alongside Anthony Bitetto. He drew an assist To have good odds at a top-four NHL career, Niku would have to earn a on Joona Luoto’s late goal and, after 22 points in 73 AHL games last full time job by his 23-year-old season. (He turns 23 on October 10th.) season, one hopes for continued offensive development. Stanley has Offensively speaking, he was well on his way to accomplishing that feat. strengths that cannot be taught — we’ll see if he can develop the skills to make NHL-level use of them. Now, Winnipeg’s depth chart is wide open, Niku played his only preseason game alongside Josh Morrissey, and he has two assists to his Caveats abound. The competition is chaotic and small sample sizes rule name — including a brilliant spinning pass to Andrew Copp. The 22-year- the day. But after four games of preseason action and 10 days of training old Finn whose AHL offence tracks well when compared to Torey Krug camp, some trends are beginning to emerge. and Sami Vatanen appears poised to carve out meaningful NHL minutes Heinola is making the very early case that Winnipeg made an excellent for the first time in his career. selection at 20th overall in June. Stanley is still a projectable player but In a way, Niku and Heinola are each symbols of the “new” NHL. Neither hasn’t convinced me that the Jets hit with their 19th pick three years is big and neither will ever crush someone in a board battle but both are earlier. Niku appears ready for a breakout season, Gustafsson’s hockey quick thinkers and excellent passers. Niku has the better wheels and the sense has shone, and Chibisov looks like more than a big bodied KHL tighter edges — Maurice has celebrated his “evasions” multiple times veteran. Meanwhile, Vesalainen and Appleton remain quality minor now — and should be an exciting player to watch this season. That said, league players but need to do more to shine at the NHL level. any play that keeps the puck out of a team’s own zone is good defence Winnipeg has three preseason games left, starting Tuesday in Calgary, and both Finns are strong here. and one imagines that cuts will start soon. Finally, 19-year-old David Gustafsson may not be in line for an NHL job and he appears to have a role waiting for him at HV71 Jonkoping, his Swedish club. It’s just that, in two preseason games, Gustafsson has The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 shown a professional level maturity to his game. He skates smart routes, he wins battles, and he has a deceptive patience to his passing that seems to imply a high level of creativity and vision. It’s players like Gustafsson that I think of when Maurice says cerebral players look better at higher level.

If Gustafsson can demonstrate the same shiftiness as the quality of competition goes up — and if the passes he makes can find shooters who are ready, willing, and able to cash them in — he might have an outside shot at a roster spot in Winnipeg. That said, there are a lot of players ahead of him on the depth chart and Gustafsson is in a good position to play a substantial role for his Swedish club. Look for him to have a strong, two-way season there with a prominent role at the world juniors this winter.

Falling:

It’s not that Kristian Vesalainen isn’t a meaningful NHL prospect. He’s a 20-year-old scorer who has already produced meaningful offence in Liiga, the AHL, and KHL — there is no denying his ability. It’s just that, after three preseason games, I’m left wanting more.

Vesalainen played his first game with Michael Spacek and Seth Griffith, his second with Gustafsson and Ehlers, and his third with Little and Roslovic. He has yet to register a point (which is completely fine; this is a tiny sample) and has just two shots on goal through three games played. I don’t think this is long term cause for alarm — I’ve been saying for some time that Vesalainen may be best served playing a feature role in the AHL — but, in the short run, Vesalainen simply hasn’t impressed. It looked to me on Sunday that he was trying a little bit too hard to make plays each time he had the puck — plays that weren’t always there. As camp continues, look for more balance from Vesalainen in terms of choosing the right times to push. He’s still a good player. 1154033 Winnipeg Jets There would be flashes of brilliance, but Heinola would probably be a bit too raw to have a legitimate shot to crack the opening-day roster.

It turns out he’s ahead of schedule. Rookie blueliner Ville Heinola makes his case for an unexpected His first NHL training camp has been a bit of an eye-opener, but the extended stay in Winnipeg transition to the North American game hasn’t been overwhelming for Heinola.

By Ken Wiebe “I’m learning something new every day. Everything is getting better and better,” Heinola said. “It’s easier for me to play a faster game and to play Sep 23, 2019 with better players.

“When I came (to training camp), I didn’t know what to expect. But it’s gone really well and now I’m (starting) to think that maybe I can make the With each stride that he takes, Ville Heinola is smoothly transitioning team. Now, that’s my focus.” from long shot to being right in the thick of things. When he was chosen 20th overall at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver, Although heading back to Finland for one more year of seasoning Heinola’s hockey sense was brought up by everyone who was asked to continues to be the most likely scenario for the Winnipeg Jets 2019 first- speak about his strengths. rounder, with each passing day, that’s seemingly becoming a later-than- sooner situation for the slick-skating defenceman. Although it’s only the preseason and Heinola has yet to face an NHL- heavy lineup, his smarts continue to shine through. Of course, with Dustin Byfuglien currently away on a personal leave of absence, Heinola’s chances of sticking around until the end of training “He’s clearly an undersized guy, but you find that especially nowadays, camp were always going to improve. the upstairs matters more than what’s beneath the chin,” Wheeler said. “He looks pretty good.” As for Byfuglien, there’s been no indication he’s any closer to making a decision regarding his hockey future, though he was officially put on the Early in training camp, Wheeler put his arm around Heinola after one of suspended list by the Jets on Saturday night in a move that could free up the drills, when the youngster had trouble handling the Jets captain in a some salary cap space if the absence stretches into the regular season. 1-on-1 battle.

“It was absolutely procedural and Dustin was aware of it,” Jets head These days, Heinola is handling those types of situations so well that coach Paul Maurice said. you’d never known he needed to make an adjustment.

It’s important not to get ahead of yourself at this point in training camp “I was just trying to make sure that he knows that he doesn’t have to win when it comes to making sweeping assessments, but given how well any 1-on-1 battles to be an NHL player, you know what I mean,” Wheeler Heinola has been playing, he’s inching closer to forcing the Jets to said. “Certainly there’s an expectation that we’re going to expect him to consider extending his audition into the regular season. come out with the puck a little bit. But that doesn’t mean that he’s going to be knocking down a 6-foot-3 guy. You just want to keep reinforcing Heinola has appeared in three of the Jets four preseason games, those things with him that there are plenty of impact NHL players that including 24 shifts for 20:21 of ice time in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over the never get hit or hit a guy all game. He could be one of those guys.” Calgary Flames, where he recorded two shots on goal, one blocked shot and one hit. We’ve reached the point of training camp where the level of competition begins to rise. The Finnish blueliner has done everything that’s been asked of him and then some, playing in all situations against the Flames – 15:54 at even As cuts are made, there are more NHL players in the lineup and that strength, 3:45 running the first power-play unit and 42 seconds on the means things are going to become a bit more challenging for young guys penalty kill. like Heinola.

It’s impossible not to notice Heinola on the ice. But to this point, whenever the challenge has gotten tougher, Heinola has found a way to elevate his own play. He’s done an excellent job of showcasing his vision, passing and skating ability on a regular basis. Can that trend continue?

“He’s poised with the puck and he’s not afraid to make some plays,” It won’t take long for us to find out. Jets assistant coach Charlie Huddy said. “He’s really sure of the plays that he’s going to make. He’s in the right position, he’s got a really good “I’d like to see him keep playing the same game,” Huddy said. “The stick and he’s not scrambling. That comes from being able to move. He’s biggest thing is his skating. He can move, so he can handle those guys. got good feet and he’s able to get to the area quickly to take away some Are they going to make some plays on him? Sure, but those are part of time and space in the D zone. That’s the hardest thing for young kids to the growing pains that you’re going to go through. learn, the defensive part. “I don’t know how many games he’s going to get in, but we’ll see as we “For a young kid, he seems to understand the game.” move forward here. I think he’ll be able to handle it.”

Despite his relative inexperience, Heinola has already displayed a level Huddy isn’t the only one to share that opinion. of maturity in his game.

“He sees the ice well,” Huddy said. “He’s still got things to learn, The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 obviously. He’s going to make what you call young mistakes, from not knowing the players that he’s with and playing against.

“He’s 18 and he’s got lots of growing to do and he’s going to get better. Hopefully, he keeps progressing.”

You can count Jets captain Blake Wheeler among those who have been impressed by what Heinola has been able to do so far.

“He’s there, in terms of his brain,” Wheeler said, who knows a thing or two about being a cerebral player. “He makes a great first pass, he’s great positionally, quick … he does a lot of really good things. Obviously, he’s going to be a really special player – he already is.”

That’s the thing: going into training camp most people expected Heinola would be the type of player who could make an impact down the road. 1154034 Vancouver Canucks “It’s not like we’re setting up just to score from the front but I think we need to have enough net-front presence to score on the power play and it was a promising night,” he said.

Canucks 6 Senators 4: Petey plays Rocketman on potent power play The power play kept rolling in the second period, as Pettersson was again in the perfect spot, this time slamming the shot high over Anders Nilsson’s glove hand.

Patrick Johnston Pettersson smiled when asked about the addition of Miller in front.

September 24, 2019 12:34 AM PDT “I’m telling him when I’m shooting one timers, I want him out of the way so I don’t hit him and injure him,” he said.

The Canucks’ sixth goal came in the third period on a 5-on-3, as once If the Vancouver Canucks wanted to put together an Elton John cover again the Canucks zipped the puck around the Senators’ zone. When band, they might want to consider Petey and the Nets. Pettersson found himself down low to the right of the net with the puck on Elias Pettersson scored two power-play goals, leading his team to an his stick, he saw Horvat in perfect position at the top of Nilsson’s crease entertaining 6-4 win over the Ottawa Senators on Monday night at the and fired a pass across for Horvat to re-direct into the net. Abbotsford Centre, where the Canucks were playing because the Vancouver Canucks’ J.T. Miller, back right, scores against Ottawa Rocketman was rocking Rogers Arena. Senators goalie Anders Nilsson during first period NHL pre-season The Canucks scored four power play goals in all, suggesting that maybe, hockey action in Abbotsford, B.C., on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019. THE just maybe, the unit will be the credible threat this season that we thought CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck / PNG they could be last season. Unlikely shootout shooter? They were dynamic in their puck movement and precise in their shooting Jordie Benn had just stepped out of the penalty box when the puck and it all added up to be the difference. landed on Tyler Myers’ stick. The big defenceman wired a pass to his It was a good thing too, because the Senators charged back hard at the teammate, who suddenly found himself on a breakaway. Canucks, taking advantage of a number of defensive miscues to pull Benn made no mistake, looking cool as can be shooting the puck past themselves back in the game. Nilsson. “You know, it’s funny when you get that much power play time,” Canucks It was the first breakaway Benn has had in a long time, he said. Certainly coach Travis Green said afterwards. “Even though we scored, it can long before he made the NHL. throw your team off a little bit and I felt the second period we weren’t quite as sharp.” There were eight seconds left in the period when he stepped on the ice. Benn said he hoped that Myers would hit him with the pass. But in the end, the Canucks’ power play prowess carried the way, even as Ottawa out-shot Vancouver 40-33. “I skated down and I figured I’m just going to keep it simple, go low blocker and I got lucky,” he said. Petey and the Nets— Lach in the Crease (@LachInTheCrease) September 24, 2019 Green joked the effort would put Benn in consideration for the shootout, though the player himself said he wouldn’t be arguing his case. The Canucks got goals from J.T. Miller, Pettersson — who had two power play markers, hammered from his patented sweet spot at the top “No, not a chance,” he said. “Not with the with the guys that we have in of the faceoff circle — Alex Edler, Jordie Benn and Bo Horvat, while the here. I’ll joke about it, that’s for sure. But no, it’s not going to happen.” Senators got goals from Bobby Ryan, Artem Anisimov, Rudolfs Balcers and Chris Tierney. Head worry

Here’s what we learned… As ever, in a pre-season game the most pressing worry is injuries.

Canucks new JT Miller power play strat this year And so seeing Oscar Fantenberg, the likely seventh defenceman for the pic.twitter.com/q5UnKYtNdg— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) September 2019-20 season, lying prone on the ice after being hit into the end-boards 24, 2019 by Senators forwards Scott Sabourin and Szwarz.

