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SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 07/07/17 1070689 Reports: Arizona Coyotes target Rick Tocchet for next 1070721 Kings re-sign center Nick Shore to a one-year, $925,000 head coach contract 1070690 Could Rick Tocchet be the next head coach of the Arizona 1070722 STOLL JOINS DEVELOPMENT AS PART TIME Coyotes? CONSULTANT 1070723 SHORE SIGNS ONE YEAR, $925K EXTENSION 1070691 Ryan Donato insists he’s in no hurry to reach NHL Wild 1070692 Jakub Zboril brings new attitude into Bruins camp 1070724 Get ready, hockey fans: Da Beauty League returns next 1070693 Bruins notebook: Jesse Gabrielle has sights set on top week to Edina club spot 1070694 Harris: Harvard’s Ryan Donato showing Bruins made Canadiens smart pick 1070725 'We want to get to the top,' Canadiens' Alex Galchenyuk 1070695 SPOONER FILES FOR ARBITRATION, LOOKS FOR says RAISE FROM BRUINS 1070726 Centre or wing? Canadiens’ Alex Galchenyuk is tired of 1070696 ANDERS BJORK NOT EXPECTED AT BRUINS CAMP that question UNTIL THIS WEEKEND 1070727 Canadiens sign goalie to one-year deal 1070697 Hiring of Gord Dineen adds experience to Amerks staff 1070728 New Predators forward Nick Bonino eager to help 1070698 Entire 2016 and 2017 draft classes slated to attend Nashville 'get a little better' Sabres' development camp 1070729 P.K. Subban's summer adventures with tennis icons and Justin Trudeau Flames 1070699 Giddy up! Flames star Gaudreau saddling up for Stampede Parade 1070730 When will Devils get 1st look at Nico Hischier on ice? | 1070700 Tyler Parsons to push in net 2017 Development Camp roster 1070731 Why the Devils moved on from Beau Bennett, Michael Cammalleri 1070701 Are the Canes set at forward? These wannabes hope not 1070732 5 NHL free agents the Devils could target 1070733 Devils announce development camp roster, schedule 1070702 Finnish line: Lauri Markkanen, Henri Jokiharju excited Islanders about futures in Chicago 1070734 Isles prospect camp: Bellows, Barzal and more 1070703 Where do 's Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl rank among the league's top duos? 1070735 Flyers welcome crop of prospects for weekend development camp 1070704 Blue Jackets: depth chart has new look 1070736 5 PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR 2017 FLYERS DEVELOPMENT CAMP 1070737 5 THINGS TO KNOW FOR 2017 FLYERS 1070705 Stars hope rookies – like Heiskanen, Oettinger – DEVELOPMENT CAMP accomplish these three things at development camp 1070738 3 players to watch in Flyers development camp 1070706 Stars sign Brett Ritchie to two-year contract extension that averages $1.75 million Penguins 1070739 Penguins sign Minnesota-Duluth center Adam Johnson week after development camp 1070707 Red Wings development camp about much more than 1070740 Penquins sign undrafted free agent Adam Johnson to a what happens on ice two year deal 1070708 Five things to know entering Detroit Red Wings 1070741 Ron Cook: Penguins do good deed, take risky steps to development camp help ex-star 1070709 Red Wings, AHL’s Griffins agree on 5-year extension 1070710 Griffins and Red Wings extend affiliation agreement 1070711 Prospects to watch at Red Wings development camp 1070743 Unlikely hero emerges at Sharks prospects scrimmage St Louis Blues 1070712 Edmonton Oilers fans celebrate Dave Semenko's legacy 1070744 Sooner, not later, for the best kids 1070713 Edmonton Oilers' upward trend has NHL team's prospects 1070745 Pang, with new Blues deal, ‘overwhelmed’ by fan support excited 1070714 Dave Semenko was ferocious and funny in equal parts Maple Leafs 1070715 Terry Jones: Fitting tribute to former Oilers icon Dave 1070746 Maple Leafs prospect Dominic Toninato to become free Semenko agent 1070716 Edmonton Oilers' upward trend has prospects excited 1070747 Development camp about teaching kids 'what the Maple 1070718 Jones: Fitting tribute to Oilers icon Dave Semenko Leafs are all about' 1070748 are all in, but Connor McDavid's compromise will cost Auston Matthews: 10 off-season 1070720 Panthers re-sign defenseman Mark Pysyk to 3-year deal obser Canucks 1070756 Long story short, Canucks lean on analytics to draft pint-sized Palmu 1070757 Summer Showdown: Adam Gaudette steals the spotlight from Canucks' slick Swede prospects 1070749 Golden Knights sign forward Teemu Pulkkinen to 1-year deal 1070750 Amid Capitals’ salary cap crunch, untested prospects fight for open roster spots 1070751 Capitals re-sign goaltender Philipp Grubauer to one-year, $1.5 million deal 1070752 Capitals, Philipp Grubauer agree to one-year contract 1070753 CAPS RE-SIGN GOALIE PHILIPP GRUBAUER ON A ONE-YEAR DEAL 1070754 WHY BRIAN MACLELLAN FELT HE HAD NO LEVERAGE WITH EVGENY KUZNETSOV Websites 1070758 .ca / Maple Leafs have too many forwards, but that can be fixed 1070759 Sportsnet.ca / Top 10 NHL UFAs of 2017: Best of the rest still available 1070760 Sportsnet.ca / The Leafs’ great van Riemsdyk and Bozak trade conundrum 1070761 Sportsnet.ca / Remembering the undefeatable spirit and presence of David Semenko 1070762 Sportsnet.ca / Where does McDavid’s deal fit in with other major sports? 1070763 Sportsnet.ca / Penguins remain 2018 favourites despite recent roster moves 1070764 Sportsnet.ca / The 10 best analytics signings of 2017 NHL free agency 1070766 TSN.CA / Who is the NHL’s best shooting talent? Jets 1070755 Jets move ECHL farm team to Florida

SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1070689 Arizona Coyotes

Reports: Arizona Coyotes target Rick Tocchet for next head coach

The Republic | azcentral.com Published 5:47 p.m. MT July 6, 2017 | Updated 0 minutes ago

The Coyotes' search for a new head coach could end by reuniting the team with a face from its past. Former player and assistant coach Rick Tocchet may be returning to the organization as its next coach, according to multiple reports, with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reporting the two sides are working on a four-year contract. A replacement for , who parted ways with the team last month, has not been finalized, General Manager John Chayka said, but the team hopes to make an announcement on a hire next week. It's also believed the Coyotes had interest in Todd Nelson (coach of Detroit's affiliate) and Dallas Eakins (coach of Anaheim's AHL affiliate); the Detroit Free Press reported the Red Wings granted the Coyotes permission to interview Nelson, while a source told azcentral sports the Ducks gave Arizona permission to interview Eakins. , the Maple Leafs' AHL coach, and Ralph Krueger, who previously coached the Oilers and is the chairman of Southampton Football Club, have also been mentioned as possibilities by TSN. Tocchet played parts of three seasons for the Coyotes, racking up 64 goals and 130 points in 213 games from 1997-2000. He resurfaced as an assistant on 's staff in 2005 before getting charged in February 2006 for financing a gambling ring. In 2007, Tocchet pleaded guilty to promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling and was sentenced to probation. While he dealt with his legal issues, Tocchet took a leave of absence and was suspended by the league but he was back behind the Coyotes' bench in 2008 before joining Tampa Bay's staff later that year as an assistant. Tocchet soon took over when head coach was fired in November 2008 and eventually had the interim tag removed after the season. Tocchet was at the helm of the Lightning for one more season before getting dismissed after Tampa Bay went 34-36-12 in 2009-10 and missed out on the playoffs for a second straight year under Tocchet. In 2014, he became an assistant with the Penguins and has been at that post ever since. During that time, Tocchet's emerged as a candidate to receive another opportunity at a head coaching job and has been linked to recent coaching searches around the league. His track record with the Penguins has been impressive, as he's helped the team win the past two Stanley Cups, and he's garnered a reputation as someone players admire and respect – perhaps because of his own playing career, which includes more than 1,100 games and 440 goals. Tocchet's ability to relate to players would seem to satisfy part of Arizona's search criteria, which is targeting a strong communicator and a coach players love to play for. The Coyotes also want a bench boss who will spearhead a speedy style and slot their young up-and-comers in roles they'll be able to thrive in as the team continues to rebuild. This task doesn't seem too dissimilar to what Tocchet encountered with the Lightning, as the team was embarking on a new era with as the face of its revival. And Tocchet has had a front-row view to the Penguins' fast-paced approach led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in recent years. But the Coyotes aren't a perennial Stanley Cup contender like the Penguins. They're in the midst of a five-year playoff drought and finished tied for the third-fewest points in the NHL last season. Although the team has actively remade its roster this summer, making a few key upgrades, it is still looking for a growth spurt that pushes it back to the competitive ranks of the league and keeps it there. Directing that progress will be the challenge for the Coyotes' next head coach, whomever that will be. Arizona Republic LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070690 Arizona Coyotes

Could Rick Tocchet be the next head coach of the Arizona Coyotes?

BY ARIZONA SPORTS | JULY 6, 2017 AT 7:39 AM UPDATED: JULY 6, 2017 AT 5:52 PM

The Arizona Coyotes have been looking for a new head coach since the organization parted ways with Dave Tippett June 22. Arizona Sports’ Craig Morgan has reported that Todd Nelson, Dallas Eakins and Sheldon Keefe — all head coaches in the American Hockey League — are possibilities to fill the post. But a new name has bubbled to the surface Thursday morning, according to TSN’s , and later, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. I haven't dug in on this one, but sounds like there's a good possibility Rick Tocchet is the Arizona Coyotes next head coach. — Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 6, 2017 Hearing ARIZ & Rick Tocchet working on a four-year deal to become Coyotes' coach. Same term as Boughner (FLA), Green (VAN), Housley (BUF). — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 6, 2017 Coyotes fans are very familiar with Tocchet. He played in Arizona for three seasons from 1997 to 2000, scoring 64 goals in 213 games and helping the Coyotes to three straight Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. He also served on the Coyotes’ coaching staff, under Wayne Gretzky, for the 2005-06 season. Tocchet was the interim head coach in Gretzky’s absence for five games, guiding the Coyotes to a 2-3 record in that time. Tocchet also guided the for two seasons, starting in 2008, after Barry Melrose was fired after just 16 games. He finished with a 53-69-26 record, and the Lightning missed the playoffs both seasons. He’s been a member of the coaching staff for three years, helping the team to consecutive Stanley Cup titles. Frank Servalli, another TSN hockey insider, has offered another name on the Coyotes’ coaching front. Name I keep hearing attached to #Coyotes search is Ralph Krueger. Would seem to be a strong fit on a of levels. Stay tuned. — Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 5, 2017 Krueger, 57, last coached in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2012-13 season. In 2014, he switched his affiliation from to soccer, and is currently the chairman of Southampton F.C. in the English Premier League. All Coyotes will say RE: @DarrenDreger tweet (Tocchet) & @frank_seravalli tweet (Krueger) is nothing has been finalized RE: coach search. — Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) July 6, 2017 Arizona Sports LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070691 Boston Bruins “That’s a lot,” said Donato, sounding slightly miffed as he contemplated the number. “That’s a lot of D camps.”

Everyone’s process is different, he said again. He’s in no rush, he said Ryan Donato insists he’s in no hurry to reach NHL again. “You want to get to your dream as fast as you can,” he said. “But you don’t want to be too eager, go too early, and maybe something happens. By Kevin Paul Dupont Whenever the time is right, I am going to do it. You have to trust the Globe Staff July 6, 2017 process.” Anders Bjork, who turned pro just weeks ago, opting not to return for his senior season at Notre Dame, was among four prospects not in uniform. Even with his red cheeks aglow like a school kid, Ryan Donato is getting Bjork remained home to tend to a family matter and won’t be in uniform to be an old man in the development world. Now 21, and planning to start until Saturday . . . Three other players — defenseman , his junior year at Harvard in a few weeks, he began his fourth defenseman Jeremy Lauzon, and forward Cameron Hughes — are development camp with the Bruins Thursday, a virtual centurion in a recuperating from injury and are not expected to participate over the next dressing room chock-full of teenage sharpshooters and Snapchatters. three days, according to Langenbrunner . . . Invitee goalie Rob McGovern also was not on the ice. According to Langenbrunner, doctors “The third or fourth time, you kind of just know you’ve got to help the flagged a minor issue during McGovern’s physical. He is expected to be younger guys,” said a poised Donato, son of ex-Bruin Ted Donato. on the ice Saturday morning . . . The three remaining workouts are all “Because I know when I came in here I was petrified, I didn’t know what scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. at Warrior Arena (open to the public, to do. So just kind of take them under your wing a little bit. free admission). “Obviously, you’re not a veteran, but it’s your fourth year, you know the Boston Globe LOADED: 07.07.2017 ropes a little bit.” In a league laser-focused on youth and speed, one in which top prospects often turn pro after only one or two D camps, Donato, a center/wing, would seem overripe to get on with his dream. With a few simple strokes of a pen, he could cross over the Charles River, and try to earn his keep here in Boston or climb up the ladder with the AHL Bruins. “From a skill set, he seems to be progressing in that way,” said Jamie Langenbrunner, the club’s player development coordinator, when asked if he felt Donato is ready to compete for a varsity job. “Obviously, [the first day] is a small sample size . . . but he was one of the more noticeable guys out there. “From a skill-set standpoint, yeah, he’s definitely put himself into that category, in my estimation.” A year ago, fresh off being picked No. 14 in the draft, Charlie McAvoy attended his first Bruins D camp. He turned pro in the spring and logged impressive minutes in the playoffs. Brandon Carlo, two D camps on his résumé, became a top-four stalwart on the Boston defense last year. Boston University’s Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, who played head to head vs. Donato last season, turned pro less than 24 months after being drafted. Donato was here with all of them, watched them all pass through, to go on quickly with their professional lives. “When you see guys you’re best friends with, doing the things you want to do, obviously there’s a little bit of a jealousy,” he said. “But you have to do what’s best for you. Everybody’s situation is different. “I am not too jealous, I am not too eager. I just want to play my game and get better and eventually, hopefully, I’ll be able to put on a Bruins sweater again.” Donato’s father stuck it out the full four years at Harvard and finally turned pro with the Bruins after his stint with the 1992 Olympic squad. Now the Crimson coach, he counsels his son as a dad, as his coach, and as an ex-NHLer who knows well that the league is first and foremost a business. Over a career of more than a dozen years, the senior Donato played for eight NHL teams, including return stints with the Islanders and Bruins. It’s no doubt in dad’s best interest for Ryan to remain in school, perhaps help the Crimson return to the Frozen Four, but more than one family dinner has to include the ongoing discussion: Should I stay or should I go now? Has he been tempted? “No, not yet, [the Bruins] have been great,” said Donato, who nearly doubled his offensive output in his second year at Harvard, collecting 21 goals and 40 points in 36 games. “The staff here, obviously, we’ll talk at the end of the week — a debriefing of how the week went — but there’s been no pressure so far. They’ve been very good to me. “Obviously, it’s tough with the situation I am in, a little bit awkward. But they’ve been good and haven’t made too much of a stressful move on me. So there’s nothing to worry about. I’ll take it day by day. I’ll talk to them at the end and see what happens.” If he sees it through at Harvard, he could be in D camp again in 2018 and ’19, the latter with Harvard degree in hand. In September 2019, he would report to his first pro camp with six D camps on his curriculum vitae. 1070692 Boston Bruins

Jakub Zboril brings new attitude into Bruins camp

Steve Conroy Friday, July 07, 2017

EAGER TO PROVE HIMSELF: After making a poor first impression with the Bruins last season, defenseman Jakub Zboril looks like a stronger player at this year’s development camp and has pleased the Bruins brass. When the Bruins hopefuls finally finished their testing and spilled out onto the ice, Jakub Zboril was the first one to hit the Warrior Ice Arena sheet. It was no accident. The Czech-born Zboril, taken with the 13th overall pick in the 2015 draft, had been known to be a bit of a goofball in his first couple of camps. That’s fine for the typical teenager, but NHL clubs are not looking for typical. That was made clear to the now 20-year-old, and it certainly seems like he’s listened. This is Zboril’s third B’s development camp, and he figured it’s time to get down to business. “I’m one of the older guys here this year and I had to change my attitude and be a good example for younger guys and try to help them out and show them the way a little,” said the left- defenseman after a long day of physical testing and an hour-plus on ice session. “When I came here the first time I didn’t know what to expect. I thought it would be fun. I’m a free-spirited guy, so I like doing jokes and all that. But I tried to let that go and be more serious about it.” Jamie Langenbrunner, the B’s player development coordinator, watched Zboril grow up in the two years since the B’s drafted him, especially last season when his Saint John Sea Dogs won the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and played in the . “He’s gone leaps and bounds, and I think it’s a comfort level for him,” said Langenbrunner. “I think the maturation process throughout the year, from rookie camp to the end of the year, has been fantastic. You can see how he integrates himself into the group now, how he’s turning into a leader.” Zboril had a strong bounce-back season for the Sea Dogs in 2016-17. He admitted that when he went back to his junior team after his first training camp in 2015, he didn’t have the best frame of mind, believing that after playing with pros, the junior game would be easier. It wasn’t. He went from 33 points as a rookie to just 20 in his second season. But last season he got back on track, posting 9-32-41 totals with a plus-19. He was on the second power-play unit — the top spot went to standout prospect Thomas Chabot, drafted five picks after Zboril and a player to whom the Bruin will probably be compared for years to come — and made the most of his chances. “It was a much better year for me,” said Zboril. “When I went back to juniors I knew what to expect, so I was ready for it. I think I did a good job of adjusting to junior level again.” He also got loads of playing time in the playoff run and posted a 3-4-7 and a plus-10 in 16 postseason games. “It was so fun,” said Zboril. “Our team got really together for the playoffs and it was such a blast, and to go all the way to the Memorial Cup was so nice.” Perhaps feeding into Zboril’s more business-like approach is the feeling he might actually have a shot at making the Bruins roster in September. A year ago at this time, the B’s were looking for a veteran right-shot defenseman until Brandon Carlo’s training camp performance called off the search party. Now, the B’s seem to be in need of a veteran left shot blueliner. Could Zboril change management’s mind on that, too? He’s got a couple of players ahead of him on the depth chart — both Robbie O’Gara and Matt Grzelcyk have a year of pro hockey under their belts — and Zboril is yet to play a pro game other than an exhibition last year. Still, he knows opportunity exists. “When I saw Brandon got to play the full season and didn’t even get sent back to Providence, I was looking at it and was like, ‘Hey, maybe I’ve got a chance, too,’ ” said Zboril. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s a hard road but if I keep working hard maybe it will pay off.” Boston Herald LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070693 Boston Bruins

Bruins notebook: Jesse Gabrielle has sights set on top club spot

Steve Conroy Friday, July 07, 2017

Jesse Gabrielle is not conceding anything. The Sasketchewan native, the B’s fourth-round pick (105th overall) in 2015, will play his first full pro season starting in September and, while most peg the forward as being destined for Providence, he doesn’t see why it couldn’t begin in Boston. “I’m coming in with the of making Boston,” said the product of the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. “I think I’m ready for that level, and I think this summer no one’s working harder than me. I pride myself on my hard work and for me it’s all about making Boston. “If they give me an opportunity, I’m just going to prove them right. I think I bring that versatility where I can score goals and play down in the lineup as well. I’m hoping I get a chance.” That attitude is consistent with the player that Gabrielle is most often compared — Brad Marchand. And at least through junior hockey, Gabrielle has shown some of the same tendencies. He wasn’t quite as prolific a scorer as Marchand was in Quebec, but his numbers are pretty darn good. After being drafted by the B’s, he posted 40 goals and 35 assists in 72 games along with 101 minutes for Prince George. Last year, Gabrielle missed 11 games due to his time at the B’s training camp as well as a mid-season injury, but he continued to achieve at a high level, notching 35 goals and 29 assists with 88 penalty minutes in 61 games. “For me, I think I’ve been doing a good job of finding that line. I think the management here has been happy with the progress in that department,” said the 5-foot-11, 212-pound Gabrielle. “I don’t want to put any limits on myself. Marchand got (39) goals and I don’t see why I can’t do that as well.” Jamie Langenbrunner, the Bruins player development coordinator, may not be ready to anoint Gabrielle as the next 30-plus goalscorer in the NHL, but believes he has the right traits to get the most out of his talents. “If he’s Brad Marchand, I think we’ll be very happy,” said Langenbrunner with a chuckle. “But I think that’s a fair comparison in the style of play. He plays on the edge and gets under guys’ skin and he puts in a lot of work off the ice. He’s a dedicated player that continues to develop. He’s had the good fortune of going to Providence the last two years, getting a game or two each time and getting more comfortable each time. “I think he’s a guy that’s going to be a good pro hockey player. With Marchie, it took him a little while to be an NHL guy, but Jesse has a lot of those same qualities.” Missing men Three prospects are “very questionable” to take this ice this week — defensemen Ryan Lindgren (leg) and Jeremy Lauzon (sports hernia) and forward Cam Hughes (shoulder). “Pushing them at this time of year doesn’t seem to make sense,” said Langenbrunner. . . . Anders Bjork, expected to take a run at a spot on the B’s roster, is not at camp yet due to a family obligation. He is expected to be on the ice tomorrow. Boston Herald LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070694 Boston Bruins Boston Herald LOADED: 07.07.2017

Harris: Harvard’s Ryan Donato showing Bruins made smart pick

Stephen Harris Friday, July 07, 2017

When the Bruins spent a second-round draft choice in 2014 on Dexter School center Ryan Donato, some online critics went off. The prep player was selected too high. Others called “nepotism,” since his dad, Ted, was a longtime Bruin. The trolls fell quiet this past season, as the 21-year-old Harvard winger was one of the standouts on the finest Crimson squad in years — a team that won its first Beanpot since 1993 and reached the Frozen Four for the first time since 1994. “I thought he had a great year,” said Harvard coach Ted Donato. “His first year, he did some good things, but I thought he took a big step forward this year. He played in all situations, when we were up a goal or down a goal. “He has transitioned to be more versatile as a forward. He came in having played only center; that was probably where he was most comfortable. Now he’s has the chance to play pretty much all wing the last two years. He’s actually comfortable at all three forward positions, killing penalties and he’s even played some on the power play.” The Scituate native posted 21 goals and 40 points in 36 games, including a break-in score against BU in the Beanpot championship game that was one of the prettiest goals of the NCAA season. “It was kind of crazy,” he said yesterday after the first day of Bruins development camp. “You grow up as a kid watching the Beanpot every year. After I scored that goal, I was thinking, ‘Did that just happen?’ “Scoring any goal in the Beanpot is a great feeling. But we really, really wanted to win last year and to be able to put that goal in, it was just a whirlwind experience that I can’t really describe. It was unbelievable.” With the Bruins in search of goal-scoring wingers, that goal and others made the Donato pick look mighty good. This week fans can check out a kid who’s grown to 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, and has the look of a future NHLer. “He’s a mid-round pick who is looking like a very good hockey player that keeps on progressing,” said Bruins development coach Jamie Langenbrunner, a trifle off in his specific draft knowledge but not in his assessment of the player as a fine NHL prospect. That’s been Donato’s hockey goal since he was a child watching the final years of his dad’s 14-year pro career, the vast majority with the Bruins. “I would love to play in the NHL, but it’s still just a dream,” said Ryan. “I don’t want to get too confident, but it’s what I’m going to work towards and I’m not going to stop until I do it.” That probably means staying in school two more years, Donato making clear that “I definitely want to graduate from Harvard.” That doesn’t completely rule out, assuming Donato becomes an even better player in 2017-18, that the Bruins could put the heat on for him to turn pro. Though the B’s always claim they don’t do that. “We continually evaluate as the year goes on,” said Langenbrunner. “(We will) kind of listen to (the player), kind of similar to (Notre Dame prospect) Anders (Bjork) this year. We don’t want to force a kid to do something. We’ll tell them where we think they are and they make a decision on what’s right for them.” It’s very likely that Donato, like his dad, will make his NHL debut as a member of the Bruins, although he would have the option to shop himself around if he plays two more years at Harvard. The B’s owned Donato’s right for four years from the 2014 draft, but because he returned for his final season at Dexter, his four-year window ends next August. He, like ex-teammate Jimmy Vesey, could opt to become a unrestricted free agent. It would be a major shocker, though, if Donato were thinking along those lines. “I don’t really feel that way at all,” he said. “Being from Boston and with everybody here with the Bruins having been so great to me, I would have no reason to look for another team. Rookie contracts are just the same with every team, so there’d be no reason to jump somewhere else.” 1070695 Boston Bruins

SPOONER FILES FOR ARBITRATION, LOOKS FOR RAISE FROM BRUINS

By Joe Haggerty July 06, 2017 12:39 PM

The Bruins continue to tie up the loose ends of their roster and will have at least one arbitration date on their docket over the next month. A source confirmed to CSNNE that filed for arbitration prior to a 5 p.m. deadline on Wednesday afternoon, but both sides are expected to keep working on a deal ahead of their scheduled date in arbitration. The Bruins also agreed with energy winger Tim Schaller on a one-year, one-way deal for $775,000 for next season to avoid a possible arbitration date with the New Hampshire native. They still have until the end of business on Thursday to decide about team-elected arbitration for restricted free agents Austin Czarnik and Zane McIntyre. Spooner, 25, is coming off a two-year, $1.9 million contract with the Bruins and is looking at a raise based on averaging 12 goals and 44 points over the past two seasons in Boston. It’s expected that Spooner still could also be dealt as part of a package that could net the Bruins either a proven top-six left wing for David Krejci or a top-four left-shot defenseman who's expected to be partnered with Charlie McAvoy. Oscar Lindberg just signed a two-year, $3.4 million contract with the this week and Spooner’s numbers are much better than his. So, it’s not out of the realm that Spooner could be asking for something in the neighborhood of $2-3 million on a one-year deal given his power-play production and overall numbers. It's those very same skills, along with his high-end skating speed, that gives him value on the market as a trade asset. Schaller, 26, appeared in 59 games in his first season with Boston in 2016-17. He scored seven goals and had seven assists for 14 points with 23 penalty minutes while playing a fourth-line role that showed a touch of offensive production and some needed physical play as well. Prior to joining the Bruins, Schaller spent two seasons with the Buffalo Sabres with two goals and three assists in 35 games. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070696 Boston Bruins

ANDERS BJORK NOT EXPECTED AT BRUINS CAMP UNTIL THIS WEEKEND

By Joe Haggerty July 06, 2017 8:02 PM

BRIGHTON, Mass – The Bruins kicked off their 11th annual development camp with a mix of old and new faces among their prospects, but a few of the best and brightest won’t be seen for most of the week-long camp. Bruins player development coach Jamie Langenbrunner indicated that it’s “questionable” that Jeremy Lauzon, Ryan Lindgren or Cameron Hughes will participate in any on-ice workouts due to previous injuries. Likewise, prospective B’s winger and former Notre Dame standout Anders Bjork won’t be arriving at Warrior Ice Arena until this weekend due to a family obligation after signing his entry level deal with the Bruins last month. Bjork will be in Boston in time to potentially participate in the intra-squad scrimmage on the final day of develop, and get a midsummer refresher course in all things Black and Gold before competing for an NHL gig this fall. The 21-year-old Bjork was the best forward by quite a bit during last summer’s development camp for the Bruins, and heads into this fall with a lot of expectations after a Hobey Baker-level season in his junior year with the Fighting Irish. “Lindgren, Lauzon and Hughes are all very questionable for this week,” said Langenbrunner. “They’re coming off season injuries that I think you guys are all aware of, and at this point in July to push it doesn’t really make a lot of sense. Anders Bjork will be on the ice on Saturday. He had a family obligation this week and will get on the ice Saturday and Sunday.” Lindgren broke his leg crashing into the boards in the final weeks of his freshman season at the University of Minnesota, Hughes is dealing with a shoulder issue after wrapping up his junior season at the University of Wisconsin and Lauzon has dealt with several injuries over the last couple of seasons playing in the QMJHL. Clearly there is no rush for the 20- year-old Lauzon as he approaches his first NHL training camp as a pro hockey player while in the running with Jakub Zboril, Matt Grzelcyk and Robbie O’Gara among others for a potentially open D-man spot on the left side. Here is the full roster for the Bruins Development Camp, which runs through Sunday and should pick up in intensity this weekend once Bjork has shown up for the final couple of days: Forwards (* denotes a non-draftee camp invite): Jack Becker, Anders Bjork, Ryan Donato, Trent Frederic, Jesse Gabrielle, Cameron Hughes+, Mason Jobst*, Joona Koppanen, Karson Kuhlman*, Josh Melnick*, T.J. Moore*, R.J. Murphy*, Cedric Pare, Eric Robinson*, Zach Senyshyn, Oskar Steen, Jack Studnicka Defensemen: Victor Berglund, Ian Brady*, Daniel Bukac, Cameron Clarke, Jeremy Lauzon+, Ryan Lindgren, Wiley Sherman, Urho Vaakanainen, Jakob Zboril : Robert McGovern*, Jeremy Swayman, Dan Vladar Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070697 Buffalo Sabres

Hiring of Gord Dineen adds experience to Amerks staff

ByMike Harrington | Published Thu, Jul 6, 2017 | Updated Thu, Jul 6, 2017

First-year Sabres coach Phil Housley added a former NHL head man to his staff on Wednesday when Buffalo hired former St. Louis boss Davis Payne as its associate coach. First-year Rochester Amerks coach Chris Taylor is getting a similar assist on the bench. Rochester General Manager/Sabres assistant GM Randy Sexton has announced that longtime AHL coach Gord Dineen has been named an assistant on Taylor's staff. Dineen, 54, has spent the last eight seasons in various roles with the , including head coach during the 2014-15 season as the team went 40-27-9. As associate coach in 2015-16, Dineen helped the Marlies to an AHL- best 54-21-1 record. The Marlies advanced to the postseason in each of the last six years with Dineen behind the bench, including a trip to the Finals in 2012 and two other appearances in the Western Conference Finals. Dineen had an 18-year playing career as a defenseman after being drafted by the in the second round of the 1981 draft. He had 106 points in 528 career NHL games with the Islanders, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Ottawa. He also played several years in the AHL and IHL. Dineen began his pro coaching career as the head coach of the ECHL's Macon Whoopee in 2001-02. The Amerks will be the ninth pro team has has served as a coach, the sixth in the AHL. Buffalo News LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070698 Buffalo Sabres

Entire 2016 and 2017 draft classes slated to attend Sabres' development camp

ByMike Harrington | Published Thu, Jul 6, 2017 | Updated Thu, Jul 6, 2017

It will be a prospect-palooza for Sabres fans starting Saturday in HarborCenter, as all 16 players the team has drafted in the last two years are scheduled to attend the team's summer development camp according to the roster released Thursday. All practices in the four-day camp are open to the public, beginning Saturday at 2 p.m. It will be the first look at the 2017 draft class, highlighted by first-round pick Casey Mittelstadt and second-rounders Marcus Davidsson, both centers, as well as second-round goaltender Ukko-Pekka-Luukkonen. Defensemen Oskari Laaksonen and Jacob Bryson, as well as winger Linus Weissbach will also be on hand. The 10-player class of 2016 was headlined by first-round pick Alexander Nylander, who spent most of last season in Rochester and then made his NHL debut with Buffalo over the final four games of the season. High- scoring forwards Rasmus Asplund, scheduled to play again in Sweden this year, and standout Cliff Pu will also return. Nylander is one of seven players on the camp roster who has seen NHL time with the Sabres. The others are Brendan Guhle, Justin Bailey, Nick Baptiste, Hudson Fasching, Sean Malone and C.J. Smith. From one Minnesotan to another, Mittelstadt happy to go to Sabres The goals of the camp are to introduce prospective players to professional work habits and organizational standards. The players will have an opportunity to become familiar with the resources available to them through the Sabres development staff and performance team. Practices Saturday run from 2-3:30 and 4-5:30. The players will be on the ice Sunday morning from 10-11:15 a.m., and again from 2-3:15 p.m. Monday's times are 10:30-11:45 a.m. and 1:45-3 p.m. The camp wraps up Tuesday with the annual 3-on-3 tournament for the French Connection Cup. That begins at 9:15 a.m. The full roster: Forwards: Rasmus Asplund, Justin Bailey, Nicholas Baptiste, Christopher Brown, Eric Cornel, Marcus Davidsson, Hudson Fasching, Vasily Glotov, Brandon Hagel, Connor Hurley, Vaclav Karabecek, Sean Malone, Bobby McMann, Casey Mittelstadt, Brett Murry, Alexander Nylander, Victor Olofsson, Judd Peterson, Cliff Pu, C.J. Smith, Linus Weissbach, Maxwell Willman. Defense: Erik Autio, Will Borgen, Jacob Bryson, Vojtech Budik, Ivan Chukarov, Casey Fitzgerald, Anthony Florentino, Brendan Guhle, Oskari, Laaksonen, Brycen Martin, Philip Nyberg, Austin Osmanski, Devante Stephens, Billy Sweezey. Goaltenders: Jonas Johansson, Kyle Keyser, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Jake McGrath. Camp invitees: Forward Bobby McMann (Colgate), defensemen Erik Autio (Penn State) and Billy Sweezey (Yale) and goaltenders Kyle Keyser (Oshawa-OHL) and Jake McGrath (Sudbury-OHL). Buffalo News LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070699 Calgary Flames

