SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 7/17/2019 Edmonton Oilers 1107462 Ducks sign four players, including La Mirada native Chase 1107492 Josh Archibald won’t fix the Oilers’ biggest problems, but De Leo he’ll help with some key issues 1107463 ’s pedigree, experience should pay dividends 1107493 Lowetide: Is there anyone left in free agency who can help for Ducks’ prospects the Oilers? 1107464 Arizona Coyotes roster projections for 2019-20 1107494 ‘I will show them’: Denis Malgin is ready to fight for his 1107465 Coyotes free agent Josh Archibald, others sign with new spot on the Florida Panthers teams 1107466 Coyotes sign defenseman Dysin Mayo to two-way contract 1107467 Victor Söderström’s career defined by precocious play 1107495 Goalie Cal Petersen signs contract extension with Kings 1107496 Kings sign goalie Cal Petersen to 3-year extension 1107497 Cal Petersen’s contract extension solidifies where he fits 1107468 Ex-Bruin Ryan Donato re-signs with Minnesota Wild on in with the Kings two-year deal 1107498 CAL PETERSEN SIGNS THREE-YEAR DEAL; TWO- 1107469 Jakub Lauko ready to be 'humble & prepared' for Bruins WAY IN 19-20, ONE-WAY IN 20-21, 21-22 training camp 1107499 AMADIO, ROY, BRICKLEY SIGN FOR TWO YEARS; REMPAL ACCEPTS ONE-YEAR QUALIFYING OFFER 1107500 KINGS CONTROL BJORNFOT DESTINATION; VOYNOV 1107470 What Vegas oddsmakers think of Sabres' chances SIGNS WITH OMSK Minnesota Wild 1107471 Lomberg, Valiev re-up with Flames 1107501 Wild re-sign Ryan Donato among 3 restricted free agents 1107502 Wild re-signs Ryan Donato, Nico Sturm and Carson Soucy 1107503 Wild lock up shoot-first winger Ryan Donato with a 1107472 Carolina Hurricanes re-sign D Haydn Fleury to 1-year deal two-year deal 1107473 Hurricanes sign defensemen Haydn Fleury, Gustav Forsling to one-year deals 1107504 Basu: Keith Kinkaid is the most important Canadiens backup in a decade 1107474 Blackhawks believe they added toughness and versatility in acquiring veteran forward from the Senat 1107475 Blackhawks development camp notebook: Ian Mitchell 1107505 Another way-too-early look at how the 2021 Seattle reiterates loyalty to Denver expansion draft might affect the Predators 1107476 Blackhawks gain cap flexibility, send to Senators for Zack Smith New Jersey Devils 1107477 Blackhawks pick Mitchell will return to Denver for junior 1107506 NJ Devils make headway on RFAs with Connor Carrick year contract 1107478 Blackhawks center Artem Anisimov to Ottawa for Smith 1107479 Chicago Blackhawks trade Anisimov to Senators 1107507 The questions that still need answers if the Islanders are 1107480 Blackhawks Talk Podcast: Reaction to Artem Anisimov done making moves this offseason trade and development camp standouts 1107481 2019 Blackhawks development camp: Day 2 thoughts and takeaways 1107508 Sean Avery continues his bike lane crusade 1107482 Blackhawks trade Artem Anisimov to Senators for Zack Smith NHL 1107483 Dominik Kubalik gets first taste of Blackhawks, Chicago 1107509 Hall of Famer to be hired as during development camp of Seattle’s new NHL team 1107484 Roundtable reaction: Blackhawks acquire Zack Smith from 1107510 AP source: Seattle close to naming Ron Francis as GM Senators for Artem Anisimov 1107485 ‘He could have been first overall’: Injuries have slowed Jake Wise’s rise but haven’t dulled his potential 1107511 TRADE: Senators send Zack Smith to Chicago for Artem Anisimov Colorado Avalanche 1107512 Why the Artem Anisimov trade is a win for the Senators on 1107486 How Nazem Kadri could push Colorado over the edge and off the ice 1107513 Roundtable reaction: Blackhawks acquire Zack Smith from Senators for Artem Anisimov 1107487 Forward Ryan MacInnis signs qualifying offer with Columbus Blue Jackets 1107488 Cancer strikes Bill Zito’s family: He’s fighting back with the 1107514 Flyers sign winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel to two-way ride of his life contract 1107515 Flyers mascot Gritty works on his dad bod at Planet Fitness 1107489 Wings' taking lessons learned from pro 1107516 Competition aplenty as under-the-radar depth piece hockey into next season Nicolas Aube-Kubel re-signs with Flyers 1107490 As the Joe and the Palace are demolished, public cash for 1107517 ‘The NHL has our backs’: How Pride Month shined a light billionaires and sports venues has far from dried up on hockey’s fight for the LGBTQ community 1107491 When the rebuild ends: Projecting the Red Wings’ lineup 1107518 The Athletic Philadelphia’s Top 20 Flyers Prospects — for 2022-23 2019 offseason edition 1107519 Penguins fought a little more last season. They weren’t particularly good at it 1107520 Penguins re-sign center Teddy Blueger to 2-year deal 1107521 Tim Benz: Mike Sullivan admits Penguins had chemistry problems 1107522 Penguins re-sign 'perfect role model' Teddy Blueger to a 2-year contract 1107523 Projecting the Penguins’ opening night lineup, line combinations and more San Jose Sharks 1107524 Sharks prospects to WATCH: Mario Ferraro has future as NHL defenseman St Louis Blues 1107525 Gordo: Binnington gets his money, keeps long-term leverage, too 1107526 Lightning’s ‘Bolts Beach Bash’ announced for later this month 1107527 Lightning free agency: Catching up on who has and has not signed 1107539 Willes’ Musings: The Canucks’ road to success lies with its middle class players 1107528 Golden Knights to visit 4 states on summer road trip 1107529 ESPN releases promo for Golden Knights’ ‘My Wish’ segment 1107530 Golden Knights re-sign defenseman Jake Bischoff Washington Capitals 1107531 Capitals re-sign Jakub Vrana to two-year, $6.7 million deal 1107532 Capitals sign Vrana to two-year, $6.7 million deal 1107533 Jakub Vrana's top 5 moments as a Capital so far 1107534 Caps sign Jakub Vrana to a 2-year bridge deal with an eye on the future 1107535 Andre Burakovsky inks new deal with Colorado Avalanche 1107536 20 Burning Capitals Questions: Can the third line provide enough offense? Websites 1107540 The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: Which first name produces the best starting six in NHL history? 1107541 The Athletic / Duhatschek: How a one-time favor turned into a tradition for every NHL champion – a day with th 1107542 Sportsnet.ca / NHL’s Top 10 UFAs remaining: Latest rumours, reports 1107543 Sportsnet.ca / Keith Kinkaid's arrival should help Canadiens manage 's load 1107544 Sportsnet.ca / NHL's Top 15 RFAs of 2019: Latest rumours, reports 1107545 USA TODAY / Philadelphia bar seeks payment from St. Louis Blues' 'Play Gloria' craze during run Winnipeg Jets 1107537 LOCAL NOTES: Jets sign blue-liner Nogier to one-year contract 1107538 Q&A: Ville Nieminen dreams of returning to North America as a coach SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1107462 Anaheim Ducks

Ducks sign four players, including La Mirada native Chase De Leo

By Elliott Teaford | [email protected] | Orange County Register

PUBLISHED: July 16, 2019 at 4:24 pm | UPDATED: July 16, 2019 at 4:24 PM

The Ducks signed centers Chase De Leo and Justin Kloos and defenseman Chris Wideman to one-season, two-way contracts Tuesday, and they also made official the signing of defenseman Michael Del Zotto to a one-year deal worth $750,000.

De Leo, Kloos and Wideman are expected to challenge for spots with the Ducks during training camp in September. Failing that, they will play for the Ducks’ AHL team, the San Diego Gulls. Del Zotto will likely be slotted into the fifth or sixth spot in the Ducks’ defense corps.

De Leo, a La Mirada native who had 20 goals and 55 points with the Gulls last season, will make $750,000 if he makes the NHL team and $100,000 in the AHL. Kloos, who had six goals and 15 points in 25 games with San Diego, will make $700,000 with the Ducks and $85,000 with the Gulls.

Wideman will make $700,000 in the NHL and $350,000 in the AHL. He has scored 16 goals and 45 points in 181 games in his career with the Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators. He played 25 games in the NHL this past season, and 18 more in the AHL.

Del Zotto played 12 games with the Ducks last season, after they acquired him from the Vancouver Canucks and before they dealt him to the eventual Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. He has played 608 games with the Ducks, Canucks, Blues, Predators, Flyers and Rangers.

Orange County Register: LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107463 Anaheim Ducks a Blackhawks assistant from 2014-18. “What we were doing and how the Ducks were reacting. It was a poignant moment as far as that Cup run.

“That game. In the first period, how our guys were playing and the Kevin Dineen’s pedigree, experience should pay dividends for Ducks’ reaction. Always lessons learned.” prospects The two were ushered out in a stunning housecleaning by Chicago GM early last season. Quenneville has landed, ironically, in By Eric Stephens Florida, where Dineen got his first and only NHL head coaching job. In Year 1, Dineen led the Panthers to the Southeast Division title. One Jul 16, 2019 month into Year 3, he was out of a job.

With a Blackhawks contract that still extended into this season, Dineen didn’t have to rush into an opening. But he also doesn’t have his friend’s SAN DIEGO – Teaching. Learning. Coaching. resume. He can’t just pick and choose whatever job offers came his way. Those three elements can be intertwined and are best when it comes to Dineen didn’t want to be out of the game too long. making the right decisions behind the bench. For the last decade and a “During the hockey season, you get fired and you kind of begin the half, Kevin Dineen has been in the business of applying what he gained waiting game,” Dineen said. “You get a chance to think about what your over a productive 19-year playing career in the NHL. next step is. For me, it’s either A) you want to be a head coach or B) He has followed in the footsteps of his father, Bill, in both. That coaching continue as an assistant coach. I coached Canada’s version of the bug bit into him and he isn’t about to find a cure. He loves it. Success has Spengler Cup and that was in Davos, Switzerland. And it really kind of come in different positions. And there have been bumps along the way in struck a match. Going there to prepare a team and work a bench to be a the form of pink slips. head coach again. I think that kind of turned me to say, ‘You know what? I think it’s time to get your own team.’ Learning has been critical in working to become a better teacher, a better coach. “Where does that take you? Does it take you to the college level? To junior? Does it take you back in the NHL? I felt like the American League “I think you take something from everywhere you’ve been,” said Dineen, was always a good fit for me. I love working with players at this age. now 55. “I think that’s part of the experience. And that’s one of the things Players that are up-and-coming. Guys that are maybe at the course of that you draw on.” finishing their career. I think there’s a lot of excitement and a lot of knowledge in both those areas. Really, as the season winds down, you’re Addressing an audience of media and club officials during his Pechanga hoping there’s no jobs available. You don’t want anybody in the same Arena press conference as the new coach of the American Hockey position you are. But after the season, different things start happening. League’s San Diego Gulls, Dineen talked about his wish to run his own It’s part of the package and you kind of start analyzing what you want.” program again and being thankful that the Ducks have given him that opportunity. He talked about becoming part of the community and Because Dineen was still under contract, Ducks general manager Bob marveled at the growth of hockey in the region. And he naturally talked Murray had to get permission from the Blackhawks to speak with him. about blending the tasks of winning in San Diego and developing players The two have a history beyond their playing days as Dineen became a that can flourish for Anaheim. right wing with Hartford while Murray was on the back end of a long run on Chicago’s blue line. As Brian Burke took over as Anaheim’s GM in However, the idea of learning stood out. Even with enjoying the highs 2005 and Murray was his top lieutenant, Dineen coached the Mighty that came with presiding over Florida’s first division title, being on the Ducks’ AHL affiliate in Portland, Maine. staff for Chicago’s third Stanley Cup in a six-year run and guiding Canada to an Olympic women’s hockey gold medal, Dineen stays in While with the Pirates, Dineen had Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry for a gathering mode as much as he instructs. brief, torrid spell before they matriculated to Anaheim. He would continue to guide the Ducks’ prospects – most notably Bobby Ryan and (six is a major influence. The two were teammates with the games of) Jonas Hiller – until 2008, when the Ducks moved out of for six seasons in the mid-to-late 1980s. As the man Portland and he remained, taking over Buffalo’s AHL team that came into many refer to as “Q” got into coaching while Dineen kept going with his the city. playing career, the two would debate which was better. Dineen has watched Quenneville put together a coaching resume worthy of induction Murray and Dineen reconnected this spring. Once Murray promoted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He has watched him operate behind a Dallas Eakins to the Ducks’ head coaching job after a strong four years bench – and be a commanding presence when running it. with the Gulls, the GM turned to filling his other opening.

It is an experience that carries immense value. “Bob and I met in Chicago and we sat down,” Dineen said. “It was a very easy couple hour conversation that flowed along. Within a couple weeks, “Sometimes as coaches, we’ll always defer,” Dineen said. “We say good we kind of put things to pen and paper.” players make good coaches and would downplay that kind of thing. Joel is one that … it always, always, always didn’t matter what the score Now Dineen will be dealing with a Gulls roster that’s in flux. Some of the (was) or the time of game. Ducks’ best prospects could be in Anaheim to stay this fall. A few could remain. But that’s the very nature of an AHL roster. Players are always “The example I have is we were in Detroit playing an exhibition game. It coming and going. was right after the World Cup, so we had like eight players (involved). We literally had two NHL players and Detroit had gotten all their players Player development has been paramount since the Ducks planted their (back). They had their ‘A’ lineup and we were basically playing a lot of stakes in San Diego. Especially when their recent drafts have yielded kids that were going to play in the (ECHL) or the American. … In some promising NHL talent. But the Ducks don’t see developing players between periods, (he was saying), ‘OK, we got to make some changes and winning as mutually exclusive. They wanted to ice successful teams here.’ Let’s try this guy over here and let’s move (another guy) over here. for a community that has reconnected with its long history of minor league hockey. The Gulls have led the AHL in attendance the last two “He was always, always, always trying to find that formula to make a years. difference every game. And I think that was really influential on me. When you see somebody just, you know what, coach this thing to death And they feel that developing a winning culture will extend northward up … we’re going to keep on going. Scratching, clawing, make good things Interstate 5. happen.” “One of the things we believe in is that when we’re developing players, A fond memory was watching Quenneville run a master class as the we not only want to develop them to play in the NHL,” said Bob Blackhawks gained strength throughout the course of the 2015 Western Ferguson, the Gulls’ GM, “We want to develop them to win in the NHL.” Conference final against the Ducks, ultimately finishing off a seven-game triumph in Anaheim. Chicago would then beat Tampa Bay in six to hoist Culture was something Eakins hammered into the Gulls with success. the Cup. Dineen is out to continue that. Not surprisingly, the two have their own association. They’ve chatted at coaching clinics. Dineen recalled Monday “How he managed his bench in Game 7 on the road was literally watching – it was special to see,” said a momentarily speechless Dineen, how they spent time together at a Burke birthday party in Toronto years ago. His brother, Gord, was on Eakins’ staff with the AHL’s Marlies.

Dineen will want to put his own fingerprints on the Gulls. But he also wants Eakins to succeed and win.

“There is a level of symmetry between your NHL team and your American League team in style of play,” Dineen said. “I don’t think you mirror that in every single way. But to me, I’ve had some great conversations with Dallas years ago. Had a great conversation last week. It makes my job a lot easier to come in here and have a relationship with him.

“To me, you want to be taking care of business in your own end. Defend extremely hard. Play the game the right way in your end and then let’s go on offense. Let them go up and enjoy that part of the game. It’s a little more creative side. It’s not as coachable. But on the defensive side of the game, that’s where you have to play the game the right way.”

Dineen’s wife, Annie, was in attendance and the joke when his playing stats were recited was that her eyes roll when his 2,229 career minutes gets mentioned in conjunction with his 355 goals. But it might provide a window into what the Gulls will be on the ice. “His teams as a coach played the way he played,” said Ferguson, who became familiar with Dineen when he was coaching in the ECHL. “And I think we’ll see the same here. Up and down. Hard. They don’t cheat.”

“Kevin will be an excellent coach for the Ducks organization,” Quenneville told The Athletic in a text. “He brings passion and purpose and has a good feel for the players and will bring that element to develop many future NHLers.”

That window was first installed by Bill Dineen. A grinding winger on two Cup-winning teams in Detroit, Bill would coach his Red Wings teammate on the ’s Houston Aeros as Mr. Hockey famously played with his sons, Mark and Marty. They would win two WHA championships.

The thirst for knowledge has been passed on to another generation. Kevin and Annie have four children. Their 18-year-old, William, plays and is “an absolute sponge” as Kevin proudly states with a smile.

“He just wants to talk hockey,” Kevin said. “He’s talking about trades, he’s talking about players. I probably didn’t show that level of interest. Back then, Dad basically ran a team. I don’t even think he had a defensive coach. He ran the bench. But I also saw that he would go to the rink every day and I’d sit there and watch his practice. Probably a little leadership lessons taught without being in class. Just how you do your business.

“When you’re very straightforward and honest with people, I think you can get the most of them. Probably that more than anything else.”

Looking back, Dineen thinks his father would be prouder that his sons went on to play in the NHL than the coaching careers they’ve had. Especially when several of their formative years were spent in a non- traditional hockey city.

But the apples didn’t fall from the tree at all. Coaching was just a natural progression. The bug also bit oldest brother, Peter, who’s now an assistant with the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder after a long scouting career with several NHL teams.

“It got me,” Kevin said.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107464 Arizona Coyotes Oesterle was a better possession player without Goligoski last season but this still seems like the most serviceable option as a third pairing.

Goaltenders: It will be interesting to see who receives the bulk of the Arizona Coyotes roster projections for 2019-20 starts, but there should be no surprise regarding which two make this roster. It could wind up being one of the best duos in the NHL, as the projection model suggests. Richard Morin, Arizona Republic Scratches: After signing Crouse to a three-year extension, the Coyotes Published 10:07 a.m. MT July 16, 2019 had 12 forwards under contract with two empty roster spots. The guess here is that one will go to Hayton and the other to a player on a two-way

contract, such as Chaput. Fischer fails to capture a starting spot in camp There are varying opinions regarding how the Coyotes' lineup will shake and finds himself as an extra forward. Lyubushkin looks like the extra out in 2019-20. Here, I'll be taking several looks at which combination of defenseman at this . players could make up the roster. Tucson: Fischer could go to Tucson since he is waiver-eligible, but that The first version is this one, published after the bulk of free agency in seems like a leap at this point. Hayton is not AHL-eligible, so he either mid-July. The second version will come at the outset of training camp, makes the NHL roster or goes back to juniors. Nick Merkley is one and the third (and final) version will come at the end of camp. forward to watch in Tucson, as he will likely see some NHL time this season. Kyle Capobianco and Victor Soderstrom will compete for roster Just like in baseball, the purpose of WAR in hockey is to determine a spots in camp, but they could easily wind up forming the most dynamic player's overall value to their team. Thanks to this interactive table and defense pair in the AHL next season. WAR data tabulated by both @EvolvingWild and @MannyElk, we can project how each combination would fare over a full season.

The projection model has this Coyotes lineup finishing with 74 points in Arizona Republic LOADED: 07.17.2019 the standings, which would be 12 fewer than last year. That's a bit of a raw deal for a team that is unanimously considered to have improved this summer.

Of course, the model only accounts for data available. If players like Keller and Schmaltz have breakout seasons, it will heavily impact the data. The Coyotes are banking on many of their returning players to take major steps forward this season.

One thing we can glean from these projections is the balance of the Coyotes' roster. There might not be one line or pairing that shoots through the roof in terms of WAR, but there also isn't one that is below replacement-level.

Explanations

First line: I know everyone wants to see Keller, Schmaltz and Kessel together — and head coach Rick Tocchet may give it a shot — but exactly who is playing defense on that line? Crouse has the speed and skill to hang with Kessel, and Tocchet likes the idea of playing a tough guy with skill players.

Second line: I think Schmaltz would be great with Kessel off the rush, but Schmaltz should be paired with Keller given the chemistry the two forged in a limited sample last season. Tocchet is a big fan of riding pairs on a line, and those two could help each other to breakout seasons. Dvorak could help Schmaltz with face-offs and other various responsibilities at center.

Third line: This line was money last season and I don't expect Tocchet to turn away from it. I believe Tocchet views Grabner and Richardson as a valuable pair and will 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: Given the parity in the Coyotes' lineup, you could consider the third and fourth lines interchangeable. Either way, a veteran like Soderberg would be a great partner for Hayton as he learns the NHL game, as the two could effectively split center duties to ease the transition. Garland and Christian Fischer would compete for the right- wing spot.

Defensemen

First 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.

Third pair: Goligoski took a step back last season while Oesterle had somewhat of a breakout year, earning himself a contract extension. 1107465 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes free agent Josh Archibald, others sign with new teams

BY MATT LAYMAN

JULY 16, 2019 AT 10:15 AM

Arizona free agent forward Josh Archibald signed with a new team on Tuesday, marking the last of the NHL-level Coyotes free agents to come off the market this offseason.

Archibald, 26, inked a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers after spending the last season-and-a-half with Arizona. The right wing began his NHL career by playing 14 games across parts of three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he met current Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet. The Coyotes traded for Archibald midseason in the 2017-18 campaign, and the sixth-round pick went on to play 107 games in the desert the last two years.

In those 107 games, Archibald endeared himself to the fans with his speedy game and humble personality and scored 17 goals with 16 assists as a bottom-six forward. He also registered a fighting major last year against Neal Pionk.

The Regina, , native joins these other Coyotes free agents who found new teams:

Goaltender Adin Hill remains a restricted free agent. The others that factored in to the free agent equation were forward Lawson Crouse and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, who each re-signed as RFAs.

As of Tuesday, CapFriendly showed the Coyotes having 46 of 50 possible contracts on the books for next season.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107466 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes sign defenseman Dysin Mayo to two-way contract

Staff Report

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

JULY 15, 2019 AT 5:12 PM

UPDATED: JULY 16, 2019 AT 8:10 AM

The Arizona Coyotes announced Monday they’ve signed defenseman Dysin Mayo to a two-way contract for one year.

Mayo was selected by the Coyotes in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Draft and has been making his way through the developmental system since.

Last season, the 22-year-old played in 67 games for the . He had two goals and four assists for a total of six points.

NHL offseason grades: ESPN gives Coyotes an A- for acquiring Kessel

Coyotes sign 2019 1st-round draft pick Victor Soderstrom to 3-year deal

Mayo has 163 career AHL games to his name for a total of 26 points. After being drafted, Mayo spent two years in the WHL and another in the ECHL before making a full-time move to the AHL two seasons ago.

The right-handed shot is 6-foot-2 and comes from the same draft class as center Christian Dvorak and former winger Brendan Perlini, who was traded to Chicago.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107467 Arizona Coyotes Jonas got the sense that Victor might have a future in the game at age 16 when he competed and excelled against international competition. But like that first foray onto the ice at age 2, Victor’s ascension to the elite Victor Söderström’s career defined by precocious play levels came a little earlier than anybody anticipated.

Sundquist’s team suffered a rash of injuries last season (sound familiar, Coyotes fans?) that left it shorthanded and ultimately cost it a playoff spot By Craig Morgan by one point. Initially, Sundquist and his staff were scouting other players in the Brynäs system who had practiced or played a handful of games Jul 16, 2019 with the team the previous season.

“In our eyes, he was not one of our prospects,” Sundquist said, “but I saw Brynäs coach Magnus Sundquist was facing an unhappy new year. His him during a U20 game together with my colleagues and we said, ‘Who’s offensively challenged team needed a in the final round of a that?’ Of course he had made the U18 national team (for the Hlinka shootout to avoid losing its third straight game Gretzky Cup), but I just thought it was too early. Then we watched him on Dec. 30 against Färjestad in Karlstad. As Sundquist looked down his play the U20 game and he totally dominated at 17 years old. They told bench for willing and able options, 17-year-old defenseman Victor us, ‘Hey, this guy has been the best player all year in the U20s. Why Söderström was staring back at him. don’t you take him?’”

“He was so calm and cool,” Sundquist said, laughing. “I crossed my Söderström so impressed the staff that he became a fixture on the fingers in my pockets and hoped he would score because if he hadn’t team’s second defensive pair and its power-play unit alongside import scored and we lost the game they probably would have hung me from defenseman Ryan Gunderson, who became his mentor. Söderström had the clock towers here in Gävle for choosing this kid.” four goals and seven points in 44 games, leading to the conclusion by some scouts that he had limited offensive upside. Söderström exonerated his coach, going top shelf to force a sudden- death shootout. When Färjestad missed its sudden-death chance, Sundquist, the Coyotes, and Jonas and Victor Söderström do not share Sundquist had another choice to make. that opinion. There is a fair body of evidence to back their claim, starting with Brynäs’ struggles. “I looked at Victor and he just smiled at me,” Sundquist said. “I thought, ‘Ah, fuck it. Take it again Victor’ and he scored again on the other side of “A lot of games, there wasn’t a lot of offensive plays for me as a D,” the goal to win the game for us.” Victor said.

There is no consensus on where Söderström, the Coyotes’ 2019 first- Brynäs finished second-to-last in the SHL in goals last season with 116 in round pick (No. 11), will play next season. There is a chance he will 52 games. Brynäs’ top line of Nicklas Danielsson, Joel Kellman and New make the NHL roster in training camp this fall, but with a blue line that Jersey Devils’ 2017 second-round pick Jesper Boqvist amassed 44 goals already runs eight deep, the choice is more likely between another year and 99 points, but the next closest forward on the roster, Ludvig Nilsson, in Brynäs where he will play top-pair minutes and in all situations, or a had just 17 points. Because Söderström played on the second defensive move to the Tucson Roadrunners of the to pair, he was rarely matched with Brynäs’ top line. learn the North American game. “I know a lot of people are reading things, or looking at stats, or maybe One thing all parties seem certain about is the precocious Söderström’s watching some clips, but they are not privy to the information we are and ability to navigate whatever comes next. our thing is to evaluate what translates,” Coyotes director of scouting Lindsay Hofford said. “If he plays (in Brynäs) next year, they’ll encourage “There’s not much projection,” said president of hockey operations John him to be more offensive but the offensive skills are there. I just don’t Chayka. “He’s playing against men and excelling against men so we think the opportunity was there and I don’t think he really pushed it don’t expect that he comes over and he’s overwhelmed or he’s young because they didn’t want him to. It was probably a smart thing at his and he just can’t keep up. age.”

“I don’t think this guy is far away from playing.” Helping Söderström’s cause is the fact that he is already a polished defensive player, if not a physical one. Jonas and Victor worked on that Söderström only turned 18 in February, but he got a head start on his aspect of his game tirelessly over the past two years and Sundquist hockey career thanks to his father, Jonas, who played in the old marvels at Söderström’s sound positioning and reads in the defensive and was coaching in the Söderströms’ hometown of zone. Skutskär when Victor was two years old. “If he isn’t part of the roster there in Arizona, I think he should come back “I don’t even remember it myself but he told me I stepped on the ice for and play one more year here in (the) SHL instead of AHL because he will the time when I was 2, and I started playing when I was 3,” Victor said. have a top position with lots of ice time and lots of trust at 18 years old,” “The rink there is not too big and my dad always had a key because he Sundquist said. “I understand that maybe Arizona will want to have him in coached there. After school, I could go to the rink and skate whenever I the organization, but he had a good season last year and he’ll have a wanted and that really had a big impact on my development.” way better season this year if he stays in Sweden and I think it will be So did Jonas, who was the head coach of Brynäs IF’s J18 last season, good for his development. and has coached a handful of NHL players including “I’m not surprised that he went in the first round early. I watch him every (Calgary), Calle Järnkrok (Nashville), Jakob Silfverberg (Anaheim) and day against top players here in SHL — import players, national team Jacob Markström (Vancouver). players, former NHL players — and in some games he totally dominates. “Victor always wanted to go out on the ice and he couldn’t skate when he He just turned 18 after the new year but you totally forgot about that was 2, but I took a chair and he pushed it along for hours,” Jonas said. because of the way he handled himself. He’s so focused on what he “Even when he was not on the ice, he had the skates with the wheels on wants to do and he’s more mature than other 18-year-old kids. It would them and he always had them on in the house.” not surprise me if he won a spot in the NHL very soon because that kid can play hockey.” Jonas wasn’t a hard-driving coach. He preferred technique and repetition, working on Victor’s stride, puck skills and vision. He also encouraged Victor to explore other positions – in soccer and hockey — The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 believing that more perspectives would create a better player.

“When I was 9, I wanted to be a goalie,” Victor said. “Markström was my idol then so I wanted to be like him. I was a goalie with my own age group for 1½ years and I played center with the older guys. As it turned out, I didn’t play either of those positions. I became a D, but he said, ‘To be successful, you have to have fun’ so he was open to whatever I wanted to try.” 1107468 Boston Bruins

Ex-Bruin Ryan Donato re-signs with Minnesota Wild on two-year deal

By Justin Leger

July 16, 2019 11:26 PM

Ex-Bruins forward Ryan Donato will be staying in Minnesota for the foreseeable future.

Lauko 'humble and prepared' for B's camp

The 23-year-old, who was traded from the B's to the Wild for on Feb. 20, signed a two-year deal worth $3.8 million on Tuesday.

Donato played well after joining the Wild last season, notching 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 22 games. The Scituate native tallied 18 points (11 goals, seven assists) in 46 total games with Boston over two years.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107469 Boston Bruins finally does arrive after the Bruins selected him in the third round (77thoverall) in last summer’s NHL Draft.

“It’s hard to say (where I will play this season),” said Lauko, who signed Jakub Lauko ready to be 'humble & prepared' for Bruins training camp his entry-level deal with the Bruins at the tail end of training camp last fall. “I will go into the year and just try to find a spot in Boston. You never know what’s going to happen. I will just stay positive and whatever By Joe Haggerty happens is going to happen.

July 16, 2019 11:56 AM "I will just arrive here humble and prepared. I will try to fight for a spot here. If it will not go well, just keep working and try to fight for a spot

during the season and next seasons.” It wasn’t a slam dunk that 19-year-old Bruins prospect Jakub Lauko was Lauko certainly has the right attitude and he’s got the goods as far as his going to play in the QMJHL this past season. game goes on the ice. Everybody will just have to wait a few months to In fact, Lauko admitted he had a lot of reservations when it was first see if the 19-year-old has matured enough to the point where he could discussed that the best move for the Czech winger would be to come use those electric skills and tenacity to challenge for a B’s roster spot at a over for North American junior hockey where he could begin to adjust precocious young age. away from the European game.

Lauko wanted to go right to the AHL in Providence after scoring a couple Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.17.2019 of goals early in his first NHL training camp before suffering an injury in a collision during camp practice with Noel Acciari. Clearly it was the right move for the teenager to head instead to junior hockey for his development, though, and that’s the way things played out for him in a year where he got better as things went along.

It still was tough as Lauko adjusted to a different language and culture over the course of the hockey season, but the top B’s forward prospect had zero regrets when it was all over with this summer.

Lauko didn’t skate at all in Bruins development camp a few weeks ago because his junior season had just wrapped up after Rouyn-Noranda made it all the way to the Memorial Cup, but the Bruins prospect says that his experience in Quebec ended up making him a better player. It also showed him to be a big game player as he led the way with his eight points (two goals, six assists) in the five games it took Rouyn-Noranda to hoist the Memorial Cup.

“I hated it for the first month,” said Lauko, who was playing through a lower body injury toward the end of his team’s postseason run. “But at the end of the season, you just look up and see that you won two trophies. It was the right choice after that. I think I changed a lot as a player. I improved my English, and I think I’m a different player after this season, different person. I’m just happy I made the choice.”

“It was a really big experience for me, through the regular season, and to the Cup. It was hell of a ride for us and I really enjoyed it. Just happy to have two trophies over my head after.”

He was always pretty good to begin as evidenced by his standout performance at last summer’s development camp, and in last fall’s Bruins rookie training camp as well. The 6-foot-1, 172-pounder has speed, tenacity and goal-scoring ability as evidenced by his 21 goals and 41 points in 43 games for the Huskies during the regular season. Then he poured on six more goals and 13 points in 19 games during the Memorial Cup playoffs and showed off the skill that got him drafted.

Now Lauko heads into his second NHL training camp one year bigger, stronger and more mature in his hockey game. Will he finally get his wish to be in either Boston or Providence this fall where he’s already shown some of the hard-nosed and skilled traits he’ll need to eventually stick at the NHL level?

"I think he came in last year and had a good training camp, he did a real good job of coming over to North America and adjusting a little bit. It was a little bit of a challenge early on. Tough going into Northern Quebec learning English and French at the same time to a degree,” said Bruins Player Development Coordinator Jamie Langenbrunner. “It was tough living-wise for him early on, but his game continued to grow and he played his best hockey at the end of the year. That's what we were hoping for. We will see when September and October comes with him."

Certainly the Bruins could use another top-6 or top-9 winger after they never replaced the departing Marcus Johansson, but it has to be considered a longshot for Lauko with more finished prospect products like Anders Bjork, Peter Cehlarik and Zach Senyshyn in the running for any vacant forward spots.

Whether it’s next season or a couple of years down the road, however, it’s beginning to feel like Lauko is going to be in Boston sooner rather than later. And he will make an impact with his two-way game when he 1107470 Buffalo Sabres

What Vegas oddsmakers think of Sabres' chances

By Staff

Published Tue, Jul 16, 2019|Updated Tue, Jul 16, 2019

The Sabres are listed at 25-1 to win the Eastern Conference in futures betting opened this week by BetOnline.

The team is listed at 50-1 to win the Stanley Cup, odds that have not changed in the last month.

Conference Futures

Odds to win the Eastern Conference

Tampa Bay Lightning 4/1

Boston Bruins 7/1

Toronto Maple Leafs 7/1

Florida Panthers 9/1

Pittsburgh Penguins 10/1

Washington Capitals 10/1

New Jersey Devils 12/1

New York Islanders 12/1

New York Rangers 12/1

Philadelphia Flyers 14/1

Carolina Hurricanes 20/1

Montreal Canadiens 20/1

Buffalo Sabres 25/1

Columbus Blue Jackets 25/1

Detroit Red Wings 50/1

Ottawa Senators 80/1

Odds to win the Western Conference

Vegas Golden Knights 11/2

Colorado Avalanche 13/2

St. Louis Blues 7/1

Winnipeg Jets 7/1

Calgary Flames 9/1

Dallas Stars 9/1

Nashville Predators 9/1

San Jose Sharks 9/1

Chicago Blackhawks 16/1

Minnesota Wild 16/1

Arizona Coyotes 20/1

Edmonton Oilers 20/1

Vancouver Canucks 25/1

Anaheim Ducks 33/1

Los Angeles Kings 33/1

Buffalo News LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107471 Calgary Flames

Lomberg, Valiev re-up with Flames

Wes Gilbertson

Calgary Flames general manager can scratch a couple of potential arbitration hearings from his daytimer.

The Flames re-signed a pair of restricted free agents Tuesday, inking feisty forward Ryan Lomberg and defenceman Rinat Valiev to one-year, two-way contracts.

Both deals come with a salary-cap hit of US$700,000 at the big-league level.

The 24-year-old Lomberg appeared in four outings for the Flames last season, with zero points and 17 penalty minutes. The speedy sparkplug was also suspended for two games for trying to pick a fight to avenge a hit on teammate Mikael Backlund.

In his 58 outings with the American Hockey League’s during the 2018-19 campaign, Lomberg collected a dozen goals, 17 assists and 73 penalty minutes.

Valiev was twice called up by the Flames last winter but never dressed for the big club, leaving a total of 12 NHL loggings on his resume.

The 24-year-old rearguard notched four goals, 17 assists and 51 penalty minutes in 57 contests in Stockton.

Treliving will continue to work on signing two bigger names before their own arbitration date — left-winger Sam Bennett has a salary showdown set for July 27, while netminder David Rittich has a hearing two days later.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107472 Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes re-sign D Haydn Fleury to 1-year deal

Staff Report

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

JULY 16, 2019 10:45 AM

RALEIGH, N.C.

The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed defenseman Haydn Fleury to a one-year contract worth $850,000.

The team announced the deal Tuesday. The 23-year-old skated in 20 regular-season games with the Hurricanes along with nine playoff games last season. He also saw significant action with the in the American Hockey League.

Carolina took Fleury with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 draft. Team president and general manager says the team is encouraged by Fleury's development and hopes he will become "a fixture in our lineup."

The 6-foot-3, 208-pound defenseman has nine assists in 87 NHL regular- season games for his career.

News Observer LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107473 Carolina Hurricanes

Hurricanes sign defensemen Haydn Fleury, Gustav Forsling to one-year deals

BY CHIP ALEXANDER

JULY 16, 2019 11:40 AM

Defenseman Haydn Fleury, expected to take on a bigger role this upcoming season, has signed a one-year, one-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Fleury, a former first-round draft pick by the Canes, will be paid $850,000, the team announced Tuesday.

The Canes also signed defenseman Gustav Forsling to a one-year, two- way contract that will pay $874,125 at the NHL level and $70,000 at the AHL level.

Forsling, 23, was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks with goalie Anton Forsberg in the June 24 deal that sent veteran defenseman Calvin de Haan and offensive prospect Aleksi Saarela to Chicago.

With de Haan gone, Fleury is expected to join Trevor van Riemsdyk as the Canes’ third defensive pairing.

“Haydn has taken strides during each of his three professional seasons in our organization,” Canes general manager Don Waddell said in a statement. “We’ve been encouraged by his development and our hope is that he becomes a fixture in our lineup.”

Fleury, 23, played 20 NHL regular-season games for the Canes last season and appeared in nine Stanley Cup playoff games after van Riemsdyk suffered a shoulder injury. He has 87 games of NHL regular- season experience, with nine career assists.

After the Canes were beaten in the Eastern Conference finals, Fleury rejoined the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL and was a part of their championship playoff run.

Forsling has 122 games of NHL experience, including 43 with the Blackhawks last season, when the Swede had three goals and six assists.

“Gustav is a skilled, young defenseman,” Waddell said in a statement. “He has shown promise throughout his time in the NHL and we expect him to continue to develop.”

News Observer LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107474 Chicago Blackhawks “I’m just excited beyond words to be playing for Chicago, so if they want to put me in goal or on ‘D,’ I’d be happy with that too.”

Bowman said the emergence of made Anisimov Blackhawks believe they added toughness and versatility in acquiring expendable and makes it likelier that David Kampf will see more time in veteran forward Zack Smith from the Senators for Artem Anisimov the middle.

The trade was announced while first-round pick Kirby Dach, a center, By JIMMY GREENFIELD was on the ice participating in development camp drills. Bowman has said since drafting Dach with the No. 3 pick that he’ll get an opportunity CHICAGO TRIBUNE to make the team this season, and this trade doesn’t change that.

JUL 16, 2019 | 5:01 PM “We have quite a few potential options there to play in the middle,” Bowman said. “Zack Smith and Shaw, Carpenter’s played some center,

Kampf, Kirby as well. Artem Anisimov’s departure from the Blackhawks was not quite a “It’s hard to map out lines and who’s going to be in what spot, but we foregone conclusion, but it came as little shock when they dealt the have different looks that we can throw at the other team. And part of veteran center to the Senators on Tuesday for forward Zack Smith. training camp is going to be to figure out where does everybody fit and What was a bit of a shock was that the trade could be far more than a what combinations work best.” salary dump. In Smith, the Hawks received a player who may not have the same scoring chops as Anisimov but offers more versatility, toughness the Hawks lacked last season and some salary-cap relief to Chicago Tribune LOADED: 07.17.2019 boot.

The Hawks will have an extra $1.3 million to work with after swapping Anisimov and his $4.55 million cap hit for the 31-year-old Smith, who has two years left on his deal with a $3.25 million cap hit. The Hawks needed to clear space to have a chance at keeping restricted free agent Brendan Perlini while also keeping their options open for more moves before or during the season.

“We do save a little bit on the cap,” general manager Stan Bowman said. “We still have a little bit to do there, but we’re looking better now than we were yesterday.”

Smith is the latest offseason acquisition who satisfies Bowman’s desire to make the Hawks harder to play against and gives coach Jeremy Colliton more options at the faceoff circle. Previously, the Hawks traded for Andrew Shaw and signed free agent Ryan Carpenter, both of whom can play center and wing.

Smith has won 50.7% of his career faceoffs at even strength, well ahead of Anisimov’s 45.9% rate. He had nine goals and 19 assists last season and has 94 goals and 99 assists in 612 career games, all with the Senators.

He had a career-high 25 goals in 2015-16 playing primarily on a line with and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, but he scored only 14 goals the last two seasons combined.

“He’s had some years in the past where he’s scored a lot, but what we like about his game is the versatility,” Bowman said. “You notice him, he’s tough to play against. The other teams don’t find it too fun sometimes. He’s a physical player, gets in on the forecheck. His faceoffs are pretty good as well. He’s very good on the one side.

“But it’s his competitive style that we like the most. That’s something we probably didn’t have enough of last season.”

Smith was a third-round pick in 2008 by the Senators, who had newly hired Hawks assistant coach Marc Crawford on their staff the last three seasons. The Hawks already were interested in Smith, but Crawford’s thumbs up helped seal the deal.

“(Crawford) spoke really highly of him,” Bowman said. “Zack’s a player our scouts have liked for a while. We’ve talked about bringing that element to our team, and then when Marc came on board, I picked his brain a little bit and asked how he would fit in and what does he bring to the table.

“He raved about him as a person, as a teammate, as a leader and he loves his style of play too. He thinks that could enhance our team game. From that perspective, it made sense.”

Smith has mostly played wing in recent years, and while he said he feels “more comfortable” at center, he said he doesn’t really care where he plays.

“I guess the most ideal situation is to play wing and still take draws,” Smith said. “I still enjoy taking draws; I feel that’s one of my strong suits. It’s worked out well playing the wing with the centers I’ve had and being able to take some draws as well. 1107475 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks development camp notebook: Ian Mitchell reiterates loyalty to Denver

By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST

Jul 16, 2019, 5:44pm CDT

If Ian Mitchell is annoyed that his week during development camp has been consumed by inescapable questions about his future plans, he has done well not to show it.

But it would be a surprise if, somewhere inside, the Blackhawks prospect and current University of Denver defenseman is not getting tired of it.

“I’ve made my commitment, and being announced the captain of the team too, it’s made it difficult to change my decision,” Mitchell reiterated again Tuesday. “I wouldn’t really want to do that to my teammates.”

Mitchell, who has ascended arguably into a tie with Adam Boqvist as the Hawks’ top defensive prospect, announced in April that he intended to return to college for the 2019-20 season.

He’s nevertheless been peppered with speculation ever since about the Hawks’ ability to re-persuade him to sign immediately, especially now that his road to the NHL is clearer with Henri Jokiharju shipped away.

“Maybe if I hadn’t already said I was going back there, then maybe it would be a bit different,” he said. “But at the same time, I feel like I’ve developed a lot my first two years at Denver, and I don’t see why the third year will be any different.”

Hawks forward prospect MacKenzie Entwistle has made big strides since last season in terms of both offensive production and physical dimensions.

Now 6-3 and 192 pounds, MacKenzie Entwistle could be a quality bottom-six forward for the Hawks in the future. Victor Hilitski/For the Sun- Times

At 6-4, Entwistle was slim at 182 pounds when his rights were traded from the Coyotes to the Hawks last summer.

He has bulked up to 192 now, though, and committed to molding himself into a checking line-type forward, which is what his future NHL role projects to be. He got a quick taste of what that’ll be like with Canada’s World Junior Championship team last winter.

“I was slotted into [that] role as an energy, penalty kill-type of player, and for me, that really helped me and it grew me,” he said.

In his fourth season in the OHL, Entwistle tallied a career-high 30 goals and 57 points in 57 games for Hamilton and Guelph, where he won the league title.

Day 2 of camp a grind for prospects

In the midst of the monotonous sequence of drill after drill that defines development camp — and the off-ice distraction of the Artem Anisimov- for-Zack Smith trade — one exercise stood out Tuesday for its intensity.

In pairs, prospects — with no sticks — hammered each other along the boards, using only body leverage to fight for a loose puck. Coaches kept score of the winner of each pair.

“There’s a lot of battle drills, that’s the one aspect I’m not really used to,” a wide-eyed Alex Vlasic, attending his first camp, said afterwards. “We do a lot of 1-on-1, corner battle drills, so that’s pretty physical, that’s pretty tough on the body.”

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107476 Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 07.17.2019

Blackhawks gain cap flexibility, send Artem Anisimov to Senators for Zack Smith

By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST

Jul 16, 2019, 2:18pm CDT

The Blackhawks finally unloaded Artem Anisimov on Tuesday after months of speculation, sending the expensive forward to the Senators in exchange for the similar but cheaper Zack Smith.

The first priority for general manager Stan Bowman was to gain enough cap space to re-sign restricted free agent Brendan Perlini and have wiggle room for in-season call-ups. By swapping the two 31-year-old forwards — Smith carries a $3.25 million cap hit for the next two seasons; Anisimov a $4.55 million hit for the same time period — the Hawks accomplished that goal.

The second priority for Bowman was to get a fair return for Anisimov, who was rumored to be on the trade block for at least a year. And Smith seems to check that box.

“He certainly plays with a competitive side to him,” Bowman said. “He’s had some years in the past where he’s scored a lot, but what we like about his game is the versatility. You notice him, he’s tough to play against out there. Other teams don’t find it too fun sometimes.”

Smith is significantly better in regards to faceoffs and defensive play, particularly the penalty kill — all areas that Bowman identified as in need of improvement this summer.

Smith, who was with the Senators his entire 11 seasons, won slightly over 50 percent of 2,778 draws over the last four seasons. Anisimov, conversely, won only 45.2 percent of 3,706 over the same time period.

“I prefer, I feel more comfortable at center, but I’ve had more success — especially offensively — playing the wing,” Smith said. “I guess the most ideal situation is to play wing and still take draws. I still enjoy taking draws and I feel that’s one of my strong suits.”

Advanced stats paint a good picture of Smith in his own zone.

Overcoming the Sens’ tremendous overall team struggles, Smith allowed 0.48 scoring chances per minute at 5-on-5 and 0.72 per minute short- handed last season. Anisimov allowed 0.54 and 0.78 in those two categories, respectively.

“At this point, I know what my game brings, and I pride myself on being a defensively responsible player,” he said. “Over the last two years, I’ve been in more of a shutdown role . . . [and] once I wrapped my head around that you don’t have to put up big points, my game started improving.”

Marc Crawford, recently hired as a new Hawks assistant after three years in Ottawa, was consulted about Smith before the trade went through, Bowman said. Smith quipped that he must not have “had anything bad to say.”

In terms of pure scoring, there is a downgrade. Outside of a fluky 25-goal eruption in 2015-16, Smith has never tallied more than 16 goals and 32 points in a season. He scored nine goals and 28 points in 70 games last year.

Anisimov has regularly exceeded those scoring totals. He registered 15 goals and 37 points in 78 games last season and had previously hit the 20-goal plateau in three consecutive seasons.

Bowman justified that downgrade by noting that the Hawks still have plenty of offensively inclined players, and that the flexibility of now owning so many dual-position forwards (new additions Andrew Shaw and Ryan Carpenter also fit that description) will create a more dynamic group overall.

For the Hawks’ newest acquisition, make that multiple positions.

“I’m just excited beyond words to be playing for Chicago,” Smith joked, “so if they want to put me in goal or on ‘D,’ I’d be fine with that too.”

1107477 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks pick Mitchell will return to Denver for junior year

John Dietz

Follow @johndietzdh

Ian Mitchell's made up his mind -- he won't be signing with the Blackhawks just yet and has decided to go back to the University of Denver for his junior year.

Mitchell, a right-shot defenseman the Hawks drafted 57th overall in 2017, believes another season is critical to his development.

"Watching the end of the season and the NHL playoffs, I didn't feel that I was in a position to be able to step into the and play full time," Mitchell said after wrapping up his development camp session at Fifth Third Arena on Tuesday. "I didn't feel that my game was there quite yet. I just felt that another year playing in college was going to help me a lot."

Mitchell, who scored 6 goals as a sophomore, wants to become a difference-maker offensively.

He plans to sign when Denver's season is over. If that happens, he might be able to play with the Hawks in March and April -- and possibly beyond if they make a deep playoff run.

"My goal is I want to be one of the best players in college hockey next year," Mitchell said. "I feel if I can meet those goals, I can make the step."

Tongue-tied:

As the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, expectations surrounding Kirby Dach are sky high -- and he knows it -- but that doesn't mean the 18- year-old won't get a bit star struck when meeting the Hawks' most high profiled players.

"(Monday) I got to meet Jonathan Toews and got a little bit tongue- twisted and didn't know what to say to him," Dach said. "He's a guy I looked up to when I was little.

"I was 10 years old when he was winning the Stanley Cup, so it's something I want to do here and it's awesome to be around those guys and learn from them."

Dach said several veterans reached out after the draft, welcomed him to the team and told him to reach out any time.

Before camp began, Dach went out to dinner at Chicago Cuts with several other prospects.

"It was awesome to get out and see the city a little bit," he said.

Still recovering:

Evan Barrett, a third-round pick in 2017, is working out off the ice this week as he recovers from a hip surgery in April.

"I'm feeling really good and I'm really happy that was the decision I made," said Barrett, who scored 16 goals in 32 games for Penn State last season. "It kind of bothered me for a little while and I knew it was something that might have to get done."

Barrett's 0.5 goals-per-game average was tied for 14th best in the country. He will go back for his junior season in the fall.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107478 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks trade center Artem Anisimov to Ottawa for Smith

Staff Report

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks traded Artem Anisimov to Ottawa on Tuesday in exchange for Zack Smith, a swap of 31-year-old forwards.