Power up Sabourin lined up him correctly, from the side, but Szwarz’s hit came straight from behind, going into the number five on the Canuck’s back. Nine of the game’s first 13 minutes were taken by Canucks power plays because of a pair of minors on the Sens early and then a Jordan Szwarz Szwarz was handed a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct; major. Fantenberg eventually got to his feet and skated off under his own power, but didn’t look well. That meant the two power play units got plenty of looks in the first period. Last year’s group struggled for much of the season, but did click in the He wouldn’t return, the Canucks citing an “upper body” injury as the late going and a lot of that was because of an ability to create space reason. through quick-passing and smart movement off the puck. Stay classy, Ottawa “It’s only one game but I think it’s great,” Pettersson said post-game. Hometown kid Canucks FA pitch: Jake Virtanen was clearly excited to play in his hometown pre-game. He “Come play for the Canucks. Pettersson and Boeser will take turns had some jump in the first period. He mixed it up in front of the net. He putting the puck in off you while you stand in front of the net. Also, carried the puck with aggression. mountains and ocean and stuff”.— j.Bowman (@jBowmancouver) But he didn’t find much open space and his best shooting opportunity, September 24, 2019 from the top of the slot after he pounced on a loose puck sprung by some That was very much in evidence on both first-period power play goals: hard forechecking by his linemantes Jay Beagle and Tim Schaller, saw the first from Miller, as a Brock Boeser shot from the sideboards his shot deflected high over the net. He also took a penalty in the first deflected in off the winger’s foot at the side of the net; the second by period and while he started the night on the second power-play unit, he Pettersson on the opposite side after a smart cross-ice feed off Boeser, was replaced by Loui Eriksson. firing home a slap shot from his favoured spot. He admitted after the game that he did feel some nerves in the early Green said he was pleased that the power play unit was indeed showing going. signs of being a more dynamic threat because of additions like Miller, “It was exciting game and the fan base was awesome today,” he said. who was playing in front of the goal on Monday night. “I thought it was OK,” Virtanen said of his night and of his line’s effort, which was limited in ice time because of all the power players. “We’re not going to get anything fancy. But get in on the forecheck and try to create havoc and stuff like that and so we had some good chances.”

Crowd tip

Late in the third, the Canucks iced the puck. Senators defenceman Dylan DeMelo glided back to retrieve the puck as a kind gesture to the officials.

Unfortunately he lost his balance and slid into the end boards.

It drew laughter from the crowd and DeMelo, recognizing the moment, raised his stick in recognition of the crowd. That drew further applause and laughter.

Petey likes the wave?

It was a bit of a gob-smacker when you heard it back on the tape. Yes, Petey really did include the fact the crowd did the wave in his rundown of what made the Abbotsford crowd good.

“It was really fun to see,” he said.

Pettersson noted the crowd's wave during the third period and clearly liked it.

"It was really fun to see."— Patrick Johnston (@risingaction) September 24, 2019

There’s a strong anti-wave community out there. Personally I’ve never had an issue with it; fans pay a lot to be there and if that’s how they want to have fun, so be it.

Still, it’s not often you hear a player stake out their lot on something that has some many opinions on it like the wave does.

Moir and Virtue

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, the legendary Canadian ice-dance duo, retired last week. They were on hand on Monday night to perform a ceremonial face-off; a video from the pair thanking fans and confirming their retirement played beforehand.

The roar from the crowd was as voluminous as you’d hope.

NEXT GAME

Wednesday | Preseason

Ottawa Senators vs. Vancouver Canucks

7 p.m., Rogers Arena, TV: SN1; Radio: SNET 650 AM

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154035 Vancouver Canucks

Closer and closer: Canucks ship four more to Utica in roster trim

Patrick Johnston

September 23, 2019 1:49 PM PDT

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Canucks 6 Senators 4: Petey plays Rocketman on potent power play

The Vancouver Canucks' pre-season roster now stands at 32 bodies.

Another day, another round of unsurprising preseason cuts by the Vancouver Canucks.

The NHL club announced Monday that forwards Reid Boucher and Francis Perron, defenceman Ashton Sautner and goalie Zane McIntyre have all been assigned to the Utica Comets.

The quartet passed through waivers over the weekend.

Boucher, who has scored 20 goals in 133 career NHL games, is the most notable of today’s demotions.

The Canucks still have 32 players in camp, including the injured Antoine Roussel, who will start the season on the long-term injured reserve list. Of the remaining 31, eight will have to go before the Canucks set their 23-man roster to start the season.

A number of those remaining are surely headed to Utica soon: think of Richard Bachman, Tyler Graovac, Guillaume Brisebois and Jalen Chatfield.

For the remaining four cuts, there are some decisions to be made.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154036 Vancouver Canucks Claybrooks administration. In all likelihood, the team will be sold this offseason and the new owners will take a long, hard look at the GM and head coach. If the Lions win, say, four of their last five, they’ll finish with six wins in their last seven games and Hervey/Claybrooks would be a Willes' Musings: Five critical questions facing the Canucks this season much easier sell to their fan base.

As things stand, it was interesting listening to the players after the Leos 40-7 romp over the Redblacks. There was some sense of satisfaction Ed Willes over the win but larger emotion was frustration over those games they let September 23, 2019 3:00 AM PDT slip away earlier in the season.

“This is the team we were supposed to be all year,” said the estimable Bryan Burnham. “It’s definitely frustrating but there’s still a little sliver of OPINION: Too many things have to go right for Canucks to make the light shining through.” playoffs, but they are on the right track • Burnham now leads all CFL pass-catchers with 1,078 receiving yards The Vancouver Canucks play their first game on Oct. 2 but that still which raises an interesting question. If he has a big finish, could leaves another week to discuss Nikolay Goldobin’s role with the team. If Burnham be the West’s nominee for the most-outstanding player award? that isn’t enough to get you excited, here are the Monday morning In Winnipeg, Andrew Harris’s season has been clouded by a positive musings and meditations on the world of sports. drug test. Trevor Harris is having the best year of any quarterback in the West but there is the Esks’ record to consider. • At the beginning of each season, every NHL teams faces five critical questions which will determine the failure or success of their campaign. “That’s a bad man,” Lions receiver Shaq Johnson said of Burnham after his nine-catch, 135-yard, one-touchdown performance in Ottawa. “He Now, if you’ve followed the Canucks over the past number of years, comes to work every day. He doesn’t complain. He plays through you’re aware the issues facing their team weren’t questions so much as injuries. I’ve learned a lot from him the last four years.” wild fantasies which had no basis in reality. • Love what former Lions offensive coordinator Khari Jones has done in Remember those years? Can Markus Granlund score 25 goals this Montreal with Vernon Adams and the Alouettes. Adams is this season’s season? Is this the year Ben Hutton establishes himself as a bona fide breakout star in the CFL and his performance has revitalized a moribund top-four defenceman in the NHL? Can Erik Gudbranson solidify the blue- franchise. line? Can Sam Gagner give the Canucks a power play? The league needs star quarterbacks and it needs a healthy, vibrant Those questions still exist for the Canucks. But this season, they’ve operation in Montreal. With the Als for sale, the emergence of Adams changed. Now it seems the answers are within the realm of possibility. couldn’t come at a better time. Now it doesn’t all seem so far-fetched. Scouting director Judd Brackett and Jim Benning have had recent True, it’s unlikely everything which has to go right for the Canucks this success at the draft table. Jason Payne / PNG season will. But you can picture a universe where things finally break their way and that’s a welcome difference. • And finally, Jim Benning has taken a considerable amount of criticism over his five full seasons as the general manager of the Canucks and Here are their five questions, in order of importance. most of it has been justified. But take a moment and consider what he Jacob Markstrom’s start to season will determine his contract-extension was able to accomplish this off-season. worth. Jason Payne / PNG With the trade for Miller and the free-agent signings of Ferland, Tyler 1: Is Jacob Markstrom an upper-tier NHL goalie? After a brutal Myers and Jordie Benn he upgraded four roster spots on the NHL team. November, he certainly was over the final four months of last season. He signed Brock Boeser to a reasonable three-year deal. The contracts The Canucks can’t win with average goaltending. They need Markstrom for Ferland, Myers and Benn were also sensible. to be a top 10 ‘keeper. His first two draft picks, Vasily Podkolzin and Nils Hoglander, were 2: Is Elias Pettersson an 80-point centreman? He’s the Canucks’ best lauded around the league. player and teams go as far as their best players take them. Pettersson’s talent isn’t the question. It’s can he establish himself as a legitimate No. 1 That’s a decent summer’s work. It’s still doubtful it will get the Canucks centre over the NHL’s 82-game grind. into the playoffs — sorry, but which of last year’s playoff teams are they going to overtake? But Benning at least changed the conversation 3: Can Quinn Hughes and the Canucks’ young stars revive the power around the team. play? The Canucks finished 22nd in the NHL last season with a puny 17.1 per cent on the power play and 21st with 43 power play goals His full body of work has to be considered but he was mandated by overall. They have to add somewhere in the neighbourhood of 20 more ownership to build a team capable of making the playoffs this season. On power play goals this season to entertain the possibility of making the that basis, you have to say he’s delivered. post-season.

4: Can they get 55 to 60 goals out of J.T. Miller, Tanner Pearson and Michael Ferland collectively? Last season the Canucks scoring fell off a Vancouver Province: LOADED: 09.24.2019 cliff after Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat. I mean, Jake Virtanen was fourth on the team with 15 goals. Miller, Pearson and Ferland will all have prominent roles in the lineup and have to produce.

5: What kind of coach is Travis Green? The presumption is Green extracted the most out of substandard lineups in his first two years on the job. This year he has some talent to work with and that’s a different game.

• Following their win over Ottawa on Saturday night, the Lions still have that Lloyd Christmas, one-in-a-million shot at making the playoffs.

It would require running the table to finish 8-10 while Edmonton, who are on a four-game losing streak, drops four of their last five. The problem is Eskimos starter Trevor Harris is on the verge of returning to the lineup and one of their games is against Ottawa, the team you’d schedule on guaranteed-win night.

Still, the Lions are playing for something fairly significant over their last five games and that’s the credibility of the Ed Hervey-DeVone 1154037 Vancouver Canucks “It’s not like we’re setting up just to score from the net front,” Green said of the club’s success in the low slot on Monday night. “But you need to have a net-front presence to score on the power play.”

Canucks Preseason: Net front presence, the Benn breakaway and the Best Reaction Abbotsford thing “Wow” — an assistant coach with significant NHL experience when I informed them it looks like Vancouver plans to deploy a first power-play unit featuring Quinn Hughes up top, with Boeser and Pettersson on the By Thomas Drance flanks.

Sep 23, 2019 In Loving Memory

For the sake of nostalgia and because this is an all-timer, it just had to be posted: Elias Pettersson and the Vancouver Canucks filled the net with power- play goals on Monday night. The Abbotsford Thing

That was the main storyline as the Canucks concluded the neutral site The city-owned Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre was taken game portion of their preseason with a 6-4 victory over the Ottawa out of BC Major Midget mothballs on Monday evening. Senators at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre. It looks like the power-play practice is paying off, anyway. Filled to the brim with 6,590 fans Monday night, the building was particularly loud when Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir dropped the puck for And so the regular season draws ever nearer. Mercifully. the ceremonial draw. Or when Pettersson did basically anything.

Aside from the 70 percent pace that inevitably hangs over the The facility hasn’t hosted professional hockey full-time since the Calgary proceedings in preseason action, this was a reasonably chippy, spirited Flames-affiliated Abbotsford Heat left in 2014, but it’s still a solid mid- preseason affair. sized venue and at just over a decade old, the building itself isn’t exactly a relic. It might have 15 years of functional life left in it before there’s a Ten goals total, a couple of questionable hits, a fair bit of chirping — at need for a significant renovation. least the hockey-starved citizens of Abbotsford were treated to a show. Currently, the building is owned by the city of Abbotsford and the city Benn There, Never Done That subsidizes its operation to the tune of not-quite $1 million a year, Jordie Benn scored a breakaway, which is a sure-fire sign that it’s the according to the most recent public reporting from 2016 and 2017, and preseason. the amount of the subsidy has decreased in recent years. It’s a better deal for the city than the money pit of the Heat era, when Abbotsford lost The heady, versatile two-way defender sheepishly admitted to the media millions every year as a result of a misguided guarantee to offset losses postgame that he couldn’t remember the last time he scored off a sustained by the Flames. breakaway. For all sides, the Heat experiment was a failure. “All the guys were kind of making fun of me about when my last breakaway goal was, it was probably peewee or midget,” Benn said. “Being here with the Calgary organization was a little different,” recalled Canucks winger Sven Baertschi, an Abbotsford Heat alumnus. “We didn’t “I honestly have no idea,” he added later. have a great fan base here, but when Vancouver’s team came it was always sold out. It was always like a road game.” No shame in that. You have to shoot your shot when you get it. And to Benn’s credit, it was actually a pretty slick goal: On a night like Monday, when the crowd is boisterous and clad in blue and green, you don’t have to squint to see how it could make good Net Front Presence business sense to put a Canucks American Hockey League affiliate in The Canucks goal that was obviously worth writing home about was the Abbotsford to be an extension of the brand in the Fraser Valley. Alien’s one-timer, which was a whisper from perfection: If you want to read into Abbotsford mayor Henry Braun’s demonstrative The other three power-play goals the Canucks manufactured on Monday thirst, one has grounds to suspect there might be the sort of interest out were scored at the net front, or as the result of pressure right on the in Abbotsford that could yield an attractive deal from the Canucks point of goalmouth. view too:

Take, for example, the goal that kicked in off a Brock Boeser shot: Of course we’ve been down this road before, about six years ago, right around the time Vancouver bought the Peoria Rivermen franchise and “He is really good there,” Pettersson said of Miller’s work as the screener, relocated it to Utica. So scepticism is warranted. “but I tell him when I’m shooting one-timers I want him out of the way.” At the time the Canucks couldn’t quite extract the type of deal out of Then there was the goal Miller seemed to tip in, but which was later Abbotsford to make it all work, but it wasn’t all about money. credited to Pettersson: There were also legitimate hockey reasons to prefer Utica, which it “I was 100 percent sure he touched it,” Pettersson said of that one. “But I should also be added, remains an excellent American League hockey heard in the third period it was apparently my goal.” market.