Giddy up! Flames star Gaudreau saddling up for Stampede Parade

Kristen Odland, Published on: July 6, 2017 | Last Updated: July 6, 2017 4:28 PM MDT

Johnny Gaudreau is officially a Calgarian. The tell-tale sign? The Calgary Flames winger now owns cowboy boots — an essential wardrobe item for the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede and sensible footwear for riding horses, specifically down 9th Ave. SW. “I’ve got a hat and shirt and stuff, but they told me to go get some boots,” Gaudreau said with a chuckle, following a summertime skating session at WinSport’s facilities Thursday. “I was just going to wear my regular shoes. “But the guys have been giving me a hard time, telling me not to wear them.” It’s a veteran move, which, by now, should come as no surprise. The 23-year-old is all too familiar with the Western Canadian cultural spectacle of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, having become a key part of the city since he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL dDaft. So he jumped at the chance to be part of the annual kick-off event. Gaudreau will be joined on the parade route by fellow Flames teammate Curtis Lazar, former and Mount Royal University Cougars star Connor Rankin and Calgary Roughnecks Dane Dobbie and Garrett McIntosh. However, Gaudreau is — admittedly — more comfortable than some of his teammates around horses. Two years ago, Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and former Flames winger Lance Bouma went to a Calgary Stampeders game at McMahon Stadium and posed with ‘Quick Six,’ the Calgary Stampeders touchdown horse. Something spooked the horse, which, in turn, spooked Monahan. Comedic relief ensued via social media when a photo surfaced of a terrified-looking Monahan. “I’ve got a lot of family in Vermont that have horses and have a couple farms up there,” Gaudreau said. “I’m pretty familiar with farm animals. I haven’t ridden too many horses, but I don’t think I’ll be too bad.” Unlike his shifty moves on the ice, Gaudreau and his mount will be cruising — hopefully) — in a straight path down 9th Ave. “I don’t think we’ll be going too fast, either,” Gaudreau said, grinning. Gaudreau would normally be at home in Carneys Point, N.J., at this time of the year, but a photo-shoot and a handful of endorsement commitments brought him to Calgary for a few days. But truth be told, Gaudreau can’t wait to come back this fall to prepare for the 2017-18 NHL season. With new teammates Mike Smith, Eddie Lack, and Travis Hamonic coming into the fold via trades, along with sought-after college free agent Spencer Foo and the re-signing of and Michael Stone, there’s plenty to be excited about. Gaudreau reached out to all of his new teammates to introduce himself. “Obviously some big moves for us, and that’s great for our team,” Gaudreau said. “I think it’s going to real help us. I wanted to shoot some guys texts just to welcome them. I’m sure a lot of guys do it, but I think it’s pretty important to start a relationship before the season and training camp starts. I wanted to welcome them to the team and to the city and let them know how fun of a city it is and how fun it is to play here.” Stampede festivities, included. “I’m really looking forward to riding in the parade this year,” Gaudreau said. “It’s a great culture, and playing for the Flames and with the Stampede being here, I thought it’d be good to come out here.” Calgary Herald: LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070700 Calgary Flames “Here, he’s going to have to be a little more compact and be a little more patient.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 07.07.2017 Tyler Parsons to push in Calgary Flames net

Kristen Odland BY KRISTEN ODLAND, POSTMEDIA FIRST POSTED: THURSDAY, JULY 06, 2017 11:20 PM MDT finally have depth at the goaltender position in their organization. “It’s unbelievably good problem to have,” said Ray Edwards, the Flames director of player development. “When you have four goalies that, at any time, can push to play in the NHL, you’re in a really good situation.” But it also leaves some question marks. Who is going to play where? For Tyler Parsons, there are two options — to play professional with the American Hockey League’s , winning one of the two jobs currently occupied by Jon Gillies and David Rittich. He could also spend time with the Flames’ ECHL affiliate in Kansas City, working on his pro game in a place where Mason McDonald spent the 2016-17 campaign. Or the 19-year-old could head back to junior with the Hockey League's London Knights as an over-age netminder (he turns 20 on Sept. 18). “All of these goalies, they’ve come from backgrounds of winning, and they all think they can play in the NHL,” Edwards said. “So, hey, that’s a great thing. But it’s the highest level in the world. There’s a process to it and a development curve that you have to go through. Part of that is the American League or the minors somewhere. “They’ll dictate most of it, but we’ll have to figure it out come September.” The Flames will need to balance what is best for the player with what their needs are in the organization. For Parsons, logic would suggest that he may be pro-ready. The second-round (54th overall) selection in the 2016 NHL Draft backstopped the Knights to a Memorial Cup in 2016 and was in net when the U.S. claimed world-junior gold last winter. In the 2017 OHL post-season, he continued a personal streak of eight wins before the Knights lost in Game 7. The streak had dated back to the Memorial Cup final (which went into overtime) and included all three of Team U.S.A’s medal-round victories at the world junior championship, and a three-win comeback over the in the 2017 OHL post-season. He joined the Stockton Heat during the AHL post-season — hence his new Vaughn pads that are drenched in the Flames red, orange, and white. But Parsons isn’t ready to boldly stake his claim just yet. “It’s good for me to possibly go to main camp and learn some things from Lack and Smith who have been in the league for a while,” said the native of Chesterfield, Mich. “Moving forward, I would love to make that transition to pro. But I’ve got London in my back pocket. “They’ve treated me great the past three seasons. If I end up going back there, that gives me something to work harder towards so I come back to main camp and make that transition.” There are subtleties to his game that require some work. Parsons, an exceptionally athletic goaltender, is improving his patience because players at the professional level are also patient with the puck too. “They’re just more skilled,” said the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder. “So as a goalie, you have to out-wit the player. And that could come at the last second, right before he makes a move at the edge of the crease or he passes right across the crease. At the pro level, those guys can put the pucks wherever they want.” This week at the Calgary Flames’ development camp, Parsons is working on keeping his lateral movement efficient and trying to calm down his game. “Some of that stuff was engrained in him when he went to Stockton and in this summer’s development plan,” Edwards said. “The game is a little different. It’s the pace, it’s the quality of shooter, the way the game is played is a little different … he’s so athletic. At the junior level, he can sprawl all over the place and make saves. 1070701 Carolina Hurricanes News Observer LOADED: 07.07.2017

Are the Canes set at forward? These wannabes hope not

BY CHIP ALEXANDER

The Carolina Hurricanes had a passel of draft picks and other young prospects at rookie camp last week, and some were back for a second time. And Warren Foegele, who was back for a fourth time. That may or may not have set a team record but Foegele didn’t mind. Staying in front of the eyes of management is always a good thing and rookie camp can do that. The same was true for Julien Gauthier, Jake Bean, Janne Kuokkanen and others in camp. “I wanted to come in and work hard and in September work hard again and try to prove to staff and management that I can play here,” Foegele said. Meaning the NHL. That was said a few days before the Canes signed winger , before they traded for center Marcus Kruger. Barring more trades, the Canes’ forward slots are filled for 2017-18, and 20-somethings like Foegele and Nicolas Roy likely will be in Charlotte playing for the Checkers in the American Hockey League. Foegele, who turned 21 in April, could be one to watch in his first professional season. He has the size at 6-2 and 196 pounds, the skills and the savvy and is coming off a strong junior season with the and of the . A year ago, Foegele stuck around the Canes’ preseason camp longer than expected. A third-round draft pick in 2014, the left winger played in exhibition games for the Canes and made it to the final 32 players before being returned to Kingston. “It was my first NHL training camp,” Foegele said. “I thought I had a good training camp and the message from the staff going into junior was real positive for me. I took that with me, and I think I had a lot of confidence this past year.” Tony MacDonald, the Canes’ director of amateur scouting, was asked last week which of the players in rookie camp had made the biggest improvement in the past year. “Oh, Foegele made a huge leap as a player,” MacDonald said without hesitation. “He epitomizes the player you want him to be. He plays a pretty complete game. He plays on the power play, he kills penalties, he’s good on faceoffs. He was the MVP in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs. He’s a tremendous kid in terms of his work ethic.” Traded to Erie in early January, Foegele made a strong team stronger. He had 13 goals and 13 assists in 22 playoff games as the Otters won the OHL championship and advanced to the Memorial Cup, losing to the Windsor Spitfires 4-3 in the title game. “I moved to right wing with Erie, and I never played that before,” Foegele said. “I think it really helped me adapt more skill to my game.” The season over, Foegele went back to work. The Markham, Ont., native is one of Gary Roberts’ summer pupils. Roberts, once a hard-charging, slightly maniacal forward in the NHL, now uses that intensity in his high-performance training camp in Toronto. Foegele isn’t a name-dropper, but those at the five-days-a week camp the past few years have included Connor McDavid and Steven Stamkos. “It’s pretty crazy,” Foegele said, smiling. “The camp (program) includes nutrition, working out, yoga, treatment, on ice – it’s the full package and really helped me develop and get stronger and learn about what it takes to be a pro. It’s great environment.” Canes assistant coach Rod Brind’Amour, known for his intense workouts, said year-round conditioning has become the norm for players. “That never happened back in the day. If you did that you were kind of the odd ball,” he said. “Now they know what they have to do.” Foegele knows what he has to do. So do Gauthier, Roy, Kuokkanen and the others. They can see the Canes’ roster, see who’s in front of them. “Your dream is to play in the NHL,” Foegele said. “With that mindset and drive, if you keep working hard good things will happen.” 1070702 Chicago Blackhawks was goaltender. That's one thing I really loved. Once I got a little bit taller I forgot about that dream. But when I was a little kid I was dreaming of being a hockey goalie." Finnish line: Lauri Markkanen, Henri Jokiharju excited about futures in Though Markkanen and Jokiharju haven't met, they know of each other Chicago and plan to get together when both are playing in Chicago. After Jokiharju was drafted by the Hawks, Markkanen tweeted "Chicago is already feeling like home! Congrats @henrijokiharju!!" Chris Kuc "That was awesome for him to do," Jokiharju said. "He was a superstar at Arizona and … he's probably going to be the greatest Finnish basketball player ever." A Finnish invasion is headed to the United Center. Chicago Tribune LOADED: 07.07.2017 natives Lauri Markkanen of the Bulls and Blackhawks prospect Henri Jokiharju are two of Chicago's newest imports. The Bulls started the Suomi soiree two weeks ago during the NBA draft. They acquired Markkanen in the Jimmy Butler trade after the Timberwolves selected the 7-footer with the seventh pick. A day later, the Hawks drafted Jokiharju 29th overall. The Finnish community in Chicago — and, yes, there is a Finnish community in Chicago — suddenly was abuzz. "I was surprised, definitely about the basketball player," said Olavi Goos, honorary consul of Finland in Chicago and Illinois. "I didn't realize this Finnish guy was this good and the Bulls were looking at him." Goos estimates that there are about 500-600 Finland natives living in the greater Chicago area, and he believes their interest in basketball will be piqued with the arrival of Markkanen. He was among 40 or so Finns who gathered to attended a Blackhawks-Wild game last season at the United Center — some waving Finnish flags — and he anticipates more trips to the arena for Bulls games. "With basketball there haven't been any Finnish players so that will be more interesting for them to go see," Goos said. "People are following all the games when Finnish players are participating." Those Finns will be a welcome sight to Markkanen, who should land a roster spot with the Bulls, and eventually Jokiharju when or if he makes his way to the Hawks over the next few seasons. Both players recently visited Chicago and came away impressed. "From what I've seen, it looks a lot like home," said Markkanen, who grew up in Jyvaskyla in central Finland. "They have a lake here and a lot of green (areas) but at the same time it has like a big-city feel. I'm really looking forward to going around the city and seeing what it's about." Photos of the No. 7 pick in the 2017 NBA draft, acquired in the trade with the Timberwolves for Jimmy Butler. Jokiharju, who is from Tampere, about 100 miles southwest of Markkanen's hometown, said he knows about Chicago's "super-high buildings" from watching Hawks games on TV and also enjoyed his first look at the city. "Chicago has everything, a great beach and the water is good," he said. "I'm excited about coming." Making the adjustment from Finland to Chicago shouldn't prove too big an obstacle. Both players speak English — with Markkanen's improved during his one season of college ball at Arizona — the weather is similar ("there are four seasons here and also in Finland," Goos said) and so is the mindset. "It's really easy for a Finn to adapt himself here," Goos added. "It's much easier than going to the East Coast or the West Coast — people are different in those places. The Midwest mentality is really close to the Scandinavian and Finnish mentality." Thirty-nine Finns appeared in NHL games last season. The Hawks had none, though in recent seasons the team's Finland natives have included Teuvo Teravainen, Antti Raanta, Kimmo Timonen, Tuomo Ruutu, Sami Lepisto and Antti Niemi. While Finnish players are uncommon in the NHL, they have been nearly nonexistent in the NBA. When Markkanen takes the court he will be the third Finn to appear in an NBA game. Hanno Mottola played for the Hawks from 2000-02 and Erik Murphy, who was born in France to an American father and Finnish mother, appeared in 24 games with the 2013-14 Bulls. Being young (Markkanen is 20 and Jokiharju 18), Finnish and the newest members of their organizations aren't the only things the players have in common. They both love hockey. "I'm a big hockey guy," Markkanen said. "Winter is super cold in Finland so we were outdoors with my friends and family, and hours and hours we played hockey. I like to score goals, but I was definitely the best when I 1070703 Chicago Blackhawks dangerous and he's intimidating with his speed," an Eastern Conference scout said. "Draisaitl is just a big, strong kid. He's skilled and he's a very good complementary player to McDavid." Where do Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl rank among 3. Steven Stamkos and/or Nikita Kucherov and/or , Tampa the league's top duos? Bay Lightning Stamkos was on pace for more than 90 points when he suffered a knee 3:30 PM ET injury last November that knocked him out the rest of the season. Kucherov finished the 2016-17 campaign with 85 points in 74 games, Josh Cooper and his 1.15 points per game ranked fourth in the league behind McDavid, Crosby and Malkin among players who played more than 60 games. During the salary-cap era, the NHL has become a league of duos. Stamkos is just 27 and carries a yearly cap hit of $8.5 million on his contract, which runs through 2023-24. The 24-year-old Kucherov The Chicago Blackhawks ( and Jonathan Toews) and averages $4.67 million per year on a deal that runs through 2018-19, Pittsburgh Penguins (Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin) have two of the when he will be a restricted free agent. best twosomes of that span, which began in 2005 -- and both teams have combined for six championships since the start of the 2005-06 season. "I think, at the end of the day, that Stamkos' best asset is his shot ... that dynamic of his game is so ridiculous. I mean, he scored 60 goals in the Granted, both the Blackhawks and Penguins have several other players NHL," the scout said. "Kucherov is so unbelievably skilled. He's big, he's who have played large roles -- such as Duncan Keith and Marian Hossa strong, he can make plays and he can score the highlight-reel goal." in Chicago, and Kris Letang and in Pittsburgh -- but if a team's top two skaters aren't elite, it's hard to go all the way. The Lightning also have the 26-year-old Hedman, who had a career-high 72 points last season while averaging 24:30 of ice time per game. He's Last season, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid led the league arguably the best all-around defenseman in the NHL, and is under with 100 points and teammate Leon Draisaitl set a career-high with 77 of contract for the next eight seasons at $7.875 million per year. his own to vault themselves into the top-duo conversation. The Oilers also announced Wednesday that McDavid had signed a contract "He's like (Zdeno) Chara," the scout said of Hedman. extension worth $100 million over eight years. Draisaitl is a restricted free agent. These three have reached a Cup Final together and another run -- or two -- is certainly likely during the next few years. Where does the Oilers' pair rank among the NHL's top twosomes from a value perspective, numbers perspective and Stanley Cup potential 4. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks perspective? Here's a list of the top five duos in the NHL based on those criteria. The Blackhawks have lost in the first round of the playoffs that past two years, which knocked Toews and Kane down slightly on this list. Also, Penguins centers Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby have won the last Toews' offense has dipped a bit. His 0.29 goals per game last season two Stanley Cups together and averaged 1.175 points-per-game were the lowest of his career. between them in 2016-17. June 11 - Malkin and Crosby kiss Cup Kane has consistently been a point per game player every season since 1. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins 2009, except for one blip in 2011-12. He and Toews also have identical eight-year, $84 million contracts that kicked in during the 2015-16 Crosby and Malkin combine to form an $18.2 million cap hit and are season. Those deals carry a $10.5 million annual cap hit through 2022- locked into deals that will keep them together until 2021-22, when 23, which lessens their combined values vs. point production compared Malkin's contract ends. They've won the past two Stanley Cups and to the rest of the duos on this list. averaged 1.175 points per game between them in 2016-17. They are the only duo on this list to play more than 60 games each a season and Still, Kane and Toews have won three Cups each, will be just 29 years average over a point per game each. old this upcoming season and have a lot of prolific potential. Also, though they get a lot of the publicity, the Blackhawks still have Keith, who -- even "Crosby is worth $15 million per year and he makes $8.7 million," a though he turns 34 this month -- remains an all-around force. Any given former Eastern Conference executive said. "Malkin is worth $15 million game, he can be thrown into that game-changing mix. and he makes $9.5 million. Use basketball as an analogy ... they're both max-deal guys." "The skill of Kane, and the skill and grit of Toews ... they can hurt you in two ways," an Eastern Conference coach said. "What makes all of these Malkin will be 31 next season and Crosby 30, meaning they should have players hard to play against is not only the fact that they are superstar several Cup runs left. players and dangerous individually when separate, but also lethal when they are together." EDITOR'S PICKS 5. and Ryan Ellis or P.K. Subban and Mattias Ekholm, Whose next deal will top Connor McDavid's? Nashville Predators With his new eight-year, $100 million contract that kicks in after the 2017- Subban and Ekholm formed perfect complements to each other, with 18 season, Connor McDavid is the highest-paid player in the NHL. How Ekholm's strong defensive game enabling Subban to roam and create long will he hold that title? Here are the candidates to take the throne. offense. Subban notched 40 points last season in 66 games and Bearded bros: Brent Burns and Joe Thornton do Body averaged 24:24 of ice time per game. Ekholm was a positive 5-on-5 puck possession player despite drawing tough matchups. Brothers in hockey and in beards -- Sharks stars Brent Burns and Joe Thornton not only impressed on the ice in San Jose, but even shared the "For 25 minutes per game you could be guaranteed to be the better team stage for the ninth annual Body Issue. Along the way, the pair no matter who the other guys throw on the ice," the former executive overshared on "hockey shape" and beard maintenance. said. 2017 free-agent tracker Ellis' 16 goals during the regular season were tied for fifth amongst all defensemen, while Josi's 0.68 points per game ranked sixth amongst All the signings -- of big and not-so-big names -- can be found right here blueliners. as the NHL's free-agency season begins to cool off after a frenzy of twists and surprises. "I think Ellis' shot and his ability to see the ice, from an offensive standpoint, is what makes him good," said the scout. "He's not the 2. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers biggest guy, but he's so smart on both sides of the puck and knows how to use his size to his advantage with guys one-on-one in the corner. Josi By the time Draisaitl's deal is signed, these two may have the highest is a great skater. He can break the puck out of the zone nine times out of combined salary-cap hit in the NHL among a pair of players on one team. 10 when he gets it." While this may hurt their "value" as a duo, the Cup potential for both on the same team is high because of their ages. These two pairs were arguably the most important reason why Nashville reached the 2017 Cup Final and could key another Predators run in the McDavid is just 20, while Draisaitl is 21 -- and their 177 combined points near future. are the highest on this list. Also, all four are 28 or younger and command a total $19.25 million per "McDavid is probably the fastest player in the NHL when he does things, year, which is an average cap hit of $4.8125 million. They may not be as like stickhandling and skating with the puck. That's why he's do decorated -- yet -- as the players ranked above them, but there's no denying that they've been a relative bargain. ESPNChicago.com LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070704 Columbus Blue Jackets overall) this year, will spend at least this season in Russia. Peter Thome, a sixth-round pick (No. 155 overall) in 2016, will be a freshman at the University of North Dakota. Blue Jackets: Goaltender depth chart has new look Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 07.07.2017

By Aaron Portzline Posted at 7:38 PM Updated at 7:38 PM

When Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo signed a two-year NHL contract in early June, it not only solidified his roster spot in Columbus as Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup, it also essentially packed the bags of Anton Forsberg. Forsberg was to be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, and he also would have needed to be sent to minor-league Cleveland at the start of the 2017-18 season. There’s little chance Forsberg would have made the Blue Jackets’ roster ahead of Korpisalo, and an even slimmer chance he would have cleared waivers, so the Blue Jackets were amenable to including him in the trade with Chicago that brought high-powered left wing Artemi Panarin to the Jackets. With that, a stable goaltending depth chart was profoundly altered. “It’s good for Anton because he’s going to get a chance to play now in Chicago,” Blue Jackets goaltending coach Ian Clark said. “And it’s good for our other guys, too. We have a lot of talent in the pipeline that’s developing.” The Blue Jackets expect veteran Brad Thiessen and rookie Matiss Kivlenieks to play in Cleveland this season. Thiessen, 31, had a taste of the NHL with Pittsburgh late in the 2011-12 season. In fact, his first NHL win was a 22-save performance over Columbus on Feb. 26, 2012. Since then, he’s led a journeyman’s life, playing in , the East Coast Hockey League and the AHL, never really knowing where his skates would hang for more than a week at a time. “This is the first summer we’ve had a little peace of mind,” Thiessen said. “With a wife and two kids, it’s hard to move around with the unknowns of the hockey world, so this is definitely a blessing. “I didn’t really have a job two years ago, but (Blue Jackets assistant general manager) Bill Zito gave me a chance to be a No. 5 guy (on the depth chart) and work my way back into the AHL.” Thiessen was the unsung hero of Cleveland’s Calder Cup title in 2016, playing very well down the stretch of the regular season while Forsberg and Korpisalo were both in Columbus splitting time with Bobrovsky injured. “Brad has been a great soldier for us,” Clark said. “Filling in here, filling in there, being a veteran presence with our young players down in Cleveland. He’s earned his chance.” Said Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, “We think he’s very capable of being a No. 3 goaltender in the organization.” Kivlenieks, 20, was the United States Hockey League player of the year in 2016-17. That’s the American version of the Canadian junior system. He chose the Blue Jackets from among five or six NHL clubs that wanted to sign him to an entry-level deal this summer. Kivleniek was too old for the draft, but Clark and the Blue Jackets deemed his talent equivalent to a first-round pick. In the event that either Bobrovsky or Korpisalo gets injured, Thiessen would need to sign an NHL contract to be recalled. His current deal is AHL-only. But there seems to be an unwritten agreement between Thiessen and the Blue Jackets that an NHL deal could be worked out in minutes. (An unspoken agreement, too, as neither party would discuss it.) Clark seemingly could talk for days about the rest of the players in the pipeline. The Jackets signed Ivan Kulbakov to an AHL-ECHL contract, meaning he’s the organization’s No. 5. Elvis Merzlikins, a third-round pick (No. 76 overall) in 2014, is signed for two more years in and is considered a top prospect. Daniil Tarasov, a third-round pick (No. 86 1070705 Dallas Stars

Stars hope rookies – like Heiskanen, Oettinger – accomplish these three things at development camp

By Mike Heika ,

Jim Nill's plan of making his players "every day professionals" gets started Friday, as the Stars begin their development camp in Frisco. The Stars general manager espouses the idea that players need to embrace a lifestyle that will help them become good players and also good people, and his favorite proclamation seems perfect at a time like this. "They really are learning to become every day professionals, because they are just now becoming professionals," said Stars senior advisor Les Jackson, who has been through about two dozen of these camps. "It's a great opportunity to give them training in a lot of different areas and get their base established as they move forward." Who's in and who's out? Breaking down some big changes on the Dallas Stars' roster this offseason Thirty-four players are scheduled to partake in the activities that begin Friday and end Tuesday, including some of the Stars' most intriguing draft picks. Expected to be on hand are defenseman Miro Heiskanen, drafted third overall this year, as well as goalie Jake Oettinger (29th) and Jason Robertson (39th). Big names from past drafts include Denis Gurianov, Riley Tufte and Roope Hintz. There will be on-ice activities that begin Saturday at Dr Pepper StarCenter, but there also will be a lot of meetings and a lot of teaching. Click/tap here to see a full schedule of the events. Coach Ken Hitchcock will address the players during one session. Others meetings will include talks on how to shop for food, how to cook food, sleep habits, exercise, and interacting with the media. Stars Jamie Benn typically gives a talk as well and has been working out in Frisco. "I think just his presence is a great thing for the kids to see," Jackson said. "Jamie's here in the middle of the summer, and he's not just hanging around, he's working hard. Young players see that and see that he was a fifth-round pick, and I think the message is clear, 'Maybe that can happen to me.'" But it can happen only with hard work, and the Stars staff can't be there every step of the way. That's why the development camp is designed to educate and motivate. It has to be the first step in a long summer in which the players are in charge of their own destiny. Among the key figures running the camp are assistant general manager Scott White and player development coordinators J.J. McQueen and Rich Peverley. But the entire organization has a hand in getting the young players off on the right foot. "It's important," Jackson said. "I've been around these for a long time, and I know it helps the players. You become a part of our family, and that's a great feeling for them." Dallas Morning News LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070706 Dallas Stars

Stars sign Brett Ritchie to two-year contract extension that averages $1.75 million

By Mike Heika ,

Here is the press release: FRISCO, Texas - Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has re-signed right wingBrett Ritchie to a two-year, $3.5-million contract. Ritchie, 24, posted 24 points (16-8=24) in 78 games for Dallas during the 2016-17 regular season. His +11 rating was the best on the team and his 15 even-strength goals were tied for the team lead. He was also fourth on the team in both goals and home goals (10). In his career, Ritchie has played 117 regular-season games over three seasons with Dallas. In total, he has posted 34 points (22-12=34). Ritchie also appeared in two games for the Stars during the 2015-16 . He was a part of the 2013-14 Calder Cup Champion team, contributing 48 points (22-26=48) in 68 regular-season games and 11 points (7-4=11) in 13 games during the playoff run. "Brett is a big, physical presence who also possesses the ability to score," said Nill. "We feel that he has just scratched the surface in regards to his ability and that he will continue to elevate his game." Ritchie has represented on multiple occasions, including the 2011 IIHF U-18 World Championship, where he tallied seven points (4- 3=7) in seven games, and the 2013 World Junior Championships, where he registered four points (1-3=4) in six games. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound native of Orangeville, Ontario was originally selected by Dallas in the second round (44th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070707 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings development camp about much more than what happens on ice

Helene St. James , Detroit Free Press Published 12:20 p.m. ET July 6, 2017 | Updated 3 hours ago

The on-ice activity ultimately is among the least important facets of development camp. About 45 players are expected to be a part of the Detroit Red Wings’ annual orientation event, which runs Friday through Tuesday at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City. Participants slated to appear in practices and a scrimmage (both open to the public) include all 11 selections from this year’s draft, along with numerous recent draft picks and a number of invitees. In all, 21 forwards, 18 defensemen and six goaltenders will be split into teams Zetterberg and Kronwall. The crux of the camp, though, is found in the off-ice activities. “My philosophy is there is so much more to becoming a pro than what happens on the ice,” Wings director of player development Shawn Horcoff told the Free Press. “Of course, we are going to watch the kids skate, but it is not an evaluation.” Nutrition, working out and social media are high on the agenda. “Social media is a biggie,” Horcoff said. “When I started in the NHL, it was minimal. It is a big deal now. They have to be careful if they send something out. It’s there forever. It’s about being smart about what you do. For most of them, this is the first time they have been in any limelight. People will start following them. With that comes responsibility.” Every day during lunch, players will hear about topics ranging from nutrition to supplements, from best foods for pregame meals to ideal postgame foods. Conditioning is another emphasis. So is the value of getting a proper night’s sleep. It isn’t all work and play (hockey), though. One night, there will be mini golf. Another, a Ping-Pong tournament. “Another thing we do is we set up a common room with TV, other entertainment — a place to hang out,” Horcoff said. “We want these kids to get to know one another, to build relationships, because they are going to be future teammates.” On-ice activity will be run by the coaching staffs from AHL affiliate Grand Rapids and ECHL affiliate Toledo. Players include 2017 first-round pick Michael Rasmussen and 2016 first- round pick Dennis Cholowski. Other 2017 selections include defensemen Gustav Lindstrom, Kasper Kotkonsalo, Malte Setkov, Cole Fraser and Reilly Webb, forwards Lane Zablocki, Zach Gallant, Jack Adams and Brady Gilmour, and goaltender Keith Petruzzelli. All seven players drafted in 2016 are to be at the camp. So are recent free-agent prospect signees defenseman Libor Sulak and goaltender Matej Machovsky. Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday feature practices, while Sunday is highlighted by a scrimmage. Tickets are available in-person only at the arena for $5 daily. Notes: The Wings and have agreed to a five-year extension of their affiliation. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070708 Detroit Red Wings

Five things to know entering Detroit Red Wings development camp

Helene St. James , Detroit Free Press Published 12:29 p.m. ET July 6, 2017 | Updated 9 hours ago

The Red Wings are holding what essentially is an orientation for the newest members of the team: The draft classes of 2016 and 2017, plus a few select other players, who will attend development camp Friday- Tuesday in Traverse City. Here are five things to know entering camp: Lindstrom sighting: The Wings’ second-round pick from the June draft, 6- foot-2 defenseman Gustav Lindstrom out of Sweden, is good with the puck and good at finding open players with his first pass. He's also notable because his last name is how legendary defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom’s last name often was misspelled. Beware social media: The off-ice instruction will include a session on social media responsibility. Specifically, it will be emphasized that players should be careful what they post to platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, because once a post is sent, it is out there for good (even if deleted within minutes, odds are there will be a screenshot somewhere). Players will be instructed that what they say and do from now on reflects on the Wings. Keith Petruzzelli meets with executives after being Giant G: The Wings wanted to add a goalie at the 2017 draft, and used one of their four third-round picks on Keith Petruzzelli. He towers at 6- foot-5 (though a very slender 180 pounds). Goaltender coach Jeff Salajko worked with Petruzzelli during a recent USA Hockey event in Plymouth and came away with favorable reviews. Behaving responsibly: Former NHL player Rob Ramage is scheduled to speak. He served time for impaired driving causing death. “One way to hit home to kids is if a peer is involved,” Wings director of player development Shawn Horcoff said. “They can relate to Rob as a hockey player. Rob paid a price and is trying to educate others not to make the same mistake.” More D: The Wings interviewed defenseman Kasper Kotkansalo at the combine and drafted him with their first third-round pick. He’s supposed to be a really smart player. Then there’s Malte Setkov, taken in the fourth round. He showed huge improvement in the second half, and, from talking to Wings director of European scouting Hakan Andersson, he could end up being a later-round gem. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070709 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings, AHL’s Griffins agree on 5-year extension

The Detroit News Published 12:18 p.m. ET July 6, 2017 | Updated 12:22 p.m. ET July 6, 2017

The Grand Rapids Griffins will be a pipeline for the Detroit Red Wings for at least five more seasons. The Wings and their AHL affiliate announced Thursday a five-year extension on their partnership through the 2021-22 season. The Griffins are coming off a Calder Cup-winning campaign, their second in five seasons. “Our arrangement with the Griffins has been very beneficial for both organizations,” said , Red Wings executive vice president and general manager, in a statement. “The American Hockey League is the premier development league, and Grand Rapids has proven itself to be a model franchise both on and off the ice. We are thrilled that the Griffins have captured two championships in five seasons, both for the fan base in west Michigan and for the development of our young players, who benefit from long playoff runs and championship atmospheres.” Thirty-one players who appeared in at least one game last season for the Red Wings has spent time in Grand Rapids at some point in their career. The team recalled 13 players from Grand Rapids last season, including seven who made their NHL debuts. The Red Wings finished last season 33-36-13 and missed the playoffs, snapping a streak of 25 consecutive seasons in the postseason. Detroit News LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070710 Detroit Red Wings