Anisimov played four seasons for the Blackhawks, scoring 77 goals and adding 78 assists in 291 games, including 15 goals and 22 assists last season. The Russian has also played with the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets over 11 years in the NHL.

Smith played 70 games last season for the Senators, scoring nine goals and adding a career-high 19 assists. The Canadian has played his entire 11-season NHL career with the Senators with 94 goals and 99 assists in 612 career games. Smith was placed on waivers last September only to go unclaimed. He had nine goals and 19 assists for the rebuilding Senators last season.

Smith's contract has an annual salary cap hit of $3.25 million. He is signed through the 2020-21 season.

The move for Anisimov inches the Senators closer to the NHL's salary cap floor. Anisimov's current deal also runs through 2020-21 with an annual cap hit of $4.55 million, according to capfriendly.com.

Anisimov immediately becomes the second-highest paid for forward on Ottawa's active roster behind Bobby Ryan ($7.25 million annual cap hit).

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107479 Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks trade Anisimov to Senators

John Dietz

Follow @johndietzdh

The Blackhawks traded center Artem Anisimov to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for 31-year-old forward Zack Smith.

Smith, who scored a career-high 25 goals for the Senators in 2015-16 and added another 16 the next season, managed 9 goals in 70 games last season.

The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Saskatchewan native has played his entire career with the Senators. He is signed for two more seasons with a cap hit of $3.25 million.

Anisimov was acquired for prior to the 2015-16 season. He scored 77 goals in 291 games with the Hawks and has two years left on a contract that carries a $4.55 million cap hit.

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Blackhawks Talk Podcast: Reaction to Artem Anisimov trade and development camp standouts

By Charlie Roumeliotis

July 16, 2019 6:50 PM

On the latest Blackhawks Talk Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis react to the trade of Artem Anisimov to the Senators for Zack Smith. The guys discuss the role Smith could have with the Hawks and the areas where he has an edge over Anisimov.

They also discuss the first couple days of Development Camp and how this year’s top two draft picks — Kirby Dach and Alex Vlasic — have looked so far. Plus, a breakdown of the other top blue-liners and how Adam Boqvist, Nicolas Beaudin and Chad Krys have progressed and why they agree with Ian Mitchell’s decision to return to Denver for his junior year.

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2019 Blackhawks development camp: Day 2 thoughts and takeaways

By Charlie Roumeliotis

July 16, 2019 6:01 PM

Here are several thoughts and takeaways from Day 2 of Blackhawks development camp at Fifth Third Arena:

1. Why Alex Nylander wanted to be at camp

The Blackhawks invited 37 prospects to development camp. Only one of them has NHL experience and that's Nylander, who was a late addition after he was acquired from Buffalo for Henri Jokiharju.

Nylander has been one of the standouts so far, and rightfully so. He's supremely gifted and is ahead of the curve in comparison to some of the other prospects attending. But he's behind on his own development curve, and the Blackhawks wanted to see him on the ice this week because he's going to be one of the players in the mix for an everyday roster spot when training camp rolls around.

While it may have been unexpected to see Nylander's name on the prospect camp list because it feels like he's been around forever, he was all for getting a headstart despite not participating in the Sabres' development camp the week after the NHL Draft.

"I mean, I just got traded here," Nylander said. "I wanted to meet everybody and get on the ice. It’s been a couple of months since I was on the ice, so I thought it was a great opportunity for me to come here, show what I’ve done in training through the summer and I can get even better toward training camp. I just didn’t need to go to Buffalo’s camp."

2. Ripple effects of Artem Anisimov trade

The Blackhawks made a trade in the middle of camp on Tuesday, with Anisimov going to Ottawa in exchange for power forward Zack Smith. It's a move that cleared $1.3 million in cap space for the Blackhawks, but also opened the door for somebody to snatch up that third-line center role.

Kirby Dach, anyone?

GM Stan Bowman mentioned Ryan Carpenter, David Kampf, Andrew Shaw and Zack Smith as guys who have experience playing center but didn't single anyone out as a potential leading candidate to fill Anisimov's shoes in the third-line center role. One of those four figures to secure the fourth-line center position, which will likely be Carpenter or Kampf — perhaps we could see situational faceoffs between them with Carpenter a right-handed shot and Kampf a lefty.

It truly does feel like the third-line center position is up for grabs, and the Blackhawks don't seem to mind it that way. Bowman said Dach could very well be part of the group, and it's difficult not to wonder whether the No. 3 overall pick has a fair chance of making it.

"We have quite a few potential options there to play in the middle," Bowman said. "It’s hard to map out some lines and who is going to be in what spot but I think we have different looks that we can throw at the other team. Part of training camp is going to be to find out where does everybody fit and which combinations work best."

Other notes:

— Chris Kunitz has been sitting with the Blackhawks front office contingent observing camp. He hasn't announced what his future holds, but if he's ready to call it quits on his playing career, it wouldn't be surprising to see the organization bring him on in some capacity.

— Alexis Gravel made his camp debut on Tuesday. He did not participate in on-ice sessions on Monday because he wasn't medically cleared to do so.

— Tim Soderlund was listed on the prospect camp roster but has been absent for the first two days because of visa issues. It's unclear whether that will get resolved before camp wraps up on Friday.

1107482 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks trade Artem Anisimov to Senators for Zack Smith

By Charlie Roumeliotis

July 16, 2019 2:00 PM

The Blackhawks are spending the next week focusing on their prospects at development camp, but GM Stan Bowman took care of some housekeeping items on the big club on Tuesday when he traded forward Artem Anisimov to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Zack Smith.

Anisimov had two years left on his contract that carries a $4.55 million cap hit, but his modified no-trade clause was removed on July 1, which opened up more trade possibilities. He was also owed a $2 million signing bonus when the new calendar year opened and his actual salary over the next two years dropped to $5 million total, giving a rebuilding team like the Senators a chance to add a depth forward for a lower price.

Couple that with the fact Anisimov's role with the Blackhawks has diminished over the years and you can see why this traded was made from Chicago's point of view.

"First off, Arty was a great Blackhawk," Bowman said on Tuesday. "We wish him well. I think stylistically they play different games. Both veterans, both have played in the league for a long time. I think Zack brings a different skill set to the table, something that we probably need a little bit more of. He certainly plays with a competitive side to him, plays with an edge. He's had some years in the past where he's scored a lot but I think the thing we like about his game is the versatility and you notice him. He's tough to play against out there."

Smith compiled 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 70 games for the Senators last season, and served as the alternate captain during the 2017-18 campaign. He's known to be a power forward, can play a heavy game and has experience playing center or wing. He's also expected to play a role on the penalty kill, an area the Blackhawks have been looking to address all summer long.

"It would definitely be one of the [areas] I consider my stronger points of the game," Smith said on a conference call. "I take a lot of pride in it. I enjoy it, playing against top lines and killing penalties. I think I've improved on that, especially over the last couple years. Talking to Stan and Jeremy [Colliton] this morning, they said the same thing, we want to be more responsible defensively and that's why we brought you in. I'm more than happy to accept that role and help them in any way possible."

The 31-year-old Smith has two years left on his contract that carries a cap hit of $3.25 million. With the trade, the Blackhawks opened up $1.3 million in cap space, which gives them some financial breathing room to make transactions throughout the season and potentially re-sign Brendan Perlini, who remains an unsigned restricted free agent.

"I think that was part of the deal as well," Bowman said." A benefit. We do save a little bit on the cap. We still have a little bit of work to do there, but we're looking better now than we were yesterday."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107483 Chicago Blackhawks stick up, just ready to shoot. When I get to Switzerland, you need to be complete. Especially I really want to play, I want to be on the ice, so I tried to get better in my defensive game. We had lots of talks with the Dominik Kubalik gets first taste of Blackhawks, Chicago during coach there, even with the GM. We were talking about it a lot. I think we development camp all had the same goal to move forward. They said, we don’t want to be the bottom team, we want to be the middle team and then we can move up. That’s what we tried. We finished in the fifth or fourth place, made the playoffs, so that was great. Even for me, that was great. By Scott Powers Former Sudbury Wolves general manager Blaine Smith said he Jul 16, 2019 remembered how in your OHL days you’d get on the bike after games and how that was different back then. Is that any indication of your work ethic? Dominik Kubalik accomplished a lot in a few days in Chicago. Obviously I’m trying, but I think in today’s hockey everyone has to do He met with Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman and coach something special, something extra. It obviously depends on the players, Jeremy Colliton. He got a tour of the facilities. He trained with if you’re playing a lot, you’re not playing, like whatever you need. There’s Blackhawks prospects one morning. Of course, he had to see Cloud some things I need to improve and I’m always trying to feel good Gate, aka “The Bean,” at Millennium Park too. because after sometimes after the game you just feel tired, so you just need to get back on the bike, get your legs going a little bit. I didn’t feel “We went to see the big bean,” Kubalik said Tuesday morning. “That’s like it was something special. I’m really happy that Blaine said it, but I probably the first thing all the visitors want to see. We went there. I had to think everybody does something. I’m trying to do extra. I’m trying to get see it. We just went around a little bit. It was amazing. Everything is just better every day. That’s just myself. That’s who I am. so big for us, just get used to it a little bit.” You had played with Dominik Kahun in the OHL. Were you surprised he Kubalik, a Czech Republic native, has bounced around and played in an was traded from the Blackhawks this offseason? assortment of countries through his hockey career, but this was his first trip to Chicago. It was an eye-opening experience. But when he does We talk about it before. We had some texts with each other that we’re return in September, he should have a better idea of what to expect. both looking forward again to be on the same team. But that’s hockey, so he got traded. I right away text him good luck because that’s probably the Kubalik hasn’t been promised anything, but he will likely be one of the most important thing players need to be healthy and stuff like that. Yeah, front-runners for a Blackhawks’ forward opening next season. He was the I just feel a little bit sad I’m not going to meet him, but maybe good for top player in Switzerland last season and excelled for the Czech him. Republic in the World Championship. The Blackhawks acquired his rights from the Los Angeles Kings, who had drafted him, for a fifth-round pick Why didn’t it work out with the Kings for you? and later signed him to a one-year deal. I don’t even know. It’s been a couple years. I was still in Europe. I didn’t Before leaving Chicago, he took the time to talk about his trip, next even really think about it that I’m going to move to North American season, his path and more. because like I said I got my small roles, trying to make my steps. That’s like I said, to be successful in Plzen and try in Russia, didn’t work out, How have the last few days been? then in Switzerland. I think this is the time I would say yes. I think I’m You know everything is new. Trying to get the most information. ready for it. Before, I don’t even know. That’s just my agent was talking to Yesterday we went a little bit around the city. Work out in the morning them. I just believe what he did. I’m really happy that I’m here. I’m really with the boys. It was good. I’m happy to be here. excited because I think everybody knows Chicago is amazing. I’m really happy to be there. Does it seem more realistic that the NHL is around the corner, being here? You have a European clause in your contract. If you don’t make the NHL out of camp, do you envision exercising that clause? Yeah, I’m really happy that I’m finally here, get things going, to meet some guys, meet the people around the team. Yeah, it’s great. I’m just There is some clause, but I mean I’m here to make the NHL. I’ll do super excited for everything. everything for it. That’s all. I’ll do everything.

Did you have to be patient for this? It seemed as if you developed later Do you think you have a shot to make this team? and waited for the perfect time to sign. I hope I have. Trying to do everything for it. Hopefully I have a good I think I’m the guy who is always taking small steps. That was what I was chance. trying to do when I made the decision to come back in Czech Republic Where do you feel like your game fits in with their players? after the years in the OHL. Then I tried to reach my goals in Plzen to be the leader there, to see if I’m ready to make another step somewhere Well, it’s tough. I just played a couple games against them in the national else in Europe. Tried in Russia but didn’t work as well. Then in Ambri in team. But, no, I just want to be myself. I just want to be a guy who can Switzerland, that was amazing. Next step I’m trying to be here. That’s shoot, who can pass, who’s going to be a good teammate. I’m not going really exciting. I’m very looking forward to it. to change anything. I just need to be better.

Did something click for you in Switzerland the past few seasons? Have you gotten the chance to watch Blackhawks and see their style of play? When I get there a year and a half ago, so I started in Plzen for a couple games and then I went to Switzerland, even that finish for the season I mean, like I think every single guy watching highlights in the morning, was pretty good by the team. And then I was so excited for another year so I watch it. Obviously I like they are in the offensive zone because I’m because we were hoping we were going to make the playoffs, to make a an offensive player. I think it’ll be okay. little step for the team for the club and especially for the organization because in the last seven years they didn’t make it. So that was huge Ian Mitchell is participating in his third Blackhawks development camp. that we did it. I was lucky I played with the great guys too. I think the (Scott Powers / The Athletic) whole team was very successful. Then the individualities going up. I think Today was more one-on-one, two-on-two stuff, where I thought yesterday there’s a couple more guys who actually had great seasons by the was a bit more tiring just on the lungs. We were going a bit harder. But points. I’m happy, I think as a team we did a great job and move forward, today was more tactical and working on footwork and defensive game. I so that’s great. thought it was stuff you don’t necessarily work on in the summer, just Ambri-Piotta sporting director Paolo Duca mentioned you were a rare working on one-on-one, but it’s good to work on because it’s a big, breed in that you were a goal scorer but also unselfish. Is that important important part of the game. to you? I thought I fared good out there today. Sometimes you get beat, but That’s for sure. When I was Plzen, there were lots of guys who could you’re always trying to get better and learn from your mistakes when you pass, who could make some plays, so I was always skating there with my do. I thought for the most part I did pretty well defending, getting my stick on the puck, staying with some of the fast forwards, but sometimes they get a step on you and get around you kind of. (Philipp) Kurashev, the one time just blew right by me. He was one guy I noticed out there for sure. I didn’t get actually to go against Kirby (Dach) today, but he’s just so silky with his stick. You got to watch when you go up against him too.

A big thing I’ve learned to be more effective in the D zone at my size is staying balanced under myself. I get in trouble when I lunge and try to guess where the puck is going before it gets there. I think that’s when I run into trouble. Just being more balanced and trying to almost bait forwards into going where you want them to go is something I think the development staff here talks to us a lot, and that’s what I try to work into my game. To bait people, it’s just moving your stick and trying to fake the forwards into thinking you’re doing something else and then they try to pass it right to you based on what you do with their stick. It’s almost like you got to outthink them than outplay them, outsmart them.

My skating is also an advantage because anytime I see a forward bobble the puck I try to pounce on them right away and take away their time and space. When they have full control, you try and back off and read them more. When they make a bit of a bobble or mishandle the puck, that’s when I got to use my skating to close them right away and try to create a turnover that way.

Also by adding some weight and muscle this offseason, I can notice in the corners I’m more able to pin guys, take away their hands and poke the puck to my D partner. That’s something I saw today that was able to do. It felt good knowing that I put on that extra strength, and it was something maybe I couldn’t do as effectively in the past. I’ve been at Denver all summer long, and this was the first summer I spent full time down in Denver working with Matt Shaw, who is our strength guy. I think that’s been huge for me, just having that consistency of the program and working at altitude also helps too as far as conditioning goes. I think that’s definitely been the biggest reason why I’ve been able to get stronger this summer.

I’ve been trying to eat as healthy as I can, but also as much as I can. One thing I’ve been doing has been trying to drink like a gallon of milk every two days to try to get in as many calories as I can to try to gain weight. That’s something our strength coach recommended to the guys who have a hard time putting on weight. I’ve been doing that. I guess it’s worked a little bit. I’ve been drinking 2 percent. As for food, I downloaded this app called Tasty and I’ve been using that a lot. It has different recipes and stuff. It has a lot of chicken and rice-type stuff with some vegetables, like broccoli, green beans, that kind of stuff. So, that for the most part, chicken and rice. The odd time I like to do shrimp and beef to mix it up a bit, so it doesn’t get the same every day.

I’m just looking forward to the rest of the week. I’m having a great time here in Chicago. Just looking forward to it.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107484 Chicago Blackhawks wing or center (something Colliton covets), an above-water faceoff guy, yet another penalty killer, and a veteran presence who was an alternate captain in Ottawa.

Roundtable reaction: Blackhawks acquire Zack Smith from Senators for Anisimov isn’t nearly as bad as some Blackhawks fans have made him Artem Anisimov out to be, but he was the most expendable high-priced forward on the roster. It was just logical to move him. And the fact that the Blackhawks freed up $1.3 million in cap space (enough to re-sign Brendan Perlini, By Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus presumably), without having to throw in a sweetener makes this a mild win. Jul 16, 2019 Scott Powers: You bring up Perlini, and this is a move that could help

those contract negotiations. He and the Blackhawks talked again Artem Anisimov wasn’t coming back to the Blackhawks. We all knew Monday, according to a source who thought a deal would be done by that, with some degree of certainty. The prevailing question was: what Aug. 1. Trading Anisimov does free up some space and should allow the would the Blackhawks get back for him in a trade? Blackhawks a little more in-season flexibility.

That was answered Tuesday. Bowman has to be thinking about next summer’s contracts too. Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome are due new deals. Dominik Kubalik is on a The trade: The Blackhawks traded Anisimov, 31, to the Ottawa Senators one-year deal. Bowman has brought in a number of players this for forward Zack Smith, who is also 31. Anisimov has two years left on offseason with multiple years left on their contract and that impacts how his contract and has a $4.55 million cap hit. He was recently paid a $2 much he’ll have to spend next summer. Andrew Shaw, Ryan Carpenter, million signing bonus by the Blackhawks. He had 15 goals and 22 assists Calvin de Haan, Olli Maatta and now Smith are signed beyond next in 78 games last season. season. Corey Crawford, Robin Lehner and Erik Gustafsson are the only players who will be on significant expiring contracts. They have a Smith also has two years remaining on his contract. He has a $3.25 combined cap hit of $13 million. Bowman didn’t seem too concerned million cap hit. He had nine goals and 19 assists in 70 games last when asked about it on Tuesday. season. Anisimov’s absence should have the most impact on David Kampf next “They’re different players,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman season and this year’s first-round pick Kirby Dach after that. Kampf was said. “First off, Arty was a great Blackhawk. We wish him well. I think given more opportunities up the lineup last season under Colliton, and stylistically they play different games. Both veterans, they both played in you would think he gets more of those chances next season. It’ll be a the league for a long time. I think Zack brings a different skill set to the matter of whether Kampf can produce consistently to remain in the top table, something we probably need a little bit more of. Versatile player, nine. You would think Jonathan Toews, Strome, Kampf and Carpenter he’s played wing and played center, which we like. He certainly plays are the centers next season. Shaw and Smith are possibilities too. with a competitive side to him. He plays with an edge. He’s had some Beyond that, the Blackhawks have to create a spot for Dach and years in the past where he’s scored a lot, but I think what we like about Anisimov’s departure helps that. his game is the versatility. Sean Tierney: This chart below shows up in Smith’s playing styles “You notice him, he’s tough to play against out there. I think the other breakdown. He contributes primary shot assists (passes leading directly teams don’t find it too fun sometimes. So he’s a physical player, gets in to shots for linemates) and was a notable contributor in secondary and on the forecheck. His faceoffs are pretty good as well, I think he’s very tertiary shot assists (one or two passes prior to the pass that led to a good on the one side. But it’s his competitive style that we like the most, shot). Usually this is a skill seen with defensemen who hang back behind so I think that’s something we probably didn’t have enough of last the forwards on offense. season. I think he can bring that element to our team, like I said, the versatility is nice. He can play wing or center on different lines. A couple League source: Smith is not the most fleet of foot. He’s a puck hound. He years back he was with Mark Stone and (Jean-Gabriel) Pageau and I pursues. He’s a gritty, character player. He’s unafraid to go to the dirty think he had 26 goals. So he can play with those guys and score but he areas. He’s a PK guy with some presence. can also play on more of a checking line and give you an honest effort.” Eastern conference scout: He’s great on draws, high character, gritty. The Athletic Ottawa’s Chris Stevenson: I think the writing was on the wall He’s not as skilled as Artem, but he’s gritty, better on draws. I’ve always when they put Smith on waivers in camp. Matt Duchene’s quote (at the liked him. It’s a ballsy move with two years left on his contract. The time) was along the lines of “It feels like a kick in the balls.” Smith is a Blackhawks are bringing in a lot of high character guys. gritty guy with a bit of a scoring touch. He’ll be loved by his teammates. This is clearly a money move with the Senators getting a bigger cap hit than they’re putting out in real dollars, which is just the way they like it. The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 Mark Lazerus: Artem Anisimov was very good as a center for and . He was pretty good as a center for Patrick Kane and any number of wingers. He was generally lost as a center for anyone else. It’s easy to look at that and say, well, yeah, who wouldn’t be great with two star wingers? But the fact is, it’s not easy to play with guys like Panarin and Kane. There’s a reason Kane has cycled through more than a dozen centers since Joel Quenneville first broke him and Jonathan Toews up years ago. Anisimov was perfect in that role, content to let Kane and Panarin do nearly all of the puck handling, happy to clean up rebounds in the crease and do the dirty work in the corners and in the low slot. He was an ego-free player with size and hands, scoring 77 goals in four seasons.

But the arrival of Dylan Strome as the No. 2 center of the present and future made Anisimov an awkward fit in the Blackhawks lineup. He was never comfortable on the third line, and it got so bad that Jeremy Colliton tried him at left wing to get him going. Strome also knocked Anisimov to the second power-play unit, and his numbers there dropped from 11 goals in 2017-18 to just one in 2018-19. Suddenly, his faceoff deficiencies, his streakiness and his cap hit (remember, he was signed to a five-year deal with a $4.55 million cap hit before he even played a game with the Blackhawks) were harder to look past.

Zack Smith isn’t going to light the world on fire, and he won’t replace Anisimov’s production. But he’s a versatile forward who can play either 1107485 Chicago Blackhawks And, indeed, that talent is still there. That potential is still there. You could see it in the quickness and accuracy of his shot during the first day of development camp Monday. Even in a black non-contact jersey — he’s ‘He could have been first overall’: Injuries have slowed Jake Wise’s rise nearly 100 percent after the shoulder injury and expects to be fully ready but haven’t dulled his potential to play for BU in the fall — his shiftiness and powerful stride are evident. And the injuries haven’t diminished his high-end hockey IQ, or his dogged two-way determination.

By Mark Lazerus Missing most of last season might have hurt his stock a bit. But Wise believes it was a blessing in disguise. Jul 16, 2019 He reported to development camp last season at 195 pounds. He

reported this year at 185, but far stronger and sturdier. The hockey part is Jake Wise doesn’t remember playing against Denis Savard, but, boy, easy; it always comes back to him after a couple of games. It’s the other does Denis Savard ever remember coaching against Jake Wise. stuff that could get him back into that upper echelon within the organization. Asked whether the injuries set him back, Wise was defiant. “He was a stud, he was a king,” Savard said, his enthusiasm growing with every word. “You saw him and knew this is a first-rounder, for sure. “I think it actually helped my development,” he said. “Getting a lot of time This is a top-five kid. He could have been first overall. You could tell he in the gym that maybe I wouldn’t have had has been important. On the was special, no question.” ice, I really don’t think it hurt me at all. I feel great. My hands feel great, my shot feels great, and my skating is probably the best it’s ever been. That’s some seriously heady stuff, particularly coming from a Hall of It’s honestly helped, because I’ve just taken time to develop everything Famer, a former NHL coach, a guy who’s coached against some of the else outside of hockey, like nutrition, working out, stretching. It’s been best players in the world in youth tournaments across North America. important, and it’s been eye-opening, seeing everything you have to do off the ice that can really help on the ice.” But Wise had other concerns besides his draft ranking that year. Different priorities. Four separate times, Wise said “the past is in the past.” He doesn’t lament what might have been in the draft. In fact, he couldn’t have been “I was just enjoying myself, going to the beach, going on playdates with happier when he finally heard his name called, No. 69 of the 2018 draft my friends,” he said. (a surprising slide even after his star had faded a bit; The Athletic’s Corey Wait, did he just say “playdates”? Pronman had him rated the 22nd-best prospect in the draft).

Oh, right. Wise was 10 years old at the time. Wise wasn’t insulted, he was elated. As a native Floridian who never latched on to the Panthers, he gravitated toward the Blackhawks and “He was a star at 10 years old,” Savard insisted. “Jake Wise was the best Penguins, enamored of and engrossed by the dazzling play of the likes of player at the time, at that age. An absolute stud.” Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. His mom, Michele, is a Boston native, but she, too, always had been a That’s modern hockey. Kids are anointed potential NHL players by the Blackhawks fan. time they hit double-digits, their natural gifts evident as they skate circles around their clumsier counterparts. Check out the squirts and pee-wees Moments after the Blackhawks selected Wise, he said, Michele dashed running around West Edmonton Mall at the annual Brick Invitational — off to the team store inside Dallas’ American Airlines Center and bought where Savard has seen the likes of Jack Hughes, Alex Turcotte and Cole a Blackhawks hat. The number didn’t matter nearly as much as the Caufield come through — and there are always a few kids who are so destination. obviously better than everyone else there, so ridiculously talented, they become prospects before they become middle schoolers. “Really, I’ve always just dreamt of playing in the NHL; that’s always been the biggest goal of mine,” he said. “I mean, I knew I was a good player, Wise, a prolific center, was one of those kids. And he knew it. Sort of. and I had dreams and aspirations of going No. 1, like any other kid. But Asked just how good he was at that age, Wise blushed, smiled, chuckled, that didn’t happen. So it’s fine. The draft’s in the past, and if I’m being looked down at his feet, paused, and sheepishly muttered, “I was pretty 100 percent honest, the team that I most wanted to get picked by was the good.” Hawks. More than anyone. So it worked out perfect.”

But while the NHL was always his dream, it never felt remotely close to a There’s another guy in the organization who feels the same way. He had reality back then, not even when he was lighting up Savard’s Illinois- forgotten about that tournament seven years earlier, too. Until he heard based team in Quebec. that name called, and it all came flooding back.

“You’re just a kid,” Wise said. “Hockey was just something I loved doing, “When we drafted him last year,” Savard said, “I went, ‘Wow, I totally and always loved doing. And as you grow older, you realize you’re pretty forgot him.’ That’s the kid we played against when he was 10. He was a good at this, and maybe you have a chance. But I don’t think there was star. Great pick by us. Not sure what happened, and why he fell to us ever a moment when I was that young that it clicked in, ‘I will play in the there. But I’m telling you, it’s going to be a steal. An absolute steal.” NHL.’ I don’t know if your brain’s developed for that. As you grow older, you learn what confidence is and stuff like that. Back then, I was just enjoying myself.” The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 So what happened? How did future No. 1 pick Jake Wise become No. 69 pick Jake Wise? How did a surefire first-rounder become a third-tier prospect in the Blackhawks organization, overshadowed by high-profile players such as Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist, and even next-tier players such as Philip Kurashev and Niklas Nordgren?

Well, a lot can happen between the ages of 10 and 18. For one thing, Wise went from being one of the biggest and strongest 10-year-olds around to an undersized 18-year-old. Then came the injuries. A broken collarbone early in his draft year with the U.S. National Team Development Program caused him to drop down draft boards everywhere. A shoulder injury 12 games into his freshman season at Boston University — with a mere two assists to his credit — caused him to drop out of the conversation as one of the Blackhawks’ most intriguing prospects.

“It’s definitely frustrating, but it’s nothing I can control,” Wise said of the injuries. “I came back from the first one really well. I think it’s going to be the same with this one. I know my time will come.” 1107486 Colorado Avalanche His usage only dropped slightly though, as he was deployed one minute and five seconds less per game at even strength last season compared to 2017-18. Overall, his 16:11 average TOI wasn’t far behind his previous How Nazem Kadri could push Colorado over the edge year’s average of 16:46.

Despite Kadri’s reduced role, his underlying statistics actually improved last season. While leading Toronto’s third line, Kadri logged 0.086 BY LUKE MARSHALL expected goals for per 60 minutes, 0.035 expected goals against per 60 minutes, and 4.17 overall Corsi per 60 minutes. In 2017-18, his numbers JULY 16, 2019 were 0.031, 0.071, and 2.38, respectively (NaturalStatTrick). Thus, his low-production year may have been a result of his role change or simply being unlucky. The Avalanche Analytics Department is certainly banking finally got his guy. on that.

After sending Carl Soderberg to the Arizona Coyotes, there was a glaring Outside of his offensive production, the Avs are hoping Kadri takes hole in the Colorado Avalanche lineup at center behind Nathan pressure off Nathan MacKinnon’s top line. It’s no secret that Jared MacKinnon. Sakic filled that hole by trading Tyson Barrie and Alex Bednar relied heavily on the Landeskog/MacKinnon/Rantanen line last Kerfoot to the in exchange for Calle Rosén and season, and MacKinnon’s numbers suggest he might have been veteran center Nazem Kadri. overworked.

The reasons for Colorado’s interest in Kadri is clear. MacKinnon had the fourth highest average ice time out of all NHL centers last season and was the only forward to lead his team in TOI. He seemed “Well we were obviously looking for a second-line center,” Sakic up to the task last year, but more rest will reduce injury risk and keep the explained after the trade. “He’s got two 30-goal seasons under his belt, top line fresh for a deep playoff run. he plays with grit, and he’s signed for three more years.” Kadri also provides a physical and emotional presence that could come Kadri was drafted seventh overall in the 2009 NHL Draft and has played to change the demeanor of the Avalanche locker room for better or the entirety of his career with the Maple Leafs. Since breaking out with a worse. On the one hand, Colorado lacks regular agitators in its lineup 44-point season in 2012-13, he has topped 50 points three times and outside of Nikita Zadorov and occasionally Gabe Landeskog. Kadri could netted 32 goals in both 2016-17 and 2017-18. provide the Avs with the fire they need to extend their playoff run. But how much does Kadri really help the Avs improve at 2C? On the other hand, Kadri is notorious for mismanaging his emotions and Carl Soderberg is a two-way center who Jared Bednar counted on for his hanging his team out to dry in crucial situations. Through 19 career reliable play and defensive responsibility. While Kadri has transitioned playoff games, Kadri averaged almost three penalty minutes per game. toward a 200-foot game, he still hasn’t quite matched the defensive And if his past two playoff appearances are any indication, he hasn’t prowess of Soderberg. Using him as a shutdown center on the second gotten a grip on his emotions just yet. line is slightly more risky, as he tends to allow high-danger chances in Two years in a row, Kadri was forced to watch from the press box as his the slot of his own team’s zone. team lost to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 following his suspensions for However, considering Soderberg logged 49 points last season while illegal hits to the head. His reckless decision-making cost his team a key bouncing between Colorado’s second and third lines, it’s likely that Kadri center (and possibly the series) in both situations. will put up better numbers as the undisputed second-line center. When asked how the team plans to manage Kadri’s outbursts, Sakic Additionally, Kadri’s advanced metrics over the past three years show joked: “Don’t play Boston.” that he can generate greater offense and maintain a higher rate of possession than Soderberg during five on five play. If his potential Regardless of the risks associated with Nazem Kadri, he provides the translates into productive point-getting, his offensive upside will Avs with a long-term, low-cost option at center. His contract, effective overshadow the defensive regression. through the 2021-22 season, is currently the fourth longest on the team behind those of Nathan MacKinnon, Erik Johnson, and Joonas Donskoi, Sakic and crew are hopeful Kadri will provide stable scoring on the who are each signed for four more years. second line while jumpstarting the production of young forwards like Tyson Jost and Andre Burakovsky. His offensive skills and playmaking At a cap hit of only $4.5 million per year, Kadri’s contract allows the Avs ability are encouraging enough to believe that Kadri can pull it off. Last to have one of the best value one-two center combos in the league season, his linemates showed improved statistics in almost every area (Figure 4). Between the contracts of MacKinnon and Kadri, the Avs are while Kadri was on the ice, especially 39-year-old Patrick Marleau (Table only paying their top two centers a combined $10.8 million per year. To 1). put that in perspective, the Leafs are paying their top two centers a combined $22.6 million per year. While Jost and Burakovsky have shown a lot of encouraging play, neither of them has turned their offensive talent into consistent production. If Kadri were to repeat his production from last season, he would already Luckily, Kadri is one of the best in the league at driving shots to the net, account for 9.36% of total team points at only 5.5% of total team cap. be it from his own stick or from those of his linemates (Figure 1). Kadri’s Assuming his numbers increase in a more prominent role within experience and offensive creativity at center should allow the youngsters Colorado’s forward group, his contract will only become more valuable. to find their footing next season. And if he can produce near his career high in points, he’ll be one of the best value centers in hockey. Player Kasperi Kapanen Patrick Marleau Even if Kadri only produces in his career average 45 to 50 point range GF% With 55 51.22 during his next couple seasons with the Avs, he’ll provide a solid bridge GF% Without Kadri 55.41 47.17 at center before the arrival of Alex Newhook likely at the beginning of the 2021 season. xGF% With 54.64 51.34 Kadri filled Colorado’s biggest offseason need on the second line: depth xGF% Without Kadri 51.52 44.62 scoring. Although his defensive game is a step back from Soderberg’s, his offensive upside outweighs the risk. After adding him and other free High Danger Scoring Chance% With 54.76 55.51 agents including Donskoi, Burakovsky, and Bellemare, the Avs now sport High Danger Scoring Chance% Without Kadri 53.54 46.28 one of the deepest forward corps in the Central Division, maybe even in the NHL. But Kadri’s production dipped last season after he potted only 16 goals and 44 total points in 73 games, resulting in his least productive season The pieces are all there for Kadri to succeed next season. Now let’s see in the last four years. After the addition of John Tavares last summer, if he can step up to the challenge. Kadri’s role was reduced to third line center where he mostly played alongside Patrick Marleau and Kasperi Kapanen. BSN DENVER LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107487 Columbus Blue Jackets

Forward Ryan MacInnis signs qualifying offer with Columbus Blue Jackets

Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch @BrianHedger

Jul 16, 2019 at 5:52 PM

And then there was one.

Ryan MacInnis, a 23-year old center, agreed to a one-year qualifying offer Tuesday with the Blue Jackets that leaves them with just one restricted free agent left to sign.

It’s a big one, too: top-pair defenseman Zach Werenski.

Werenski isn’t the only restricted free agent who hasn’t accepted his qualifying offer, but the other one is Lukas Sedlak, who signed with Traktor of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League on May 31 and was only tendered the qualifying offer for the Blue Jackets to retain his NHL signing rights.

Werenski, whose entry-level contract expired July 1, is due a large raise, whether it’s a long- or short-term extension. Neither side has addressed the unresolved contract publicly and it’s unclear how negotiations are going.

Werenski’s closest statistical comparisons after three NHL seasons are superstar defensemen Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings) and Erik Karlsson (San Jose Sharks), whose contracts had salary-cap charges of $7 million (Doughty) and $6.5 million (Karlsson) per season.

MacInnis, 23, agreed a two-way deal that will pay him $874,125 in the NHL and $70,000 in the American Hockey League. He was acquired July 18, 2018, in a trade that sent former Blue Jackets defenseman prospect Jacob Graves and a conditional 2019 sixth-round pick to the Arizona Coyotes.

MacInnis, the son of hall-of-fame defenseman Al MacInnis, has 18 goals, 37 assists and 55 points in 200 AHL games, including four goals, 20 assists and 24 points last season for the .

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107488 Columbus Blue Jackets “Nicky’s been through it, right?” Zito said. “The one thing he said to me that really hit home was that this money and these races … they’re making a difference.

Cancer strikes Bill Zito’s family: He’s fighting back with the ride of his life “We can’t say this for sure, but if his mom was diagnosed today with the cancer she had, they would have treated it differently, and they may have saved her. Think about that.” By Aaron Portzline The decision Zito made was described by a few in his circle of friends as Jul 16, 2019 “classic Billy Zito.”

Not only was he going to ride in the Pelotonia, he was going to choose one of the grueling 100-mile courses that starts in Columbus, heads COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bill Zito walked down the basement steps of his through the suburbs, winds through farm country and ends on the Dublin home earlier this month to check on his twin daughters. Frankie Kenyon College campus in Gambier. and Gigi are 8 years old, an age when prolonged quiet can be almost as worrisome as screaming and crying. “I thought he’d do the 25- or 50-mile ride,” Julie Zito said. “But, of course, he went for the big one.” “What are those two up to?” the Blue Jackets vice president of hockey operations said to himself as he reached the final step and made the Not only was Zito going to raise the requisite $2,000, but he also was turn. going to raise more money than has been raised before by an individual in the Pelotonia. Before him was a scene he’ll never forget, one that crystalized through the eyes of his children the all-hands-on-deck fight that once again faces “I started hearing from people in my office … who is this guy?” said Doug the Zito family. Ulman, CEO of Pelotonia. “Bill was asking them about the record for fundraising for an individual. Julie Zito, Bill’s wife and the twins’ mom, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May and is facing 20 weeks of chemotherapy, a double “We have attracted over the years a lot of Type A personalities. These mastectomy in November and a series of radiation treatments in an effort are people who are not doing it just for fun. It is fun, but they’re doing it to eradicate the cancer. for a purpose.”

The Zitos told Frankie and Gigi about Julie’s cancer and gave them a full A Huntington Bank executive once raised $125,000. Zito’s goal has been picture of what was going to happen to their mother in the coming set at $130,000. months, which explains what Zito happened upon in the basement. “I’ve never asked anybody for a donation that I can remember,” Zito said. Frankie and Gigi were cutting the hair off every Barbie they owned, “But if I’m going to do this, there’s no chance I could just do it a little bit. pushing the strands of nylon hair into one pile and tossing the suddenly Let’s do this thing, and let’s do it right.” bald Barbies into another. On the day he decided to do it, Zito sat and typed a heartfelt email about “We’re making a wig for Mommy,” the girls said. how cancer has struck his family again, his plans to ride in the Pelotonia and his request that his friends might support his ride. Zito said his knees buckled. Zito played three seasons at Yale in the mid-1980s. He was a graduate “It was … how do I say this?” he said. “It was sad, and it was beautiful, all assistant at Wisconsin. He ran ACME World Sports as an agent for more at once. than two decades before joining the Blue Jackets’ front office in 2013. Almost everybody has been touched by cancer in some way, but the He’s served as general manager for USA Hockey in multiple international disease has hammered the Zitos. tournaments, and he has been a finalist with at least four NHL clubs to become a general manager. In other words, Zito has quite the Rolodex. Maggy Schultz, Bill’s sister, died this past January after battling Hodgkins’ disease, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and having a heart He needed help with the other goal, too: getting ready for the ride of his and lung transplant in the span of just a few years. She was only 52 life, with only a matter of weeks to prepare. This year’s Pelotonia is Aug years old. 3.

Zito never met his maternal grandfather, Frank McCormack, because he Blue Jackets director of high performance Nelson Ayotte helped design a died of stomach cancer when his mother, Priscilla, was just 4 years old. training and nutrition program so that Zito could prepare for a 100-mile Priscilla Zito herself has survived one bout with pancreatic cancer, but ride. the disease has returned. “I want to do this,” Zito said. “I want to finish. I don’t care how much it “It’s been heavy,” Zito said. “It’s been hard, for all of us.” hurts. I want to accomplish something because I feel so helpless.”

Zito said the sad sweetness he witnessed with his daughters in the Jamie Spencer read Zito’s email immediately. Now a marketing director basement made him realize how helpless he felt. But it also got him with the Minnesota Wild, Spencer played at Wisconsin while Zito was a thinking. graduate assistant and was a client of his a few years later. (Spencer, by the way, spent the 1995-96 season with the ECHL’s Columbus Chill.) He’s planning to scale back on the crazy hours NHL front-office workers keep so he can be home more often with the kids, especially this fall “I had no idea the impact cancer has had on Bill’s life,” Spencer said. when Julie Zito has surgery. “But it was a pretty powerful email, and I immediately forwarded it to (Wild assistant general manager) Tom Kurvers.” But he wanted something more, something that felt bigger than him and something that would make an impact. Kurvers was diagnosed this past winter with lung cancer, and he was blown away by the support network that formed around him from the When Bill and Julie Zito walked out of her third chemotherapy treatment hockey community and beyond. at Ohio State’s James Cancer Hospital in mid-June, they passed a large sign in the hallway that Bill said he’d never noticed. Now it was his turn to provide support. He phoned Zito immediately.

“I’d like to do that,” he said. “I didn’t have any advice to give Bill, I think it was just me reaching out to put a hand on his shoulder,” Kurvers said. “And for me, it was a chance It was an advertisement for the annual Pelotonia bike ride, a charity to help somebody, after all these months of people reaching out to me.” founded in 2008 that has raised more than $190 million toward cancer research at The James, according to the race. Kurvers didn’t initially want to speak publicly about his cancer. Zito had apprehension about it, too, but Spencer convinced both of them of the A seed was planted. A few days later, a conversation with Blue Jackets benefits of stepping forward. captain Nick Foligno, whose mother, Janis, died of breast cancer in 2009, gave the seed life. “These guys struggle with making a public spectacle of it,” Spencer said. “But the important thing is, they have a voice that can really help others. They have connections that can really help. “And this is what I love about the hockey community. It doesn’t matter over. It’s incredibly reassuring to my faith in humanity. It’s humbling, how many years go by, how often you talk … you don’t even blink when really.” somebody needs help.” Julie Zito is doing well these days, other than the reactions to Kurvers made a donation and called Zito shortly thereafter. He also chemotherapy that make some days harder than others. decided he’d run a charity 10K in Minneapolis on Aug. 10 that benefits the Breath of Hope Lung Foundation. “She’s kicking ass,” Zito said. “She’s doing great; so well. She’s such an inspiration. So brave. So strong. I mean, she goes to chemo like I would So began a trend. go to a dentist appointment. It’s really something to see.”

Current and former NHL players. NHL coaches and fellow executives. The next 2 1/2 weeks will be momentous for the Zitos. Former clients. Contacts from within the game of hockey that Zito hadn’t spoken to for years. Every morning, Bill will awaken, check his email and watch his progression toward the goal. Julie will continue with her chemo One by one, the donations started to pour in, small and large, most of treatments, and the twins will keep finding ways to help and inspire. them anonymous to the public. As of Monday, Zito had raised nearly $51,000 in less than a month. Zito is hoping to whip up a social media campaign to boost his sponsorship total, and he’ll keep grinding away to prepare for the biggest “It makes my day every day, because I wake up and I get an email race of his life. update with the latest donations, and it’s just beyond your imagination the people who show,” Zito said. “It’s our friends from Chicago. Our friends “Billy’s a very determined guy,” Spencer said. “He may be limping to the from . Our friends here in Columbus have been incredible. It’s finish line, but he knows he’s going to finish. And I know he is, too.” a friend you haven’t heard from since second grade.” If you’d like to donate to Bill Zito’s ride, access his Pelotonia page.

And it’s not just the money, Zito said.

Four friends from Milwaukee and another from Chicago are traveling to The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 Columbus to ride in the race with him. A company near Tampa, Fla., that sells specialty bike seats — IMS Saddles — was so inspired by Zito’s stories that it made a donation and sent him two seats.

There’s the cancer patient Bill met at one of Julie’s treatments, David Bowers, who has made a donation, brightened their visits and tried — so far in vain — to swing Zito’s Big Ten allegiances from Wisconsin to Ohio State.

Last Thursday, Gigi’s second-grade teacher took her to lunch. That story alone brought Julie Zito to tears.

“I can’t say enough about our neighbors and this community,” Julie Zito said.

“Billy and I, we go into this from the perspective of ‘What do we need to do? How do we fix it?’ And a couple of weeks after (diagnosis), we’re thinking how can we help others? I’m doing well right now, so how can we help others.”

Zito has lost considerable weight in the last couple of years, but he was still a long way from being ready for a 100-mile bike ride when he started training. He bought a bike, bought the gear he would need, and immersed himself in the world of two-wheelers.

He’s no stranger to athletic endeavors, though. Zito once ran the New York City Marathon with his father.

“A 100-mile ride for a cyclist is about the same as a marathon,” said Ulman, who has done each numerous times. “But this is what we can say about most of the people in Pelotonia: They started riding because of the cause, and they want the physical challenge.”

Zito started with a 20-mile ride, then started pushing the increments up 5 miles or so at a time. He’s riding several days a week, gradually working hills into his training.

Soon, he’ll start to taper his output so that his body is recharged and ready for the big day.

“My butt hurts every day,” Zito said, with a laugh. “I get home from a ride and my family just starts cracking on me, ’cause I’m hurting. They make fun of me. I think they know I’m overmatched.

“The thinking is, if I can get to 50 miles on a ride (in training), I’ll be able to get to 100 miles on race day. I haven’t cheated. I’ve done a little extra on some days, but Nelson (Ayotte) said not to do too much extra, because the plan is the plan.”

Zito said he’s done his best to avoid getting frustrated or angry, that he hasn’t used that as motivation when his lungs are in hyperdrive and his legs are aching.

“Maybe I’m fooling myself in saying that I’m not angry or frustrated,” he said. “But I really just want to help.

“I’ve asked myself many times, ‘Why am I doing this?’ And others have asked me that, too. Tommy (Kurvers) gave me the answer, and it’s simple. I’m doing this because I have to. People are reaching out from all 1107489 Detroit Red Wings “Just (from) the confidence I had last season, the way I finished up the year I had and the confidence in myself as a player and what I can do,” Smith said.

Wings' Givani Smith taking lessons learned from pro hockey into next “I know what (open spots) are around and I know what the team is season looking for and I’ll go to camp ready to go.”

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.17.2019 Published 3:59 p.m. ET July 16, 2019

Detroit — The step from junior to pro hockey is not easy — and Givani Smith found that out almost as quickly as began last season in Grand Rapids.

Smith made his professional debut last October with the Griffins, the Red Wings’ minor-league affiliate, and the season turned out to be one long class on pro hockey.

Smith, 21, had plenty to learn. More than he expected.

And though Smith didn't pass with flying colors, he certainly didn't fail. It was a passing grade, so to speak, with the expectation Smith will keep adjusting and thriving to the professional game.

“Just learning many small things,” Smith said, of what he learned in particular in the American League.

“Like sleeping habits, and small techniques you have to learn. Practice. You have to focus on many things that translate into the pro game.

“Coming from junior, it’s different playing against men, guys who’ve been there 10-plus, or 5-plus years. It’s a transition — and that’s what I did (transition).”

Smith, the Wings’ 2016 second-round draft pick, continues to be an intriguing prospect. He's a 6-foot-2, 220-pound power forward, bringing an element of size and physical presence that is in short supply in the organization.

In 64 games, Smith had 13 points (six goals, seven assists) with Grand Rapids, with a plus-2 rating and 86 penalty minutes. Smith added two assists in four playoff games, with a plus-1 rating, another sign he began to grasp his lessons as the season progressed.

“It was a pretty long season for me, first year in pro,” Smith said. “Kind of a slow start but it ended pretty strong in the playoffs.

“I knew my process and what I had to do. I knew I’d have to go down to the AHL and prove myself a little bit. So, coming back my second year, I’m pretty confident on what is going to happen now.”

From the time the Wings drafted Smith, they were enthused about Smith’s willingness to play a tough, abrasive game.

It’s a style of play Smith enjoys.

“I like to get into the dirty areas,” Smith said, of around the crease area and in the corners, specifically, and winning one-on-one battles. “That’s just the way I like to play, with the rough (stuff) and getting into dirty areas.”

Smith talked with new general manager this summer, and received a vote of confidence.

“He likes that (the grinding style), I’m happy about that,” Smith said. “We had a couple of conversations at the end, at the exit meetings. I had a chance to talk to Steve and things sounded pretty good with them. They mentioned my style of play, and he watched me when he (Yzerman) was in Tampa and he liked the things I can do out there.”

While the Wings are firmly in a rebuild, and positions on the roster seemingly are available to be taken, it’s still not going to be easy for a prospect like Smith to earn a spot in the near future.

Not to mention, Smith is continuing to learn the hard life of pro hockey, with consistency being a major hurdle he has to overcome, along with becoming a stronger skater and eliminating needless penalties.

Still, Smith is headed to training camp intent on being on the NHL opening night roster. 1107490 Detroit Red Wings Except in Detroit. The owners of the Red Wings had quietly worked on getting a replacement arena for Joe Louis and by 2012 those efforts bore fruit when the state approved a bond deal on the city’s downtown As the Joe and the Palace are demolished, public cash for billionaires development agency to finance a new building. Municipal bankruptcy, and sports venues has far from dried up which likely would have killed a publicly financed arena deal in any other city, didn’t slow Detroit’s new facility. The financing happened outside the traditional city government by using an economic development property tax already on the books for downtown landowners. The team owners Bill Shea would pick up less than half the construction cost, which fell outside of Jul 16, 2019 the overall national financing trend.