And then there was the Bo Horvat goal, which if you look closely at Back in 2013 there was no Pacific Division in the American League, Pettersson’s head, you’ll notice was subtly the best goal of the bunch, which made running a Western outpost in the AHL a particularly since it featured a ridiculous show time quality Pettersson no-look pass: burdensome one. Beyond the obvious cost and travel burdens, there was “The play before I tried to pass to Boeser when (Edler) and Boeser made also the lost practice and development time. a switch,” Pettersson said of looking up high while feeding Horvat Now that the AHL has expanded westward, it could change the equation expertly down low. “So I tried to fake the (penalty killers out) again, then I somewhat from Vancouver’s perspective. It’s worth noting, anyway, passed it to Bo. Yeah, it worked out!” there’s only one Pacific Division member team, other than the Canucks, Did it ever. that doesn’t have an AHL team out west — the Vegas Golden Knights, who remain affiliated with the Chicago Wolves. As dangerous as Pettersson and Boeser are on the flanks, without significant help from the players in the bumper spot and down low — Vancouver signed an extension with the Comets this past winter, which particularly on puck retrievals — Vancouver’s power play won’t be able to was announced as a six-year deal. The first opt-out comes after the claw its way up to the top third of the league. On Monday night anyway, 2020-2021 season, the Canucks confirmed. Miller looked up to the task. We should be mindful there’s no urgency or smoke here at the moment. With Canucks ownership in attendance at Monday night’s neutral site preseason contest, however, it’s a situation worth tracking over the next year and change.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154038 Vancouver Canucks it’s evident that his scoring plummeted to the point where it was underwhelming relative to even what one might expect from a fourth- liner.

How Jake Virtanen’s offensive progress has masked his two-way decline Of course, the solution isn’t as simple as plugging Virtanen into the top- six as that doesn’t factor in how his presence influences the overall line’s performance.

By Harman Dayal Virtanen dragged down the Horvat line’s ability to control shots and scoring chances by a fairly significant margin. The same was true when Sep 23, 2019 he played with Pettersson — meaning that while Virtanen scored at a decent clip when in the top six, the line as a whole struggled to drive play and was better without him. Jake Virtanen’s time in Vancouver has been divisive since the moment he was selected sixth overall in 2014. The problem is that it’s tough to envision Virtanen getting an opportunity in a position to succeed. He’s not enough off a contributor as is to earn a Now 23-years-old and with over 210 NHL games and a season of AHL top-six role, but if you bump him down to the bottom two lines, the marination under his belt, you’d think we’d be closer to an answer on centres he’d line up with don’t mesh with him stylistically. Virtanen’s value and future role on the team. And yet the quarrel in the city remains as strong as ever. For him to take the next step offensively, he’ll have to continue improving his ability to create offence off the rush. Virtanen’s been one of the Virtanen’s tenure wearing blue and green has largely resulted in league’s top forwards at carrying the puck into the offensive zone with frustrating stretches of inconsistency, sprinkled with enough tantalizing possession, but the issue has usually been that he’s remarkably flashes of potential to keep you hooked. inefficient at turning those rush possessions into scoring chances.

Last season encompassed many of those up-and-down traits — Virtanen I’ve spent a lot of time dissecting why these rushes aren’t translating into notched 11 goals and 18 points in his first 38 games but slumped with goals for the team and it comes down to the fact that far too often just four goals and seven points in his final 32 contests to close out the Virtanen settles for poor quality shots from the outside. One of the ways year. In all, he hit a career-high with 15 goals and 25 points in 70 games we can see whether Virtanen is taking advantage of his zone entries is — resembling a modest step in the right direction. by analyzing how many times he was able to set up a teammate off the rush. You’re about twice as likely to create a scoring chance and goal if It was another season which left fans scratching their heads, wondering you connect on a pass following a zone entry, so naturally, the forwards what Virtanen’s ceiling was and with offseason trade rumours swirling, who can find their teammates will rack up more points. there were questions about whether he’d ever reach that potential in Vancouver. With these thoughts in mind, let’s dive into the right-winger’s In Virtanen’s case, he took a modest step in the right direction last game and breakdown what we should expect from both a short and long- season as far as finding his teammates in transition. term perspective. 2017-18 possession entry pass rate: 20.3 percent Modest offensive growth 2018-19 possession entry pass rate: 25.4 percent Every year we seem to discuss as to where Virtanen’s offensive ceiling lies. Last offseason, I looked at historical comparables in the NHL who A lot of those strides become obvious when sifting through the tape of had similar size and scoring based profiles — determining that there was some of his rushes from last year — particularly when he’s coming full a decent chance he could put things together as a third-line winger. steam ahead from the left side.

Let’s look at how different Virtanen’s offensive profile looks a year later. Virtanen is a lot more effective in transition when he can use a cutback to pivot and face the weakside in search of a cross-seam pass. He took Virtanen’s 5-on-5 scoring rate on a per hour basis was identical encouraging steps forward last year, but there’s still a lot of room for compared to last year — ranking 11th among Canucks’ forwards. On the growth — his entry passing percentage still ranked just 10th on the surface, one might look at the fact that he averaged nearly three minutes Canucks. more per night than he did the year prior, coupled with extra power-play opportunities, and cite that as the major catalyst for his modest point Virtanen, as expected, carries the puck into the attacking end very often, totals bump. but is still among the least efficient in setting up his linemates thereafter. It’s still a bump compared to the year prior where his entry pass However, there’s more to it than meets the eye. percentage was lowest on the team, but we’re still discussing a facet of his game that could use work and would carry lots of dividends if done For one, a vast majority of his points were of the primary variety this successfully. season — he had just two secondary assists out of his 25 total points this season. Secondary assists are typically random and luck driven — they Based on last season, I think we’re looking at someone who can aren’t very repeatable and research to date would suggest a forward consistently notch around 15 goals and 30 points, perhaps closer to the doesn’t have a lot of control over this aspect of their point production. 35 point range if he elevates his transition game another notch. Noting this is important because Virtanen had the 14th lowest secondary assist rates in the NHL — attaining one on just 5.9 percent of his on-ice Improved two-way game and discipline is required goals (a league average forward usually gets a secondary assist on In many cases, point production is used as the only barometer of a around 15 percent). forward’s performance and while it’s a useful proxy for offence, it doesn’t If we’re to believe that secondary assists are mostly noise, we’d expect look at the other aspects of one’s game. that rate to rebound for Virtanen next year. How much of a point Someone like Josh Leivo, for instance, was a comparable scorer to improvement could that amount to? I’m not sure if we can expect a Virtanen but contributed to the team’s success in ways other than just league-average clip given his playstyle, but if we assume Virtanen’s points. Leivo wasn’t the best fit for Pettersson, but even when he was on career secondary assist clip (11.4 percent), we’re talking about two the ice away from The Alien, the Canucks outscored the opposition by a points that he probably missed out on last season because of poor luck. 13-6 margin while controlling over 53 percent of the shots and expected That might not seem like a notable boost, but if you tacked that onto his goals — very impressive results. production for this year, we’re talking about someone who scored at a respectable 32 point per 82 game clip. I bring up the Leivo example because it directly relates to Virtanen’s two- way game. When the former sixth overall pick arrived on the scene as a The second factor to consider, of course, is linemate quality — easily one rookie, his offence was lacking, but he was meaningfully contributing of the most important variables in determining offensive production. Peel because of his strong play-driving ability. back the layers of Virtanen’s deployment and you can see that there’s a clear separation in how he produces with different centres. Remember earlier in the article when I mentioned how Virtanen was a drag on Horvat’s ability to drive shots and chances? Well, it wasn’t too When lining up on the flanks of either Bo Horvat or Elias Pettersson, long ago that he was actually a substantially positive contributor to his Virtanen produced at the rate of a low-end, second-line forward. Contrast that to when he was centred by Brandon Sutter or Adam Gaudette and line where Horvat did a much better job at driving play with Virtanen by rush. As previously stated, right now, I think you’re looking at a player his side. with 15-goal, 30-35 point talent — legitimate third-line level value. Only time will tell if he can take another step forward, but if that’s the case, I Obviously, Horvat was a different player back then, but we can account believe you’re looking at someone closer to the 20-goal, 35-40 point for deployment factors like linemates, zone starts, opponents and more range. using Evolving-Wild’s Regularized Adjusted Plus-Minus tool. RAPM is one my favourite ways to measure play-driving ability: it sees Connor In looking more closely at his production, the one concern I’d have that McDavid as the best offensive player in the world; the likes of Niklas could hold him back from reaching these targets is deployment. Hjalmarsson and prime Chris Tanev as elite defensive players as well as Virtanen’s scored well when slotted into the top-six, but because the rest Mark Stone and Patrice Bergeron as elite two-way players. Most of the of his game isn’t up to par, the Horvat and Pettersson lines have been time, the numbers align with the eye-test and we can objectively pick out worse with him on it. As a result, Virtanen’s destined for a spot on one of insightful takeaways. the bottom two lines, but the problem is that he’s failed to produce with Sutter and Gaudette as his centres (I can’t imagine it being much better if In Virtanen’s case, it’s very peculiar to compare his two-way ability during he plays with Beagle instead). his rookie season with his most recent performance. Combine that with the fact that he’s likely to get booted from the second- Viz courtesy Evolving-Hockey unit power-play and I don’t know if Virtanen’s going to be put in a position In his rookie season, Virtanen had a notably positive effect on helping the to succeed. Depending on his role, you might see Virtanen’s point totals Canucks control more of the shots, scoring chances and actual goals underperform his aforementioned true talent level. when he stepped on the ice. Contrast that to this season and you can Overall, however, I believe people have spent too much time focusing on see he had a definitively negative impact as a play driver despite scoring his offensive game. at a higher clip offensively. You can be a very useful contributor in the league if you drive play and The biggest difference occurred defensively — a difference that can be help your team spend more time in the offensive zone (even if you don’t visualized with defensive heat maps. score a lot of points) and that was certainly the case for Virtanen in his Viz by Micah McCurdy rookie year. His two-way profile was not only very impressive for a 19- year-old but well above average. Instead of taking steps forward from With these maps, blue is good and red is bad (red means the opposition that point, his defensive value crumbled this past season after a very consistently generated shots from those areas). You can see how moderate fall in 2017-18, on top of mounting discipline issues. the Canucks were good at protecting the front of the net and as a whole allowed fewer than league average attempts with Virtanen on the ice in To me, a peak version of Virtanen would be a 15-20 goal contributor who his rookie season. This year, however, the Canucks bled chances from drives strong two-way value thanks to his physical gifts and puck carrying the most dangerous areas of the ice. ability — the type of player who’d be quite valuable on a contender’s middle-six. Whether he can put it all together into a consistent package is How is it possible that Virtanen’s play-driving ability has changed so a question only time will answer. dramatically since his rookie season? Well, 2017-18 actually marked the start of a deterioration that led to this point.

Data via Evolving-Wild The Athletic LOADED: 09.24.2019

Starting with his rookie season, Virtanen showed a very impressive two- way profile for a 19-year-old. A performance like this to start one’s career on top of the steady improvement you’d expect from a rookie would have meant Virtanen developing into one of the league’s better play drivers — similar to the steps Horvat, who actually started with a worse two-way profile than Virtanen as a teenager, took in this regard.