Griffins and Red Wings extend affiliation agreement

Posted on July 6, 2017 at 11:35 AM BY PETER J. WALLNER

The Grand Rapids Griffins will remain the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings for another five seasons following an announcement Thursday by the organization. The Griffins, who have been affiliated with the NHL club for 15 years, will continue the partnership through at least through the 2021-22 season. This new agreement maintains Detroit's oversight of Grand Rapids' hockey operations, led by Red Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin, who also serves as the Griffins' GM. The Griffins will also host at least one Red & White Game over the next five years. The most recent of the intrasquad games at Van Andel Arena was held in 2011. "Our arrangement with the Griffins has been very beneficial for both organizations," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said in a statement. "The American Hockey League is the premier development league, and Grand Rapids has proven itself to be a model franchise both on and off the ice." During the most recent five-year deal, the Griffins won the AHL's Calder Cup twice - in 2013 and last month. Coupled with the Red Wings' Stanley Cup in 2008, the affiliation is one of only two current AHL-NHL pairings (Providence 1999-Boston 2011) that has produced a championship for both teams. The Griffins, who reached at least the second round of the playoffs in all five years of the previous extension, won more regular season games (225-124-14-17), playoff games (49-29) and playoff series (12-3) than any AHL team over that span. The Griffins and Red Wings won respective regular season titles in 2005- 06, becoming the first of only two sets of affiliates (Hershey-Washington in 2009-10) in at least the last 32 years to claim their leagues' best records in the same season. In all, the relationship between Michigan's premier hockey teams has brought two cups, five conference finals appearances, one regular season championship and four division titles to Grand Rapids since 2002, along with one cup, three conference finals berths, three regular season championships and seven division crowns to Detroit. The Griffins have sent 85 players - as well as current head coach Jeff Blashill and assistant coach Pat Ferschweiler - on to Hockeytown since the affiliation's inception. "The relationship between the Griffins and the Red Wings is stronger than ever as we work together to develop their young players in a winning environment," said Scott Gorsline, senior vice president of DP Fox and alternate governor for the Griffins. "Ken Holland, Ryan Martin and the entire Red Wings organization are great partners and have delivered for our fans, with two Calder Cup championships here in Grand Rapids over the last five years." Michigan Live LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070711 Detroit Red Wings

Prospects to watch at Red Wings development camp

Updated July 06, 2017 Posted July 06, 2017 By Brendan Savage

The Detroit Red Wings annual development camp is a time or optimism as everyone gets to see the latest crop of draft picks hit the ice for the first time along with many of the team's other prospects. The five-day camp runs from July 7-11 at Centre I.C.E. Arena in Traverse City but it's not designed to evaluate the players. Instead, the focus is on teaching the players some of the things it takes to become a pro hockey player. The Red Wings have invited 45 players to Traverse City and we've taken a look at some of the players to watch (listed in alphabetical order). For the complete list of players and the daily schedule, Click here. Jack Adams Position: RW |Age: 20 Height: 6-5 | Weight: 211 Drafted: Sixth round (162nd overall) 2017 Last season: Fargo (USHL) 56 Gm, 37 G, 23 A, 55 PIM, plus-24 After two years in the USHL, where he led the league in goals last season, Adams will play for Union College next season. Dennis Cholowski Position: Defense |Age: 19 Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185 Drafted: First round (20th overall) 2016 Last season: St. Cloud State 36 Gm, 1 G, 11 A, 14 PIM, minus-9; Grand Rapids (AHL) 1 Gm, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PIM, plus-1 Cholowski's college days are over after he signed an entry-level contract last season and joined the Grand Rapids Griffins late in the campaign. If he doesn't stick in Grand Rapids after training camp this year, he'll head to Prince George of the WHL and can't return to the Griffins until after his junior season ends. Cole Fraser Position: Defense |Age: 17 Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195 Drafted: Fifth round (131st overall) 2017 Last season: Peterborough (OHL) 61 Gm, 6 G, 13 A, 82 PIM, plus-4 Fraser is a guy who isn't shy about fighting. He finished second in the OHL with five fights last season. He'll return to his junior team for at least one more season. Zach Gallant Position: Center |Age: 18 Height: 6-2 | Weight: 188 Drafted: Third round (83rd overall) 2017 Last season: Peterborough (OHL) 60 Gm, 21 G, 26 A, 74 PIM, plus-4 Gallant, who had no goals two years ago after Peterborough made him the fifth overall pick in the OHL during his draft year, will be heading back to juniors this season. Michigan Live LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070712 Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers fans celebrate Dave Semenko's legacy

DUSTIN COOK Published on: July 6, 2017 | Last Updated: July 6, 2017 6:41 PM MDT

“I always tell people he’s like Santa Claus,” Wayne Gretzky said Thursday with tears in his eyes, honouring his longtime Oilers teammate and protector. “Parents couldn’t wait to meet him, parents couldn’t wait to get a picture taken with him. And kids were scared to death.” A few thousand Oilers fans joined family, friends and teammates at on Thursday to celebrate the life of Dave Semenko, 59, the “gentle giant” who died June 29 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Many close to the former Oilers enforcer shared their memories and funny stories, including Gretzky, , and . Brian Semenko said his brother always wanted to practise his slapshot, with one of his three brothers having to sacrifice themselves in net. Everyone in attendance had their own memories of his kindness and generosity. Longtime Oilers fan Heather Tiessen met Semenko while she worked at the airport. She said he would always stop and talk to her and they were soon on a first-name basis. Tiessen said one day Semenko pulled out his tickets for an Oilers game that night he couldn’t make. “And he says, ‘You deserve this,’ ” she said. “I can’t tell you how much that meant for me.” Bill McDonald attended the celebration with his young son after hosting Semenko and other Oilers alumni at the Challenge in the Rockies youth hockey tournament in Hinton a few months ago. He said Semenko was always playing with the kids and talking to them about the game. There were also performances from the Edmonton Metropolitan Choir, Cheatin N Hurtin — who performed a song Semenko loved and always asked them to do, and a fitting performance of Tough People Do by Brett Kissel. Semenko had a long career with the Oilers that included winning two Stanley Cups. Following his time on the ice, he served as a radio commentator, an assistant coach, a scout and most recently as the official Oilers ambassador. His daughter, Hannah Semenko, spoke of his love for the role. She told a story about how he “brought the house down” following his first official event and it instantly became a running inside joke in the family. “As I’m standing here today, I’m seeing the magnitude of love and support that’s come out to honour him. You have all given me the great pleasure to say one last time, ‘Dad, you brought the house down,’ ” she said. Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070713 Edmonton Oilers “With Ryan coming in, we get a young player with tremendous skill set who has some experience in the league who hasn’t reached his ceiling yet. There’s a gap there that he needs to and wants to close, and we Edmonton Oilers' upward trend has NHL team's prospects excited want to be a past of that. We think we can do that in Edmonton. We think he can bring his game to the rink every night and help us win.”

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 07.07.2017 Robert Tychkowski Published on: July 6, 2017 | Last Updated: July 6, 2017 4:30 AM MDT

JASPER, Alta. — With the team back in the playoffs in a new arena, with talented young impact players emerging at every position and with Connor McDavid under contract for nine more years, it’s an exciting time to be an Edmonton Oiler. Even the guys who aren’t quite Edmonton Oilers yet are feeling it. Make no mistake, any young player would be thrilled to play anywhere in the , even Edmonton during the lowest points of their decade-long rebuild, but now that the Oilers’ transformation is taking shape, their prospects at development camp are even hungrier to be a part of it. “It’s very exciting,” said 2015 draft pick Caleb Jones, who’s preparing for his first full season with the Oilers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the . “They’ve had a lot of dark years here in the past, five or 10 years, so it’s very exciting to see all the hard work and everything pay off. “To be a part of that hopefully one day would be unbelievable. They almost got to the Western Conference final. Hopefully, they can keep it going, or we can keep it going, I guess.” The “we” is spoken with a lot more pride these days. Not long ago, it was such a mess around here that if a player told someone he was part of the Oilers organization, they would give him a sympathetic nod and tell him to keep his chin up. No more. It’s cool to be an Oiler again, which is one of the reasons why free-agent college centre Joseph Gambardella chose Edmonton. “There were a couple of other teams that we’re interested, but once Edmonton started coming after me, this is where I wanted to be,” said last year’s UMass-Lowell scoring leader, who signed a two-year contract in March. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the organization. They’ve done nothing but bring this program up, it’s continued to rise. The management, the staff of this organization is so elite I’m proud to be a part of it.” You didn’t hear a lot of that when the situation was a mess on the ice and the only thing the Oilers could ever win was a draft lottery. But the dark clouds are beginning to drift away. “It’s exciting to be part of any National Hockey League team when you’re a junior or college player, but the fact that our young prospects are speaking that way about our organization means that we’re doing some things well,” said McLellan. “It also means we have a lot more work to do. It’s a fun time right now.” The challenge is to improve on last season and that’s not going to be easy. The Oilers are still very young and inexperienced at some key positions, and haven’t added much of anything yet to bolster the lineup. But McLellan believes the strides they made last season will continue. “There will be some additions as the summer goes on,” he said. “But I liked our team as the season ended, therefore you haven’t seen many changes. We didn’t need to reconstruct the core, we didn’t need to try to work on the culture of the team. We need to grow it and we need to strengthen it, but we have a foundation in place. That’s exciting coming back. “On the negative side, the success and the all the accolades people in our organization are receiving, the pats on the back, that was only the second round of the playoffs. You’re only halfway there. “It was a long time coming, and you get the sense that everybody is happy and satisfied, and that concerns me a little bit.” Hope for Ryan One of the big adjustments this season will be taking the place of in the top six. On paper, it represents a dramatic reduction in points, but McLellan thinks it can work. As much as he wishes Eberle well on Long Island, his focus now is trying to get more out of the 23-year-old acquisition. 1070714 Edmonton Oilers uplifting celebration for Semenko, who bled Oilers orange and blue, 40 years after first joining the team.

“I remember we signed him in the WHA as a free-agent (Scout) Bob Dave Semenko was ferocious and funny in equal parts Freeman had a friend who was in jail and he said Semenko was the toughest guy he’d ever seen,” said Sather. “Bob went and watched him play and came back and said, ‘yeah he is.’ So we sent (chief scout) Barry Jim Matheson Fraser in to watch him, and we signed him. Nobody wanted to fight him.” Published on: July 6, 2017 | Last Updated: July 6, 2017 8:49 PM MDT “I was seen as a father figure for this team and today I’ve lost a son,” said a sombre Sather.

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 07.07.2017 Dave Semenko rode the range for 10 years with the Edmonton Oilers but didn’t have to get off his horse very often. He was like Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry, a “make-my-day” fighter who hardly ever had to show how tough he was, just 70 NHL fights, contrasted with ’s 221. “All Dave had to do was whisper to somebody ‘don’t do that,’” recalled Pat Hughes, who flew in from Michigan to be part of Semenko’s Celebration of Life after he passed away last week at 59 of pancreatic cancer that also attacked his liver. “I’m sure he’s up in heaven, looking after No. 9. That is , right?” said Father Mike McCaffery, who officiated at the wonderful goodbye at Rogers Place for the former Oilers winger, pro scout, radio colour man and team ambassador. When Semenko would sashay by opposing benches with that icy glare guys would suddenly bend over to tie up their skates, not wanting to make any eye-contact. One of the most popular Oilers of the 80s, the first of their Boys on the Bus group to die, was not to be trifled with very often. He never had one NHL season where he had even 10 fights. Probert had three seasons with Detroit where he had at least 20. Semenko was to be avoided, not confronted, at least with his gloves off. As much as there were punches with him, though, there was always a punch-line. He was often ferocious and also wickedly funny. The stare was his game face but his smile was there the rest of the time. He had talent: he got an NHL hat-trick at Madison Square Garden. He made the cover of the Hockey News, he won two Cups and played a regular shift, sometimes on Wayne Gretzky’s line. “He scored a goal against in the (1984) before I did and never let me live it down,” said Gretzky, in his eulogy for his good friend, bodyguard and gentle giant. The only thing Semenko didn’t get out of his Oilers career was, as Gretzky said, was having Sather come in after a big victory and say; “Gretz, Mess, Coff and Semenk, you take tomorrow off.” That’s what people remembered over and over again at his Celebration, the juxtaposition between tough guy and cut-up, a guy who kept things loose and was a positive influence on everybody in the Oilers room, and also a player who could skate and shoot, enough to be dangerous at times. “We’d be outside as kids and we’d have shove our youngest brother Mark into the net, strapping on the standard Semenko protective gear, a baseball glove. Dave would be hammering that tennis ball towards the net and he’d offer words of encouragement to his brother, like ‘get back in the net, you coward,”’ kidded brother Brian. Former teammates Gretzky, , Kevin Lowe, Paul Coffey, Lee Fogolin, Al Hamilton, , Hughes, Glenn Anderson, Don Jackson, Charlie Huddy, Marty McSorley, , coaches Sather and Bob McCammon and so many others showed up to pay their respects. Even former fistic foes. “I remember one night lining up against him and saying, ‘hey, Sammy long-time no see,’ and Sammy looks over at me and says ‘guess so Arch, you’ve been in the minors the last five years,’” guffawed noted junior and pro scrapper Archie Henderson, who drove up from his home in Calgary to attend Thursday. “Gretz couldn’t stop laughing when he heard Sammy say that. Neither could I. Still fought later with Sammy but we were basically just holding on.” Semenko’s sense of humour was there at the beginning and near the end. Back to this year’s playoffs when country singer Brett Kissel’s mic didn’t work for the U.S. anthem and he had to wave it to the Rogers Place crowd and they started singing the Star Spangled Banner, full- throated, without missing a word. “When I saw Dave as I left the ice he said ‘you should make sure you don’t sing more often,’” said Kissel, who sang one of his songs at the 1070715 Edmonton Oilers before I did in the final. And the following training camp it was the same old story. We have to find a left winger to play with Wayne Gretzky and . Terry Jones: Fitting tribute to former Oilers icon Dave Semenko “So he’s sitting there and Rod Phillips, Dick Chubey, Jim Matheson and Terry Jones are interviewing him and asking him if he was worried about losing his position. Terry Jones “He said ‘Sooner or later Glen will come to his senses.’” Published on: July 6, 2017 | Last Updated: July 6, 2017 8:32 PM MDT Gretzky spoke of the day Semenko got traded and the first time he came back to play the Oilers. It was a fitting tribute to the life and times of Dave Semenko, but for the “We were up 5-0 when he got a breakaway on Grant Fuhr half way 6,000 or so that experience it, it was so much more. through the second period. You would think we were all playing for the . Our whole bench stood up. And when he didn’t score It was a testimonial to a team, a town and the kind of people it produced. everybody on our bench kind of threw our arms in the air and looked at Grant Fuhr. When we got back to the locker room we said ‘Grant, how It was a combination between emotional funeral and wonderful wake and could you not let him score?’ He said ‘Honestly I opened my legs but he the setting turned out to be spectacular. hit me on the pad.’” The transformation of Rogers Place into a virtual cathedral was Paul Coffey looked around the room and put it perfectly. accomplished by constructing a stage under the scoreboard complete creative curtaining and a prominently placed cross. With George “Rogers Place. The Edmonton Oilers. Dave Semenko. What a special Blondheim’s grand piano, the Edmonton Metropolitan Choir, a prominent place for a special guy. We are here today to mourn, honour and cross and a pulpit for Father Michael McCaffery, the feel was very celebrate our friend.” churchlike. Coffey turned to the Semenko family from Winnipeg and told them how Flanked by sizeable video boards placed on either side of the stage, the Oiler games there were always Semenko games. Semenko’s casket was place between a pair of photos, by pallbearers Jason, Kelly and Mark Semenko and Glenn Anderson, Dave Hunter and “Playing in Winnipeg was always special to Dave. It was his hometown. . Those games meant a lot. It was a chance to shine in front of his friends, his mom and dad, his brothers Brian and Brad and every single game he Former Oilers coach and general manager Glen Sather touched on it said the same thing. ‘Boys, feed me, I’m feelin’ good.’” right from the beginning as he led the speakers from the group that became an NHL dynasty. That said, Coffey said Semenko was always about Edmonton. “Many times I’ve been asked to speak of the great individuals who came “He came here in 1977 and never looked back. This was where his heart together in the early days of this team and won glory for themselves and was. He loved the Oilers and he loved the city. It was his home. this city. I’ve often commented that I had the honour of coaching and managing these players but I also had the great experience of coaching He turned to Semenko’s children. them when they came here as young men and then became fine people. “To Jason, Kelly and Hanna, your dad loved you.” There’s no greater family feeling than to set out on a journey with a spirited, committed and extremely talented and passionate group with the There were many other emotional moments and Semenko stories as Al men who sat in the Oilers dressing room those days including Dave Hamilton and Kevin Lowe spoke as did friend Randy Donkersloot and Semenko. brother Brian Semenko. “There was a presence about Dave that said ‘I’ve got you — all of you’. Brett Kissel and Cheatin’ & Hurtin’ played favorite Semenko songs, It’s true that we were a family and the path we charted together resulted George Blondheim and Dave Babcock played a piano-sax duet and in brilliant memories that will last all of us all of our days. I can’t describe Glenn Anderson performed such a wonderful reading from the Old the feeling I had hearing the news of Dave passing. Testament that it resulted in Father Mcaffery breaking up. “I’ll tell you, he was a brother, a big brother and a guy who instilled the The entire celebration was, as was the case of all major Oiler occasions, spirit we stood for in all situations, always keenly measuring the moment produced by Don Metz. There was one notable difference this time. Metz and striking with humor and great insight. didn’t direct it. After designing it and scripting it, Metz left after a Wednesday night rehearsal, to attend the wedding of his daughter in San “Today it’s not about goals and assists and so on, it’s about the measure Diego. of a man and Dave measured up.” Daughter Hannah Semenko spoke first but we’ll give her the last word. Wayne Gretzky followed Sather and took it upon himself to steer the one hour and 40 minute event down its intended path of being a celebration She spoke about how much her dad was enjoying his new job of of life. ambassador and told the story of his first appearance at a function in that role. Gretzky, looking at Mark Messier who has been known to weep in emotional moments, said he thought he’d just tell some stories. When she phone to ask how it went, Dave told her ‘Sweetheart, I brought the place down.’ He began with the Oilers first year in the NHL. She thanked the people for coming and said it gave her the chance to “We were 1-6, the team was spiraling and David was called into Glen’s say one last time ‘Dad, you brought the house down.’” office. When you were called into Glen’s office that was never a good sign. Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 07.07.2017 “David came out and said Glen was sending him down to Wichita for two weeks. “So two weeks goes by and he comes back and I asked him how it was down there. He said it was unreal ‘I played the power play, penalty killing, regular shift …’ “I said it must have been a lot of fun. He said ‘We were 0-6.’ I asked him what else happened down there? He said ‘When I got there they asked me what number I wanted to wear down there. I said 27. They said no, its taken. I said my junior number, 17. They said that was taken. I asked if 99 was available?’ So he wore No. 99 in Wichita.” Gretzky said the Oilers always seemed to be looking for the elusive left winger to play on his line with Jari Kurri. “The year we won our first Stanley Cup he scored three goals against the Islanders and then three goals in New York against the Rangers. He was proud how he played in the Stanley Cup. He scored against Billy Smith 1070716 Edmonton Oilers “With Ryan coming in, we get a young player with tremendous skill set who has some experience in the league who hasn’t reached his ceiling yet. There’s a gap there that he needs to and wants to close, and we Edmonton Oilers' upward trend has prospects excited want to be a past of that. We think we can do that in Edmonton. We think he can bring his game to the rink every night and help us win.”

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 07.07.2017 BY ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI FIRST POSTED: THURSDAY, JULY 06, 2017 04:12 AM MDT | UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, JULY 05, 2017 04:21 PM MDT

JASPER, ALTA. - With the team back in the playoffs in a new arena, with talented young impact players emerging at every position and with Connor McDavid under contract for nine more years, it’s an exciting time to be an Edmonton Oiler. Even the guys who aren’t quite Edmonton Oilers yet are feeling it. Make no mistake, any young player would be thrilled to play anywhere in the National Hockey League, even Edmonton during the lowest points of their decade-long rebuild, but now that the Oilers’ transformation is taking shape, their prospects at development camp are even hungrier to be a part of it. “It’s very exciting,” said 2015 draft pick Caleb Jones, who’s preparing for his first full season with the Oilers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. “They’ve had a lot of dark years here in the past, five or 10 years, so it’s very exciting to see all the hard work and everything pay off. “To be a part of that hopefully one day would be unbelievable. They almost got to the Western Conference final. Hopefully, they can keep it going, or we can keep it going, I guess.” The “we” is spoken with a lot more pride these days. Not long ago, it was such a mess around here that if a player told someone he was part of the Oilers organization, they would give him a sympathetic nod and tell him to keep his chin up. No more. It’s cool to be an Oiler again, which is one of the reasons why free-agent college centre Joseph Gambardella chose Edmonton. “There were a couple of other teams that we’re interested, but once Edmonton started coming after me, this is where I wanted to be,” said last year’s UMass-Lowell scoring leader, who signed a two-year contract in March. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the organization. They’ve done nothing but bring this program up, it’s continued to rise. The management, the staff of this organization is so elite I’m proud to be a part of it.” You didn’t hear a lot of that when the situation was a mess on the ice and the only thing the Oilers could ever win was a draft lottery. But the dark clouds are beginning to drift away. “It’s exciting to be part of any National Hockey League team when you’re a junior or college player, but the fact that our young prospects are speaking that way about our organization means that we’re doing some things well,” said McLellan. “It also means we have a lot more work to do. It’s a fun time right now.” The challenge is to improve on last season and that’s not going to be easy. The Oilers are still very young and inexperienced at some key positions, and haven’t added much of anything yet to bolster the lineup. But McLellan believes the strides they made last season will continue. “There will be some additions as the summer goes on,” he said. “But I liked our team as the season ended, therefore you haven’t seen many changes. We didn’t need to reconstruct the core, we didn’t need to try to work on the culture of the team. We need to grow it and we need to strengthen it, but we have a foundation in place. That’s exciting coming back. “On the negative side, the success and the all the accolades people in our organization are receiving, the pats on the back, that was only the second round of the playoffs. You’re only halfway there. “It was a long time coming, and you get the sense that everybody is happy and satisfied, and that concerns me a little bit.” Hope for Ryan One of the big adjustments this season will be Ryan Strome taking the place of Jordan Eberle in the top six. On paper, it represents a dramatic reduction in points, but McLellan thinks it can work. As much as he wishes Eberle well on Long Island, his focus now is trying to get more out of the 23-year-old acquisition. 1070717 Edmonton Oilers “When I saw Dave as I left the ice he said ‘you should make sure you don’t sing more often,’” said Kissel, who sang one of his songs at the uplifting celebration for Semenko, who bled Oilers orange and blue, 40 Dave Semenko was ferocious and funny in equal parts years after first joining the team. “I remember we signed him in the WHA as a free-agent (Scout) Bob Freeman had a friend who was in jail and he said Semenko was the BY JIM MATHESON toughest guy he’d ever seen,” said Sather. “Bob went and watched him play and came back and said, ‘yeah he is.’ So we sent (chief scout) Barry FIRST POSTED: THURSDAY, JULY 06, 2017 08:34 PM MDT | Fraser in to watch him, and we signed him. Nobody wanted to fight him.” UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 06, 2017 08:46 PM MDT "I was seen as a father figure for this team and today I've lost a son," said a sombre Sather. Dave Semenko rode the range for 10 years with the Edmonton Oilers but Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 07.07.2017 didn’t have to get off his horse very often. He was like Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry, a “make-my-day” fighter who hardly ever had to show how tough he was, just 70 NHL fights, contrasted with Bob Probert’s 221. “All Dave had to do was whisper to somebody ‘don’t do that,’” recalled Pat Hughes, who flew in from Michigan to be part of Semenko's Celebration of Life after he passed away last week at 59 of pancreatic cancer that also attacked his liver. “I’m sure he’s up in heaven, looking after No. 9. That is Gordie Howe, right?” said Father Mike McCaffery, who officiated at the wonderful goodbye at Rogers Place for the former Oilers winger, pro scout, radio colour man and team ambassador. When Semenko would sashay by opposing benches with that icy glare guys would suddenly bend over to tie up their skates, not wanting to make any eye-contact. One of the most popular Oilers of the 80s, the first of their Boys on the Bus group to die, was not to be trifled with very often. He never had one NHL season where he had even 10 fights. Probert had three seasons with Detroit where he had at least 20. Semenko was to be avoided, not confronted, at least with his gloves off. As much as there were punches with him, though, there was always a punch-line. He was often ferocious and also wickedly funny. The stare was his game face but his smile was there the rest of the time. He had talent: he got an NHL hat-trick at Madison Square Garden. He made the cover of the Hockey News, he won two Cups and played a regular shift, sometimes on Wayne Gretzky’s line. “He scored a goal against Billy Smith in the Stanley Cup finals (1984) before I did and never let me live it down,” said Gretzky, in his eulogy for his good friend, bodyguard and gentle giant. The only thing Semenko didn’t get out of his Oilers career was, as Gretzky said, was having Sather come in after a big victory and say; “Gretz, Mess, Coff and Semenk, you take tomorrow off.” That’s what people remembered over and over again at his Celebration, the juxtaposition between tough guy and cut-up, a guy who kept things loose and was a positive influence on everybody in the Oilers room, and also a player who could skate and shoot, enough to be dangerous at times. “We’d be outside as kids and we’d have shove our youngest brother Mark into the net, strapping on the standard Semenko protective gear, a baseball glove. Dave would be hammering that tennis ball towards the net and he’d offer words of encouragement to his brother, like ‘get back in the net, you coward,”’ kidded brother Brian. Former teammates Gretzky, Mark Messier, Kevin Lowe, Paul Coffey, Lee Fogolin, Al Hamilton, Grant Fuhr, Hughes, Glenn Anderson, Don Jackson, Charlie Huddy, Marty McSorley, Dave Hunter, coaches Sather and Bob McCammon and so many others showed up to pay their respects. Even former fistic foes. “I remember one night lining up against him and saying, ‘hey, Sammy long-time no see,’ and Sammy looks over at me and says ‘guess so Arch, you’ve been in the minors the last five years,’” guffawed noted junior and pro scrapper Archie Henderson, who drove up from his home in Calgary to attend Thursday. “Gretz couldn’t stop laughing when he heard Sammy say that. Neither could I. Still fought later with Sammy but we were basically just holding on.” Semenko’s sense of humour was there at the beginning and near the end. Back to this year’s playoffs when country singer Brett Kissel’s mic didn’t work for the U.S. anthem and he had to wave it to the Rogers Place crowd and they started singing the Star Spangled Banner, full- throated, without missing a word. 1070718 Edmonton Oilers proud how he played in the Stanley Cup. He scored against Billy Smith before I did in the final. And the following training camp it was the same old story. We have to find a left winger to play with Wayne Gretzky and Jones: Fitting tribute to Oilers icon Dave Semenko Jari Kurri. “So he’s sitting there and Rod Phillips, Dick Chubey, Jim Matheson and Terry Jones are interviewing him and asking him if he was worried about BY TERRY JONES, EDMONTON SUN losing his position. FIRST POSTED: THURSDAY, JULY 06, 2017 08:23 PM MDT | “He said ‘Sooner or later Glen will come to his senses.’” UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 06, 2017 08:28 PM MDT Gretzky spoke of the day Semenko got traded and the first time he came back to play the Oilers. It was a fitting tribute to the life and times of Dave Semenko, but for the “We were up 5-0 when he got a breakaway on Grant Fuhr half way 6,000 or so that experience it, it was so much more. through the second period. You would think we were all playing for the Hartford Whalers. Our whole bench stood up. And when he didn’t score It was a testimonial to a team, a town and the kind of people it produced. everybody on our bench kind of threw our arms in the air and looked at Grant Fuhr. When we got back to the locker room we said ‘Grant, how It was a combination between emotional funeral and wonderful wake and could you not let him score?’ He said ‘Honestly I opened my legs but he the setting turned out to be spectacular. hit me on the pad.’” The transformation of Rogers Place into a virtual cathedral was Paul Coffey looked around the room and put it perfectly. accomplished by constructing a stage under the scoreboard complete creative curtaining and a prominently placed cross. With George “Rogers Place. The Edmonton Oilers. Dave Semenko. What a special Blondheim’s grand piano, the Edmonton Metropolitan Choir, a prominent place for a special guy. We are here today to mourn, honour and cross and a pulpit for Father Michael McCaffery, the feel was very celebrate our friend.” churchlike. Coffey turned to the Semenko family from Winnipeg and told them how Flanked by sizeable video boards placed on either side of the stage, the Oiler games there were always Semenko games. Semenko’s casket was place between a pair of photos, by pallbearers Jason, Kelly and Mark Semenko and Glenn Anderson, Dave Hunter and “Playing in Winnipeg was always special to Dave. It was his hometown. Ron Low. Those games meant a lot. It was a chance to shine in front of his friends, his mom and dad, his brothers Brian and Brad and every single game he Former Oilers coach and general manager Glen Sather touched on it said the same thing. ‘Boys, feed me, I’m feelin’ good.’” right from the beginning as he led the speakers from the group that became an NHL dynasty. That said, Coffey said Semenko was always about Edmonton. “Many times I’ve been asked to speak of the great individuals who came “He came here in 1977 and never looked back. This was where his heart together in the early days of this team and won glory for themselves and was. He loved the Oilers and he loved the city. It was his home. this city. I’ve often commented that I had the honour of coaching and managing these players but I also had the great experience of coaching He turned to Semenko’s children. them when they came here as young men and then became fine people. “To Jason, Kelly and Hanna, your dad loved you.” There’s no greater family feeling than to set out on a journey with a spirited, committed and extremely talented and passionate group with the There were many other emotional moments and Semenko stories as Al men who sat in the Oilers dressing room those days including Dave Hamilton and Kevin Lowe spoke as did friend Randy Donkersloot and Semenko. brother Brian Semenko. “There was a presence about Dave that said ‘I’ve got you — all of you’. Brett Kissel and Cheatin’ & Hurtin’ played favorite Semenko songs, It’s true that we were a family and the path we charted together resulted George Blondheim and Dave Babcock played a piano-sax duet and in brilliant memories that will last all of us all of our days. I can’t describe Glenn Anderson performed such a wonderful reading from the Old the feeling I had hearing the news of Dave passing. Testament that it resulted in Father Mcaffery breaking up. “I’ll tell you, he was a brother, a big brother and a guy who instilled the The entire celebration was, as was the case of all major Oiler occasions, spirit we stood for in all situations, always keenly measuring the moment produced by Don Metz. There was one notable difference this time. Metz and striking with humor and great insight. didn’t direct it. After designing it and scripting it, Metz left after a Wednesday night rehearsal, to attend the wedding of his daughter in San “Today it’s not about goals and assists and so on, it’s about the measure Diego. of a man and Dave measured up.” Daughter Hannah Semenko spoke first but we’ll give her the last word. Wayne Gretzky followed Sather and took it upon himself to steer the one hour and 40 minute event down its intended path of being a celebration She spoke about how much her dad was enjoying his new job of of life. ambassador and told the story of his first appearance at a function in that role. Gretzky, looking at Mark Messier who has been known to weep in emotional moments, said he thought he’d just tell some stories. When she phone to ask how it went, Dave told her ‘Sweetheart, I brought the place down.’ He began with the Oilers first year in the NHL. She thanked the people for coming and said it gave her the chance to “We were 1-6, the team was spiraling and David was called into Glen’s say one last time ‘Dad, you brought the house down.’” office. When you were called into Glen’s office that was never a good sign. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 07.07.2017 “David came out and said Glen was sending him down to Wichita for two weeks. “So two weeks goes by and he comes back and I asked him how it was down there. He said it was unreal ‘I played the power play, penalty killing, regular shift …’ “I said it must have been a lot of fun. He said ‘We were 0-6.’ I asked him what else happened down there? He said ‘When I got there they asked me what number I wanted to wear down there. I said 27. They said no, its taken. I said my junior number, 17. They said that was taken. I asked if 99 was available?’ So he wore No. 99 in Wichita.” Gretzky said the Oilers always seemed to be looking for the elusive left winger to play on his line with Jari Kurri. “The year we won our first Stanley Cup he scored three goals against the Islanders and then three goals in New York against the Rangers. He was 1070719 Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers fans celebrate Dave Semenko's legacy

DUSTIN COOK FIRST POSTED: THURSDAY, JULY 06, 2017 06:30 PM MDT | UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 06, 2017 08:02 PM MDT

"I always tell people he's like Santa Claus," Wayne Gretzky said Thursday with tears in his eyes, honouring his longtime Oilers teammate and protector. "Parents couldn't wait to meet him, parents couldn't wait to get a picture taken with him. And kids were scared to death." A few thousand Oilers fans joined family, friends and teammates at Rogers Place on Thursday to celebrate the life of Dave Semenko, 59, the "gentle giant" who died June 29 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Many close to the former Oilers enforcer shared their memories and funny stories, including Gretzky, Glen Sather, Paul Coffey and Kevin Lowe. Brian Semenko said his brother always wanted to practise his slapshot, with one of his three brothers having to sacrifice themselves in net. Everyone in attendance had their own memories of his kindness and generosity. Longtime Oilers fan Heather Tiessen met Semenko while she worked at the airport. She said he would always stop and talk to her and they were soon on a first-name basis. Tiessen said one day Semenko pulled out his tickets for an Oilers game that night he couldn't make. "And he says, 'You deserve this,' " she said. "I can't tell you how much that meant for me." Bill McDonald attended the celebration with his young son after hosting Semenko and other Oilers alumni at the Challenge in the Rockies youth hockey tournament in Hinton a few months ago. He said Semenko was always playing with the kids and talking to them about the game. There were also performances from the Edmonton Metropolitan Choir, Cheatin N Hurtin — who performed a song Semenko loved and always asked them to do, and a fitting performance of Tough People Do by Brett Kissel. Semenko had a long career with the Oilers that included winning two Stanley Cups. Following his time on the ice, he served as a radio commentator, an assistant coach, a scout and most recently as the official Oilers ambassador. His daughter, Hannah Semenko, spoke of his love for the role. She told a story about how he "brought the house down" following his first official event and it instantly became a running inside joke in the family. "As I'm standing here today, I'm seeing the magnitude of love and support that's come out to honour him. You have all given me the great pleasure to say one last time, 'Dad, you brought the house down,' " she said. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070720 Florida Panthers The top six Panthers defensemen heading into training camp appear to be Petrovic, Pysyk, Ekblad, Keith Yandle, Mike Matheson and barring a trade, Jason Demers. Rookie Ian McCoshen and possibly MacKenzie Panthers re-sign defenseman Mark Pysyk to 3-year deal Weegar may be in the mix. Sun Sentinel LOADED: 07.07.2017 Harvey Fialkov