“It looks extremely distasteful in most cities outside of Detroit to hand over billions of dollars to billionaire owners and millionaire players while Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena and the Palace of Auburn Hills in the remote laying off public workers,” said Matheson, the sports economist. suburbs opened less than a decade apart. The Detroit deal, which promised billions in trickle-down economic They will be razed almost simultaneously this year to make way for new benefits, had its critics but opposition failed to slow the project. Part of development. the reason it sailed through the political approval process is that the Red Wings had two decades of on-ice success that built off a deep reservoir The arenas were replaced as the respective homes of the Detroit Red of goodwill. Part of it was that the math was hard for anyone to Wings and Detroit Pistons in 2017 by Little Caesars Arena, which also is understand. The complex financing package is $398 million in tax- now Motown’s prime concert venue. exempt bonds and cash rebates for what’s now a $937 million arena All three sports and entertainment facilities represent the ongoing tension complex. That total includes a $74 million cash rebate to be paid out over between public and private financing for stadiums and arenas, a debate time to the Red Wings owners for meeting a promise to spend at least that often pits the best interests of the tax-paying public against the profit- $200 million in ancillary development around the arena. making desires of billionaire team owners. Little Caesars Arena’s predecessors had very different financial births. It’s a debate usually brimming with promises that a city’s tax dollars spent City-owned Joe Louis Arena and its enormous adjacent parking garage on stadium construction will bring new jobs, fresh waves of if-you-build-it- opened in 1979 at a cost of $58 million that was entirely funded by the they-will-come economic development and create new tax revenue – city to replace ancient and smelly Olympia Stadium. Joe Louis was built – promises gilded by elaborate colorful renderings of a bustling to the chagrin of many – as a windowless, bunker-like concrete box entertainment district surrounding the new sports cathedrals. And all of it alongside the Detroit River. Mayor Coleman Young ordered the arena’s is countered by decades of academic study that show the boasts are construction using tax-exempt municipal bonds to ensure the Red Wings often fanciful hogwash and the chief benefit is enriched owners – their wouldn’t follow the Detroit Lions to a suburban facility proposed near the teams are worth more with new revenue-generating modern buildings – Pontiac Silverdome. along with some civic pride. The building was named for the iconic heavyweight boxer who lived Dry academic papers proving that stadium subsidies are bad public many years in Detroit, and it was home to Red Wings championships, policy are unsexy and sometimes do little to sway opinion or funding concerts and events, and the infamous 1997 bloody on-ice brawl that votes. saw Detroit’s Darren McCarty pummel Colorado’s Claude Lemieux. The It was the Great Recession of 2008-09 that was a demarcation line for Detroit Drive, an early Arena Football League powerhouse with a big fan how sports buildings are financed, economists say, and accelerated the base, won two of its four championships inside the building. ongoing current trend of team owners fronting more of the construction Today, demolition crews are razing the building – here’s the ironic part – costs while taxpayer subsidies have shifted away from direct cash as part of the city’s bankruptcy exit plan dating from 2014. One of transfers to more subtle forms of aid like tax breaks, cheaper costs via Detroit’s creditors, New York City-based Financial Guaranty Insurance tax-exempt municipal bonds, development rights, land sales and paying Corp., took over the site as part of the bankruptcy proceedings and for supporting infrastructure. intends to redevelop the riverfront land for residential or commercial use. “Starting with the new wave of stadiums, with Camden Yards (in 1992) About 30 miles north, the Palace of Auburn Hills opened in 1988 deep in through 2008, there was a huge number of stadiums built and about two- suburban Oakland County. The building was entirely privately financed thirds of financing came from taxpayer money, and the rest from private,” by Pistons owner and industrial glass billionaire William Davidson and a said Victor Matheson, a sports economist and professor at the College of few partners. He would later spend another $90 million in upgrading the the Holy Cross. “Since the Great Recession, those numbers are building, which remained fresh even when Davidson’s successor as reversed. We’ve seen a huge increase in privately financed facilities and Pistons owner, private equity billionaire Tom Gores, opted to relocate the the amount that private individuals have been expected to contribute.” Pistons to the new downtown venue two years ago. What happened? The building, ahead of its time with upper and mid-level suites ringing the Modern stadiums and arenas, packed with revenue-boosting premium seating bowl, would see millions of fans attend concerts and games – seating and festooned with lucrative corporate names on every nook and and was the site of the infamous “Malice at the Palace” brawl among cranny, certainly lived up to the promise of further enriching team Indiana Pacers players and Pistons fans in 2004. owners. But the economic studies that proved tax dollars spent to build Speculation about the Palace’s fate began in earnest almost as soon as stadiums and arenas hadn’t delivered the promised hothouse economic Gores announced in November 2016 that he was moving the Pistons development eventually swayed some minds, economists say. downtown to be part of the city’s rebirth narrative. And then the bottom fell out of the national economy in 2008. The land in Auburn Hills, long known as a low-tax haven but miles from Cities struggled to pay for basic services and to meet debt obligations. major population centers, has long been viewed as desirable for Pensions were slashed. The corporate sector shed jobs and major commercial redevelopment because of major highway access. On June employers such as General Motors and Chrysler pleaded for government 24, the Palace’s fate was formalized when a press release hit the digital bailouts. Local tax bases withered as housing values atrophied. Stories wires stating that Gores had formed a joint venture company with of defaults, foreclosures and bankruptcies were commonplace. Livonia, Mich.-based developers Schostak Brothers & Co. with plans to raze the building and turn the 110-acre site into a home for corporate Those boring, complicated studies made a whole lot more sense. They offices, research and development and technology companies. became more powerful tools to influence the debate over stadium funding. No costs or specific plans were disclosed, but for sports fans and anyone with memories of the innumerable concerts at the Palace, it signified the It was no longer as politically viable to write stadium construction checks end of an era, one that had lasted 29 years. Seats, memorabilia, to wealthy team owners who could otherwise afford to build the venue equipment and fixtures are being auctioned to the public. without taxpayer help. The money simply wasn’t there for a lot of municipalities. For a time, the Palace was one of just a few sports and entertainment venues – in the case of arenas, concerts and events can be more lucrative than games – to be built entirely with private money. Team Some teams do move, but in some markets no threat is needed to owners understood that they could ask for public money and they often extract money. The Red Wings never suggested they’d leave Detroit but got it, even as the evidence mounted of the dubious public return on still got nearly $400 million despite being at Ground Zero of the investment. recession.

There were a few other notable stadium financing outliers with little or no The threat can still work. It did in Cincinnati. In Milwaukee, the NBA- tax dollars involved in the past 20 years. New England Patriots owner backed threat of the Bucks relocating to Seattle or Las Vegas unless they Robert Kraft privately financed the $350 million cost of Gillette Stadium were gifted some of the financing cost of a new arena led to $297 million that opened in 2002. About $70 million was reportedly spent on of the venue’s eventual $525 million cost being backed by the public, supporting infrastructure such as access roads and sewer lines. according to the Milwaukee Business Journal. The project includes a phased 30-acre entertainment district project around Fiserv Forum. In 2015, criticism of stadium aid – often labeled “welfare for billionaires” – got mainstream national attention when late-night TV host John Oliver “Why do team owners keep getting it? Thirty or 40 years ago, it was spent 20 minutes of a broadcast blasting the practice and calling tax- unsophisticated voters and politicians making mistakes,” Matheson said. exempt bonds a “misuse” of public money. “I don’t think that’s a very good answer now. There’s no excuse at this point for a government official to not know the score when it comes to “We don’t just help teams build stadiums. We let them keep virtually all arenas. But they can still get snowed by fancy full-color PowerPoint the revenue the stadiums then produce,” he said in the broadcast. presentations done by devious economic impact experts. These Then in 2016, the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution politicians are human, as well. examined the chief indirect form of sports facility subsidization, which is “They can easily fall into the trap of desperation and ego. ‘My city is dying the use of tax-exempt municipal bonds to finance stadium and arena and I gotta do something.’ I think that’s a little bit of the Detroit issue.” construction. The venerable think tank estimated in a widely quoted report that $3.2 billion worth of federally tax-exempt municipal bonds had Ironically, large markets that can better afford to subsidize private been issued or authorized for 36 of 45 U.S. major league stadium projects rarely do so anymore for stadiums and arenas. It’s the struggling construction or major renovation projects in 2000-14. smaller and mid-market cities that must pay up, economists say. Leagues must be in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. They don’t need to The lost federal tax revenue was estimated at $3.7 billion from those be in smaller markets. projects (using 2014 dollars), according to the report. That got attention on Capitol Hill and sparked the 2017 introduction of a bipartisan IRS “Little cities, like Sacramento and Nashville, will have to come up with reform bill called the “Eliminating Federal Tax Subsidies for Stadiums money to attract teams to second-tier places,” Matheson said. Act” from U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and James Lankford (R- Okla.) that would forbid use of tax-exempt bonds to finance sports Whatever the market size, creating entertainment, residential and venues. They reintroduced the bill again this year. business districts around sports venues has replaced the old scheme of merely constructing a concrete box surrounded by an ocean of parking “There’s no reason professional sports teams that generate billions of lots in the suburbs. If sports building subsidies are bad policy, the district dollars in revenue should benefit from tax-exempt federal financing,” projects make them somewhat less onerous, Matheson said, because it Booker said in a statement in April. “This bill would put an end to this ends the casino-like practice of keeping fans inside the building. wasteful practice and stop diverting dollars away from other critical local infrastructure projects.” “(Team owners) don’t want a cool sports bar across the street. They want you drinking their $11.45 beer inside the stadium,” he said. “Making sure The Brookings study showed that the average new construction cost of development outside the arena actually occurs is good for the those 36 projects was $618 million. neighborhood. At least from an economic standpoint that makes a little more sense.” Today, there are several major sports venue projects underway that are entirely financed by their owners, albeit with quieter public help like It’s easy to view some of these districts as cities-within-a-city infrastructure. redevelopments than as stadium projects.

“The amount of hidden costs beyond the headline number has been “ in Brooklyn, that looks a lot more like a real estate going up for many years as a percentage of the actual cost. That trend is development with an arena tacked on. That’s the way most of these new continuing. It’s not necessarily less public money; it’s spent in other stadiums are going,” Matheson said. ways,” said New York-based journalist Neil deMause, the co-author of the book “Field of Schemes,” who runs a website focused on public Stanford University sports economic professor Roger Noll agrees. funding for sports venues. “A lot of the stadiums and arenas have been like that, where it’s hard to Some projects are still sucking up direct public money in staggering see where the sporting facility ends and the surrounding development amounts. Perhaps the most egregious is in Cincinnati, where the NFL begins,” he said. stadium has cost county taxpayers nearly $1 billion since 2000. Recently, What has made the district projects possible is the wealth of the owners. details including costs of a revised lease and new deal for public Almost none are rich because of their sports teams. They built their purchase of land for a new Bengals practice facility have been kept fortunes via real estate, finance, oil, private equity and venture capital. secret, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. They can afford to leverage their assets to build much more than a The Bengals’ original deal with Hamilton County has been deemed by stadium in a bid to make even more money. critics as one of the worst in sports, and at one point the county sold a “Team ownership is no longer a millionaire’s game. It’s a billionaire’s public hospital to meet stadium debt obligations. Public workers were cut, game. Owners a generation ago didn’t have the interest or cash to build too. real estate atop their team,” Matheson said. “The owners today are The Cincinnati boondoggle isn’t entirely the fault of politicians. Voters, not sophisticated enough and deep-pocketed enough to know there’s a huge educated on the complex minutiae of deeply arcane stadium finance, in amount of money outside the walls of their arena.” 1996 had approved a local sales tax increase to foot the combined $623 That said, there isn’t much data yet on the true economic effects of million construction bond cost of Paul Brown Stadium for the Bengals stadiums and arenas built as the anchor of the large mixed-use and the Great American Ball Park for the Reds. developments, which are a relatively new real estate trend. Downtown Sometimes team owners threaten to relocate their franchises unless they urban redevelopment projects take 10 years or more to mature, Noll said, get public money for a stadium or arena. The Bengals did that. In the so it’ll take some time to get a data-driven sense of how much benefit back of some politicians’ and fans’ minds is the specter of the Cleveland they bring to places like Detroit, which was promised a still-undelivered Browns abandoning their old and gnarly but packed stadium after the 50 blocks of redevelopment. 1995 season for new life as the Ravens in Baltimore, a city that had Noll said the stadiums and arenas themselves aren’t the economic driver, witnessed its Colts leave town in the dead of night in 1984 after bungled especially for new jobs indexed against the subsidy cost. The housing, stadium talks. The Rams, who left Cleveland in 1945 for Los Angeles, retail, bars, restaurants and offices are what spur economic activity and relocated to St. Louis for a stadium deal before returning to California in new tax revenue, he said. 2016 for, you guessed it, a stadium deal. “The results are still the same. The idea that the stadium component Other recent NFL stadiums are a mix of funding sources. MetLife generates any significant economic growth in the areas … these are Stadium, shared by the Giants and Jets for the New York market, opened really expensive from the perception of cost per job created,” Noll said. in 2010 at a privately funded cost of $1.6 billion on land owned by the “Adding a stadium isn’t beneficial from an economic standpoint. It doesn’t state of New Jersey. Atlanta’s $1.5 billion stadium for Home Depot co- cause return on investment to go up.” founder Arthur Blank’s Falcons includes a reported $200 million in direct public money when it opened in 2017. In some cities, however, the sports projects were the trigger because no one else was investing: “The caveat to put on it, in many cities – like The San Francisco 49ers were able to pay $1.3 billion to open Levi’s Baltimore and Cleveland – an extensive downtown urban renovation was Stadium in Santa Clara in 2014 by borrowing up to $950 million in unlikely without a stadium,” Noll said. construction loans from the public Santa Clara Stadium Authority that was created specifically for the project, according to the San Francisco In some markets, teams don’t seek public cash because there are Business Journal. The team, which is charged $24.5 million in yearly lucrative untapped sources of corporate and fan money. The headache lease payments, repays the construction loans via stadium revenue, and of asking for taxpayer subsidies isn’t worth it. the authority reportedly got a $154 million cut of a $220 million naming For example, the Golden State Warriors are leaving 53-year-old Oracle rights deal with blue jeans giant Levi’s. Arena in Oakland next season for an opulent $1 billion palace across the In baseball, the Texas Rangers are financing the $1.2 billion cost of new bay in San Francisco that’s being entirely privately financed by team Globe Life Field that will open in 2020 with the city of Arlington issuing ownership. The team intends to cover the cost with ticket price increases $500 million in tax-exempt bonds for construction. The payback model is – readily possible thanks to being in a wealthy city and winning three of like Detroit’s public funding for Comerica Park in the form of taxes on the last five NBA championships – and with lucrative corporate deals for hotels and car rentals – the theory being that the cost is shifted to visitors suites and naming rights to Chase Center. The team reportedly already instead of local residents and businesses. has $2 billion in revenue on the books. Matheson, the Holy Cross sports economist, doesn’t buy into that theory, The arena complex, on 10 acres in the city’s Mission Bay neighborhood, at least not as good public policy. will include hundreds of thousands of square feet in retail, entertainment and commercial office space, making the Warriors landlords in a high- “You could have used that money to pay for schools, firefighters, police demand market. Uber is relocating its corporate offices into the team’s officers and road repairs,” he said. “All taxes are fungible.” new multi-use complex. The Rangers also will pay back the bonds using stadium ticket and “You have a place like San Francisco where you did have a vacuum parking surcharges approved by voters. where there was no modern arena. There was money to be made there, with arena naming rights, suites. It’s awash with money,” deMause said. In Oakland, the Athletics have announced their intention to build a new ballpark at the waterfront Howard Terminal near Jack London Square for Team owners, despite their wealth and power, still must work at getting the 2023 season and have pledged to finance it themselves. Like most their palaces built in some cases, and sometimes it’s a slog and new stadium projects, it calls for a sprawling mixed-use entertainment occasionally a failure. and business district around it.

Detroit native and billionaire Steve Ballmer, the charismatic ex-Microsoft It’s not yet clear if Oakland will seek indirect public financial help. The CEO who paid $2 billion for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014, has spent A’s, in a financial analysis they commissioned from the Bay Area Council the past two years working through obstacles to get approval to build a Economic Institute, estimated the cost of a new stadium at $650 million, new basketball-only arena complex by 2024 in Inglewood in suburban with $487.5 million of that for actual construction and the remainder Los Angeles. He’s said it would be privately financed, but no formal earmarked for soft costs such as design and engineering. construction funding plan or cost estimate has been established. Ballmer’s team has been second fiddle to the far more popular Lakers at In Seattle, an investment group is paying $700 million to renovate the old the Staples Center they’ve shared since it opened in 1999. The NHL’s Key Arena for an NHL expansion team. The public funding comes in the Kings also play home games at the Staples Center, which was financed form of the city covering sales and ticket taxes for a decade while privately at a cost of $375 million. splitting revenue from the building, the Seattle Times reported. Federal tax breaks also are being sought. The nearby Forum in Inglewood, the ex-home of the Lakers built for $16 million in 1967 by the late Jack Kent Cooke, is now owned by the While there are a handful of facilities being built for teams in the four Co., which has attempted to halt Ballmer’s legacy major U.S. sports leagues, the most recent wave of stadium competing arena project with lawsuits. construction has been for Major League Soccer. Four MLS stadiums have opened since 2017 and five more are under construction, all with Inglewood is Planet Earth’s hot spot for massive multi-use stadium varying levels of public and private money. projects. The Los Angeles Rams are building a stadium (for themselves and tenant L.A. Chargers) there on the site of the old Hollywood Park “Soccer is definitely the center of the stadium boom right now because Racetrack as part of a $5 billion project that anchors nearly 300 acres of the league is ready to hand out expansion teams like candy in return for year-round entertainment, business, hotels and residential, along with the a stadium,” deMause said. usual bars and restaurants. It’s a project much larger in size than MLS is in the process of expanding to 28 teams, and possibly to 30 in Disneyland. coming years, and has awarded expansion teams to Nashville, Cincinnati No direct public subsidies are part of the stadium district. Rams owner and Austin, with St. Louis and Sacramento and possibly Charlotte and Stan Kroenke is said to be investing $1.6 billion of personal equity into Las Vegas on the list to be next. the stadium project, The Washington Post reported, and his primary Detroit is an example of how the stadium boom has overtaken some development partner and financier is San Francisco-based Stockbridge billionaires. The city’s private bid for an expansion MLS team in 2016 Capital Group. The Chargers are pitching in $200 million via an NFL- offered a $1 billion plan for an open-air, soccer-specific stadium as part funded stadium loan. of a mixed-use downtown development. League officials loved it, but in How is the debt paid back? The teams are charging up to $15,000 for 2017 the billionaire backers – Gores and Cleveland Cavaliers owner and personal seat licenses atop the traditional ticket prices, and expect to Detroit businessman Dan Gilbert – scotched their stadium plan in favor of raise millions more from naming rights and rents from properties outside more cheaply retrofitting Ford Field for soccer. They never publicly said if the stadium The NFL Network and NFL Media will lease a 250,000- they would seek any public financing. square-foot space as a West Coast headquarters within the stadium MLS has stated it wants soccer-specific stadiums for its new markets, complex, The Washington Post reported. which benefits the single-entity structured league. Team owners buy The other NFL stadium project most often in the headlines these days is shares of MLS, not actual franchises, in return for the right to run a team. the Oakland Raiders’ $1.8 billion venue under construction for their 2020 Hence, the league collectively wants to maximize stadium profits (an relocation to Las Vegas. Unlike L.A., the Vegas deal includes a whole lot acute concern for a league that’s yet to turn a profit since its 1996 of public money: $750 million via an increase in local hotel taxes plus an launch). estimated $200 million in state funding for highway improvements for the So, Detroit and its shared NFL stadium plan fell from front-runner to back project. of the line to get an MLS team. So, what’s next when it comes to financing stadiums?

The evolution over the next couple of decades is hazy because of potential changes in government policy at the local level and in Congress, and how the fate of the cable TV market affects broadcast rights deals – the chief economic lifeblood of major league sports. Venue proliferation also is a factor because there are only so many concerts and games.

“It’s so hard to predict. You’re going to see some shakeout in cities that overbuilt arenas,” deMause said. “I think it’s still in the DNA of local elected officials to try to help local development, whether it’s sports teams or Amazon, with cash of some kind. That’s been the standard operating procedure for local governments since the ’80s and I don’t see it turning around any time soon.”

The rapidly evolving world of sports gambling potentially may affect stadium financing. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 struck down the federal ban on such wagering, and now eight states have legalized some form of sports betting while many other states are working out legislation.

It’s a wild west atmosphere of potential vast new revenue streams. It’s possible that elected officials and the public may one day view arenas as a type of casino and will be willing to finance more of the upfront construction costs.

“All of the sports are in the process of making deals with casino companies to make gambling be an integral part of stadiums,” Stanford’s Noll said. “You’ll be able to bet from your seat on the outcome of the next play. I don’t know what that’s going to do. It could make the sporting event much more attractive in a purely economic sense. It’s not fully baked yet.”

The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107491 Detroit Red Wings has already shown an ability to hold its own against some of the league’s best. Larkin’s your do-it-all center, Mantha can run the wall from the right side and Bertuzzi can double as a battle-winner on the boards and When the rebuild ends: Projecting the Red Wings’ lineup for 2022-23 opportunist near the net. Alternatively, you could slide Zadina up and push Mantha to the left side, But for now, these three stay together, play big minutes against tough competition and open up the potential for a loaded second line. Max Bultman Line 2: Andreas Athanasiou – Quinton Byfield – Filip Zadina Jul 16, 2019 A lot of this line’s projection depends on who the center is, and in this

case, it’s a player readers may not be too familiar with. The logic is this: There was a moment at the Red Wings’ development camp last month The Red Wings haven’t done much to change their immediate outlook for when Moritz Seider, Joe Veleno, Jonatan Berggren and Robert the upcoming season, which means another high draft pick looks likely. Mastrosimone were all introduced together before a scrimmage at Little And while the wing is turning into a position of depth for Detroit, this team Caesars Arena. All of them were first- and second-round picks from the could use another top center to load up the top six. Enter Byfield, the top two most recent NHL Drafts, and two more such picks — Filip Zadina center on Corey Pronman’s early 2020 big board. He comes in at fourth and Jared McIsaac — probably would have been out there, too, if both overall, which may be a bit higher than where the Red Wings will be hadn’t been withheld due to injury. drafting, but fourth from the bottom is exactly where they finished in last year’s standings. Consider him a placeholder, with a bunch of possible These types of scrimmages happen everywhere in the NHL. But in alternatives to consider in Pronman’s story. Detroit, a sight like that means just a little bit more right now. The Red Wings have missed the playoffs three years running. Draft day has If it is Byfield, this becomes the Red Wings’ go-to scoring line. The OHL become the most important date on the calendar. The future is product is a 6-foot-4 behemoth who scored nearly a point per game as everything. an OHL rookie, and Zadina and Athanasiou are two of Detroit’s most dangerous players. This group probably isn’t going to be assigned the So when fans get to see that collection of talent finally play together, it’s toughest defensive matchups, but with possible 30-goal scorers on each understandably exciting. It’s a reminder that all this waiting really should wing and a top draft pick in the middle, it should at least put on a show. pay off someday. Joe Veleno projects as a staple on the Red Wings of the future. (Allison This article is about that “someday.” Farrand / For The Athletic)

It’s become an annual tradition, here at The Athletic, to use one day each Line 3: Michael Rasmussen – Joe Veleno – Jonatan Berggren offseason to look three years into the future. You can find Craig Custance’s versions from the past two years here and here. (Fun fact: Berggren’s still a couple years away right now, but he’s shown the skill Craig managed to nail Detroit getting Joe Veleno a year ahead of when level for this to be a highly effective third line down the road. Veleno, by that actually happened.) this point, should have found his groove as a two-way center, and Rasmussen, who will be 23, will likely have worked out the kinks from his This year, then, puts the microscope onto the 2022-23 season — when NHL transition period. Berggren or Veleno will be able to drive play for the rebuild should be completed and the next phase in full swing. this group, getting the puck to the net for Rasmussen, whose ability at the crease has never been questioned — even while taking some lumps Just about every contract currently on Detroit’s books will be gone. Most last season. As a bonus for this talented trio, Berggren and Veleno could of the prospects the Red Wings have drafted in the last three years will both still be on entry-level contracts at this point (depending on how have at least gotten a taste of the NHL — it won’t just be a roster of many NHL games Veleno gets in 2019-20). rookies. And the current core will all still be in their mid-to-late 20s. It’s a young roster, but with the right veteran addition or two, it might just be a Line 4: Evgeny Svechnikov – Christoffer Ehn – Albin Grewe competitive one. I’ve got Ehn down the middle here, but Chase Pearson could absolutely So, before we dive in, a quick refresher of the rules, same as in Craig’s make a case between now and then. Or another future draft pick, for that past editions. matter. But the bigger takeaway is the caliber of wingers, even on the fourth line. 1. If a player is under contract, he’s on the roster. This doesn’t have as much weight as it did for the 2020 version, but there’s still one instance It might be a bit ambitious to project Svechnikov here before seeing how where it comes into play. he looks post-ACL injury. But as a former first-rounder, he’s getting some benefit of the doubt. And on the other side, Grewe brings a blend of skill 2. I can extend contracts for players where it’s reasonable, which I’ll and grit that could easily play higher in the lineup should someone falter, especially need to do to keep some notable RFAs, but I can’t trade or if the team just wants more balance. Another option could be anyone. Also, while it would certainly add a wrinkle, I can’t sign free Mastrosimone, who should be done at Boston University by this point. In agents. But I might just mention where I’d sign one. this scenario, consider him a prospect on the cusp in Grand Rapids, The result: a roster that depends on a healthy dose of good luck in since a down lineup role is a bit less suited for his game. prospect development, but results in a potential playoff team built solely The 13th forward spot goes to Abdelkader, who will be in the final year of from within. his contract. He’ll be 35 by this point, and the way his aging curve is The Detroit Red Wings, circa October 2022: currently trending, it might be a bit much to ask him to play a full season and hold off some of these young guys. But in this spot, he can still Forwards provide veteran wisdom to a super young group, play a less physically demanding portion of games and serve as a seasoned insurance policy Left wing Center Right wing when someone get nicked up or sits for developmental purposes. Tyler Bertuzzi (27) Dylan Larkin (26) Anthony Mantha (28) The only overall issue with this forward group will be experience level, Andreas Athanasiou (28) Quinton Byfield (20) Filip Zadina (22) and for that reason maybe Abdelkader could be playing more. But this group has skill on all four lines, without lacking for physical presence on Jonatan Berggren (22) Joe Veleno (22) Michael any. The second line certainly has a more offensive bend, but it’s a Rasmussen (23) balanced, competitive set of forwards overall.

Evgeny Svechnikov (25) Christoffer Ehn (26) Albin Grewe (21) Defensemen

Justin Abdelkader (35) Left defense Right defense

Line 1: Tyler Bertuzzi – Dylan Larkin – Anthony Mantha Dennis Cholowski (24) Moritz Seider (21)

Who’s going to break up this line right now, even if we are talking three Danny DeKeyser (32) Filip Hronek (24) years into the future? There are more dynamic players than Bertuzzi lower in the lineup, but a real contender has balanced lines, and this trio Jared McIsaac (22) Gustav Lindstrom (22) Oliwer Kaski (27) the two slot. He didn’t play much down the stretch last season, and maybe you could make a case for Jesper Eliasson as the next-best Top pair: Dennis Cholowski – Moritz Seider goalie prospect, but Petruzzelli is further along in his development. He The state of Detroit’s defense prospects has taken a step forward in the really needs a strong 2019, though. last 13 months — including taking Seider in this year’s draft — but they’re So, from top to bottom, what does this team project as? A likely playoff still lacking some sizzle at the top. This pairing has the potential to be a team with some question marks on defense and a general need for more strong second unit, but as top pairs around the league go, they might star power. That shouldn’t surprise anyone. Maybe Byfield is that star. have a tougher time. These two complement each other well, as two Maybe Detroit hits the lottery next spring, landing Alexis Lafreniere, highly mobile players with strengths in opposite ends — though Seider Lucas Raymond or Alexander Holtz. All three top 2020 prospects play on showed some creativity in the prospect scrimmages, too — but both still the wing, which is not a position of need in Detroit, but any of them could have a lot to prove before this role would seem suitable. be stars. That would help, but Detroit can’t count on hitting the jackpot.

One option, as explored recently? Sign a high-profile free agent, While they’re still missing one or two top-end game-changers, the rest of preferably for the left side. Next year’s free agent class could be pretty the Red Wings’ core is coming into view. And with more draft capital built loaded on the blue line, and while someone like Torey Krug will be 31 by up, they can keep adding to it. the time the 2022 season begins, that might not be so bad on a defense that, if constructed solely from within, would be extraordinarily young. To turn this into a true Stanley Cup contender, though, Detroit still needs Who specifically that player is doesn’t necessarily matter — nor does it to hit a couple of home runs. matter if he arrives via free agency or trade — but in order to have a complete blue line by this point, a veteran, power-play 1 quarterback would help a lot. If he can play on the left side, so much the better. The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 Second pair: Danny DeKeyser – Filip Hronek

Yes, yes. DeKeyser’s contract is actually up before the 2022 season. But in a lineup this young, the Red Wings probably aren’t going to let him walk if there’s no other veteran incoming. He’ll only be 32, and while that’s not young, it’s not too old to handle solid minutes and penalty-kill responsibilities. It becomes a lot easier to move on if there is a new top- pair lefty in the mix by this point, which might even bump Hronek up to the top pair and Cholowski and Seider here as a tandem. But such a young defense would be asking for trouble in the playoffs. So, DeKeyser gets re-signed. As long as he can remain effective, and particularly if his cap percentage could be brought down, it could help a lot.

Hronek, meanwhile, has technically done the most to warrant top-pair projection, but he’s playing on line two because of the stylistic fit between Seider and Cholowski. He looks firmly a part of the future core, though, and should get a full NHL season this year. If he can avoid the slow start that plagued him last year, it’s not unreasonable to think he could compete for the best season on the blue line.

Gustav Lindstrom could be part of an extremely young Red Wings defense. (Allison Farrand / For The Athletic)

Third pair: Jared McIsaac – Gustav Lindstrom

Lindstrom should be in Grand Rapids this season, which means by 2022 he projects to be a steady presence on the third pair. His upside isn’t as enticing as some of the names above him, but if he can make the right decisions and shut down some plays defensively, there will be room for him. McIsaac, meanwhile, has struggled to stay healthy since the Red Wings took him 36th overall a year ago, but projects as an all-around defenseman who should be comfortably in the lineup three years from now. His ultimate upside remains to be seen, but he could really thrive in this type of role, with less-challenging assignments early in his career.

Second-rounder Antti Tuomisto will probably still be in college in 2022 — he plans to play another year in Finland before coming stateside for his higher education — but he could also be in this mix down the line. Albert Johansson is another 2019 second-rounder who could push for time depending on his development. Seth Barton and Alec Regula are promising third-rounders from 2018 who could be in the mix. So there’s lots of depth and alternatives in play. Oliwer Kaski is a wild card. Can his offensive upside propel him into being a lineup mainstay? And would he really stay in a role that doesn’t have him in the lineup every night?

The question with this position is primarily at the top, especially on the power play. The depth is coming together. Can the Red Wings find that missing piece?

Goalies

Filip Larsson (24)

Keith Petruzzelli (23)

Larsson is the top goaltender prospect in the system and will get his first taste of the pros this year. By 2022, though, he should be in Detroit. Whether he’s a 50-game starter remains to be seen. Goalies, in particular, are hard to project that way. But he should be one of the two netminders on the roster. In reality, the other will probably be a veteran free agent. That’s not in the rules here, though, which puts Petruzzelli in 1107492 Edmonton Oilers season, while drawing 11. Being small and fast undoubtedly works in his favour in that regard.

Archibald’s possession metrics were not good; his 44 percent Corsi was Josh Archibald won’t fix the Oilers’ biggest problems, but he’ll help with the second-worst number among the team’s regular forwards. Some of some key issues that is explained by context, though not enough. Interestingly, he seems to be a player who thrives in the defensive zone: his 47 percent Fenwick and 48 percent shot share come close to breaking even, and in the By Jonathan Willis context of playing tough minutes on a mediocre team those numbers actually look pretty decent. Jul 16, 2019 Of course, if Archibald is the kind of player who can move the needle in

the defensive zone, we’d expect to see that on the penalty kill. We do. On Tuesday the Oilers announced the signing of right winger Josh The Coyotes ran the best 4-on-5 penalty kill in hockey last season, Archibald, a 26-year-old who became an unrestricted free agent when surrendering an NHL-low 4.8 goals per hour. The Oilers, ranked 30th in the Coyotes declined to qualify him in June. the league, gave up 8.4 goals per hour. The obvious question is why Edmonton should be interested in a player Archibald played on the Coyotes’ second PK tandem, mostly with in whom Arizona lacked sufficient faith to issue a qualifying offer. It’s not Lawson Crouse. That was on merit, as the top tandem of Richardson and as damning as it sounds. It has become common for NHL teams to cut Michael Grabner was arguably the best in the league. In the 100-odd loose restricted free agents rather than risking an unfavourable outcome minutes he played, the Coyotes averaged 5.0 goals against per hour, in arbitration, and that seems to have been the case with Archibald. which is an excellent number. As to what he brings to the Oilers, our late-June capsule summary of his Offensively, Archibald was a dangerous college player but didn’t score game is a good place to start: much coming up through the Pittsburgh system. That’s probably largely “Archibald had sterling numbers on the Coyotes’ penalty kill and chipped explainable by role; in his last full AHL season he had one power-play in 12 goals and 161 hits while getting a steady diet of defensive zone point and 28 in other situations. The Baby Pens’ leading scorer, longtime starts last season,” we wrote then. “He isn’t big, but he’s a good skater NHLer Tom Kostopoulos, had 22 power-play points and 32 in other right in the heart of his career and could provide Edmonton with a reliable situations while playing 13 more games. Allow for situation and Archibald defensive presence on its third or fourth line.” probably had the better season.

That summary also linked to a longer piece by Cat Silverman, one which Archibald tends to score goals more frequently than he picks up assists describes a speedy, tenacious forward. It includes high praise from and has been a high-percentage finisher at every level he’s ever played. Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet, who says Archibald had “been great at His NHL scoring rates are above-average for a fourth-liner. He’s not sticking to the system and playing it the right way.” going to be a big point producer, but he can legitimately chip in some offence while playing in a depth role. That is to be expected, given Archibald’s background. As to where he’ll fit in Edmonton, that’s anyone’s guess. has Although his birthplace is listed as Regina, Sask., Archibald played high been collecting depth forwards at an astonishing clip, and while the school and later college hockey in the United States and has represented Oilers still don’t have enough top six players they could ice three or four that country internationally. His father Jim Archibald briefly played for the fourth lines without any trouble. North Stars and later coached the Minnesota high school team on which his son starred. Archibald’s one-year, $1-million contract guarantees he’ll be in the NHL. He’ll certainly get minutes on the penalty kill and should probably be on Coach’s sons have a reputation for playing the kind of game other the Oilers’ first unit, though he may start on the second. At even strength coaches love, and Archibald is no exception. That much is evident from he’ll probably start on Edmonton’s fourth line, behind Zack Kassian, Sam the way the Coyotes used him under Tocchet. Gagner and Alex Chiasson at right wing, though injury or official disfavour could push him into a third-line role. Like most bottom-six types, Archibald had a rotating cast of linemates. Nick Cousins was his most common centre and Lawson Crouse his usual Archibald is a nice little signing. He should help address a major left winger, but Mario Kempe and Brad Richardson got long looks there weakness on the penalty kill, and will quietly aid with Edmonton’s long- too and he even got a bit of time with Derek Stepan. running issue of taking more penalties than it draws. Stylistically, he improves team speed and brings some grit. He wouldn’t have been out of Although the linemates varied, the situations stayed mostly the same. place with Mike Grier, Todd Marchant, Ethan Moreau and the rest of the Archibald started a lot of shifts in the defensive zone and not many in the Oilers’ late-90s/early-00s lunchpail crew, and that’s something the Oilers offensive zone. He also faced a lot of tough competition. PuckIQ has him haven’t had enough of in a long while. spending fully one-third of his minutes against elite competition, which is a higher percentage than Zack Kassian faced in Edmonton, despite Kassian getting a long run on Connor McDavid’s line. The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 Interestingly, Archibald did well against top-end opposition – breaking even by high-danger Fenwick, plus-one by goals – and more poorly against middle- and low-end players. Much of that may be chalked up to teammate quality, as Archibald had a 51 percent Fenwick and was even by goals when Oliver Ekman-Larsson was on the ice, as well as a 50 percent Fenwick and plus-seven goal split with Stepan.

Archibald does a bunch of little things well.

He gets in shooting lanes more regularly than any of Edmonton’s returning wingers (Tobias Rieder, by far the Oilers’ leader in this regard, was the only regular winger on last year’s team clearly ahead of him), which is both a blessing and a curse – teams want to spend most of their time in the opposition zone, where it’s hard to pile up the shot blocks. Given how frequently he started in the defensive zone, however, all that shot blocking is probably more a sign of a strong defensive zone game than it is an indication of playing poor territorial hockey.

He hits, a lot; he was credited with 12 hits per hour at 5-on-5 last year, the second-highest total on the Coyotes. Critically, he does it without being penalized: Archibald took just two minor penalties at 5-on-5 last 1107493 Edmonton Oilers A guess would be the Oilers sign a free-agent centre (likely one of Brassard or Sheahan), attempt a PTO for wingers like Vanek and Magnus Paajarvi and make a trade for a scoring winger.

Lowetide: Is there anyone left in free agency who can help the Oilers? The scoring winger is likely to come via trade. Holland has a little wiggle room in terms of cap and we may see a deal over the next four weeks.

By Allan Mitchell Did Holland misstep this summer?

Jul 16, 2019 In reviewing the free agent signings, it is fair to wonder if there was a deal available to Edmonton that could have helped in 2019-20 and beyond without driving the team further into cap hell. Gustav Nyqvist signed a four-year deal for $5.5 million per season, and that’s a little The Oilers have several roster issues that remain unaddressed and the beyond the Oilers’ outer marker at the beginning of free agency. free-agent window has been open for two weeks. New general manager Ken Holland signed veteran forwards Markus Granlund, Tomas Jurco The contract I will argue for is Brett Connolly’s four-year term at $3.5 and re-signed Alex Chiasson in an effort to improve depth on the wings. million. It would have been manageable, and the player will be in his Current needs include a bona fide scoring winger and a No. 3 centre. early 30s at the conclusion of the deal. Holland checked down to Alex Chiasson, we’ll see if that move proves to be an astute one. Reviewing If the 2019-20 season started today, it’s possible Tyler Benson would be each man’s performance over the last three seasons, Connolly is well on the second line with Cooper Marody in the mix for work at centre or on clear of Chiasson. At 5-on-5 over the last three campaigns, Chiasson the wing. Is there anyone in free agency who can push Benson back to scored 29 goals in just under 2,500 minutes (.7 goals per 60). Connolly Bakersfield? Is there a centre available in free agency who can force over the last three years —45 goals in about 2,400 minutes (1.13 goals Marody to the wing or to the AHL? per 60). Derick Brassard Note: Although I believe Connolly is the superior talent, and that the Brassard is attractive because he can play centre or wing, and his Oilers would have been wise to sign him over Chiasson, it’s also true we prolonged availability is likely lowering his price point. There are some don’t have all of the details in regard to a Connolly-Edmonton down arrows, including a sharp reduction in production during 2018-19. negotiation. It’s possible the Oilers matched the Panthers offer and the Still, NHL teams trust him to play against the elites and a centre/wing player chose Florida. who could run with skill or work on a third line as a two-way pivot is a Benson and Marody perfect fit for the Oilers roster. He scored five points in 111 power-play minutes, that’s a meagre (2.69 per 60) scoring total. His performance If Holland can trade for James Neal or Sam Bennett, there’s a chance against elites, via Puck IQ, shows fairly consistent usage over these Benson starts the season in Bakersfield. However, as the weeks of three seasons, and the kind of minutes we would associate with a No. 3 summer fly by, and no deal is made, there is at least the possibility that centre. the 2019-20 Oilers will house several rookies in prominent spots on the roster. Benson, Marody, possibly Kailer Yamamoto depending on that Holland might consider adding Brassard for a veteran line, possibly wrist injury. including Milan Lucic and Zack Kassian. For a team badly in need of sure things, a veteran trio in the middle of the lineup might have appeal. That means there will be surprises good and bad, mistakes that cost hockey games, and, if there are injuries to major players this winter, Oscar Lindberg Oilers fans may experience another lottery — in Holland’s first season as Sometimes a player gets caught in free agency’s no man’s land and general manager. The summer isn’t over, but hockey’s summer business Lindberg appears to be that player in the summer of 2019. He has been is wrapping up in the coming days. Will Edmonton enter the trade a consistent scorer at 5-on-5 (one poor season in four), including an market? Sign a free agent? The team has needs, money and opportunity. impressive .77 goals per 60 at 5-on-5 since 2015-16. For a comparison, It would seem obvious we see some activity. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has scored .65 goals per 60 at 5-on-5 in the same time span. Lindberg could be one of the real value contracts that remain available. The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 Riley Sheahan

It seems like forever since the Oilers had a true checking centre, and Sheahan could be a very useful player on the 2019-20 edition of the team. After struggling for much of the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sheahan found his way after a deal that sent him to the Florida Panthers.

Sheahan is solid in the faceoff circle, and his penalty-killing ability could help Edmonton. His unit allowed 44.51 shots-against per 60 on the PK when he was on the ice, which ranked him No. 38 among forwards who played 50 or more minutes on the penalty kill in 2018-19, via Natural Stat Trick. He is a little shy offensively, but should come at a reasonable price. If coach Dave Tippett plans to run a checking line, Sheahan is a great match.

Thomas Vanek

Age has never stopped Holland in procurement but a lack of speed in today’s game is another matter. That said, an Oilers team that has struggled on the power play may want to have a long look at right- handed shooter Vanek. A quick release, great instinct and an uncanny ability to tip shots make Vanek a quality option even at 35. His 5-on-5 scoring last season (1.87 per 60) would have ranked No. 3 among Oilers forwards. He has a career 14.3 shooting percentage and could be a solid acquisition for Edmonton.

Is there enough?

For Holland, there is useful talent available in free agency. It comes down to price. A team that badly needs help in two areas this late in summer, and is on a limited budget, may have to make some difficult decisions. 1107494 Florida Panthers “We can utilize him more in different situations. I have high hopes for him. I like him. I think he is a very talented player, love his speed. And he has a great hockey mind.’’

‘I will show them’: Denis Malgin is ready to fight for his spot on the Florida Still, last season was a frustrating one for Malgin. Panthers After starting the season with the big club, Malgin played in 14 of Florida’s first 17 games before being sent to its AHL team in Springfield By George Richards to get more playing time.

Jul 16, 2019 After a pair of practices in the minors, Malgin was called back up following an injury to Trocheck, but he, too, got injured in his first game back and missed the next seven games.

SUNRISE, Fla. — In his three seasons with the Florida Panthers, Denis “They sent me down, and I was there for two practices,” said Malgin, now Malgin has found playing time on the top line. But more likely than not, if 22. “I think that was enough. Of course, I was hoping to play more (in the he was in the lineup at all, it was in a bottom-six role. NHL), but that is the life of a pro hockey player; you have to stay positive, work hard and wait for your opportunity. I think, next year, that Malgin unexpectedly made the team in 2016 as a 19-year-old rookie opportunity will present itself.’’ when the Panthers lost two of their top forwards — Jonathan Huberdeau and Nick Bjugstad — to injury during the preseason. In his 50 games last season, Malgin scored seven goals with 16 points and missed time twice due to injury. The season before, Malgin had 11 Malgin, a fourth-round draft pick in 2015 out of Switzerland, joined the goals and 22 points in 51 games. Panthers for development camp in 2016, and his play really stood out. “He just needs to stay healthy,” Tallon said. “Every time he seems to get He dominated in Florida’s rookie camp tournament and looked really something going, gets on a good run, he seems to get hurt. He needs to good in training camp, impressing the Panthers so much that they put stay healthier because when he is, he can play. him in Bjugstad’s spot centering the third line. Malgin was scratched for 13 games, as well, including the penultimate Malgin ended up playing in 47 games as a rookie that season, scoring six game of the season when owner searched him out in the goals with 10 points. BB&T Center press box to give him a pep talk. “In the beginning of the summer, I didn’t expect to be here in this position “It has been another learning year for him,” then-coach Bob Boughner right now,” Malgin said then. “I’m very excited, going to keep doing what I said after the morning skate prior to the final game of the season. “When do. I’m really feeling more comfortable with these guys. It’s nice here.” we talk in the exit meetings, I think with him we will touch on consistency. Malgin finds himself in a similar position he was back in 2016. He had a couple runs where he was playing well and then had some injuries. He got hurt, then the team started playing well, and it became a Although he is an NHL veteran heading into his fourth season with 148 numbers thing, and he got caught up in that a little bit. games under his belt, he is going to have to show what he’s got when training camp opens. “You can see him progressing, though. He needs to use his speed more, shoot more. He has another level to his game, and I think he has a skill Three years ago, the Panthers needed him to play due to injury. When level you cannot teach. There’s definitely something there. I like Malgie. camp starts in September, Florida will have perhaps more forward depth He’s a true professional. Even when he was scratched, he was always than at any time in their history, and Malgin will be fighting to earn a spot. here working hard.”

Last season, the Panthers added veterans Mike Hoffman and Troy Boughner did play Malgin in Florida’s season finale against New Jersey, Brouwer while prospects such as Henrik Borgstrom, Jayce Hawryluk and starting him on the second line with Trocheck and Hoffman. In that final Dryden Hunt emerged and showed they could play at the NHL level. game, Malgin got just 11:54 of ice time as he ended the year playing in just four games over the final five weeks. This year, Brouwer, Derek MacKenzie and Jamie McGinn are gone — as are Bjugstad and Jared McCann. But the Panthers brought in veterans While Boughner said a lot of positive things at the end of the season, Brett Connolly and Noel Acciari, and more prospects — Owen Tippett, Malgin feels the coaches in place last season lost their faith in his game. Aleksi Heponiemi and Serron Noel — are expected to fight for not just a spot on the roster, but playing time as well. “This season, I was hoping for more, but then it did not seem like the trust from the coaches was there,” Malgin said. Where, then, does that leave Malgin? “I had injuries, but I know I can play in the NHL. I know what I can do. I “We have a new coach, a new coaching staff coming in, and that gives am going to come back with confidence. I am really looking forward to a you the opportunity to show them what you can do right from the new season.” beginning,” Malgin said shortly after the season ended in April. Malgin is a restricted free agent, and as of Tuesday morning, he had yet “You want to show them who you are, what kind of player you are. I will to accept Florida’s offer for next season. show them. I am really excited about the future here.” The Panthers did come to agreements with a number of their other Malgin has had success with the Panthers playing on all four lines, and restricted free agents, however, as Hawryluk and goalie Sam the team loves his flexibility. (Perry Nelson / USA Today) Montembeault each signed one-year deals for next season and will be RFAs again in 2020. Florida appears set with its top six, with Sasha Barkov and Vincent Trocheck centering Huberdeau, Evgenii Dadonov, Hoffman and either Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar exercised his option to go to arbitration, Frank Vatrano or Connolly. It appears Borgstrom will center the third line and his hearing is scheduled for July 22. Weegar signed a one-year deal with Acciari taking over the fourth. with the Panthers last summer before going before an arbiter.

The Panthers like Malgin’s flexibility in being able to play not just on any As of Tuesday, only Weegar, Malgin, Hunt and Ian McCoshen remain of the four lines, but at center or wing, too. That will make him a factor unsigned among Florida’s restricted players. coming into camp, where he will likely play on the third or fourth line. According to capfriendly.com, the Panthers are about $4.7 million under Although Malgin was limited to 50 games last season due to either injury the salary cap. or healthy scratches, general manager still has big plans for him. Florida has also agreed to terms with Anthony Greco, Dominic Toninato, Kevin Roy, Tommy Cross, Ethan Prow, Joel Lowry and Philippe He is a reason the Panthers feel so good about their depth at forward Desrosiers on two-way contracts since July 1. coming into the season even if, sometimes, Malgin gets overlooked.

“He is an impactful player,” Tallon said. “He played sparingly over the past three years, but when he is at his best, he is a very good player. He The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 can play throughout the lineup, can play center, on the wing. 1107495 Los Angeles Kings

Goalie Cal Petersen signs contract extension with Kings

By CURTIS ZUPKE STAFF WRITER

JULY 16, 2019 4:02 PM

Cal Petersen signed a three-year contract extension with the Kings worth $858,833 annually.

The contract pays two ways, at the NHL and minor league levels, for next season and one way for the following two seasons.

Petersen, 24, is considered the goalie of the future for the organization. He went 5-4-1 with a 2.60 goals-against average in his rookie season and became the first rookie Kings goalie since 1967 to make his first two NHL starts on consecutive nights. Petersen recorded his first shutout two nights later, against the St. Louis Blues.

The Ducks signed defensemen Michael Del Zotto and Chris Wideman and forwards Chase De Leo and Justin Kloos to one-year contracts.

Del Zotto returns to the Ducks on a one-way deal worth $750,000. Wideman, Kloos and De Leo each have two-way contracts. Wideman has played 181 games for three NHL teams.

LA Times: LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107496 Los Angeles Kings

Kings sign goalie Cal Petersen to 3-year extension

By Robert Morales | [email protected] | Press Telegram

PUBLISHED: July 16, 2019 at 11:45 am | UPDATED: July 16, 2019 at 11:45 am

Kings goaltender Cal Petersen on Tuesday signed a three-year contract extension, the club announced.

The first year of the deal is a two-way contract, but the final two are one- way. Petersen will earn an average annual salary of $858,333.

Petersen this past season made his NHL debut with the Kings. He played in 11 games – with 10 starts – and showed he belongs in the league by posting a goals-against-average of 2.61.

Petersen had one shutout.

Petersen, 24, is 6-foot-1, 185 pounds and hails from Waterloo, Iowa.

Petersen was among seven restricted free agents the Kings had when the off-season began. This signing leaves them with just one – forward Adrian Kempe.

Others RFAs to recently sign were forwards Alex Iafallo, Michael Amadio and Sheldon Rempal and defensemen Matt Roy and Daniel Brickley.

Orange County Register: LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107497 Los Angeles Kings Imoo will tell you that Petersen’s development went well beyond the statistics.