In Virtanen’s case, his two-way game took a step back in 2017-18 following a stint in Utica, but he remained an above-average play driver. That impact all but cratered in this past season where Virtanen’s impact on helping push play in the right direction fell off the rails. Only eight NHL regulars had a worse impact on controlling shot quality (xG RAPM) last year.

While it’s true that Virtanen’s offensive game is still improving, albeit, at a slower rate, his two-way game has definitively moved in the wrong direction. Given the fact that he’s only moving closer to his peak years, this trend is reversible. He’s shown in two of his three full NHL seasons that he can be an above-average play-driver, so we know that the raw ability is there — it’s just about applying himself to getting his all-around game back on track.

Virtanen will have to apply himself similarly when it comes to staying disciplined. On top of the great two-way impact he had as a young rookie, he also showed lots of value in being able to draw lots of penalties with his speed — ranking 50th among NHL forwards as far as the rate at which he drew penalties in 2015-16.

Penalty differential could be a strength for Virtanen if he was disciplined, but this past season he not only drew fewer penalties (10) but took a staggering (22) number himself. In essence, he created ten extra power- plays for the opposition. By that virtue, you’re looking at two or three goals he cost the team simply based on his discipline alone.

That may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things but think of it as wiping two or three tallies away from Virtanen personal goal total because of poor discipline.

What does all this mean for Virtanen?

Virtanen has made steady progress with his offensive game on the back of improvement in how he takes advantage of his zone entries on the 1154039 Websites they use a mix of facts, fun and a varied group of hockey voices to cover Canada’s most beloved game.

What does that entail? Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens veterans get wake-up call in sobering loss to “I think it’s just the relentless forecheck and backcheck,” said Nate barren Leafs Thompson after his 21 shifts in Monday’s game. “I think just the way we play, it’s a fast game, but it’s a fast game because we’re on pucks going forward and going back. And whenever you do that, it makes it hard for Eric Engels the other team to make plays.”

September 24, 2019, 12:06 AM It’s a game that requires a full effort from everyone, which is something they haven’t gotten from their best players to this point in training camp.

That was understandable over the first week and change, with young MONTREAL — It’s fair to say Monday’s showing at the Bell Centre didn’t players and bubble players fighting to prove their worth and there not provide the type of evidence you’d want in order to support an argument being much at stake for veterans who have their spots secured. But now that the Montreal Canadiens can survive without Carey Price. it’s time to prepare for the season. Thankfully for them, it was a one-off. An ugly duckling of a game played “Every game you want to build,” said Jonathan Drouin before skating a against a Toronto Maple Leafs side that barely met NHL pre-season team-low 11:57 on Monday. “I haven’t had the two greatest games, but requirements for veterans dressed. it’s pre-season. You want to build, you want to get better.” Even more thankfully for them, they don’t have to ponder what life will be He needs to be much better than he’s shown through his three games so like without Price. The 32-year-old star netminder was slated to start far. So does linemate Max Domi, so does sophomore Jesperi Monday’s game but was kept out as a precautionary measure after team Kotkaniemi, and so do a number of other players who have had ordinary doctors diagnosed him with a hand contusion and recommended he stay outings through exhibition. off the ice for a few days. They’d be wise to treat Monday’s game as a wake-up call. Fortunately for Price, who’s expected to return to play before the end of the week, he wasn’t forced to play with this Canadiens team in front of him. With Charlie Lindgren in net, they lost 3-0. They were outplayed for large portions of the game—and in every zone—and afterwards Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.24.2019 Canadiens coach Claude Julien referred to it as a sobering reminder of how the team needs to play to be successful.

“We didn’t play a good game tonight,” he said. “We didn’t skate well. When we skate well, things tend to work out. We didn’t skate well enough or compete well enough. Our backchecking wasn’t strong enough, our transition wasn’t good, either. We weren’t coming back fast. We played a mostly AHL lineup on the other side, 20 players who are hungry, who worked hard all game and gave us problems. If we had guys who thought it would be an easy game, they didn’t prepare well and it’s a good lesson for everyone. You can’t prepare yourself after two periods, it’s too late. So tonight wasn’t a good game, and a loss sometimes brings everyone down to Earth and I hope that will be the case.”

The timing of such a loss isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With two games remaining in the pre-season, and nine days to go before they begin the regular season in Carolina, the Canadiens have enough road in front of them to patch things up and get back to the game that allowed them to win their first four exhibition matches. You know, the game mostly responsible for netting them 96 points last season.

Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what they think about it.

It was a style of game that saw the Canadiens score the fifth-most goals in the league at 5-on-5, a suffocating skating game that depended on quick transition, a game that didn’t force Price to work miracles every time he took to the net.

“I thought we did a better job defensively—closing quick, spending a lot less time in our end,” said Canadiens defenceman Jeff Petry to describe it. “I thought the big difference was taking those Grade-A slot opportunities away with everyone collapsing low. It seemed like in years past, teams would have the puck behind the goal-line and find the guy in the quiet area for a one-timer, which is always tough for a goaltender to stop. Price erases more of those than most guys, but we were able to limit them much more than in years past.”

On Monday, it was a free-for-all in front of Lindgren. Granted, the Leafs were limited to just 25 shots on net, but they were gifted enough quality chances to skate away with a much more convincing win than the one they registered.

So, when the Canadiens get back on Wednesday, ahead of a game against the real Leafs in Toronto, and without Price at their disposal, they had better get back to what they do best.

Senior Writer Ryan Dixon and NHL Editor Rory Boylen always give it 110%, but never rely on clichés when it comes to podcasting. Instead, 1154040 Websites JORDIE OR JAMIE The goal of the night was scored by stay-at-home defenceman Jordie

Benn, another new Canuck, who looked like his sniper-brother Jamie Sportsnet.ca / Elias Pettersson looking like elite NHL scorer in Canucks' when he buried a breakaway stick side on former Vancouver goalie pre-season win Anders Nilsson with 2.1 seconds remaining in the second period. Benn emerged from the penalty box and skated on to Tyler Myers’ breakaway pass.

Iain MacIntyre “I think I had eight seconds when I got out of the box, so I knew I had to hurry up,” Benn said. “It was perfect timing.” September 24, 2019, 2:15 AM When was his last breakaway?

“Honestly, I have no idea,” Benn said. “It might have been peewee or ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – In a way, you can’t lose in the pre-season. midget (minor hockey) when I was an offensive d-man. But not in Score a boatload of goals and win and everyone’s happy and sees things probably 20 years. Guys were giving me a pretty hard time about getting as positive signs for the looming National Hockey League regular a breakaway. But they said: ‘Good shot.’” season. Lose and, well, it’s just pre-season and the results don’t matter. FANTENBURG INJURED So be wary of what you read into it. Depth defenceman Oscar Fantenberg left the game injured in the first For the Vancouver Canucks, it was hard not to be excited about their 6-4 period after being crushed behind the Canuck net by Senator pre-season win here Monday against the Ottawa Senators. Considering forecheckers Jordan Szwarz and Scott Sabourin. Szwarz was assessed the Canucks dressed most of their NHL lineup, it’s not like they were a boarding major and game misconduct for his hit from behind. dominant. The Senators churned out 45 shots, after all. The Canucks said only that Fantenburg, in a battle to make the NHL But there were two unmistakeable positives for the Canucks: Calder roster after being signed as a free agent, suffered an “upper body” injury. Trophy winner Elias Pettersson looked like an elite NHL scorer, driving Starting goalie Jacob Markstrom said he spoke with his teammate and the attack with two goals and two assists; and he did it as the fulcrum of hoped he wouldn’t be out long. a power play that went 4-for-7 against the Senators and decided the game. Like his team, Markstrom was both good and bad, but made several strong saves with the Senators chasing the game over the final two “I think my first two pre-season games, I was feeling it but I was kind of periods after falling behind 3-1. tired in my legs,” Pettersson, who had one goal from his first two exhibition contests, told reporters. “It’s great to have a game like this and “That’s why we play these games — to kind of learn,” Markstrom said. score two goals and two assists. . . and get some momentum for what’s “Myself, too, I’ve got a lot to improve. If we would have been perfect now, up next. Of course it builds your confidence.” we wouldn’t have to have pre-season games, but we do.”

There isn’t much doubt that Pettersson can score. And will score this Imagine, an NHL season without the pre-season. Dare to dream. season. But it won’t be enough to get the Canucks into the playoffs unless the power play contributes a lot more to the offence than it did a year ago, when it tied for 22nd in the NHL and generated just 43 goals. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.24.2019 That was 10 fewer than Vancouver scored with Daniel and Henrik Sedin in 2017-18, and if you don’t think that sounds like much of a difference, consider that the Canucks played 42 one-goal games last season and lost 25 of them. No NHL team lost more games by a single goal.

Improving the power play is paramount to finding another 10-15 points in the standings.

This is why Monday was so encouraging.

With probably 14 or 15 of the skaters he’ll start the season with on Oct. 2, Canuck coach Travis Green showed off his new first unit: Pettersson and 2018 Calder finalist Brock Boeser on the wings, with newcomer J.T. Miller in front of the net, Josh Leivo in the slot and Alex Edler on the point.

Edler may have been filling in for dynamic rookie defenceman Quinn Hughes, who did not dress.

Boeser finished with three assists against the Sens, while Miller scored a goal and Edler had one goal and three assists.

“I didn’t watch a lot of what the power play did here last year,” Miller, acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning, said after his best game of the pre-season. “I do know we have a lot of talent. We’ve got two of the league’s elite, young shooters on the flanks and that should make us hard to stop if we’re playing hard.

“Today, we did a good job of not going through the motions just because it’s pre-season. We worked hard at it and it paid off.”

Deploying Miller and Leivo on the first unit allows the Canucks to use forwards Bo Horvat, Tanner Pearson and Sven Baertschi on the second power play.

“They can’t cover all of us,” Pettersson said. “If they cover me too much and take away my one-timer, it’s open down low.

“Hopefully we’ll score more goals because last season, I don’t know, maybe we made it too hard for ourselves. Now we move the puck to an open guy and when we shoot. . . we don’t hesitate too much. It’s only one game, but of course it’s a good start. We have five guys that can score.” 1154041 Websites Oh boy, indeed. McDavid ruled the ice at Prospera Place, home of the Kelowna Rockets, like a guy trying to show management he’s ready for game action.

Sportsnet.ca / McDavid dominating Oilers practices as return to game “I think he’s just feeling more confident. Thinking he can jump into action nears (anything) and not worry about his injury,” said Tippett. “He sets the pace out there, which is nice. It picks up the whole pace of practice.”

Tippett has seen McDavid from behind the opposing bench. The view is Mark Spector not quite the same as the daily looks he’s getting now.

September 23, 2019, 7:46 PM “I remember the year I played with Mario (Lemieux) in Pittsburgh,” Tippett said. “Special players do special things, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a

fan or a teammate, you still watch those things. KELOWNA, B.C. — They may as well have just stopped the game and “Yeah, he’s a good player. A real good player.” told everyone to go home, that April 6 in Calgary when Connor McDavid tore up his knee on Mike Smith’s goal post. Even the Flames fans lost their edge, and remained a decidedly muted house through to the buzzer of that unfortunate, injurious season-ender. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.24.2019

“It just got quiet,” recalled Oilers defenceman Oscar Klefbom.

“It made you sick,” added Sam Gagner.

Fast forward nearly six months, and Gagner just shakes his head at how McDavid dominated two long, fast-paced Edmonton Oilers practices here in the B.C. interior.

“He’s scoring at ease in practice, which isn’t easy,” Gagner said. “He looks great … and just continues to get better every day as we go along in camp.”

The Oilers doctors and front office were to speak Monday afternoon about the possibility of McDavid playing as soon as Tuesday’s preseason game against the Arizona Coyotes at Rogers Place. If not, he’ll get into one of Edmonton’s final two pre-season games, Thursday at Winnipeg or Saturday, ominously scheduled for back in Calgary. His torn PCL ligament seemingly 100 per cent healed, the decision on his return is expected to be made on Tuesday morning — and with two preseason games remaining after that one, it is clear that he’ll get at least one in.

Watching him in Kelowna, it seems inconceivable that McDavid would not be ready for the Oilers Oct. 2 season opener against the Vancouver Canucks.

This could have been much, much worse.

“Yeah. I guess that’s fair,” began McDavid. “There’s lots of uncertainty with injuries. There was lots of different stuff going on in the summer. To feel good on the ice is something I’m really happy about. The fact that we’re talking about games is something I’m real proud of. It’s been a long summer. Lots of hard work. Lots of good docs. Lots of smart people. I really appreciate all that they’ve done for me.”