After the surprising losses of top-six forwards Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights a few weeks ago, Panthers general manager explained that “defense wins championships.’’ That’s why Tallon decided to protect 25-year-old, restricted free-agent defensemen Alex Petrovic and Mark Pysyk instead of Marchessault, the team’s leading goal scorer with 30, and Smith, who had 40 goals in the past two seasons. On Thursday, Tallon re-signed Pysyk, as expected, to a three-year deal worth a reported $8.2 million. He re-signed Petrovic to a one-year deal at $1.8 million last Sunday. Tallon said that Pysyk, who was acquired last summer from the Buffalo Sabres for defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, was, “game in and game out our most consistent defenseman.’’ “Mark is a young, intelligent defenseman who has become an important part of our future,’’ Tallon said. “He was one of our most consistent players last season and was a solid presence on our penalty kill. We look forward to Mark being a steadying force on our blue line for years to come.’ The Panthers’ brass took some criticism for trading an established veteran defenseman like Kulikov for Pysyk, who had bounced up and down from the Sabres’ AHL team in Rochester in his first four seasons, never having played more than 55 games in an NHL season. Meanwhile, Kulikov played his first seven NHL seasons in Florida and had become a dependable defenseman in the 2015-16 season. Pysyk, 25, quieted the detractors and played 82 games with 14 assists and 3 goals for 17 points, all career highs. He led his defensive mates with a 0 plus-minus, third best on the team. Pysyk also logged a team-leading 232:26 and 23 blocked shots when shorthanded on Florida’s second-ranked penalty kill. “I’ve been working on, coming into a new team, being solid defensively,’’ Pysyk said on exit day in April. Kulikov, 26, never got on track after a preseason injury and played just 47 games. He had 2 goals and 3 assists for a career-low 5 points, while leading the Sabres with a minus-26. However, that didn’t deter the from signing Kulikov to a three-year deal worth $13 million last week. “We know that defense and up the middle [centers] has been our model since we started building this team, so we felt very confident we would keep our young core of defensemen and keep our young core up the middle,’’ Tallon explained after Vegas pilfered Marchessault and acquired Smith and his five-year, $25 million contract for a future draft pick. Tallon also said that new coach Bob Boughner’s familiarity with Petrovic and Pysyk had something to do with the decision to protect the duo. Boughner, like Tallon a former NHL defenseman, coached the duo at the 2009 Ivan Hlinka under-18 tournament. “He’s coached [Aaron Ekblad, Pysyk and Petrovic] and has experience with a lot of them,’’ Tallon said. “He thinks that’s the strength of our team and we have a lot of young defensemen in the system as well. He’s excited about the depth of that position.’’ Tallon had to know that former Panthers coach , now the Vegas coach, certainly would’ve advised Knights GM George McPhee to take Petrovic, one of Gallant’s favorites in the two-plus seasons he coached him. While Petrovic brings more of a physical presence to the blue line as his 106 hits in just 49 games attests, Pysyk is more of a shut-down defenseman whose puck-moving ability gives his forwards a jump-start through the neutral zone. “It’s something I take pride in, being consistent,’’ Pysyk said. “It’s tough to take positives out of a year we had. “It was cool to get the 82 [games]. Obviously, that's the goal every year, to stay healthy. I was lucky enough to play all the games.’’ 1070721 Los Angeles Kings

Kings re-sign center Nick Shore to a one-year, $925,000 contract

By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: July 6, 2017 at 11:20 am | UPDATED: July 6, 2017 at 5:30 PM

The Kings re-signed Nick Shore to a one-season, $925,000 contract Thursday, one day after fellow restricted free agent Kevin Gravel opted to file for arbitration. Shore earned a raise from the $600,000 he was paid in each of the past two seasons. Shore, a 24-year-old center, recorded career highs in goals with six, assists (11), points (17) and games (70) last season with the Kings. He had three goals and 10 points in 68 games in 2015-16, his first full season in the NHL. He was a third-round pick in 2011 (82nd overall). Shore and Gravel were the Kings’ lone restricted free agents, but there are several minor-league players who need new contracts. Kings general manager Rob Blake said Saturday the team would not re-sign unrestricted free agent Jarome Iginla. It’s possible Blake could be done for the summer, but he said last week he’s likely to keep looking for ways to upgrade the Kings’ roster after the team failed to make the playoffs two of the past three seasons and underwent a management and coaching shakeup in April. The Kings have about $6.5 million in salary cap space, according to the website capfriendly.com. “A lot of things can occur from now until training camp,” Blake said. “I envision the roster that we’re setting with here today, going forward, but again, like I said, that can change. We do have a little flexibility cap-wise. I couldn’t say it’s a lot, but there are some things we’ll obviously look at. “But again, the roster that we’re setting on here today, we envision starting the season with.” Orange County Register: LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070722 Los Angeles Kings

STOLL JOINS DEVELOPMENT AS PART TIME CONSULTANT

JON ROSENJULY 6, 2017

PROSPECTS AND SCOUTING Jarret Stoll, who gained experience in a development “internship” position last season, has been hired as a Consultant on a part-time basis by the team to work in Player Development. His position will allow him to continue to work with the club’s young centers in Ontario and elsewhere within the pipeline. His duties will be similar to his duties last year, but with a touch more structure than when he was just starting to carve out a role in player development. Calling the opportunity “exciting” and describing how he loved the work undertaken with the development team, he’ll again call upon the lessons and subtleties he learned through an 872-game NHL career that included two Stanley Cup titles and a Western Conference Championship and share that with a young group of centers, who will have the opportunity to benefit from his responsible and respected game. In January, Ontario Head Coach Mike Stothers noted that Stoll’s presence was good for both the young centers, such as Mike Amadio, and those with more miles, such as Andrew Crescenzi, Brett Sutter and TJ Hensick. In describing his focus, Stoll explained that most rewarding aspect of his work with the club was making the younger players feel comfortable in the demanding world of professional hockey and watching them implement what they learned under his direction in live game settings. The work continued in earnest when he took the ice and ran drills at development camp last week. “It was weird being out there,” he said. “I wanted to take off the track suit and put on the equipment and do some of the drills with the guys.” As a member of the staff barely removed from his extended tenure as a player, that energy should translate well to the club’s prospects, who will be able to bank on the experiences and perseverance of someone who won two Stanley Cups as a player. He’ll join a staff headed by Senior Advisor to the General Manager/Development Mike O’Connell and Director of Player Development Nelson Emerson that also includes former Kings Mike Donnelly, Glen Murray and Sean O’Donnell, as well as Dusty Imoo in Goaltender Development. More good news: Brantt Myrhes will return to the club for a third year in Player Assistance. LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070723 Los Angeles Kings

SHORE SIGNS ONE YEAR, $925K EXTENSION

JON ROSENJULY 6, 2017

CONTRACTS AND FINANCES The Los Angeles Kings checked another box off their list of restricted free agents, signing Nick Shore to a one-year, $925,000 extension. Should he not come to terms with the club on his next contract before July 1, 2018, he will again become an RFA. It’s going to be an interesting year for Shore, who is coming off a two- year, $1.2-million contract. He’s still young – at 24, he was the youngest King prior to Adrian Kempe and Jonny Brodzinski’s arrivals – and there still exists the yet-to-be-reached ceiling of production that the center showed hints of during his very good AHL stints in Manchester. While he generated perfectly passable numbers in what was basically a fourth line center role in 2016-17, it still remains to be seen whether his playmaking skills and offensive awareness can lead to levels of production better than those of other periphery-type roster players, who are often the most likely to be replaced. There’s no doubting Shore’s responsibility in more unsung aspects of the game, and at $925K, he’s not clogging the arteries of the team’s financial structure. He has earned the coaching staff’s trust by winning faceoffs against top players, suppressing shots very well and killing penalties, but while his 17 points on a low-scoring team certainly checked a box off, the Kings would be well served if he went beyond the expectations of a depth center role and competed for minutes alongside linemates more inclined to provide offense. As noted in his evaluation, he outscored Nic Dowd, the team’s most frequent third line center, in five- on-five play. The 2011 third round pick has 10 goals and 34 points in 172 career games, and set career-highs in goals (6), assists (11) and points (17) in 2016-17. With Shore on board, remaining RFAs are Andrew Crescenzi, Michael Mersch, Paul LaDue, Jonny Brodzinski, Justin Auger, Zac Leslie and Kurtis MacDermid, with Gravel the lone player to elect for salary arbitration. Los Angeles currently has 21 players under contract (plus ’s buyout, and ’ cap recapture and termination penalty) for 2017-18 at a combined cap hit of $69.063-million, figures that include Adrian Kempe and Darcy Kuemper on the roster but not Jeff Zatkoff or the unsigned restricted free agents, based on financials provided by Cap Friendly. With approximately $5.937-million of remaining cap space, the Kings will look to construct a 23-man roster while also coming to terms with its remaining RFAs, only a portion of which will make the opening night roster. Those requiring waivers to be assigned to the AHL include Jack Campbell, Darcy Kuemper, Andy Andreoff, Zatkoff, Shore, Auger, Crescenzi, Mersch and MacDermid. Previous RFAs to re-sign this off-season include Tyler Toffoli (three years / $13.8M), Tanner Pearson (four years / $15M) and Andy Andreoff (two years / $1.355M). LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070724

Get ready, hockey fans: Da Beauty League returns next week to Edina

By Michael Russo JULY 6, 2017 — 10:22AM

Need a summer hockey fix? Da Beauty League returns to Braemar Arena in Edina next Wednesday. The 4-on-4 league made up of many local NHL players and elite amateurs wanting nothing more than to win the illustrious Cup will run every Wednesday in July and Mondays and Wednesdays in August until the playoffs begin Aug. 21 with the championship Aug. 23. Da Beauty League includes three games consecutively each night with the first game starting at 5:10 p.m. and the third game ending around 9:00 p.m. There are six Beauty League teams captained by , , Ryan McDonagh, Alex Goligoski, Brock Nelson and the MVP from last year’s season, . Others players expected to play according to the league’s Twitter account announcements include Wild players Alex Stalock, Mike Reilly and Kyle Rau and Nick Leddy, , Jake Guentzel, Erik Haula, Thomas Vanek, , Trevor van Riemsdyk, Nick Bjugstad, Anders Lee, Brady Skjei, Tyler Pitlick, Matt Hendricks, , Hudson Fasching, Charlie Lindgren, Aaron Ness, Justin Kloos, Adam Wilcox, Nate Prosser, Stu Bickel, Stephane Veilleux, Nate Schmidt, Travis Boyd, Danny Kristo, Jordan Schmaltz, Nick Jensen, Chris Butler, Taylor Chorney, Vinni Lettieri and Seth Helgeson. Over a dozen top NCAA players will also strap on the skates. Da Beauty League will feature premier coaches including some former NHL stars and, uh, Paul Fletcher. “Now that the winter season champs have been determined, it’s time to come and watch Da Boys chase and compete for the second best trophy in sports, the John Scott Cup” said Da agent Ben Hankinson. Da Beauty League will donate certain proceeds from games to various charities following the season including Paul Martin’s new foundation, Shine a Ligh7 and United Heroes League. For more information on each charity go to www.shinealigh7.com or www.unitedherosleague.org Tickets to each night’s slate of games is $10 per person with kids 12 and under being admitted for free. Season passes can be purchased for just $50; all tickets will be available for purchase at the door. The website for Da Beauty League is www.dabeautyleague.com. There, fans can find updates, rosters, stats, schedule, and more information regarding Da Beauty League. Da Beauty League fans unable to make it to opening night can watch all three games live online at KFAN.com. Star Tribune LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070725

'We want to get to the top,' Canadiens' Alex Galchenyuk says

Bill Beacon, The Canadian Press Published on: July 6, 2017 | Last Updated: July 6, 2017 4:56 PM EDT

Alex Galchenyuk is looking forward to a bounce-back season with the Montreal Canadiens. The 23-year-old forward, who struggled with a knee injury last season after breaking out with 30 goals in 2015-16, said during a conference call Thursday that his main aim is to help the Canadiens go farther than their disappointing first-round playoff exit in April. Galchenyuk avoided arbitration by signing a three-year US$14.7-million contract on Wednesday, which carries a salary cap hit of $4.9 million per season. “I expect to win,” he said. “I know I can bring a lot to the team. “After a disappointing (playoffs) last season, we want to get to the top. We want to prove people wrong.” Galchenyuk was among 30 NHL players to file for arbitration, but he never doubted that agent Pat Brisson and general manager would come to an agreement before it went to hearings. The contract was announced shortly after the arbitration list was released. He was also pleased with the three-year term, even though many other high-skill players his age sign longer deals. His covers his last two years of eligibility for restricted free agency and one year of unrestricted free agency. With a shorter deal, Galcheyuk could be in for a much bigger contract if he emerges as an elite, scoring forward in the next three seasons. Galcheyuk, drafted third overall in 2012, has had an up and down first five years in the NHL. His playing time was carefully managed in his first two seasons before he took a step forward with 20 goals in his third year and another big step with 30 goals the following campaign, only to slip back last season with 17 goals and 44 points in 61 games. “I thought (a three-year contract) was the right thing to do,” he said. Also, he has yet to establish himself as a top-line centre, a spot the Canadiens need desperately to fill. He has been used mainly on left wing. His preference between wing and centre is perhaps the question he has been asked most since he’s been in the NHL. “That was part of the negotiations — a clause in my contract is whenever I’m asked the question I can walk away from the scrum now,” he joked. “I’ve been asked that so many times. “I don’t focus on playing centre or wing. We have a great coach who will decide where I play.” The Canadiens also signed goaltender Charlie Lindgren, their last restricted free agent, to a one-year, two-way contract. With and backup Al Montoya on NHL deals, Lindgren is expected to play a third season in the AHL, but the U.S.-born goalie appears ready to move up. In three NHL games, he is 3-0-0 with a 1.65 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. With 22 players signed, the Canadiens have about $9 million in cap space remaining and are likely to make another move before the season. The fate of veteran Andrei Markov, a career Canadien who is testing the free agent market, remains unresolved. Montreal Gazette LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070726 Montreal Canadiens

Centre or wing? Canadiens’ Alex Galchenyuk is tired of that question

Posted by Stu Cowan

It will be interesting to see what happens the first time a journalist asks Alex Galchenyuk at training camp whether he wants to play centre or wing next season. “Actually, the part of the negotiation and the clause I put in the contract is whenever I get asked this question I can walk away from the scrum now,” Galchenyuk said during a conference call Thursday, one day after the 23-year-old agreed to a new three-year contract with the Canadiens worth US$14.7 million. “I’m just kidding,” Galchenyuk added. “I’ve been answering this question for so many times that for me, like I’ve said before, I’m a hockey player and my main thing was to re-sign in Montreal as soon as possible, and I’m very happy with the deal. “To be in Montreal, I love the team, I love the fans, I love the city, and playing at in front of the fans in Montreal, that’s what brings the passion out of me. I really don’t focus on playing centre or wing. We have a great coach that will decide where to put me and I know what my skill-set (is) and what I can bring to the table. It won’t be a big issue where I play.” Galchenyuk became a restricted free agent on July 1 and when asked about the contract negotiations with general manager Marc Bergevin, the forward said: “After the season, I focused on my preparation for next year and (agent Pat Brisson) took care of the negotiations. It went very well. We are glad we avoided arbitration. There was no doubt in my mind that we would come to a new agreement. I am very pleased that this is done. ” Montreal Gazette LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070727 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens sign goalie Charlie Lindgren to one-year deal

Posted by Stu Cowan

The Canadiens announced on Thursday that they have agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with goalie Charlie Lindgren, who was a restricted free agent. In 48 games last season with the AHL’s St. John’s IceCaps, Lindgren had a 24-18-6 record with a 2.56 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. The 23-year-old also played two games with the Canadiens, winning both of them while posting a 1.48 goals-against average and a .949 save percentage. Lindgren is unbeaten in the three NHL games he has played, including one during the 2015-16 season after he was signed as a free agent out of St. Cloud State University Montreal Gazette LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070728 Nashville Predators When jokingly asked if he'll spend his day walking the streets of Nashville, showing off the trophy he just won with another team, Bonino took the high road, while also making his goal for the upcoming season New Predators forward Nick Bonino eager to help Nashville 'get a little clear. better' "Hopefully next year," Bonino said with a smile, "But not right now." Tennessean LOADED: 07.07.2017 Colton Pouncy, USA Today Network - Tennessee Published 3:58 p.m. CT July 6, 2017 | Updated 6:24 p.m. CT July 6, 2017

The last time Nick Bonino was inside Bridgestone Arena, he'd reached the pinnacle of the hockey world. A champagne shower poured over him and his Pittsburgh Penguins teammates, who'd just clinched the 2017 Stanley Cup over the Nashville Predators. Nearly a month later, with the glory of a Stanley Cup victory still fresh on his mind, Bonino returned to Nashville. This time, as the newest member of the Predators. Predators center Nick Bonino "I'm not coming here thinking I'll be the guy to bring (a Stanley Cup)," Bonino said at his introductory press conference Thursday morning. "I'm just coming here to help a team that was really good the last few years maybe get a little better, and do anything I can to help." Bonino, who signed four-year, $16.4 million dollar contract with the team Saturday, just wrapped up his eighth season in the NHL, including the previous two with Pittsburgh, where he won back-to-back titles. Bonino primarily was slotted in as a third-line center for a deep Penguins team, scoring 18 goals with 19 assists in 80 games last season. "Nick Bonino is a real winner, as we all know from winning two Stanley Cups in a role with the Penguins," Predators' general manager David Poile said Saturday. "We saw firsthand what he could do offensively, scoring two goals in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final." Predators 'on the top of my list' Bonino, 29, had little time to celebrate his team's championship. He's working his way back from a broken left tibia, suffered in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, that kept him out the rest of the series. Still wearing a walking boot on his left foot Thursday, Bonino said he's progressing and elected to skip surgery. Following the Penguins' championship parade, Bonino had to prepare for free agency and figure out where he was going to play in 2017. He called it "one of the most stressful weeks" of his life. He said the Predators were a team that showed interest from the very beginning. "When we started to look at teams, this was on the top of my list," Bonino said. "And I'm sure it's at the top of most free agents' lists, I believe." Bonino watched Nashville blossom into a hockey town during the playoffs just like the rest of the NHL. He said it seemed like with each series, the atmosphere got crazier and crazier. Even when he was injured unable to take the ice, Bonino still came out for every national anthem to see the excitement building. "It was like you paid for a hockey game and you had concerts at every intermission," Bonino said. "You have the biggest names in singing the anthem and playing on rooftops. That's something that you don't get in every building, and something that I'm definitely excited to play in front of." Getting back to the Final With the Predators, Bonino figures to receive an increased role. It's easy to envision him playing as a second-line center, which makes the potential retirement of captain Mike Fisher a bit easier to swallow. Bonino cited the Predators' quick pace on offense and a suffocating defense as reasons why Nashville was the perfect spot for him. "Losing when you get that close makes you want it that much more," Bonino said of his new teammates. "I don't see any reason why we couldn't do that again this year." After arriving in town Wednesday, he and his family have to find a place to live. Throughout the summer, he'll continue to work his way back from his leg injury, receiving check-ups every so often. He also has to find something to do on his designated day with the Stanley Cup. 1070729 Nashville Predators

P.K. Subban's summer adventures with tennis icons and Justin Trudeau

Jon Garcia , USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee Published 12:58 p.m. CT July 6, 2017 | Updated 1:04 p.m. CT July 6, 2017

Since the Predators' season ended, defenseman P.K. Subban has been busy making the most of his abbreviated summer before life returns to hockey. It's not quite "swimming in Croatia, shouting his team's name at the top of his lungs" level — at least not yet — but it's certainly more star-studded. In June, he got a little face time with Canadian Prime Justin Trudeau. Earlier this week, Subban snapped some pictures of him with various tennis icons at Wimbledon. Though Serena Williams wasn't in attendance, he didn't miss a chance to get some face time with here, even if it was just a poster. Later in the day, Subban posed with seven-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer with the caption, "The legend himself." A day after advancing due to Martin Klizan retiring during the second set because of injury, Novak Djokovic took to Twitter to post his own photo with the Predators' defenseman. Tennessean LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070730 New Jersey Devils 77-Aarne Talvitie, F 78-Nicolas Guay, F When will Devils get 1st look at Nico Hischier on ice? | 2017 Star Ledger LOADED: 07.07.2017 Development Camp roster

Updated on July 6, 2017 at 3:01 PM Posted on July 6, 2017 at 2:45 PM BY CHRIS RYAN

The Devils announced the roster for their 2017 prospect Development Camp on Thursday. The camp will feature 33 players, including 20 forwards, nine defensemen and four goalies. Among the players invited to the camp is forward Nico Hischier, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. The Swiss forward will be one of nine players from the Devils' 2017 Draft Class attending the camp. The Devils will also have plenty of NHL experience on the ice at the camp, with Miles Wood, Pavel Zacha, Steven Santini and John Quenneville attending. Blake Speers and Michael Kapla also bring experience from a handful of NHL games to the camp. Projecting Devils 17-18 roster 2016 first-round pick Michael McLeod will be back at Development Camp for the second straight year, along with his Mississauga Steelhead teammate and 2016 second-round pick Nathan Bastian. The camp will be held at the Barnabas Health Hockey House from July 11-15. Here is the full roster: 32-Michael Kapla, D 33-Nico Hischier, F 34-Steven Santini, D 37-Pavel Zacha, F 41-Michael McLeod, F 42-Nathan Bastian, F 44-Miles Wood, F 45-Joshua Jacobs, D 47-John Quenneville, F 48-Yaroslav Dyblenko, D 49-Joey Anderson, F 51-Brandon Gignav, F 52-Brandon Baddock, F 54-Ryan Kujawinski, F 55-Ken Appleby, G 57-Reilly Walsh, D 58-Jesper Boqvist, F 59-Fabian Zetterlund, F 60-Evan Cormier, G 61-Austin Cangelosi, F 62-Nikita Popugaev, F 63-Jesper Bratt, F 65-Gilles Senn, G 67-Marian Studenic, F 68-Colton White, D 70-MacKenzie Blackwood, G 71-Colby Sissons, D 72-Robert Carpenter, F 73-Jocktan Chainey, D 74-Blake Speers, F 76-Jeremy Davies, D 1070731 New Jersey Devils

Why the Devils moved on from Beau Bennett, Michael Cammalleri

BY CHRIS RYAN

The Devils never entered into any serious talks with forward Beau Bennett before the unrestricted free agent hit the market and signed with the St. Louis Blues. Bennett signed a reasonable one-year, $650K deal with the Blues -- $75K less than he made in his 2016-17 deal with the Devils. The Devils acquired Bennett for a 2016 third-round pick during the Draft. The Devils did not make a qualifying offer to Bennett last summer, but they signed him as an unrestricted free agent after July 1. They again didn't extend a qualifying offer to Bennett in June, but this time, the Devils and Bennett talked seriously about a return. Devils' lines, pairings in 17-18? "We never got into discussions with Beau. Again, I like Beau as a kid and I think it was a good, career year for him to get that opportunity," Devils general manager Ray Shero said. "We didn't qualify and he certainly signed to a lower number than that on a one-year deal, but I think for Beau, it was a good year to get traction, play a career high in games and so forth." Shero also drafted Beau with the 20th pick of the 2010 Draft when he was GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins, so the reunion in New Jersey made sense. But after one season, Bennett will move on to St. Louis, and the Devils will look for other options internally to fill a roster spot. "I like Beau a lot as a kid and he's a decent player," Shero said. "I'm glad we gave him the forum to do that, have a year where he's going to carry on with St. Louis this year." Forward Michael Cammalleri was bought out by the Devils just before NHL free agency opened on July 1, and he quickly signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Los Angeles Kings. He had two years and $10 million on his Devils contract at the time of the buyout. The move gave the Devils a little more cap space and the ability to give Shero some other options with younger players. "It was really more roster flexibility with somewhat of a younger group," Shero said." He had two years left on his contract. It's a good ending in terms of Mike, they originally had him in L.A. Provided he can stay healthy and he's certainly still a good player, but for me, it was more about our identity as a team and playing a certain way. "I wish Mike well. I really liked having Mike here for two years. I knew him a lot as a player but never as a person, so I really, really enjoyed him. Again, I think it's a good career move for him and I think it's the right thing for us moving forward." Chris Ryan may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRyan_NJ. Find NJ.com Devils on Facebook. Star Ledger LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070732 New Jersey Devils

5 NHL free agents the Devils could target

Updated July 06, 2017 Posted July 06, 2017 By Mark Fischer | For NJ Advance Media

Devils general manager Ray Shero has had himself a busy offseason. From selecting Nico Hischier with the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft to taking advantage of the Washington Capitals' salary cap woes and acquiring all-around forward Marcus Johansson, Shero is putting the Devils in a position to dig themselves out of the basement of the Eastern Conference. While Shero will look to give his younger players a chance to crack the NHL lineup and be everyday players in 2017-18, the Devils could benefit from signing one or two veteran free agents to short-term, stopgap deals in order to sure up the bottom of the lineup. If all else fails, Shero can always flip them for assets at the trade deadline if the Devils fall out of playoff contention. With over $20 million in cap space, here are five free agents the Devils could target during the remainder of the offseason. Andrei Markov (Defenseman) The Devils struck out on star Kevin Shattenkirk and could still use another defenseman. While Shero's best bet may be to explore the trade route — at the risk of causing a ruckus, center and fan favorite Adam Henrique could potentially fetch a solid return — there are a few solid defensemen still on the free agent market. 38-year-old Andrei Markov has spent his entire 16-year career in Montreal, but appears to be on the move. He plays the left side, and though he reportedly wants a two year deal worth $12 million, perhaps the Devils can convince him to sign on a one-year deal for a little extra money. They have around $20 million in cap space and he'd provide a much-needed offensive presence from the backend. Markov put up six goals and 30 assists last season in 62 games with the Canadiens and would instantly become a powerplay specialist for a team that ranked 22nd out of 30 teams last season. Markov could complement 22-year-old Steve Santini on a pairing as their playing styles would fit well together. Or he can bump John Moore to the third pairing and play alongside Ben Lovejoy. Cody Franson (Defenseman) Cody Franson won't wow you by any means, but he plays a solid defensive game and would provide stability on the backend. The argument against signing Franson is that he plays the right side, which seems full as of now. Damon Severson is locked into the top pairing, while Ben Lovejoy seems pinned into the middle unit. Based on the Devils being keen on giving their younger guys a shot, it looks like Santini, 22, will at least start his sophomore season with the big club. Would Franson be an upgrade over Lovejoy? Probably, but it comes down to whether it's enough for Shero to sign him. Alex Chiasson (Right wing) The Devils are no strangers to reclamation projects: Just see the recently departed Beau Bennett. Alex Chiasson, 26, is another low-risk high reward player and could help take the burden off some of the Devils younger players as they continue to adjust to the NHL. One of his biggest knocks is his lack of speed, which could scare off Shero as he tries to build a roster of fast, shifty skaters. Star Ledger LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070733 New Jersey Devils 58. Jesper Boqvist 59. Fabian Zetterlund Devils announce development camp roster, schedule 61. Austin Cangelosi 62. Nikita Pougaev Andrew Gross , Published 2:55 p.m. ET July 6, 2017 | Updated 5:14 p.m. 63. Jesper Bratt ET July 6, 2017 67. Marian Studenic

72. Robert Carpenter The Devils summer prospects development camp will run from July 11- 15 at The Barnabas Health Hockey House at Prudential Center, the team 74. Blake Speers announced Thursday afternoon. 77. Aarne Talvitie The 33-player roster includes the past four first-round picks, John 78. Nicolas Guay Quenneville, Pavel Zacha, Michael McLeod and Nico Hischier, selected No. 1 overall last month. Bergen Record LOADED: 07.07.2017 Camp participants Zacha, Miles Wood, Steven Santini, Michael Kapla, Quenneville and Blake Speers all suited up for the Devils last season. Nicolas Guay of Drummondville (QMJHL) and Boston College's Robert Carpenter, the son of former Devil Bobby Carpenter, will attend camp on a tryout basis. Nine of the Devils' 10 draft picks in June 23-24 in Chicago will be in attendance. Only seventh-round pick (No. 205), defenseman Yego Zaitsev of Russia is not on the roster list. No Devils file for arbitration Kovalchuk to remain in Russia for the next season There will be a three-on-three scrimmage on July 12 at 10 a.m. and a full scrimmage on July 15 at noon. The Devils said there were no tickets remaining for the Saturday scrimmage. There are still spots for fans to try to reserve seats for the Wednesday scrimmage by signing up here. Here is the camp roster: Goalies 55. Ken Appleby 60. Evan Cormier 65. Gilles Senn 70. Mackenzie Blackwood Defensemen 32. Michael Kapla 34. Steven Sanatini 45. Joshua Jacobs 48. Yaroslav Dyblenko 57. Reilly Walsh 68. Colton White 71. Colby Sissons 73. Jocktan Chainey 76. Jeremy Davies Forwards 33. Nico Hischier 37. Pavel Zacha 41. Michael McLeod 42. Nathan Bastian 44. Miles Wood 47. John Quenneville 49. Joey Anderson 51. Brandon Gignac 52. Brandon Baddock 54. Ryan Kujawinski 1070734 New York Islanders Sebastian Aho signed with the Islanders on Wednesday, just as head scout Vellu Kautonen hoped the 21-year-old would when the Isles selected Aho in the fifth round last month. The defenseman had a Isles prospect camp: Bellows, Barzal and more breakout 2016-17 with Skelleftea, his pro club in Sweden the last four years, posting 10 goals and 20 assists in 50 games.

“I got a lot of power play time and that helped,” Aho said. “Otherwise I Updated July 6, 2017 12:58 PM just had a lot of confidence in how I was playing.” By Arthur Staple Aho had a solid week of camp. He’ll likely need time to develop, even at the AHL level, where Brent Thompson will have a pretty solid corps to start this coming season. Aho, Toews, Wotherspoon, Mitch Vande Sompel and AHL veterans Seth Helgeson and Kane Lafranchise, along A few notes and observations left over from last week’s Islanders with possibly one of the Pelech/Mayfield/Pulock group could make prospect camp: Bridgeport a strong group on defense. Kieffer Bellows Ryan Hitchcock Kieffer Bellows is pumped to be heading to the Western League after a Ryan Hitchcock was one of the undrafted camp invitees who shined. The year at Boston University. Bellows looked good in the big games. He Manhasset native played for the Long Island Gulls 2011 bantam team played well in BU’s back-to-back overtime games in the NCAA regionals that made the national semifinals alongside future Blue Jackets first- and he was a strong contributor to the U.S. team’s gold-medal rounder Sonny Milano and Leafs draft pick J.J. Piccinich; Charlie McAvoy performance in the World Junior tournament in December. and Jeremy Bracco, two more first-rounders, were a year behind But Bellows never quite cracked the upper echelon of BU’s elite group of Hitchcock. forwards, and Portland in the WHL has been a factory for producing NHL Now 21 and entering his senior year at Yale, Hitchcock came to Isles players the last decade. Cody Glass, the sixth overall pick by Vegas, and prospect camp with one goal in mind. “Just to get noticed,” he said. “They Henri Jokiharju, the 29th pick by the Hawks, are both current Portland showed interest in me and I want to continue my career after next players. season.” “Caleb Jones was talking to me all through World Junior to get me to go Hitchcock will be Yale’s captain next season and he’ll certainly stay on there,” Bellows said. Caleb Jones is Seth Jones’ younger brother. the Isles’ radar. “[Coach] Mike Johnston really knows how to prepare guys for the NHL. I enjoyed my time at BU and I think this is going to get me ready to be a Scott Eansor pro.” Scott Eansor was Barzal’s teammate in Seattle the past three seasons Islanders' prospect camp and the 21-year-old Eansor showed enough last week to earn an AHL contract. The Islanders are painfully thin at forward at the AHL level, so The switch to Canadian junior hockey benefits the Islanders, of course, Eansor could get a decent run this coming season. because Bellows will turn pro after this coming season rather than keeping the possibility of staying in college another year or two. It was Goaltending notes clear through two scrimmages and a week of skills work that no Islanders forward prospect has a better or harder shot. Another interesting invite was goaltender Mareks Mitens. He was in net for Latvia at the World Junior tournament, which is a tough assignment Mathew Barzal and Josh Ho-Sang have been written about plenty for his home country, but the 19-year-old was the North American already and both had the look of players who have been through this Hockey League MVP this past season and is headed to Lake Superior week before. That’s not to say either of them were jaded about the State in the fall. prospect camp, knowing that the big camp in September is where their focus is. This was a strong camp for goaltenders. Linus Soderstrom was the big star and Eamon McAdam is heading into his second pro season, which Barzal in particular seemed attentive to detail. He said he thought he’d left little room for quality understudies. But Mitens looked good, as did been guilty of “trying to do too much” in the latter stages of both his , who won an NCAA title with Denver in April and was previous Islanders training camps and that may have cost him a spot in named top NCAA goaltender. 2015 – he was very, very close to being on the roster that season – and cost him valuable playing time at the start of last season, when he did Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 07.07.2017 stick with the Isles for a few weeks before going back to Seattle of the WHL. Ho-Sang is Ho-Sang – a young man who is very comfortable being who he is while also understanding that there’s work to be done. Parker Wotherspoon The various scouts and development people in the Islanders organization, like any organization, are eager to see what their draft picks and prospects will do. They are prone to hyperbole sometimes and you can see why – they’ve staked a lot on even late-round picks. Last year at this time, one member of the organization said, “Keep an eye on Devon Toews.” He was right: Toews ended up on the AHL’s All- Rookie team and now is trying to break into the group of young defensemen (Ryan Pulock, Scott Mayfield, Adam Pelech) who have a chance to play some real minutes with the Isles this season. This year it was, “Keep an eye on Parker Wotherspoon.” Wotherspoon doesn’t turn 20 until next month but he’s a pro now after another standout season for Tri-City in the WHL. He’s a terrific skater and has plenty of offensive instincts, a bit like Toews who is a fellow kid. “I got to see him a bit when I came up at the end of the season and he’s a really good player,” Wotherspoon said. “He really showed what he can do last season.” Wotherspoon has been getting some advice from older brother Tyler, who plays in the Flames’ organization. “That’s been more like stuff I’m going to need to do living on my own – cooking, shopping, that sort of thing,” Parker said. Sebastian Aho 1070735 Philadelphia Flyers develop a guy, have the guy for 15 years. That’s the way you would like to do things.

“Unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world here. Goalies are hard to Flyers welcome crop of prospects for weekend development camp hit on in the draft, which is why we’ve drafted quite a few of them over the last number of years. And we’re hoping to have a long-term solution here with one of our kids.’’ by Sam Donnellon, STAFF WRITER Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 07.07.2017

We’ve got this development camp all wrong, says. It’s not about us getting a look at them. It’s about them getting a look at us. “And if you walk out of here and learn how to prepare yourself better, how to be a better pro,’’ said the Flyers general manager, “that’s what we’re looking for. There’s no evaluation going on.’’ Maybe not by him. But it’s hard to believe that Carter Hart, the 18-year- old goaltender many believe could be a long-term solution to the Flyers’ longest-termed problem, isn’t going to cast an eagle eye on Swedish prospect Felix Sandstrom when the Flyers development camp begins bright and early Friday morning at Skate Zone in Voorhees. Or that Morgan Frost, their other first-round pick in June’s amateur draft — he was 27th overall — after second pick , won’t be paying particularly keen attention to Russian center German Rubtsov, last year’s first-round pick. Or that any of the young, talented defensemen, who will largely dictate the success of Hextall’s extensive rebuild, won’t be playing compare and contrast, either. Maybe you have heard. The Flyers have some spots up for grabs after trading away 25-goal scorer Brayden Schenn, losing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to the expansion draft, trading away Mark Streit and cutting ties with players such as , Michael Del Zotto and Chris Vandevelde. And at least a couple of the peach-fuzzed faces on the ice over the weekend are projected to be the latest pieces of the Flyers’ renewal. Oskar Lindblom, the 20-year-old named as the Swedish Professional League’s top forward, is a strong candidate to fill a left wing spot. Travis Sanheim has a chance to take one of the defenseman spots. Signed out of Union College, Hobey Baker finalist — who played a couple games for the Flyers at the end of last season — will likely vie for the fourth-line center spot with Scott Laughton, whom Hextall protected instead of Bellemare and about whom Hextall has been uncharacteristically effusive in praising this summer. Lindblom, Sanheim and Vecchione will be joined on the ice this weekend by other notable names such as Philippe Myers, Mark Friedman, Wade Allison and most of the players chosen in last month’s draft. Conspicuously missing of course will be Patrick, who underwent surgery on June 13 to repair a sports hernia on his left side that had adversely affected most of his previous season, allowing him to drop from the projected top pick in the draft and potentially into the Flyers’ starting lineup this fall. Hextall said on Wednesday that Patrick, who is in town and will attend the various off-ice events over the weekend, will resume skating in seven to 10 days and be ready when training camp begins in early September. Said Patrick, “I’m feeling really good. I think this is going to be the first time in about a year and a half that I’ll be able to skate without pain in that area.’’ Four goalies are expected to attend camp, most notably Hart and Sandstrom. Sandstrom was a third-round pick in the 2015 draft, chosen 70th overall. Taken 48th overall in the 2016 draft, Hart has won two consecutive goaltender of the year awards playing for the Everett Silvertips of the . And yet both appear to be blocked not just at the professional level, where Michal Neuvirth and Brian Elliott will start the season as a tandem, but at the AHL level as well. Both Anthony Stolarz and Alex Lyon played well last season for the Phantoms. After using a third-round pick acquired in the trade of to grab Russian goaltender Kirill Ustimenko and with the recent signing of Elliott, an unrestricted free agent, the Flyers have nine goaltenders in their system. For any other team that would smack as overkill, but Hextall is well aware of the team’s tortures filling that spot since he retired. So he’s doing with goalies what Sam Hinkie once did with 76ers draft picks. I only need to hit on one or two. “We look here and say we’ve had a lot of goalies,’’ Hextall said. “Well, most franchises have. Is it what we choose? No. We’d like to draft a guy, 1070736 Philadelphia Flyers With Michal Neuvirth and Brian Elliott signed to respective two-year contracts, one of the goalie prospects should emerge to be “the guy” for the 2019-20 season. 5 PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR 2017 FLYERS DEVELOPMENT CAMP Right now, Carter Hart appears to be the frontrunner. He was the No. 1 goaltender in the CHL with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League last season. By John Boruk | Comcast SportsNet July 06, 2017 9:20 PM Phantoms goalie Alex Lyon referred to Hart as “so physically gifted” and, impressively, he’s also incredibly mature for an 18-year-old with a deep understanding of the history of the goaltending position. General manager Ron Hextall doesn’t have high expectations for the incoming prospects during the Flyers development camp. It’s more a After backstopping Team Canada to the silver medal at the World Junior process of understanding expectations, learning how to be a professional Championships, Flyers fans can see for themselves the next franchise and meeting some of the organization’s prospects in the process (see goalie since the guy who drafted him. story). Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.07.2017 While you won’t be treated to up-and-down scrimmaging that showcases individual skills, here’s a look at five of the more intriguing prospects to keep an eye on: 1. Oskar Lindblom (No. 54) Everything about the 20-year-old (turns 21 on Aug. 15) left winger suggests he’s ready for the NHL and the Flyers feel the same as he signed his entry-level deal back in May. Lindblom was named the top forward for 2016-17 in the Swedish Elite League, where he put up 26 goals and 35 assists for 61 points in 72 games between the regular season and playoffs. The Flyers have produced very few late-round gems in the draft, but Lindblom appears to be a steal in Hextall’s first draft with the Flyers as he was selected in the fifth round (138th overall) of the 2014 entry draft. He fell mostly because his skating was below average and we’ll see how much he’s worked on that during the development camp. Overall, Lindblom has size, added muscle and plays a solid all-around game that certainly makes capable of scoring goals. 2. Philippe Myers (No. 61) The Flyers’ blue line cupboard is stocked with young talent, and with Robert Hagg and Samuel Morin expected to be the frontrunners for spots on the big club, Myers has become somewhat of the forgotten guy. NHL analyst Bob McKenzie tweeted back in January that Myers looked close to being NHL-ready based on the D-man’s play at the 2016 World Junior Championships. Myers is slightly smaller in build than Morin, but he has a big shot (scored 27 goals in a season and a half in the QMJHL). Hextall was blown away during a free-agent tryout in 2015 after Myers went undrafted the year before. Myers suffered a concussion during the WJC that kept him out until mid-February. It will be very interesting to see him with the other prospects this week. 3. German Rubtsov (No. 63) There was something unique about Rubtsov when Hextall made him the 22nd overall pick in last year’s draft as he selected the Russian over some big, highly skilled wingers. Hextall admitted the organization did more character digging on Rubtsov than perhaps any player he’s drafted. Rubtsov did not participate in the team’s prospect camp a year ago, so this will be our first look at him. Rubtsov carved up the QMJHL in the short amount of time he played, and in all likelihood, he will return to Chicoutimi for next season. From what little I’ve seen from Rubtsov, he has really good hockey sense and is the ideal two-way center Hextall prefers. 4. Morgan Frost (No. 68) Of the five prospects listed here, Frost is the youngest and furthest away from making the NHL. However, the name should stick with you considering he’s the player the entire scouting department was sold on when Hextall decided to add a late first-round pick when the Flyers traded Brayden Schenn to St. Louis. You may have also read Frost’s (now deleted) tweet from 2013 when he called the Flyers s*** following the team’s 7-0 blowout to the Capitals. Frost was just a kid and he’s obviously wised up as scouts and analysts rave about his smarts. Frost also has excellent acceleration on the ice, which is much needed for a team that lacks overall speed. 5. Carter Hart (No. 79) 1070737 Philadelphia Flyers some point in 2017-18. He's a big (6-4/199), dexterous, offensive-minded defenseman the Flyers selected in the first round of the 2014 draft.

No. 79, Carter Hart — The guy many feel is the Flyers' goalie of the 5 THINGS TO KNOW FOR 2017 FLYERS DEVELOPMENT CAMP future, Hart was the top netminder taken in the 2016 draft. He turns 19 years old in August and had an excellent junior season in 2016-17. By Jordan Hall | CSNPhilly.com July 06, 2017 8:30 PM Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.07.2017

Flyers development camp is always a chance to peek into the team's future a bit by getting an up-close look at the organization's prospects. The majority of the players in attendance each year are not ready to help the big club. Then again, sometimes there are a few directly on the NHL doorstep. and took part last July and were in the Flyers' opening night lineup three months later. Robert Hagg, Sam Morin and Mike Vecchione (camp invitation) participated in last camp, as well, and all three made their NHL debuts in April. So the annual youth gathering can feature prospects in all different stages of their development. But it's important to understand the meaning behind the camp and what it entails, so let's take a look at five things to know for the 2017 edition, which begins Friday morning in Voorhees, New Jersey. 1. No evaluation Flyers general manager Ron Hextall always emphasizes that development camp is not for player evaluation, but for teaching purposes. The Flyers' front office and development staff aren't taking copious amounts of notes to rank their prospect pool. The goal of camp is to introduce on-ice drills and off-ice fitness training, so throughout the season, prospects can utilize what they learned while they're away from the Flyers. And camp is also an opportunity for the prospects to get further acquainted with one another, as well as the Flyers' coaching staff and culture. A focus is put on building team bonding and practice habits. 2. No Patrick … sort of As many know, Nolan Patrick, the 2017 No. 2 overall pick, will not hit the ice. The 18-year-old center is recovering from surgery he underwent on June 13 to address a nagging sports hernia injury. Patrick is doing well, though, and expected to be fully ready for training camp in September, when he'll have a legitimate chance at winning a roster spot. On June 30, Hextall said Patrick was two to four weeks away from resuming full activities. "He's got long enough now where we believe he can be in shape and be at his best in training camp," Hextall said then. Patrick is already at Flyers Skate Zone and will be in the house for development camp — just not on the ice. He's expected to address the media late Friday morning. 3. Numbers to watch There will be plenty of players on each sheet of ice (both rinks are used, oftentimes simultaneously, at Skate Zone). Forty prospects are listed on the development camp roster. Let's give you five jersey numbers you'll want to keep an eye on when in attendance. No. 63, German Rubtsov — This was a number you watched closely in training camp last season, as Konecny wore it before taking No. 11 once he made the Flyers' roster. But anyway, Rubtsov was the Flyers' first- round pick (No. 22 overall) in 2016 and was not at last year's development camp. The Russian center just turned 19 last week. No. 54, Oskar Lindblom — The rising winger that has caught everybody's attention, Lindblom expectedly signed his entry-level contract in May. After a big season in the , Lindblom will be in a real push for a roster spot come training camp. He turns 21 years old in August. No. 61, Philippe Myers — An exciting 6-foot-5, 209-pound defenseman, Myers really impressed last training camp. He could be a dark horse in September to make the Flyers' roster. However, he'll likely be with the Phantoms, set for his first AHL season. No. 57, Travis Sanheim — Everybody knows Sanheim by now, but he's still very well worth watching because we may see him with the Flyers at 1070738 Philadelphia Flyers like there’s opportunity on our hockey team for young guys to step up and quite frankly we expect them to. We have multiple players that can step up.” 3 players to watch in Flyers development camp Courier-Post LOADED: 07.07.2017

Dave Isaac , @davegisaac Published 4:00 p.m. ET July 6, 2017

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: none of the 40 prospects at Flyers development camp are going to make the NHL roster this year based on what happens in the next week. In fact, general manager Ron Hextall has gone so far as to say the players aren’t being evaluated at all, even though they’ll be on the ice starting Friday and will even play in a 3-on-3 tournament Tuesday. The more important part of the camp, in Hextall’s eyes, happens off the ice when the players learn how to be pros. ISAAC: Uneventful free-agency period a sign Hextall’s plan is working Nevertheless, it’s a chance for a first impression ahead of September’s training camp and some players have a lot to gain. Here are three players to watch that could make a case for a promotion in September. Oskar Lindblom, LW, 2014 fifth-round pick Depending on who you ask, Lindblom is anything from a lock to a dark horse to make the NHL roster in the fall. This past season the Swedish winger was elite in his home country’s best league. His 22 goals were one off the league lead, a title held by teammate Kevin Clark, and he was fourth in the league in total points. Lindblom has been at this camp before, but this is the first time he has a shot at being on the NHL roster in the fall. In the eyes of Hextall, the Swedish league is just slightly beneath the American Hockey League in terms of difficulty. In the spring of 2016, when Lindblom’s Swedish team missed the playoffs, he came overseas and played eight games for the , racking up seven points. Penciling in a lineup for the Flyers two months ahead of training camp, it would appear there’s a spot on the third line available for Lindblom at left wing although there’s a lot of time left for things to change. Mikhail Vorobyev, C, 2015 fourth-round pick Notice the new spelling for the Russian center (it had been spelled Vorobyov in several places). Sometimes Russian surnames have a letter or two changed when being translated. For instance, when two-time Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky plays for his country, it says Bobrovski on the back. In any event, Vorobyev will play his first season in North America this fall. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound center did not renew his contract in the Kontinental Hockey League so that he could come overseas. He will likely play for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season. His KHL numbers last season weren’t great — 11 points in 44 games — but young players like Vorobyev, 20, don’t get big roles in Russia. He did on the World Junior squad last season as one of the older players on that squad. He led the tournament (by two) with 10 assists in seven games. There will surely be an adjustment period for Vorobyev between the larger European ice and the North American game. The organization is hoping that a small part of that can be suppressed in the next five days on the ice. Phil Myers, D, 2015 free agent Like Vorobyev, this is Myers’ first time at Flyers development camp. The undrafted blueliner missed last year nursing an injury and was at the Calgary Flames’ development camp in 2015. He earned a contract from the Flyers after a good showing in training camp a couple months later. Some who have watched Myers play believe the 6-foot-5, 209-pound defenseman can make the big jump from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to the NHL. That might be a stretch, but what works in his favor is that he’s a right-handed shot and the Flyers only have Radko Gudas at the NHL level as a righty. The Flyers have two slots open on defense and the plan is to have them filled with prospects. Sam Morin, Robert Hagg and Travis Sanheim may have the upper hand on Myers, but he’s got a shot. The Flyers will probably bring in a veteran defenseman on a tryout in camp, but only sign him if the prospects falter. “Part of drafting and developing is, yes, making your players earn it, but not boxing them out with older veterans,” Hextall said recently. “We feel 1070739 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins sign Minnesota-Duluth center Adam Johnson week after development camp

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Thursday, July 6, 2017, 12:45 p.m.

A few minutes after the Penguins wrapped up their development camp last weekend, director of player development was asked which of the young players on the ice impressed him the most. The first name out of his mouth was Adam Johnson. Five days later, the 22-year-old Minnesota native became a part of the organization. Johnson signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Penguins, the team announced Thursday. A 6-foot, 174-pound center who has also played on both wings and filled in on defense, Johnson was Minnesota-Duluth's second-leading scorer as a sophomore last season, recording 18 goals and 37 points in 42 games. Johnson scored an overtime goal in the regional finals to beat Boston University and send Minnesota-Duluth to the Frozen Four last season. Johnson was considered one of the top undrafted free agents in college hockey. He immediately will slot into the top tier of Penguins prospects, joining scoring wingers Daniel Sprong and Zach Aston-Reese and goalies Tristan Jarry and Filip Gustavsson. LEGENDARY.Adam Johnson sends Minnesota Duluth to the #FrozenFour ! pic.twitter.com/BJkDQoWzU4 — NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 26, 2017 The timing of Johnson's signing was a little unusual. In most cases, college underclassmen invited to development camps head back to school for at least one more season. Recchi stressed, however, that the camp is a tool the Penguins can use to recruit undrafted talent. In this case, the sales pitch went extraordinarily well. "We're trying to build a relationship with them as well and sell our program and get them here to our facilities and show them what we're all about," Recchi said. "I think our development track record is getting to be well known. These kids come in here with open eyes and open ears." The Penguins have a noteworthy history of getting the most out of college forwards. Undrafted Conor Sheary and draft picks Jake Guentzel, Bryan Rust and Scott Wilson, among others, are NCAA players who have become lineup regulars for the Penguins over the past two championship seasons. Adding Johnson helps the Penguins fortify a weak center spot on the organizational depth chart. With Nick Bonino signing with Nashville, Matt Cullen mulling retirement and Oskar Sundqvist sent to St. Louis in the Ryan Reaves trade, the Penguins have little in the way of NHL-caliber centers on the roster beyond Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. General manager Jim Rutherford has said he plans to add to the position via trade. In the meantime, Carter Rowney, another undrafted college free agent, is a top candidate for NHL center duty in the fall. Johnson moves to the front of a group of center prospects that includes Wilkes-Barre/Scranton players Teddy Blueger, Jean-Sebastien Dea and Thomas Di Pauli. Tribune Review LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070740 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penquins sign undrafted free agent Adam Johnson to a two year deal

SAM WERNER

The Penguins signed undrafted free agent forward Adam Johnson to a two-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Thursday. Johnson, 22, participated in the team's prospect development camp last week. He played college hockey at Minnesota-Duluth and had 18 goals and 37 points in 42 games as a sophomore last season. The deal will start this year and run through 2019. Post Gazette LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070741 Pittsburgh Penguins Phil Kessel pumps up the crowd on the Boulevard of the Allies during the Penguins' Stanley Cup parade June 14.

“He’s obviously been through a lot,” Recchi told the Post-Gazette’s Ron Cook: Penguins do good deed, take risky steps to help ex-star Kevin Mackey. “He’s clean. He’s sober. He’s trying to get his life in order and Stevens keep a lot of positive things in his life, so that’s why we brought him in here. He loves the game. He knows the game very well. We wanted to bring him in and have the kids hear his stories.” RON COOK Lemieux agreed, signing off on the decision. It’s nice to think this first baby-step back by Stevens will lead to a greater role for him in the Penguins organization. The reaction was jarring, a two-time Stanley Cup champion returning to the city where he was beloved and being greeted with consternation and There are no guarantees with Stevens, of course. There never are even contempt. But maybe that’s why the Penguins decided to bring guarantees when it comes to someone with addictions. It really is a one- Kevin Stevens back to Pittsburgh and back to their organization in the day-at-a-time thing. But if Stevens can help at least one young person by first place. They knew he had a horrific story about addiction to tell, one sharing his story, he will be worth having around. My guess is he will help that would offend many but maybe, just maybe, help a lot of kids. a lot more. “I think it was pretty impactful on the young guys. They were all listening,” Ron Cook: [email protected] and Twitter @RonCookPG. Ron former Stevens teammate Mark Recchi told the Pittsburgh Post- Cook can be heard on the “Cook and Poni” show weekdays from 10 a.m. Gazette’s Jason Mackey of Stevens’ work late last month at Penguins to 2 p.m. on 93.7 The Fan. development camp. Post Gazette LOADED: 07.07.2017 I applaud , Recchi and the Penguins for taking another chance on Stevens, 52, a very decent man, who still is fighting his addiction demons on a daily basis. I see a lifeline for Stevens, perhaps the final one he will be able to grab. Of greater significance, I see big benefits for a lot of young people. The hockey players whom Stevens addressed at the camp are too young to remember that he was the NHL’s best power forward in the early 1990s. Man, he was something special, scoring 40 goals on the Cup- winning team in 1991 and 54 more when they repeated in 1992. He long will be fondly remembered here for guaranteeing a series victory against Boston in the 1991 playoffs after the Penguins lost the first two games. The Penguins had conversations with both Brian Dumoulin, left, and Conor Sheary about long-term extensions. Stevens scored 55 goals in 1993 when the Penguins lost Game 7 of their second-round playoff series to the New York Islanders. There likely would have been a three-peat if he hadn’t experienced one of the worst injuries in NHL history in the first period of that Game 7 overtime loss. “That was our best team,” Lemieux still insists. Google video of Stevens’ collision with the Islanders’ Rich Pilon but be warned it is for mature audiences only. Stevens was knocked unconscious and landed face-first on the Civic Arena ice, leaving players on both teams and a crowd of 16,164 stunned and sickened. When doctors peeled the skin down from Stevens’ forehead, they looked at all the broken bones and compared the damage to someone stepping on a potato chip. They put in metal plates during a 4½-hour surgery, rolled the skin back up and needed more than 100 stitches to secure it. Stevens scored 41 goals the next season, but many close to him will tell you he was never the same player or same person again. He always liked to drink and showed signs of being an alcoholic early in his career. But that was just the start of his problems. Addiction knows no boundaries. In January 2000 Stevens, who by then had moved on from the Penguins to Boston to the Los Angeles Kings to the New York Rangers, was arrested in a St. Louis suburban hotel for smoking crack cocaine with a prostitute. But the worst still was to come. Stevens was convicted in May on federal drug charges of conspiring to sell the painkiller oxycodone between April 2015 and March 2016. U.S. District Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. gave Stevens a break, sentencing him to three years’ probation with a $10,000 fine, much to the dismay of prosecutors, who wanted a one-year prison sentence for Stevens. O’Toole said he weighed jail time — the co-conspirator in Stevens’ case was given 18 months in prison — against the possibility of sabotaging any progress Stevens had made in his on-going rehabilitation from that horrible 1993 injury. O’Toole also ordered Stevens to give motivational speeches about the dangers of addiction and prescription drugs. That’s where Recchi came in. Recchi, who is the Penguins’ director of player development, played with Stevens on the 1991 Cup-winning team and was voted last month into the . Like Stevens’ other teammates, Recchi adored him. Stevens was the Marc-Andre Fleury of his generation in terms of popularity in the team room. Recchi had followed Stevens’ struggles with addiction over the years, his unsuccessful trips to multiple rehab centers. Recchi and Lemieux had taken part in at least one intervention with Stevens. Despite their tough love and best efforts, the Penguins had to fire Stevens as a scout a few years ago, not because he was bad at the job, but because he was undependable the way addicts often are. 1070742 Pittsburgh Penguins Jason Mackey Conor Sheary and Brian Dumoulin head to arbitration; what's next? Penguins do good deed, take risky steps to help ex-star Kevin Stevens “He’s obviously been through a lot,” Recchi told the Post-Gazette’s Mackey. “He’s clean. He’s sober. He’s trying to get his life in order and keep a lot of positive things in his life, so that’s why we brought him in RON COOK here. He loves the game. He knows the game very well. We wanted to bring him in and have the kids hear his stories.”

Lemieux agreed, signing off on the decision. It’s nice to think this first The reaction was jarring, a two-time Stanley Cup champion returning to baby-step back by Stevens will lead to a greater role for him in the the city where he was beloved and being greeted with consternation and Penguins organization. even contempt. But maybe that’s why the Penguins decided to bring Kevin Stevens back to Pittsburgh and back to their organization in the There are no guarantees with Stevens, of course. There never are first place. They knew he had a horrific story about addiction to tell, one guarantees when it comes to someone with addictions. It really is a one- that would offend many but maybe, just maybe, help a lot of kids. day-at-a-time thing. But if Stevens can help at least one young person by sharing his story, he will be worth having around. My guess is he will help “I think it was pretty impactful on the young guys. They were all listening,” a lot more. former Stevens teammate Mark Recchi told the Pittsburgh Post- Gazette’s Jason Mackey of Stevens’ work late last month at Penguins Post Gazette LOADED: 07.07.2017 development camp. I applaud Mario Lemieux, Recchi and the Penguins for taking another chance on Stevens, 52, a very decent man, who still is fighting his addiction demons on a daily basis. I see a lifeline for Stevens, perhaps the final one he will be able to grab. Of greater significance, I see big benefits for a lot of young people. The hockey players whom Stevens addressed at the camp are too young to remember that he was the NHL’s best power forward in the early 1990s. Man, he was something special, scoring 40 goals on the Cup- winning team in 1991 and 54 more when they repeated in 1992. He long will be fondly remembered here for guaranteeing a series victory against Boston in the 1991 playoffs after the Penguins lost the first two games. Stevens scored 55 goals in 1993 when the Penguins lost Game 7 of their second-round playoff series to the New York Islanders. There likely would have been a three-peat if he hadn’t experienced one of the worst injuries in NHL history in the first period of that Game 7 overtime loss. “That was our best team,” Lemieux still insists. Google video of Stevens’ collision with the Islanders’ Rich Pilon but be warned it is for mature audiences only. Stevens was knocked unconscious and landed face-first on the Civic Arena ice, leaving players on both teams and a crowd of 16,164 stunned and sickened. When doctors peeled the skin down from Stevens’ forehead, they looked at all the broken bones and compared the damage to someone stepping on a potato chip. They put in metal plates during a 4½-hour surgery, rolled the skin back up and needed more than 100 stitches to secure it. Stevens scored 41 goals the next season, but many close to him will tell you he was never the same player or same person again. He always liked to drink and showed signs of being an alcoholic early in his career. But that was just the start of his problems. Addiction knows no boundaries. In January 2000 Stevens, who by then had moved on from the Penguins to Boston to the Los Angeles Kings to the New York Rangers, was arrested in a St. Louis suburban hotel for smoking crack cocaine with a prostitute. But the worst still was to come. Stevens was convicted in May on federal drug charges of conspiring to sell the painkiller oxycodone between April 2015 and March 2016. U.S. District Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. gave Stevens a break, sentencing him to three years’ probation with a $10,000 fine, much to the dismay of prosecutors, who wanted a one-year prison sentence for Stevens. O’Toole said he weighed jail time — the co-conspirator in Stevens’ case was given 18 months in prison — against the possibility of sabotaging any progress Stevens had made in his on-going rehabilitation from that horrible 1993 injury. O’Toole also ordered Stevens to give motivational speeches about the dangers of addiction and prescription drugs. That’s where Recchi came in. Recchi, who is the Penguins’ director of player development, played with Stevens on the 1991 Cup-winning team and was voted last month into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Like Stevens’ other teammates, Recchi adored him. Stevens was the Marc-Andre Fleury of his generation in terms of popularity in the team room. Recchi had followed Stevens’ struggles with addiction over the years, his unsuccessful trips to multiple rehab centers. Recchi and Lemieux had taken part in at least one intervention with Stevens. Despite their tough love and best efforts, the Penguins had to fire Stevens as a scout a few years ago, not because he was bad at the job, but because he was undependable the way addicts often are. The Penguins had conversations with both Brian Dumoulin, left, and Conor Sheary about long-term extensions. 1070743 San Jose Sharks “I was just able to fit in with the system and the team,” DeSimone said. “I didn’t really have much time to think about it. I just jumped right in and everybody was great from the coaching staff to the rest of the team.” Unlikely hero emerges at Sharks prospects scrimmage — Team Ricci was led by Kevin Labanc while Timo Meier manned the ship for Team Marchment. By PAUL GACKLE | July 7, 2017 at 12:03 am San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 07.07.2017

SAN JOSE — Sean Dhooghe will remember July 6, 2017 for the rest of his life. The soon-to-be freshman at the University of Wisconsin stole the show at the Sharks fifth annual prospects scrimmage Thursday, endearing himself to the roughly 3,000 fans in attendance at the SAP Center by using his diminutive stature to weave in and out of traffic and create space for his teammates. Thornton on re-signing with Sharks: ‘That’s where my heart is, that’s where I’m happy’ The 5-foot-3, 140-pound forward used his speed, elusiveness and vision to set up the opening goal in Team Ricci’s 7-4 win over Team Marchment, and even though his squad came out on the losing end, Dhooghe got carried off the ice by his teammates at the end of the game. How do you know you’re a fan favorite? You get the John Scott treatment after the game. #Dhooghe #Dhooghe #Dhooghe pic.twitter.com/qm0dfTRZhH — San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 7, 2017 “It’s unbelievable,” Dhooghe said. “It’s good to know that I’ve got people on my side like that. Having the support, not only from the players on my team and the other team, coaches, the rest of the staff, but the crowd. It’s a big deal knowing that people believe in you and people know that you can do it.” Dhooghe, who went undrafted in his first year of eligibility last month, took advantage of his invitation to Sharks development camp this week, electrifying the crowd every time he stepped on the ice. Sean Dhooghe discusses hearing the crowd at SAP chant his name at #SJSharks development scrimmage pic.twitter.com/Arsh3r1CNU — Paul Gackle (@GackleReport) July 7, 2017 As the seconds ticked off the clock at the end of the scrimmage, the crowd at the Tank started chanting, “we want Dhooghe.” They erupted when he jumped over the boards to compete in the shootout portion of the scrimmage and nearly scored a goal. “I don’t think I’ve heard nearly that many people chant my name before,” Dhooge said. “It was unbelievable.” — Dylan Gambrell reminded the Sharks why selected him with their top pick in last year’s draft. Now, it’s decision time.