“I’ll you what, if you just looked at numbers and you didn’t see anything, Cal Petersen’s contract extension solidifies where he fits in with the you’d be like, ‘He had a rough one that year,’” Imoo said. Kings “That wasn’t the case at all. He had some huge growing spurts last season. He made some huge steps mentally because if you can deal By Lisa Dillman with that … everything else is peanuts. It didn’t faze him at all. If you didn’t deal with it the right way and learn from it, it could ruin a guy. He Jul 16, 2019 used it all as a learning experience.”

The proof of goaltender Cal Petersen’s promise surfaced quickly this past The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 season — a win in his first NHL start, at Chicago, and a shutout three days later on the road against St. Louis, sparking that pivotal Blues’ coaching change.

But what also helped shape what the Los Angeles Kings see in Petersen came in a 4-1 loss at Calgary on Nov. 30. Kings general manager was able to gauge how Petersen reacted after a less than ideal start, followed by a night with little support and the Flames finishing with two empty-netters in the final minute.

“He got scored on early, the first or second shot of the game,” Blake said Tuesday. “It wasn’t a great goal and we weren’t really good in front of him the rest of the game.

“You saw him settle down and settle everything down. That’s a tough building to go into. They score a lot of goals. They outplayed us all night, but he gave us a chance the whole game.”

Petersen, 24, has been billed as the Kings’ goalie of the future, and the structure of his latest contract supports that contention. On Tuesday, the restricted free agent signed a three-year contract extension with an AAV of $858,333. But the larger meaning is in the details – it is a two-way contract the first year and one way the final two years.

The Kings have clearly seen enough progress and hold enough belief in Petersen and where he fits in with the team to pay him one-way money after this upcoming season.

“We believe in Cal and he’s played well for us in the times he’s come up here,” Blake said. “We expect that to continue down the road. We invested in him over three years with some good guarantees.

“There were different types of games he got thrown into and different circumstances and he handled it with no problem.”

In another 12 months, it could be a crowded Kings crease. Jack Campbell will be a restricted free agent on July 1, and franchise goalie Jonathan Quick’s contract ($5.8 million AAV) runs through 2022-23.

Difficult decisions await.

But putting off those tough calls may not be the worst thing in the world. The goaltending market is notoriously fickle and it would be nearly impossible for the Kings to maximize Quick’s asset value at this time after his injury-marred campaign.

This past season, Petersen appeared in 11 games with the Kings, going 5-4-1 with a 2.60 goals-against average and .924 save percentage, filling in when Quick and Campbell were out of action following their respective knee surgeries.

With AHL Ontario, Petersen went 13-19-3 with a 4.02 goals-against average and .896 save percentage.

The technical strides Petersen made this past season were especially notable in his second year as a professional.

“When things were going (wrong), you can really start to flail around and he learned how to not overdo things and still stay controlled,” said former Kings goaltending development coach Dusty Imoo, who worked closely with Petersen once he turned pro.

“He learned to control his skating a lot better, his glove got a lot better and so did his puck-handling and decision-making.”

Imoo left the Kings’ organization earlier this summer, hired by Kunlun Red Star of the KHL. His spot with the Kings will be filled by Matt Millar, who worked most recently with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL. 1107498 Los Angeles Kings goals-against average, .924 save percentage and one shutout. His first two career starts came on consecutive nights (Nov. 16 at Chicago and Nov. 17 at Nashville), becoming the first Kings rookie goaltender to make CAL PETERSEN SIGNS THREE-YEAR DEAL; TWO-WAY IN 19-20, his first two NHL starts in this fashion since Wayne Rutledge did so on ONE-WAY IN 20-21, 21-22 Oct. 14 and 15, 1967 (the first two games in franchise history).

Signed as an unrestricted free agent out of Notre Dame (NCAA) by the Kings in July of 2017, the Waterloo, Iowa native appeared in 38 games ZACH DOOLEY with the Ontario Reign (AHL) last season, posting a 13-19-3 record, 4.02 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage. In two seasons with JULY 16, 2019 the Reign, he has totaled 79 games, 3.26 goals-against average, .902 save percentage and four shutouts while posting a 36-33-5 record.

The LA Kings inked the second-to-last of their restricted free agents today, with goaltender Cal Petersen agreeing to a three-year contract LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 07.17.2019 extension, carrying an AAV $858,333. Petersen’s deal during the 2019- 20 season will be a two-way contract, with years two and three (2020-21, 2021-22) being one-way deals.

Via Cap Friendly, Petersen’s AHL salary next season is $200K, with a $425K guarantee.

Petersen made his NHL debut with the Kings in November 2018 and posted a 5-4-1 record across 11 total games played. The Iowa native amassed a 2.60 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage, as well as a 29-save shutout against St. Louis on November 20, the first of his NHL career. In the AHL, Petersen had the fourth most saves across the league (1,218), despite playing in just the 26th most minutes. Though his numbers (4.02 GAA & .896 SV%) were out of line with his 2017-18 campaign, much of his statistical season can be attributed to a young, fluctuating group in front of him, which resulted in a high-rate of chances against.

The financials of Petersen’s deal would put him on a one-way deal as his waivers exemption is expected to expire, for the 2020-21 season.

Only Adrian Kempe remains as a restricted free agent for LA. As Jon touched on yesterday, Kempe’s new deal has been the focus of General Manager Rob Blake since completing Alex Iafallo’s two-year extension last week.

Quotes –

Reign Head Coach Mike Stothers on Cal Petersen’s season being better than his numbers suggest

I didn’t even look at Cal’s numbers here, because they weren’t a true indication of what he meant to the team, how well he played for us. He was a victim of circumstance. I like to look at it as how he responded to it. He never once tried to duck the assignment that was placed in front of him, never once did he have issues with the players that played in front of him, never once did he question anything. You can have great numbers and it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to be an NHL goaltender and you can have numbers that are a little bit off, but I think you have to look at the overall game and the overall performance and what he did for us night after night after night. There were times there when it looked like it was him against the opposition and he battled.

Stothers on Cal Petersen’s play (3/8 in Tucson)

He was alright. They only had 47 shots, I mean, if it gets up in the 60 range then we’ll talk about how good he is *laughs*. No, he was terrific. He was terrific…he just did the job for us, closed the door and he looked good in doing it too, like he was composed, there was no extra movement. He looked like he was dialed in.

Bill Ranford on Petersen’s cerebral growth (upon his NHL recall)

He’s got a great demeanor, and there’s no doubt about that. That’s the thing that we loved about him when we went after him. They’ve got a young team down there. We can’t make any excuses. He knows his job is to stop the hockey puck, and that’s what he loves to do, and we we’re going to need him to do it at this level now.

Petersen Vitals –

LOS ANGELES – The LA Kings have signed restricted free agent goaltender Cal Petersen to a three-year contract extension, Kings Vice President and General Manager Rob Blake announced today. His contract carries an AAV of $858,333 and is a two-way contract in the first year. The final two years of the contract are one-way.

The 24-year-old Petersen (born Oct. 19, 1994) made his NHL debut last season with the Kings, playing in 11 games with a 5-4-1 record, 2.60 1107499 Los Angeles Kings The 24-year-old Roy (born March 1, 1995) made his NHL debut this season. He appeared in 25 games for the Kings and tallied six points (2- 4=6) and eight penalty minutes. He played in 45 games for the Reign, AMADIO, ROY, BRICKLEY SIGN FOR TWO YEARS; REMPAL posting 29 points (8-21=29) and 17 penalty minutes. ACCEPTS ONE-YEAR QUALIFYING OFFER Selected by the Kings in the seventh-round (194th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft, Roy has appeared in 102 AHL games with the Reign over the last three seasons, posting 47 points (12-35=47) and 47 penalty minutes. JON ROSEN The 23-year-old Rempal (born August 7, 1995) made his NHL debut this JULY 15, 2019 season. He appeared in seven games for the Kings and an additional 49 games with the Reign, posting 40 points (15-25=40) and 25 penalty

minutes with Ontario. Four restricted free agents re-upped with the LA Kings as Michael

Amadio, Matt Roy and Daniel Brickley signed two-year contracts with $700K AAVs and Sheldon Rempal signed a one-year, $874,125 LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 07.17.2019 qualifying offer. With the four signings, Adrian Kempe and Cal Petersen remain the two RFAs without contracts for the coming season.

Via a source, Amadio’s AHL salary is $150,000, with a 2019-20 guarantee of $250K. Roy’s AHL salary is $200K with a guarantee of $300K. Both players will be paid $700,000 in the second year of their contract regardless of whether they’re in the NHL or AHL.

I believe Brickley’s contract had been finalized late last week, at which point it was sounding like the majority would get done by Sunday or Monday. As shared then, Kempe’s wasn’t expected to be finalized at the time of the first announcement, though Rob Blake’s focus shifted to negotiations with his almost-23-year-old center after coming to terms with Alex Iafallo on a two-year, $4.85-million contract last week.

Today’s signings don’t affect this year’s projected financials greatly, nor should Kempe’s contract place undue strain on the team’s purse strings. As has been shared by LAKI, the team entered the off-season intending to spend in the general range of $77-to-79-million on payroll against what will be an $81.5M cap, so there’s no reason to lose sleep on where they stand against the cap ceiling as of right now.

Using the template I shared last week (based on CapFriendly’s financials), the team is now up to roughly $72.7M in commitments to 22 players in advance of Kempe’s new contract. As shared, the group below is simply one of many plausible roster scenarios. More importantly, if the team is still operating with a ceiling in the upper-70-million-range, they’d be able to add another piece or two. I’m not expecting them to, given their stated thrust to improve from within and get younger, but such an option exists.

Forwards (14 / $42,009,671): Kopitar, Kovalchuk, Brown, Carter, Toffoli, Iafallo, Lewis, Clifford, Grundstrom, Wagner, Luff, Prokhorkin, Amadio, Kempe (RFA)

Defense (7 / $20,470,000): Doughty, Martinez, Forbort, LaDue, Walker, MacDermid, Roy

Goalies (2 / $6,475,000): Quick, Campbell

Mike Richards Cap Recapture: $1,320,000; expires after 2019-20

Total, Prior to Kempe’s RFA Contracts: $72,711,171

2019-20 Salary Cap: $81,500,000

David Becker/NHLI

The vitals, via the LA Kings:

The 23-year-old Amadio (born May 13, 1996) played in 43 games last season with the Kings, recording 13 points (6-7=13) and six penalty minutes. He also appeared in 28 games with the Ontario Reign (AHL), where he registered 26 points (8-18=26), a plus-6 rating and 12 penalty minutes.

Selected by the Kings in the third-round (90th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Amadio has appeared in 80 games with the Kings over the last two years, posting 21 points (10-11=21) and 14 penalty minutes.

The 24-year-old Brickley (born March 30, 1995) appeared in all four games last season for the Kings, posting one point (0-1=1). He also appeared in 42 games with the Reign, posting 12 points (2-10=12) and 22 penalty minutes.

Signed as an unrestricted free agent out of Minnesota State (NCAA) by the Kings in March of 2018, the Sandy, Utah native has appeared in five NHL games, all with Los Angeles, posting two points (0-2=2). 1107500 Los Angeles Kings

KINGS CONTROL BJORNFOT DESTINATION; VOYNOV SIGNS WITH OMSK

JON ROSEN

JULY 15, 2019

INSIDERS. A fine Monday afternoon to you. Please note that I’m off Tuesday and Wednesday and that Zach Dooley will be driving the limo at LAKI. Several notes:

BEAR FOOT CAMP: As shared yesterday, Tobias Bjornfot is headed to rookie camp and training camp with the LA Kings after having signed his ELC. This is actually kind of news-ish, though perhaps more in Stockholm than El Segundo. Whereas hockey operations confirmed that fellow 2019 signee Samuel Fagemo, one year Bjornfot’s senior, will play for defending SHL and CHL champions Frolunda in 2019-20 before making the jump to North America in 2020-21, Bjornfot’s 2019-20 club is still up in the air (though likely still Djurgardens). “We need to understand the playing situation in Sweden – wanted him here for camp and to control the situation,” GM Rob Blake said over email yesterday. “One of the reasons we signed him.”

Asked whether the ELC was influenced by the possibility of Djurgardens assigning Bjornfot to their U-20 team – the 18-year-old left-shot defender appeared in 39 U-20 games and 7 SHL games before logging U-18, U-20 and SHL playoff outings – Blake responded, “we will have control over that,” while adding that the impetus to sign him was because the team “mainly wanted him here for rookie and main camp.”

What this means: Bjornfot is still probably headed to Djurgardens on a loan, but the Kings gain some assurances in his usage, aka, “the playing situation.” For what it’s worth, there are nine defensemen listed both on Djurgardens’ official site and on the EliteProspects roster. One other player is signed by an NHL club: 23-year-old Ottawa left-shot defender Olle Alsing, who totaled 15 points in 49 games with the Stockholm club last season but will vie for a spot with the Senators. He’s “most likely a Belleville guy,” a Swedish scout told The Athletic reporter Graeme Nichols, and were he to make the leap across the Atlantic, the logjam would be alleviated somewhat but would still be a logjam nonetheless. Also, tracking down the Djurgardens depth chart and linking to Ottawa organizational lists is Peak July Content, so thank you for reading.

I haven’t heard anything to suggest that the Kings would assign Bjornfot to AHL-Ontario to join an already young defense, nor am I expecting that to be his final destination.

Today is the 1st deadline for NHL clubs can sign players to ELCs who meet the following criteria:

– Drafted June 21-22, 2019

– Drafted out of Europe

– Player has a contract in 2019-20 with a IIHF club

VOYNOV TO KHL: Slava Voynov has signed a one-year contract with KHL-Omsk. He remains suspended by the NHL until the mid-point of the NHL season. While Los Angeles still owns his rights, the team shared a statement in May that said, in part, “from our perspective, the player will not be playing for the Kings.” It is unclear how that particular asset is valued elsewhere (i.e. very little), nor is it particularly important.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107501 Minnesota Wild

Wild re-sign Ryan Donato among 3 restricted free agents

Associated Press JULY 16, 2019

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have re-signed three restricted free agents: forwards Ryan Donato and Nico Sturm and defenseman Carson Soucy.

Donato, a natural center who mostly played left wing after arriving from Boston, received a two-year, $3.8 million contract. He had four goals and 12 assists with 64 shots in 16 games for the Wild last season after the trade with the Bruins. The 23-year-old has 15 goals and 19 assists in 68 NHL games.

Sturm and Soucy got one-year, two-way deals. Sturm made his Wild debut in April after signing as a college free agent from Clarkson. Soucy spent last season in the AHL.

The signings were announced Tuesday by the Wild, who have four remaining restricted free agents including center Joel Eriksson Ek and left wing Kevin Fiala.

Star Tribune LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107502 Minnesota Wild

Wild re-signs Ryan Donato, Nico Sturm and Carson Soucy

By Sarah McLellan JULY 16, 2019

After the Wild snagged right wingers Mats Zuccarello and Ryan Hartman in free agency earlier this month, the team seemed set for the summer — especially since it had more possibilities at forward than lineup spots available.

But there was still work to be done to ensure everyone made it back for next season, a process the Wild began Tuesday when it re-signed restricted free agents Ryan Donato, Nico Sturm and Carson Soucy.

Donato is locked up for two years at $3.8 million, and Sturm ($874,125/$70,000) and Soucy ($750,000/$125,000) landed one-year, two-way contracts.

These moves leave forwards Joel Eriksson Ek and Kevin Fiala and defensemen Louie Belpedio and Hunter Warner as the team’s only unsigned RFAs.

Of the three who signed, Donato had the most ice time with the Wild last season and is poised to resume his post as a regular in 2019-20 after the team acquired him in a pre-deadline trade to add more youth. Where Donato slots, though, is unclear; a left shot, he could play on the right side — a flexibility that may end up helping him carve out a niche amid a crowded depth chart.

And if Donato picks up where he left off last season, it’d make sense for that role to be in the top nine. In 22 games after the trade that sent forward Charlie Coyle to Boston, Donato racked up four goals and 16 points — including six multi-point efforts.

What stood out the most was his shoot-first mentality, a welcome approach for a Wild offense that struggled to produce. Not only did he tie for second in shots per game (2.5) among NHL rookies, but Donato also finished seventh in overall shots (139) for the season despite playing just 56 games. He also led NHL rookies in scoring after Feb. 21.

A former standout with Harvard who was a Hobey Baker Award finalist in 2018, Donato was drafted in the second round (56th overall) by the Bruins in 2014. The 23-year-old will be a RFA when this contract expires.

Sturm was another second-half addition to the Wild, signing a one-year, entry-level contract after leading Clarkson University in scoring with 45 points in 39 games. The center appeared in two games with the Wild, putting seven shots on net, and he’ll compete for a roster spot at training camp in September after spending a chunk of the summer training in the Twin Cities.

Once Eriksson Ek and Fiala are re-signed, the Wild could have 15 forwards in the mix for 12 jobs. Sturm would be a more feasible candidate if captain Mikko Koivu isn’t ready to return from a torn ACL and meniscus, but it’s possible Sturm reports to the American Hockey League.

That’s also where Soucy likely will be headed since the Wild’s defense is stacked with returning veterans.

Soucy spent last season in Iowa, totaling five goals and 20 points in 66 games. A fifth-round pick (137th overall) in 2013, the 24-year-old Minnesota Duluth product has skated in three games with the Wild and has 35 points in 136 career games with Iowa.

Star Tribune LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107503 Minnesota Wild

Wild lock up shoot-first winger Ryan Donato with a two-year deal

By Dane Mizutani Pioneer Press

Ryan Donato and his shoot-first mentality will be sticking around the Twin Cities for the next couple of years. The 23-year-old winger signed a two- year, $3.8 million contract Tuesday and is poised to step into a more prominent role next season.

While there wasn’t much concern that general manager Paul Fenton would be able to get a deal done, it’s certainly a relief to lock up Donato for the foreseeable future.

After being acquired from the Boston Bruins last season in exchange for fan favorite Charlie Coyle, it didn’t take Donato long to endear himself to the local fan base. He tallied 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) in 22 games with the Wild last season, and maybe most promising, he never shied away from an opportunity to score, firing 64 shots on goal. He also played a pivotal role as the minor-league Iowa Wild made a short run through the Calder Cup Playoffs before being knocked out in the second round by the Chicago Wolves.

Originally a second-round pick by the Bruins in the 2014 NHL Draft, Donato starred at Harvard for three years, recording 104 points (60 goals, 44 assists). He has represented the United States twice in international competition, winning a bronze medal at the 2016 World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland, and leading Team USA in scoring at the 2018 Winter Olympic in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Hulking center Nico Sturm and puck-moving defenseman Carson Soucy also re-signed with the Wild on Tuesday. Sturm inked a one-year, two- way contract that will pay him $874,125 in the NHL and $70,000 in the American Hockey League, and Soucy signed a one-year, two-way contract that will pay him $750,000 in the NHL and $125,000 in the AHL.

It seems like the 24-year-old Sturm would have a better chance of making the team, especially considering the Wild made a point to sign him last season once his career at Clarkson University ended. He likely will be jockeying for position in the bottom six of the lineup with other roster hopefuls.

As for the 24-year-old Soucy, even though he provides some depth on the blue line, it could be hard for him to crack the roster with so many talented players ahead of him on the depth chart.

Pioneer Press LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107504 Montreal Canadiens It used to be that Montreal was the last place you would hope to do that because if he was healthy, Price was playing, and he was playing a lot. But this is easily the biggest opportunity a Price backup has had since Basu: Keith Kinkaid is the most important Canadiens backup goaltender Jaroslav Halak took his net in 2010, a magical playoff run that also in a decade marked the birth of the version of Price we know today, the one that finally understood the preparation and hard work necessary to ward off the fragility of a goaltender’s place in the NHL, the same fragility Kinkaid is coming to Montreal to strengthen. By Arpon Basu Jul 16, 2019 “To work with a guy like Carey Price is going to be tremendous,” he said.

“Hopefully I can take his workload and lighten it up a little bit. I want to be Keith Kinkaid’s first public words spoken in Montreal as a member of the a guy they can count on when they need to win a game and give Carey a Canadiens missed the point entirely. night off.”

They were humble, appropriate for someone coming off the worst season Since Halak played 45 regular-season games and another 18 in the of his career and who signed a one-year contract to play behind the playoffs in 2009-10, a Price backup has played more than 20 games in a highest-paid goalie in hockey. But they were off track. season twice, and both times it was because Price was hurt. Peter Budaj played 24 games in 2013-14 when Price returned from the Sochi “I’m just happy to be here,” Kinkaid said Monday at the Canadiens’ Olympics with a lower-body injury and missed the first eight games after training facility, “happy to have another opportunity to play in the best the break. The second time was when Mike Condon took over the league in the world.” starter’s role and played 55 games in 2015-16 after Price was lost for the season in late November. Sure, that’s fine. A hockey career is fragile and a player in Kinkaid’s position never knows when that fragility can hit, when the music stops Otherwise, the most a backup was used behind a healthy Price since and you’re left without a chair. So yes, those words are perfectly 2010 was the 19 games played by Al Montoya in 2016-17 (Antti Niemi appropriate and realistic. played the same number of games in 2017-18 but Price missed 23 games to injury). But they also suggest Kinkaid doesn’t realize just how important he is to the Canadiens’ hopes for success next season. Kinkaid doesn’t know how many games he is expected to play next season, but it would be a safe assumption the number will be higher than It’s been a long time since the role of Carey Price’s backup was as 19 regardless of Price’s health. The Canadiens are hoping Kinkaid will attractive as it is right now, which makes Kinkaid’s arrival in Montreal a play well enough to keep Price’s regular-season workload below 60 very unique opportunity. This offseason, this one-year, $1.75-million, games. show-me contract represents the perfect marriage of a league-wide trend, an aging goalie whose legs need to be managed and springtime The reasoning is simple enough; the last starting goalie to win the aspirations for a team that hopes those legs will be nice and fresh once Stanley Cup and play more than 60 regular-season games was Jonathan the playoffs begin. Quick with the L.A. Kings in 2012. Since then, of the 14 goalies to reach the Stanley Cup final, only five played more than 60 games (or was on Though Kinkaid let it be known how happy he is simply to still be playing pace for that number in the case of Rask in the lockout-shortened 2012- in the league, he is fully aware of that perfect marriage and how that 13 season) and each of them lost to fresher goalies. made Montreal a good place for him to bet on himself this offseason. Last season only eight goalies played 60 or more regular-season games “I think to take a load off Carey’s workload would help,” Kinkaid said. and five of them reached the playoffs. Of those five, three made it out of “They did that to in Boston, but you see it all over, any the first round and one – San Jose Sharks starter Martin Jones – made it team, not just Boston. I wouldn’t put a certain number on it, but a lot of as far as the conference finals. people are doing 1A/1B. With Carey, I’m just going to be the best teammate I can for him. Work with him, learn from him and push each Therefore, Kinkaid’s job is to cut down on the 66 games Price played last other to be better. season. The key risk factor for the Canadiens is Kinkaid successfully bouncing back from his down season. He was clearly Montreal’s primary “It’ll be a good relationship, a strong, competitive relationship. I think target in free agency and goalie coach Stéphane Waite had to be a big that’s key to getting the most out of each other.” reason for that. If Kinkaid finds his game next season, Waite will be a big That should be music to the ears of Price, who expressed to The Athletic reason for that as well. just before the opening of free agency that he’s not ready to be a mentor The power play was tabbed as the biggest reason why the Canadiens to a young backup at this stage of his career. He wants someone missed the playoffs by three points last season, justifiably so, but Niemi pushing him, working with him and not necessarily looking up to him. completely losing his game was an important factor as well. Our Kinkaid, who turned 30 on July 4, fits the job description in that sense contributor at Athlétique Olivier Bouchard looked at the difference Kinkaid because being a backup goaltender is all he’s really known in the NHL. would have made had he played in Niemi’s place last season – based on He served as Cory Schneider’s backup in New Jersey for the first three the worst numbers of Kinkaid’s career – and found that he would have years of his career until Schneider’s difficulties thrust Kinkaid into a prevented an additional nine goals which, in theory, would have been bigger role. But the unique mentality required of a backup is something worth three standings points to the Canadiens, or just enough to make Kinkaid understands and accepts. That’s important. the playoffs.

“Just going through long stretches of not playing and just managing your But the loss of trust in Niemi had a far greater impact than just the games energy level and what you need to do,” Kinkaid said. “I’ve been the he played because it led to a flagrant over-reliance on Price in the backup to Cory Schneider in my earlier years, so I think I know how to second half of the season. After Niemi’s start in a 3-2 overtime loss to the handle it … It’s more of a mental mindset that you have to embrace. Devils on Feb. 2, Price played in 28 of the next 29 games, including four You’ve just got to do your job. occasions where he played on back to back nights with travel (he came on in relief of Niemi 15 minutes into a 6-3 loss in Florida on Feb. 17 after “You want to be there for the team, so you’ve just got to do whatever it playing in Tampa the night before). takes for the team to get in the playoffs again.” It would be difficult to argue the heavy workload had a major impact on Kinkaid is hoping a steady workload will allow him to extend his career by the quality of Price’s work – he allowed more than two goals in only nine several more seasons after this one. Prior to last year, when Kinkaid put of his final 28 games – but it would be fair to assume that even had the up a career-worst .891 save percentage, he was a steady backup Canadiens made the playoffs, their goalie would not be in peak form to goaltender for four seasons with the Devils, averaging a .913 save start the marathon because he had just finished running one. percentage over that time. He wants to prove that is the real Keith Kinkaid. Looking at the Canadiens 2019-20 schedule, it is easy to identify 16 games where Kinkaid would likely play through Feb. 22, when they would “We were just looking for the right opportunity and this seemed like a play their 64th game of the season at Ottawa, by giving him starts on great fit to have a bounce-back year from last year and get back to where back-to-backs and against seemingly weaker opponents. In other words, I was the year before,” he said. by giving him a normal backup’s workload. It is those final 18 games where it gets tricky. The Canadiens have one set of back to back games over the final six weeks of the season: Game 80 in Chicago on March 31 and Game 81 in Nashville on April 1. They have at least two days between games on six occasions in that stretch. And they finish the schedule with 10 of their final 15 games on the road. The Canadiens, if all goes well, will be fighting for their playoff lives at that point, so the temptation to ride Price will be very high. Which means if they want Kinkaid to reach a number hovering around 25 starts, give or take, he’s going to have to play some games where you would normally expect to see Price earlier in the season, games against quality opponents, games where Price is well-rested.

And Kinkaid will need to win more than half of his games for the Canadiens to have any chance of reaching the playoffs

“It’s time for a fresh start for me,” Kinkaid said. “They’ve expressed to me many times that they’re happy to have me, so you want to play for a team that wants you to play.”

Kinkaid might simply be happy to still be playing in the best league in the world, but he will be of vital importance to the Canadiens next season. Because they will want him to play.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107505 Nashville Predators Kyle Turris: It’s possible Turris might not be with the Predators in two years. But if he is, Seattle might be willing to absorb his $6 million cap hit through 2024. (Seattle, according to the league, “must select players with Another way-too-early look at how the 2021 Seattle expansion draft an aggregate Expansion Draft value that is between 60-100 percent of might affect the Predators the prior season’s upper limit for the salary cap.”) Turris, a native of suburban Vancouver, will be 32 when Seattle’s inaugural season begins.

Mikael Granlund/Craig Smith: Granlund and Smith are lumped together By Adam Vingan Jul 16, 2019 because of their similar contract situations. Both players will be free agents next summer, and the Predators might have to cut ties with one of

them to make room for Josi’s contract. Granlund, 27, is younger, which Here’s what we know today about the soon-to-be Seattle NHL franchise: could be enough to give him the edge when it comes to being re-signed. not a whole lot. Smith, who turns 30 on Sept. 5 and has played the fifth-most games in franchise history, is a reliable scorer, though at his age, he’s probably We know the yet-to-be-named team will begin play in 2021 at a plateaued. Either way, the Predators’ offense would take a hit. renovated KeyArena and that its jerseys could go heavy on salmon pink, but other than that, we’re left only to speculate. Of course, speculation is Colton Sissons: Seattle could do worse than taking Sissons, who, like what we do during the summer months, so it’s only natural to wonder Turris, is from the greater Vancouver region. Sissons, currently a how the Seattle expansion draft will impact the Predators in two years. restricted free agent, is arguably the Predators’ most versatile forward and could anchor Seattle’s bottom six. Much has changed since we last performed this exercise in December 2018. P.K. Subban has been traded. Matt Duchene has fulfilled his Calle Jarnkrok: The Predators’ decision to protect Jarnkrok over James destiny of joining the Predators. Kyle Turris sits at a crossroads. Neal in the Vegas expansion draft two years ago still irks a section of the fan base. The team’s reasons for doing so were sound, but Jarnkrok was As a refresher, Seattle will be bound by the same rules as the Vegas mostly a non-factor last season. He will have one year and $2 million left Golden Knights in the expansion draft, which is scheduled for June 2021. on his contract in the summer of 2021. (The Golden Knights will be exempt from the process.) The other 30 teams will have the option of protecting seven forwards, three The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 defensemen and one goaltender or any combination of eight skaters and one goaltender. (The New York Islanders, for example, protected five defensemen from the Golden Knights in 2017.)

Each participating team must expose at least four players who meet the following criteria:

The Predators’ way-too-early protection list, version 2.0

The Predators were one of seven teams to protect eight skaters two years ago, and based on their current roster, they could do so again in 2021. Next to each player’s name is his contract status at the time of the Seattle expansion draft.

F Ryan Johansen (2025)

F Matt Duchene (2026)

F Filip Forsberg (2022)

F Viktor Arvidsson (2024)

D Roman Josi (TBD)

D Ryan Ellis (2027)

D Mattias Ekholm (2022)

D Dante Fabbro (RFA)

G Juuse Saros (RFA)

Some thoughts

Fabbro’s eligibility for the expansion draft, confirmed by the Predators’ hockey operations department, complicates things for the team, which otherwise would have been able to protect seven forwards without issue.

An agreement on a contract extension between Josi and the Predators doesn’t appear imminent, but neither side is concerned about it getting done. It’s reasonable to believe that Josi’s camp will ask for a full no- movement clause, which would require the Predators to protect him in the expansion draft. General manager , who prefers not to hand out trade protection, gave Duchene a modified no-trade clause in the final three years of his contract, which opens the door for Josi’s agent to request that his client receive total control over his career.

Eeli Tolvanen, who appeared in three NHL games as an 18-year-old and four as a 19-year-old, will be exempt from the expansion draft.

If the Predators protect their top four defensemen, they will need at least one of their depth defensemen to be under contract in 2021-22. Dan Hamhuis, Yannick Weber and Matt Irwin will be free agents next summer, and Steven Santini will be a restricted free agent in 2021.

Who does that leave for Seattle? 1107506 New Jersey Devils

NJ Devils make headway on RFAs with Connor Carrick contract

Abbey Mastracco, July 17, 2019

The New Jersey Devils came to terms with restricted free agent Connor Carrick on a two-year contract Tuesday afternoon, leaving them with three RFAs left.

Carrick, a 25-year-old defenseman out of Orland Park, Illinois, came to terms with Devils on a two-year deal worth $1.5 million AAV. By signing Carrick, the Devils were able to avoid arbitration. Carrick had a hearing set for later in the month.

He scored two goals and assisted on nine with two different teams last year, coming to New Jersey ahead of the trade deadline from the in exchange for Ben Lovejoy.

A journeyman prospect, he began his career with the Washington Capitals and was traded to Toronto for Daniel Winnick in 2016. He played in 130 games for the Leafs but was squeezed off the roster with a deep defense corps. With Dallas employing a heavy-hitting Western Conference system, Carrick wasn’t the best fit. A broken foot then limited him to just 14 games for Dallas but once healthy he was traded to New Jersey and made an impact. Immediately, Carrick proved to be a good fit in terms of the Devils’ culture and system.

The Devils are projected to start the season with $18.345 million in salary-cap space. They still need to sign their remaining three RFAs, center Pavel Zacha and defensemen Will Butcher and Mirco Mueller. The defensemen are due raises in arbitration, with Mueller’s hearing set for July 28 and Butcher’s for Aug. 2.

Bergen Record LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107507 New York Islanders Fritz does have the lunch-pail mentality to make that line work.

What would this mean for the Isles’ young forwards?

The questions that still need answers if the Islanders are done making Fewer vets means more opportunity, so the Isles’ own crop of unsigned moves this offseason RFAs — Dal Colle, Anthony Beauvillier and even Josh Ho-Sang — will have better chances to earn spots and keep them if the Isles don’t add anyone else. Beauvillier isn’t going anywhere unless he’s part of a trade; By Arthur Staple Jul 16, 2019 missing out on Panarin means Beauvillier has a chance to keep a top-six wing spot, possibly even alongside Mathew Barzal. If ever there were a year to really break out, this one would be it for Beau, especially if he signs a one- or two-year bridge deal. has been quiet since the hubbub of July 1, when he re- upped Anders Lee, brought in Semyon Varlamov and took a big swing at Dal Colle showed he could be a regular NHLer last season. He was landing Artemi Panarin. Quiet is Lamoriello’s default operating mode, so extremely sound positionally and strong on pucks in his time up with the the last 15 days of relative silence doesn’t mean there isn’t anything Isles, two attributes that should get him a permanent spot on the opposite going on at Islanders HQ. wing from Komarov with the ability to move around the lineup.

According to a few league sources, the major stalemate around the As for Ho-Sang, he can still put his best skate forward at camp and make league — there are still a handful of usable free agents on the market — the Isles keep him up. Or at least make it a tough decision as camp goes is all those unsigned RFAs. Without knowing how much Mitch Marner will on. cost the Leafs or Brayden Point the Lightning or Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine the Jets, those teams and their potential trading partners are at a As for the younger guys, Koivula, Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom standstill. That spills over to the few veterans still on the market, as well, would all be one step closer to being the next man up. If Wahlstrom since interested teams might choose to swap one for a younger, more shows the same fire he brought to his 10-game Bridgeport cameo last cost-controlled player at the same position from one of those above- spring there’s a chance he could be in an Isles jersey at some point next mentioned teams that could be adding a major RFA contract soon. season.

In any event, it’s not just the Island; not much has been happening What about the crowded defense group? around the league. A trade was assumed to be the most logical way to ease the logjam on If this is indeed it for Lamoriello and the Islanders this offseason, defense and that’s still a possibility — easy to forget that Garth Snow’s however, the lack of further moves prompts a few questions — plus a double larceny in acquiring Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk for peanuts look at what the roster may look like when the Caps come to the happened six days before the 2014-15 season began. Coliseum to open the 2019-20 season on Oct. 4. But if the Isles go to camp with the same seven NHL defensemen with What happened to all that offer-sheet talk? which they ended last season, it means that Noah Dobson’s ascent to a regular NHL spot isn’t assured yet. And even if he shows he’s clearly Well, it’s not like Marner or Point or Laine or any of the other big-name ready for the NHL in camp, that would mean two veterans would be RFAs have signed, outside of Sebastian Aho after he did get an offer scratched, which doesn’t make a ton of sense. A trade, even for a draft sheet. Kevin Labanc, who appeared to be a good offer-sheet target, pick or two rather than the top-six forward that was hoped for earlier this basically took his one-year qualifying offer in San Jose. offseason, still seems likely.

But the chatter will continue as long as these guys remain unsigned. Whether the bait is Thomas Hickey, who was a healthy scratch much of Shea Weber signed his offer sheet with the Flyers on July 18; going way the second half of last season, or Scott Mayfield, a righty like Dobson, or back, Joe Sakic signed his with the Rangers the first week of August. Nick Leddy, who could bring the most back in a trade, this is still The longer these things go, perhaps GMs feel the teams that own the something Lamoriello must sort out before September. RFA’s rights are more entrenched with budgets and less willing to blow that up to match an offer sheet. The projected 2019-20 opening night roster:

The Leafs seem well-positioned to absorb whatever Marner comes in at. Looking at this group, there’s one more obvious question: Same with Point and Tampa. Is there anyone else that’s worth a major Can this team improve? offer? There’s no credit for trying and failing to add the best talent available on How do the Islanders fill their last center spot? the free agent market. Last year’s Islanders scrapped and clawed There aren’t many internal options. Tanner Fritz is the only logical one — through the season, riding superb goaltending and a simple defensive the Isles brought him back on a two-year deal primarily because they style to 103 points and a series win. They will need yet another No. 1 have no center depth in the organization. Without having added one in goalie to buck expectations and essentially the same group of players to free agency yet, and with Valtteri Filppula signed in Detroit, Fritz has the continue to grind out points and wins. inside track. There’s a reason only one team, the Hawks, has won more than one If it’s going to be Fritz, who turns 28 next month, then Barry Trotz has to Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed in the last decade. Defense is have a bit more faith in a player who’ll have to play a decent amount at hard work. Not adding any major pieces to the team save Dobson, who even strength and on the penalty kill. Fritz made the opening-night roster likely will need time to adapt to the NHL and thus weaken the defense for last season, played the first two games on the wing, then sat out and was a spell, means that the core will have to work even harder this season to sent down. When Casey Cizikas was injured in November, the first recall duplicate last season’s achievements. wasn’t Fritz, it was Stephen Gionta; only later that month did Fritz get the The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 call, then he had a shot to take Filppula’s spot in the final weeks of the regular season before a blood clot in his hand ended Fritz’s season.

Beyond Fritz, it’s an uncertain depth chart. Otto Koivula has one season on North American ice and less than that as a center. Unless he shows enormous strides at camp, it’d be foolish to think he could handle 13-14 minutes a night in the NHL just yet. Bobo Carpenter and Mason Jobst signed as college free agents and can play the middle, but there’s no penciling either of them into any role except Bridgeport now.

There are still options available on the stagnant FA market, most notably Derick Brassard and Brian Boyle. If Trotz plans on using Brock Nelson as his No. 2 PK center behind Cizikas, then Brassard could work, since he could add to the power play. But if you’re thinking of a center who could fit with Leo Komarov and likely Michael Dal Colle on a third line, Brassard probably isn’t your man. 1107508 New York Rangers

Sean Avery continues his bike lane crusade

By Page Six Team July 16, 2019

Sean Avery — the ex-Rangers player who rejected a plea deal in Manhattan Criminal Court this week for allegedly hitting a car with his scooter after it blocked a bike lane — is coming through on his vow to be “the poster boy for defending the bike lanes.”

Avery allegedly bashed the car Feb. 23, then told The Post after a June court hearing, “We need to be able to just bike in freedom.”

Lately he’s been posting Instagram Stories of himself yelling at delivery drivers who dare park in his beloved New York City bike lanes.

On Monday, he uploaded a clip yelling at a worker unloading a pallet of goods: “Good morning s - - thead! Do you think there is any correlation to the fact you’re wearing a triple XL shirt and are too lazy to park on the other side of the street?”

Avery ignores the guy’s explanation and fires back, “Just from a science standpoint, you fat lazy f - - k!” In another post from a month ago, the hotheaded former NHL star yells at a different driver, “You lazy f - - k! You have those googly eyes!”

And, “Why don’t you park it on the other side of the road you lazy f - - k? I’m gonna let you off today.”

He’s due back in court on Sept. 5. We hope he’ll be nicer to the judge.

New York Post LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107509 NHL Palm Springs, Calif., within the past year, partly to discuss the new team’s GM options.

But first, NHL Seattle needed permission from its ownership group to hire Hall of Famer Ron Francis to be hired as general manager of Seattle’s the GM a year earlier than expected. The urgency quickly became new NHL team apparent once Steve Yzerman, Holland and Vegas Golden Knights assistant Kelly McCrimmon — all of interest to Seattle’s team — were taken off the board and Sportsnet reported the Ottawa Senators had Geoff Baker approached Francis about their president of hockey operations vacancy.

Then, once NHL Seattle approved the extra year of GM funding needed, there was still the issue of Francis being under contract to the Hurricanes Ron Francis, who played in the NHL for 22 seasons and is fifth all time in through July 1. NHL Seattle thus needed to obtain formal permission points, is to be announced this week as the first general manager of from the Hurricanes to speak to Francis and — upon receiving it — he Seattle’s incoming franchise, sources with knowledge of the situation made an early June visit here during the group’s recent ownership have indicated. meetings to meet managing partner David Bonderman, minority Francis, 56, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, was a Hockey Hall of stakeholders and tour the sites of the KeyArena renovation and planned Fame captain of the Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Northgate Mall training center. Hurricanes and amassed 1,798 points. The two-time Stanley Cup winner Once satisfied he was interested in the job, Francis returned to Seattle a with the Penguins also became general manager of the Hurricanes after few weeks later for a second visit and formal interviews. Meanwhile, at that franchise relocated from Hartford and remained there from April last month’s NHL draft in Vancouver, NHL Seattle owner Jerry 2014 until being fired in spring of last year. Bruckheimer and Leiweke conducted at least two other GM-candidate Francis will be on a multiyear deal described as midrange in terms of interviews and spent the rest of their time vetting Francis with a bevy of annual compensation compared with other NHL GMs. But it’s likely the NHL officials who have dealt with him over the years. duration matches the five-year contract Ken Holland recently signed with After the draft’s first day — satisfied Francis was their GM choice — the Edmonton Oilers — given Francis will spend the first two years Bruckheimer and Leiweke left Vancouver a day earlier than expected. getting Seattle’s new team ready for its October 2021 launch and then The team’s new hockey administration director hire, Alexandra have the standard three competitive seasons typically given an NHL GM Mandrycky, was tasked with running an analytical study of past moves by on any contract. Francis the week of the July 4 holiday to confirm whether his style Hampered by one of the NHL’s smallest budgets in Carolina, Francis meshed with what NHL Seattle had been looking for. nonetheless drafted and developed players such as star forward When that turned up no red flags, he was made an offer and accepted Sebastian Aho and also worked a trade that brought Teuvo Teravainen last week. over from Chicago. The pair finished 1-2 in team scoring last season for the Eastern Conference finalists. Francis had been an early candidate for the GM position dating to last summer, given his experience, connections to Tippett and prior work in But the Hurricanes failed to reach the playoffs under Francis, and some assembling an analytics team with the Hurricanes — something NHL deals, like signing goaltender Scott Darling to a four-year contact in 2017, Seattle has made a priority. At the time, though, it was unclear whether didn’t work out. Francis would be interested in Seattle’s position, given his desire to take Francis will have full say on his Seattle front-office assistants and time away from the NHL and his recent involvement in a real-estate coaches, as well as input into the team’s decision on a name — expected business in North Carolina. to come by year’s end. The coaches and assistants are unlikely to be But the lone season away from the game proved enough for Francis and hired right away, given the GM hiring is already coming a year before his wife, Mary Lou Robie, to leave the longtime Raleigh-area home expansion teams typically fill that position. where they raised their three children. But Francis could have his pick of a top staff, given the renowned Francis had returned to his former Hartford organization when it “coaching tree’’ spawned by the mid-1980s Whalers teams he captained relocated to North Carolina in 1997 and spent most of six seasons there. and his other associations with the Penguins. The Hurricanes traded him to Toronto, where he played the final 12 Francis teamed for years in Hartford with former NHL Seattle senior games of his career before retiring as a player in September 2005. adviser Dave Tippett — recently hired by Holland to serve as the Oilers’ From there, he soon joined the Hurricanes’ front office as director of coach. He is also a former Hartford teammate of Joel Quenneville, player development and then assistant GM. He became director of second on the NHL all-time victories list and now the Florida Panthers’ hockey operations in June 2011, a minority owner of the team in 2012 bench boss. and GM in April 2014 when Jim Rutherford stepped down. Other Hartford connections include Kevin Dineen, a former Panthers Francis remained GM until being reassigned to a role as president of coach and Chicago Blackhawks assistant — whose late father, Bill, hockey operations in March 2018 as the Hurricanes underwent an played for the minor pro teams throughout the 1960s. ownership change. The Hurricanes fired him a month later. Dineen was hired this week as coach of the San Diego Gulls, an AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. Besides being fifth all time in NHL points, Francis is also second in assists at 1,249 and fourth in games played at 1,731. He won the Frank During last December’s Spengler Cup tournament in Davos, Switzerland, J. Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward in 1995 and twice Francis and former Whalers/Hurricanes goaltender Sean Burke served captured the Lady Byng Trophy as its most gentlemanly player. as co-GMs for runner-up Team Canada while Dineen was the coach. Francis was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2007. Other former Whalers teammates are Ulf Samuelsson, who had been a New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks assistant, and current Seattle Times LOADED: 07.17.2019 Columbus Blue Jackets assistant coach Brad Shaw.

Current Arizona Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet teamed with Francis in Pittsburgh, as did current Penguins assistant Mark Recchi and current Buffalo Sabres assistant Bryan Trottier.

Francis also gave current Calgary Flames coach Bill Peters that job in Carolina despite his having no experience as a bench boss at the pro level.

NHL Seattle has had interest in Francis for some time and not merely because of Tippett’s former involvement here. Longtime NHL ironman and current Vancouver Canucks senior adviser Doug Jarvis played with Francis in Hartford and had met with NHL Seattle CEO Tod Leiweke in 1107510 NHL

AP source: Seattle close to naming Ron Francis as GM

BY TIM BOOTH AP SPORTS WRITER

SEATTLE-Seattle's NHL expansion team is close to an agreement with Hockey Hall of Famer Ron Francis to become its first general manager, a person with direct knowledge tells The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not made an announcement.

The expansion Seattle franchise is set to begin play in the 2021-22 season as the NHL's 32nd team.

After longtime Detroit GM Ken Holland went to Edmonton, adviser Dave Tippett left Seattle Hockey Partners LLC to become Oilers coach and Vegas' Kelly McCrimmon and Columbus' Bill Zito got promotions, there was a limited pool of experienced NHL executives to choose from for this job. Francis fits that bill.

The 56-year-old has been in hockey operations since shortly after the end of his Hall of Fame playing career. All of that time has come with the Carolina Hurricanes, including four seasons as their GM.

Carolina didn't make the playoffs with Francis in charge of decision- making, though his moves put the foundation in place for the team that reached the Eastern Conference final this past season.

Francis had 1,798 points in 1,731 games over 23 seasons with the Hartford Whalers/Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He won the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 1991 and 1992.

Competing for the Cup in the early going will be the expectation for Seattle after the Golden Knights reached the Final in their inaugural season in 2017-18. Francis will have two full seasons to scout the rest of the league before his as-yet-named team's expansion draft in June 2021.

Francis did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

News Tribune LOADED: 07.17.2019

1107511 Ottawa Senators a role in this deal because he was just hired to be an associate on Chicago’s staff and will Smith was a solid penalty killer for Ottawa.

“Trades like this are very difficult,” Dorion said. “Zack and myself have TRADE: Senators send Zack Smith to Chicago for Artem Anisimov been in the organization for the same amount of years. When I was chief scout, he was in our first draft and we took him.

Bruce Garrioch “Zack’s contributions on the ice and in the community have been great. He and his wife Brittany are outstanding people. We wish them the best of luck in Chicago.”

The summer of change continued for the Ottawa Senators. The bottom line is the Senators feel they’re a better teams as a result of this deal. And, as a result, one of the longest-serving Senators got caught up in the trade winds. “We feel _ our pro scouts, our management group and our coaching staff _ that we’re really happy about this addition,” Dorion said. “We feel we’ve Trying to upgrade the lineup heading into next season, general manager strengthened our centre position and we’re a better team for it.” sent forward Zack Smith to the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday afternoon in exchange for 31-year-old forward Artem Anisimov. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 07.17.2019 The decision to acquire Anisimov, a , Russian native, gives the club more up front in the skill department. He had 15 goals and 37 points last season with the Hawks and will help Ottawa’s special teams. Not only did he see time on the power play with Chicago, he was also used on the penalty killing units.

Smith, who was drafted by the club In 2008 and cleared waivers at the end of training camp last September, has been on borrowed time with the organization. He is scheduled to make $3.25 million the next two seasons and the Senators haven’t seen the kind of offensive production they expect out of him.

The Senators were one of the worst teams in the league offensively last season and they’re hopeful Anisimov can give the club some stability in that department up front.

“Artem is a big, competitive centre with excellent hands and playmaking ability,” said general manager Pierre Dorion. “He plays a 200-foot game and will contribute to our depth on both special teams. We’re acquiring an experienced player who can score and at the same time is responsible in his own zone. We really like how he will fit with the makeup of our team.”

The Senators made the deal involving Anisimov because it gives them an upgrade at the centre position and there’s always a chance that Colin White can be used on the wing. This sets up the possibility of some competition for playing time in training camp, but by no means is Logan Brown out of the mix for playing time.

“Artem fits in as one of our four centres,” said Dorion. “He’s someone that can play both special teams _ power play and penalty killing. He’s a proven 20-goal scoring and he’s done it on four occasions. For us, he’s a 200 foot, complete player.”

Make no mistake, this deal wasn’t done over night and these talks have been going on for awhile. After making a six player deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1 in a deal that brought defenceman Nikita Zaitsev to Ottawa with winger Connor Brown, this is another significant change for the Senators.

Anisimov received $2 million in signing bonus from the Hawks and will receive $2 million in salary next season. Next year, he makes $1.5 million, but has a $4.55 million cap hit and this move freed up $1.3 million in cap space for Hawks’ general manager Stan Bowman to work with going into next season.

If the Senators were going to move another veteran out, they wanted to bring another older player in because the youth here is going to need some guidance.

“We don’t want our team to be a bunch of young players,” Dorion said. “We want to have some veteran presence and it’ll be beneficial for these younger players to grow and develop. We look forward to having our fan see Artem play for us as soon as training camp.”

This wasn’t an easy decision for Dorion and the Senators. Smith has been here a long time and has been a heart-and-soul player for this team. He paid the price every time he stepped on the ice, but his offensive game has slipped and the Senators saw an opportunity to improve offensively by making this deal.