McDavid busted up a drill on Sunday when he was the lone forechecker, chasing a puck that was shot in toward goalie Mikko Koskinen. He got on to Koskinen so fast, stealing a puck and firing it into the empty net vacated by the goalie, that head coach Dave Tippett ordered Koskinen to skate the width of the rink while all the players watched. It was a playful punishment for screwing up a drill, but an example of a moment that takes on a whole different timeline when McDavid’s speed is involved.

“I’m trying to push myself, too,” McDavid said. “Everyone’s played games by now — I’m the only one that hasn’t. I’ve gotta make sure I’m ready to go when the time comes.”

This Oilers team is no lock for a playoff spot, to be sure. They’ll need their goaltending tandem of Mike Smith and Koskinen to work out, new Swede Joel Persson to be able to handle top-four minutes, their re- worked bottom six to win faceoffs and kill penalties, and for a surprise player like Anton Burdasov or Joakim Nygard to give them some offence they were not necessarily counting on.

Even if all those coins land heads-up, however, it’s meaningless if McDavid isn’t able to be McDavid.

“There are some things that need to go right for us,” agreed Klefbom. “Anything can happen … but it’s nice to see (McDavid) on the ice and having that hunger he has right now. I asked him, and he said. ‘I want to play every single (preseason) game that’s left.’ So, the hunger is there, and he looks pretty good. Oh boy.” 1154042 Websites Kapanen impressing as Hyman’s understudy Despite playing scarce little left wing in his career, righty Kasperi

Kapanen is adjusting well as Zach Hyman’s fill-in on the Tavares-Marner Sportsnet.ca / 5 takeaways from first half of Maple Leafs training camp line, sniping a beauty in his first pre-season game and adding a pair of assists in his second.

With Connor Brown out of town and Hyman injured, Kapanen has also Luke Fox been asked to assume a larger role on the penalty kill. He’ll certainly earn that juicy raise, to $3.2 million, he earned over the summer. September 23, 2019, 2:31 PM "I’m a fast skater. I gotta be on the forecheck. They want me to be in the

right spots defensively and block shots and be on the PK, which is Without taking another dive into the Jason Spezza saga, which has something our team was on and off with last year," says Kapanen. sorted itself out for the time being, here are five major takeaways (plus a The fleet-footed Finn is expected to slot back to the right of Kerfoot and few bonus observations) from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ training camp, Mikheyev once Hyman’s knee is ready to go in November. He says which has now passed the halfway mark. playing the off wing has been more of a challenge in the D-zone. Contract status only thing standing between Sandin and opening night "You’ve got to be careful when you’re getting the puck on your backhand Rasmus Sandin — 19 years old and easily the most skilled among the form the D-man in the defensive zone," he says. "It’s just something I’ve candidates for opening night’s third pair — has now been grouped with got to get used to." the Auston Matthews and Morgan Riellys of the world, as opposed to his William Nylander got his groove back. (Apologies, Stella.) Marlies brethren. This is just the latest sign that the young Swede is poised to make his NHL debut Oct. 2. No. 88 in your program ranks No. 1 in shot attempts (19) among all NHLers this pre-season. Auston Matthews cracked that he’s just gotta hit "He’s been outstanding. He’s a perfect example of a guy who worked the net. hard during the off-season to prepare, came into camp with confidence and played really well," says Rielly, the last Leaf to successfully made the "Willie might’ve had the puck as much tonight as he had last year," leap as teenage D-man, in 2013. "We love having him. He’s a great Babcock said after Nylander’s buzzy exhibition performance Friday. player, and he’s got a really bright future." "It’s great for us to see it, but it’s not as important for us to see it as it is Sandin is expected to be paired with 27-year-old Martin Marincin, who for him to feel it and know it and feel good about himself. has more NHL experience than the other hopefuls and re-upped in the summer for a cap-soothing $700,000. Coach Mike Babcock trusts "For whatever reason he couldn’t get going last year. He’s knows he’s a Marincin to kill penalties, and the veteran is comfortable patrolling his off- good hockey player, and we need him to be a good hockey player." side in a lefty-lefty combo. Good? Or one of the best in his country? "Marty, for me, it’s never been about ability, it’s never been about skating, "I think he’s going to go down as one of the better Swedish players to it’s never been about reading the game. It’s been about confidence," ever play," pal Kapanen raved. Babcock says. "He’s gotten thicker and thicker and more and more confident. He sure looks like he wants to play for the Leafs." The largest beneficiary of a confident Nylander will be Matthews, who never had a consistent wingman to feed off last season. The Leafs memorably withheld a job from a rookie Travis Dermott out of camp in 2017 strictly because his entry-level status allowed him to be "He’s flying out there," Matthews says. "When we work hard and kinda let freely sent to the farm club without passing waivers. our creativity and skill take over after that and kinda put our work ethic first, that’s when when we have really good games and end up playing If cuts are made for reasons other than performance, the waivers-exempt our best." Sandin risks a similar fate. Matthews showing more bite — and we like it Roster contenders Ben Harpur, Jordan Schmaltz, Kevin Gravel and Justin Holl would all need to slip through waivers to join the Marlies. Matthews downplayed his troll job of Senators prospect Scott Sabourin last week, saying it was good "clickbait" for us media types. But his Babcock warns not to assume Rasmus Sandin has made the club: teammates appreciate that Matthews is looking so engaged even in "Let's not get ahead of ourselves…. Nothing's decided. I mean, Matthews these meaningless scrimmages. and Tavares are going to make the team." "I was laughing. I sent it to him. I said, ‘This is unbelievable.’ He was — luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) September 23, 2019 laughing pretty hard at it," Mitch Marner said. "When he gets mad, he Hey, Mickey, you’re so fine gets mad. He’s a pretty big guy. He can handle himself out there."

Yes, Auston Matthews went ahead and invoked the name Pavel Datsyuk "I think Matty is a pretty funny guy…. He doesn't really chirp much, when describing the play of KHL import Ilya Mikheyev, a virtual lock to but when he gets upset, he'll certainly say something. He's chirped me a play the wing next to third-line centre Alexander Kerfoot. bunch before. He's pretty good at it." —Kasperi Kapanen on the AM34 name check https://t.co/e9gnn0MaqO "He plays a lot like Datsyuk," Matthews said following Toronto’s preseason win over Buffalo. "He has that reach, has a similar paddle on him. — luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) September 20, 2019 Really shifty, strong on the puck, good on his edges. I was really Remember, AHLer Scott Sabourin was running around that night, putting impressed." a couple of core Leafs at risk. Kerfoot hollers "Mickey!" when he wants the puck from the six-foot-two "That guy slewfoot Mo [Rielly] before, then hit me in the head," says Russian and describes his linemate as "a complete package" who sees Andreas Johnsson, who has been showing well on that top line. the game a little differently having arrived from the big ice. "Obviously you’re going to play hard, but I feel like in the game you have "His English is pretty good. I would say he understands better than he to have respect for other players too. I feel like that guy didn’t have talks right now, which is good for us because you can talk to him and he respect at all. I don’t think we should give him attention at all." knows what you’re talking about. He’s picking it up real fast. He’s smart One-Timers on the ice," Kerfoot says. • There is one wing position still available for opening night. Does it go to "He’s really polished all around, has good details to his game, plays hard, 22-year-old Dmytro Timashov? Or can a more experienced forward like physical, wins a lot of battles. He can play in any role." Nic Petan, Pontus Aberg or Kenny Agostino swipe the job by excelling in Another great sequence for Ilya Mikheyev. Mikheyev is on. their final pre-season games? pic.twitter.com/jEulzR5AWx • Ben Harpur has the unique advantages of size and sandpaper, but he — Josh Tessler (@JoshTessler_) September 21, 2019 needs to show more. • Babcock liked Michal Neuvirth’s performance Saturday night in Buffalo, but the veteran goalie was too hurt to participate in Monday’s Montreal game. Health is making it awfully tough to select him over Michael Hutchinson for the backup role, but Kyle Dubas will keep one eye on the waiver wire.

• Assistant coach Paul McFarland’s revamped top power-play unit will try John Tavares in the bumper (Nazem Kadri’s old spot), Andreas Johnsson net-front (Tavares’s old spot), and Matthews and Marner switching flanks, while Rielly runs the point.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154043 Websites scored 34 goals in 58 games last season, knocking on the door of a 50 goal pace.

Arvidsson attacks any way you want, with a huge number of chances off Sportsnet.ca / Analyzing the NHL's skill players: Who is the best shooter? the rush, and nearly as many off the cycle. Also moving up the list is Ovechkin, who jumps from 23rd spot in the last graph to seventh in this one. Ovechkin’s shooting talent is special, but he’s able to augment his shots by attacking off the rush more than anyone else aside from Andrew Berkshire Arvidsson. September 23, 2019, 11:34 AM Tarasenko makes an even bigger jump than Oveckin does, while Gallagher, Meier, and Auston Matthews hang around at the top no matter how we sort things. After breaking down the best offensive zone passers in the NHL using last season’s data, it’s time to move on to shooters. On the surface, Finally, we want to not only factor in puck movement prior to the shot, but identifying the best shooters in the NHL should be relatively easy, since see how quickly that puck movement is happening, so let’s look at one they score goals at high rates on a consistent basis. timers on the shots these players are putting on net from the slot.

However unlike passing, where playmakers pass to a variety of players Here we have an entirely different look for players at the top, and as you and are more reliant on team strength to convert the plays they make, might guess from watching him play, it pays to play on a line with Johnny shooting comes from the same player over and over. Gaudreau. That isn’t to take anything away from Sean Monahan; you need to have a nose for the net to receive these sorts of passes anyway, This means that while we can measure how dangerous a player’s shots and that takes talent, not to mention getting the shots off in traffic. are in a general sense, individual shooting talent can vastly change the results and render a lot of the data moot. Patrik Laine for example, A second consecutive down scoring year from Max Pacioretty might doesn’t take many shots that would qualify as dangerous, but he scores make some believe he’s no longer the player he once was, but the anyway due to his exceptional shot. volume is there, the quality shots are there, and last season he was ripping one-timers like crazy. With a healthy Paul Stastny and Mark So we can look at which players create the most quality looks, or which Stone likely on his line for a full season, this could be a renaissance year players have the highest quality looks, but goal scoring will always have for the former perennial 30-goal man. some very significant outliers due to the persistence of talent that can’t, at this stage anyway, be entirely captured by statistics. Because of that, Gallagher, Forsberg, and Jeff Skinner slide all the way to the bottom of the cleanest way to look at this would be a dissection of the most the list by this metric, showing how much more they had to do on their dangerous volume shooters at even strength, not necessarily the best own to get scoring chances, and how much difficulty their teams had scorers. moving the puck. That lack of pre-shot movement in quick succession with a shot was consistently noticeable with the Predators last season, With all those caveats out of the way, let’s try to figure out which forwards and it was one of the reasons they disappointed in the playoffs. create the most scoring opportunities in the NHL at 5-vs-5. First, let’s do the same thing we did with passes and put shot attempt volume Surprisingly Matthews and Marner are both at the bottom end of the alongside the percent of total shot attempts that are on net. group despite the Maple Leafs being one of the better passing teams in the league last season, but that could be due to rarely playing with Once again the axes are set to the league averages for forwards last Nylander last year for Matthews, and usually being the one passing for season. Marner.

That one marker way over on the right side of the chart is Brendan Overall, like I expected, things are less conclusive on the shooting side Gallagher, the shot volume king in the NHL last year by a wide margin, than the passing side, but at 5-vs-5 I think we can safely say players like with Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson, and Timo Meier being the only Arivdsson, Gallagher, and Meier can be relied on to nearly other forwards to notch over seven shot attempts per 20 minutes of ice singlehandedly drive scoring on lines once again this season, and time. Of that elite shot producing group, only Arvidsson is able to get his Ovechkin’s sport-defining goal scoring doesn’t appear to be drying up attempts on net more often than league average, with Forsberg last year any time soon. getting fewer than half of his shot attempts on net, which is crazy when you realize he scored 28 goals in just 64 games. However if anyone is going to challenge Ovechkin’s supremecy as the king of goals, at even strength at least, it might be Matthews. Creeping The spray and pray method with shooting can be effective, but so can the near the top but never at it in all but one of these, Matthews is someone I more exacting strategy of searching for higher quality shots, so let’s look can easily see scoring 50 this year. just at shots on net — and where they come from — first by volume of overall scoring chances then ordered by quality.