Gambrell scored two goals for Team Ricci in the prospects scrimmage, looking more like a first-round pick than the 60th-overall selection in the 2016 NHL Draft. The 20-year-old forward scored his first goal by redirecting a point shot in the high slot and he recorded a second during 3-on-3 play by burning past a pair of defenders, and toe-dragging through another one in the slot before flipping a backhand shot into the top shelf. In the near future, Gambrell will make a decision on whether to turn pro and join the AHL Barracuda next season or return to the University of Denver, where he won an NCAA title last spring. “I like school. Education’s really important,” Gambrell said. “But if the opportunity’s right, it could be time.” — Speaking of unlikely heroes, DeSimone continued to cement his spot on the Barracuda’s roster Thursday night, scoring two first period goals in his team’s loss. The 23-year-old defenseman opened the scoring by burying Dhooghe’s feed into the top-right corner and he used an opposing defender to create a screen on a goal from above the right circle later in the period. DeSimone played an unexpected role in the Barracuda’s run to the conference finals this spring after joining the squad out of Union College with just four games left in the regular season. The mobile blue liner locked down the final spot on the Barracuda’s backend, collecting six points (1g, 5a) in 13 playoff games. 1070744 St Louis Blues That’s especially true if you’re with the Blues, who could have as many as nine players age 24 or younger on their opening-night roster next season: Robby Fabbri (21), Oskar Sundqvist (23), Ivan Barbashev (21), Sooner, not later, for the best kids Zach Sanford (22), Dmitrij Jaskin (24), Joel Edmundson (24), Petteri Lindbohm (23), Colton Parayko (24) and Jordan Schmaltz (23). And that doesn’t include the potential of a prospect such as Klim Kostin (18). By Jeremy Rutherford St. Louis Post-Dispatch “I think with the way we’ve turned our team over to the young core, it’s exciting to see new young players come on board with the enthusiasm that they have,” Taylor said. “We saw what a Robby Fabbri can do a year after his draft and Colton Parayko coming in. You look at Joel For Blues’ first-round pick Robert Thomas, the feeling would come Edmundson, who’s become a top four (defenseman) now in the National whenever he turned on the TV last season and watched Toronto, Calgary Hockey League. or Arizona play. “We don’t know that these players can’t make it their first year, but again Thomas’ former teammates with the London Knights of the Ontario with the league now, there’s a lot more forgiveness in young players. Hockey League — Mitch Marner, Matthew Tkachuk and Christian Dvorak You’re not necessarily taking them over a veteran all the time, but we’re — were NHL rookies in 2016-17. They combined for 47 goals and 142 allowing these young players to play themselves into lineups. The points as rookies with the Maple Leafs, Flames and Coyotes, influence that they have on the rest of our players is pretty unique. It’s respectively. exciting for these guys knowing they can come in and make a roster.” “They made that jump pretty easily and pretty successfully,” Thomas St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 07.07.2017 said. “They all had pretty solid seasons and they all impacted their team a lot.” The takeaway was two-fold for Thomas, who the Blues took with the No. 20 pick last month. The success of his junior hockey teammates gave him confidence that he can play in the NHL, and proved by their early production, perhaps sooner than later. “It definitely does,” Thomas said after last week’s prospect camp. “There’s definitely a lot of work that has to be done to get there. But it’s nice to see that a lot of the younger guys are making it earlier. It’s cool to see that I was playing with them one year and the next year they’re all in the NHL.” The London trio wasn’t the only group of first-year players to make a good first impression last season. In the final voting for the Calder Trophy, won by Toronto’s Auston Matthews, Marner was the highest finisher among Thomas’ ex-teammates at No. 4, Tkachuk was No. 7 and Dvorak didn’t even make the Top 10. In other words, the league is now littered with youngsters who are already regulars. “I think (the prospects) see that throughout the league, not just one team,” Blues director of player development Tim Taylor said. “They’re looking at players they played with a year or two ago and now they’re NHL players and impactful players on their respective teams. “The direction that the league is going now is that you need young guys to fill your lineup, not to just stabilize your salary structure but also to build that vibrant attitude that they bring to the game. I think it does give all these kids hope that it can happen sooner or later as long as they put the work in. Obviously there’s going to be growing pains with young players, but coaches seem more apt now to let that slide because the pace of their game is so much better.” That’s what Thomas noticed watching Marner, Tkachuk and Dvorak last season. And what he didn’t catch, London coach made sure they saw it. “It’s definitely a lot faster and quicker pace,” Thomas said. “They’re capitalizing a lot on turnovers and quick transition, and I think it’s part of the game that applies to me, sort of suits my game. In London, our coaches showed us game film of them, just clips about different skill things that he thinks we should apply to our game.” The first-rounder wasn’t the only Blues’ prospect watching a former teammate in the NHL last season and taking notes. Nolan Stevens, a fifth-round pick of the club in 2016, is a senior-to-be at Northeastern University in Boston. That’s where he played with Matthew Benning, a defenseman who made his NHL debut with Edmonton last season. Stevens and the Huskies actually got a live look at Benning on Jan. 5, when Edmonton traveled to play Boston. He had an assist in the Oilers’ 4-3 win over the Bruins. “It was kind of surreal for us,” said Stevens, the son of Los Angeles Kings coach John Stevens. “He’s kind of big time now, an NHL player, but he’s still the same guy we’ve always known. But to see him in an NHL jersey put things in perspective, like ‘You’re not that far away and keep working.’ “It was pretty cool to see one of our guys get that kind of opportunity, and you can use that as a motivator. You’ve seen him go through his habits and you can use that as a benchmark. If he can do it, it’s not impossible. The league is getting younger, so it’s a cool time to be a hockey player.” 1070745 St Louis Blues on ESPN at the same time as the field is reduced to the last three players. The champion will be crowned on July 22, a Saturday — or, more likely in the wee hours of July 23 if the trend of recent years holds. Pang, with new Blues deal, ‘overwhelmed’ by fan support That coverage, on ESPN, starts at 8 p.m. In addition to the ESPN/ESPN2 coverage, additional streaming video will be available at Pokergo for a fee. By Dan Caesar St. Louis Post-Dispatch St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 07.07.2017

A week ago was in limbo, unsure if he would be back for his ninth season as the analyst on Fox Sports Midwest’s Blues telecasts. His contract had expired, and he said the initial offer he received to return was for less money than he made under his previous deal. That covers his FSM pay as well as compensation from the team that he receives for making public appearances and doing advertising work on its behalf. But after his contract status became public in the Post-Dispatch and at STLtoday.com last Friday and there was public outcry in support of Pang on social media, things progressed rapidly. A deal for him to remain in those roles was agreed to within 36 hours. “I was absolutely delighted,” Pang said this week. “A phone call came later in the day (Friday). Then by late Saturday, we had the deal done. I was elated, thrilled, relieved. I didn’t want to go anywhere else. (Fox Sports Midwest) president Jack Donovan, the Blues and (owner) Tom Stillman, they all stepped up. It was great news for a long holiday weekend.” Pang has been at his summer home in Michigan, boating and playing golf, and apparently hasn’t been spending much time monitoring social media. But his buddies in St. Louis are. “I was notified by a lot of my friends at Meadowbrook Country Club — where I play a lot of golf — about the reaction there,” Pang said. “I was overwhelmed. It was humbling. I don’t take those things for granted. It was incredible.” Though he did tweet: “I’d like to thank the great fans of the (Blues) and (Fox Sports Midwest) for their incredible support,” also acknowledging his agents. “Awesome!” Fox Sports Midwest officials would not discuss the matter in detail because the contract has not been signed. “We can confirm the verbal agreement and current process of finalizing the contract and are looking forward to Darren Pang returning to our Blues broadcasts, among the best in the country,” FSM said in a statement. Pang is happy things were resolved so rapidly once they became public, after having dragged since the Blues’ season ended. And he had talked of looking elsewhere for work. “I think we all wanted something done sooner than later” in St. Louis, he said. “That was very important, though we had no deadline.” Pang said the contract is for three years and has no change in the duties he previously had with FSM and the club. He plans to sign it soon and now is happy with the compensation. “I feel very much appreciated,” he said. “This makes me feel like a top broadcaster, an appreciated broadcaster. That’s important to me. ... I’m really happy both parties stepped up to make this deal.” POKER PARADE The main event of the World Series of Poker has outdrawn hockey and other mainstream events in television ratings in the past, and organizers have significantly change the format for this year’s event. That will lead to more live TV coverage than ever before, an estimated minimum of 40 hours spread between ESPN and ESPN2. At least 6,000 competitors are expected in the event at the Rio hotel in Las Vegas, which costs $10,000 to enter, and the winner is expected to reap at least $8 million. The other eight finalists are in line for at least $1 million. The main event begins Saturday with three days of first-round play. ESPN2 will have coverage from 3-7 p.m., then from 1-5 p.m. Sunday for Day 2. After a break Monday, ESPN jumps in Tuesday night and there will be coverage on one of those networks each night through July 17 except next Thursday. July 17 is when the field is whittled to nine. In recent years, there has been a long gap between cutting the field to nine and the beginning of play at the “final table” — from July until late October or early November. This year there will be only a two-day break, with play set to resume July 20 and continue until three players are eliminated. ESPN2 has that coverage, starting at 8 p.m. On July 21, it’s 1070746 Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs prospect Dominic Toninato to become free agent

By KEVIN MCGRAN

Maple Leafs prospect Dominic Toninato will become a free agent Aug. 15 after the team declined to offer him an NHL entry-level deal. Toninato, a 23-year-old centre drafted in 2012, declined the team’s offer of an entry-level deal last year, choosing instead to finish his four-year degree at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. His agent, Neil Sheehy, said Toninato wanted to sign with the Leafs but GM was only offering an AHL contract with the Marlies. “It’s not that he doesn’t want to sign with the Leafs, but he didn’t get that option,” said Sheehy. “There’s no other choice but to become a free agent on Aug. 15.” Had Toninato signed with the Leafs last year, he most likely would have played for the Marlies and he’d be considered one of the 50 professional contracts NHL teams are allowed. But he would not have finished school. “He likes Toronto and would have signed with Toronto,” said Sheehy. “But they were not able to do anything. We want people to know he is going to be a free agent.” Toninato was captain of the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, who lost the U.S. college hockey final to Denver. Toninato had 16 goals and 13 assists in 42 games. After Toninato graduated, the Leafs had asked the Toninato camp to be patient to see where things stood after July 1 when the team was free to pursue free agents. When the roster for the Leafs rookie development camp — which opens Friday at the MasterCard Centre — was announced last week, Toninato’s name was not on the list but he expressed optimism a deal was forthcoming. After the Leafs signed Patrick Marleau, Lamoriello told Sheehy they were reluctant to sign Toninato to an NHL deal, offering an AHL one instead. The Leafs now have 48 players under contract and one more — restricted free agent Connor Brown — to go. “The Leafs have been very successful very early in their rebuilding process,” said Sheehy, “and with that success comes hard decisions especially when you only have 50 contract spots.” Most teams only ever have 47-to-49 players under contract, preferring to keep a spot or two open to allow wiggle room for 2-for-1 trades during the season. The Leafs have been using the AHL option for a number of their prospects. Tony Cameranesi — Toninato’s one-time college teammate and a 2011 fifth-round pick — signed an AHL deal last year. J.J. Piccinich, the 103rd pick in 2014 and captain of the London Knights last season, signed a two-year AHL deal with the Marlies that starts next season. College players that play their full four years at school have the option to become free agents on Aug. 15 in the year they graduate, according to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. A handful of players have over the past few years, including including Jimmy Vesey, who signed with Rangers last year after having been drafted by the Nashville Predators. It’s possible the Leafs could trade Toninato’s rights for picks, but Sheehy said it was doubtful anyone would knowing all they have to do is wait until Aug. 15. Toronto Star LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070747 Toronto Maple Leafs (Draft position where noted, others are camp invites) Goalies (6) Development camp about teaching kids 'what the Maple Leafs are all Connor Murphy - Springfield USPHL about' Jordan Papirny - Swift Current WHL

Mathew Robson - Penticton BCHL BY LANCE HORNBY, TORONTO SUN Antoine Samuel - Baie-Comeau QMJHL

Ian Scott - Prince Albert WHL // 2017 draft // 110th After weeks of economic lectures and conjecture on the Maple Leafs and their salary cap, how about some live on-ice action this week? Joseph Woll - Boston College // 2016 draft // 62nd Talent evaluations for the 2017-18 season begin Friday morning when 57 Defencemen (20) players gather for the annual prospects camp. The team’s last two draft Ryan Cook - Merrick Hockey East classes will strongly represented, with the top of this year’s group on hand (Timothy Liljegren, Eemeli Rasanen and Fedor Gordeev) alongside Marc-Olivier Duquette - Drummondville QMJHL those overshadowed by No. 1 overall Auston Matthews in 2016. Sean Durzi - Owen Sound OHL The majority of campers are 37 “invites,” or players the Leafs liked but didn’t draft or sign, who want to take in the NHL experience for a few Joseph Garreffa - Kitchener OHL days and perhaps catch management’s eye for future work with the Fedor Gordeev - Hamilton OHL // 2017 draft // 141st Marlies or the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears. J.D. Greenway - Wisconsin Big 10 // 2016 draft // 72nd The entire roster gathered Thursday night for a team dinner, where traditionally coach , general manager Lou Lamoriello or Mac Hollowell - Sault Ste. Marie OHL someone in upper management speaks. Grant Hutton - Miami NCHC “What we like to have happen is that they understand what the philosophy is, what the culture is, what’s expected of them,” Lamoriello Jeff King - Sarnia OHL said. “They also get to know each other, meet the coaches and understand exactly what the Maple Leafs are all about. And it’s also to Timothy Liljegren - Rogle SHL // 2017 draft // 17th give us an opportunity to see how they play and what they’re doing.” Nicolas Mattinen - London OHL // 2016 draft // 179th Scott Pellerin, the club’s director of player development, will be running Keaton Middleton - Saginaw OHL // 2016 draft // 101st the camp, while Leaf assistant coaches Jim Hiller, D.J. Smith and Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe will be on the ice with the kids. Aleksi Mustaniemi - Salem State MASCA The camp will be split in two groups, which will practice and play a daily Ryan O’Connell - St. Andrew’s College CAHS // 2017 draft // 203rd scrimmage game Saturday through Wednesday. Other elements of the camp usually focus on power skating and off-ice guidance for nutrition, Reagan O’Grady - Sudbury OHL strength and conditioning, social media awareness and team-building Eemeli Rasanen - Kingston OHL // 2017 draft // 59th exercises. Alec Rauhauser - Bowling Green State WCHA “We’re treating everyone the same,” Pellerin said in a previous interview. “This is a teaching environment. It’s July, we’re not here to make any big Jonathan Smart - Kelowna/Regina WHL statements, we just want them to be ready for training camp and their seasons (in various leagues).” Jakob Stridsberg - Arizona State NCAA [email protected] Vladislav Yeryomenko - Calgary WHL Five players of note at camp Forwards (31) — D Timothy Liljegren, 2017 draft, 17th overall Corey Andonovski St. Andre’s College CAHS Six-foot Swede would have to do something extraordinary this summer Vladimir Bobylev - Victoria WHL // 2016 draft // 122nd and at rookie camp not to go back to his club team Rogle, but the Leafs Jeremy Bracco -Windsor OHL // 2015 draft // 61st aren’t ruling out some way to keep this two-way defender close to home at the OHL or AHL level. Adam Brooks - Regina WHL // 2016 draft // 92nd — D Eemeli Rasanen, 2017 draft, 59th overall Nikolai Chebykin - KHL // 2016 draft // 182nd Look up, waaaay up. At 6-foot-6 and still growing, the Leafs want to see if Cole Coskey - Saginaw OHL his hockey mind has caught up to his body. A year in the OHL at Kingston has helped. He can score too, and like Liljegren, shoots right, Logan DeNoble - Peterborough OHL which the organization needs. Connor Dewar - Everett WHL — F Jeremy Bracco, 2015 draft, 61st overall Martins Dzierkals - Rouyn-Noranda // 2015 draft // 68th The deep pool of speedy, savvy young forwards the Leafs have drafted Pierre Engvall - Mora SHL // 2014 draft // 188th and developed the past few years includes this Memorial Cup champion with Windsor, who had 83 OHL points last year. Babcock likes what he Benjamin Freeman - Connecticut Hockey East sees, but as always wants 5-foot-10 water bugs such as Bracco to get stronger. Glenn Gustafsson - Orebro SHL — F Adam Brooks, 2016 draft, 92nd overall Taro Hirose - Michigan State Big 10 With 291 junior points in the WHL his last two seasons (regular season Dakota Joshua - Ohio State Big 10 // 2014 draft // 128th and playoffs) and lots of personal growth, it’s easy to see why the Leafs gave him an entry-level contract. Ready for his next step up the ladder. Austen Keating - Ottawa OHL — G Mathew Robson, camp invite Nikita Korostelev - Peterborough OHL Toronto native and former Marlie midget teammate of Connor McDavid Jesse Koskenkorva - Karpat Finland has been in the B.C. junior league waiting for an NCAA home while Kirill Kozhevnikov - Yugra KHL sitting out a penalty phase for briefly playing in the OHL. He’s now committed to the University of Minnesota, which rarely takes . Cedric Lacroix - Maine Hockey East 2017 Leaf Development Camp roster Kyle Maksimovich - Erie OHL Mason Marchment - Toronto AHL Ryan McGregor - Sarnia OHL // 2017 draft // 172nd Ethan McIndoe - Spokane WHL Linus Nyman - Kingston OHL J.J. Piccinich - London OHL // 2014 draft // 103rd Kristian Pospisil - Sioux City USHL Austin Rueschhoff - Dubuque USHL Sami Tavernier - Merrimack Hockey East Jacob Tortora - USNDTP Jerry Turkulainen - JYP Finland Nolan Vesey - Maine Hockey East // 2014 draft // 158th Toronto Sun LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070748 Toronto Maple Leafs Del Zotto, who is far from an all-around defenceman, can be a very effective puck mover on a second pairing. If deployed properly, the former Flyer/Predator/Ranger could be a bargain at his $3M yearly price Toronto Maple Leafs are all in, but Connor McDavid's compromise will tag. cost Auston Matthews: 10 off-season observations Gagner’s value as a 27-year-old middle-six forward (38-50 points in all but one of his 10 seasons) with power-play chops makes the $3.15M- per-year commitment seem fair. His career-high 50 points last season for By John Matisz Columbus is more reality than mirage. 6. The Memorial Cup brain drain is real After handfuls of coaching and front-office hires and fires, the Vegas The Memorial Cup has always been an excellent showcase for on-ice expansion draft and NHL awards extravaganza, the Hall of Fame talent. The national junior hockey championship also gives budding induction announcement and five days of free agency, it’s a safe bet the coaching and executive types free advertising. flurry of post-Stanley Cup activity is on its last legs. This off-season, the amount of off-ice talent recruited to the pro ranks Before packing it in for the summer, though, let’s pause and reflect. Here from the 2017 Memorial Cup squads seems abnormally high. are 10 observations from a truly wild and wacky NHL off-season. Three of four head coaches have moved on in recent weeks, with the 1. McDavid’s compromise won’t help poster boys AHL hiring Rocky Thompson (Windsor Spitfires) as its head coach, Kris Knoblauch (Erie Otters) joining the Flyers’ bench as an On Tuesday, Connor McDavid admitted to leaving money on the table assistant and Steve Konowalchuk () accepting an (reportedly US$750,000 per year) when he signed an eight-year, $100 assistant coach job with the Ducks. Completing the full circle, the Saint million contract extension with the Oilers. John Sea Dogs bid farewell to assistant Paul Boutilier, the AHL ’ newest assistant coach. We can debate for days the merits of trimming your earnings by $6 million for the good of the team. What really piques my interest is the 7. Golden Knights made noise at entry draft effect McDavid’s selflessness will have on the earning potential of the marquee young forwards who are eligible next summer for second- In a few short years, it feels as though we’ll be looking back on the entry contract deals. draft — and not the expansion draft — as the selection process that provided the NHL’s 31st team with impact skaters. Compared to an alternate universe in which McDavid accepted a reported $13.25M offer, Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine and Mitch Marner Forwards Cody Glass (sixth overall) and Nick Suzuki (13th) and will now likely command fewer dollars. McDavid is the benchmark, and defenceman Erik Brannstrom (15th) were all savvy choices by Vegas, his actions, on and off the ice, set the dominoes in motion. according to post-draft evaluations from most independent scouts. 2. Don’t sleep on the sneaky Hurricanes Additionally, the advanced stats community is particularly high on the 5- foot-11, 183-pound Suzuki, a versatile centre for the OHL’s Owen Sound Carolina has brought in an underrated point producer in Justin Williams, Attack. Although he was one of the youngest members of the 2017 draft defensive specialist in Marcus Kruger and solid No. 4/5 defenceman in class, Suzuki collected a boatload of primary points, and the bulk of his Trevor van Riemsdyk this off-season. And in May, general manager Ron production came during 5-on-5 play. Francis acquired starting goalie Scott Darling. Solid haul. 8. Kovalchuk slowly becoming no big deal The Hurricanes were a top-10 puck possession team in 2016-17 — despite trusting Cam Ward to stop pucks in 61 of 82 regular-season Ilya Kovalchuk was a generational sniper in his prime. But I’m not sold on games — and subtracted no one of consequence these last few months. his perceived value currently and in the future. Do the math. Kovalchuk is 34 and staying in Russia for at least one more year. He’ll 3. O’Ree (somehow) flying under the radar surely garner considerable attention if and when he decides to return to North America. By then, though, will joining the bidding war for In late June, when the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017 was Kovalchuk’s services even be worth it? unveiled and support streamed in for players like Sergei Zubov and Theo Fleury, Chris Watkins of Hockey Graphs put forth another name: Willie 9. Stars thinking short-term — and that’s OK O’Ree. Dallas GM Jim Nill scooped up three important pieces in the past 10 I jumped on the bandwagon immediately and don’t care if O’Ree, the days: Alexander Radulov, Martin Hanzal and Marc Methot. All 30 or NHL’s first black player, appeared in only 45 games. He should be older, all under contract past next season, all occupying $4.75M or more inducted as soon as possible. in salary cap space. 4. Capologists must be working overtime Toss in the May acquisition of goalie Ben Bishop and his $4.9M price tag for the next six seasons, and you have a GM putting his foot on the gas. All hail the NHL’s 31 designated salary cap wizards. And with Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and John Klingberg all in or close to their primes, why not? In a “hard” cap league, every single transaction a team makes is at the mercy of the cap and its rules and regulations. Most management types 10. Leafs transforming from hunted to hunter have a strong grasp of the cap and its stubborn cousin, the Collective Bargaining Agreement, but each club’s in-house expert, sometimes the You don’t bring in Patrick Marleau, who turns 38 on Sept. 15, on a three- assistant GM, provides priceless consultation. year, $6.25M-per-season deal for entertainment purposes. The Maple Leafs are going for it, full stop. Don’t let GM Lou Lamoriello convince you In this unusual off-season hooked around the player-stealing Vegas otherwise. Golden Knights, the role of the capologist has been especially important. There may not be a more publicly underappreciated member of the front LOADED: 07.07.2017 office.

Dan Barnes: McDavid’s extension with Oilers ‘insane’ but ‘logical’ Stu Cowan: Galchenyuk’s new contract a good deal for both sides 5. Girardi, Kulikov signings don’t add up Dan Girardi, the 33-year-old over-the-hill defender bought out by the Rangers in mid-June, oddly scored a two-year, $6M deal with the Lightning in free agency. Dimitry Kulikov, who seemed to have limited negotiating power following a disastrous one-season showing on the Sabres’ blue line, signed a strange three-year, $13M pact with the Jets. At the other end of the spectrum are Michael Del Zotto and , who signed two- and three-year deals, respectively, with the Canucks. Nothing odd or strange there. 1070749 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights sign forward Teemu Pulkkinen to 1-year deal

By David Schoen July 6, 2017 - 1:06 PM

Golden Knights forward Teemu Pulkkinen signed a one-year, $700,000 contract, the team announced Thursday. Pulkkinen was selected from Arizona in the expansion draft. The 25-year-old had one goal in four games with the Coyotes after being traded from Minnesota in February. Pulkkinen appeared in nine games with the Wild last season, scoring one goal. Pulkkinen spent much of 2016-17 season with the of the AHL and made the AHL All-Star Game. He shared the lead in goals (18) with current Knights teammate Alex Tuch and had 36 points in 47 games for Iowa. A native of Finland, Pulkkinen has 13 goals and 22 points in 83 career NHL games with Detroit, Minnesota and Arizona. Pulkkinen’s signing leaves left wing Brendan Leipsic and defensemen Nate Schmidt and Griffin Reinhart as the Knights’ only unsigned players. Schmidt filed for arbitration on Wednesday. More Golden Knights: Follow all of our Golden Knights coverage online at reviewjournal.com/GoldenKnights and @HockeyinVegas on Twitter. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070750 Washington Capitals 9 a.m., time for a video session on Washington’s playing systems and still early in a packed schedule.

Before Hobbs left Washington a year ago, he connected with team Amid Capitals’ salary cap crunch, untested prospects fight for open roster nutritionist Sue Saunders, who devised a diet for Hobbs to follow. Not a spots fan of quinoa, he would mix it into his smoothies so he wouldn’t have to taste it. “At first, it really sucked,” Hobbs said. Rather than working out in a group, Hobbs opted for one-on-one sessions with a personal trainer to By Isabelle Khurshudyan July 6 cut down on the distractions. A year later, Hobbs weighs 199 pounds with 7 percent body fat. The next 20 minutes held so many answers about Connor Hobbs’s “I didn’t realize I was in that bad of shape until I got here and they did the future, as he stepped into the office and took a seat across from Capitals body-fat pinches,” Hobbs said. “You know, I’d get on the ice, and it was Coach Barry Trotz. Five days of the team’s annual developmental camp like, ‘Wow, I am bad right now.’ I was almost embarrassed about it.” for prospects had passed, and the purpose of this meeting was to review Hobbs’s progress and advise him on areas to work on this offseason. Connor Hobbs is one of several young players who will have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot on the Capitals ahead of the Since Hobbs was drafted in the fifth round two years ago, he has been 2017-18 NHL season. (Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post) navigating a patient process through the minor league ranks as a long- shot NHL hopeful, projected to play in the American Hockey League next At Hobbs’s individual meeting this year, Trotz told him to just maintain his season. But with changes coming to the Capitals, that 20-minute current 6-foot, 199-pound frame. The Capitals believe Hobbs already has conversation informed Hobbs that he could shoot for more. a more lethal shot than several of their NHL defensemen, and his 31 goals in the Western Hockey League last season seem to support that. “Going forward here, we’re going to have some ability for people to get This summer’s task is to work on becoming a smoother skater so that he opportunity,” Trotz told him. “I would put yourself in that competition with can better keep up in a league that’s becoming quicker. the other guys. . . . I would put yourself in a group of guys that are competing for a job, because we’re going to have some holes there.” Hobbs will be competing with prospects Christian Djoos, Madison Bowey and Tyler Lewington, all three of whom have already played in the The Capitals had experienced little turnover over the past two years, but American Hockey League for two years, as well as Lucas Johansen, the salary cap constraints have created more job openings in the lineup team’s 2016 first-round pick. With salary cap resources scarce, the entering this upcoming season than since Trotz was hired in 2014. With Capitals are counting on wide-open competition among those five come the loss of Nate Schmidt in the expansion draft and the free agent training camp. departure of Karl Alzner, the team’s defensive corps will be forced to welcome two fresh faces after good health and unchanged personnel “Put yourself in a position to take someone’s job,” Trotz told Hobbs. “Earn made that unit a picture of stability a season ago. the right. If you earn the right, then I’ll keep you, plain and simple.” More than half of the team’s maximum salary cap space of $75 million is Hobbs smiled as he replied. “It’s that easy, eh?” committed to six players — Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Nicklas Washington Post LOADED: 07.07.2017 Backstrom, Braden Holtby, T.J. Oshie and Matt Niskanen — through at least the next three seasons. Washington has already had to trade 26- year-old forward Marcus Johansson this offseason to clear cap room, and the organization will have to count on inexpensive talent in key positions of the lineup to remain competitive. For the Capitals, the process of developing draft picks now takes on even greater importance, because prospects still on their entry-level contracts, such as Hobbs, could find themselves contending for an NHL role. “We always said that we were going to slow-cook them,” Trotz said. “We’ve had guys that have been down [in the minors] for a couple years. I think there’ll be lots of opportunity for those guys now.” Hobbs, a 20-year-old defenseman has spent the past two seasons playing for his Canadian junior team, the of the Western Hockey League. According to TSN, roughly 20 percent of fifth-round picks from 2000 to 2009 managed to log at least 50 career games in the NHL. On the Capitals’ roster last season, no player drafted by Washington had been selected later than the fourth round. Hobbs’s individual meeting with coaches and management a year ago at developmental camp put him on a path of potentially becoming the rare late-round selection to break through. . That meeting didn’t have quite the same message of encouragement as the one with Trotz last week. Instead, Capitals associate coach Todd Reirden gave Hobbs an ultimatum, that the next time he comes to Washington he should be in better physical shape — or else. “With the development of players, sometimes you’re in a situation where you need to challenge guys,” Reirden said. “[Hobbs] does a lot of good things on the ice, but he wasn’t giving himself the best chance to have success, so sometimes you need to take a firmer stance with some players.” “Time to wake up,” Hobbs said. “I thank him a lot for that.” Hobbs came into developmental camp last year weighing 215 pounds, but the more concerning part was that his body fat was at roughly 15 percent. The week is designed to send prospects home with good habits for a future in professional hockey. On the day Hobbs had his meeting with Trotz last week, he arrived at Kettler Capitals Iceplex at 6:53 a.m. By 7:05 a.m., Hobbs logged that day’s weight and started to stretch. Hobbs then joined the group for a series of circuit training exercises led by Capitals strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish. A yoga class followed, a look of strain crossing some players’ faces as they settled into pigeon pose, a hip-opening exercise, for several minutes. The instructor suggested they try that one at home three times a week. And then it was 1070751 Washington Capitals

Capitals re-sign goaltender Philipp Grubauer to one-year, $1.5 million deal

By Isabelle Khurshudyan July 6 at 1:00 PM

The Washington Capitals have checked the last big item off their summer to-do list, re-signing goaltender Philipp Grubauer to a one-year, $1.5 million deal Thursday. Grubauer was the last restricted free agent on the team’s NHL roster left to extend, meaning the team’s last order of business this offseason is re-signing prospect forward Liam O’Brien to what should be a routine bridge contract. With Grubauer signed, Washington has $4,089,893 in salary cap space to fill out its roster with five more player contracts, assuming the team plans to carry one extra forward and an extra defenseman. Grubauer’s preference was a one-year term; he didn’t file for player- elected arbitration by Wednesday’s 5 p.m. deadline in part because he didn’t want the Capitals to have the ability to select a two-year term, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Both sides were also nearing a deal at that point, so there was no need to file for arbitration. Grubauer will be a restricted free agent again at the conclusion of this deal, but with No. 1 goaltender Braden Holtby under contract for three more seasons, it’s possible both sides could part at the end of this season in the interest of Grubauer getting more playing opportunity elsewhere. The team’s organizational goaltending depth is strong, with Ilya Samsonov, considered the best goaltending prospect in the world, expected to start playing in North America in a year. Washington also recently signed goaltender Pheonix Copley to a two-year contract that becomes a one-way in the 2018-19 season, meaning the team will pay Copley the same amount of money whether he’s in the NHL or American Hockey League. That indicates the team might expect Copley to be Holtby’s backup by that point. But re-signing Grubauer this summer was important to Washington’s immediate plans. The 25-year-old Grubauer was one of the league’s best backup goaltenders last season, and the Capitals will need a good tandem in net again. In 25 appearances, Grubauer had a .926 save percentage and a 2.04 goals against average, and his last contract was a two-year deal that paid him $750,000 a season. With the Capitals preparing to potentially dress two rookie defensemen in the lineup next season, having a reliable option in net every night takes on greater importance. “I think having two good goalies somewhat protects us from adding two young defensemen,” General Manager Brian MacLellan said. “There’s going to be some mistakes initially and we’ll rely on our goalies to get them through it.” Washington Post LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070752 Washington Capitals

Capitals, Philipp Grubauer agree to one-year contract

By Matthew Paras - The Washington Times - Thursday, July 6, 2017

The Washington Capitals re-signed goaltender Philipp Grubauer to a one-year, $1.5 million contract, the team announced Thursday. Grubauer was the Capitals‘ last remaining restricted free agent and is the backup to starter Braden Holtby. The 25-year-old appeared in a career- high 24 games last year and had a .926 save percentage. With Grubauer’s signing, the Capitals are likely done spending in free agency. Washington has nearly $71 million committed to 17 roster spots and $4 million remaining in salary cap room to fill out the final five or six spots for bottom of the roster. The Capitals will likely fill those roster spots with younger prospects or recently signed free agents. Forward Nathan Walker, for example, is set to make a league-minimum $650,000 and could see time on the fourth line. Walker has spent most of his career with the , the Capitals‘ AHL affiliate. Grubauer was the fourth restricted free agent the Capitals re-signed this offseason that was on the roster last year. Washington re-signed Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dmitry Orlov to long-term deals, with Kuznetsov making $62.4 million over eight years and Orlov locked up to a five-year, $30.6 million deal. Andre Burakovsky was signed to a two-year, $6 million deal. Brett Connolly was also technically set to be an RFA, but the Capitals didn’t extend a qualifying offer to him. Washington brought Connolly back anyway, signing him to a two-year, $3 million deal. Grubauer will continue to backup Holtby and be a reliable option when the Capitals‘ starter isn’t playing. The 25-year-old has progressed each season and was a candidate for the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft before Vegas ultimately ended up selecting defenseman Nate Schmidt. Grubauer was Washington’s fourth-round pick in the 2010 NHL draft. Washington Times LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070753 Washington Capitals

CAPS RE-SIGN GOALIE PHILIPP GRUBAUER ON A ONE-YEAR DEAL

By Tarik El-Bashir July 06, 2017 11:34 AM

The Capitals re-signed backup goalie Philipp Grubauer to a one-year, $1.5 million contract on Thursday. With Grubauer back in the fold, the Caps have now re-signed all five of the restricted free agents who spent last season on Washington's roster (Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov, Andre Burakovsky and Brett Connolly have all re-upped in recent days, while prospect Liam O'Brien remains unsigned). Grubauer counted $750,000 against the salary cap last season. According to CapFriendly.com, the 25-year-old still will be an RFA when his new deal expires. The move gives the Caps 17 players under contract for next season with about $4 million of cap space to flesh out the roster. Grubauer did not elect salary arbitration prior to Wednesday’s deadline because the sides were closing in on a deal. Grubauer also did not want the Caps to have the option of choosing a two-year term for the award, according to a source. As Braden Holtby’s backup last season, the German netminder went 13- 6-2 with a .926 save percentage and a 2.04 goals against average. Grubauer’s .684 quality start percentage, meantime, ranked third among goalies who made at least 20 appearances. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070754 Washington Capitals