Smith and his wife Brittany Brodziak have been active in the community and they’ve left a mark here as they pack their bags to head to Chicago. You have to think former Senators’ interim coach Marc Crawford played 1107512 Ottawa Senators play with skilled players like Chicago linemates Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin, might also be a guy who can help a young winger like Brady Tkachuk.

Why the Artem Anisimov trade is a win for the Senators on and off the ice The Senators gave up a popular veteran, but they got back a player who helps them in a position where they needed it and the math works out in the Senators’ favour. By Chris Stevenson Jul 16, 2019 In Ottawa these days, that’s a win/win.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 A few things come to mind when considering the trade of forward Zack Smith, who had been the longest-serving Ottawa Senator, to the Chicago Blackhawks for centre Artem Anisimov on Tuesday:

1. It feels like the writing was on the wall for Smith since he was put on waivers by the Senators in training camp last September. “I’ll be honest, it’s a kick in the balls for us. That’s how it feels,” former Senator Matt Duchene said when he found out the news about Smith being on waivers. That showed Smith’s popularity with his teammates. Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said at the time the move was performance based, but it was hard to shake the feeling putting the veteran on waivers was a chance to get out from under the $9.75 million that remained on Smith’s contract at that time. His performance certainly didn’t live up to the contract. After a 25-goal season in 2015-16, Smith scored 30 goals in his next 212 games.

2. When all the math is done (we’ll get into that a little later), the Senators have, according to CapFriendly, officially lifted themselves above the salary cap floor of $60.2 million with this deal. The addition of Anisimov’s $4.55 million cap hit (Smith’s was $3.25 million) puts the Senators at $60.86 million for the upcoming season. That doesn’t include a new contract for restricted free agent centre Colin White.

3. The Senators self-imposed embargo of Russian players is really over. With the Anisimov deal, the Senators also have Vitaly Abramov, acquired in the Duchene deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets at the trade deadline, and defenceman Nikita Zaitsev, who came over in the Cody Ceci trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1. The Senators now have the potential to have at least two Russians in their lineup for the first time since 2011-12 when they had defenceman Sergei Gonchar and forward Nikita Filatov (alas, just for nine games). When Abramov played a game last season, it marked the first time since the 2012-13 season the Senators had a Russian in the lineup.

4. Goaltender Craig Anderson is now the longest-serving Senator, having joined the team on Feb. 18, 2011.

As often is the case these days, this Smith/Anisimov deal winds up being financially beneficial for the Senators. After the Blackhawks paid out a $2 million signing bonus owed Anisimov, here’s how it breaks down:

Out: Zack Smith

Two years left on his contract for a total of $6.25 million owed with a cap hit of $3.25 million.

In: Artem Anisimov

Two years left for a total of $5 million. He has a salary of $2 million for the 2019-20 season. There is a $1.5 million signing bonus due next summer and a salary of $1.5 million for the 2020-21 season. He signed his five-year, $22,750-million deal on July 1, 2015, and it carries a cap hit of $4.55 million.

The Bottom Line

The Senators save $1.25 million in real money and, in their situation, benefit from Anisimov’s salary cap hit, which is $1.35 million more than Smith’s for the next two seasons after which the Senators will embark on their five-year run of Unparalleled Success™.

From a hockey standpoint, the addition of a big (6-foot-4) veteran centre who’s scored 77 goals in the past four seasons puts Anisimov at the top of the Senators depth chart at that position. He’s ahead of White, 22, who looks like his top end is potentially a No. 2 and Chris Tierney, 25, who is coming off a promising season in which wound up second on the team in assists with 39.

“We feel we’ve strengthened our centreman position and we’re a better team for it,” Dorion told TSN 1200, pointing out Anisimov can also contribute on both special teams.

Anisimov, 31, gives new coach D.J. Smith some veteran insulation as a young guy like White tries to find his way. Anisimov, who showed he can 1107513 Ottawa Senators yet another penalty killer, and a veteran presence who was an alternate captain in Ottawa.

Anisimov isn’t nearly as bad as some Blackhawks fans have made him Roundtable reaction: Blackhawks acquire Zack Smith from Senators for out to be, but he was the most expendable high-priced forward on the Artem Anisimov roster. It was just logical to move him. And the fact that the Blackhawks freed up $1.3 million in cap space (enough to re-sign Brendan Perlini, presumably), without having to throw in a sweetener makes this a mild By Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus Jul 16, 2019 win.

Scott Powers: You bring up Perlini, and this is a move that could help those contract negotiations. He and the Blackhawks talked again Artem Anisimov wasn’t coming back to the Blackhawks. We all knew Monday, according to a source who thought a deal would be done by that, with some degree of certainty. The prevailing question was: what Aug. 1. Trading Anisimov does free up some space and should allow the would the Blackhawks get back for him in a trade? Blackhawks a little more in-season flexibility. That was answered Tuesday. Bowman has to be thinking about next summer’s contracts too. Alex The trade: The Blackhawks traded Anisimov, 31, to the Ottawa Senators DeBrincat and Dylan Strome are due new deals. Dominik Kubalik is on a for forward Zack Smith, who is also 31. Anisimov has two years left on one-year deal. Bowman has brought in a number of players this his contract and has a $4.55 million cap hit. He was recently paid a $2 offseason with multiple years left on their contract and that impacts how million signing bonus by the Blackhawks. He had 15 goals and 22 assists much he’ll have to spend next summer. Andrew Shaw, Ryan Carpenter, in 78 games last season. Calvin de Haan, Olli Maatta and now Smith are signed beyond next season. Corey Crawford, Robin Lehner and Erik Gustafsson are the only Smith also has two years remaining on his contract. He has a $3.25 players who will be on significant expiring contracts. They have a million cap hit. He had nine goals and 19 assists in 70 games last combined cap hit of $13 million. Bowman didn’t seem too concerned season. when asked about it on Tuesday.

“They’re different players,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman Anisimov’s absence should have the most impact on David Kampf next said. “First off, Arty was a great Blackhawk. We wish him well. I think season and this year’s first-round pick Kirby Dach after that. Kampf was stylistically they play different games. Both veterans, they both played in given more opportunities up the lineup last season under Colliton, and the league for a long time. I think Zack brings a different skill set to the you would think he gets more of those chances next season. It’ll be a table, something we probably need a little bit more of. Versatile player, matter of whether Kampf can produce consistently to remain in the top he’s played wing and played center, which we like. He certainly plays nine. You would think Jonathan Toews, Strome, Kampf and Carpenter with a competitive side to him. He plays with an edge. He’s had some are the centers next season. Shaw and Smith are possibilities too. years in the past where he’s scored a lot, but I think what we like about Beyond that, the Blackhawks have to create a spot for Dach and his game is the versatility. Anisimov’s departure helps that.

“You notice him, he’s tough to play against out there. I think the other Sean Tierney: This chart below shows up in Smith’s playing styles teams don’t find it too fun sometimes. So he’s a physical player, gets in breakdown. He contributes primary shot assists (passes leading directly on the forecheck. His faceoffs are pretty good as well, I think he’s very to shots for linemates) and was a notable contributor in secondary and good on the one side. But it’s his competitive style that we like the most, tertiary shot assists (one or two passes prior to the pass that led to a so I think that’s something we probably didn’t have enough of last shot). Usually this is a skill seen with defensemen who hang back behind season. I think he can bring that element to our team, like I said, the the forwards on offense. versatility is nice. He can play wing or center on different lines. A couple years back he was with Mark Stone and (Jean-Gabriel) Pageau and I League source: Smith is not the most fleet of foot. He’s a puck hound. He think he had 26 goals. So he can play with those guys and score but he pursues. He’s a gritty, character player. He’s unafraid to go to the dirty can also play on more of a checking line and give you an honest effort.” areas. He’s a PK guy with some presence.

The Athletic Ottawa’s Chris Stevenson: I think the writing was on the wall Eastern conference scout: He’s great on draws, high character, gritty. when they put Smith on waivers in camp. Matt Duchene’s quote (at the He’s not as skilled as Artem, but he’s gritty, better on draws. I’ve always time) was along the lines of “It feels like a kick in the balls.” Smith is a liked him. It’s a ballsy move with two years left on his contract. The gritty guy with a bit of a scoring touch. He’ll be loved by his teammates. Blackhawks are bringing in a lot of high character guys. This is clearly a money move with the Senators getting a bigger cap hit The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 than they’re putting out in real dollars, which is just the way they like it.

Mark Lazerus: Artem Anisimov was very good as a center for Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane. He was pretty good as a center for Patrick Kane and any number of wingers. He was generally lost as a center for anyone else. It’s easy to look at that and say, well, yeah, who wouldn’t be great with two star wingers? But the fact is, it’s not easy to play with guys like Panarin and Kane. There’s a reason Kane has cycled through more than a dozen centers since Joel Quenneville first broke him and Jonathan Toews up years ago. Anisimov was perfect in that role, content to let Kane and Panarin do nearly all of the puck handling, happy to clean up rebounds in the crease and do the dirty work in the corners and in the low slot. He was an ego-free player with size and hands, scoring 77 goals in four seasons.

But the arrival of Dylan Strome as the No. 2 center of the present and future made Anisimov an awkward fit in the Blackhawks lineup. He was never comfortable on the third line, and it got so bad that Jeremy Colliton tried him at left wing to get him going. Strome also knocked Anisimov to the second power-play unit, and his numbers there dropped from 11 goals in 2017-18 to just one in 2018-19. Suddenly, his faceoff deficiencies, his streakiness and his cap hit (remember, he was signed to a five-year deal with a $4.55 million cap hit before he even played a game with the Blackhawks) were harder to look past.

Zack Smith isn’t going to light the world on fire, and he won’t replace Anisimov’s production. But he’s a versatile forward who can play either wing or center (something Colliton covets), an above-water faceoff guy, 1107514 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers sign winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel to two-way contract

by Katie McInerney,

Nicolas Aube-Kubel, who has spent most of his time in the minors since the Flyers drafted him in 2014, signed a one-year, two-way contract for with the team on Tuesday, the Flyers announced. His salary will be $700,000.

Aube-Kubel played nine games for the Flyers last season and 54 with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate. He scored 16 goals and had 30 points.

In 203 career games with the Phantoms, Aube-Kubel has scored 54 goals. Prior to his stint in Lehigh Valley, Aube-Kubel played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2012 to 2016.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107515 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers mascot Gritty works on his dad bod at Planet Fitness

By Jordan Hall July 16, 2019 12:52 PM

Did you think Gritty was going to be satisfied with winning the NHL Fan Choice Awards honor for best mascot?

Think again.

The guy is not resting on his laurels this summer. He's training hard for 2019-20. He was seen working up a sweat Tuesday at the Planet Fitness on Christopher Columbus Boulevard.

@GrittyNHL @NHLFlyers is here at @PlanetFitness #Philadelphia this morning pic.twitter.com/P44xkc14b0

— Rob Hartsell (@RobHartsellTMR) July 16, 2019

(Picture courtesy of NBC Sports Philadelphia's Todd Berman)

Rumor has it Gritty is working on his summer abs.

Or maybe not.

To the dad bods! pic.twitter.com/zaqSEm85ag

— Gritty (@GrittyNHL) June 16, 2019

Regardless, the orange fella knows how to stay in shape. He's a preparation junkie, a true gym (and rink) rat. Complacency is not in Gritty's vocabulary.

He's also not breaking glass and scaring kids, so that's a positive.

The Devils mascot accidentally broke a glass window at a kids party 

(via @NJDevils) pic.twitter.com/3kD6ubR5fy

— SI NHL (@SI_NHL) July 14, 2019

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107516 Philadelphia Flyers

Competition aplenty as under-the-radar depth piece Nicolas Aube-Kubel re-signs with Flyers

By Jordan Hall July 16, 2019 12:05 PM

There has been plenty of talk about the Flyers' bottom-six depth.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel should be in the discussion when training camp rolls around.

The Flyers re-signed the restricted free agent Tuesday to a one-year, two-way contract worth $700,000.

The 2014 second-round pick made his NHL debut last season and played a stretch of nine games from Oct. 30 to Nov. 17. He was a plus-1 with two shots in limited ice time (5:35 per game).

The 23-year-old winger is an intriguing piece to the Flyers' picture because of his speed and scoring ability, while also understanding a third- or fourth-line role. Over his last two seasons with AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley, Aube-Kubel has scored 34 goals and 76 points in 126 regular-season games. In his AHL career, he's a plus-35.

The Flyers have a job open for a bottom-six winger. Aube-Kubel will compete for a spot with guys like Joel Farabee, Morgan Frost, Isaac Ratcliffe, German Rubtsov, Carsen Twarynski, Mikhail Vorobyev, Andy Andreoff and Kurtis Gabriel.

Fletcher has two more restricted free agents to take care of and they're big ones: Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny (see story).

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107517 Philadelphia Flyers McLean and Petruk are two of the co-founders of Pride Tape, the rainbow-colored tape that lights up players’ sticks when NHL teams have a night to promote inclusion, whether on Pride Night, “Hockey Is For ‘The NHL has our backs’: How Pride Month shined a light on hockey’s Everyone” Night or You Can Play Night. fight for the LGBTQ community Normally, the players wear the Pride Tape on their sticks for warmups. This was different. Petruk told McLean that it looked like one of the Devils still had it on his stick during the game. By Corey Masisak Jul 16, 2019 “As soon as I put it on, I’m right up next to the big screen trying to find No. 39,” McLean said. “And, ‘I think it’s there, it’s hard to see, but I think it’s there.’ So we’ve got the phones up to our ears and looking at our NEW YORK — Alyx Farias was a spectator at the New York City LGBT screens for him, and then right after that, he scored the goal. And it’s like, Pride March three years ago, but she wasn’t able to truly embrace what oh my god, because then they kept repeating it and doing close-ups and should have been a defining experience. I’m trying to freeze-frame the TV and I’ve got my phone trying to take Farias is pansexual, and while her siblings knew at the time, other key pictures.” members of her family did not. Her trip into the city for the march was No. 39 was Kurtis Gabriel, and the goal was just the second of his NHL basically a secret. career. But its impact was immense. Fast forward to February 2017 when the Rangers announced plans for Messages poured in from all corners of the hockey community to Gabriel, “Hockey Is For Everyone” night and started selling gray T-shirts with a McLean, Petruk, Altenau and others in the New Jersey organization. rainbow-colored team logo. Farias, a Rangers fan, saw an opportunity. HERE ARE SOME OF THE RESPONSES TO #NJDEVILS KURTIS “I immediately ordered one of those. I got it in the mail and I used it to GABRIEL'S STICKS FROM YESTERDAY. come out to my parents,” Farias said. “They took it really well, being that they’re Mexican and they’re Catholic.” A LITTLE THING CAN BE A REALLY BIG THING AND MEAN A LOT TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. PIC.TWITTER.COM/DG0CMNILNJ Farias has plenty of firsthand experience with the progress made for marginalized groups of hockey fans, and the challenges that remain. — COREY MASISAK (@CMASISAK22) MARCH 10, 2019 She’s seen how hockey can help connect people, and how it can further frustrate them. After scoring the goal, Gabriel decided to keep using Pride Tape on his sticks. Now he plans to use it for the rest of his career. The NHL’s support and involvement with the LGBTQ community has evolved in recent years, particularly since Patrick and Brian Burke helped “It was by far, for me, the most incredible story for us to come out of the create You Can Play, an organization focused on promoting equality in season with what happened there,” Altenau said. “I had so many people sports, in 2012. The NHL, the players’ association and the teams have all who reached out to me just saying how appreciative they were of what made significant strides. They also have plenty more work to do. he’s doing for the community.

Farias was back at NYC Pride last month. She participated with a large “It gives people an opportunity for those who are struggling with their contingent of people from the hockey community, marching and riding sexuality to look at somebody who they look up to, and say, ‘If this alongside members of the NHL, NHLPA, You Can Play, New York City person’s OK with somebody being gay, then maybe I can be more Gay Hockey Association (NYCGHA), Black Girl Hockey Club and the comfortable with my own sexuality.’” three local NHL teams. Gabriel did not intend to become a hero for the LGBTQ community, but NYC Pride 2019 was a much different experience for Farias. there was a personal connection that helped solidify his commitment to the cause. He and his girlfriend, Karina Schnurr, are friends with a “As far as the NHL trying to make it more inclusive, there have been baby lesbian couple, and one of them has dealt with family members not being steps,” Farias said. “The effort is being made. supportive.

“‘Hockey Is For Everyone’ is nice, but it’d be nice if they also did more to “I think Kurtis is a great example of the evolution of what it means to be acknowledge people of other backgrounds, not just the queer community. an ally,” said Patrick Burke, senior director of player safety for the NHL. Especially when you have stars in the league like (P.K.) Subban and “Someone who recognizes that he took a very small, simple step at first (Auston) Matthews, who proudly wear that on their sleeve and aren’t to use the Pride Tape like so many other players have done this year, afraid to express where they’re from and their background.” and then really paid attention to the impact it was having and listened to the LGBTQ voices in his community who were saying to him, ‘Hey, this Joe Altenau, the vice president of event operations and guest means something. Hey, this is having an impact.’ And … he said, ‘Good, experiences for the Devils and Prudential Center, relayed a similar story if this is helping people and this is some small way that I can show to Farias, that a Devils fan had used her family’s connection to hockey as support and raise awareness, then I’m going to do it.’ an avenue for coming out to them. “Hopefully more players follow his example.” “What You Can Play and the NHL as a whole has done is really, really incredible,” said Altenau, who wrote about his experiences working for Gabriel, Schnurr and their friends participated last month in the Pride the club as an out gay man for Out Sports. “When we first started having Festival in Toronto, along with Maple Leafs general manager our Pride nights, what we wanted to do was really have meaningful and defenseman Morgan Rielly. conversations with the LGBTQ community. It was not just an opportunity to change our logo to the Pride colors and call it a day. We really wanted “You have to wait and sort of sit on the tarmac a bit and wait for the line to go out there and find ways to make sure everybody’s represented and to get going. That just built the anticipation for us,” Gabriel said. “As we we are engaging with them. started to go, the energy just sort of blew up. It was amazing to see the positivity. Just making eye contact with people, and seeing that they felt “We had a pregame reception where we heard from three different comfortable and validated that they are people just like anyone else.” people at different stages of their career in the hockey world. A bunch of high school students were able to hear from another high school student Gabriel was an unrestricted free agent this offseason and signed a one- who is a transgender hockey player in New Jersey, and they got to hear year contract with the Flyers. He never envisioned the type of reception about what his experience has been like. And for those kids, who then he’d get when he first taped up his stick in rainbow colors. went up to that player after the panel to thank him, it gave them “No, not at all. It just happened organically,” Gabriel said. “I was talking to something to look up to and and to really be able to connect with and and a reporter from the NHLPA who probably put it best. He said, ‘You almost say, it’s OK to be who you are, it’s OK to be transgender, it’s OK to be seem, not embarrassed, but shy about the whole situation.’ I didn’t gay or to be lesbian or whatever it might be. expect to be part of this and that’s a good way to put it. I don’t think I’m “There are role models that you can look up to for guidance and support.” anything special, I am just trying to do the right thing. I think everybody can do that. It would make the world a lot better place. If I can bring more Jeff McLean got a call Feb. 25 from Dean Petruk. Turn on the awareness, more media coverage, use the platform that I have, that’s Canadiens-Devils game immediately, he told him. why I did it and I don’t think it should be surprising for anyone else who contingent of participants from the hockey community to date. The group follows along and tries to help out the community.” came into the day with a common goal: Represent the game of hockey on a day that promotes inclusion, equal rights and freedom. Similar to a player’s celebration or color of skate laces, Gabriel’s earned a following for his tape jobs. “It’s hard to describe the feeling of being there and connecting with people,” said Patrick Burke. “It’s a really different energy the whole “It’s funny because right after Kurtis did that, we monitor social (media), parade weekend. It’s a mix of happiness and celebration along with … as and we see kids emulating how he puts it on his stick,” McLean said. “He you ride by the Stonewall Inn, reflecting on the historical impact of those still has white tape on the knob of the stick and then just below that, he riots and the equal rights movement that sprung out of that. Feeling a uses the tape, so you can see it and his glove isn’t covering it up. And weird mix of celebrating how far society has gone while still recognizing now we’re actually seeing kids doing the same thing and saying that just how far we still need to go.” Kurtis Gabriel is their favorite player in the NHL.” To accommodate the expanding list of participants and improve the Gabriel’s evolution as an advocate was a significant step forward for the exposure on the route, the NHL, NHLPA and You Can Play NHL’s support for the LGBTQ community. Other recent events have commissioned a double-decker bus. Ference walked most of the route, amplified why the fight is far from over. playing ball hockey with sticks adorned with Pride Tape.

In 2016, the NHL suspended then-Canadiens winger Andrew Shaw for NJ Devil and Sparky the Dragon were on and off the bus, riling up the one game for using a homophobic slur. In 2017, Ducks center Ryan crowd. For Farias meeting Harrison Browne, the first transgender Getzlaf received a fine for using a slur, a decision that drew considerable professional hockey player and a two-time NWHL champion, and getting criticism. to talk with him after the event was a highlight. Browne spent much of the The NHL investigated a potential on-ice slur by Rielly this past season, march toting a rainbow-colored Stanley Cup. ultimately ruling it found no evidence of one. Each time, the language Brian Burke even sang “Gloria,” the unofficial anthem of the 2019 Stanley embedded in hockey culture became a talking point. Cup champion St. Louis Blues, with Fatou Bah, a diehard Capitals fan Hockey has long been a violent sport, where overt masculinity has been who was at the march with Black Girl Hockey Club. problematic for the LGBTQ community. But the battle has shifted in FOR YOU @SOIOUCITY @STLOUISBLUES FEATURING BRIAN recent years. Some, but not all, attitudes have changed. There has been BURKE STRAIGHT FROM @NHL #WORLDPRIDE2019 #GLORIA hope and progress, along with disappointments and more resolve in the PIC.TWITTER.COM/BJJMOWQNFZ aftermath. — FATOUFIERCE (@FATOUSADIO) JULY 1, 2019 “Probably the most accurate description (of my experience) is I had my head in the sand like most other people,” said Andrew Ference, a 16- “As a league, and as a former player, I think it’s important to be there and year NHL veteran who is now the director of social impact, growth and support and to celebrate, and have a good time at Pride,” Ference said, fan development for the league. “Because it just wasn’t an issue — “but also to make sure that we are educating ourselves on the history, LGBTQ rights and the acceptance of that community into the locker room and also the present challenges for the community and to make sure the — (it was) just never on my radar. It was never part of the conversation.” support is legitimate, not just being part of a parade and having it end there.” Ference reconnected with an old high school friend about halfway through his NHL career. They had grown up playing hockey together, but Both of the Burkes wearing jerseys to honor Brendan Burke, whose the friend had stopped playing when they got older. He had struggled advocacy for LGBTQ rights as an out gay member of the hockey with his sexuality when they were younger and was now out as a gay community became the inspiration for You Can Play after his death in man. 2010.

“He lost the ability to be comfortable around all of us in hockey,” Ference #HOCKEYISFOREVERYONE TEAM TODAY 🏳️ said. “It’s being in the shower and stuff that comes with being a sports @YOUCANPLAYTEAM @NHL @NHLPA @FERKNUCKLE locker room, and all the banter and the language. So it’s kind of the PIC.TWITTER.COM/4319SJDQJW whole package, right? — BRIAN BURKE (@BURKIE2020) JULY 1, 2019 “It really affected him deeply, and it was a really negative experience for him. So, for me, that was kind of the first time that I had ever talked to New York City mayor Bill de Blasio said about five million people somebody about that, or knew somebody that had gone through that.” attended the parade this year in the city, chosen for the first time as the host for WorldPride, in conjunction with the Stonewall anniversary. You Can Play has been part of working towards a solution for seven years. All 31 NHL teams now offer support in some way, and many clubs The massive crowds turned this parade into an all-day event. The NHL have expanded their support beyond one night of exposure. bus didn’t set out on the parade route until just after 8:30 p.m.

“I think there has been massive progress, for sure,” Ference said. “(But) “It was a bit of a blessing that our double-decker bus was delayed in to say it’s an unbelievable environment would be a lie. Just go on our getting out onto the road for a few hours, because we actually got time to Instagram at the NHL with the stuff that we post, and you’ll see some of spend together and just connect and talk about, ‘Hockey Is For the vitriol out there and some of the ugliness around this (in the Everyone,’ Pride Tape, what this all means to the LGBTQ community,” comments). I think it speaks to the importance of making sure the McLean said. support is there and that hockey players are out in front making sure this The NYCGHA is celebrating its 20th anniversary later this month. is a moment of support for the community.” Secretary of the board Steve Lorenzo and other members of the Eradicating offensive language in locker rooms, in the stands at games association have witnessed the changing landscape, which has included and in the comment sections at the bottom of hockey stories remains a far more support from corporations and sports leagues like the NHL. long-term battle. Members of the LGBTQ community deal with ignorance NYCGHA organizes a recreational league and the Chelsea Challenge, and hate in their daily lives, and hockey has the ability to be not only which started in 2001 as an LBGTQ and LGBTQ friendly tournament. something of a sanctuary, but also a driving force to connect people and This year it took place the weekend before NYC Pride at Chelsea Piers encourage inclusivity in non-hockey settings. and Barnabas Hockey House in Newark as an official WorldPride event. “We feel like some days, you think three steps forward, two steps back, Ference was part of a team from the NHL office in New York that played but we keep chipping away at it,” McLean said. “Like the nohomophobes- in the tournament. dot-com website, which was filled with a lot of hatred in the messaging on social and other places that over time, you could see it changing, you can CONGRATULATIONS TO CAPTAIN ANDREW FERENCE see people’s attitudes changing, you can see conversations happening, (@FERKNUCKLE) AND TEAM HTTPS://T.CO/8PMAVDKYMA., to see others coming in to chime in with more positivity to combat the DIVISION C1 CHAMPIONS OF THE CHELSEA CHALLENGE hate that was out there.” 2019!#CHCH19 #NHL #LGBTQ #NYC #ICEHOCKEY #HOCKEYISFOREVERYONE PIC.TWITTER.COM/XDMAHKVF6D The 2019 NYC Pride March, which also marked the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and what most consider the beginning of the civil — NYC GAY HOCKEY (@NYCGHA) JUNE 23, 2019 rights movement for the LGBTQ community, included the largest This year also marked the first time the NHL and NHLPA has designated “We want to customize them. If they could sell them year-round, I think a full month to celebrate the LGBTQ community, adding to “Hockey Is they would make a lot of money. Everyone gets the shirts, but then it’s For Everyone” month in February. not enough. We want to give you $200 for a rainbow jersey, not just $30 for a rainbow shirt. It’s a niche market, but there are a lot of us.” “The fact that the NHL was sufficiently invested in making their presence known that they took a double-decker bus and spray-painted the colors Some steps forward, others back. More of the former, less of the latter of the rainbow and put their logo on it, I think it speaks volumes,” Lorenzo continues to be the goal. said. “There were people handing out ‘Hockey Is For Everyone’ flags. This isn’t something that is just a slogan or something that they’re hauling “It took awhile for the hockey community to come to our table,” said out for one month of the year.” Lorenzo, who has participated in the NYC Pride march since 1991. “We’re just glad that we’ve been able to come together like this. Before the season began, Canucks goaltender Anders Nilsson told a Swedish paper that the homophobic culture in hockey was still prevalent. “Whenever a team changes its logo to a rainbow, their social media pages become a toxic waste dump of hatred, and it’s proving that why It’s hard to disagree with Nilsson, considering what’s quite obviously this is still so necessary. But they are willing to take the risk and they’re missing. willing to make some of their fanbase angry in order to convey the message that hockey is for everybody. And I think that’s a little gutsy. “We don’t have any openly gay hockey players in the NHL, which is absolutely insane to me, but that’s just what it is, right?” said Ference. “I “We feel like the NHL has our backs, and there is a lot of strength to be think it’s a combination of guys just not wanting the extra attention and garnered from that.” harassment to a certain degree that would come with that, from media and from the demands and that it would kind of overtake the storyline of The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 who you are.

“Most people just want to be a hockey player. You don’t want that to be the lead of everything that describes you.”

While there has been important progress made, the NHL, the teams, the players and the fans taking a more active role in supporting the LGBTQ community off the ice could effect real change.

Putting more financial resources into helping organizations that support the LGBTQ community is part of it. Continuing to educate players on behaviors like harmful language historically directed at the community is, too. That goes for youth hockey, as well.

“We’ve begun to and continued to expand the way we think about the culture of our game, and ensuring that everyone feels welcome, every family, every kid,” said Jessica Berman, vice president of community development, culture and growth for the NHL. “So if you’re a kid who has two moms, or if you’re a kid who’s transitioning, that you feel like you can play our sport. … No one should ever feel that the sport they love doesn’t love them back.”

Berman mentioned a recent NHL.com story about Elliot Govaars, a transgender hockey player in the Jr. Sharks youth system in San Jose. Elliot and his family were concerned about what his future in hockey would look like, but his coach for the Jr. Sharks girls team said it was “refreshingly uneventful” when the players and coaches on the team had no issue with him continuing to play.

“The newer generation of kids playing our game, just in their lives in general — I know for my daughter and her friends and people at school, it’s hardly even an issue for them,” Ference said. “She’s in junior high and has openly gay friends. It’s not even an issue.”

The support for the LGBTQ community among hockey organizations in the New York metropolitan area continues to grow. The Devils were well- represented this past Sunday at the Newark Pride march.

Still, Lorenzo pointed out a notable absence to date.

“New York City has yet to have an actively rostered local player involved,” he said. “And I understand that that’s difficult because in most years, Pride happens to coincide with the NHL draft. This would have probably been an ideal year for it to happen. We understand that people have to go back to their own communities, that not everybody wants to spend the summer in New York. But it would be great if there were some faces from the teams who were able to be involved.”

Farias was one of the people at the pre-march party who was wearing a rainbow-logoed Rangers shirt. Altenau and the New Jersey crew were all wearing rainbow-colored Devils shirts.

Those shirts are a source of pride for hockey-loving members of the LGBTQ community. Farias, who bought a Rangers jersey through NYC Gay Hockey last season customized with a rainbow shield and wears it with pride, wants to see more.

“I lost count of how many people have stopped me and asked me where I got it,” she said. “I really do think, if they made it a thing to have rainbow jerseys, but not just for ‘Hockey is For Everyone’ night, but like actually have it as an item in the store, we will give you our gay dollars. Please, we will give you our money. 1107518 Philadelphia Flyers Canada heads as well, considering their decision to invite him to the World Championship in Slovakia — Philippe Myers will aim to build on that success in 2019-20.

The Athletic Philadelphia’s Top 20 Flyers Prospects — 2019 offseason It is rare for a player of his size (6-foot-5) to skate so fluidly and possess edition the puck skills that seem to come naturally to Myers. Combine that with a booming shot from the point — maybe the heaviest on the Flyers team — crisp passing and a love of jumping into the play, and all the physical By Charlie O'Connor Jul 16, 2019 ingredients are there for a future top-half-of-the-lineup defenseman. A small question remains about his decision-making at times, one that

Myers will try to address in the coming season, as he seeks to lock down The active portion of the NHL offseason is rapidly receding from view. a full-time job at Flyers training camp and begin his Calder Trophy- Only a few high-profile free agents remain on the market, and most clubs eligible rookie season. have now made re-signing their restricted agents the top priority. The With the impending graduation of Myers to full-time NHLer status, the summer, from an NHL standpoint, is in full swing. Flyers were staring at their first true prospect pool positional gap in years: Which makes it the perfect time for the latest version of The Athletic a defenseman with the talent and smarts, who projects as a probable Philadelphia’s Top 20 Flyers Prospects list. first- or second-pair defenseman. With the first-round selection of Cam York, they quickly filled that hole. The rules remain the same as in past editions. Contributor Alexander Appleyard and I put together our individual rankings of the top 25 players While York compared himself to Shayne Gostisbehere on draft night, the in the Flyers organization who retain eligibility for the Calder Trophy, 18-year-old’s style is more calm and cerebral than Ghost’s trademark given to the NHL’s top rookie. Then, the lists were combined to create flashiness. York has offensive ability, to be sure, and he can engineer a one comprehensive, 20-player ranking, our consensus view of the team’s breakout as well as any prospect in his age group. But it’s his hockey prospect pool. sense that stands out most, both his poise with the puck and smarts without it. We released our last iteration in January, and for ease of comparison between that list and this one, each player profile includes a “Previous Combine that with strong skating ability and a high-end work ethic, and Rank” note to show whether a prospect moved up or down the rankings it’s not hard to see why the Flyers believe they have a special (or is a new addition). For ease of categorization, every prospect is linked defenseman on their hands who could supplement their young blueline to his most likely team-based destination to start the 2019-20 season — core at the NHL level in a few seasons, after he gains experience at the though in some cases, it’s possible a player could start the year at a University of Michigan and fills out physically. higher-than-expected level with a strong performance at NHL training Isaac Ratcliffe’s physical talent has never been questioned. He can camp in September. It’s also worth noting: This list contains two ties, for dangle the puck through traffic, snipe shots past shell-shocked goalies fifth and ninth place. and turn the corner on a defenseman on the rush like a 5-foot-10 There were seven players who received votes from Alex or me but came speedster — except Ratcliffe can do all of these things at 6-foot-6. And up short of making the final list. They will be highlighted in an honorable with his production now matching his talent — Ratcliffe scored 50 goals mentions article in the coming days. Today, however, the focus is on the in 65 games last season for the OHL’s — he checks every Top 20 — our view of the Flyers prospects who appear to have the box of a high-end wing prospect. brightest NHL futures. But Ratcliffe isn’t merely a physical freak. His intangibles are off the Since the Flyers drafted Morgan Frost two summers ago, he has thrived charts as well; he’s showcased impressive attention to detail on the ice, at every level, in every situation. Both of his OHL seasons have been and leadership abilities off of it, during his time in Canadian junior outstanding, and at World Junior Championship last winter, he was one hockey. Ratcliffe captained a Guelph club that made it to the Memorial of Canada’s most impactful players. There’s a strong argument to be Cup last season after bouncing back from 3-0 and 3-1 series deficits in made that the last time the organization had such a dynamic forward the OHL playoffs, and he takes pride in his ability to read the room and prospect in its ranks was way back in 2008, when a diminutive kid with guide a club to success. great stats named Claude Giroux approached NHL readiness. He flashes legitimate potential as a play-driver in addition to his Blessed with high-end skating ability, smarts and skill, Frost has best- undeniable scoring ability, regularly making smart plays in the neutral case-scenario upside to become a legitimate first-line center in the zone and opening up space for his linemates. Ratcliffe still needs to work world’s best league. He has a chance to start the 2019-20 season in the on his first few strides and acceleration (and by his own admission, he NHL in a bottom-six role if he excels in training camp, but if he cannot could still stand to put on a little more muscle), but he enters his first earn a spot on the big club then, he could still force his way onto the professional season knowing he’s not terribly far from being NHL-ready. Flyers at some point during the season if he takes apart the AHL as he In general manager ’s eyes, Philadelphia snagged one of did Canadian juniors over the past two seasons. the 20 best players in the 2019 draft with a second-round pick (No. 34), Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise that Joel Farabee defied expectations and he wasn’t alone in that assessment — the undersized Bobby Brink and chose to leave Boston University after just one very successful was expected by many to be gone long before Day 2 began. Instead, he freshman season, signing an NHL entry-level contract and turning pro. It slipped and the Flyers pounced, trading up to ensure they added the was an aggressive decision, especially considering he’s yet to fully fill out Minnesota winger to their prospect pool. physically and will be younger than almost all his opponents in his new The only reason Brink was not taken in the top 20 is his skating, which league. still needs some work. Aside from that concern, Brink possesses a well- But Farabee’s two biggest strengths have always been his signature rounded offensive skill set, with fantastic hockey IQ, high-end hands, attacking mentality as a winger and his high-end hockey sense, so it’s deceptive and accurate passing ability, and an accurate shot that he gets strangely appropriate that he wouldn’t shy from a daunting challenge due off quickly. to a hunch that if everything breaks right for him, a spot in the NHL lineup These strengths — supplemented by a natural tenacity — resulted in might be his for the taking. Farabee reported to development camp at Brink scoring at over a point-per-game rate in both the World Junior A 175 pounds — 13 pounds higher than his weight at the combine last Challenge and the under-18 World Championships. He posted a 1.58 summer — and he plans to hit training camp pushing 180. point-per-game rate in the USHL, the highest mark of any under-18 He clearly possesses the skill to become an impact NHL scorer — player in the league not also part of the U.S. National Team Development Farabee was named college hockey rookie of the year after his standout Program since Thomas Vanek in 2001-02. If Brink can continue to add freshman season — and his relentless style of play combined with his power to his skating stride, the sky is the limit for him. natural talent make it likely that even in a worst-case scenario, he’ll still Before a season-ending shoulder injury in November that required be a quality bottom-sixer at the next level. Farabee is the rare high-floor, surgery, Rubtsov looked like he might force his way into the NHL over high-ceiling prospect. the course of the 2018-19 campaign. He amassed six goals and 10 Fresh off a year in which the defenseman impressed fans and points in 14 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in his first teammates during a well-earned, late-season NHL call-up — and Team professional season in North America. And despite the welcome boost in offense, Rubtsov continued to play well without the puck, proving to be a dropping to a lower-quality league in order to retain his collegiate force on the penalty kill and showcasing the well-rounded, 200-foot game eligibility. The hope, of course, is that O’Brien will tear up the league in that convinced the Flyers they unearthed a steal in the late first round in his Draft+2 season, before heading to Boston University to restart his 2016. college career.

With his shoulder now fully healed, Rubtsov will take a run at a spot on O’Brien remains a tenacious, talented forward prospect — at the NHL roster out of camp. He could turn into a high-end second liner development camp, he showed the skills that impressed so much last (at center or wing) one day. summer have not disappeared. But the disappointing 2018-19 campaign pushes back his NHL timeline dramatically and puts him in a position Wade Allison has dropped down Flyers prospect rankings for a few where he has to excel in Penticton to prove he should still be considered understandable reasons: the prospect pool (especially at wing) grows a high-end prospect. stronger every season, a disappointing junior season at Western Michigan and, of course, the fact he planned to return to school for his After a fantastic preseason last September that resulted in him earning a final season of collegiate eligibility, which raised legitimate concerns place on the Flyers’ roster, Mikhail Vorobyev faded quickly, appearing out Allison was hesitant to sign a contract with the organization. of his element and a step behind NHL competition. He returned to the AHL and continued to progress, from 0.50 points per game in 2017-18 to At development camp in June, both Allison’s off-ice words and on-ice 0.619 in his second season with the Phantoms. Vorobyev should be deeds went a long way toward addressing the latter two concerns. hungry to return to the NHL to start the 2019-20 campaign.

Allison said his recovery from a January 2018 ACL tear went slower than While his ceiling might be “just” as a good third-line pivot, Vorobyev anticipated, which led to him playing at around 50 percent capacity as a remains one of the best passers in the organization. He plays a well- junior. In addition, he strongly hinted he continues to be very interested in rounded game, priding himself on solid defense. Some have doubted his joining the Flyers organization — he simply does not want to sign until intensity and foot speed at times. Improving his shift-over-shift and game- fully healthy, and still deems himself only about 85 percent of the way over-game consistency would go a long way toward resolving those back to full strength. perceived issues. If Vorobyev can make strides in that area of his game, Obviously, Allison’s slow recovery from injury and yet-to-be-signed status he’ll contribute in the NHL. add elements of uncertainty to his projection. While he appears to be Nicolas Aube-Kubel is rapidly approaching a crossroads in his trending in the right direction, it’s possible he never returns to peak form. professional career. After a breakout 2017-18 campaign with the And while Allison may ultimately join the Flyers organization, he could Phantoms in which he established himself as a high-end play-driver and plausibly be tempted by another team as his final year of eligibility nears 5-on-5 scorer at the AHL level, he appeared poised for a promotion to the its end. But the talent is still there. Particularly during the 3-on-3 Flyers. But Aube-Kubel failed to earn a spot with the big club out of tournament at development camp, Allison showcased the combination of training camp last year, and even though he did earn a call-up in late natural goal-scoring ability and tenacity that made him such an intriguing October, he failed to score a point in nine games with the Flyers before prospect in the first place. If he can get healthy and does choose to sign returning to the minors. with the Flyers, there’s second-line winger upside here. That said, Aube-Kubel’s NHL minutes were kept to a minimum, and he There is an argument to be made that Samuel Ersson, 19, just finished did carry over his play-driving ability (56.9% Corsi For and 57.5% xG For one of the best goaltending seasons in Allsvenskan history. In 36 games, Percentages, per Corsica.Hockey) to the higher level. But questions his 0.933 save percentage and 1.95 goals against average dwarfed that remain regarding his offensive upside — Will he be able to translate of the team’s backup (Marcus Dahlbom), who could only muster a 0.890 enough of his offensive ability to score even at a reasonable bottom-sixer save percentage and 3.18 goals against average in a season he largely level? — and his shift-over-shift consistency. spent at age 28. Aube-Kubel enters 2019-20 lacking waiver-exempt status, meaning that if Ersson was easily worth a goal a game of value to his team, and helped he doesn’t make the Flyers out of camp, he’ll need to be exposed to his Västerås side finish third in the second-tier Swedish pro league, when every other team in order to return to the Phantoms. Considering his many thought his club would be fighting against relegation. Ersson was minimal NHL experience, it’s possible he’d clear. But his status turns this awarded both league goalie of the season and player of the season, camp into an especially important one. He should make a big push to while also making his senior Swedish national team debut. Ersson also earn a spot with the big club as a bottom-of-the-lineup forward, but the impressed at the world juniors, posting a strong 0.922 save percentage in onus is ultimately on the 23-year-old to convince a new front office and four appearances. His economy of movement and rapidly improving new coaching staff that he’s worthy of a place on the Flyers. technique make it reasonable to hope he could develop into an NHL starter in the future. Linus Högberg was one of the better defensemen inside his own red line last season in the SHL. Mainly tasked with matching up against Felix Sandström may not have delivered an amazing 2018-19 season on opponents’ best players on a shift-to-shift basis, the mobile young paper, but he played well for HV71 in the SHL after a write-off of a 2017- blueliner handled the job with aplomb, finishing the year with a 56.2% 18 campaign due to a stomach ailment. Sandström’s numbers were also Corsi For Percentage at 5-on-5 while receiving more than 16 minutes at better — albeit marginally — than the team’s veteran starter Jonas even strength per night. Gunnarsson, during his swan song season in Sweden. Offensively, he was snakebitten to start the year, and while his 10 points The next chapter of Sandström’s professional career will come in North in 52 games might not seem especially impressive, it was good for America. In 2019-20, the naturally talented netminder plans to make the second-most on the Växjö defense. He has all the skills to be a valuable jump to the AHL full time, with hopes of showing his wares and putting No. 4 or No. 5 defenseman in the modern NHL, and assuming the himself in position to earn an NHL job. With goalie injuries a constant organization chooses to sign him to an entry-level contract — their rights threat and veteran Brian Elliott signed to a one-year contract, that to exclusively negotiate with Högberg expire next summer — he could be opportunity could come sooner than most think. a dark horse to push for a spot with the big club, considering his In the interim, Phantoms fans should be in for a treat with Sandström extensive professional experience in Sweden. between the pipes, as he regularly delivers highlight saves due to his Mark Friedman had an interesting 2018-19 season. After struggling to high-end athleticism, making seemingly impossible stops at times. earn the confidence of his AHL coaches during his first professional Consistency remains the primary concern, but there are not many young campaign, the defenseman proved to be one of the most impressive goalies with more natural talent than Sandström. blueline prospects at Flyers training camp, lasting even longer than blue- Jay O’Brien essentially had the Draft+1 year from hell. chipper Myers. It appeared that Friedman had reasserted himself on the organizational depth chart — and then the organization was completely Two injuries, including a concussion. A limited role for Team USA at the restructured after the dismissal of general manager . world juniors. And most importantly, a failure to establish himself at the Friedman lost a coach who had slowly learned to trust him in Scott collegiate level as a freshman at Providence, scoring just five points in 25 Gordon, and had to continue his second professional season not games — extremely disappointing numbers for a first-round pick, knowing where he stood with an entirely new group of decision-makers. circumstances aside. However, Friedman did earn a recall for the final game of the regular His goal for 2019-20 is to execute a hard reset. The expectation is that season, making his NHL debut versus the Carolina Hurricanes in Game O’Brien will spend the season with the Penticton Vees in the BCHL, 82. That implies the new brain trust values his skill set. At the same time, with the offseason acquisitions of Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun, there tag doesn’t help matters, either. But back-to-back seasons of 25 points in is no longer a clear spot in the NHL lineup for a right-handed shooting 37 games and a Badgers MVP team award last season underline his defenseman such as Friedman. For now, he sits in the minors as a credentials for an NHL future. potential injury call-up, where he can aim to improve his consistency and hope to eventually earn an extended chance to prove himself at the Kalynuk’s style could be a solid match in head coach Alain Vigneault’s highest level of hockey. system, where defensemen jump into the play and are active at the blueline, and he has the puck skills to back up his fast — though at times After he went unselected in his first year of eligibility at the 2018 NHL choppy — skating. He’ll return to the Badgers as team captain for what Draft, Yegor Zamula quickly justified the Flyers’ decision to sign him to an could be his final college year. entry-level contract. Fifty-six points in 61 games is impressive for any Draft+1 defenseman in the CHL (for comparison, Travis Sanheim scored And with top-tier prospects Alex Turcotte, Cole Caufield and Dylan 65 points in 67 games in his post-draft season), but for such a season to Holloway (projected top-20 pick in 2020) joining Kalynuk and Rangers come from an undrafted free agent, it validated the shrewdness of prospect K’Andre Miller in Madison, the suddenly exciting club might not Philadelphia’s signing. stay under the radar much longer. With a strong junior campaign, Kalynuk could firmly establish himself as a young blueliner with at least That said, Zamula is far from a sure thing. Like most of the prospect pool, bottom-of-the-lineup NHL potential. Zamula’s hockey sense is strong, but he remains rail-thin and his skating lacks power. He’s still an exciting prospect because the plausible upside The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 exists for him to become a top-four NHL defenseman, but he absolutely qualifies as a project. He has a long way to go before he can be viewed as a potential impact blueliner at the NHL level, but there is a path for him to achieve that status.

Tanner Laczynski isn’t far away from taking a real run at being a useful NHL player. Strength-wise, he could likely hold his own. And purely from a skill-set standpoint, Laczynski remains one of the more well-rounded forwards in college hockey — despite injury issues, he exceeded point- per-game pace as a junior with the Buckeyes.

For the Flyers, the big question is whether he has a future in their organization. Like Allison, Laczynski chose to return to college for his senior season, meaning that he’ll either sign with the club at the end of his last year of eligibility or hit free agency and become a target for every team in the NHL. The talent is there for him to be a versatile NHL bottom- sixer with middle-sixer upside, even if his skating will likely never approach high-end levels. But the possibility that he might look to achieve that upside with another organization cannot be discounted.

The big blueliner has effectively missed two straight seasons due to injury, playing only 27 games since the start of 2017-18. When Samuel Morin has been fortunate enough to appear in AHL contests, he has impressed, and he hasn’t looked especially out of place in his seven scattered NHL games over that period, either. But playing in only 27 competitive hockey games across two key developmental years is obviously less than ideal.

Now healthy and waiver eligible, Morin is in his best position in two years to establish himself as a full-time Flyer. His upside may not be much more than a unique No. 4 or No. 5 defenseman at this stage, but he skates exceptionally well for his size, has a big shot and has steadily improved his puck skills since the team drafted him 11th overall back in 2013.

If he can avoid injury, it’s not hard to see him carving out a depth role in Philadelphia during the 2019-20 season, even if he’d likely begin the year as an observer from the press box, considering the additions to the NHL blueline corps made by Fletcher this offseason.

Noah Cates is the epitome of an under-the-radar prospect highly regarded in scouting circles. His skill set has long been praised by those in the game, and his ability to prove a useful cog as a freshman for a Minnesota-Duluth team that won the NCAA national championship did not go ignored across the league. Assistant general manager Brent Flahr even acknowledged during development camp that Cates was a player he wished he had selected while helping to drive the Minnesota Wild’s drafts (Cates is a Minnesota native). For a player ranked 19th in a team’s prospect pool, Cates in more well known than fans might think.

Most observers agree that Cates possesses NHL upside; the question is just how high that upside stretches. Cates himself envisions a future as a middle-sixer who can win puck battles and create space for more dynamic players, though he hopes to improve his skating ability to the point where he can become one of those dynamic forwards himself. Others see him more as a quality bottom-sixer who can chip in here and there with points. The good news is that Cates seems to improve every year, and he’s already proven to be solid value as a fifth-round pick. His development as a skater will ultimately decide his NHL potential, though.

Playing for a Wisconsin team that has flown a bit under the radar in college hockey circles the past few seasons, Wyatt Kalynuk can fall through the cracks when Flyers fans are discussing the organization’s top blueline prospects. The fact he still has the “seventh-round draft pick” 1107519 Pittsburgh Penguins concussion with an illegal hit in a playoff game the year before. Everyone knew an attempt at retribution was in the cards.

The fight: Wilson got a bit of a jump on Oleksiak and knocked him cold Penguins fought a little more last season. They weren’t particularly good with a hard right hand. It was Oleksiak’s last fight with the Penguins. He at it suffered a concussion and was traded back to Dallas a little more than a month later.