Looking at the top-30 scoring chance producers in the NHL, then Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.24.2019 ordering by how many of those chances come from the high danger area, the surprising name at the top of the list is Brady Tkachuk, whose entire game seems to be modeled to get him to the net front.

Lots of other net-front specialists make appearances on the list like Arvidsson, Meier, Gallagher, John Tavares, Andrew Shaw, and Patric Hornqvist, but there are some names like Tomas Tatar or Mitch Marner that are less expected.

We can also see the difference between players like Alex DeBrincat, Alex Ovechkin, and Vladimir Tarasenko, who set up in the high slot to rip shots with a bit more space, compared to those like Shaw and Brayden Point who pick their spots more exclusively in tight.

We can add another layer to this data by dissecting which players are adding extra qualities to their scoring chances that drive more goals. How often are they shooting off the rush? How often are their scoring chances preceded by a cycle pass? How often are they capitalizing on broken plays due to forechecking plays? If we re-organize the scoring chance data again by sorting for these extra factors that make things dangerous, how does that shake out?

When adding these layers of context to the shots, Arvidsson rockets to the top of the list, which shouldn’t be a huge surprise considering he just 1154044 Websites Should the Jets achieve their vision of a steep climb back up the NHL’s defensive rankings, expect Connor Hellebuyck’s game to follow.

When the Jets were at their best defensively two seasons ago Sportsnet.ca / Five reasons why the Winnipeg Jets are still Stanley Cup Hellebuyck was a Vezina candidate. Talking to both he and backup contenders Laurent Brossoit when the Jets’ system was executed properly, shots funnel into easily predictable areas, while cross-ice passes and back door tap-ins are all but eliminated. That allows the Jets goalies to focus on the shot without the distraction of the chaos around them. Sean Reynolds The Jets’ defensive slide made life more chaotic for the goaltenders last September 23, 2019, 6:02 PM season and it showed. Fix one problem, you likely fix both.

5. Next man up Since the start of the 2018 calendar year good news headlines have No doubt the Jets have holes to fill this year. Luckily they have a number been hard to come by for the Winnipeg Jets. That’s around the time the of prospects who’ve been knocking on the door, ready to prove their team began a downward spiral that ended in a first round playoff exit in a worth at the NHL level. Defenceman Sami Niku has already proven year many favoured them to win it all. everything he can at the AHL level, winning that league’s defenceman of Things only got worse in the summer as the Jets watched a large the year in 2018. Tucker Poolman has impressed on the farm and his contingent of their veteran presence leave for other markets with the pre-season performance has him looking ready to make the jump. losses of Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers, Brandon Tanev, Ben Chairot and You can also add 18-year-old defenseman Ville Heinola to the list of Kevin Hayes. youngsters making a push. Heinola’s looked at ease playing against Now training camp has been dominated by headlines of a cornerstone NHL-calibre competition this pre-season, earning him a spot in the Jets’ defenceman pondering retirement and RFAs remaining unsigned. NHL group at camp. You may just find him in the Jets’ locker room come October but if not, Winnipeg looks to have a long-term solution waiting in So it’s no surprise many pundits are predicting the Jets to take a big step the wings. backwards this season. But here are five reasons why news of their death may be greatly exaggerated.

1. Embarrassment of riches Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.24.2019

It can be easy to focus on the talent that’s headed out the door. Easier still to forget just how many horses remain in Paul Maurice’s stable.

Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler remain two of the most offensively skilled players on the face of the earth. Nik Ehlers is still a speed demon who pulls off clean zone entries like a man with halitosis pops Tic Tacs. Adam Lowry is quietly one of the league’s best shut down players. Andrew Copp is the definition of a pro who adds value wherever he plays in the lineup. Ditto Mathieu Perreault. Jack Roslovic is a speed demon waiting for a bigger stage, and was named the NHL’s first star of the week last season after a brief audition on that stage.

Add the likely return of both Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor and the Jets can once again boast two of the best young goal scorers the league has to offer.

Can you say stacked?

2. Growth

Because they’ve been so good for some time now it can be easy to forget just how young the Jets are. Scheifele is just 26 years old. Josh Morrissey is 24. Kyle Connor is 22. Patrik Laine, 21. There is a lot of room for growth and maturation in these players and, therefore, the organization as a whole. Should Wheeler continue to thumb his nose at Father Time, there’s really no place to expect age-related regression in this lineup.

3. Team defence

Here’s the big one. If you can point to one specific thing that derailed the Jets’ promising run at the Cup in 2018-19, it would be keeping the puck out of their net.

The Jets rode the league’s No. 5 defence to the conference final two seasons ago, but dropped to 15th in the league last season. Maurice believes the blame for that should be distributed across the entire team. That’s why defence has been the main focus at training camp so far.

Every drill has included an element of backchecking and back pressure. The theory this year is simple: the Jets aren’t going anywhere without a return to former defensive prowess. Goals-for will come, but success won’t without the goals against coming down.

Senior Writer Ryan Dixon and NHL Editor Rory Boylen always give it 110%, but never rely on clichés when it comes to podcasting. Instead, they use a mix of facts, fun and a varied group of hockey voices to cover Canada’s most beloved game.

4. Connor Hellebuyck 1154045 Websites physical, play physical and still be a skill guy, too, to make plays and do stuff like that.”

The one thing he shares in common with most of the guys battling for the Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs winger Dmytro Timashov quietly inching 12th and 13th forward spots is that he’d need to pass through waivers in closer to NHL job order to be assigned to the Marlies.

Only Bracco is exempt among that group.

Chris Johnston It means the decision is likely to be based on merit rather than contractual considerations, which makes this last week of auditions September 23, 2019, 2:43 PM important. Timashov is happy with the two pre-season games he’s played so far, but knows he needs “to be really good” to separate himself

when he gets the chance to play again. TORONTO — The discussion about roster-spot battles at Toronto Maple “Competition’s always good,” said Moore. “Good for the organization, Leafs training camp have rarely included much time for Dmytro good for me. It pushes us and it makes us all better hockey players. Timashov. “If you don’t like competing then you’re in the wrong line of business, Perhaps we should have asked the 22-year-old winger about his right?” intentions here sooner. Whether you find it surprising or not, Timashov is clearly in the thick of “For me, I’m just thinking that I will make it. There is no [thought] that I’m the battle. not going to make it or what’s going to happen after that,” Timashov told Sportsnet. “For me, I’m making the team.” After spending a month back home in Stockholm and some time training at altitude in Aspen, Colo., he’s returned to Toronto with one objective in There is still a week and four pre-season games to go, but he’s clearly on mind. the right track. “I felt like I was ready even last year because I was pretty close,” said It was not by accident that Timashov found himself skating with the Timashov. “I think this year I have no choice. It’s about time to take the NHLers following a reshuffling of the groups on Monday morning. “It’s a job.” step in the right direction,” he said after getting paired with Jason Spezza and Frederik Gauthier for what could be a preview of the Leafs fourth line come opening night. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.24.2019 Home of the Maple Leafs

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Consider that a more appealing assignment at this stage of camp than the one given to Kenny Agostino, Nick Shore, Nic Petan and Jeremy Bracco. Each of those bubble boys was part of the AHL-flavoured group sent to Montreal to face the Canadiens.

“What we tried to do tonight is put a bunch of people under a serious amount of duress,” said Mike Babcock. “In other words, you’re going to be playing against NHL players and there is no guys on your team there to help you. You’re by yourself.”

The coach has long been a fan of Timashov — a fifth-round pick by the Leafs in 2015. He and Trevor Moore were essentially the final forwards cut last fall, with Moore earning the next-man-up designation and ultimately skating in 32 games for the Leafs.

There appears to be a similar carrot hanging over Timashov’s head now, even after a summer where the organization added five or six experienced forwards to fill either a depth role with the Leafs or a bigger job with the AHL Marlies.

“I say to Timo all the time: ‘Why not you?’” said Babcock. “He protects the puck, he’s smart defensively, to me he’s not a tall body but he’s a thick body. He can play with real good pace. His biggest area of concern is when he gets it, sometimes he turns it over too much.

“What the young guys got to realize is the big guys don’t turn it over because they don’t want to play defence. So they take care of it so they get to play on offence. That’s what he’s got to learn.

“If he can do that he can play.”

Timashov already has three AHL seasons under his belt and spent a lot of extra time in coach Sheldon Keefe’s office last year, reviewing tape and trying to work on his play away from the puck.

Those hours were logged with the NHL in mind.

The job description he’s auditioning for with the Leafs is fairly lunch- bucket in nature: Help drive play in limited minutes at even strength, and be ready to contribute on the penalty kill, if needed.

“They want me to be strong on the pucks, good forechecks, be fast. I think like I started to be at the end of last year’s playoffs in the Marlies,” said Timashov. “Be heavy in the O-zone, try to hold on to the pucks, be 1154046 Websites up. Ferland has appeared in just one preseason game so far (vs Edmonton at home last week) and will need game action to get back up to speed this week. At this point, Tanner Pearson (who himself was fairly quiet on Monday night) has had a more prominent and productive TSN.CA / Five Takeaways: Senators @ Canucks preseason than Baertschi. But that battle likely isn't over just yet.

Jeff Paterson TSN.CA LOADED: 09.24.2019

TAKEAWAYS

1) The Canucks power play was the difference in Monday's 6-4 win over Ottawa in Abbotsford. It struck four times on the night including a five-on- three goal in the third period. As he was so often last season, Elias Pettersson was the driving force behind the Canucks offense as he scored a pair of the goals with the man-advantage and set up the other two. He put his stamp on the hockey game when he pulled the trigger on a one-timer from his off-wing that blew past former teammate Anders Nilsson in the Senators net. Pettersson and Alex Edler (1+3) each collected four points on the night while Brock Boeser chipped in with three assists. Bo Horvat and JT Miller had the other power play goals and Miller was a force in the net-front position -- a spot he'll likely see plenty of when the Canucks start playing for keeps on October 2nd.

2) While it's only preseason, it is encouraging that the Canucks best players have emerged as their best players in the exhibition season. After a quiet night in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Pettersson looked driven to ensure that he produced on Monday. And he delivered. Brock Boeser showed flashes in his preseason debut on Saturday, but looked far more confident with the puck in his second game and that translated into points on the scoresheet. Bo Horvat was good in Edmonton in his last outing last Thursday and has now scored in each of the three games he's suited up for in preseason play. While the slate gets wiped clean after Thursday's preseason finale, it's a promising sign that the Canucks top scorers have factored in the scoring and won't be left wondering where their offense is when the regular season begins. There's no guarantee that a big preseason will translate into a strong regular season schedule, but there's certainly nothing wrong with carrying good vibes into the games that matter.

3) Special teams dominated the first period on Monday night. The Canucks were on the power play for nine of the first 13 minutes of the hockey game with a pair of Sens minor penalties and then a five-minute major to Jordan Swarz for a check from behind on Oscar Fantenberg. Fantenberg left the game and did not return after suffering what Travis Green termed an upper body injury. That left the Canucks with five defensemen for the final 52 minutes of the game. While the remaining defenders were thrown into a blender as far as pairings were concerned, the Canucks depth forwards had to be patient early in the hockey game. All that power play time meant very few shifts early for players like Brandon Sutter, Jay Beagle, Tim Schaller and Jake Virtanen. The Canucks dominated the special teams battle on the night striking four times on the power play and keeping the Sens at bay on four power plays of their own.

4) Jordie Benn won't be counted on to score a lot of goals for the Canucks this season, but the team will certainly welcome any offensive contributions he can muster. And on Monday, with time winding down in the second period and the Canucks clinging to a 4-3 lead, Benn stepped out of the penalty box after serving a holding minor. Tyler Myers alertly spotted his fellow blueliner exiting the box and quickly head-manned the puck. Benn picked it up, skated in all alone on Nilsson and smartly picked his spot low on the stick side and snapped it home. The goal came with 2.7 seconds remaining in the period and gave the Canucks a little breathing room up 5-3 at the break. While Bo Horvat extended the Canucks lead to 6-3 early in the third, a Chris Tierney goal made the final 6-4 which meant Benn's goal went into the books as the game winner. Last season, Benn contributed a career-best five goals to the Montreal attack.

5) After a solid night in Edmonton last week, Sven Baertschi had a quiet night on Monday despite playing at even-strength on the wing with Pettersson and Boeser. He was held off the scoresheet and registered just a single shot on goal. With two games to go in the preseason, it'll be interesting to see how the Swiss forward is deployed the rest of the way. He remains an option for a top-six spot, but he certainly hasn't locked one of those spots down in the preseason. With Micheal Ferland recovering from illness that has kept him off skates the past three days, Baertschi may be forced to skate lower in the line-up when he next suits 1154047 Websites attention in camp. But just one game (and one nice goal) can change a lot.