WHY BRIAN MACLELLAN FELT HE HAD NO LEVERAGE WITH EVGENY KUZNETSOV

By J.J. Regan July 06, 2017 10:36 AM

When it comes to NHL free agency, restricted free agents don’t hold a lot of rights. So why did the Caps feel they had no leverage in their negotiations with Evgeny Kuznetsov? Kuznetsov signed a massive eight-year, $62.4 million deal on Sunday in a deal that seemed to take general manager Brian MacLellan by surprise. “I think we went a little above where we thought we were going to be,” MacLellan told reporters on a conference call Monday. As a result, MacLellan was forced to clear cap space and traded winger Marcus Johansson for a second and third round pick. What makes this somewhat surprising is the fact that Kuznetsov was a restricted free agent. RFAs are essentially free agents in name only. In reality, they have few options as the team still owns their negotiating rights. Sure, a player could potentially seek an offer sheet from another team, but those are considered largely taboo among general managers and are very rarely offered to anyone. Some players are eligible for arbitration, but depending on the player and the situation, it could actually hurt a player’s position just as easily as help. All of this begs the question, why was Kuznetsov’s deal so high? The reason is that Kuznetsov is no ordinary free agent. “I think just the situation Kuznetsov was in with the ability to go play in Russia for two years and earn as much money or more than he's making here and then come back as a UFA, he had leverage," MacLellan said. "We lost our arbitration leverage with his ability to do that so we had to comply with his demands.” Lots of Russian players negotiate with the KHL and it rarely means anything. Talking with the KHL is a bargaining chip to use when it comes time to negotiate a new contract in the NHL. Dmitry Orlov did just that before he re-signed with Washington for six years. There are of course times when players leave the NHL to go back home to the KHL, but most of those players tend to be either fringe players who are struggling to find NHL jobs or the top stars. The problem for the Capitals is that Kuznetsov was in the latter category. The KHL is facing serious financial difficulties and getting paid is not always a guarantee. Just ask the players of Dynamo Moscow who were all declared free agents on Tuesday because the team’s new ownership decided they were no longer obligated to honor the team’s former financial commitments. But if there is one thing the KHL hates more than paying its players, it’s losing the country’s top players to North America. KHL teams are willing to pay top dollar to bring those players back home and you can bet those paychecks will be on time. Kuznetsov is a budding superstar center who, if not for Nicklas Backstrom, would already be playing on the top line. He knows that, the Caps know that and the KHL knows that. That means lowballing Kuznetsov with a bridge deal wasn’t an option. They had to pay him or watch him leave for the KHL. Considering how good Kuznetsov is and how good the team projects him to be, it was a risk worth taking, according to MacLellan. “I think he's going to be a top-end center in the league and next year and going forward it's going to be a good contract.” Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070755 Winnipeg Jets

Jets move ECHL farm team to Florida

By: Mike Sawatzky

The Winnipeg Jets have shifted their ECHL farm team to Florida from Oklahoma for the 2017-18 season. The Jets and announced a partnership Thursday. The IceMen are an expansion franchise, having received ECHL membership in February. Winnipeg placed nine players with their ECHL affiliate in Tulsa, Okla., last season. Jason Christie, who served as head coach of the , will perform in the same capacity with the IceMen. The IceMen begin their 72-game regular season at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Oct. 14 against the Orlando Solar Bears. "We are pleased to embark on our partnership with the Jacksonville IceMen," said Craig Heisinger, senior vice-president and director of hockey operations/assistant general manager of the Jets. "The commitment the IceMen ownership has to winning on and off the ice has been unquestioned. We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with their head coach Jason Christie and look forward to him continuing to coach our prospects, as well as add to his ECHL record as the winningest coach in ECHL history." Christie has long-standing ties to the Jets organization and has worked with the organization in Ontario. He has the most wins as coach in ECHL history, holding a 547-349-111 record in 14 seasons. "We are excited to launch our team with the Winnipeg organization," said IceMen president Bob Ohrablo. "In addition to a strong commitment to development, the Winnipeg organization has successful ties to our vice president of hockey operations/head coach Jason Christie, who has been integral in player development for both the Jets and Moose in the past while accumulating the winningest coaching record in ECHL history." Read more by Mike Sawatzky. Jets move ECHL farm team to Florida By: Mike Sawatzky Posted: 07/6/2017 3:06 PM | Comments: 1 Tweet 0 Post 0 Reddit 0 ShareThis 0 0 The Winnipeg Jets have shifted their ECHL farm team to Florida from Oklahoma for the 2017-18 season. The Jets and Jacksonville IceMen announced a partnership Thursday. The IceMen are an expansion franchise, having received ECHL membership in February. Winnipeg placed nine players with their ECHL affiliate in Tulsa, Okla., last season. Jason Christie, who served as head coach of the Tulsa Oilers, will perform in the same capacity with the IceMen. AdvertisementAdvertise With Us The IceMen begin their 72-game regular season at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Oct. 14 against the Orlando Solar Bears. "We are pleased to embark on our partnership with the Jacksonville IceMen," said Craig Heisinger, senior vice-president and director of hockey operations/assistant general manager of the Jets. "The commitment the IceMen ownership has to winning on and off the ice has been unquestioned. We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with their head coach Jason Christie and look forward to him continuing to coach our prospects, as well as add to his ECHL record as the winningest coach in ECHL history." Christie has long-standing ties to the Jets organization and has worked with the organization in Ontario. He has the most wins as coach in ECHL history, holding a 547-349-111 record in 14 seasons. "We are excited to launch our team with the Winnipeg organization," said IceMen president Bob Ohrablo. "In addition to a strong commitment to development, the Winnipeg organization has successful ties to our vice president of hockey operations/head coach Jason Christie, who has been integral in player development for both the Jets and Moose in the past while accumulating the winningest coaching record in ECHL history." Read more by Mike Sawatzky. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 07.07.2017 1070756 “It will be great having him there to push on (Palmu). He fits where the NHL is going. With his intensity and the way he competes, he’s kind of the new NHL. He doesn’t have to be big. But you have to have jam, and Long story short, Canucks lean on analytics to draft pint-sized Palmu he has that.” Vancouver Sun: LOADED: 07.07.2017 JASON BOTCHFORD

Petrus Palmu is listed at 5-6, but the numbers told the Canucks it doesn’t matter, draft him anyway. Meet him in person and suddenly height means even less. Mostly because he looks like he could bench press Rogers Arena. In a different era, Palmu may have been a strongman in a travelling 1930s circus, catching cannonballs with his gut while lifting plates of dumbbells with a pinky. Instead, he’s determined to do something even more extraordinary. That’s score goals in the National Hockey League. At first, it seems implausible. Did we mention his height? It’s partly why nobody selected Palmu in the first two years of draft eligibility. But that changed in June, his third and final go-round in the NHL draft. The Canucks used the 181st overall pick on him in the sixth round and did it leaning on analytics. “He’s a player (director of amateur scouting) Judd Brackett liked at the midterm and some of the data on him was an outlier on the good side,” Canucks president Trevor Linden said. “So those two things came together.” For years, perception has been the Canucks use data like Alain Vigneault used Keith Ballard — as little as humanly possible. This past draft, however, the Canucks set aside their affinity for big players who are difficult to play against, and focused on skilled players with big data instead. Has their little analytics heart grown three sizes right before our eyes? Is there now a bigger role in this organization for data? “I think we’ve been incorporating that this past season as well as parts of the season before,” Linden said. “I think we’re relying on Jonathan Wall and Aiden Fox more to run data and see what pops out. Then we can talk about those players. Some aren’t fits, some are. “It’s a piece of the puzzle. It’s a tool. Maybe a guy pops up and a scout will say, ‘you know I’ve always liked him’ and the (data) can be a piece that supports it. Or maybe a guy has great data and a scout will say ‘he’s not for me.'” Palmu, of course, was for the Canucks. He made the numbers stand out because he turned the scoresheet into a popcorn machine. He put up 40 goals and 58 assists in 62 games with Owen Sound. It’s the kind of production that gets some players drafted in the second round, and others even earlier. Palmu, who turns 20 this month, did it with a great shot, soft hands and a dogged style that tends to be a characteristic of the smaller players who actually make it, including Brendan Gallagher. Oh, and this dude is strong. “I think Judd said it best, he’s not a small player, he’s just short,” Linden said. “Because he’s strong. He’s strong on pucks. He’s strong on sticks.” How strong is he? “I’m strong, I can tell you that,” he said. “That’s why I’m here. I can play a hard game, battle hard. “When I was young, my dad told me I was going to be a short player and said I had to be faster and stronger than the other guys. I can squat a lot. I do one-legged squats. I can do 100 kg squats on one leg.” You had us at one-legged squats. The Canucks plan is for Palmu to play in Finland this season for TPS Turku of the Finnish elite SM- where is an assistant coach. “With him back playing with Sami, obviously Sami knows our expectation,” said Ryan Johnson, the Canucks’ director of player development. 1070757 Vancouver Canucks He then did a double dangle in tight in the third period and calmly deposited the puck. Dahlen was thwarted on a partial breakaway off a backhand attempt. Summer Showdown: Adam Gaudette steals the spotlight from Canucks' “I was looking forward to playing this game all week and I was a little slick Swede prospects nervous,” said Pettersson. “I just tried to play with instincts and be creative with the puck and not throw it away. BEN KUZMA “Whatever comes to my mind first, I go with that. I try not to think because if you do, you lose the puck and make it hard for yourself.”

Pettersson wasn’t surprised that he also took a lick from Gaudette. Under normal circumstances, collegiate sniper Adam Gaudette would have had top pre-game billing Thursday night at Rogers Arena. “It was intense and everybody is trying to show what they can do and he had a good game,” said Pettersson. “I liked the 3-on-3, but that’s the However, these are not normal times. Especially when you’re trying to hardest on the body and it’s tough to play that. But I just like to be on the impress Canucks season-ticket holders with a sneak peek at a future ice.” dynamic duo via the Summer Showdown showcase of top prospects to conclude development camp. Vancouver Sun: LOADED: 07.07.2017 This is a time of hope and faith and dreaming of how a pair of slick Swedes not named Sedin — namely centre Elias Pettersson and winger Jonathan Dahlen — will one day propel the Vancouver Canucks back to National Hockey League prominence. Well, at least back to a more competitive presence in the tough Pacific Division. And that’s not to take anything away from Gaudette. He was easily the most complete player Thursday and also scored twice as his Blues fell 5-3 to the Whites before more than 5,000 faithful followers. Gaudette had it going in 5-on-5 play in the first period and scored twice off the rush in 3-on-3 play in the third. Gaudette was flanked by Griffen Molino and Michael Carcone on the game’s most dominant trio, and the centre was noticeable in all three zones. He was the only one forechecking aggressively with a physical presence and he set up Molino for a scoring chance. Gaudette also dropped Pettersson with a shoulder check behind the net during 4-on-4 play in the second period. Pettersson shook it off and scored twice to tease of future greatness. Elias Pettersson moves the puck in the Canucks Summer Showdown Top Prospect game at Rogers Arena Vancouver, July 06 2017. “We were getting matched up with the two Swedes and I think we did a pretty good job overall,” said Gaudette. “He (Pettersson) is definitely a higher pick than me, but I definitely wanted to show that I can compete at the level he’s competing at because we’re battling for the same spot. “I wanted to show everybody that I can play at the same pace that he can.” Gaudette, a fifth-round 2015 draft pick, finished ninth in NCAA scoring last season with 26 goals in 37 games for Northeastern despite a late- season wrist injury. That feat included 16 power-play goals, tied for second overall, on a high-octane special-teams line with Zach Aston- Reese, who tied for the national lead in scoring with 63 points. Anton- Reese then signed a two-year, free-agent deal with Pittsburgh. Gaudette’s strong sophomore ascension had the Canucks toying with signing the 20-year-old Braintree, Mass., native and putting his pro development on fast forward. However, he’s returning for a third season to build his game and his 6-1, 184-pound frame. It’s all part of the franchise rebuilding focus. “I need to mature a little bit physically and get a little bit faster,” added Gaudette. “It’s the right move to help me make the jump to the next level, and last year was definitely a huge confidence booster and it’s easier to play like that and put up numbers. “They (Canucks) fully support my decision to go back and develop and I’ll be excited to get here eventually. I have to keep playing a 200-foot game and be physical and hard to play against. I definitely need to work on my skating and smooth it out a little more — sometimes it gets a little choppy — and keep it going.” As for Pettersson and Dahlen, keeping it going beyond this camp as possible linemates next season with the Vaxjo Lakers of the Swedish Elite League has everyone salivating. After all, they held their own last season playing against men in the second-tier Allsvenskan — Dahlen amassing 25 goals and 19 assists in 45 games and Pettersson adding 19 goals and 21 assists in 43 games — and seeing what playmaking magic they could manufacture Thursday was the drawing card. They didn’t dominate but they did tease of future potential. Pettersson showed off some smooth finish in the second period, taking an Aaron Irving feed in the slot and calmly going backhand to forehand. 1070758 Websites • Anaheim. We’ve long believed the Ducks to be the Leafs’ perfect trade partner, and despite a flurry of trade buzz surrounding right shots Sami Vatanen and in June, nothing materialized. Babcock’s Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs have too many forwards, but that can be fixed attending the Ducks-Predators series in Nashville was a business trip. The Ducks’ urgency to add a winger has lessened since the Patrick Tim Micallef and Faizal Khamisa discuss whether the Leafs have Eaves re-signing, but how concerned is Bob Murray that Corey Perry’s accelerated their rebuild with the recent roster changes. decline will continue? • Minnesota, where JVR trains in his off-seasons. Chuck Fletcher already shed one young D-man, lefty Marco Scandella to Buffalo, in order to Luke Fox clear cap space for his No. 1 off-season priority: re-signing RFAs Mikael Granlund and , both of whom filed for arbitration. The

Wild has a right D imbalance and pressure to win now. The Leafs The words out of Kasperi Kapanen‘s mouth as he packed up his locker probably covet Matt Dumba and/or Jonas Brodin. this spring were shocking on the surface. • Carolina, which drafted all the D-men when the Leafs were drafting all “Looking at the guys in this room, the talent we have… top six, I don’t the forwards. The Hurricanes are a team on the rise making a concerted think I belong there, to be honest,” the Toronto Maple Leafs forward said. effort to climb into the playoffs. Could Brett Pesce or be moved to Toronto? Would JVR welcome the chance to play with his A rare, candid moment in which an abundantly skilled athlete doesn’t puff younger brother, Trevor, on an American team that’s building the right out his chest and shoot for the moon. way? Sure, the kid is only 20 years old, but he’s an energy drink on blades. An • Vancouver. We don’t believe the Canucks would make JVR’s yes-trade instantly clutch scorer who had deposited the golden goal for his native list, but perhaps Toronto could package picks and young forward Finland at the 2016 world juniors, and most recently a double-OT playoff prospects to pry Toronto native Chris Tanev away from this rebuilding game winner as a fourth-line call-up for the Leafs against the Capitals. A franchise? point-per-game AHL star with a nose for the net shoehorned into a checking role. Less complicated patch-up options include striking a deal with Vegas for the still-developing RD Colin Miller or speedy LD Nate Schmidt, or Shouldn’t he have every right to arrive at 2017-18’s training camp with looking to what’s left of the UFA class and perhaps bringing back RD top-six dreams? Cody Franson if the price is right. Yet the question has shifted from “How do you keep Kapanen out of your Or, you wait. You bring van Riemsdyk to camp and earmuff the rumours. top six?” to “How do you squeeze him into your bottom six?” One good year of JVR’s hands, even if it’s their last in blue mitts, has value beyond just a pick. You see how big of a step the young D core of Projected Maple Leafs Lines (subject to change) Rielly, Gardiner and Zaitsev can take. And you save your futures — all Marleau - Matthews - Nylander those intriguing Marlies or healthy scratches up front — to go renting at the trade deadline. High-end right-shot targets at that point: (likely) van Riemsdyk - Bozak - Marner Detroit’s Mike Green and (unlikely) Washington’s John Carlson, if their teams disappoint. Komarov - Kadri - Brown There are many ways to remedy Toronto’s offence/defence imbalance. Martin - Moore - Hyman The fun part will be seeing how it all plays out. Extras: Kapanen, Leivo, Soshnikov, Smith, Fehr 6 stray thoughts on the Maple Leafs The Maple Leafs’ org chart at forward, particularly on the wings, went • William Nylander can sign a new contract any day now. It would be in from deep to deeper upon the Patrick Marleau signing. the best interest of the club to strike deal this summer. The forward’s Next, Toronto committed four years at a $2.25 million cap hit on value may never be lower. After his performance in the second half of Wednesday to Zach Hyman, a relentless forechecker and penalty killer. 2016-17 and his MVP showing at the world championships, is there any doubt the 21-year-old will put the lie to the sophomore slump? We expect fellow RFA Connor Brown, coming off the quietest 20-goal rookie season in Toronto’s history, to promptly follow suit. • Much was made about Connor McDavid’s $100 million. But it’s the other numbers — eight, as in years; five, as in days after he was eligible Coach Mike Babcock forever holds up Brown and Hyman as the twin to re-sign — that marks big wins in Edmonton and benchmarks for pillars of work ethic excellence, and this Leafs regime does not fool Toronto. Remember how anxious some Leafs fans got about the Leafs around with short-term contracts when it comes to twenty-somethings taking a few weeks to sort out Auston Matthews‘ entry-level deal? they trust. (See: Zaitsev, Rielly, Kadri, Andersen and now Hyman.) Multiply that by 34 if he’s not locked up for eight years by July 5, 2018. Guesstimate for the Brown contract: How does five years at a $3.7 • Another reason to get Nylander done sooner than later: Staggering million AAV sound? Nylander’s deal ahead of those for Matthews and Marner would prevent a three RFA car pileup. The popular sentiment in team sports is that you can never have too much depth. Injuries are inevitable. But the Leafs are so flush with • If you’re surfing CapFriendly.com and see Toronto in the red, don’t get wingers, something must give. thrown by the Maple Leafs’ current cap situation. At $78.9 million, they’re currently over the cap ceiling, but when and Nathan Horton They let Brendan Leipsic (51 points in 49 games this past season as a hit LTIR, Toronto will be at $68.38 million for 2017-18. That gives the Marlie) fly to Vegas without blinking. Leafs space to sign Brown and a little wiggle room left to improve the D. If the puck were to drop today, we don’t see how Kapanen, • Bet on Marleau offering something to Brown in exchange for sweater (whom they liked enough to protect in the expansion draft), Nikita No. 12 — and Brown saying, “Yes, sir, Mr. Marleau. It’s all yours.” Soshnikov, Ben Smith or Eric Fehr can dress. • Who wears the letters next season? My gut says Marleau (a former Which is to say nothing of prospects like Kerby Rychel, Jeremy Bracco, captain in San Jose) gets the “A” previously owned by Hunwick. You Frederik Gauthier and Trevor Moore, who need time to simmer but will won’t strip an “A” from Rielly. And it would be awkward to snatch one eventually get antsy for their shot. from Bozak or Komarov, who are on expiring deals. But Matthews needs some sort of flair. The more I think about it, the more I believe he gets the General manager Lou Lamoriello is on record saying he’s happy to go into camp with the roster as is. We’re certain he’d be happier if a forward “C” this fall. or two could be packaged with a draft pick to bolster a blue line that has Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.07.2017 only improved marginally by swapping Matt Hunwick for Ron Hainsey — a cagey vet who can play in your top four, sure, but would look fantastic as a No. 5. Plan A, and it was a good one, was to deal 2018 UFA James van Riemsdyk (more expendable upon the Marleau acquisition) to get Travis Hamonic out of New York. That fell apart, but there are four major trade routes to pursue: 1070759 Websites While Jason Pominville is back, I would not expect a similar reunion with Thomas Vanek. He and the Sabres have not talked.

— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) June 30, 2017 Sportsnet.ca / Top 10 NHL UFAs of 2017: Best of the rest still available 3. Jaromir Jagr

Age: 45 Luke Fox Position: Right wing

2016-17 salary cap hit: $4 million National Hockey League general managers may need to dig a little deeper, and jobless players may need to lower their asking prices, but Bargaining chips: Second all-time in NHL scoring. First all-time in NHL there are still a few gems — or at least some worthy gambles and depth hair. additions — to be unearthed from the 2017 UFA market. The latest: Travelling Jagr’s most recent employer, the Florida Panthers, As the dust clears from the frenzy of signings over the July long announced they will be embracing a youth movement up front, but there weekend, we examine the latest buzz surrounding the top unrestricted are 30 other teams out there. free agents still lingering on the market. Older and more fun than sin, Jagr is still putting up top-six-calibre stats in 1. Andrei Markov his dotage. He scored a respectable 16 goals and 30 assists this past season. Even more impressive? The guy didn’t miss a single game. Age: 38 Despite his Twitter jokes to the contrary, Jagr has interest in the NHL. He Position: Defence can boost your power play and sell some tickets. Heading home to the 2016-17 salary cap hit: $5.75 million Czech league (and skating in the Olympics?) remains an option. Hanging up the blades is not. Bargaining chips: A top-pair defenceman since forever. Completed his 11th NHL season registering between 30 and 64 points. Everywhere I look,I read:all FA getting calls from10-12teams. Me0 calls.On the contrary,I’m trying to call them,and no ones picking up. The latest: Yes, Markov is old. But he easily ranks first among all remaining UFA defencemen in assists (30), points (36), plus/minus (+18) — Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) June 29, 2017 and time on ice (21:50). He’s old but fit. FA 1994- all GMs called , FA 2017- 0 calls pic.twitter.com/7uLJm95CAB Markov, who acts as his own agent, expressed a desire to stay in — Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) June 29, 2017 Montreal “for the rest of my life” on garbage-bag day, then came in hot with a request for a raise: two years and $12 million. There is believed to be a fair amount of interest in Jaromir Jagr despite jokes from @68Jagr earlier this week. Montreal reportedly countered with a final one-year offer, and the sides have hit a standstill. — Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2017 A radio report out of Montreal had Markov reaching out to the Radulov at 5v5 last year: 8 goals and 23 assists in 1113 minutes. Philadelphia Flyers, but they weren’t interested in matching his price either. Flyers GM Ron Hextall refuted the report. Jagr at 5v5 last year: 8 goals and 25 assists in 1129 minutes. Teams like the player. The price? Not so much. Too old? “He became a UFA July 1, and I made it clear that we’d like to have him — Andrew Berkshire (@AndrewBerkshire) July 2, 2017 back,” Habs GM Marc Bergevin said on Sunday. “But there’s [only] so 4. Mike Fisher much we could do.” Age: 37 According to as source, Andrei Markov is looking for a 2 years contract / $12M total ($6M per season) #tvasports Position: Centre — Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 27, 2017 2016-17 salary cap hit: $4.4 million Ron Hextall said he has NOT had any discussion with Markov's agent Bargaining chips: Captain material. A 20-goal scorer six times over. More "Don't believe everything you read" he told me. #FlyersTalk than 1,000 regular-season and 134 post-season games of experience. Can win draws, play up and down the lineup, plus help both special — John Boruk (@JohnBorukCSN) July 5, 2017 teams. 2. Thomas Vanek The latest: The best centreman still floating on the open market (18 goals Age: 33 and 42 points in 2016-17) is taking time to decide if he wants to play another season or retire. Position: Right wing “I love playing the game, I love being around the guys,” Fisher said at the 2016-17 salary cap hit: $2.6 million team’s dressing-room cleanout. “At the end of the day, this is a game. It’s an important part of my life, but it’s not everything. There’s other Bargaining chips: Nine-time 20-goal guy. Easily one of the most decisions and other people involved. productive offensive players on the open market. Accustomed to changing teams. Can play both wings and boost your power play. “For me it’s faith, family and then hockey.” The latest: A strong showing on a bad 2016-17 Red Wings team earned The Predators would likely welcome Fisher back on a one-year deal at a Vanek a trade to Florida, where the rental put up 10 points in 20 games lower rate, but they signed Nick Bonino on July 1 as insurance. as a Panther. #Preds GM David Poile gives update on restricted free agents and latest Vanek’s scoring touch will earn him another shot in the league, and a on Mike Fisher. pic.twitter.com/YDVXpZXSul handful of teams have kicked tires here. — 102.5 The Game (@1025TheGame) July 1, 2017 No UFA remaining on the board had more assists (31) or points (48) this past season than Vanek, who averaged just 14:37 in ice time over 68 5. Cody Franson games. Age: 29 The Red Wings didn’t rule out bringing him back when he was traded to Position: Defence Florida. The winger hopped on Buffalo radio and said he’d be open to going back there as well. 2016-17 salary cap hit: $3.325 million Red Wings & Thomas Vanek camp have touched base but I'm not sure Bargaining chips: Is there better UFA defenceman under the age of 30? how much interest Detroit has in doing a deal. About five teams involved. No one else is even in the ballpark. — Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) June 27, 2017 The latest: A youngish, right-shot D-man who would improve most teams’ third pairing (and a few teams’ second pairing) is still out there. Such was the case the last time Franson hit free agency, in the summer He’s not worth the $4 million he was making in 2015-16, but Jokinen of 2015, before he finally inked a deal with Buffalo in early September. would be an excellent third-line addition. The 6-foot-5 B.C. native can throw a hit and move a puck. Teams are Lots of ?s on Jussi Jokinen as a 3C. Pretty solid option. Will be cheaper calling. He’ll land a job. than Bonino and Hanzal. Very good 3C. pic.twitter.com/SzyuqCuzGf D Cody Franson has teams calling, looking for right fit. Former — Dave Shapiro (@BlueSeatBlogs) June 30, 2017 Vancouver Giant. 9. Mark Streit — Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) July 1, 2017 Age on July 1, 2017: 39 Can't help but think teams are missing the boat on Cody Franson: pic.twitter.com/6OnLoTMOqh Position: Defence — Tracer (@OftenBlunders) July 1, 2017 2016-17 salary cap hit: $5.25 million 6. Brian Campbell Bargaining chips: Stanley Cup champion. More than 780 games and 430 points as an NHLer. Can quarterback a power-play unit and make a Age on July 1, 2017: 38 sharp first pass. Skates nearly 20 minutes a night. Position: Defence The latest: The veteran Swiss defenceman was mostly a healthy scratch throughout the Penguins’ Stanley Cup run and was rented at the 2016-17 salary cap hit: $1.5 million deadline for depth purposes only. Bargaining chips: Stanley Cup champion. Lady Byng winner. More than On a weaker team at a reduced cost, Streit provides the second-best 1,000 games and 500 points. Still healthy (80 games played in 2016-17) UFA option to Markov in terms of an experienced offensive defenceman. and can log minutes (18:25). Streit possesses great vision and can help transition the puck from the The latest: Campbell took a massive “hometown” discount last summer back end. He’s more of a power-play specialist and second- or third- when he returned to Chicago on the cheap, and if the veteran is willing to pairing guy at this point. play for a similar rate this season, he’ll be a bargain. Well done Mark Streit, winning the Stanley-Cup 2017, The Holy Grail of When the Blackhawks’ season ended, however, Campbell told reporters #Hockey! #NHL #Penguins #Pittsburgh #Streit his interest is only in staying in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/xyvvtNhHgu If Carolina signs Brian Campbell or Johnny Oduya, the #Canes could put — Lawrence A. Sautter (@sautterlas65) June 14, 2017 out a Flying V of former #Blackhawks players. 10. Brian Gionta — Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 4, 2017 Age on July 1, 2017: 38 Hi, Position: Right wing My name is Brian Campbell. You might've heard it's CHI or bust for me. 2016-17 salary cap hit: $3.25 million Try offering me fair $$ and see if that holds. I can still play. pic.twitter.com/XFyLRGTnT8 Bargaining chips: Solid leader. Very durable for his age (averaged 16:36 over 82 games in 2016-17). One-time 48-goal scorer still capable of 35 — Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) July 4, 2017 points as a secondary scorer. 7. Drew Stafford The latest: The Buffalo Sabres haven’t closed the door on bringing back Age on July 1, 2017: 31 their captain just yet, but it hardly looks good at this point — especially with the addition of veteran right wing Jason Pominville. Position: Right wing / Left wing “I’ve always had a ton of respect for Brian,” Sabres GM Jason Botterill 2016-17 salary cap hit: $4.35 million told reporters last week. “He was a player I got to know a little bit during my time in Rochester just with him being a Rochester native. We’ll Bargaining chips: Four-time 20-goal man. The best winger under the age continue to see how our roster organizes with things here, but I’m well- of 32 still standing. Versatile enough to play either side, top six or bottom aware of the assets and how valuable Brian can be. six. “But it’s also a situation where we’re very excited to bring Jason in from a The latest: Stafford spoke to WEEI in Boston on the eve of free agency leadership standpoint, too.” and said “100 per cent” his first choice would be to sign on as a Bruin. Botterill says he has not moved on from Brian Gionta and "will continue “It’s all about fit and opportunity. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it to have discussions with him." #Sabres doesn’t,” said Stafford, who was rented from the Winnipeg Jets at the trade deadline. — Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) July 1, 2017 “I could’ve come here and been a poor fit and things could have went the More unsigned notables: Jhonas Enroth, Johnny Oduya, Alex Chiasson, opposite here, but I got here, and it felt like it was a great fit. I was able to Dennis Wideman, Roman Polak, Jarome Iginla, Matt Cullen, Shane play a few different roles, but I was able to get a little bit of offense going Doan, Brooks Laich, Francois Beauchemin, John-Michael Liles, Dwight and the goal-scoring that I know I can still produce in this league.” King, Teddy Purcell, Brandon Pirri, P.A. Parenteau, Jiri Hudler, Viktor Stalberg, Jay McClement, Rene Bourque One of the best bargains out there that is worth the risk/reward clearly for me is Drew Stafford at just 31 still has lots left in tank! Nothing imminent on UFA F Shane Doan's decision. Discussions, deliberations ongoing. — Brian Lawton (@brianlawton9) July 3, 2017 — Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) July 5, 2017 Sweeney said he's kept in touch with Drew Stafford's people Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.07.2017 — Matt Kalman (@MattKalman) July 1, 2017 8. Jussi Jokinen Age on July 1, 2017: 34 Position: Left wing 2016-17 salary cap hit: $4 million Bargaining chips: One-time 30-goal scorer. Hit 60 points as recently as 2015-16. More than 500 career points. Can play any forward position. The latest: Jokinen saw his shooting percentage dip to 9.3 per cent this past season and was, somewhat surprisingly, bought out by the Panthers after one down year. 1070760 Websites Back in December, the trade speculation around JVR and Nylander(?!) was rampant enough that Babcock assured them individually. (“We’re not looking to move those guys,” the coach said then.) Sportsnet.ca / The Leafs’ great van Riemsdyk and Bozak trade “You try to compartmentalize and take it day by day and just worry about conundrum doing your job. Stuff will work out the way it’s supposed to work out,” van Riemsdyk said Tuesday. “There’s a lot of stuff that’s outside your control.” Luke Fox Working in van Riemsdyk’s favour is that he’s a rare left shot on a roster overflowing with righties. TORONTO – Listen close enough and you could hear James van “He’s that big body that gets to the net and really plays pucks well. He Riemsdyk’s tune change over the course of 2016-17, the most enjoyable makes it hard on other teams’ defencemen and goalies to see the puck,” Toronto Maple Leafs season—inside and out—in recent memory. said linemate Marner. “Good shooter. He’s been a big part of the team this year.” “I’m going to try to be the best player and best Maple Leaf I can be while I’m there. It’s a place I’ve grown to love playing. I’ve grown to love the The list of sniping left-shot wingers on the 2016 open market is short: 37- city of Toronto,” the New Jersey native told us in September. year-old Patrick Marleau and (maybe) Lamoriello’s old pal Ilya Kovalchuk, who is aiming for an NHL return. Then it falls off a cliff. “As far as years down the road, I don’t want to start speculating too much about that yet.” Prospect Brenden Leipsic, 22, has 18 goals and is better than point per game with the Marlies and could battle for a spot on the big club’s left Then there was the night of Dec. 3. The Leafs’ victory song had barely side. stopped playing after a wild night in Vancouver when van Riemsdyk, giddy from scoring his 100th goal as a Leaf, addressed his future Working in Bozak’s favour is he is the best faceoff man (56.7 per cent) unprompted: “I’ve really enjoyed Toronto. Hopefully I can play here for a playing for a coach that loves winning draws. With a career-high 37 lot longer.” assists and 55 points, Bozak surpassed the 50-point plateau for the first time—a fact more remarkable when you consider his setting up sniper Packing up his stuff for the summer Tuesday, the Leafs’ second-highest Phil Kessel all those years. scorer doubled-down on his desire to remain in Toronto, a growing contender. Technically, he can be re-signed as early as July 1. His “He’s unbelievable in the faceoff circle. It’s nice having that kind of trust current deal carries a $4.25-million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list. with your centreman,” Marner said. “They’re both a treat to play with. We had a lot of fun this whole year.” “I’ve loved playing here ever since I came here. How I’ve been treated is great. It’s a place I want to play for as long as I can,” the winger said. As for next year? “Where that takes things, we’ll see what happens. I love playing here. I want to be here.” In the words of JVR: “We’ll see.” Along with Tyler Bozak, 31, and , 30, van Riemsdyk, 27, Bits from Buds finds himself in that murky middle of an accelerated rebuild. Here are a bunch of one-timers from the Maple Leafs’ locker cleanout This trio was neither signed nor acquired by the current front office, yet day. they were still valued enough to survive a purge that dismantled the old • The Maple Leafs have identified “a few players” at the world core and sent , Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul and others to championships they’re interested in. Babcock will go to Europe and the opposing teams or outposts unknown. MasterCard Memorial Cup to help scout. All three forwards are coming off strong seasons statistically. All three • Van Riemsdyk has not yet been asked to join Team USA’s world saw their ice time spike in the playoffs. They’re good enough to earn championship team. “If the opportunity comes, I’ll decide what’s best,” he long-term deals come summer 2018, and in JVR’s case especially, a says. significant raise awaits. • Matthews’ off-season goal is to work on his “explosiveness skating-wise “I don’t know what more we could’ve asked of them,” general manager and breakaway speed.” He considered joining Team USA but decided Lou Lamoriello said. “They bought into what was being asked of them. against it. “These past 12 months, it’s been nonstop,” he says. “My body They bought into a culture, and they embraced it. They embraced the needs a break.” young players and have tremendous respect for their talents and worked with them. • Babcock on whether it’s important to have a captain in place for 2017- 18: “No.” “The veterans are here for a reason. We went through 45-some players last season, and the players who are here belong in that locker room and • Nylander will not be moving to centre. are part of the future.” • Marner has not received an invite from Team Canada. He would consult Heavy praise. with his family and team before flying to Paris. He reiterated his plan to push himself to add weight and strength this summer. Trick is, the Leafs’ goldmine of young forwards—Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Zach Hyman, Mitch Marner, Nikita Soshnikov, Josh Just the beginning Leivo, Connor Brown, Kasperi Kapanen—all come off their bargain entry- level deals within the next three summers. — (@43_Kadri) April 24, 2017 Lamoriello says he likes his cap situation today, but the ceiling will close • Kapanen, who returned to the Marlies Tuesday, said being a fourth-liner in fast. was an amazing role for him: “Looking at the guys in this room, the talent we have, top six, I don’t think I belong there, to be honest.” So. Do you sell high on Bozak and/or van Riemsdyk while they could fetch a nice return and help remedy holes on defence? • Kapanen has no clue where the pucks from his playoff-game-winning goal or his golden goal at the 2016 world juniors are. Doesn’t seem to Or do you take your shot in 2017-18 with a couple of veterans you trust, care. knowing that keeping them beyond one more season would be financially unlikely—even if you wanted to? • Bozak said the Leafs played through bumps and bruises, then chuckled: “But I don’t think anyone had the torn ACL and MCL like in San “There’ll be changes,” said coach Mike Babcock, without getting specific. Jose, which is incredible.” “We’re not good enough.” • “He’ll wake up sore a couple nights from the cross-checks.” —former By now, van Riemsdyk and Bozak are accustomed to trade rumours, but Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen, on Connor McDavid facing Ryan Kesler the chatter will only louden without an extension. And the team will for a whole series welcome internal competition from its AHL standouts. • Andersen turned down Team Denmark’s invitation to world “Hopefully I’ll be here at the start of next year,” said Bozak, smiling. “I’ve championships. been through a lot here, and to see where we’re going now, it’s something I’d like to be a part of. I thought I had a good year and played • Roman Polak arrived in crutches with a cast on his ankle. Surgery went well. The rest is out of my control.” well on his “lower-body injury,” and the impending UFA says he’ll be ready and healthy for opening night. • Polak and Brian Boyle (UFA) are both open to re-signing with Toronto. • Babcock on Maple Leafs doctors not clearing Russian defenceman Nikita Zaitsev for the worlds: “He’s playoff ready,” but he needs time to get healthy. • GM Lou Lamoriello’s contract expires at the end of 2017-18: “As far as the future, I’ve got enough problems just getting up in the morning.” Mitch Marner and Frederik Andersen representing Blue Jays. pic.twitter.com/smSUfr8ZMW — luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) April 25, 2017 Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070761 Websites everyone else. Very seldom would an opposing player skate up to the giant Semenko and gave him a spear, or a slash. His fights were, almost to the bout, in defence of or retribution for a teammate. Sportsnet.ca / Remembering the undefeatable spirit and presence of The role by definition about the well-being of the 19 other players on the David Semenko team. And the movie always ended the same way: with Semenko the one in harm’s way, voluntarily, because it was his role to do so. Mark Spector That player barely exists anymore, having been regulated out of the game, and perhaps we’re better off for that. But we wonder if, down the road, 3,000 fans and a passel of alumni will come out to the funeral of a guy who forechecked hard and made smart dumps. EDMONTON — They gather often here, those Glory Years Oilers, for the closing of an old building or the opening of a new one. For anniversaries On Thursday, Anderson read scripture. Gretzky told stories that made us of Cups won, and pretty much any other reason they can think of to fly in, laugh. Fans filled four or five sections of Rogers Place, and we learned tell some lies, and re-live the 80s one more time. that Hannah Semenko did not only inherit her father’s deep-set eyes, but his sense of humour as well. This reunion was a first, however. One nobody fathomed would come this soon. And Sather, who had quietly helped Semenko through life, was patently dejected. “Most of the celebrations in here have been pretty darned good. This is one that’s taken a different turn,” said Mark Messier, on a day Edmonton “It’s true, we were a family,” said the Oilers patriarch, who had climbed and the hockey world celebrated the life of David John Semenko, who creakily up the stairs to the podium. “I was seen as a father figure, and died at age 59, the first of the old gang to go. “I think everyone in the I’ve lost a son.” building today looks at their own mortality, their own lives, their futures… We’re not here forever, that’s for sure. Today was a reminder of that. A Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.07.2017 tough day, for sure.” Mortality? When you’re winning five Stanley Cups while scoring 400-plus goals a season, the ride is never supposed to end. The worst thing that could ever happen happened in 1986, and when Steve Smith came back the next fall he was fine. In fact, he was a better man for it. Today, hair-thinning, they are a greyer and more vulnerable group, with pancreatic cancer having defeated the one man among them who was undefeatable in his day. This one really stung. They all do, and they all will. But Semenko was different, the biggest figure among them. “He was a brother, a big brother,” former Oilers coach and GM Glen Sather said. “The guy who instilled the spirit that we stood for in all situations.” That spirit Sather spoke of was one of a different era. When a team had to believe it could waltz into some angry NHL buildings — Philadelphia, Calgary, Boston — and win. And not just on the scoreboard. Those Oilers had lots of scorers, plenty of guys who could fight, and they never lacked for goaltending. But there was only one Semenko, whose presence was an arm around the shoulder of the entire group. “He made us all bigger, stronger, taller than we were,” said Paul Coffey. And funny? Dave was funny. His sense of timing and wit ran congruent with how he handled the role he played, perhaps the only “toughest man in the game” never to have recorded 10 fights in the same season. (Bob Probert and combined for nine seasons with 20-plus fights.) Dave Semenko, right, was known for his sense of humour. (John Woods/CP) One story, if we may, about the night during the playoffs when anthem singer/country star Brett Kissel’s microphone didn’t work. You’ll recall that Kissel got the Rogers Place crowd singing and the fans crooned both anthems, making a memorable night out of a performer’s worst nightmare. Not long after, the still-flustered Kissel ran into Semenko. Semenko: “That was pretty special out there.” Kissel: “Wow. It sure was, Dave.” Semenko “Well kid, maybe you shouldn’t sing more often.” On Thursday they laughed so hard they cried, mostly re-telling stories that displayed Semenko’s ample sense of humour. But the underlying theme is that, among this almost-perfect team that had every base covered during its reign, Semenko exceeded in his roles the way Messier, Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Glenn Anderson et al did at theirs. Every ‘team’ has someone like Semenko, whether it’s the office organizer or the guy who rents the ice, buys the uniforms and arranges the games while everyone else just shows up with a cheque and their equipment bag. The star never does that stuff, or the CEO. But it needs to get done. In the context of perhaps the greatest team in National Hockey League history, that person was Semenko, whose very role was to be there for 1070762 Websites fact: Carr’s signing bonus alone is the same as McDavid’s annual earnings.