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Tuesday, July 16, 2019 1:32 p.m. The winner: Wilson

Dec. 29 vs. St. Louis

The Pittsburgh Penguins grew a little bit more ornery last season, but Zach Aston-Reese vs. Joel Edmundson once the gloves were dropped, they didn’t have a whole lot of success. The circumstances: As Brian Dumoulin scored to give the Penguins a 4-0 Those are the takeaways from a detailed look at all 16 fighting majors the lead, Edmundson gives Aston-Reese a gloved punch that he didn’t team picked up last season. appreciate.

League wide, fights continue to become less and less frequent. Last The fight: Aston-Reese threw a serious uppercut at the 6-foot-4 year, there were 0.19 fights per game, which was even with the year Edmundson, who scored the takedown. before but down from 0.60 a decade prior. The winner: Edmundson

The Penguins, on the other hand, have seen their fight total increase Jan. 8 vs. Florida incrementally since bottoming out at nine in 2015-16, going from 12 to 15 to 16. The team record for fights in a season is 95 set in 1988-89. Marcus Pettersson vs. MacKenzie Weegar

The Penguins ranked tied for ninth in the league with 16 fighting majors The circumstances: The Panthers were trailing 4-0 and an agitated last season, 10 off the league-leading Boston Bruins. Weegar was looking for trouble. He threw a hit on Riley Sheahan and confronted Pettersson. Marcus Pettersson and Jamie Oleksiak led the team with three fights apiece. The players responsible for seven of the 16 fights (Oleksiak, The fight: Weegar landed all the bout’s punches on Pettersson, who is Garrett Wilson, Riley Sheahan and Tanner Pearson) are no longer on the willing to fight when the situation calls for it, but is neither enthusiastic roster. about nor particularly skilled in pugilism.

According to the voters at hockeyfights.com, the Penguins went 2-10-4 in The winner: Weegar the 16 fights with the only wins going to Oleksiak against Philadelphia’s Wayne Simmonds and Zach Aston-Reese against Florida’s Colton Jan. 8 vs. Florida Sceviour. Zach Aston-Reese vs. Colton Sceviour

Here’s a look back at all 16 scraps. Winners chosen by the voters at The circumstances: Aston-Reese flattened Frank Vatrano with a head- hockeyfights.com. high hit earlier in the game and Sceviour was looking for revenge.

Oct. 23 vs. Edmonton The fight: He didn’t get it. Aston-Reese landed several significant strikes, Jamie Oleksiak vs. Zack Kassian including a hard right to the temple. Aston-Reese was injured in the scuffle and missed the next month. The circumstances: The Oilers were down 1-0 in the first period, looking for a spark, when Kassian ran into Oleksiak in the corner. A heavyweight The winner: Aston-Reese bout ensued. Jan. 12 vs. Los Angeles

The fight: Mostly wrestling between two of the bigger players in the Marcus Pettersson vs. Matt Luff league. The circumstances: Again a largely unwilling participant, Pettersson The winner: Draw dropped his gloves when a routine net-front battle escalated.

Nov. 19 vs. Buffalo The fight: Luff pushed Pettersson into the back of the net as the pair Riley Sheahan vs. Jake McCabe grappled.

The circumstances: McCabe stapled Zach Aston-Reese’s head to the The winner: Luff boards with an illegal hit and Sheahan stuck up for his teammate. Jan. 30 vs. Tampa Bay

The fight: Sheahan only dropped one of his gloves and McCabe Evgeni Malkin vs. Steven Stamkos controlled the bout. It’s the only fight in Sheahan’s 447-game NHL career. The circumstances: Malkin took a hard hit from Dan Girardi earlier in the game, and with the Penguins taking a 4-0 lead, tempers boiled over. The The winner: McCabe superstars exchanged slashes and cross-checks before gloves were Dec. 1 vs. Philadelphia dropped.

Jamie Oleksiak vs. Wayne Simmonds The fight: Malkin landed on top after a few punches were thrown.

The circumstances: The Penguins jumped out to an early 1-0 lead and The winner: Draw Simmonds, one of the league’s most accomplished fighters, was looking Feb. 1 vs. Ottawa to change the momentum. Garrett Wilson vs. Mark Borowiecki The fight: Perhaps Oleksiak’s best fight in a Penguins uniform. He landed a series of rights, absorbed only one significant blow and waved off the The circumstances: Wilson crushed defenseman Christian Jaros with a linesmen for a while to signify his work was not yet done. hit into the boards and Borowiecki, a tough customer, sought retribution.

The winner: Oleksiak The fight: Borowiecki buried Wilson under a flurry of lefts.

Dec. 19 vs. Washington The winner: Borowiecki

Jamie Oleksiak vs. Tom Wilson Feb. 9 vs. Tampa Bay

The circumstances: It was Wilson’s first regular-season game against the Teddy Blueger vs. Adam Erne Penguins since he gave Zach Aston-Reese a broken jaw and a The circumstances: Blueger and Erne had words during a previous meeting between the teams, and when they paired off during a routine net-front scrum, gloves were dropped and punches were thrown.

The fight: Not many punches were landed. Blueger scored the takedown.

The winner: Draw

Feb. 9 vs. Tampa Bay

Jack Johnson vs. Alex Killorn

The circumstances: Just as a net-front scrum caused by Patric Hornqvist began to settle down, Killorn and Johnson, both agitated from events that happened earlier in the shift, paired off and fought.

The fight: Both players threw bombs, but no significant blows landed.

The winner: Killorn

Feb. 16 vs. Calgary

Marcus Pettersson vs. Sam Bennett

The circumstances: Pettersson wasn’t an innocent bystander in this one. He blew up Calgary’s Austin Czarnik with a high hit and Bennett made him answer for his actions.

The fight: Bennett was in control throughout.

The winner: Bennett

Feb. 16 vs. Calgary

Jared McCann vs. Rasmus Andersson

The circumstances: The Flames led 5-2 and a scrum broke out off a faceoff at the end of the second period. Andersson hit McCann with a gloved punch and a fight broke out from there.

The fight: A few punches were thrown before McCann landed on top.

The winner: Draw

Feb. 21 vs. San Jose

Evander Kane vs. Tanner Pearson

The circumstances: Evander Kane reportedly skated to the Penguins bench during a timeout and listened in as coaches drew up a play. When called out, Kane said there was no one in a Penguins uniform who could do anything to stop him. A minor melee broke out, with Sidney Crosby and Micheal Haley exchanging unpleasantries. Eventually, Kane and Pearson paired off.

The fight: Kane had no problem handling Pearson.

The winner: Kane

March 7 vs. Columbus

Garrett Wilson vs. Nick Foligno

The circumstances: Adam McQuad stirred up some bad feelings with a pair of hits on Patric Hornqvist and Dominik Simon, and the heat transferred to Wilson and Foligno, who squared off.

The fight: A good, long heavyweight bout. Wilson suffered a cut to his forehead when the pair tumbled to the ice while grappling at the end of the fight.

The winner: Foligno

Tribune Review LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107520 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins re-sign center Teddy Blueger to 2-year deal

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:19 a.m.

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed one of their remaining three restricted free agents Tuesday, agreeing with center Teddy Blueger on a two-year, one-way contract with an average annual salary of $750,000.

Blueger, a 24-year-old former second-round draft pick, emerged as an NHL regular last season after playing two-plus years with Wilkes- Barre/Scranton in the AHL. He had three goals in his first seven games with the Penguins, finishing with six goals and 10 points in 28 games.

He will likely replace the recently retired Matt Cullen as the team’s fourth- line center this season.

“Teddy is a perfect role model for younger players coming into the league,” assistant general manager said in a release. “When you watch a guy with his work ethic, determination and ability to trust the process of going through the proper steps to get to the NHL, you have a great example for younger players. Teddy came to us with great expectations, and he’s worked hard to meet each one. He has great hockey sense. He loves to compete, and he’s a true professional.”

With Blueger signed, defenseman Marcus Pettersson and winger Zach Aston-Reese are the restricted free agents the Penguins have yet to sign.

If the Penguins don’t reach an agreement beforehand, Aston-Reese is scheduled for an arbitration hearing July 22.

Pettersson, a 23-year-old defenseman coming off an impressive rookie season, could be in line for a longer, more lucrative contract extension.

Tribune Review LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107521 Pittsburgh Penguins Michel Therrien learned that lesson in February 2009 after getting to the Stanley Cup Final the year before. He got fired after the players had tuned him out.

Tim Benz: Mike Sullivan admits Penguins had chemistry problems Dan Bylsma learned that lesson in 2014. His team had the best record in the Eastern Conference the year before. But his players barely paid attention to a word he said in that 2013 Eastern Conference final against TIM BENZ | Tuesday, July 16, 2019 5:59 a.m. Boston or while they were blowing a 3-1 series lead against the Rangers in the second round of the 2014 playoffs.

Mike Johnston learned that lesson in his second season after starting his We are three posts into our five-part series of “money quotes” from Mark Penguins coaching career 22-6-4. Madden’s interview with Penguins coach Mike Sullivan on 105.9 the X. We’ve gotten Sullivan’s reaction to the Phil Kessel trade, his thoughts on Therrien was given about four months to recapture that chemistry before getting Evgeni Malkin right again and his views on how to address some getting canned. Johnston was given a little more than two months into his defensive structure deficiencies. second season before receiving a pink slip.

Today we examine how Sullivan plans to address a different problem. Meanwhile, some would argue Bylsma was given two years too long.

Team chemistry. The contract extension says Sullivan will have at least as long as Bylsma. But my bet says he doesn’t get it if things don’t get better That’s a matter general manager Jim Rutherford raised during their joint quickly. season-ending news conference after the team was swept by the Islanders in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Sullivan needs to figure out an answer to this issue. And fast.

“We were a very tight-knit team, and I didn’t see that this year, almost Tribune Review LOADED: 07.17.2019 from Day 1,” Rutherford said, referencing the championship teams of 2016 and 2017. “I didn’t see a point where our guys came together as a team.”

Often, a comment like that from a general manager can be viewed as an indictment of the coach — that his bench boss failed to bring the team’s roster together to tug on the same rope.

Instead, Rutherford decided to deflect the blame onto the players for failing to heed his coach’s message, praising his coach for the job he did keeping the locker room together to the degree that he was capable.

For his part, Sullivan acknowledged the assertion that chemistry was a problem last year.

“I do agree with it. It’s something that we’ve talked about,” Sullivan said when Madden broached the chemistry concerns. “We just didn’t quite come together as we hoped we would.”

However, Sullivan named himself as the culprit.

“It starts with me as the head coach,” Sullivan said. “I’ve got to do a better job of pulling these guys together and making sure the buy-in is where it needs to be.

“I thought we had (chemistry) at times during the course of the season and we felt like we were gaining traction, but it was inconsistent. As a result, we didn’t maximize the potential of the group we had.”

Rutherford was so concerned … that he gave Sullivan a four-year contract extension.

So obviously Rutherford doesn’t share Sullivan’s opinion that the chemistry concerns started in the coach’s office. Instead, it appears Rutherford believes the chemistry problems began and ended with Phil Kessel.

Unless, of course, noted nice guy Olli Maatta made the most drastic, yet under-noticed heel-turn of all time. Because those are the only two guys who were moved off the roster, not counting Matt Cullen’s retirement.

I was harder on Kessel than most in the Pittsburgh media. But not even I am ready to pin all the chemistry concerns on one guy. So, if the theory that just Kessel and Maatta getting booted off the roster will cure that problem, I’m not buying.

The remaining Penguins players need to look in the mirror and listen to their coach.

And the coach needs to get the players to listen to him. Kessel couldn’t have possibly been the only guy going rogue in that capacity. I think Malkin did, Kris Letang did, maybe even other standout players like Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel and Patric Hornqvist did.

Pinning a problem like this on one conveniently traded player doesn’t wash with me. Other guys in black and gold need to interact better with the coach — and each other — next season.

“Human nature is hard to figure out sometimes,” Sullivan said in April. “That’s one of the biggest challenges in coaching.” 1107522 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins re-sign 'perfect role model' Teddy Blueger to a 2-year contract

Matt Vensel

Early this month, hours after the Penguins signed another hard-working late-bloomer in Brandon Tanev, general manager Jim Rutherford mentioned that Teddy Blueger had “established himself as a regular NHL player.”

Now the 24-year-old center has a contract reflecting that.

Blueger, the latest of the team’s restricted free agents to agree to a new deal, signed a two-year contract on Tuesday that has an average annual value of $750,000. The contract is a one-way deal, further solidifying his spot on the NHL roster.

With Matt Cullen officially retired, Blueger is expected to center the fourth line. If he continues to bloom offensively, he could keep climbing the depth chart.

Blueger, after toiling away in the American Hockey League for three years, made his NHL debut in January and in his second game scored his first career goal on his first career shot. He played 28 games in the regular season, scoring six goals with four assists. He did not record a point in his lone playoff game.

He also represented Latvia at the IIHF world championship following the season and led the tournament by winning 62.7% of his faceoffs.

Despite getting the call to Pittsburgh midway through the season, he still finished second in goals for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2018-19. That was the continuation of his growth in the offensive zone after the 2012 second-round pick was initially seen as a checking forward following his career at Minnesota State.

“Teddy is a perfect role model for younger players coming into the league,” assistant general manager Bill Guerin said in a statement. “When you watch a guy with his work ethic, determination and ability to trust the process of going through the proper steps to get to the NHL, you have a great example for younger players.

“Teddy came to us with great expectations, and he’s worked hard to meet each one. He has great hockey sense, he loves to compete and he’s a true professional.”

Blueger became the third restricted free agent the Penguins have gotten under contract the past couple of weeks, joining Adam Johnson and Joseph Blandisi. Marcus Pettersson and Zach Aston-Reese are their two remaining RFAs.

Post Gazette LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107523 Pittsburgh Penguins nice things with Hornqvist late last season. Kahun is a player who intrigues the Penguins. I suspect you’ll see him move up and down the lineup throughout the season as he has a reputation as a player who Projecting the Penguins’ opening night lineup, line combinations and knows how to play with great players, which will likely give him some top- more six time. But he’s likely to start right here, which sounds about right. The Penguins need to get a different version of Hornqvist than what they received in the second half of last season. I suspect they’ll be tempted to play him with Crosby or Malkin at some point. But if he can give the By Josh Yohe Jul 16, 2019 Penguins consistent offense with Bjugstad in a third-line role, that’s not a bad thing.

Unless the Penguins plan on looking the NHL in the eye and fielding a Fourth line team that isn’t compliant with the salary cap — it would be a bold move, Brandon Tanev ($3.5 million)-Teddy Blueger ($750,000)-Dominik Simon but not a suggested one — another trade is coming. ($750,000) It could be Jack Johnson, Nick Bjugstad, Bryan Rust, Erik Gudbranson or Total salary: $5 million someone else. One never knows. What we do know, however, is that the current roster is close to what we can expect to see when the puck drops Even-strength goals scored last season: 25 Oct. 3 against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena. Thoughts: Blueger is entrenched as the No. 4 center and, given what we After speaking with multiple people in the organization during the past saw from him late last year, he’s earned that spot. The Penguins didn’t few days, I’ve learned a few things. Obviously nothing is set in stone and give Tanev a six-year contract to be a healthy scratch. Crosby, Malkin, training camp, along with injuries, has a way of altering plans. Still, the Guentzel, Galchenyuk, McCann, Rust, Hornqvist and Bjugstad are locks Penguins’ brain trust has certain plans for certain players and a general to be in the lineup. The Penguins didn’t trade Maatta for a forward they vision of how it would like this team to appear in October. intend on using as a healthy scratch, so Kahun is in also. So what does that mean? It means, if the Penguins keep this group of forwards intact, Here’s a look at what to expect: either Simon or Zach Aston-Reese will be a healthy scratch. The First line coaching staff loves Simon, so he’d be my guess to start the season on the ice. Jake Guentzel ($6 million)-Sidney Crosby ($8.7 million)-Bryan Rust ($3.5 milion) No. 1 defense pairing

Total salary: $18.2 million Brian Dumoulin ($4.1 million)-Kris Letang ($7.25 million)

Even-strength goals scored last season: 67 Total salary: $11.35 million

Thoughts: It’s the safest choice for the Penguins’ No. 1 line. Guentzel Thoughts: This is one of hockey’s best pairings. Letang bounced back can easily play on the left or right side and, so long as he’s with Crosby, and enjoyed an excellent season while Dumoulin is, other than Crosby, he will produce. But the left side is more natural for Guentzel. Rust really the most reliable member of the Penguins. Splitting these two makes little came into his own as a goal-scorer last season before a late injury sense. They play well together and are capable of logging huge minutes. derailed his season. He scored once in the first two months last season, No. 2 defense pairing then went on a tear, largely alongside Crosby, scoring 18 goals. Crosby loves speedy wingers and Rust is just that. When Rust was a rookie, he Marcus Pettersson (TBD)-Justin Schultz ($5.5 million) was given a game on Crosby’s right wing. The experiment lasted all of one period. Things have changed and Crosby enjoys playing with him. Total salary: Undecided because Pettersson requires a new deal There are other candidates to play on the top line, including Patric Thoughts: The Penguins are absolutely in love with Pettersson, and I Horqnvist and Jared McCann. Truth be told, we’ll see plenty of expect him to receive the bump into the top-four this season. Pettersson combinations. But this is the most likely trio to start on the top line. is a decent puck-mover and Schultz is excellent one. The current plan is Second line for these two to be on the ice quite regularly with Malkin’s line. Schultz wasn’t bad last season but never looked himself after returning from a Jared McCann ($1.25 million)-Evgeni Malkin ($9.5 million)-Alex broken ankle. It’s a contract year for him, and I’d expect big things. Galchenyuk ($4.9 million) No. 3 defense pairing Total salary: $15.65 million Jack Johnson ($3.25 million)-Erik Gudbranson ($4 million) Even-strength goals scored last season: 36 Total salary: $7.25 million Thoughts: Galchenyuk is a natural center and has been effective as a left wing. But the Penguins want to try him on the right side. Regardless of Thoughts: Well, it’s not ideal. That’s a lot of money for a third pairing and which side he plays, Galchenyuk is going to start the season with Malkin. there’s no evidence that these two would play well together. Gudbranson The Penguins like to keep pairs of forwards together. You’ll see Crosby was outstanding in his short time with the Penguins. Did Pettersson play and Guentzel together just as you’ll see Malkin and Galchenyuk together. a significant role? Or is Gudbrandon simply a good fit in this system? McCann was acquired to be the No. 3 center and, while that may be his We’ll find out this season. Because of the presence of Jusso Riikola, and future, he earned the right to play in the top six when the season begins. because of Johnson’s contract, he’s the player the Penguins would most Mike Sullivan will want to have a defensively responsible winger with prefer to move to become cap compliant. So, look for Riikola to slide into Malkin and Galchenyuk, and McCann is just that. It’s a line that should this spot if Johnson is moved. If he’s not, this will be the third pairing. work. The Penguins’ fortunes next season will heavily rely on Malkin No. 1 power play unit returning to form. He scored only 12 goals at even strength last year, a disturbing number for a player of his greatness. These are talented Crosby-Malkin-Guentzel-Galchenyuk-Letang wingers who should help make him better. Thoughts: Sullivan has some fascinating decisions to make with this unit. Third line The only givens are Crosby, Malkin and Letang. The Penguins could go with two defensemen if they want to throw Schultz onto the top unit. From Dominik Kahun ($925,000)-Nick Bjugstad ($4.1 million)-Patric Hornqvist what I’ve been told, however, the Penguins think Galchenyuk would be a ($5.3 million) good fit on the top power play. Look for him to play on the left side. He Total salary: $10.325 million won’t give them a one-timer option but neither did Phil Kessel. Crosby and Malkin figure to stay on the right side of the ice, where they’ve been Even-strength goals scored last season: 30 effective for so long. Hornqvist remains good in front of the net, but the Penguins can’t keep their leading goal scorer off of the top power play Thoughts: The Penguins would prefer to keep Bjugstad as opposed to any longer, so look for Guentzel to play in front of the net. making him a salary dump. He’s a nice luxury to have as a third-line center and, at least from a possession standpoint, Bjugstad did some No. 2 power play unit Bjugstad-Hornqvist-McCann-Schultz-Pettersson

Thoughts: Lots of nice pieces here. Schultz can run the point every bit as well as Letang, if not better at times. Hornqvist should still be good in front of the net. Bjugstad is a nice power play weapon because of his shot. McCann can do a little bit of everything. Not a bad looking group.

No. 1 goaltender

Matt Murray ($3.75 million)

Thoughts: The only question is: Will Murray have a new contract when the season begins? My guess is yes.

No. 2 goaltender

Casey DeSmith ($1.25 million)

Thoughts: Barring an unlikely trade, he’ll be the backup, which means Tristan Jarry is a pretty good bet to be traded.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107524 San Jose Sharks capable of competing at the NHL level, it could open up some options for San Jose moving forward.

Best-case scenario Sharks prospects to WATCH: Mario Ferraro has future as NHL defenseman Ferraro builds off the momentum he generated at the development camp and carries it through training camp, leaving the Sharks no decision but to push him straight from college to the NHL, just like his former UMass- By Brian Witt July 16, 2019 3:40 PM Amherst teammate Makar. Ferraro dazzles during training camp and claims one of the spots on the Sharks' third defensive pairing. With so much attention focused on the Editor's note: This week, NBC Sports California will highlight five different likes of Karlsson and Burns, Ferraro is permitted the time and space to Sharks prospects to watch heading into the 2019-20 season. Some have properly learn on the job while being tutored by some of the best players a chance to make the NHL roster as soon as this year, while others face at his position in the entire world. critical years in their development. We continue with defenseman Mario Ferraro. While he doesn't garner any Calder Trophy votes, Ferraro gains valuable experience in a lengthy Sharks' playoff run and proves to be a logical and Colorado rookie phenom Cale Makar burst on the scene in the playoffs obvious eventual replacement for Vlasic. for the Avalanche last season, looking every bit like an NHL player at the ripe age of 20 years old. Makar scored a goal in his first career game, Worst-case scenario and then added four assists in the seven-game second-round series Ferraro's strong performance at the development camp goes to his head, against the Sharks. and the motor that has been his calling card suddenly stalls. Before Makar arrived in Denver, he was playing at UMass-Amherst with He underwhelms at training camp, and gets dismissed early on, sent San Jose defensive prospect Mario Ferraro. While Makar made the jump down to the AHL with the Barracuda. He remains there all season, and to the NHL first, he seemed to believe Ferraro would be able to do the never recaptures the promise that had Sharks coaches so excited. same eventually. San Jose then is forced to go further into salary cap treachery, "Hardest-working guy I've ever met and played with my entire life," Makar understanding they don't have a realistic internal option to fill Dillon's said of Ferraro to the Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka, shortly after the resulting void. Sharks signed Ferraro to an entry-level contract in April. Realistic expectations Fast-forward a few months, and Ferraro is ever closer to joining Makar at the NHL level. He was very impressive in San Jose's recently completed He's 20 years old! prospect development camp, and -- given the offseason developments with the Sharks' roster -- he could arrive sooner rather than later. Expecting Ferraro to go straight from the Frozen Four to the NHL is unfair, to say the least. That just doesn't happen very often, Makar being Mario Ferraro an obvious exception. Draft year, position: 2017, second round (No. 49 overall) Ferraro continues along his current trajectory, impressing Sharks coaches in training camp, but not enough to expedite his promotion. He Position: Defenseman spends the majority of the season with the Barracuda, where he solidifies Shoots: Left his status as the Sharks' top defensive prospect (Ryan Merkley will also have a say). Height: 5-foot-11 He makes his NHL debut as a temporary injury replacement late in the Weight: 185 pounds regular season, and enters the following season's training camp earmarked for a spot in San Jose's top-six. 2018-19 team: UMass-Amherst (NCAA) Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.17.2019 Skill set Ferraro's best skill likely is his motor. He's the energizer bunny out on the ice. "One of the most high-energy guys you've ever seen, he does not have a bad day," Sharks director of scouting Jr. said of Ferraro during the development camp. "Early in the scrimmage, I thought he kind of carried the play," said Barracuda coach Roy Sommer. "Kind of a hard guy to play against." Ferraro is a smooth skater with near top-end speed. His shot is solid, but not spectacular. He's an adept passer, and has advanced hockey IQ for a player his age. At 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, he isn't the biggest defensemen, but he doesn't shy away from physical play. Training-camp proving ground As things currently stand, the Sharks' top-six group of defensemen appears to be set. On the right side, San Jose has former Norris Trophy winners Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns, as well as Tim Heed. On the left, the Sharks have Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Brenden Dillon and Radim Simek. Jacob Middleton could be a factor, too. That doesn't appear to leave much room at the moment for Ferraro, who shoots left. However, there's reason to believe things could change in the relatively near future. Dillon -- who also shoots left -- is due to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, and given the financial constraints San Jose is likely to face over the next several years, it's reasonable to assume the Sharks won't be able to re-sign him, given what he could command on the open market. Additionally, if the Sharks are going to make a trade for salary relief any time soon, Dillon seems like one of the obvious candidates to be included. Ferraro is unlikely to unseat any of the current top-six in training camp, but if he can show the Sharks' brass that he is ahead of schedule and 1107525 St Louis Blues Yet Bobrovsky ranks second in NHL goaltender pay, behind Carey Price’s eight-year, $84 million contract in Montreal. Price has enjoyed more postseason success than Bobrovsky, but he, too, lacks a Cup Gordo: Binnington gets his money, keeps long-term leverage, too pedigree. Henrik Lundqvist ($8.5 million per year with the New York Rangers), Tuukka Rask ($7 million per with the Boston Bruins) and Marc-Andre Jeff Gordon Fleury ($7 million with the Vegas Golden Knights) are some of well-paid veterans who struck big deals earlier in their careers.

Binnington’s contemporaries John Gibson ($6.4 million per year with the Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington got his just reward for delivering an Anaheim Ducks) and Connor Hellebuyck ($6.17 million with the Winnipeg extraordinary postseason performance. Jets) illustrate where the market is going with No. 1 goaltenders. He gained financial security with his new two-year, $8.8 million contract. Both of those goaltenders put up some regular season success, but At the same time, Binnington bet on himself to make even more money neither has Cup credentials. They got paid on promise. with unrestricted free agency looming at the end of that deal. Binnington plans on getting paid for performance with his next contract. If That’s a win-win for the Binner. he keeps doing what he did last season, those dollars would be huge. If he holds form next season, Binnington will build leverage for a contract In the meantime he will earn a big multiple of his $650,000 NHL salary extension with another big raise. Blues general manager Doug last season. He will make an astronomical jump from the minor league Armstrong would be eager to keep his championship-caliber netminder wages he collected from the Peoria Rivermen, Kalamazoo Wings, out of the open market. Chicago Wolves, and San Antonio Rampage during his journey through hockey’s back roads. If Binnington plays on and becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2021 after still another strong season, he would go up for auction as a bona That’s a fair return for everything Binnington has done for this franchise fide star. He could command top dollar from the Blues or any other suitor. and its long-suffering fans. But Armstrong would be able to pay that price, since goaltender Jake St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 07.17.2019 Allen’s contract (with its $4.35 million salary cap hit) expires in two seasons as well. In that scenario, he could pair Binnington with a young goaltender (Ville Husso?) or another low-cost backup and make the numbers work. Would Binnington want to stay? If the Blues remain a Stanley Cup contender and Armstrong is willing to pay him market value, why not. Those factors would spell happiness. This two-year contract was a logical outcome to an unusual negotiation. When was the last time a fourth-string goaltender rose up to lead his team to the Cup with acrobatic excellence? Never. So there were no strong comparisons to bargain with. Armstrong locked in Binnington for two years without making a long-term commitment to a netminder who hasn’t played a full season in the NHL. He did so at a salary cap number that he can work around for the next two seasons. The combined $8.75 million price tag for Binnington and Allen is manageable. It is notably less than the $11 million the Chicago Blackhawks will pay the tag team of Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner for the upcoming season, for instance. Allen will offer solid protection for Binnington as he deals with the heightened expectations that came with his sudden stardom. Jake will be eager to reestablish himself after his difficult 2018-19 season. Coach Craig Berube will give him amply opportunity to do that while managing Binnington’s workload. As the supportive backup during the Cup run, Allen showed great character. He contributed to the strong Blues team chemistry which should carry forward. Almost everybody from their title-winning team will be back next season, which is no small achievement in the cap era. Armstrong should be able to wedge restricted free agents Oskar Sundqvist, Ivan Barbashev and Joel Edmundson under the cap with the roughly $8 million in available space. (As for the possible retention of unrestricted free agent Pat Maroon . . . well, that could take some more maneuvering. The Blues have exceptional depth up front and Armstrong wants to save a bit of cap space for injury replacements.) Locking in Binnington for a longer term could have saved the Blues money down the road and brought Armstrong some peace of mind. But it would have cost more on a per-year basis now and created a tougher cap crunch for the next two seasons. After all, Binnington wasn’t going to surrender years of unrestricted free agency without collecting a hefty premium. The man does not lack confidence. He and his agent, former Blues star Mike Liut, know how high the goaltending market can go. Sergei Bobrovky just got seven-year, $70 million deal from Florida as an unrestricted free agent. He has an impressive regular season track record, but he has struggled in postseason play. 1107526 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning’s ‘Bolts Beach Bash’ announced for later this month The event will be held at Pier 60 on July 27 and conclude with a fireworks show.

By Mari Faiello

TAMPA — The Lightning will host its first “Bolts Beach Bash” on July 27 at Pier 60. All activities are free and open to the public as long as they RSVP. [ RSVP to the "Bolts Beach Bash" HERE ] The beach party will start on Clearwater Beach at 10 a.m. and conclude with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Young MC, the 1980s rap artist known for his hit Bust a Move, performs at 8:30 p.m. Fans also can participate in other activities like street hockey and cornhole. Participants can register for ball hockey and cornhole online or when they get to the beach. Dunkin’ Donuts will also provide attendees with free Munchkins, iced coffee and sweet tea samples during the ball hockey clinic, which is scheduled for 3 p.m. Here is the schedule of activities planned for the day: 10:00 a.m. Lightning Made Ball Hockey Tournament Begins 11:00 a.m. Lightning Cornhole Tournament Begins 3:00 p.m. Lightning Made Ball Hockey Clinic 4:00 p.m. Hula Hoop, Water Balloon Toss and Limbo Contest for Tampa Bay Lightning Prizes 5:00 p.m. Trivia Contest 8:00 p.m. Sunset Cinema Showing of Mighty Ducks 3 on Clearwater Beach 8:30 p.m. Young MC performance 9:00 p.m. Fireworks Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107527 Tampa Bay Lightning last season after suffering a shoulder injury at the beginning of the year and missing out on 71 games.

Scott Wedgewood. Goaltender Wedgewood signed a one-year, two-way Lightning free agency: Catching up on who has and has not signed contract with the Lightning earlier this month coming off a 48-game Among the key players Tampa Bay has not re-signed are Adam Erne season in the AHL. His record was 28-14-2 with a 2.68 goals-against and Brayden Point. average and .908 save percentage, posting the second-highest mark in the league in terms of wins and shutouts (5).

Spencer Martin. Goaltender Martin is also coming off a decent season in By Mari Faiello the AHL, signing a one-year, two-way contract with Tampa Bay. In 23 games, he posted a 9-10-2 with a .902 save percentage and a 3.40 goals-against average, notching three shutouts. TAMPA — We’re two months into the offseason and the Lightning has Chris Mueller. The Lightning adds Mueller to its contingent of goal made some moves ... though there are likely big ones still to come. scorers for the 2019-20 season. Mueller signed a one-year, two-way contract with Tampa Bay. Last season, he skated in 60 AHL games Tampa Bay has signed 14 players, parted ways with five others and notching 33 goals (setting a career-high mark) and 65 points on the year. three deals are still on the table, including with high-profile free agents He ranked third in the AHL in power-play goals (16). Brayden Point and Adam Erne. Moving on Here is where the team stands so far: J.T. Miller. Forward Miller was traded in a deal with Vancouver during the Done deals second round of this year’s draft. Miller’s trade helped free up some Cedric Paquette. The Lightning re-signing restricted free agent Paquette valuable cap space in exchange for a third-round draft pick this year, a is one of the most recent moves the club has made this offseason. The conditional first-round pick in next year’s draft and an AHL goaltender in defensive forward signed a two-year contract worth $3.3 million. Hugo Alnefelt. Paquette skated in 80 games last season, posting 13 goals and 17 Anton Strålman. Veteran defenseman Strålman found a new home in points. Florida with the Panthers after free agency opened up earlier this month. Braydon Coburn. Tampa Bay re-signed one of its veteran defenseman in The defenseman was unlikely to ink another deal with Tampa Bay given Coburn earlier this summer, pretty much hinting that he would be the only the salary cap and the fact the organization had already re-signed one out of the Dan Girardi-Anton Strålman-Coburn trio to return next Coburn. Many Tampa Bay fans were sad to see the Swede leave the season. Coburn signed a two-year deal with Tampa Bay on June 18, a club after five years. Strålman’s deal with the Panthers is a three-year couple of weeks before free agency opened, carrying an average value contract worth $16.5 million. of $1.7 million annually. Ryan Callahan. Many started questioning what the future held for veteran Jan Rutta. Defenseman Rutta was the first to re-sign this offseason. forward Callahan after he was frequently replaced in Tampa Bay’s lineup Rutta skated in 14 games in the regular season, posting two assists. He with Mathieu Joseph and with impending salary cap issues coming at the also played in two of the Lightning’s four playoff games against the Blue end of the season. But all those questions were answered earlier this Jackets. The 28-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, one-way month when Callahan spoke out about his back disease, effectively contract worth $1.3 million, taking a $1 million cut from his last contract. ending his career on the ice. The Lightning placed Callahan on the long- term injured reserve for the final year of his contract. Cameron Gaunce. Defenseman Gaunce signed a one-year, two-way contract. Gaunce only skated in two games with Tampa Bay this season, Connor Ingram. The Lightning also decided to part ways with goaltender but he helped fill in a role when the team was going through a rough spot Ingram, who spent time in Tampa Bay, Syracuse and Orlando. Ingram on the blueline with injuries in late April as the Lightning closed out its was traded to Nashville in exchange for a 2021 seventh-round draft pick. regular season against the Senators and the Bruins on the road. Gabriel Dumont. Syracuse Crunch captain Dumont found a new home Danick Martel. Despite the fact that forward Martel only appeared in nine with Minnesota earlier this month and signed a two-year, two-way games this past season, posting only two assists and usually sitting out contract worth $700,000. In 59 games with the Crunch, he posted 15 as a healthy scratch, Tampa Bay sees something in him. He took a slight goals and 28 assists. pay cut to stay with the program as he inked a league-minimum Still in question $700,000 contract ($15,000 less than his last contract) for one year in a two-way deal. He was the first of the Lightning’s restricted free agents to Brayden Point. Lightning shutdown center Point is the highest profile free get re-signed this offseason. agent Tampa Bay has not re-signed. The trading of Miller, deal with Coburn and moving Callahan to the injured reserve list has eased some Luke Schenn. Julien BriseBois opted to add former Vancouver of the salary cap tension and doubt about where Point will eventually defenseman Schenn to the Lightning’s group of blueliners right at the land. Previous reports said Point, 23, turned down an offer sheet from the start of free agency, offering him a one-year contract worth $700,000. In Montréal Canadiens, so it’s likely the forward has no qualms about January, Schenn was traded from Anaheim to Vancouver, playing in a staying in Tampa Bay for a bit longer. total of 26 games last season and posting two assists. Adam Erne. Lightning forward Erne finished his three-year entry-level Luke Witkowski. Former Syracuse Crunch captain Witkowski is returning contract in 2017-18 and signed a one-year deal with the Lightning for home after signing a two-year, two-way contract with the Lightning earlier 2018-19. Erne, 24, skated in 65 games last season, posting seven goals this month. The 29-year-old defenseman skated in 34 games with Detroit and 13 assists for a 20-point year. Erne was not listed among the 40 last season notching two assists. In 2016-17, his last year with Tampa players who have elected salary arbitration, which likely signals that he Bay, he recorded four assists in 34 games. and Tampa Bay are close to reaching a deal. Curtis McElhinney. Veteran goaltender McElhinney may have found his Dan Girardi. It’s unlikely that Girardi, 35, will lace up for another season new home as a backup goalie in Tampa Bay after signing a two-year with Tampa Bay. He has not been reported to be in the talks with any contract worth an AAV of $1.3 million. McElhinney played in 33 games teams. Girardi had a rough stint last season, sitting out the last month of with the Carolina Hurricanes last season posting a 20-11-2 record (also the year with a lower-body injury. He skated in 62 games, posting four notching two shutouts) and posting a 2.58 goals-against average with a goals and 12 assists. .912 save percentage. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 07.17.2019 Carter Verhaeghe. Tampa Bay also opted to re-sign forward Verhaeghe to a one-year, two-way contract. He led the AHL last season in points (82) and goals (34). He led the Syracuse Crunch in points and assists (48) last year, as well. . The Lightning signed forward Smith to a one-year, two-way contract earlier this month. Smith skated in 17 games last season with the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins, recording two goals and a three- point year. Before his NHL stint, he played in 47 games in the AHL logging 16 goals and 40 points. Daniel Walcott. Forward Walcott signed a one-year, two-way contract with Tampa Bay in mid-June. Walcott skated in only five games for the 1107528 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights to visit 4 states on summer road trip

By David Schoen / Las Vegas Review-Journal

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. The Golden Knights’ summer road trip takes place from Aug. 4 to 9 and will hit four states along the way, the team announced Tuesday. The third annual trip includes hockey clinics and meet-and-greets with scheduled appearances by Jake Bischoff, Deryk Engelland, Cody Glass, Nic Hague and Zach Whitecloud. Broadcasters Dave Goucher and Gary Lawless also will attend, along with Chance the mascot. “Our annual road trip provides a great opportunity to connect with Vegas Golden Knights fans and weave the golden thread through our television distribution territory,” team president Kerry Bubolz said in a statement. “We are so grateful for the support from our fan base and always look forward to meeting those fans face to face.” The trip begins Aug. 4 in Las Vegas and makes its first stop Aug. 5 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, with Whitecloud and Goucher scheduled to appear. After visiting Billings, Montana, with Bischoff on Aug. 6, Glass, Hague and Lawless will be in Casper, Wyoming, on Aug. 7. The trip concludes Aug. 9 in St. George, Utah, with an appearance by Engelland and Lawless. Engelland is an unrestricted free agent, but incoming president of hockey operations George McPhee previously indicated the team is close to re-signing the 37-year-old defenseman and longtime Las Vegas resident. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107529 Vegas Golden Knights

ESPN releases promo for Golden Knights’ ‘My Wish’ segment

By Ben Gotz / Las Vegas Review-Journal

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Golden Knights fans should be ready to have their heartstrings tugged based on a promo for an ESPN “My Wish” segment airing Wednesday. The teaser for the SportsCenter clip shows Doron Coldwell, a 13-year-old Las Vegas who’s battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma, practicing and fist- bumping with the Knights. Coldwell got to replace Fleury in net for a day as part of the series, which was created in 2006 through a partnership between ESPN and Make-A- Wish. The segment will re-air as part of a one-hour “My Wish” special on Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. on KTNV-13. The Knights previously hosted two Make-A-Wish kids in February that Fleury spent time with. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107530 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights re-sign defenseman Jake Bischoff

By Ben Gotz and David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. The Golden Knights locked up another restricted free agent Tuesday, re- signing defenseman Jake Bischoff to a three-year, $2.15 million contract. The deal, which runs through the 2021-22 season, carries an average annual value of $716,667. It is a two-way contract for the first two years, meaning Bischoff gets paid differently depending on whether he’s in the NHL or American Hockey League, and a one-way contract in Year 3. “I absolutely love it in Vegas, and to be there for another three years, it’s pretty special and I’m really excited for it,” Bischoff said. “The security part is nice, as well. You know you’ve got a job for three years, and you can sort of not worry about any of that contract stuff and just go out and play. I’m sort of excited about that part for sure, too.” Bischoff, who turns 25 on July 25, has yet to make his NHL debut. He was on the Knights’ roster out of training camp last season but never played a game. The 6-foot-1-inch, 194-pound blue liner appeared in 60 games for Chicago of the American Hockey League last season and finished with 13 points (two goals, 11 assists). He had an additional five assists in 22 Calder Cup playoff games for the Wolves. “That’s part of your dream ever since you were a little kid playing hockey, so definitely achieving that would be next on my list,” Bischoff said of playing in the NHL. “Whether that’d be this year, next year, hopefully I can get into a game one of these years and hopefully take advantage of it, too.” Bischoff, who was acquired from the New York Islanders in an expansion draft trade, is expected to contend with Dylan Coghlan, Nic Hague, Jimmy Schuldt and Zach Whitecloud at training camp for at least one open roster spot. “There are a lot of good defensemen in the organization, so it’s going to be a battle for sure, and I’m looking forward to it,” Bischoff said. “I’ve been working hard this summer, and I’m going to continue to do that and hopefully be as ready as I can be coming into camp.” Bischoff’s salary will count against the cap if he makes the NHL roster. The Knights are approximately $2.475 million under the cap, with unrestricted free-agent defenseman Deryk Engelland expected to sign. Schuldt and left wing Nikita Gusev also remain restricted free agents. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107531 Washington Capitals

Capitals re-sign Jakub Vrana to two-year, $6.7 million deal

By Samantha Pell Samantha Pell Reporter covering high school sports Email Bio Follow

The Washington Capitals re-signed forward Jakub Vrana to a two-year, $6.7 million deal Tuesday, securing the team’s foremost restricted free agent and top priority of the offseason. Vrana’s contract will carry an average annual value of $3.35 million. The 23-year-old is coming off a career season with 24 goals, ranking third on the team, and 23 assists. He tallied zero points in the Capitals’ first-round playoff exit against the Carolina Hurricanes. The native of the Czech Republic has established himself as a top-six forward and will be a restricted free agent again in two years when the deal runs out, giving the Capitals an opportunity to extend him to a long- term contract. “Jakub is a highly skilled player with a tremendous upside and is a big part of our future,” Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan said. “We are pleased with his development the past two seasons and are looking forward for him to continue to develop and reach his full potential with our organization.” The Capitals signed Vrana to a team-friendly deal, helped by the fact Vrana had no arbitration rights and by recent comparable deals agreed to by restricted free agents Andreas Johnsson and Kasperi Kapanen in Toronto. Also dealing with limited salary cap space, the Maple Leafs passed on a long-term deal with Kapanen and instead signed the 22- year-old forward to a three-year, $9.6 million contract June 28. Johnsson signed a four-year, $13.6 million deal. The Capitals have made comparable “bridge” deals in the past, notably for Andre Burakovsky — who was traded to Colorado in June — when they signed him in 2017 to a two-year, $6 million deal. According to CapFriendly.com, Vrana’s two-year deal includes a $2.7 million base salary for the 2019-20 season with a $1 million signing bonus. Vrana, who was taken 13th by the Capitals in the 2014 draft, will receive $3 million in base salary for the 2020-21 season. After re-signing Vrana, the Capitals have just shy of $1 million in salary cap space, according to CapFriendly. Washington, which signed three bottom-six forwards in free agency — Richard Panik, Brendan Leipsic and Garnet Hathaway — has 13 forwards, six defensemen and two goalies under contract. Defenseman Christian Djoos and forward Chandler Stephenson, both restricted free agents, remain unsigned after filing for arbitration this month. Djoos’s hearing is scheduled for Monday, and Stephenson’s is Aug. 1, although restricted free agent negotiations usually don’t reach that point. With so little salary cap space remaining, the Capitals will only be able to fit one more player on the NHL roster. Washington Post LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107532 Washington Capitals

Capitals sign Vrana to two-year, $6.7 million deal

By Adam Zielonka - The Washington Times - Tuesday, July 16, 2019

The Washington Capitals signed forward Jakub Vrana to a two-year contract worth $6.7 million, locking up the young top-six forward for a few more years as he continues to grow in the NHL. Vrana was a restricted free agent entering the summer and the team made him a qualifying offer. But a longer agreement was long expected. “Jakub is a highly skilled player with a tremendous upside and is a big part of our future,” general manager Brian MacLellan said in a statement. “We are pleased with his development the past two seasons and are looking forward for him to continue to develop and reach his full potential with our organization.” Vrana put up 47 points (24 goals, 23 assists) in his sophomore year with the Capitals after a 27-point rookie year. He blossomed when he became a regular starter for the Capitals in 2017-18, the year they won the Stanley Cup, and he was the only forward to play all 82 games for Washington last year. The Czech native had a disappointing 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, failing to score a point in the Capitals‘ seven-game series loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. At a $3.35 average annual value, Vrana will make less than fellow top-six forward Tom Wilson, who got a long-term deal last offseason at a $5.17 million AAV. But Vrana’s is a two-year “bridge” deal rather than a long- term contract, and he will have the opportunity to cash in further after 2020-21 if he keeps up his game. Vrana projects as the Capitals‘ second-line left wing, where he’s made a home for himself over the last two years. Washington now has about $936,000 left in salary cap, according to the website capfriendly.com. Washington Times LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107533 Washington Capitals Big players come up in big games, and Vrana proved to be one of those players in the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup run.

Jakub Vrana shows off the speed as the #Caps take the 1-0 lead. Jakub Vrana's top 5 moments as a Capital so far Stream #CapsKinghts live: https://t.co/eVSyFueu2t pic.twitter.com/iEZGmkXyDc By Julia Karron July 16, 2019 4:06 PM — NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) June 8, 2018 In enemy territory against the Vegas Golden Knights with the Stanley TRENDING NOW Cup on the line, Vrana powered down the ice and roofed a wrist shot past Marc-Andre Fleury for the opening goal of Game 5. 1:30 Ravens rookie Trace McSorely takes to coaching Here's to hoping we see many more big moments in the years to come 1:15 Funnel cake fries highlight new menu at Redskins games from Jake the Snake. 1:28 Mike Rizzo reaffirms Nats want to keep Rendon 'long-term' Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.17.2019 1:12 Davey Martinez, Max Scherzer pay tribute to Tyler Skaggs 1:00 Andrea Chamblee remembers late husband Jakub Vrana has made it through his entry-level contract and signed a new deal Tuesday for two-years, $6.7 million. To celebrate his new bridge deal, we look back at the top 5 moments from Vrana's last three seasons with the squad. 5: Vrana's first goal Against the Buffalo Sabres on the road, Vrana introduced himself to Capitals fans with a tap-in off an Evgeny Kuznetsov feed to beat Robin Lehner. Jakub Vrana talks after #CapsSabres about scoring his first and someone (not naming names)(Tom Wilson) hits him with the shaving cream pie. pic.twitter.com/2Tu4SvJVNr — Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 10, 2016 It would be the first of 40 goals he's scored in his young Caps career. 4: Pick-pocketing the Flyers They say the best offense is a good defense, but Vrana didn't have to settle on this goal. Jakub Vrána získal po chybě soupeře kotouč, uplatnil svou rychlost a pohotovou ranou překonal Mikea McKennu v duelu Capitals proti Flyers pic.twitter.com/uVues5o4UD — NHL Čeština (@NHLcz) January 9, 2019 With a nifty poke check at the Caps defensive blue line, Vrana went full blast towards the Philadelphia Flyers defense, beat them, then roofed a shot for his 13th goal of the season. 3: Helping to lift the curse against the Penguins Vrana scored his first-ever playoff goal against the Penguins during the 2018 Stanley Cup run, but it was his Game 5 dagger that put Caps fans on their feet. VRANA FOR THE LEAD! pic.twitter.com/CvqzHwqCuZ — NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) May 6, 2018 Thanks to a cross-crease feed from Alex Ovechkin, Vrana was able to slot the puck past Matt Murray in the dying minutes for the game-winning goal. The Caps would add two more, going on to win 6-3. 2: Stanley Cup Celebration It's no secret the boys partied hard after they won the Cup in 2018, and Vrana presented us with one of the greatest moments during the epic celebration. A WILD JOE B APPEARS pic.twitter.com/p4laaTRaUf — NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) June 10, 2018 This moment with Joe B. will never, ever get old. The party continued at the Stanley Cup parade a couple days later.