“He didn’t [impress me] first at all,” Babcock admitted. “Him and I talked TSN.CA / Sandin sticking with Leafs’ NHL group about that. I welcomed him back after last game. He was so good last game. That’s what he is.”

In defining what exactly makes Moore go, Babcock referenced another of Kristen Shilton his young wingers, Dmytro Timashov, and how he can learn from what Moore does at his best.

Timashov has yet to make his NHL debut after being drafted in the fifth As the Maple Leafs entered their final full week of training camp on round, 125th overall, by Toronto in 2015, but Babcock sees his potential Monday, head coach Mike Babcock had separated his players into two to do so if he can emulate how Moore has made his jump from undrafted groups – one primarily made up of NHL players, and one primarily made free agent in 2016 to NHLer. up of bubble players. Rasmus Sandin was slotted into the former group, which is the best indication yet that the 19-year-old defenceman is “They haven’t scored a lot at this level. I don’t know if they ever will,” making the right impression on the Leafs’ brass. Babcock said. “But they can penalty kill. They can transport the puck. They can be heavy down low. They can get it back for the good players. And with only 10 days to go before Toronto's regular season opens, They can play against really good players. They play with pace and they Sandin can fully appreciate the opportunity he’s been given to excel. seem to always be ready to go. So if [Timashov] can do that, he just “[I have to] just play hard,” Sandin surmised on Monday of his strategy improves himself and can move up in the lineup.” going forward. “Not be very shy out there, take a little bit of space and be Both Moore and Timashov skated with the Leafs’ NHL-heavy lineup in myself, play how I’ve always been playing. That’s why I’m here and I’m Monday’s practice. Moore was promoted to Toronto’s projected third line going to keep doing that and try to improve that.” with Ilya Mikheyev and Alexander Kerfoot, while Timashov skated on the Drafted in the first-round, 29th overall, by the Leafs in 2018, Sandin had fourth line with Frederik Gauthier and Jason Spezza. a breakout season for the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies For the second time in less than a week, Michal Neuvirth is missing time last year, registering 28 points (six goals, 22 assists) in 44 games. with the Leafs. He spent the summer in Sweden training with Leafs winger William Scheduled to play in Montreal on Monday in tandem with Michael Nylander and the fruits of that labour have shown up early and often in Hutchinson, Neuvirth wasn’t present at the team’s morning skate, and Leafs’ camp. Babcock said after Joseph Woll would be taking his place for the “He’s been outstanding,” said Morgan Rielly. “He’s the perfect example of exhibition game. a guy who worked hard in the off-season to prepare, came into camp, “Neuvy wasn’t feeling up to it, so he’s not going today,” is all Babcock had confidence and played really well. It’s nice to see a guy like that would say about Neuvirth’s status. really compete and play well. We love having him, he’s a great player, he’s got a really bright future and we’ll just try to support him.” Neuvirth is signed to a professional tryout with the Leafs, and meant to be competing with Hutchinson for the club’s backup job behind Frederik “I [do] feel a little bit more confident,” Sandin added. “I know what’s going Andersen. But last week, while the team was in St. John’s, N.L., to open on a little bit outside the rink. I know where I’m going to play this year, at training camp, Neuvirth participated in just two days of on-ice activities least I’m going to stay in Toronto, and that feels very good. I’m more before an undisclosed injury sidelined him from practice until the club confident coming into this camp knowing what’s going on.” returned to Toronto. Having someone like Rielly, who first suited up on the Leafs' blueline at After getting in a full session with the team, Neuvirth finally made his age 19, looking out for him has been a huge boost for Sandin as well. preseason debut in Saturday’s loss to Buffalo, posting 20 saves and a “He’s a really good guy that talks to us to give us tips on where we can .909 save percentage. It was the 31-year-old’s first NHL action of any improve, so obviously I’m trying to learn from him,” Sandin said of Rielly. kind since Jan. 3, after which injuries derailed the rest of his season with “I’m trying to look and see what he’s doing on the ice and how he’s taking the Philadelphia Flyers. care of himself. He’s one of the best defensive players right now I would Despite the long layoff, Neuvirth said on Saturday he went into the game say.” “calm” and “confident” and didn’t betray any hint of issues to come. In addition to Rielly, Sandin has been bonding with defence partner “It was good to play periods. Body felt good. I’m excited for another Martin Marincin. For the more mobile 5-foot-11 Sandin, playing opposite opportunity,” he said. “There are still some mistakes I made, but I thought the 6-foot-5 Marincin is proving to be a great match. it was a solid effort.” “First off, he’s a big, big guy, so he’s helping me on the ice,” Sandin said.

“He knows what drills we’re doing on the ice, so he’s helping me like that. [I’m] talking a lot with him off the ice too and he’s just a great guy, so he’s TSN.CA LOADED: 09.24.2019 been helping me for sure.”

Babcock has heaped praise on Marincin recently, saying on Monday the veteran looks like “he wants to play for the Leafs.” Toronto brought the 27-year-old back on a one-year contract in June after he was a healthy scratch for large portions of last season, his fourth with the organization.

“It’s never been about ability. It’s never been about skating. It’s never been about reading the game. It’s been about confidence,” Babcock said. “And he’s got thicker and thicker and more and more confident.”

With Travis Dermott (shoulder) slated to miss at least the first 12-14 games of the regular season, Marincin and Sandin could end up getting a look as Toronto’s third pairing to start the year. But before that happens, Babcock cautions there is more evaluation still left to be done of Sandin.

“When you’re around good players, it helps you get better for sure,” Babcock said. “The pace in practice today, it takes another jump. There are a lot of steps, and we’re going to watch him as he goes.”

Before his standout performance in Saturday’s 5-3 preseason loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Trevor Moore hadn’t done much to draw Babcock's 1154048 Websites A member of one NHL team’s analytics staff projected that teams can expect to win somewhere between three to six per cent more of the faceoffs on their player’s strong side, but he cautioned that the overall win percentage in a game will not be drastically different because the TSN.CA / Rule change could spur growth in faceoff trend ability to choose your faceoff spot is limited to only two scenarios.

Nonetheless, the wins that do happen in those circumstances could become critical in terms of deciding the outcome of a game. Frank Seravalli “If you don’t win the faceoff to start a power play, you can lose almost 30

seconds of power play time,” Couturier said. The National Hockey League, like most every pro sports league, is a There will be math on the fly for coaches, who will likely have the copycat enterprise. Any slight or even perceived advantage will be matchup numbers at their disposal on the bench. The home team will replicated. have final say, of course, with a line change – unless it is after an icing The Toronto Maple Leafs dabbled on Saturday night in a faceoff trend when they won’t have any choice but to keep their current players on the that the Philadelphia Flyers executed so well over the past two seasons. ice.

The idea is simple: the centre taking the draw will always be a forward on “It’s probably going to be a little bit more [work] for the coaches and video his dominant hand (usually his backhand) – even if he regularly plays as [staff] and stuff like that,” Sidney Crosby said. “I think there’s a lot that a winger. goes into it. I think it’s important for the power play team just as much for the team that’s killing. You’ve got to be aware of different scenarios and On Saturday, the Leafs rotated between Fredrik Gauthier (left-shooting) what teams will be looking to do.” and Jason Spezza (right-shooting) on their strong sides of the ice. The Flyers have garnered attention over the past two years going back and In the case of icings, the goal invariably will be for coaches to choose a forth between Sean Couturier (left) and Claude Giroux (right), with Giroux side where the opposing centre will be on his weak side. Then it will assuming traditional duties on the wing once the play resumes. depend on who is taking it.

It’s the same dynamic Mike Babcock has used in previous seasons when “If you’re going against a guy like [Patrice] Bergeron, I’m not sure it’s Auston Matthews (left) and William Nylander (right) are playing on the going to matter what side you get him on,” Couturier said. same line. Couturier, now 26 with already 578 regular-season games under his belt, Coach Dave Hakstol was the one who made the change in Philadelphia said he’s definitely gotten more comfortable taking faceoffs in the NHL. and Hakstol is now an assistant under Babcock in Toronto. Part of it, he said, is just getting stronger – and part of it is experience.

The Flyers led the NHL in faceoff win percentage last year at 54.7 per “I’m more confident in the dot for sure,” Couturier said. “Any veteran will cent, a whole 1.7 per cent higher than the second- place team, the Maple tell you, the more years you play, the more loose you get in the dot, and Leafs. That's a significant margin, with the rest of the NHL bunched so the refs let you cheat a little more. I think that helps as well.” close together. Couturier’s comfort has also been aided by the fact that he is almost It’s a trend that may garner more attention this season given the NHL’s always entering the circle with an edge on his strong side – a trend which rule change that will allow teams to choose which side of the ice they will no doubt be copied by more teams. want to take the faceoff on at the start of power plays and following an icing. TSN.CA LOADED: 09.24.2019 A few players admittedly weren’t aware of the rule change earlier this month at the NHL Player Media Tour in Chicago. But Kings centre and two-time Selke Trophy winner Anze Kopitar said that the changes are going to have a “big” impact.

“Faceoffs are very important to begin with,” Kopitar said. “Now having the chance to pick your side is going to be huge. I think everyone is going to have more set plays based on your chance to pick. It’s an easier game when you have the puck – you don’t have to chase it.”

Couturier predicted that the new rules will “for sure bring a few more goals per year.”

It’s just that it might not make as big of a difference for the Flyers, because they’ve have been dealing from a position of strength no matter which side the faceoff was on previously.

“We split the draws, but some other teams don’t have that luxury of having a lot of centremen that are good at faceoffs,” Couturier said.

With Couturier exclusively taking faceoffs on his strong side, he won draws at a career-best 57.1 per cent clip last year. His career average in his previous seven NHL seasons was just 49.4 per cent.

Giroux has experienced a similar bump. Since moving to the “wing,” each of his last two seasons has been north of 58 per cent, putting him in the class of the NHL’s elite faceoff winners. His career average prior to the switch was 54.4 per cent. He is also taking roughly half the number of draws he was before.

None of the 20 or so players polled at the Media Tour knew or could hazard a guess as to what their faceoff splits would be comparing strong side to weak side.

“I have no clue,” Conn Smythe Trophy winner Ryan O’Reilly said. “I don’t have a preference. For us, it will be more of a matchup and who we’re going against.”

“I think for everyone the difference would be pretty big,” new Flyers centre Kevin Hayes said. 1154049 Websites "No question he's had a great career and he wants to cap it off the right way," Tavares said. "I know he still loves the game as much as he did when I started training with him a number of years ago and wants to play as long as he can. He lives and breathes it and it's fun to be around that." TSN.CA / Spezza looking to win Babcock over in limited role with Leafs Spezza on winning over Babcock: 'It’s important I go out and have a good game'

Mark Masters Even a veteran player like Jason Spezza knows the importance of showing up and leaving it all out on the ice, even during exhibition

games. Building up line chemistry with his teammates and getting his How can Jason Spezza convince Mike Babcock he’s willing to embrace a reps in is crucial before the season get underway and Mike Babcock is limited role with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season? taking notice of his hustle.

"Oh, I just have to play the game," the 36-year-old said. "I've played one Spezza’s contribution this season is expected to extend beyond the ice exhibition game so far so it's important I go out and have a good game as he takes on the mantle of oldest player on the team from Patrick today. Our line wants to try and build a little bit of chemistry and it's Marleau. important for us to have a good game today." "He's a great guy," said 22-year-old Mitch Marner. "I've talked to him a Babcock raised eyebrows early in training camp by suggesting the lot. Kind of reminds me a little bit of Patty as that veteran presence, that veteran centre needed to prove he could be a good fit in Toronto. The guy who's been around for a while and knows how hard it is to win and I coach is doing his part to make sure the pair is on the same page. think that's something he's preaching to all of us, 'Come in every day and make sure you’re ready to work.'" "He's different than other guys here, in my opinion, because I'm going to have a conversation every day, see how he's doing," Babcock said. "I Marner grew up a Leafs fan and cheered against Spezza and the think he's earned that just by the kind of person, the kind of player he is Senators in the heated Battle of Ontario rivalry. and we'll just keep talking." "I just remember how good he was in those games and how much of a Spezza and Frederik Gauthier rotated between centre and the wing at threat he was constantly on the ice," said Marner. "I remember just how Saturday's morning skate. fun it was watching him and he controlled the play and how he just put fear into other people’s eyes and it’s kind of crazy still seeing him doing it "We got him and Goat both playing centre on that one line and they'll today." figure it out," Babcock explained. "I'm going to give them lots of D-zone starts and he'll play on the power play and the penalty kill and we’ll just Spezza, one of the better face-off men in the league throughout his keep going." career, gave Marner a crash course at the dot after the morning skate wrapped up, winning six of seven puck drops. The dual centre-winger spot isn't new to Spezza. After 16 NHL seasons, not much is. "He destroyed me," said Marner, who took only 11 face-offs last season. "I got one of them. He was impressed with my one win. I want to get "I've kind of played that way my whole career," he said. "In Ottawa I more used to taking draws. I want to be more useful in D-zone, O-zone at played with (Milan) Michalek for a long time, we just didn’t talk about it, taking draws so I'm just trying to learn and that's a guy you can definitely but he played down low at certain times. In Dallas, last year in playoffs, I learn from. His percentage over the years speaks for itself so he's a guy played with Justin Dowling, we played the exact same way. I think it's a that I'll try and get some pointers off of." pretty common thing, actually, that goes on. Some of my best years with Alfie (Daniel Alfredsson), he played low a lot. It's something that's maybe Spezza won 58% of face-offs last season, tied for first among those who coming to light a little more with the analytics and the face-offs on the took at least 100 draws. That ability to win face-offs could be a big asset proper sides and all that, but it's really something I've done for a long to the Leafs late in games and on the penalty kill, especially with Zach time." Hyman out for the first month of the season.