So, every July 1st he'll get a big check – number fluctuates annually – Sportsnet.ca / Where does McDavid’s deal fit in with other major sports? and be paid the remaining 14% through normal pay periods. — Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) July 5, 2017 Emily Sadler Where McDavid’s deal fits in: No. 58 According to Sportrac, Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu, Giants The Edmonton Oilers officially announced the signing of captain Connor cornerback Janoris Jenkins and Browns linebacker Jamie Collins will McDavid to a *massive eight-year extension worth $100 million. make the same this upcoming season as McDavid will once the puck drops on the 2018-19 campaign. The contract won’t kick in until the 2018-19 campaign, as the 20-year-old still has one year remaining on his entry-level deal. *Massive in terms of hockey deals, that is. Hence, this article. #Oilers sign Connor McDavid to an 8-year, $100M deal. That is tied for Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.07.2017 the 4th-richest contract in NHL history. pic.twitter.com/QUvdzxkHpv — Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) July 5, 2017 But once it does, McDavid will have the NHL’s largest cap hit, a $12.5 million average annual value. (Interestingly, despite having the highest AAV, he won’t have the league’s highest actual salary that year—he’ll rank second, right behind Jamie Benn’s $13 million earnings.) LIVE LOOK at Connor McDavid after signing his new $100M deal. pic.twitter.com/f1a9LcVhoD — Tim and Sid (@timandsid) July 5, 2017 We know where this new deal ranks the Oilers star in terms of the NHL, but how far might that money go in other sports? Again, McDavid’s deal won’t go into effect until 2018-19, and a lot can happen between now and then. (Read: Some guy named will have a new deal with… someone… by then, and potentially bust up this ranking.) Not to mention, there are a number of soon-to-be baseball, basketball and football free agents who are also due for a trip to the bank. But for the sake of a fun comparison and little exercise in context, here’s how McDavid’s AAV in 2018-19 would compare to those in the MLB, NBA, and NFL for the upcoming season: MLB Highest paid player in 2017: Zack Greinke, $34,416,667 The Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher is in the second year of a six-year deal worth a total of $206,500,000. He’s also projected to have the highest average salary in 2018, but with a big group of elite ball players set to hit free agency after next season—Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Clayton Kershaw to name a few—we’ll almost definitely have a new king in 2019. Where McDavid’s deal fits in: No. 98 According to sportrac.com a whopping 98 Major League Baseball players are earning more this year than McDavid will when he starts getting paid the big bucks in 2018-19, including six Blue Jays (Jose Bautista, Russell Martin, Troy Tulowitzki, Josh Donaldson, Francisco Liriano, Marco Estrada). McDavid’s $12.5 million AAV lands him alongside the Nationals’ Daniel Murphy, Brewers’ Matt Garza, Giants’ Brandon Crawford, Orioles’ Ubaldo Jiminez and slugger Mark Trumbo. NBA Highest-paid player in 2017-18: Steph Curry, $40,231,758 Curry will go from being a bargain in 2016-17 to the NBA’s biggest earner when his historic five-year, $201-million contract with the Golden State Warriors is made official. Where McDavid’s deal fits in: No. 90 A basketball-playing McDavid would be the 90th highest-paid player on the court, earning the same average salary as Jordan Clarkson, Patrick Mills, Miles Plumlee, Kenneth Faried, and Tyler Johnson, per sportrac. McDavid number is 8x$12.5. The number dropped by $750K/year after news got out last week. — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 5, 2017 NFL Highest-paid player in 2017-18: Derek Carr, $25 million Starting this upcoming season, Carr will be the NFL’s top earner, taking the title from Colts quarterback Andrew Luck ($24,594,000). Carr signed a lucrative five-year, $125-million deal with the Raiders last month. Fun 1070763 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Penguins remain 2018 Stanley Cup favourites despite recent roster moves See how Canadians ranked their top Canadian hockey teams.

OddsShark Staff July 6, 2017, 8:21 PM

The Pittsburgh Penguins have parted ways with a number of key veterans since successfully defending their Stanley Cup crown last month, but despite the roster changes the Penguins remain +750 favourites to win a third straight Stanley Cup at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. As expected, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in last month’s NHL expansion draft, while forward Chris Kunitz and defenseman Trevor Daley signed as free agents with Tampa Bay and Detroit, respectively. The veteran exodus opens the door for Matt Murray to take over as the team’s undisputed No. 1 goaltender, and for emerging stars like winger Jake Guentzel to take on bigger roles. While the Stanley Cup champions have remained relatively quiet since the start of this summer’s free agent frenzy, the Edmonton Oilers captured headlines by signing superstar Connor McDavid to an eight- year, $100 million contact to solidify their position alongside the Chicago Blackhawks in second at +1200 on the 2018 Stanley Cup odds. The McDavid signing cements a franchise cornerstone for the Oilers, but the club must still come to terms with restricted free agent Leon Draisaitl, who potted 77 points in 82 games last season. The Blackhawks have improved slightly on the NHL futures since pulling the trigger on a blockbuster deal that sent winger Artemi Panarin to Columbus for Brandon Saad, who won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in both 2013 and 2015. Five teams trail the favourites with +1400 odds, including the Lightning, Washington Capitals, , Nashville Predators, and New York Rangers, while the Toronto Maple Leafs are joined by three clubs at +1600, including the Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens. The Lightning made a splash by sending forward Jonathan Drouin to Montreal for blue chip defensive prospect , setting the stage for former Canadiens forward Alex Radulov to sign with Dallas. Montreal also opened the vault for superstar goaltender Carey Price, who inked an eight-year, $84 million contract, while the Maple Leafs raised eyebrows by locking up veteran forward Patrick Marleau to a three-year deal worth $18.75 million. The Blue Jackets lead the middle of the pack at +2000, ahead of the Boston Bruins and the Los Angeles Kings at +2200, and the San Jose Sharks at +2500. The center of the hockey universe temporarily moved to the Nevada desert last month while Vegas wheeled and dealed with the existing 30 NHL clubs. The Golden Knights amassed a wealth of draft picks in the process, but join the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and as +7500 Stanley Cup longshots. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.07.2017 1070764 Websites above the NHL’s second-best defenceman over that span (Victor Hedman, 5.2 points/hour).

LD Michael del Zotto, Vancouver Canucks: Two years, $3 million cap hit Sportsnet.ca / The 10 best analytics signings of 2017 NHL free agency Two years ago, del Zotto was playing 23 minutes per game as the top Daren Millard, , Doug MacLean and Elliotte Friedman recap defenceman on a Philadelphia Flyers team that made the playoffs. This some of the big signings from a busy July 1st. year he regressed, but was still a competent second-pair guy with decent shot metrics and puck-moving ability. His offensive totals have been hurt by not being a top power play option in Philadelphia, but he’s shown in Jonathan Willis the past he’s capable of contributing on the man advantage, too. LD Patrick Wiercioch, Vancouver Canucks: One year, $650,000 cap hit Whether it was due to a weak crop of free agents or unexpectedly low Wiercioch was lost in the misery that was the 2016-17 Colorado growth in the NHL salary cap, there hasn’t been much ridiculous Avalanche, but he’s still 6-foot-5 and only 26 years old. Most importantly, spending in NHL free agency in 2017. Most teams that were active did between 2010 and 2016, his team scored 54 per cent of the goals and well for themselves, securing quality players at reasonable cap hits. took 53 per cent of the shots when he was on the ice. That’s a nice gamble at the NHL’s minimum wage. After digging into the numbers, the following 10 deals are our favourites. G Steve Mason, Winnipeg Jets: Two years, $4.1 million cap hit C Martin Hanzal, Dallas Stars: Three years, $4.75 million cap hit There is an element of risk to the Mason contract in that the veteran Hanzal is a capable scorer at 5-on-5, with a point production rate better goaltender had his worst season in ages this past season, delivering a than the average second-liner over each of the past four seasons. What sub-average campaign for an NHL starter. Over the three seasons prior makes him special, though, is he can play tough matchups and be his to 2016-17, however, his .935 save percentage at 5-on-5 was among the team’s primary defensive zone centre while still contributing offence. In best totals in the league, ranking just behind Carey Price’s .939. The Jets each of the past 10 years, his team has done a better job of out-shooting got a legitimate NHL starter without breaking the bank or offering much its opponents when he’s on the ice as opposed to being on the bench. term. C Sam Gagner, Vancouver Canucks: Three years, $3.15 million cap hit G Brian Elliott, Philadelphia Flyers: Two years, $2.75 million cap hit The first of three Canucks on this list isn’t the same kind of two-way Elliott is probably an even better bet than Mason due to his reduced cap threat Hanzal is, but brings value in a specific role. Gagner hit 50 points hit. It’s hard to know how much four bad playoff games with Calgary cost this past season despite limited minutes, in large part thanks to his work him in free agency, but it must have been a lot. Over the past four as the right-shot finisher on the Blue Jackets power play. He’s only 27 seasons, his .931 save percentage at 5-on-5 is tied with Chicago’s Corey years old and is capable of anchoring a secondary scoring line and Crawford and New Jersey’s Cory Schneider. That’s great company to be playing a large role on the man advantage. keeping. RW Ales Hemsky, Montreal Canadiens; LW Scott Hartnell, Nashville Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.07.2017 Predators; LW Mike Cammalleri, Los Angeles Kings: One year, $1 million cap hit for all If this list wasn’t capped at 10 names, Benoit Pouliot and would have warranted inclusion here, as they also signed one-year deals at almost the identical price point. Pouliot and Sharp are reclamation candidates, though, something which isn’t really true of the three players who did make this list. All three of these wingers had solid seasons and somehow still found themselves signing one-year deals at fourth-line dollar figures. All are very reasonable bets to play top-six roles at even-strength, because all have been at least above-average second-line forwards over the past three seasons when it comes to 5-on-5 scoring rates: Hartnell is the most remarkable player on this list. Over the past three seasons, in an average shift at 5-on-5, he has been more likely to pick up a point than such players as , and Johnny Gaudreau. Despite a lack of ice-time relative to other top even-strength scorers, Hartnell ranks 43rd in even-strength points (115) over the past three seasons, just a little better than the average first-line forward (with 30 teams in the NHL, there are 90 first-line forwards). Hartnell hasn’t visibly deteriorated with age, either. No other Blue Jackets forward was more likely to pick up a point during an even-strength shift this past season. Hemsky and Cammalleri aren’t at that level, but both are respectable top- six forwards and add a power play dimension that Hartnell lacks. Hemsky is particularly notable for having started more shifts in the defensive than offensive zone in each of the past two seasons; he retained his scoring despite playing mostly on a checking line in Dallas. Cammalleri, meanwhile, is only one season removed from scoring 38 points in 42 games. RD Kevin Shattenkirk, New York Rangers: Four years, $6.65 million cap hit Shattenkirk was probably the best player available on the free agent market, though a lukewarm post-deadline performance with Washington may have soured some teams on him. Nevertheless, New York landed Shattenkirk at a very reasonable price point and most importantly only committed four years, meaning that Shattenkirk will only be 32 when this deal ends. Shattenkirk is a brilliant offensive player, and the best power play defenceman in the NHL today. Over the past three years, he’s averaged 6.8 points/hour in 5-on-4 situations, putting him head-and-shoulders 1070765 Websites While Jason Pominville is back, I would not expect a similar reunion with Thomas Vanek. He and the Sabres have not talked.

— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) June 30, 2017 Sportsnet.ca / Top 10 NHL UFAs of 2017: Best of the rest still available 3. Jaromir Jagr

Age: 45 Luke Fox Position: Right wing

2016-17 salary cap hit: $4 million National Hockey League general managers may need to dig a little deeper, and jobless players may need to lower their asking prices, but Bargaining chips: Second all-time in NHL scoring. First all-time in NHL there are still a few gems — or at least some worthy gambles and depth hair. additions — to be unearthed from the 2017 UFA market. The latest: Travelling Jagr’s most recent employer, the Florida Panthers, As the dust clears from the frenzy of signings over the July long announced they will be embracing a youth movement up front, but there weekend, we examine the latest buzz surrounding the top unrestricted are 30 other teams out there. free agents still lingering on the market. Older and more fun than sin, Jagr is still putting up top-six-calibre stats in 1. Andrei Markov his dotage. He scored a respectable 16 goals and 30 assists this past season. Even more impressive? The guy didn’t miss a single game. Age: 38 Despite his Twitter jokes to the contrary, Jagr has interest in the NHL. He Position: Defence can boost your power play and sell some tickets. Heading home to the 2016-17 salary cap hit: $5.75 million Czech league (and skating in the Olympics?) remains an option. Hanging up the blades is not. Bargaining chips: A top-pair defenceman since forever. Completed his 11th NHL season registering between 30 and 64 points. Everywhere I look,I read:all FA getting calls from10-12teams. Me0 calls.On the contrary,I’m trying to call them,and no ones picking up. The latest: Yes, Markov is old. But he easily ranks first among all remaining UFA defencemen in assists (30), points (36), plus/minus (+18) — Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) June 29, 2017 and time on ice (21:50). He’s old but fit. FA 1994- all GMs called , FA 2017- 0 calls pic.twitter.com/7uLJm95CAB Markov, who acts as his own agent, expressed a desire to stay in — Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) June 29, 2017 Montreal “for the rest of my life” on garbage-bag day, then came in hot with a request for a raise: two years and $12 million. There is believed to be a fair amount of interest in Jaromir Jagr despite jokes from @68Jagr earlier this week. Montreal reportedly countered with a final one-year offer, and the sides have hit a standstill. — Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2017 A radio report out of Montreal had Markov reaching out to the Radulov at 5v5 last year: 8 goals and 23 assists in 1113 minutes. Philadelphia Flyers, but they weren’t interested in matching his price either. Flyers GM Ron Hextall refuted the report. Jagr at 5v5 last year: 8 goals and 25 assists in 1129 minutes. Teams like the player. The price? Not so much. Too old? “He became a UFA July 1, and I made it clear that we’d like to have him — Andrew Berkshire (@AndrewBerkshire) July 2, 2017 back,” Habs GM Marc Bergevin said on Sunday. “But there’s [only] so 4. Mike Fisher much we could do.” Age: 37 According to as source, Andrei Markov is looking for a 2 years contract / $12M total ($6M per season) #tvasports Position: Centre — Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 27, 2017 2016-17 salary cap hit: $4.4 million Ron Hextall said he has NOT had any discussion with Markov's agent Bargaining chips: Captain material. A 20-goal scorer six times over. More "Don't believe everything you read" he told me. #FlyersTalk than 1,000 regular-season and 134 post-season games of experience. Can win draws, play up and down the lineup, plus help both special — John Boruk (@JohnBorukCSN) July 5, 2017 teams. 2. Thomas Vanek The latest: The best centreman still floating on the open market (18 goals Age: 33 and 42 points in 2016-17) is taking time to decide if he wants to play another season or retire. Position: Right wing “I love playing the game, I love being around the guys,” Fisher said at the 2016-17 salary cap hit: $2.6 million team’s dressing-room cleanout. “At the end of the day, this is a game. It’s an important part of my life, but it’s not everything. There’s other Bargaining chips: Nine-time 20-goal guy. Easily one of the most decisions and other people involved. productive offensive players on the open market. Accustomed to changing teams. Can play both wings and boost your power play. “For me it’s faith, family and then hockey.” The latest: A strong showing on a bad 2016-17 Red Wings team earned The Predators would likely welcome Fisher back on a one-year deal at a Vanek a trade to Florida, where the rental put up 10 points in 20 games lower rate, but they signed Nick Bonino on July 1 as insurance. as a Panther. #Preds GM David Poile gives update on restricted free agents and latest Vanek’s scoring touch will earn him another shot in the league, and a on Mike Fisher. pic.twitter.com/YDVXpZXSul handful of teams have kicked tires here. — 102.5 The Game (@1025TheGame) July 1, 2017 No UFA remaining on the board had more assists (31) or points (48) this past season than Vanek, who averaged just 14:37 in ice time over 68 5. Cody Franson games. Age: 29 The Red Wings didn’t rule out bringing him back when he was traded to Position: Defence Florida. The winger hopped on Buffalo radio and said he’d be open to going back there as well. 2016-17 salary cap hit: $3.325 million Red Wings & Thomas Vanek camp have touched base but I'm not sure Bargaining chips: Is there better UFA defenceman under the age of 30? how much interest Detroit has in doing a deal. About five teams involved. No one else is even in the ballpark. — Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) June 27, 2017 The latest: A youngish, right-shot D-man who would improve most teams’ third pairing (and a few teams’ second pairing) is still out there. Such was the case the last time Franson hit free agency, in the summer He’s not worth the $4 million he was making in 2015-16, but Jokinen of 2015, before he finally inked a deal with Buffalo in early September. would be an excellent third-line addition. The 6-foot-5 B.C. native can throw a hit and move a puck. Teams are Lots of ?s on Jussi Jokinen as a 3C. Pretty solid option. Will be cheaper calling. He’ll land a job. than Bonino and Hanzal. Very good 3C. pic.twitter.com/SzyuqCuzGf D Cody Franson has teams calling, looking for right fit. Former — Dave Shapiro (@BlueSeatBlogs) June 30, 2017 Vancouver Giant. 9. Mark Streit — Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) July 1, 2017 Age on July 1, 2017: 39 Can't help but think teams are missing the boat on Cody Franson: pic.twitter.com/6OnLoTMOqh Position: Defence — Tracer (@OftenBlunders) July 1, 2017 2016-17 salary cap hit: $5.25 million 6. Brian Campbell Bargaining chips: Stanley Cup champion. More than 780 games and 430 points as an NHLer. Can quarterback a power-play unit and make a Age on July 1, 2017: 38 sharp first pass. Skates nearly 20 minutes a night. Position: Defence The latest: The veteran Swiss defenceman was mostly a healthy scratch throughout the Penguins’ Stanley Cup run and was rented at the 2016-17 salary cap hit: $1.5 million deadline for depth purposes only. Bargaining chips: Stanley Cup champion. Lady Byng winner. More than On a weaker team at a reduced cost, Streit provides the second-best 1,000 games and 500 points. Still healthy (80 games played in 2016-17) UFA option to Markov in terms of an experienced offensive defenceman. and can log minutes (18:25). Streit possesses great vision and can help transition the puck from the The latest: Campbell took a massive “hometown” discount last summer back end. He’s more of a power-play specialist and second- or third- when he returned to Chicago on the cheap, and if the veteran is willing to pairing guy at this point. play for a similar rate this season, he’ll be a bargain. Well done Mark Streit, winning the Stanley-Cup 2017, The Holy Grail of When the Blackhawks’ season ended, however, Campbell told reporters #Hockey! #NHL #Penguins #Pittsburgh #Streit his interest is only in staying in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/xyvvtNhHgu If Carolina signs Brian Campbell or Johnny Oduya, the #Canes could put — Lawrence A. Sautter (@sautterlas65) June 14, 2017 out a Flying V of former #Blackhawks players. 10. Brian Gionta — Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 4, 2017 Age on July 1, 2017: 38 Hi, Position: Right wing My name is Brian Campbell. You might've heard it's CHI or bust for me. 2016-17 salary cap hit: $3.25 million Try offering me fair $$ and see if that holds. I can still play. pic.twitter.com/XFyLRGTnT8 Bargaining chips: Solid leader. Very durable for his age (averaged 16:36 over 82 games in 2016-17). One-time 48-goal scorer still capable of 35 — Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) July 4, 2017 points as a secondary scorer. 7. Drew Stafford The latest: The Buffalo Sabres haven’t closed the door on bringing back Age on July 1, 2017: 31 their captain just yet, but it hardly looks good at this point — especially with the addition of veteran right wing Jason Pominville. Position: Right wing / Left wing “I’ve always had a ton of respect for Brian,” Sabres GM Jason Botterill 2016-17 salary cap hit: $4.35 million told reporters last week. “He was a player I got to know a little bit during my time in Rochester just with him being a Rochester native. We’ll Bargaining chips: Four-time 20-goal man. The best winger under the age continue to see how our roster organizes with things here, but I’m well- of 32 still standing. Versatile enough to play either side, top six or bottom aware of the assets and how valuable Brian can be. six. “But it’s also a situation where we’re very excited to bring Jason in from a The latest: Stafford spoke to WEEI in Boston on the eve of free agency leadership standpoint, too.” and said “100 per cent” his first choice would be to sign on as a Bruin. Botterill says he has not moved on from Brian Gionta and "will continue “It’s all about fit and opportunity. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it to have discussions with him." #Sabres doesn’t,” said Stafford, who was rented from the Winnipeg Jets at the trade deadline. — Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) July 1, 2017 “I could’ve come here and been a poor fit and things could have went the More unsigned notables: Jhonas Enroth, Johnny Oduya, Alex Chiasson, opposite here, but I got here, and it felt like it was a great fit. I was able to Dennis Wideman, Roman Polak, Jarome Iginla, Matt Cullen, Shane play a few different roles, but I was able to get a little bit of offense going Doan, Brooks Laich, Francois Beauchemin, John-Michael Liles, Dwight and the goal-scoring that I know I can still produce in this league.” King, Teddy Purcell, Brandon Pirri, P.A. Parenteau, Jiri Hudler, Viktor Stalberg, Jay McClement, Rene Bourque One of the best bargains out there that is worth the risk/reward clearly for me is Drew Stafford at just 31 still has lots left in tank! Nothing imminent on UFA F Shane Doan's decision. Discussions, deliberations ongoing. — Brian Lawton (@brianlawton9) July 3, 2017 — Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) July 5, 2017 Sweeney said he's kept in touch with Drew Stafford's people Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.07.2017 — Matt Kalman (@MattKalman) July 1, 2017 8. Jussi Jokinen Age on July 1, 2017: 34 Position: Left wing 2016-17 salary cap hit: $4 million Bargaining chips: One-time 30-goal scorer. Hit 60 points as recently as 2015-16. More than 500 career points. Can play any forward position. The latest: Jokinen saw his shooting percentage dip to 9.3 per cent this past season and was, somewhat surprisingly, bought out by the Panthers after one down year. 1070766 Websites And there’s your answer. Chicago’s Patrick Kane, at least over the last three seasons, has been the league’s deadliest shooter – and by a 10- goal margin! Silver and bronze medals go to Nikita Kucherov in Tampa TSN.CA / Who is the NHL’s best shooting talent? Bay and Vladimir Tarasenko in St. Louis. Considering those three guys are No. 2, No. 12, and No.1 in 5-on-5 goals over the last three seasons, I’d say this passes the smell test. By Travis Yost One final thought: We talk about how tough it is to individually defend a threat like Kane, but the layer of complexity to defend multiple shooters at the same time might be the toughest ask for modern day NHL defences. If you look at the data table above, you’ll notice Tampa Bay Who is the NHL’s best shooting talent? (Kucherov and Stamkos), Ottawa (Karlsson and Hoffman), and San Jose It’s an interesting question, but not an easy one to answer. Two of the (Burns and Hansen) all have a pair of representatives. best shooters of the modern era – Atlanta/New Jersey’s Ilya Kovalchuk When those teams are working the cycle and those guys are on the ice, and Washington’s Alex Ovechkin – earned their reputation in very there really aren’t many good answers. You just have to hope and pray different ways. Kovalchuk was lethally precise, consistently towing your goalie is ready. shooting percentages in the high teens. Ovechkin, on the other hand, has racked up a pile of goals by mercilessly generating shot attempts, TSN.CA LOADED: 07.07.2017 torturing opposing goaltenders on volume. But Kovalchuk has been out of the league for a few years now. Ovechkin, while still an elite scorer, has seen his goal-scoring numbers dip and the competition stiffen. Other contenders have enough question marks – think of superstar Steven Stamkos and his unfortunate injury history, or Patrik Laine and his limited sample size – to create a fascinating debate. One of the keys to answering this question is to consider both areas of expertise. The most dominant shooter will be able to tow a high shooting percentage and high shot generation rates. He knows when to pull the trigger and when to pass, showing the consistent ability to generate and sustain an attack for both himself and his linemates. To begin teasing this out, we’ll need a few things. One is some sort of expected goals model – or, the weighted probability of a shot going in. Corsica generated one of these about a year ago, which measured the likelihood of a shot ending in a goal based on distance, angle, shot type, game state, et al. We can then pull actual shot and goal-scoring frequency and rates from the league’s play-by-play data. The idea here is our elite shooters will consistently out-score their “expected goal” rates, while also generating a huge swath of shots. Combine accuracy with volume and you should have a forward who is unstoppable. I took data from the last three seasons (minimum 150 shot attempts) and plotted out two items – the number of shots each forward generated per game at 5-on-5, and the net number of goals added above expectations (per-100 shots). A forward who consistently beat shot quality expectations would have a big positive number – a forward who consistently underwhelmed shot quality expectations would have a big negative number. Here’s the plot: On the far right we see our biggest volume shooters – guys like , , and Ovechkin. On the top we see the guys with consistently great shooting percentages – names like Alex Tanguay and Sven Baertschi. In the middle there’s an absolute mess of names indiscernible from one another. The standouts are in that upper-right echelon – the guys who combine volume and accuracy. In that bucket are basically a handful of names – Laine, Patrick Kane, and Vladimir Tarasenko, though Erik Karlsson, James Neal, Filip Forsberg, and Tyler Seguin also look great here. Now that we have seen the plot of essentially every possible qualified shooter, let’s focus on the elites by bucket. Below are the 10 best shot- rate generators of the last three years, and the 10 best shot-quality beaters of the last three years – essentially a cleaner, condensed version of the above. No surprises on the volume shooters list I don’t think, though it’s interesting to see a couple of defenders in Burns and Karlsson right in the mix with basically the league’s best forwards. It’s worth mentioning that Evander Kane is going through something of a renaissance right now – he’s now put together two 20+ goal seasons in Buffalo somewhat under the radar, and it’s being largely driven by how much rubber he’s putting on net. The right table is more curious. It’s a collection of high-end guys (Stamkos, Malkin, etc.), deadly counterattackers (Byron, Baertschi), and professional net-hangers (Tanguay). Outside of the rookie in Laine, these guys have all carried high individual shooting percentages for some time now. But, again, it’s the blend that matters. Bring in both volume and shot quality, and this is your true leaderboard – the number of goals a player added above expectations over the last three years.