VRANA DID THE DANCE!  pic.twitter.com/xg81J6k6ZW — NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) June 12, 2018 After a solid show along the parade route, Vrana graced us with his stellar dance moves. 1: Game 5 Stanley Cup Final opening goal 1107534 Washington Capitals small amount until the start of the new season so it certainly seems as if we are headed for a fourth-line competition in training camp.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.17.2019 Caps sign Jakub Vrana to a 2-year bridge deal with an eye on the future

By J.J. Regan July 16, 2019 3:48 PM

TRENDING NOW 1:30 Ravens rookie Trace McSorely takes to coaching 1:15 Funnel cake fries highlight new menu at Redskins games 1:28 Mike Rizzo reaffirms Nats want to keep Rendon 'long-term' 1:12 Davey Martinez, Max Scherzer pay tribute to Tyler Skaggs 1:00 Andrea Chamblee remembers late husband One of the biggest items on the Capitals’ offseason to-do list is now finally done as the team signed winger Jakub Vrana to a two-year bridge deal worth $6.7 million. The deal carries with it a cap hit of $3.35 million per year. Vrana enjoyed his best NHL season in 2018-19 with 24 goals, 23 assists and 47 points, all career-highs. He cemented himself as a top-six forward in the 2018 playoff run and did not relinquish that role in Todd Reirden’s first season as head coach. Jakub Vrana set career highs last season in goals, assists and points. He became the sixth player in franchise history to record at least 23 goals at even strength in a single season before the age of 24 and the first since Alex Ovechkin (2008-09). pic.twitter.com/20lNaCpmG9 — CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) July 16, 2019 With Vrana on the ice at five-on-five last season, the Capitals saw an increase in shot attempts around the left face off circle relative to the NHL average. Graphics provided by @IneffectiveMath at https://t.co/fxR3jUTvi5 pic.twitter.com/4Zf81QARuS — CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) July 16, 2019 “Jakub is a highly skilled player with a tremendous upside and is a big part of our future,” general manager Brian MacLellan in a statement released by the team. “We are pleased with his development the past two seasons and are looking forward for him to continue to develop and reach his full potential with our organization.” The only disappointment for Vrana this season came in the playoffs when he was held to zero points in seven games. When asked at the team’s breakdown day if he was dealing with an injury, he said that he was, but would not confirm the nature or severity of the injury. Though negotiations stretched into mid-July it was always a foregone conclusion that Vrana would return. He was a restricted free agent with no arbitration rights, meaning he had little bargaining power. Seeing Sebastian Aho receive a rare offer sheet raised the specter of a similar possibility for Vrana, but in the end, the deal got done and Washington will return what will likely be a key piece of its offense for years to come. Though many would have liked to see the 23-year-old forward get locked up long-term given his skill and work ethic, a bridge deal was always likely. Signing an RFA long-term means buying UFA years which ups the value of the contract. Without much money under the cap, even if MacLellan wanted to get a long-term deal done the team simply did not have the cap room to do it. Vrana will still be an RFA at the end of his new contract, but he will have arbitration rights at that point. His contract will also expire the same year as Alex Ovechkin’s and one year after Nicklas Backstrom and Braden Holtby’s. By then the future for all three within the organization should be determined, leaving MacLellan free to negotiate with Vrana without the possibility of major contracts for the team’s stars looming over him. When it comes time for Vrana to sign a new deal, MacLellan should have a better idea of how much money he has to work with for a future deal. With Vrana now in the fold, the Caps currently have less than $1 million remaining in cap space with restricted free agents Christian Djoos and Chandler Stephenson still left to sign. Washington retained the rights of both players by issuing them qualifying offers and both have filed for arbitration. Djoos would be the team’s seventh defenseman so it seems likely he will be on the roster at the start of the season. The future seems less clear for Stephenson. Teams are allowed to exceed the salary cap ceiling by a 1107535 Washington Capitals

Andre Burakovsky inks new deal with Colorado Avalanche

By Julia Karron July 16, 2019 10:22 AM

TRENDING NOW 1:30 Ravens rookie Trace McSorely takes to coaching 1:15 Funnel cake fries highlight new menu at Redskins games 1:28 Mike Rizzo reaffirms Nats want to keep Rendon 'long-term' 1:12 Davey Martinez, Max Scherzer pay tribute to Tyler Skaggs 1:00 Andrea Chamblee remembers late husband Andre Burakovsky is officially no longer a Washington Capital. After he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in June for second and third-round picks in the 2020 NHL Draft, Burakovsky inked a new deal with the squad for one year and $3.25 million. Burakovsky posted 25 points last season in 76 games and had been the subject of trade rumors for the better part of two seasons. The Capitals offered him a qualifying offer but would have had to match his previous cap hit of $3 million per year. The Capitals, after signing Garnet Hathaway, Richard Panik and Brendan Leipsic, have a touch over $4 million left to sign restricted free agents Jakub Vrana and Chandler Stephenson, and Burakovsky's departure gave them the cap space to sign those deals. Colorado meanwhile has $19.9 million in remaining cap space and need to sign a host of restricted free agents to new deals, including Mikko Rantanen, J.T. Compher and Vlaidslav Kamenev. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107536 Washington Capitals they are, but there is a reason to project that all three could score in the 15+ goal range with 30-40 points.

The Caps could not afford to keep or replace the offensive production 20 Burning Capitals Questions: Can the third line provide enough they lost in the offseason, but if the team improves defensively as much offense? as MacLellan hopes, they may not have to. We may see a lot more 3-2 games than 5-4 this year, but you don’t need to score as many goals if you are not giving up as many. By J.J. Regan July 16, 2019 10:00 AM Can the third line score as many goals as last season? That seems doubtful. Can it generate enough offense that the team does not become top-heavy and entirely dependent on its top-six? Yes, it can. TRENDING NOW Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.17.2019 1:30 Ravens rookie Trace McSorely takes to coaching 1:15 Funnel cake fries highlight new menu at Redskins games 1:28 Mike Rizzo reaffirms Nats want to keep Rendon 'long-term' 1:12 Davey Martinez, Max Scherzer pay tribute to Tyler Skaggs 1:00 Andrea Chamblee remembers late husband The long, endless summer is only halfway done. The Capitals last played a game on April 24 and will not play another one until Oct. 2. But with free agency and the NHL Draft behind them now, the 2019-2020 roster is almost set and it won’t be long until players begin trickling back onto the ice in Arlington for informal workouts. With that in mind, and given the roasting temperatures outside, for the next three weeks NBC Sports Washington will look at 20 burning questions facing the Capitals as they look to rebound from an early exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs, keep alive their Metropolitan Division title streak and get back to their championship form of 2018. The list will look at potential individual milestones, roster questions, prospects who might help and star players with uncertain futures. Today we look at the team's offensive depth. Can a Carl Hagelin, Lars Eller, Richard Panik third line provide enough offense? When you look at the Capitals’ offseason moves, it is clear the focus was to improve the team defensively. Richard Panik, Garnet Hathaway and Brendan Leipsic all look like decent defensive upgrades, but the team has also lost a lot of offensive production that it has not necessarily accounted for. Gone are Brett Connolly, a 20-goal scorer, and Andre Burakovsky, a player who was inconsistent and frequently underperformed but who also had top-six skill and potential. In seven playoff games against the Carolina Hurricanes last season, Washington got just five goals from the bottom-six. Two of those goals came from Connolly who is now gone, one was a penalty shot and one was an empty netter. Clearly, depth offense was a weakness for the team last season and now they seemingly have less. In today’s NHL, the best teams do not rely solely on the top-six for offense, but the top-nine. But with Connolly gone, Washington’s third line projects to be Carl Hagelin, Lars Eller and Panik. Can that line provide enough offense for depth scoring not to be a weakness? Hagelin is a very versatile player, but offense is not his strong suit. He managed only five goals and 19 total points last season. He has never scored 20 goals in any season of his career and has reached 30 points only once in the past five seasons. Eller has been a good fit in Washington and tallied 38 and 36 points in each of the past two seasons, the best two seasons of his career. But, like Hagelin, he has never scored 20 goals at any point in his career. Panik scored 20 goals only once in 2016-17 when he was with the Chicago Blackhawks and playing on a line with Jonathan Toews. Last season with the Arizona Coyotes, he totaled 14 goals and 19 assists. The third line does not necessarily need one guy to carry the load and score 20+ goals, but it cannot be dragged down by a player scoring in the single digits either. Five goals from Hagelin will not be enough. The good news is that in recent years many players join the Caps and see an immediate boost in their offensive production. Connolly had 59 points in five NHL seasons prior to coming to Washington and he scored 96 in his three years with the Caps. As noted before, Eller’s two best seasons of his career came in the last two years, both in Washington. Hagelin scored only five goals last season, but three of them plus 11 of his 19 points came in the final 20 games of the season after getting traded to the Caps. This is not to suggest anyone on the third line will suddenly become a breakout scorer. They have established over their careers that is not who 1107537 Winnipeg Jets

LOCAL NOTES: Jets sign blue-liner Nogier to one-year contract

Ted WymanMore from Ted Wyman

The Winnipeg Jets have re-signed minor league defenceman Nelson Nogier to a one-year, two-way contract. Nogier, a 23-year-old, right-shot blue-liner who has played 11 NHL games but has not recorded a point, has played most of the last three seasons with the of the American Hockey League. He had one goal, eight assists and 48 penalty minutes last season in 74 games. He played one game with the Jets in 2018-19, in Brooklyn in December. Nogier would make $700,000 if he plays in the NHL next season and $80,000 in the AHL. He was a fourth-round draft pick of the Jets in 2014. Nogier could play on the top defence pairing for the Moose next season, along with Logan Stanley. Two of the team’s top defencemen from last year — Tucker Poolman and Sami Niku — are expected to be part of the Jets’ defence corps this year. Valour FC continues re-tooling with signing of Italian striker Winnipeg’s Valour FC continued to re-shape it’s roster Tuesday as it gets set to kick off the fall season of the Canadian . The team signed Italian striker a day after adding Spanish midfielder Jose Galan. Paolucci comes to Winnipeg from the Maltese Premier League, where he spent the 2018-19 season. Valour FC went 3-7 in the spring season and didn’t come close to the first place Cavalry FC out of Calgary, which went 8-2. The team has now added two well-travelled and experienced players in as many days. Both Paolucci and Galan are 33 and will hopefully help Valour strengthen its attack. Winnipeg scored just eight goals in 10 spring season games. “We are delighted to add someone of Michele’s experience and proven track record to our ranks,” head coach Rob Gale said. “He has shown a great interest in our club and the style of football we play, and we feel he is a great addition to our attacking lineup.” Paolucci played several seasons in Italy’s , with Juventus, Ascoli, Udinese, Atlanta, Siena, Palermo and Vicenza. Valour will face Edmonton FC at Clarke Field on Wednesday night, its first of 18 games in the fall season. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 07.17.2019 1107538 Winnipeg Jets last game and the first day of coaching, there’s a two-week span and the players did not laugh anymore for my jokes. Because I turned from player to coach. It must be hard. In that two weeks, players stopped laughing for Q&A: Ville Nieminen dreams of returning to North America as a coach my jokes. It was the right thing for me to do. And I was willing to go for little place called KeuPa HT in Keuruu, which is very small town of 10,000 people and they have the coldest hockey rink ever. It’s called Ice Palace. It seats like 800 people. So I coached there, second league By Scott Burnside Jul 16, 2019 16 team. Pretty much players play for free. What did you learn in that first year? A Stanley Cup winner in Colorado in 2001. A Stanley Cup finalist in Especially there when the players were not making money and some Calgary in 2004. A longtime international star with his native Finland. But guys played for fun, some guys might see light in the end of the tunnel (in Ville Nieminen will always be remembered for the sheer exuberance of terms of hockey), some players played because of the (hockey culture) his presence, regardless of the jersey he was wearing. and it’s fun to play and good people and they’ve been there for a long time. I figured out that the first thing is that players don’t care how much I At the 2004 , Nieminen, a role player on the Finnish know about hockey before they know I care about them. So somehow team that would lose to Canada in the final, took it as his daily duty to when I was coaching there my values clicked. Now I know where to start. help those covering the tournament pry a few words out of taciturn It’s not X’s and O’s, it’s about players, who they are and why they are netminder Miikka Kiprusoff, sometimes posing hilarious questions of his here, why we do this daily thing and then you start, ‘OK, are we playing own and sometimes answering as though he was Kiprusoff. 1-2-2 or 2-1-2 or are we sitting back in the trap or what we do? Why we Drafted 78th-overall by Colorado in 1997, Nieminen played in 385 NHL are here? And who we are? And who we want to be?’ regular season games before returning to Europe to play in the KHL and Did you like it more than you thought? Finnish Elite League, where he played on a line with . I really like to start something new. I like the start process. So, KeuPa, When his playing career ended during the 2014-15 season, he joined the when I went to right after (playing) hockey, the second league team, I coaching ranks in Finland and continues to make a name for himself as wanted to go there because I was in Hershey (of the AHL) four years and an up-and-coming coach, currently the head coach of the I learned so much there when I was a player in Hershey. So I wanted to in the Finnish Elite League. go start in small place where the hockey is meaningful. So those are the For more than a decade, Nieminen also found time to provide color good starting processes. analysis for the Stanley Cup playoffs for Finnish television, often remotely You played for Bob Hartley in Hershey before you turned pro with the from a studio in Helsinki or at one point in Sweden. Avalanche, correct? This spring he returned in the flesh to North America during the 2019 I left young from home and every time your first coach in new playoffs but with an eye on a more permanent return to the continent – environment is the most meaningful coach. And Bob was the most this time, he hopes as a coach. meaningful coach and I always tell the players, don’t worry about it, I Nieminen talked to The Athletic during the Stanley Cup final and again a coach how I was coached. Because for my mind, it left me a memory few weeks later after finishing up a stint as a guest at the Winnipeg Jets’ because of how he was and how he handled the situations. How he development camp. motivated. How he took me under his wing. But at the same time, he set the bar high and he demanded a lot. My first year my dad died and, at How did you end up at the Winnipeg development camp? same time, Bob is so meaningful for me and Bob was my first coach in NHL too, Avalanche, and we won the Cup. And I’m still talking to him and Their director of player development, Jimmy Roy, he invited me. I don’t every time when he comes to Finland in KHL game, they ask him about know him but he played many years in Europe, so somehow they called me and he calls me ‘my Finnish boy.’ me and invited me to their camp. I was like, why me? I guess they heard good things and, finally, I ended up going there and it was so good. First I saw an interesting story and pictures of a game when you were of all, first-class organization, Winnipeg Jets first-class organization, first- coaching in Finland last season and ended up throwing some stuff on the class people, very friendly people. I was amazed about their hospitality ice after a call you didn’t like. What happened there? and everything and how much they shared, their talk about hockey, and shared their culture and shared their player development, how they see (laughing) I threw my jacket. I threw my jacket on the ice. I showed that everything. Their organization, how they are in Winnipeg, under one roof, for them that too (in Winnipeg). It was my first year as a coach (in Lahti). they have NHL team and AHL team, and I got to talk to all the people So everything is on the line. But I end up throwing my jacket on the ice. there and they showed me everything. It’s a pretty funny video too. The players are laughing. What was it like to be part of the Jets’ process with their young players? What was the incident? There were 42 players. I got to see them on the ice and off the ice, and After faceoff there was some kind of screen (interference), they screened they have all kinds of meetings and videos and I was a part of the team. our centerman really badly and the shot came through from the point and Very generous people. Then I got to show them my power points for they scored after rebound. I wanted to talk to the referee but he wouldn’t them also, for the coaches. First of all, it was kind of tough because I let me, so he gave me a two-minute misconduct, and I said I’m not going haven’t been speaking English for 15 years. Plus when I’m coaching in to be here longer, threw my jacket on the ice. Did you see our Finland I have words that I don’t have it in English, so I can’t get to the owner/assistant coach Pasi Nurminen behind the bench? He told me point as soon as I want to and I have the punch line but I don’t have the throw everything, throw everything. So I pretty much tried to throw words ready like I have in Finnish when I’m coaching. But anyways it everything. was very good. The power point representation that I showed for them, it Did you get suspended? went really well. It was funny and it was full of facts, but it was at the same time it was funny. I was presenting how I’m coaching and how we No. That was weird, I didn’t get suspended. We won next day 7-1. play with the Lahti Pelican, how Finnish hockey has been taking steps, what is the Finnish style of coaching, Finnish style of playing, and then But you’d like to come to North America and coach, correct? why Blues won the Stanley Cup was my second presentation. Yes. That’s my goal. I want to see life. I want to see life. I want to see What was the biggest lesson you learned from being there? hockey life. I want to because I’ve been missing this so much since I left without knowing that’s how this was. … Because in the end of the day, I was thinking that good experience for me, it’s get to know how things my NHL career was I have to find the right word (he checks his phone work nowadays with the salary cap, the star culture, how is the player dictionary) it was a little disappointing. But at the same time, it was development, how nowadays is the 82-game season, how that’s going to interesting. Very colorful and interesting. But at a playing level, I could work. Now I understand a little bit better of this whole NHL hockey. I have developed as a player so I’m still regretting that. I have a sort of almost forgot that because, when you’re too long in Finland and you just regret and I know right now what I was missing. I should have been more watch NHL from the Finnish hockey perspective, you kind of lose a little mobile, more agile, and I should have worked on my natural playing, bit of how it works in the NHL. But now I know behind the scenes why natural game. I should have been little bit more persistent. one thing leads to another. In a perfect world, does someone call you and say, hey, I need someone How did the coaching start for you? to coach my AHL team or an ECHL team? My last year (2014-15) my coach at that time, who is my mentor, Risto I’m so open-minded. NHL is my goal. But the next step will be either Dufva, he told me that you have nothing to prove. Please stop playing. American League or Ontario League (OHL), major junior league. The Please stop playing. And we support you in every way. So between the Ontario league is the best because it’s a little bit short distance (to travel for games) so you can have enough time for player development. Why is it so difficult for Europeans to make the jump to coaching in North America? And not just head coaching jobs, but there aren’t many Europeans even in assistant jobs around the NHL and beyond. First of all, you need to live there and you have to live your life and have your life in North America. Then it becomes easier, especially languages becomes easier when you live here, and that might be one of the issues. But what I really think one of the main reasons is in Finland the coaching jobs the contracts are made at the latest by the end of November for the next year. So you might have an uncertain future as a coach if you wait for North American jobs to come available. All the good Finnish coaches are all the good spots are gone, the offers come in that time and you have to decide in November. You wouldn’t want to be an assistant coach in the AHL unless it was a special circumstance? Probably not. But you could be an assistant in the NHL? Yeah. There the assistant coaching is a little bit different a little different job. My plan is to bring that player development that especially athletic lifestyle and skill and off-ice training year-round. I can feel there’s another level to take, especially in the American Hockey League and major juniors. This is where the hockey’s going to, mobility and skill-wise. When you see what happens at the world championships (where the Finns won without a bona fide NHL player this spring), the World Junior Championships, how important the team game is and I think both these teams in the (Stanley Cup) final, especially St. Louis, they prove again if don’t have a team game and don’t use all your players, then it’s going to be a struggle. You would like to bring your experience in those areas to North America? They’ve proven the facts now. Everybody plays the same 200-foot game, five up, five back and then the puck controlling, puck controlling game, of course, starts from winning the battles, winning the pucks. But also breakouts from under pressure, neutral zone breakouts and even controlled breakouts. You can control the game that way. And what I really like about it in Finnish hockey is the short passing game. It’s one of their strengths that when you try to play short passing game you have the readiness for playing defense at the same time. When the five are playing the same game. And then one more other thing is a continuous game that you don’t just play one situation, you know what’s next, anticipation what’s going to happen next. We have so many words about like this in Finnish hockey that we don’t have here. I’m not trying to change anything but I’m trying to say what I think about this whole game. I always think of the 2004 World Cup of Hockey when I think of you. You always seemed to allow your love of the game to come right through. Love of the game. Love of the people here. Love all this. This is something that I grew up in Tampere at 4 years old, I was 4 years old when Tampere’s (hockey) doors opened it for me first time and I’ve been in that same mode. Every time I see it I still imagine when the big door opened and I walked in there as a 4-year-old kid’s first time. Same. I still feel the same every time when I come to the rink and see the people and talk hockey. That’s a rare prize. That’s a prize, yeah. it’s a privilege to be part of this. I always knew that. And my family knew that. And they always supported me for this. It’s a pleasure to serve people and letting people know how this game is, letting the people know what this game is. And I was lucky. I was actually different. And I was always thankful that they always let me be what I am. I never had to change. They let me be this way. The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107539 Vancouver Canucks foundation. Now, not so much. But Bouton’s book made people look at players, not as they wished them to be, but as they were: flawed men who were driven by the same impulses, both good and bad, that drive us Willes’ Musings: The Canucks’ road to success lies with its middle class all. players Plus, it’s fricking hilarious. Here’s Joe Schultz, the Seattle Pilots’ manager, on his advice to pitcher John Gelnar. Ed Willes More from Ed Willes Gelnar: Any particular way you want me to pitch him, Joe? Schultz: Nah, Bleep him. Give him some low smoke and we’ll pound some Budweiser. You may think of this as just another edition of the Monday morning musings and meditations. I prefer to think of it as the last column I write I was 13 when I read Ball Four for the first of about 38 times and it before vacation. changed a lot of things. But the book hasn’t lost a thing over decades and that’s the ultimate commentary on its greatness. • There’s a belief the Vancouver Canucks are out of step with the NHL’s accepted model for team building and if you compare their payroll to the Bouton was the perfect man to tell this story, He loved the game but he payrolls of the 14 other teams in the Western Conference, that belief isn’t was also an iconoclast who saw through the phoniness and hypocrisy. exactly dispelled. When the book came out, there was a fear it would ruin the game, that people would never look at baseball the same way. At least the second Owing to the demands of the salary-cap system, the NHL’s middle class part is true. has been shrinking dramatically over the past number of years. At least it has in most places where the bulk of resources are invested in stars and Bouton died last week. He was 80. RIP Bulldog. there’s a significant drop-off to the role players. • Speaking of iconoclasts, don’t know if Don Cherry will be back on Vancouver, of course, is one of the glaring exceptions. If we define the Hockey Night. Do know no one should be forced out of a job because of middle class as players with salaries between US$3 million and US$4.99 their age. million, we see the Canucks have eight players who fall into that Former Ottawa Citizen columnist Roy McGregor from 1997. OTT category. That’s the most in the conference. Calgary, with seven, and Edmonton and Arizona with six each are the only teams which are close. • And finally, Roy MacGregor will be embarrassed by the outpouring of emotion which has followed the announcement of his retirement. Then San Jose has one — defenceman Brenden Dillon. Las Vegas has two. again he should be. Some of the testimonials are way over the top for The Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues have four, including goalies someone who wrote so much about canoes. Jordan Bennington and Jake Allen. But we’ve also lost one of our great storytellers and I’m not sure how you The average per team in the West is just over four. replace that. Whether he was writing about hockey, Algonquin Park, or has eight players on his roster who make between US$3 federal politics, McGregor touched a place deep in the soul of this million and US$4.99 million per season, the most in the Western country; a place we all share despite our differences, a place where we Conference. Ben Nelms / PNG stand together in a world where so many forces are pulling us apart. What this says about the Canucks and their latest attempt at a rebuild is That was Roy’s gift and if ever a writer was reflected in his prose it was in open to some interpretation. But the general criticism is the Canucks this man and the graceful, thoughtful way he told a story. His decency have simply assembled a group of average players around their young was his calling card. It was embedded in his words and it showed up in core of Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, Bo Horvat and Quinn Hughes his columns in the Globe and Mail and the National Post, his hockey and, again, the data backs that up. stories in the Ottawa Citizen and in the 3,492 books he wrote. Of the six forwards who fall into the middle class, none scored 20 goals I have this idea of what it means to be Canadian. Can’t tell you what it is last season. J.T. Miller is signed for US$5.25 million per over the next exactly but I felt it when I read Roy’s writing. He’s the best in all of us. I’m four seasons. He scored 13 last season after three straight 20-goal just not sure how much that matters anymore. campaigns. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 07.17.2019 The Canucks, indisputably, are a deeper, more balanced team heading into 2019-20 but as we’ve asked many times, in comparison to what? Are they better than last year’s team? Sure. Are they good enough to make the playoffs in the West? That still seems like a stretch. If they do get there, it will be because the Core Four emerge as front-line NHLers next season. Right now, Pettersson is the closest. But will Horvat ever score enough to be a difference-maker? Is Boeser an elite goal- scorer? Hughes doesn’t turn 20 until October. Can he help drive a turnaround? Maybe all four take a big step next season in which case the pressure won’t be as intense on the complementary pieces. But don’t expect the middle class to lead the way. • My biggest wish for the Canucks next season is that Alex Edler and Chris Tanev both play at least 70 games in relative good health. For their dedication to the game and this franchise, they deserve that much. In this Oct. 14, 1964 file photo, New York Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton takes aim as he holds two balls in the right hand that his teammates hope will lead them to victory in the sixth World Series game in New York. Jim Bouton, the New York Yankees pitcher who shocked the conservative baseball world with the tell-all book “Ball Four,” has died, Wednesday, July 10, 2019. He was 80. The Associated Press • It’s been 50 years since Jim Bouton’s Ball Four was published and, looking back, it’s hard to conceive of its impact on the way we look at our games. Bouton, the former Yankees’ ace who was trying to prolong his career as a knuckleballer, tore back the curtain on the national pastime with his diary of the 1969 season and revealed the game in all its absurd, fractured, very human glory. At the time, the idea that baseball players chased women, played hung over and took amphetamines shook the established order to its 1107540 Websites No. 14. Team Ryan This one ends up being our most modern roster, with pretty much every notable Ryan from NHL history playing in the last decade. (Apologies to The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: Which first name produces the best Ryan Walter.) It’s not the most star-studded squad, at least compared to starting six in NHL history? some of the others we’ll run into and the recency bias means there aren’t any Hall-of-Famers. But it’s solid one-through-six with no obvious weak spots, and while the depth isn’t great on the back end, we could at least By Sean McIndoe Jul 16, 2019 350 run a decent second line of Johansen, Nugent-Hopkins and Kesler. Forwards: Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan O’Reilly, Ryan Smyth Today, we’re going to try to answer a pressing question: What’s the Defensemen: Ryan Suter, Ryan McDonagh greatest first name in NHL history? Goaltender: Ryan Miller I’m going to stop right here and acknowledge that you’ve immediately got two thoughts going through your mind. The first is, “Wow, this is dumb. No. 13. Team David Slow news day, guys? You’re really going to post a whole article about Please rise and remove your caps for the playing of the Team David hockey players with the same first names?” Surely you’re tempted to cut- national anthem. and-paste that in the comment section right now. With that out of the way, the actual Davids give us some depth options, The second thought involves you immediately coming up with ideas for but not much more than that. There’s David Krejci, Backes, Legwand and names you think should be on the list. You’re already having the debate Perron. But the only obvious starter that the Davids can offer up is in your own head. Pastrnak. Also, this Clarkson guy is ruining our cap. I get it. If I’m being honest, I feel the same way. This is dumb, and we’re Luckily, things get better when the Daves show up. The forward ranks doing it anyway. Embrace the cognitive dissonance. include two Hall-of-Famers in Keon and Andreychuk, a quasi-candidate But first, let’s figure out some ground rules. Most importantly, we’ll group in Taylor, some solid options in Gagner and Christian and plenty of variations of the same name, e.g., Will and Bill and Willie can all come intimidation in Semenko, Williams and Brown. We don’t have any together to form Team William. We’re not going to haggle over minor superstars on the back end, but the 1980s and 1990s serve up at least a spelling variations, meaning the Patricks can unite with the Patriks and few solid blue line candidates from the Dave brigade in Ellett, Manson the Johns and Jons can work together. (One exception: The Shawns will and Babych. So yeah, the Daves are carrying us here. Also, this Bolland not be invited to join Team Sean, because screw those weirdos. They guy is ruining our cap. know what they did.) Unfortunately, goaltending is going to be an issue for Team David. As And no, we’re not going to try to get clever with middle names or best I can tell, it comes down to a battle between Dave Dryden and David anything like that. Whatever a player went by during his playing days is Aebischer. I guess we’ve got to go with the guy who was at least traded his name as far as we’re concerned. We’ll use the invaluable hockey- for an MVP. reference.com database to resolve any disputes. Forwards: Dave Keon, Dave Andreychuk, David Pastrnak We’re going to assemble a starting lineup from each name, which means Defensemen: Dave Ellett, Dave Babych three forwards, two defensemen and a goaltender. And we want quality at as many of the six positions as we can get, not one or two superstars Goaltender: David Aebischer and then a bunch of guys you never heard of. That knocks a few famous names out of the running right off the bat. There have been plenty of No. 12. Team Douglas Gordies, but only Howe and Drillon were truly great. We’ve only had one Now here’s a classic hockey name. There have been like two dozen elite-level Mario, or Dominik or Maurice. There’s only been one really notable Dougs in all of human history, and the whole list is basically good Wayne, or maybe two if you want to count Cashman. None of those Flutie, Henning, Adams, Stanhope and then a bunch of hockey players. names will make our list. Luckily, that still leaves us with plenty of candidates, enough to form a playoff field of 16 with plenty of honorable Unfortunately, none of those hockey players are goaltenders, so we’re mentions. kind of stuck there. Still, we’re pretty set everywhere else, with a few Hall-of-Famers plus a blueliner who should be there. The depth is OK, Let’s do it. Who’s up for wasting a little time in late July? After all, we with Dougs on-call including Jarvis, Risebrough and Smail. Unfortunately, might as well do this now. Partly because it’s summer, but mainly the pipeline isn’t great, with only Dougie Hamilton available among active because I’ve watched enough of the WHL to know that we have a few players. Get to work making more Dougs, hockey parents of the world. years left before Team Kayden overwhelms us and makes the whole thing moot. Forwards: Doug Bentley, Doug Gilmour, Doug Weight No. 16. Team Peter Defensemen: Doug Harvey, Doug Wilson We’ll start with what ends up being a surprisingly European-heavy roster, Goaltender: Doug Favell with three modern-era stars up front. The blue line is probably the weakest on our list, so much so that I considered just using both Petr No. 11. Team Mark Svobodas to save space and ended up having to rely on a journeyman We’ve got Messier and a Howe, so this team is pretty much overflowing defenseman/pro wrestling patriotic hero just to fill the ice time. with leadership and longevity. What it doesn’t have is a whole lot of help But let’s be honest, Team Peter has to make the list largely on the from the NHL’s first half-century or so, meaning we’ll need to supplement strength of the goaltender, where Petr Mrazek has a solid case but has to the roster with some help from the present day. That came down to give way to a guy who was basically made for this sort of game. Scheifele vs. Stone up front, plus a pretty obvious choice for the blue line. Forwards: Peter Forsberg, Peter Stastny, Peter Bondra After conferring with the International Society for Hockey Naming, we Defensemen: Petr Svoboda, Peter Taglianetti decided not to include Markus or Marco on the eligibility list for Team Mark. (Sorry, Naslund and Sturm.) We did allow Marcs to be considered, Goaltender: Pete Peeters although Marc-Andre Fleury was not. And that’s too bad because man No. 15. Team Chris did we ever need the help in goal. It’s OK, Messier will sprinkle magic winner dust all over the crease and we’ll be fine. As we’ll see, most of the teams on our list end up being heavy up front but light on the backend. Team Chris (and Kris) has the opposite Forwards: Mark Messier, Mark Scheifele, Mark Recchi problem. We’ve got decent goaltending and a blue line so stacked that Defensemen: Mark Howe, Mark Giordano Letang didn’t even get a sniff, but they’ll have to hold down the fort while a decidedly just-OK forward line tries to score. Goaltender: Mark Fitzpatrick Forwards: Kris Draper, Chris Kunitz No. 10. Team Joe Defensemen: Chris Pronger, Chris Chelios Talk about going all-out on offense. We’re absolutely loaded up front, so much so that we could run out a second line of Hall-of-Famers like Goaltender: Chris Osgood Nieuwendyk, Mullen and Primeau and still have room for Pavelski, Defensemen: Sergei Zubov, Sergei Gonchar Murphy and Juneau in the bottom six. Goaltender: Sergei Bobrovsky Team Joe will score a bunch. And they’ll need to because the back half is a mess. We’ve got one old-school star on the blue line and then we have No. 5. Team Mike to start seriously considering guys like Reekie, Corvo and Cirella. And Important information: There have been plenty of Michaels in NHL our goaltending is … well, let’s just say we’d better score a bunch. history, but every one of them who made the Hall of Fame went by Still, what we lack in balance we more than makeup in classic old-timey “Mike.” This means something. There’s still time to make the change, Dal nicknames. There’s something about the name “Joe” that just goes Colle. perfectly with a solid one-word nickname. Jumbo will feel right at home in The odd thing here is that we don’t get much in the way of help from this group. active players even though this has apparently been the most common Forwards: Joe Sakic, Phantom Joe Malone, Joe Thornton name for an NHL player over the last decade. That’s fine, though, since we’re all set up front with three slam dunk Hall-of-Famers in Bossy, Defensemen: Bullet Joe Simpson, Joe Watson Modano and Gartner, and at least some decent depth with Foligno, Peca, Ricci and Ridley. Goaltender: Joey MacDonald The blue line is a bit thin, to the point where I spent way too much time No. 9. Team Steven debating whether John-Michael Liles could make the team. But our This is yet another squad where the back end is an issue, with two solid goaltending is deep, with options including Vernon, Richter, Smith and blueliners and not much at all in net, especially if we don’t stretch the Liut. And we’re probably going to need all of them, since our coach is rules to include Stephanes. But there’s just so much firepower up front Keenan and our GM is Milbury. that we have to include them. Those three forwards might outscore every Forwards: Mike Bossy, Mike Modano, Mike Gartner other team on the whole list, and that’s without even using guys like Larmer, Sullivan or Thomas. If our goalie can get hot for a few games, Defensemen: Mike Green, Mike Rathje we have a chance. And he’s done it before. Goaltender: Mike Vernon Forwards: Steve Yzerman, Steven Stamkos, Steve Shutt No. 4. Team Bill Defensemen: Steve Duschene, Steve Smith Technically, we did say this should be Team William. But it’s the Bills Goaltender: Steve Penney who end up doing all the work, with a bunch of old-time Hall-of-Famers taking up all the roster spots and not leaving any room for modern-day No. 8. Team Alexander Williams like Karlsson and Nylander. Can a team made up entirely of I like this one because it’s one of the few names that gives us a great mix Bills contend for a title? (Remembers literally everything about NFL of North American and European players. We’re loaded up front, and history.) Probably not, no, but with inspiration from Willie O’Ree and a that’s without even trying to sneak into the “Alexei” column. We could kick-ass team song, they deserve a spot in our top five. have also used Alex Tanguay, Alex Tuch, Alexander Steen and even (And if you disagree, feel free to take it up with our backup goaltender.) Aleksander Barkov. And just for fun, we could also throw out a Semin/Daigle/Radulov line just to drive the coaches crazy. Forwards: Bill Barber, Bill Cowley, Bill Cook The blue line isn’t bad, although it would be better if Al MacInnis was an Defensemen: Bill Gadsby, Bill Quackenbush Alexander instead of an Allan, or if Al Iafrate wasn’t an Albert. (Side note: I can’t be the only Leaf fan from the Ballard era who was genuinely Goaltender: Bill Durnan disappointed to find out Iafrate’s real name wasn’t Aloysius.) Still, we do Honorable Mentions OK with a couple of modern Alex’s. We capped the list to 16 rosters, which some might argue was 16 too The one issue we run into, yet again, is goaltending. I can’t find anyone many. But that still left some decent candidates on the sidelines. I’m sure better than Alex Auld or Alex Stalock, and that bumps our roster down I forgot a few names, but before we get to the top three, let’s take a from Alexander the Great status to Alexander the Pretty Good. moment to recognize a few who did get consideration before being left on Forwards: Alex Delvecchio, Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Mogilny the cutting room floor. Defensemen: Alex Pietrangelo, Alex Edler Team Phil gets off to a fun start with Esposito and Kessel up front and Housley on the blue line but doesn’t have much to offer after that. Team Goaltender: Alex Auld Martin offers up a nice blend of English, French and European options, but once you get past Brodeur and St. Louis there isn’t much to get all No. 7. Team Edward that excited about. Team Guy doesn’t have much to work with, but Here’s a weird bit or random NHL trivia: There have only been three guys almost makes the list on the strength of three francophone Hall-of- who went by “Edward” in league history, and they only combined to play Famers (Lafleur, Lapointe and Carbonneau) plus a sneaky American 30 games. So we’re not off to a great start. goalie pick (Hebert). Team Bernie gets closer than you’d expect, while Team James is surprisingly sparse. And Team Eric/Erik starts strong with But once you drill down to the variations, this name moves up the list on Lindros, Staal and Karlsson, but is just OK after that and would need to sheer volume. Start with Ted, which gives us Kennedy (but not Lindsay; rely on Eric Fichaud for its goaltending. he’s holding out for Team Theodore). Move on to Ed, and you can add Westfall, Olczyk, Giacomin and Jovanovski. But the real stars show up There’s a solid case to be made for Team Paul, and Leetch and Trottier when you branch out to Eddie, which gets you Shore, Shack and Belfour. form a solid foundation for these guys. Team Matthew has a few options Now we’re talking, and we’ve got ourselves a team that’s in contention. but isn’t all that deep unless you loosen the rules to include Mats, and even then it’s not overwhelming. There’s not as much as you might think Forwards: Ted Kennedy, Ed Olczyk, Eddie Shack for Team Tom or Team Tim, and the same could be said for some common names like Team George, Team Charles and Team Andrew. Defensemen: Eddie Shore, Ed Jovanovski Team Frank could find a few Hall-of-Famers, including Mahovlich, Brimsek and Boucher, but wouldn’t have a blue line. Team Nick seems Goaltender: Eddie Belfour promising, but it gets too complicated sorting through the No. 6. Team Sergei Nikita/Nicklas/Nikolai variations. Team Scott starts strong until you realize it’s just the 2003 Devils. And while Team Richard has plenty of We don’t have a lot of what you might consider European-only names on impressive talent, it’s almost entirely up front. There’s probably a Dick our list, mainly because that shortens the amount of NHL history we have joke there, but I’m not making it. to work with from 100+ years to roughly 30. Still, that’s more than enough to stack this team. OK, let’s finish this off with the top three. This is your last chance to make your guesses before you scroll any further … It’s not a deep lineup by any stretch and even one injury would probably knock us out of contention. And the third forward spot is a weak one, with No. 3. Team Patrick Samsonov beating out Berezin, Nemchinov and Brylin. Still, we’ve got Let’s start with a tricky ruling. Does “Patrice” count as a Patrick? It’s a three Hall of Famers, two Calders and two Vezinas. That’s not bad. And tough one. We’re one letter off, and I’m all for building bridges between we didn’t even need to try to sneak Sergio Momesso onto the team. the French and English cultures. But I feel like those are two separate Forwards: Sergei Fedorov, Sergei Makarov, Sergei Samsonov names, so I’m ruling Bergeron ineligible for Team Patrick. That hurts, but not as much as you might think, since we’re still in good Goaltender: Bob Sauve shape up front. We start with a pair of American stars in Kane and LaFontaine. From there we could go to guys like Marleau, Sharp and The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 Verbeek. But I’m going to give the last slot to Elias, who edges out fellow a Patrik in Laine. The blue line is trickier. We lose out on Briseboise thanks to our Patrice ruling, and we’re not going to try to sneak James Patrick onto the roster. But we can reach back a few decades to find a couple of solid blueliners in Stapleton and Quinn. Granted, the latter was better as a coach and GM than a player, but he’ll come in handy if any of these other teams’ superstars start running around. And if Quinn doesn’t provide enough toughness, well, let’s just say we’ve got a pretty decent enforcer in net too. Don’t mess with Team Patrick. (Just, uh, don’t draft any of them with top picks. Right, Stefan and Falloon?) Forwards: Patrick Kane, Pat LaFontaine, Patrik Elias Defensemen: Pat Stapleton, Pat Quinn Goaltender: Patrick Roy No. 2. Team Johnathan There’s the potential for some controversy here, as our whole “group variations of the same name together” rule could lead to us including Jacks on this team. Does “Jack” really count as a variation of John? That always seemed to weird to me too. But luckily we don’t really have to worry about it since NHL history hasn’t produced all that many great Jacks. The only one who’d be a candidate for our team is probably Eichel, and his official full name is just Jack, so we can skip him with a clear conscience. That leaves us with our various Johns and Jons (but not Jeans), and we’ve got plenty to choose from. There’s only one Hall-of-Famer in the mix, but it’s a good one in Johnny Bucyk. And we can fill out our forward ranks with two current players who seem headed to the Hall one day in Jonathan Toews and John Tavares, who narrowly beat out Johnny Gaudreau. That’s a strong top line, one that doesn’t even have room for Johns like LeClair, MacLean and Tonelli, not to mention Jon Marchessault and Jonathan Huberdeau. Here’s the weird thing: While Team Johnathan is impressively deep up front, there isn’t much to get excited about on the blue line. Apparently, if you name your kid John, he’s going to be a forward. Somebody write a sociology paper about this. We’ve got one current Norris candidate in John Carlson, and then the best I can find are solid guys like Johnny Oduya and Boychuk. If any team was going to try to get away with going with a four-forward setup, it might be this one. We’re all set in goal, though, where Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bower heads a crowded field that includes Gibson, Quick and Vanbiesbrouck. Forwards: Johnny Bucyk, John Tavares, Jonathan Toews Defensemen: John Carlson, Johnny Boychuk Goaltender: Johnny Bower No. 1. Team Robert At first, this might seem like an odd choice for the top spot. With apologies to Gary, there haven’t actually been all that many Roberts in NHL history. You’ve got Lang, Svehla and Reichel, but that’s about it. Shorten it to Rob, and you get your first serious star with Blake. But switch over to Bob, and you’re in business. Now you’ve got Gainey, Baun, Bourne and Carpenter, plus Badger Bob Johnson as coach and Pulford as GM. And if anyone argues with Team Robert in the top spot, we can send Probert after them. But of course, Bob isn’t why this name ends up in first place. For that, we’ve got to turn to Bobby. That gives us the unbeatable trio of Orr, Hull and Clarke. Round that out with Bauer and Smith, and maybe even slip in a Holik or a Ryan, and we’re all set. Our only weak spot is in goal, where we’ll be stuck with Bob Sauve, Bob Essensa and Robert Esche. Can we slip Roberto Luongo in here? Can we lure over Sergei Bobrovsky and try to use some sort of nickname loophole to pass him off as a Bob? We might need a ruling on this. But ultimately it won’t matter, because we’ve got Orr, Hull and Clarke and the puck will never be anywhere near our zone. Here’s your winning roster … Forwards: Bobby Clarke, Bobby Hull, Bob Gainey Defensemen: Bobby Orr, Rob Blake 1107541 Websites a day with the Stanley Cup. But for me, that’s the day it all started – at Colin Patterson’s parents’ house.”

Three decades have passed since that event occurred and, in that time, The Athletic / Duhatschek: How a one-time favor turned into a tradition Pritchard’s fame and notoriety have greatly increased. for every NHL champion – a day with the Cup That’s him, every year, wearing the white gloves, shown on television, polishing the Stanley Cup, whenever there’s a final’s deciding game. For By Eric Duhatschek Jul 16, 2019 110 a long time, Pritchard also starred in a series of credit card commercials for one of the NHL’s rights holders, who used the Stanley Cup as a central figure in their advertisements. When the Stanley Cup is won nowadays, it makes the rounds with But back in ‘89, he was a young, anonymous HHOF employee who was players from the winning team over the course of the summer – a global trying to do a favor for a Stanley Cup champion. march that takes the enduring symbol of hockey supremacy to the far corners of the earth. This year, the Stanley Cup began its world tour in According to Patterson, when he’d casually approached Torpey about St. Louis at the end of June, before adjourning to tiny Calahoo, AB., possibly getting the Stanley Cup out to his parents’ home, he had no idea home of Blues’ coach Craig Berube for a Canada Day celebration. what the protocols were – or even who Pritchard was when he made his offer. From there, it made its way east – to Saskatchewan, Manitoba and then into Ontario this past weekend. By the time training camps open for the “When he said he could do that, I was thinking, ‘this is fantastic,’” 2019-20 season, the Stanley Cup will have visited eight Canadian Patterson said, “but you also have to remember that this was 1989. You provinces, seven U.S. states, plus Russia, Sweden and Finland. don’t have cellphones. You don’t have any way of connecting to people. Luckily, a couple of my buddies had snuck into the awards dinner and so In that time, it will log just under 30,000 miles (just over 48,000 km), I told them, ‘get on a payphone and start calling people. Let’s get the much of it in the company of its primary custodian, Phil Pritchard. Coconut Telegraph going.’ It was pretty late at night, but they made a few calls and I made a few calls. But it was probably about five in the morning Officially, Pritchard is the Hockey Hall of Fame’s curator and the vice before we got back to my parents’ place.” president of the resource center, but his Twitter handle gives you a more precise definition of his role: @keeperofthecup. Three hours later and still feeling the effects of a long night of celebrating, Patterson got up and started walking up and down his According to Pritchard, the tradition of an NHL player getting to spend a parents’ street, knocking on neighbors’ doors, issuing invitations to the day in the company of Lord Stanley began almost completely by accident party. The first house he came to was the Goodwins, who lived three – and can be traced back to the events of a single night in Toronto in houses down from the Pattersons. June of 1989, during the league’s annual awards ceremony. “I grew up with their kids,” Patterson said. “Mr. Goodwin was about 75 at Pritchard had only been working for the Hall of Fame for less than a year the time. He answers the door and hugs me and says ‘Colin, when the Calgary Flames won the ‘89 Stanley Cup. As a 119-point congratulations.’ I said, ‘Mr. Goodwin, we have the Stanley Cup coming regular-season team, the Flames were well-represented at the awards to my mom and dad’s place at nine and we’d love to have you there.’ He gala, where multiple players, plus coach Terry Crisp, were nominated for says, ‘I’d love to come, but I can’t. I have a dentist’s appointment.’ So, I NHL trophies. said, ‘where’s your phone? Who’s your dentist? That evening, as the award show afterparty was winding down, Pritchard “So, I dialed his dentist’s office and I went through the whole story and serendipitously passed within earshot of a conversation taking place explained that we’re having this party and can Mr. Goodwin see the between Frank Torpey then the NHL’s security chief and Flames’ forward dentist later in the day?’ They just laughed and said, ‘Tell him to come in Colin Patterson, a Selke Trophy finalist. whenever he wants.’ From there, I went up and down the street and finally, I ended up at Mr. Carlo’s house. I grew up with his kids too, but Patterson grew up in the north Toronto neighborhood of Rexdale and had Mr. Carlo was a pretty strict, gruff guy – and one time, I’d put a puck just made a request to Torpey – was there any chance to get the Stanley through his window back in about 1972 and I don’t think he ever forgave Cup out to his parents’ home for a few hours the next day, so they could me for that. celebrate the Flames’ championship with family, friends and neighbors? “So here I am now, 29 years old, and I’m still afraid to knock on his door. Torpey told him no: That security around the Stanley Cup had tightened, I’m shaking, plus I’m starting to sweat because it’s getting hotter out and ever since word got out that it had appeared on stage at a strip club in maybe I should have gotten more sleep. Now, I’m 6-2, but Mr. Carlo is a Edmonton, in the immediate aftermath of the Oilers’ 1984 win. big, stocky man and even at his age, he’s an intimidating-looking guy. He Pritchard, who was packing up the trophies, volunteered to help. looks at me and he says, ‘Colin Patterson, you put a puck through my window in ’72.’ I said, ‘Mr. Carlo, I know, I know, I’m sorry, I apologize, “I introduced myself and asked Colin where he lived,” Pritchard said. but we’ve got the Stanley Cup coming to my parents’ place this morning “When he told me where, I said, ‘hey I can take the Cup up to you, if you and we’d love to have you stop by. It’s arriving at 9 o’clock.’” want, in the morning for a few hours’ – because I had an event later that day anyway in that same part of town.” Even though it was first thing in the morning, Patterson and his friends had instructed people to bring their own liquor or beer so they could And the rest, as they say, is history. celebrate with the tradition of drinking out of the Cup. “That was probably around midnight or 12:30 a.m. when we were “By around 8:50, people are arriving with their hooch,” Patterson said. packing everything up,” Pritchard continued. “I lived in Burlington at the “My neighbors, the Van Langes, had three girls and they’d had made this time and so I didn’t get home until after 1 o’clock because I had to drop sign for me with the No. 11 on it. We’d just had a baby during the Stanley the Cup off at the Hall, which was still on the CNE grounds then. The Cup run, Stephanie, so they had a baby on the thing. It was great – all next morning, I went downtown to pick it up and I had to drive through these posters and banners. Now, we’re marshaling in front of the house, traffic to get there. and we bring this old restored table outside, so we have someplace to put the Stanley Cup. “Remember, at the time, there’s no GPS, nothing like that, so I’ve got a map out, trying to find Colin’s address. It was around 9:30 in the morning “Nine o’clock comes and goes and no Cup. Now people are starting to by the time I rolled up his street and looked out and saw all these people get a little antsy. I’m reassuring them: ‘Don’t worry, any minute out, this with all these signs and realized, ‘this must be the driveway I’m looking armored truck will pull up and the Stanley Cup will be here and it’ll be for.’ It was unbelievable. It was as if this party had been planned for great.’ Meanwhile, more and more people are starting to arrive – and months. They had banners up. I don’t know how he pulled it together so now there’s 75 or 100 people gathering outside my parents’ place. fast. But he did.” “By now, it’s 9:15 and I’m thinking, ‘I’m pretty sure Phil said today – but (Courtesy of Colin Patterson) I’d had a few drinks and my memory is a little fuzzy.’ So, I go back into the house, but I don’t even know who to phone. I don’t know Phil’s Nowadays, a player’s day with the Stanley Cup is a structured, organized number. I don’t even know his last name. event that involves detailed planning and a complicated off-season travel schedule, the opposite of what occurred the first time it happened – “All of a sudden, it’s 9:30 and the grumbling is starting to get louder when which was weirdly organic. this little Toyota hatchback pulls into my parents’ driveway. I start to think, ‘who’s this? I gotta get this guy outta here.’ So, I go wheeling “Hockey is a product of evolution,” Pritchard said. “There is no exact date outside and I go up to the car and the driver rolls down the window … of its start. It just evolved into hockey one day at a time – and the same and it’s Phil. thing happened here. It evolved into a tradition, players getting to spend “I’m in a panic now. I said, ‘Phil, when’s the Cup coming?’ He says, ‘it’s February, we had the Washington Capitals visit the Hall of Fame to right here, in the back.’ It was in the back of this tiny Toyota. So, we go donate a Stanley Cup ring. I’m really fortunate to do what I do, and to be around and open the hatchback and it’s not even in one of those cases in hockey, and to be associated with the Stanley Cup and all of its that you see now. It’s just wrapped in bubble wrap, and there’s a blanket history. draped over it. So, we unwrap it and we pull it out and I hoist it over my head and start yelling and celebrating. It was just great. Finally, I went to “It’s a good day when you see people smiling – and the Stanley Cup set it down, but I’m so excited that when I do set it down, I put this always brings a smile to people’s faces.” massive divot in a table that it took my dad about 20 years to restore. My It wasn’t until years later that Patterson actually found out how seminal mom’s there, she’s just glaring at me – and my dad says, ‘hmm, maybe that moment was, in terms of ushering in an era. By then, Pritchard and we should get a cloth to put underneath.’ the Stanley Cup were making commercials for the Discover card, which Colin Patterson with Phil Pritchard. (Courtesy of Colin Patterson) had become an official NHL sponsor. “Too late now.” “One day, out of the blue, I got an e-mail from a lady I didn’t know who said, ‘we’re doing this commercial, Phil Pritchard’s top-10 moments with From there, the party cranked up and lasted, by Patterson’s estimate, the Stanley Cup, and we were wondering if you had any pictures or four or five hours. video,’” Patterson said. “I told her, ‘I think I do, let me get back to you.’ I wasn’t even sure if it was a legitimate query or not, but the next time she “Nowadays, everybody’s got these rules about how you can’t lift the Cup texted me, she copied Phil and so I knew it was real. So, I texted my or touch the Cup unless you win the Cup, but that day, nobody cared. My daughter Stephanie – she was born in the third round in 1989 – and she buddies were passing it around and pouring stuff into it and drinking out gathered some pictures and video and sent them off. It wasn’t until then, of it,” Patterson said. when Phil said it in this commercial, that I realized it was the start of the “But the mystique of the Cup and the beauty of the Cup – shining in the modern day-with-the-Stanley Cup tradition. sunlight – really, that’s one of the greatest days of my life. Winning was “I was a bit player in the game, so for me, that was pretty cool. Other great too, but to have that moment with my family, my friends and my guys had it before, but it wasn’t a supervised party the way this was. And neighbors was unbelievable. It was just a spectacular day. Phil was there the whole time, with a big smile on his face. You could tell “Then early in the afternoon, as we were starting to wrap up and people he thought it was pretty neat too. This past year, my wife Sherrie’s been were saying goodbye, Mr. Carlo comes by – the guy, where I put a puck taking our VHS tapes and putting them on DVDs, so I came home a through his window as a kid? He doesn’t say anything. But he just put his couple of weeks ago and she had that one on the TV – and I was killing hand on my shoulder and nodded – and I think, ‘finally, I’ve been myself laughing. I had these shorts on, with my shirt tucked in – I looked exonerated. I’m golden.’ And then he left.” ridiculous – but that was the style at the time. Everything about it was hilarious. My buddies’ kids, who are now 32, 33, 34, are just little back In Pritchard’s view, which is really the only one that counts, the tradition then, standing there by the Cup. of the summer Stanley Cup victory tour began that day in Patterson’s driveway. (Courtesy of Colin Patterson) “In 1995, the first time the New Jersey Devils won, that was the summer “It truly was one of the greatest days of my life – and I can only imagine every guy on the team started to get the Stanley Cup,” Pritchard said. “In how much fun the guys have with it now because you get to plan it all ’89, it was just one – Colin Patterson. The next year, it just one again. out.” The Oilers had won and John Muckler’s family was having a party for him After all that, there is even a postscript to the story. in Rhode Island and they called and asked if they could have the Cup for a day. So, I told them about Colin Patterson’s event the year before – Two blocks from where the Pattersons grew up, Michael Futa – now the and so that summer, I took it to John Muckler’s so he could have a day Los Angeles Kings’ assistant general manager – lived in the same with the Cup.” neighborhood. The Penguins won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and Futa’s mother was the receptionist at the dentists’ office who answered 1992, so in each of those summers, Pritchard drove it back and forth to the phone when Patterson called to reschedule Mr. Carlin’s appointment Pittsburgh for a couple of days at a time, so the players in the area could that morning in ‘89. get a day with the Cup. Patterson and Futa are childhood friends and over the years, would get In 1993, when Montreal won, it also coincided with the 100th anniversary together every summer to play in a baseball tournament. of the Stanley Cup, so the Canadiens put the trophy on tour around the province of Quebec. Pritchard also escorted the Cup down to Vermont, In 2012, when the Kings won the first of their two Stanley Cups, Futa where John LeClair made his off-season home; and then they circled brought the Cup back to the old neighborhood. back to Kingston, to take it to Kirk Muller. “There’s a little place we used to go to after our ball tournaments called “By then, commissioner Gary Bettman started with the league and so we Remo’s,” Patterson said. “It’s tiny, about 200 square feet – and Mike started talking about how to formalize things – and from there, it evolved takes the Cup there. My old house where we grew up is about three into a bigger thing,” Pritchard said. blocks away. My parents don’t live there anymore and he didn’t tell me he was going to do this, but we were on a bus, leaving the bar when it “The Devils were the first team where everyone got it. As we all know, pulls up at my parents’ old house. So, we all got off and took another Lou Lamoriello ran a tight ship with the Devils, but he ran a great ship. picture on the lawn with the Stanley Cup – 23 years later. There were 22 guys on the team and it went out to 22 guys in 22 days – and that was it. They were told when they were getting it. It wasn’t like “The best part is, there’s this young Asian family that lives there now. they got to choose. And we did it all from the middle of July until the They weren’t home when we first arrived – I knocked on the door to middle of August. explain what we wanted to do – but they’re just pulling into the driveway as we’re all there, posing on their front lawn with the Stanley Cup. So, I “From there, Colorado made it an even bigger deal in 1996 – and it’s just went into this massive explanation – of how I grew up in the house; about kept growing from there.” the celebration, we had with the Cup back in ’89; and how we were trying to duplicate that. Pritchard particularly remembers how every year that Martin Brodeur won the Stanley Cup with the Devils, he would organize a street hockey game “They’re just looking at me, and their expression is saying, ‘what the heck for his childhood friends, to mimic the ritual of playing for the Stanley Cup are you talking about?’ when you were a 10-year-old. The only difference: This time, the Stanley Cup was on the road, and they were playing for the actual trophy, not the “But we coaxed them into this picture we’re taking with the Cup. There metaphorical equivalent. are about 30 guys that Michael has invited to go along on this tour – and I was laughing so hard, I was crying. And then we went down to where “From what happened at the 1989 NHL awards to last summer, when we his parents used to live and did the same thing. That was another great went to seven different countries with the Washington Capitals, it’s really day for hockey.” something to see how it’s grown,” Pritchard said. “It went to Russia twice last year. It went to Denmark for the first time ever. That 100 days with The Athletic LOADED: 07.17.2019 the Cup is on a whole new level now than it was with Colin Patterson and that first street party in ‘89. “Obviously, I’m a Canadian who grew up playing hockey and wanting to win the Stanley Cup like everyone else. I knew early on I wasn’t going to do that, so I went into the administrative side of sports. This past 1107542 Websites Question: If an active Jim Rutherford can be elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame, why can’t we just slide Jumbo in there already?