Spezza liked the way he and Gauthier worked together in Friday’s "He's always had so much leverage and strength and being a right-hand practice putting together some longer cycle shifts. shot, which is a little more rare, just makes it so much harder to battle and compete against a guy like that," said Tavares. "So, it's just getting to "It's just a matter of getting up to speed with the guy you're doing it with, know the way he uses his leverage, how he puts his stick down, his because there's little switches throughout the game that you want to work timing, how he plays the angles and how he approaches his opponents on," Spezza said. "So, Freddie seems to have great hockey sense and too, because a lot of it is a chess game." the quicker we can get on the same page the faster we will look as a line and the more we'll play in their end." Leafs Ice Chips: Spezza gives Marner a crash course on face-offs

As for the special teams side of things, Spezza didn't kill penalties With Jason Spezza heading into his 17th season in the league his roll is consistently during five seasons in Dallas, but is ready to embrace that expected to extend past what he brings on the ice and hopefully can fulfill task in Toronto. a mentorlike roll for the younger guys, much like how Patrick Marleau took some of the rookies under his wing the last couple years. Mark "It's something I did a lot of before so it's just kind of getting the roots Masters has more. down and figuring out the details of what the coaching staff wants and then just playing and getting your timing back," he said. "We're one Saturday night will be the second chance for Kasperi Kapanen to build exhibition game in and the timing and everything isn't where you want it some in-game chemistry with Tavares and Marner. The fleet-footed Finn to be so it’s important to get yourself up to speed." has switched sides from right wing to left wing to fill the void left by Hyman in Toronto's top six. Spezza's high hockey IQ should allow him to learn the intricacies of Babcock’s system quickly. During the summer BioSteel Camp, Tyler "Right now it's just getting used to it, to be honest," Kapanen said. "I just Seguin described Spezza as a "hockey nerd." got to get used to playing on that left side and entering the zone and making plays. You got to be careful when you’re getting the puck on your "I like the game," the Toronto native said. "I enjoy it. It's fun for me to backhand from the D-man in your defensive zone, but it’s still hockey and come out here. I love the challenge of trying to be an older player playing I’m trying to get used to it and every day feels a bit better." in the league. I just enjoy getting out here with the guys." Kapanen, who played his off wing infrequently with the AHL's Marlies "It means everything to him," said John Tavares. "He obviously chose before securing a full-time job with the Leafs, did score a goal in here, which should say a lot to our group, because of his belief in our Tuesday's exhibition opener in St. John’s. talent and the opportunity we have in front of us with a strong team that can contend. I know this is a great opportunity for him and he wants to "These pre-season games are really important for me, especially now maximize it." that I’m on the left side, kind of getting a feel for it, so it’s very important," Kapanen said. Tavares trains with Spezza in the summer. The initial reviews from his new linemates are positive. "He plays a very predictable game," observed Tavares, "not to say that Petan-Brooks-Bracco he's not a creative player, but with that speed and his ability to put so much pressure on the opponent it gives me a really, really good Engvall understanding of the way he plays." Leafs lines at Saturday’s practice:

"He brings a lot of speed," said Marner. "He scares a lot of defencemen Johnsson-Matthews-Nylander with that ... we got to play with Kappy and (Andreas Johnsson) a little bit last year when Hyman was out so we got a little bit of chemistry with Mikheyev-Kerfoot-Timashov those guys." Agostino-Gaudet-Aberg How is speedy Kapanen fitting in with Tavares and Marner? Clune-Shore-Read John Tavares and Mitchell Marner shared their thoughts on what Kasperi Rielly-Duszak Kapanen brings to their line and Kapanen talked about adjusting to playing on the left wing. Sandin-Marincin

As the Leafs hit the midway point of the pre-season schedule, the battle Rubins-Liljegren for jobs is coming into focus. Kivihalme-Hollowell "When you think about it, camp starts to get long," Babcock said, "and usually what happens is the guys who feel like they should be here keep Andersen getting better and the guys that think they shouldn't be here, they start to Woll fall off. It's fatigue time now, there's no question about it, both mentally and physically, and so it will start to separate itself, I think it has already."

Rasmus Sandin has earned big-time praise the last couple of days from TSN.CA LOADED: 09.24.2019 Babcock and seems to have an inside track for a job on defence. Up front, KHL import Ilya Mikheyev has impressed and appears destined for a top-nine role.

"He plays a lot like (Pavel) Datsyuk," said Auston Matthews following Friday's game. "He's got that reach and he's kind of got a similar paddle on him, uses a long stick and he's really lanky. He's really shifty, strong on the puck, really good on his edges so I was really impressed, especially that third period.”

Babcock pointed out there's a reason why it takes time for Mikheyev to find his way in games.

"He's still trying to figure out the size of the rink and each game he's played (he) hasn't been quite as good in the first, but he's gotten better and better," Babcock said. "He can really skate, he's very intelligent, heavy on the puck, he can shoot it, make plays."

Mikheyev, 24, registered 45 points in 62 games with Omsk Avangard last season.

Matthews on KHL import Mikheyev: ''He plays a lot like Datsyuk''

The Leafs have high hopes for KHL import Ilya Mikheyev, who is projected to start in Toronto's top nine this season. "He plays a lot like (Pavel) Datsyuk," Auston Matthews observed following Friday's preseason game. "He's got that reach and he's kind of got a similar paddle on him, uses a long stick and he's really lanky. He's really shifty, strong on the puck, really good on his edges so I was really impressed, especially that third period."

Cody Ceci (maintenance day) missed practice.

Projected Leafs line-up for tonight’s game in Buffalo:

Kapanen-Tavares-Marner

Moore-Gauthier/Spezza

Petan-Brooks-Korshkov

Engvall-Elynuik-Bracco

Muzzin-Barrie

Harpur-Schmaltz

Gravel-Holl

Neuvirth

Hutchinson

Power play units at Saturday’s morning skate:

Barrie

Marner-Tavares-Spezza

Korshkov

Schmaltz 1154050 Websites

TSN.CA / Canucks vs Sens: Preseason game day preview

Jeff Paterson

ABBOTSFORD – The Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators square off in the first of two games this week when they meet tonight at the Abbotsford Centre in the Fraser Valley.

Jake Virtanen grew up in Abbotsford and played midget hockey in this building while Sven Baertschi turned pro with the Abbotsford Heat while it was Calgary’s American League affiliate.

Baertschi gets a great opportunity tonight to skate with Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson.

Other Canuck forward lines include Bo Horvat between JT Milller and Tanner Pearson while Brandon Sutter centres Loui Eriksson and Josh Leivo. A trio of Virtanen with Jay Beagle and Tim Schaller rounds out the Canucks forward ranks.

Newcomer Micheal Ferland is still battling an illness and will not play tonight. He has appeared in just one of the club’s preseason contests so far. Ferland, Chris Tanev, Quinn Hughes, Adam Gaudette, Nikolay Goldobin and Zack MacEwen are among the noteables not in uniform tonight.

Jacob Markstrom will make his second start of the preseason with Thatcher Demko serving as his back-up. Markstrom allowed one goal in a 6-1 win in Edmonton last Thursday.

On Monday morning, the Canucks assigned four players to Utica: Zane McIntyre, Ashton Sautner, Reid Boucher and Francis Perron.

POSSIBLE CANUCKS LINE-UP

Baertschi-Pettersson-Boeser

Pearson-Horvat-Miller

Eriksson-Sutter-Leivo

Schaller-Beagle-Virtanen

Edler-Myers

Benn-Stecher

Fantenberg-Biega

Markstrom

Demko

TSN.CA LOADED: 09.24.2019 1154051 Websites Can a player like Suzuki help put the Canadiens over the top? If he’s remotely as good as what we have seen this preseason, the answer may be yes.

TSN.CA / Suzuki looking NHL ready in impressive preseason It’s a lot of pressure for a 20-year-old, but that’s what the NHL is all about.

Travis Yost TSN.CA LOADED: 09.24.2019

The first two-plus years of the Vegas Golden Knights franchise have been, in one word, surreal.

They cleaned up during the 2017 expansion draft, and since then it’s been mostly sunshine and rainbows. George McPhee, Kelly McCrimmon and the rest of the Golden Knights front office have done a masterful job, which is one of the reasons why the team is again a favourite to advance out of the Western Conference this season.

But even Vegas – a team that’s seemingly done everything right since its inception – has made mistakes. At the top of that list is the Tomas Tatar trade. Vegas acquired him for three draft picks (a first-round pick in 2018, a second-round pick in 2019 and a third-round pick in 2021) during their first playoff push in the 2017-18 season, but he never assimilated himself into the lineup and was eventually shuffled into healthy scratch territory.

Those misfires will happen from time to time, but it surely has haunted Vegas that Tatar has felt exceptionally comfortable in his new home in Montreal. Tatar became part of one of the league’s most dominant lines last year, playing alongside Philip Danault and Brendan Gallagher. The unit territorially dominated games for most of the 2018-19 season and Tatar ended the year with his best scoring season of his career, racking up 25 goals and 33 assists.

Of course, Tatar wasn’t traded for nothing. Montreal, in a bind with longtime winger Max Pacioretty, flipped him to Vegas in September of 2018. And for at least the first year, the trade felt like a win-win. Pacioretty helped Vegas form perhaps the best second line in the entire league, playing predominantly with Paul Stastny and Mark Stone. Pacioretty had 22 goals and 18 assists in an injury-shortened season, and then added five goals and six assists during their first-round series against San Jose.

But a new wrinkle has emerged. The third piece of last year’s trade was forward prospect Nick Suzuki, Vegas’ first-round pick (13th overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft. Suzuki spent most of last year dominating the OHL with Owen Sound and Guelph, and seemed on the cusp of winning an NHL job. Montreal has consequently spent most of the preseason trying to get as many minutes out of Suzuki as possible, testing the 20-year-old to see if he is truly NHL ready.

Early returns have been encouraging. Montreal has played Suzuki with expected NHL regulars – he’s already played about 27 minutes with Jordan Weal, but has rotated in with Phillip Danault, Charles Hudon, and Tatar as well. In his 50 preseason minutes, he’s already delivered 15 shots at the net, three assists, and a highlight-reel shootout goal.

The underlying numbers have been the real story, though. Remember how much of a pain Montreal was to play against last season? They offset a lot of their talent deficiencies – notably a lack of shooting talent – by dominating the puck through relentless forechecking and a return to the speed and transition game that made them such a monster in the earlier parts of the decade.

Suzuki has fit in seamlessly. Over the first three preseason games, Montreal has outshot and outchanced their opponents at a nearly 2-to-1 ratio with Suzuki on the ice.

Yes, you can qualify some of this by merely denoting that this is just a three-game sample in the preseason where games can be sloppy, low energy, slow paced, and the like. But for teams with limited opportunities to watch their players compete against the best professional talents in the world, performance in these games is critical. It’s another data point that helps foster confidence in the player and his transition from developmental territory to the highest level of professional competition.

Suzuki was always going to be a factor as part of this trade, but if he’s going to be another cog in an increasingly competent lineup under the watch of head coach Claude Julien, Montreal could have the inside edge on a playoff spot come April. Remember, this is a returning 96-point team that was probably one mediocre power-play unit from making the postseason in 2018-19.