It’s the goats birthday today! Joe Thornton it’s always an honor to Sportsnet.ca / NHL’s Top 10 UFAs remaining: Latest rumours, reports watch you play it puts a smile on my face like a kid in a candy store! 40 years young and can’t wait for the new season pic.twitter.com/jcKmH5vPBi Luke Fox | @lukefoxjukebox July 16, 2019, 9:32 AM — Harris (@RHarris_19) July 2, 2019

3. Ben Hutton Two weeks after the madness, here we sit. Age: 26 National Hockey League general managers will need to dig deeper, and jobless players may need to lower their asking prices, but there are still a Position: Defence few gems — or at least some worthy gambles and depth additions — to 2018-19 salary cap hit: $2.8 million be unearthed from 2019’s UFA class after the July 1 frenzy. Of all the UFAs still floating out there, none averaged more time on ice We round up the rumours and assess the value of the free agents who than Hutton (22:21). The left-shot defender is coming off a nice little are taking a more patient approach this summer (in some cases, that’s bounce-back season after a dismal 2017-18 but was curiously not even by choice) and are still up for grabs a week in mid-July. qualified by the Vancouver Canucks, and they lost a 26-year-old 1. Jake Gardiner defenceman for nothing. Age: 28 No doubt, Jordie Benn is an upgrade from Hutton as a third-pairing guy in Vancouver, so now does Montreal (Benn’s former club) take a look at Position: Defence Hutton? The L.A. Kings are also reportedly interested here. 2018-19 salary cap hit: $4.05 million We wonder if the Ottawa-area native would consider the Sens, who have plenty of cap space and could use more experienced NHLers. Gardiner, a Minnesota native, enjoyed being a Maple Leaf, and despite his defensive lapses — which can be magnified — the Leafs weren’t If you’re a believer in plus/minus, it doesn’t paint a pretty picture here: happy to let him walk. Hutton has been a dash-21 or worse in three of his four NHL seasons. He’s a fifth-rounder who took a step last season, and at 26 his best days The Canada Day acquisition of Tyson Barrie, however, officially brings should still lie ahead. Next to Gardiner, he’s the most intriguing Gardiner’s tenure in Toronto to a close. (Rumour had it, the defenceman defenceman available. was partly waiting to see if there was a way Kyle Dubas could make room for a return.) Nothing imminent on Ben Hutton front. Don't expect anything to happen today. Several teams still in pursuit to varying degrees, including That Gardiner’s back ailed him during the post-season and he MTL & LA (@DennisTFP reported earlier LA initial offer was turned considered surgery should serve as a yellow flag for pursuant teams. down, they could circle back). Yet he’s a solid power-play quarterback, an excellent skater and passer, — David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 1, 2019 and a 50-point defender when healthy. He should be trying to fetch a long-term deal in the ballpark of $6 million to $7 million annually, using The longer Ben Hutton stays on the market, the more I suspect the Tyler Myers’ deal in Vancouver as his base. #Canucks are working on a Chris Tanev trade. That would allow Jordie Benn to slide to the right and open up a spot for Hutton to return. The Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens were rumoured to be interested in Gardiner, while the Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons reported — Stephan Roget (@StephanRoget) July 2, 2019 Florida, L.A. and hometown Minnesota as some of the player’s preferred destinations. 4. Justin Williams I made a case for Detroit’s Steve Yzerman to inquire. Age: 37 Now that Habs GM swung and missed on the Sebastian Position: Right wing Aho offer sheet, does Gardiner become his next serious target? Or will 2018-19 salary cap hit: $4.5 million lefty Ben Chiarot — signed last week — suffice? Age ain’t nothin’ but a number. Mr. Game 7 enjoyed his most productive The New Jersey Devils certainly have the cap and roster space to take a season (23 goals, 53 points) in seven years last winter with the run here. Hurricanes, captaining Carolina to its best season in a decade. How much of the delay is based on Gardiner carefully selecting his next Teammate-turned-coach Rod Brind’Amour called Williams the club’s home versus clubs being wary of the puck-mover’s injured back? most important player, and not just because he invented the Storm Surge. For our money, he’s the best talent still unclaimed. The three-time Stanley Cup winner will be 38 when the puck drops on 2. Joe Thornton 2019-20, so it’s understandable that he’s seriously weighing retirement. Incredibly, Williams has missed just three games total over his past eight Age: 40 seasons — that includes six deep playoff runs. Position: Centre “We’ve been in contact with Justin here recently,” Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said on July 2. “He hasn’t given us 100 per cent 2018-19 salary cap hit: $5 million yet which way he’s going to go. I think he potentially could be leaning When the ageless Jumbo Joe announced at the NHL Awards that he was toward playing, but I think in the next few weeks it will shake out.” keen to keep playing, GM Doug Wilson described the news as “a Williams built a house in Raleigh and would prefer not to move his family pleasant surprise.” again. The cap-crunched Wilson let UFAs Joonas Donskoi and captain Joe “I’m going to take my time and make sure I make the right one, right?” Pavelski walk for more money elsewhere on July 1 as he made re- Williams said upon season’s end. signing RFAs Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc (a steal!) his priority. “Because if I’m all in, I’m going to be all in. If I’m not quite all there, then I A popular theory: Labanc was convinced to accept a $1-million deal in have to reassess the situation. I’m not going to be good if I’m 85 per cent part to save money for Thornton. all in. I’ve got to be all in. That’s the only [thing] that’s fair to me, fair to “I think you know the relationship we have with Jumbo. He and I have the teammates, fair to everybody.” had conversations and talk every couple days. We’ll get that resolved in Waddell: "I think Justin Williams could be leaning towards playing." due time,” Wilson said of Thornton’s inevitable extension. — Sara Civ (@SaraCivian) July 2, 2019 “Just getting Timo done as recently as we did was where most of my focus was. We’ll start exploring whatever else we may do.” 5. Derick Brassard Age: 31 Position: Centre Brian Boyle is reviewing his options. Told 5 teams have serious interest in signing him. A decision could come later today, but he's not 2018-19 salary cap hit: $5 million rushing things. Brassard put up a career-best 60 points with the Rangers in 2014-15. — David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 2, 2019 The following season, he rang up 27 goals. Since then, he’s gradually been on a downward slide, playing with four franchises over the past two 8. Deryk Engelland seasons and failing to stick. Age: 37 Bad fits? Player in sharp decline? Position: Defence Brassard is a centre who has shown in the past he can both check and score, and yet he’s nowhere near a $5-million asset anymore. Until he 2018-19 salary cap hit: $1.5 million proves otherwise, he’s a third-liner. Two days prior to free agency’s opening, it appeared Engelland’s re- Available centremen are scarce, however. This feels like a case of a signing with Vegas on a one-year deal was inevitable. So, it is a bit player needing to lower his asking price, and we wouldn’t rule out a curious that by July 8 an announcement on the veteran has yet to be return to Columbus or New York, where Brassard enjoyed his most made. He’s been remarkably durable in his mid-30s and, birth certificate success. be damned, is arguably the best right-shot defender still out there. The Oilers are also in the market for affordable veteran forwards. Yes, Engelland is getting up there in, um, experience and down there in foot speed, but on a cheap, one-year term, he can still munch a lot of Montreal has been aggressive in its hunt for centre depth. Would blue-collar minutes (19:52) and provide the kind of hard defence that Bergevin give Brassard a look? should make him worth every penny. What sort of contract could Derick Brassard (and other NHL free McPhee notes they’re working on a contract with Deryk Engelland right agents still on the market) expect to receive? https://t.co/fC43ApxPL8 now. — Taylor Haase (@TaylorHaasePGH) July 5, 2019 Based on his tone and mention of working out bonuses it sounds like he’s very confident Engo will be back #VegasBorn 6. Pat Maroon — Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) June 29, 2019 Age: 31 Deryk Engelland at $1 million, Malcolm Subban at $800K and a Nikita Position: Left wing / Right wing Gusev trade would give the Golden Knights a cap-compliant roster…with 2018-19 salary cap hit: $1.75 million what’s left of my car payment to spare #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/CR0GURL5NX Maroon took a one-year, bet-on-himself deal at this time last summer to be able to spend more time with his son, Anthony. (Hometown discounts — Justin Emerson (@J15Emerson) July 2, 2019 still exist!) And he was rewarded with some quality family time and a 9. Jason Pominville Stanley freaking Cup. Age: 36 Now, he’s right back to square one. Position: Right wing Not the fleetest of foot, Maroon is a big body who can crash the crease and is well-suited to playoff hockey. The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary 2018-19 salary cap hit: $5.6 million Flames are among the clubs who have expressed interest. Welcome to Pominville, where the unemployment rate is 100 per cent… A return to the Blues — who have several key RFAs to sort out — cannot for now. The 1,060-game veteran certainly isn’t worth the $5.6 million he be completely ruled out but appears doubtful. was raking in Buffalo last season, but he’s put together consecutive 16- goal, 30-point seasons, could contribute on a second PP unit and won’t The Blues’ top beat writer, Jeremy Rutherford, reports that Maroon’s take foolish penalties. If he wants to keep the dream alive, Pominville offers are all for one year, again. might have to earn a spot on a PTO or take a third-line role on a club in Update on Maroon: a week into free agency, he remains unsigned. He need of wing depth. has offers, but the belief is they’re all for one year. He’s looking for a I know they didn't/don't have much money to play with but yikes. I feel couple years and the right fit and is willing to be patient. Several sources like, at the very least, they should be in on a guy like Jason Pominville. have said the Blues’ interest remains limited. #stlblues Has averaged 1.71 points/60 at 5v5 over last two years and could give — Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) July 8, 2019 them a bit of pop on the wings at a cheap price. Edmonton looking into returning Pat Maroon to the fold. Oilers among — Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) July 15, 2019 a few teams pitching for the big LW. 10. Ben Lovejoy — Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) July 1, 2019 Age on July 1: 35 Meanwhile, Maroon spent the weekend coaching his son Anthony’s Position: Defence roller hockey team, which won the @TORHS_2H4I in Tampa, Fla. They received a Cup and when players celebrated in the locker room, Maroon 2018-19 salary cap hit: $2.67 million went to the concession stand, bought a few Powerades, came back and filled it up. pic.twitter.com/ThxC7iGEC3 As soon as Erik Karlsson re-signed in San Jose, right-shot defenders became the weakest position among this summer’s free-agent class, and — Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) July 8, 2019 it’s not even close. A stay-at-home veteran like Lovejoy could land a decent contract simply based on a lack of available talent. After Lovejoy, 7. Brian Boyle we’re talking about names like Dan Girardi. Age: 34 Buyers know what they’re getting in Lovejoy: a stay-at-home, Position: Centre / Left wing experienced, durable defender who can kill penalties and log minutes. Dallas liked the Reverend enough that they traded New Jersey the 2018-19 salary cap hit: $2.55 million younger Connor Carrick plus a third-rounder to rent him for its 13-game playoff run. Mostly we wanted to include Boyle here because of his incredible July 1 tweet (see below), but it helps that the veteran role player is still an If anyone knew Ben Lovejoy was this valuable, might've gotten more effective centreman who can do all the little things (kill penalties, win than a 3rd for him. Devs look lost. faceoffs, block shots, provide leadership) coaches and teammates respect. — Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) February 23, 2019 Boyle would be a nice add for the Oilers’ culture, so it’s intriguing that Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.17.2019 Edmonton is one of the clubs reportedly on his list. 1107543 Websites “The past few years, I’ve gotten the highs and lows of the NHL and the rigours of it. It’ll just help me going forward, especially in a place like Montreal where there’s a lot of pressure,” he said. “You have to perform.” Sportsnet.ca / Keith Kinkaid's arrival should help Canadiens manage With a lifetime record of 64-55-17 on a sub-standard Devils team that’s Carey Price's load only made the playoffs once in the last five seasons, there’s ample reason to believe Kinkaid can. Eric Engels July 16, 2019, 12:40 PM “I want to be that person that can help in any way,” he said. “I want to get the wins for the team when I’m in net. If they give me more games or less games, I’ll be there.” There were a lot of numbers for the Montreal Canadiens to take into Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.17.2019 account before making their decision to give goaltender Keith Kinkaid a one-year, $1.75-million contract on July 1, but the most important one was 82. That’s the number of games Kinkaid has appeared in over the last two seasons. It was more relevant to the Canadiens that he played 41 matchups with the New Jersey Devils last season than his 15-18-6 record, disappointing 3.36 goals-against average and underwhelming .891 save percentage. Especially since they could balance those numbers against the ones he posted in 41 games a season prior, when he managed to go 26-10-3, with a 2.77 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage to push a weak Devils team into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But a combined 82 games told the Canadiens just about everything they needed to know, which is Kinkaid could help them do what they weren’t able to do last season when backup Antti Niemi faltered down the stretch and forced starter Carey Price into six more games than he was originally penciled in for. This is mostly about managing the soon-to-be 32-year-old Price’s workload, which is something Kinkaid says he’s prepared for. The 30-year-old New Yorker, who arrived in Montreal on Sunday, met with media on Monday sporting his new Canadiens threads. “I’m just happy to be here,” he said, wearing No. 37. “Happy to have another opportunity to play in the best league in the world. To work with a guy like Carey Price is going to be tremendous. If I can take his workload and lighten it up for him a little bit — I want to be a guy they can count on when they need somebody to win a game and give Carey a night off.” That’s what they want, too. The Canadiens are aware of the trend going around the NHL where starting goaltenders play fewer games than they have in any season over the last two decades. They’re also aware Price was forced to make 66 appearances last season — 12 fewer than Stanley Cup finalists Tuukka Rask and Jordan Binnington combined to play. They know that if they’re going to keep Price playing at an elite level, if they’re going to preserve his best self over the seven seasons he remains under contract for, they’re going to have to lean a bit more on someone else. It wasn’t going to be Charlie Lindgren, the 25-year-old who has accumulated just 18 games of NHL experience since signing with the Canadiens in 2016. It wasn’t going to be 22-year-old AHLer Michael McNiven, either. And Cayden Primeau, the 19-year-old college superstar who has yet to appear in a game as a professional, was out of the question. But Kinkaid made a lot of sense for the Canadiens, not only because he could lighten Price’s load, but also because he’s a seasoned professional with 151 games of NHL experience under his belt. The value of his tenure, in the event that Price suffers an injury or misses some games due to illness, is considerable. Price has missed games in every season since coming into the league including 133 due to injury or illness since 2008. This Canadiens team, which has missed the playoffs twice in a row and three times in the last four seasons, needed a proper insurance policy and found one in Kinkaid. In an ideal world, the Canadiens won’t have to use him in that capacity, but they will have to use him much more than they used Niemi, who made just 17 appearances last year after making 19 in his first year with the team. Knowing they could depend on Kinkaid for at least 30 games this coming season gave the Canadiens the peace of mind to offer him a contract. They may only want to use him for 22 to 25 games, but they don’t have to ask themselves whether or not he’s capable of playing more. And Kinkaid believes he’s ready to handle the load. The fact he’s up for the challenge of playing in this hockey-mad city counts for something, too. 1107544 Websites not file for arbitration by last week’s deadline. Am told both sides just still working on a deal. Paquette, Martel, Verhaeghe signed last week

— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) July 9, 2019 Sportsnet.ca / NHL's Top 15 RFAs of 2019: Latest rumours, reports Asked @mnwild coach Bruce Boudreau on #TBLightning Brayden Point: “The player in the league that no one knows how great he is. Luke Fox | @lukefoxjukebox July 16, 2019, 10:28 AM Come contract time next year, they'll know.” Said he thinks Point is “the catalyst for that team."

— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) October 20, 2018 Blame the centre of the hockey universe. 2. Mitchell Marner Over the past eight months, Toronto Maple Leafs restricted free agents William Nylander and Auston Matthews each played a role in rewriting Age: 22 the rules for stars coming out of their entry-level deals. Position: Right wing One pushed his rookie general manager to the final five minutes of the 2018-19 salary cap hit: $894,167 signing deadline and reaped a generous financial reward as a result. The other inked a massive bridge/commitment hybrid deal that will walk him Arbitration rights: No to unrestricted free agency at the age of 26. Bargaining chips: Maple Leafs scoring leader in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Carolina’s star RFA centre, Sebastian Aho, signed a July 1 offer sheet Quarterbacks power play. Kills penalties. Established wonderful with Montreal. The Hurricanes matched, walking another explosive talent chemistry with top centre John Tavares and improved as a shutdown to UFA status at 26. winger. Put up career highs in goals (26), assists (68), points (94) while trimming his penalties to a career low (22). Local kid and fan favourite. San Jose’s excellent RFA forwards, Timo Meier (four years) and Kevin Labanc (one year), also opted for shorter term. The latest: As the Maple Leafs split for the summer, Marner reiterated his desire to remain in blue and white for the foreseeable future and GM Kyle The negotiating leverage has nudged toward the young stars ruling a Dubas, facing one heck of a cap dilemma, said his top priority was faster, more skilled league. That’s evident by the number of emerging locking up Marner prior to July 1, when he’d be eligible to sign an offer stars who turned down in-season offers, opting instead to put up pinball sheet. numbers and cash in on the bets they made on themselves. Speculation has the Marner camp, led by agent Darren Ferris, looking for Here’s a look at our top 15 RFAs, whose sluggish contract negotiations a contract comparable to Auston Matthews’ five years at an $11.6-million we’re most intrigued to see play out based on their 2018-19 performance. cap hit. The NHL’s highest-paid winger is the newest New York Ranger, This summer’s class — loaded with Canadian-team stars — will have an Artemi Panarin, at $11.64 million a season. especially significant impact on the salary cap pictures in Toronto, Dubas, of course, would love to keep Marner’s AAV to seven digits and Winnipeg, Tampa and Calgary. sign his top scorer for term. Several of these restricted free agents have had the option of discussing Originally vowing to match an offer sheet should these prickly offer sheets with opposing clubs since late June. Some have filed for negotiations reach that point, Dubas changed his tone at the draft, saying arbitration, which will expedite the process. there’s no guarantee he’d match. For others? Well, the next true pressure point won’t arrive until the first “Without an answer on Mitch, we’re going to be in a stalemate,” Dubas day of training camp. said. “It is a top priority because we’re not going to jump around and 1. Brayden Point chew up our cap space we are going to need for Mitch… It’s important. We just have to get right on it and get it done.” Age: 23 Dubas helped his own cause by trading away Patrick Marleau’s hefty Position: Centre / Right wing $6.25-million cap hit to Carolina and Connor Brown and Nikita Zaitsev to Ottawa, as well as getting Colorado to take care of half of Tyson Barrie’s 2018-19 salary cap hit: $686,667 salary. Arbitration rights: No The Marner camp appears to have dug in its heels. Bargaining chips: Established as one of the NHL’s premier two-way “My understanding is that a very significant offer was made [by Dubas], a centremen and earned some Selke votes. Can check top lines. Put up 41 full eight-year term and $10 million a year,” Sportsnet’s Brian Burke said goals and 92 points. NHL-best 20 power-play goals. Ranked top-10 in on-air. “Now the issue is they don’t want an eight-year term.” plus/minus (+27). After signing new acquisitions Cody Ceci and Alexander Kerfoot, the The latest: Point’s agent, Gerry Johannson, had a plan to let his client’s Leafs have just $3.8 million in projected cap space. fabulous platform year play out before opening serious extension talks. In light of Tampa’s impending cap crunch, The Athletic‘s Joe Smith reports Rumours of a potential Marner offer sheet coming from Lou Lamoriello or that Point is open to wide range of term, anything from a two-year bridge Jarmo Kekalainen have circulated, but nothing has come to fruition. deal to a five-year Auston Matthews–type deal to an eight-year lockup. The standoff continues. Wheee! “He loves it in Tampa,” Johannson told Smith. Marner’s got moves. Point’s loyalty to Tampa reportedly factored into Montreal GM Marc Bergevin’s decision to target Carolina’s RFA centreman, Sebastian Aho, (: @Marner93) pic.twitter.com/oUyvD0YA9i with his July 1 offer sheet (quickly matched). — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 8, 2019 Lightning GM Julien BriseBois maintains extending Point is top priority "From what I understand it should happen today…I heard $12.5M." while also needing to find space for RFA Adam Erne and considering @RadioVendetta confirms the report from @TheFourthPeriod that a long-term extensions for goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, defenceman team is "very seriously considering" presenting an offer sheet to Marner Mikhail Sergachev and centre Anthony Cirelli — all of whom will need @gregbradyTO @hughwburrill. #LeafsForever significant raises next summer. : https://t.co/G4dsL69kzk pic.twitter.com/R55798Xf43 To that end, BriseBois freed up funds by trading winger J.T. Miller to Vancouver for futures and placing alternate captain Ryan Callahan on — Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) July 5, 2019 long-term injured reserve. 3. Mikko Rantanen With the salary ceiling set at $81.5 million, the Lightning have just $5.6 million to take care of Point and Erne. Age: 22 That’s, uh, not quite enough. Position: Right wing Other than Brayden Point (nothing new on that front yet), the other 2018-19 salary cap hit: $894,167 main rostered #tblightning RFA not yet signed is Adam Erne. Erne did Arbitration rights: No Bargaining chips: Led club in playoff scoring (14 points) and is a career Arbitration rights: No point-per-game performer in the post-season (18 in 18). Second only to Nathan MacKinnon in team assists (56) and points (87), despite playing Bargaining chips: 2018 Calder Trophy runner-up. 2018 All-Star Game just 74 games. Back-to-back 80-point seasons. Play-maker on the most MVP. Lethal shot. Great chemistry with franchise centre Elias Pettersson. dangerous line in the West. Invited to first All-Star Game. A big boy (six- Class act. Back-to-back 26-goal seasons despite never reaching the 70- foot-four, 215 pounds). Career-high plus-13. game mark. Registered career highs in assists (30) and points (56). That flow. The latest: Prior to opening night, Rantanen smartly chose to let the season play out in full before negotiating. Then he went out and had a The latest: While GM Jim Benning was active in both the UFA and trade career season on one of the best lines in hockey. markets, Boeser’s camp and the Canucks have at least opened extension talks, which is a positive sign. It remains a matter of closing the Colorado’s highest-paid player, MacKinnon, carries a $6.3-million cap hit. gap, which Sportsnet’s Irfaan Gaffar reported was still a significant one Rantanen has enough leverage to blow his centreman out of the water. as of late May. “It’s not something we’re worried about,” GM Joe Sakic said of If Boeser is able to avoid a bridge deal, he should become the highest- Rantanen’s next deal. Cap space isn’t an issue in Colorado. “He’s going paid member of the team. to be here a long time.” Gaffar suggests Benning would be more comfortable with a six-year Despite a lack of resolution on the Rantanen front, Sakic actively term, which is what he gave Bo Horvat when he came out of his entry- pursuing free agents and traded for Nazem Kadri in effort to support his level deal, than an eight-year pact. monster top line. The GM also made a significant offer to Artemi Panarin before the Russian star joined the Rangers. “Bo took a huge step in his third year, and I think I can do the same,” Boeser said. NEW #AVS PODCAST: Colorado signs Andre Burakovsky and what's Mikko Rantanen's worth? (via @MikeChambers) Since embarking on another UFA spending spree — Tyler Myers, Michael Ferland, Jordie Benn — and bringing in J.T Miller, Benning finds LISTEN https://t.co/1gr8XxtDLc himself up against the cap. After the Roberto Luongo recapture penalty, he’s left with just $5 million in cap space to sign Boeser. — Denver Post – Avs (@avsNews) July 16, 2019 Disgruntled veteran Loui Eriksson looks like he could be the odd man 4. Matthew Tkachuk out. Age: 21 Count me surprised the #Canucks would sign Ferland (4 years and 3.5 Position: Left wing million) before they signed Boeser. They have till opening night to figure it all out but will Ferlund contract effect Boeser deal and what that will 2018-19 salary cap hit: $925,000 look like. Arbitration rights: No — Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) July 10, 2019 Bargaining chips: Sixth-overall pick. Career highs in games (80), goals Polled 10 agents about what Brock Boeser contract could look like. (34), assists (43), points (77), while posting a career low in PIM per game. Good genes. Likely successor to Mark Giordano as captain. Gets Long term – some said 6.5 to 7 million – some said 7-8 million under Drew Doughty’s skin. Bridge deal of 3 years – 5 million range The latest: Tkachuk believes Matthews’ five-year monster extension 2 years – 4 to 4.5 million raised the bar, which is a scary thought for the Flames, who must make Tkachuk their highest-paid player. — Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) April 10, 2019 “It sets that new bar for guys that are in a position to be up for a deal to 6. Charlie McAvoy be a restricted free agent this year,” Tkachuk said on Feb. 6. “It kind of changes every year, it seems like. There’s always that one guy or a Age: 21 couple guys who change the money, whether higher or lower. Position: Defence “Auston changed it, too, just going with the approach of a five-year deal, 2018-19 salary cap hit: $916,667 too. Maybe people haven’t seen it in a couple years, but it’s not uncommon. Guys used to do that all the time. He definitely set the bar for Arbitration rights: No this year.” Bargaining chips: A beast who led all Bruins in average ice time, both in Gulp. the regular season and playoffs. Added years to Zdeno Chara’s NHL career. Led all Boston D-men in even-strength points and game-winning GM Brad Treliving, who has a track record of locking up his RFAs, has goals. Shutdown guy. 2018 All-Rookie Team. First-round pick. Right maintained confidence that Tkachuk’s negotiations will have a happy shot. A playoff stud who came within one win of getting his name on the ending. Cup. “We’ll get him signed. I don’t know when that’s going to be,” Treliving The latest: The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa reported in February that said on Jan. 15. “But we’ll work away at that quietly and I can tell you McAvoy turned down a long-term extension offer, citing the eight-year, we’ll let you know as soon as it’s done, whenever that is.” $7.5-million AAV contract that Florida Panthers defenceman Aaron Because Tkachuk and fellow RFAs Sam Bennett and David Rittich need Ekblad inked in the summer of 2016. significant raises, Treliving has been rumoured to be entertaining trade McAvoy has outpaced Ekblad offensively and has performed better in his offers for James Neal, T.J. Brodie, Michael Frolik, and possibly Travis own end of late. A $7.5-million cap hit — the ballpark agent Rick Curran Hamonic. is targeting — would make McAvoy the highest-paid player in Boston, RFAs Bennett, Rittich, plus AHLers Ryan Lomberg and Rinat Valiev all ahead of David Krejci at $7.25 million. filed for arbitration, assuring new contracts. The Bruins’ concern here is health: McAvoy has suffered heart and With less than $10 million in cap space, the crunch is being felt in concussion issues and has yet to play more than 63 games in a season. Calgary… but that didn’t keep Tkachuk from attending the Stampede. “The Bruins will try to dig in a little bit. They’ll point to his games and #Flames GM Brad Treliving on contract negotiations with Matthew they’ll use [David] Pastrnak, who’s a superstar. It’ll be a tough deal to do, Tkachuk: "Saw Mathew was riding a horse (at the @calgarystampede a tough deal to evaluate. It may end up that a solution is four years,” an parade) the other day… I was trying to run behind him." anonymous agent told Shinzawa. — Kristen Anderson (@KdotAnderson) July 6, 2019 In addition to McAvoy, Boston must also find raises for defenceman Brandon Carlo, who filed for arbitration. As of now, there is only $8.1 5. Brock Boeser million to accommodate both D for the upcoming season. Age: 22 Since McAvoy is ineligible for an offer sheet, his only leverage is to withhold his services. Position: Right wing i just want the bruins to sign charlie mcavoy so i can start getting sleep 2018-19 salary cap hit: $925,000 again — Sofia (@jakedebruhsk) July 12, 2019 2018-19 salary cap hit: $925,000 Charlie McAvoy on his future in Boston. He is an RFA this summer: “I Arbitration rights: No want to be here forever. … This is the best place on earth.” Bargaining chips: Second-overall pick. Otherworldly shot. World junior — Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) June 14, 2019 champion. 2017 NHL all-star. Three consecutive 30-goal seasons. Showed well in post-season (three goals, five points in six games). Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo and Marcus Johansson want to be Beauty quote. back in Boston. David Backes’ status is a little uncertain. The quartet spoke on media day on what lies ahead. pic.twitter.com/GBtqsAI3N7 The latest: “Not worried about that right now,” Laine told reporters, regarding his next contract, at season’s end. “Right now, I want to forget — Bruins Daily (@BruinsDaily) June 15, 2019 everything that is involved with hockey.” 7. Jacob Trouba Laine revealed he suffered a minor groin injury in the playoffs and was Age: 25 dealing with back problems during a season in which his year-over-year production dropped from 70 points to 50. Position: Defence He’s flashy, he’s streaky, and his defensive game is under question, but 2018-19 salary cap hit: $5.5 million the man can score in bunches. Arbitration rights: Yes, and he filed A shorter-term deal might serve the player here, because Laine is better than 2018-19 showed. Bargaining chips: Top-10 first-round pick. No one played more hockey for the Jets this season. Co-led team in shorthanded points. Key penalty Laine opted to skip the world championships. He flew back to Finland to killer. Career highs in assists (42) and points (50). A plus defender six golf and spend time with family and friends. years running despite drawing difficult assignments. One year away from unrestricted free agency. There was some smoke around the notion that Montreal considered trading for or offer-sheeting Laine. The latest: The relationship between Trouba and Winnipeg was always a tenuous one, so his off-season trade to the New York Rangers came as Multiple teams have considered pursuing Marner, including the NY little surprise. Islanders & Montreal. Hearing Islanders are serious about pursuit, while Canadiens may be focused on Laine. Whether Isles, or another team, Trouba asked to be traded out of Winnipeg prior to the 2016-17 season. move forward with an offer sheet remains to be seen. As an RFA last summer, Trouba and Cheveldayoff endured a marathon arbitration, with Trouba seeking upwards of $7 million per season. He’s — David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 5, 2019 worth it now. Still no talks yet between #gojetsgo and Patrik Laine Trouba was awarded a one-year, $5.5-million deal for 2018-19 and — Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) May 3, 2019 needs another raise. He filed for arbitration and is scheduled to have his case heard on July 25. “It’s still not written in stone that he is a big part of this future here on a long-term basis.” Trouba is thrilled to be in a city where his fiancée can pursue her dreams as well, and the Rangers arguably made the greatest splash this The #SigningSeason panel weighs in on what kind of contract we summer, adding big-time talents Kaapo Kakko (draft) and Panarin (free could see for Patrik Laine. agency) up front in addition to trading for Trouba and NCAA stud Adam Fox. Have your say https://t.co/ngME4iiKUB pic.twitter.com/BLVqQ7AWqR 8. Kyle Connor — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 1, 2019 Age on July 1: 22 10. Zachary Werenski Position: Left wing Age on July 1: 21 2018-19 salary cap hit: $925,000 Position: Defence Arbitration rights: No 2018-19 salary cap hit: $925,000 Bargaining chips: Back-to-back 30-goal campaigns. First-round pick. Arbitration rights: No Coming hot off career highs in goals (34), assists (32) and points (66). Bargaining chips: Eighth-overall pick in 2015. Second only to all-star Seth Bright spot (three goals, five points) in Jets’ disappointing first-round exit. Jones in Columbus ice time (22:54). Able to shutdown top forwards and Can contribute to both special teams. Better two-way winger than fellow contribute 40-plus points a season. Recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick in RFA Laine. Wonderful chemistry with Winnipeg’s top players, Mark the second round of the playoffs. Only 21! Best years still ahead. Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. The latest: For all of the outgoing bodies this summer in Ohio, Werenski The latest: Now that Trouba and Kevin Hayes have been traded, the Jets will not be one of them. He and Jones are a major reason the 2020 Blue only have 13 impending free agents to sort through. Godspeed, Kevin Jackets won’t suffer the drop-off you might think. Cheveldayoff. “I haven’t thought about it, honestly,” Werenski told reporters, following “It’s not an easy time, so to speak, right now, to worry about anyone else Columbus’s ouster by the Bruins. “Obviously, that’s something we’re but yourself. Everyone is just doing what they need to do within their own going to have to get done this summer. But I’m not worried about it at all. organizations,” Cheveldayoff told the Winnipeg Free Press of the draft I guess it’s something I’ll have to start thinking about.” weekend’s cost-cutting deals. After losing a handful of stars to free agency and coming to terms with “Everyone has their own pressure points and jobs they need to do.” RFA defenceman Ryan Murray, GM Jarmo Kekalainen should have no Connor, a relatively unsung star and the most complete young forward of issue finding the funds to give Werenski an appropriate raise. the bunch, needs to stay put. One of the unwritten rules of playing the offer sheet game, is to make Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that rival clubs have reached out sure your own house is in order before you start looking through your to Connor’s camp, but that doesn’t guarantee an offer sheet is neighbor’s belongings.#CBJ still have D Zach Werenski as an unsigned forthcoming. RFA. Next year, Dubois will be RFA. And so on. If Nikolaj Ehlers is worth $6 mill, what’s Kyle Connor worth? Better — Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 12, 2019 player #gojetsgo 11. David Rittich — Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) May 3, 2019 Age on July 1: 26 9. Patrik Laine Position: Goaltender Age on July 1: 21 2018-19 salary cap hit: $800,000 Position: Right wing Arbitration rights: Yes, and he filed Bargaining chips: Undrafted, late-blooming gem. Career-high 42 starts, The Caps have just $4.3 million in projected space, with Christian Djoos 45 appearances, 27 wins, and .911 save percentage. Fun-loving team and Chandler Stephenson also in need of contracts. guy adored by teammates. GMBM noted there may be some creative avenues to free up cap space. The latest: Big Save Dave has a golden opportunity to become the Washington also now has two of the biggest pending UFAs of 2020, Flames’ undisputed No. 1 goalie next season, considering veteran Mike Braden Holtby and Nicklas Backstrom, free to ink long-term extensions at Smith — who performed well but went 1-4 in the playoffs — is off to any point. Edmonton while a struggling Cam Talbot joins Calgary as Plan B. Toronto’s contract for RFA Alex Kerfoot (four years, $14 million total) “Ritter is an unbelievable kid with a bright future,” said coach Bill Peters, could serve as a comparable here. following exit meetings. “There are things he can do to allow himself to be able to play more games, too, as far as his ability to look after himself Next up for #Caps is getting a deal done with Jakub Vrana. Per with nutrition, with everything that goes along with that, to make a real @CapFriendly they only have $4.285 million left in cap space. solid commitment to being a pro, a big-time NHL pro. And he’s going to Brian MacLellan was asked for an update & whether he was do that. concerned about a potential offer sheet from another team. “He has a lot of confidence in himself, and that’s earned. I thought he had pic.twitter.com/Im8dqRnvP1 a very good year. This is the most he’s played in the NHL was this year, — Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinNBCS) July 2, 2019 and he’s looking to take that next step too.” 14. Pavel Buchnevich The giant organizational debate here: Can Rittich handle a full NHL workload and return the Flames to the post-season? Age: 24 “I think he has the ability to do that, yeah,” Peters said. “But until you’ve Position: Right wing / Left wing done it and been there, everyone is going to question it, right?” 2018-19 salary cap hit: $925,000 That Rittich filed for arbitration ensures at least a bridge deal will be reached and he’ll be in attendance for Day 1 of training camp. Arbitration rights: Yes, and he filed That Cup-winning RFA Jordan Binnington signed for a reasonable two Bargaining chips: Young scorer on a team that needs them. Despite years at $4.4 million per season with the Blues should help keep Rittich’s being relatively new to the NHL, he’s entering his eighth year as a pro payday in check. (KHL). Coming off career-best 21-goal season. Good for 40-plus points if healthy. Four members of the #Flames have filed for salary arbitration: David Rittich, Sam Bennett, Ryan Lomberg, and Rinat Valiev. The latest: The cap flexibly Jeff Gorton granted himself is suddenly drying up in the wake of landing this summer’s greatest UFA prize, With players filing for arb, Calgary is now eligible for the NHL’s second Artemi Panarin. buyout window in August. While Jacob Trouba is now the top signing priority, RFAs Buchnevich, — Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) July 5, 2019 Brendan Lemieux and Anthony Deangelo also need deals. The Blueshirts have only a shade over $8 million in cap space to work with, 12. Travis Konecny so with a second buyout window coming, an expensive defenceman like Age: 22 Brendan Smith or Kevin Shattenkirk could be at risk. Position: Right wing / Left wing There is also the possibility of trading a winger like Chris Kreider (UFA 2020) or Buchnevich himself. 2018-19 salary cap hit: $894,167 Buchnevich’s arbitration is set to be heard July 29. Arbitration rights: No Arbitration-eligible RFAs can file for arbitration today. NHL will Bargaining chips: First-round pick. World championships silver medallist. announce the names of players who have filed at 5 p.m. Pavel Increased production with every NHL season. Back-to-back 20-goal man. Buchnevich has filed. He had a career high 21 goals in 2018-19, in 64 Career-best 24 goals and 49 points (plus career-low 40 penalty minutes) games. This means the Rangers will be able to open a second buyout in 2018-19. window. A late-round steal in 2017, Konecny has been a wonderful addition to the — Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) July 5, 2019 Flyers, and now it’s time to pay him. The retooling Flyers must also find the dollars to award raises to forward Scott Laughton and defenceman 15. Nikita Gusev Ivan Provorov this summer. Age: 27 Serious extension talks with Konecny’s camp reportedly did not begin Position: Left wing until after GM Chuck Fletcher made a couple off-season trades and explored the UFA market. 2018-19 salary cap hit: $925,000 Philly has started contract talks with RFAs Travis Konecny & Scott Arbitration rights: No Laughton. Nothing close yet, but they literally just got started on talks. Bargaining chips: Posted league and career high of 82 points during his — David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 3, 2019 2018-19 KHL campaign. 2018 Olympic gold medalist. Nine seasons of professional experience. Ranked 10th all-time in KHL scoring (332 13. Jakub Vrana points). Elite playmaker. Better than a point-per-game in 2019 KHL post- Age: 23 season. Did not make noise about being scratched in NHL playoffs. Position: Left wing The latest: The Golden Knights, who acquired Gusev’s North American rights from Tampa during the expansion draft, are in cap hell and may 2018-19 salary cap hit: $863,333 need to shed some salary if they are to sign Gusev — the most dominant offensive player in the KHL last season. Arbitration rights: No In the middle of their first-round playoff series against San Jose, the Bargaining chips: First-round pick. Improved production and worth with Knights signed Gusev to an entry-level contract, making him a restricted each NHL season. Career-high 24 goals, 47 points and 82 games played free agent this summer. But they elected not to dress the Russian star. in 2018-19. Stanley Cup champion. Czech national team regular. “You don’t know what transpires in the playoffs. We have some real good The latest: Vrana followed up his Cup party by enjoying a breakout depth. Never had a problem having too many good players around,” season in Washington and surpassing Andre Burakovsky as the club’s president George McPhee said in April. youngish European winger on the rise. According to The Athletic, Vegas and Gusev are as far as $2 million It’s pay bump time. apart in negotiations. The winger, whose contract with SKA has expired, On July 1, Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said he’s in “ongoing is said to looking for $4 million per season on a two-year commitment. discussions” with Vrana’s representatives and must be cognizant of how A trade is possible if the sides can’t bridge the gap. tight Washington is to the cap ceiling. “We think he’s a really good player. We’d like to work something out here,” McPhee said on July 1. “If that doesn’t work out, we’ll look at options. But there’s definitely interest in him. We’ve had people call us on him, and we’ll see what develops. I can’t tell you today what will develop, but we’ll work on it. “He’s been very, very good on the international stage. He wants to play in the NHL. He worked hard to get over here, and we’re going to accommodate him one way or another, either here or with another club.” A player who has been terrific everywhere he's played. Gave up bonuses to come to Vegas. Didn't get to play in the playoffs and didn't say a word. Said amazing things about the city and the fan base. And a guy who is looking for a fair contract. That's who Nikita Gusev is so far. — SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) July 7, 2019 More notable RFAs: Kevin Fiala, Ivan Provorov, Anthony Beauvillier, Brandon Carlo, J.T. Compher, Colin White, Sam Bennett, Pavel Zacha, Andrew Copp, Linus Ullmark, Joel Edmundson, Will Butcher, Colton Sissons, Ryan Donato, Jake McCabe, Brock McGinn, Charles Hudon, Colton Sissons, Connor Carrick, Zach Aston-Reese, Oskar Sundqvist, Neal Pionk Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.17.2019 1107545 Websites

USA TODAY / Philadelphia bar seeks payment from St. Louis Blues' 'Play Gloria' craze during Stanley Cup run

Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Published 11:54 a.m. ET July 16, 2019 | Updated 12:07 p.m. ET July 16, 2019

The Philadelphia bar that inspired the St. Louis Blues' "Gloria" fad is seeking money from the items — T-shirts, hats and other small merchandise — that were sold inside and outside of Enterprise Center during the team's run to its first Stanley Cup. Attorney Rob McKinley, who represents The Jacks NYB, told USA TODAY Sports that the Blues' postgame victory song, Laura Branigan's 1982 disco classic "Gloria," was only part of the equation. The fanbase's rallying cry, "Play Gloria!" began at The Jacks NYB, and as such, McKinley said that idea comes with a price for others making a profit off it. "The bottom line is they created this brand and supported the St. Louis Blues and their fans on the Stanley Cup run," McKinley said Tuesday. "Other people are capitalizing off something of value they created. If you created the Nike swoosh and Nike comes over and says, 'That's a great idea we're going to take that and use it, promote millions of dollars and goods ... but you get nothing,' that's unfair. "It's not about the T-shirt, it's about what's on it. Common sense shows the answer is to pay for the idea. People are sometimes fortunate with ideas that become profitable every day. It's about making a fair deal after that." GOT JOKES: Tiger jokes Koepka hasn't been so helpful for British Open prep SHAQ LOSES BET: But will he now kiss Steve Kerr's feet (with cheese)? St. Louis Blues left wing Pat Maroon (7) shares the Stanley Cup with the fans during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally at the Gateway Arch. ESPN.com was the first to report the news. Blues team members were inspired to adopt the song after watching the Eagles' NFC wild-card game against the Chicago Bears on Jan. 6 at The Jacks NYB. "Right there we decided we should play the song after our wins," defenseman Joel Edmundson said on the team's website back in February. The Jacks NYB filed a trademark application May 8 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for "Play Gloria" that covered usage on T-shirts. The bar filed a second application for "Play Gloria!" on June 1 that covered an assortment of items from hats and shirts to blankets and beverage cans. McKinley said that the conversations The Jacks NYB has had with the Blues have been cordial, with no likelihood of a lawsuit. The bar put out a statement on Facebook on Friday denying a report that said it threatened to sue the Blues. It sent cease-and-desist letters to smaller companies like Arch Apparel, who continues to use "Play Gloria!" for profit. "Anheuser-Busch and the St. Louis Blues, they don't use 'Play Glorida!' because they understand how this works, they're sophisticated companies," McKinley said. "It's some of the smaller companies that are making enormous profits." McKinley added: "Right now, (The Jacks NYB) is talking to many companies to partner with them to use the trademark." McKinley did not disclose which companies those were because the deals are remaining confidential until they are finalized. The Blues were selling "Play Gloria" shirts in their arena store during the playoffs, but as of Friday the team only sold shirts that read "Gloria Gloria" for sale on their online store. Messages from USA TODAY Sports to the Blues organization were not immediately returned. USA TODAY LOADED: 07.17.2019