SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 7/18/2021 Wild 1217503 Ducks sign RW Alexander Volkov to 1-year contract 1217532 Wild's big mistake with and Ryan Suter? extension There wasn't one 1217533 The Wild is changing but expectations aren't 1217534 's updated offseason to-do list 1217504 Coyotes' rebuild under way with acquisition of multiple picks Canadiens 1217505 Coyotes acquire Andrew Ladd, 3 draft picks in deal with 1217535 Canadiens won't protect Carey Price in expansion draft: Islanders report 1217506 Coyotes G Adin Hill to Sharks for Josef Korenar and 2022 draft pick 1217536 What trade means for Nashville Predators: Youth, moving on from '17 Cup Final season 1217507 Goalie Jaroslav Halak set to move on, leaving Bruins’ net 1217537 'Time for a change to our core': Nashville Predators deal even more wide open Ryan Ellis to 1217508 Long before the Kraken came to life, Guyle Fielder was 1217538 After the Ryan Ellis trade, there might be more coming for No. 1 in hockey the Predators’ ‘competitive rebuild’ 1217509 Jaroslav Halak to test the market 1217539 NHL trade grade: Flyers get high marks in three-team deal 1217510 Report: Bruins among these teams interested in Coyotes' for Ryan Ellis Garland 1217511 BHN PUCK LINKSBHN Puck Links: Boston Bruins Prepare For NHL Expansion Draft 1217540 Islanders trade Andrew Ladd, re-sign Andy Greene as 1217512 BHN Puck Links: Boston Bruins Prepare For NHL they potentially eye big move Expansion Draft 1217541 Islanders trade Andrew Ladd to Coyotes, sign defenseman Andy Greene 1217542 Tarasenko? Landeskog? Islanders have options following 1217513 Despite quiet ending, Duncan Keith’s 16-year Blackhawks Ladd deal career a triumphant story 1217543 Report: Islanders Re-sign Andy Greene to One-Year Deal 1217514 Veteran PGA Tour caddie Gneiser will have plenty of 1217544 Andrew Ladd Traded to Arizona as Islanders Continue to anxious moments caddying for his son this week Clear Cap Space 1217515 Blackhawks set protection list for the Kraken expansion 1217545 NYHN Daily: Islanders Trade Leddy, Parise Fit, & More draft. Now the Nikita Zadorov watch begins 1217546 Islanders Send Nick Leddy to Detroit in Cap Clearing Trade Avalanche 1217516 Avalanche’s Gabe Landeskog left unprotected from Seattle expansion draft. Here’s what that means 1217547 Rangers acquire Barclay Goodrow from Lightning in 1217517 Chambers: Five pressing issues for Avalanche with last-minute trade frenzy late-July NHL fireworks looming 1217548 NY Rangers acquire gritty forward Barclay Goodrow from 1217518 Unprotected? Landeskog circus begins in earnest the 1217519 Exclusive: Next NHL schedule will maintain back-to-back 1217549 Rangers acquire Barclay Goodrow from Lightning, trade “series” concept Brett Howden to Golden Knights before expansion draft 1217550 Rangers trade for Barclay Goodrow’s rights but signing him won’t be cheap 1217520 NHL draft profile: Who is Luke Hughes? 1217521 Blue Jackets will expose Max Domi to Seattle in Senators expansion draft: Source 1217551 The tried to get in on the action Saturday 1217522 What we’re hearing about the Blue Jackets’ big summer: afternoon but came up short in the end Expansion, the Draft and Seth Jones on trade docket 1217552 Dadonov, Tierney and Murray expected to be among the options available from the 1217523 Dallas Stars trade Jason Dickinson to Vancouver for 2021 Philadelphia Flyers third-round pick 1217553 Will Wells Fargo Center renovations entice the 76ers to 1217524 Dallas Stars sign Miro Heiskanen to 8-year, $67.6 million stay? | Mike Sielski contract extension 1217554 Flyers make stunner of a trade to land a top-pair 1217525 Miro Heiskanen’s contract extension with the Stars is a defenseman ‘win-win,’ but more work remains 1217555 Expansion draft details and predicting Flyers' protected list 1217556 Breaking down the Ryan Ellis trade: Flyers fill biggest roster need in offseason-defining move 1217526 Red Wings mailbag: Tyler Bertuzzi trade talk; Zach Hyman 1217557 NHL trade grade: Flyers get high marks in three-team deal on the radar? for Ryan Ellis 1217558 A Vladimir Tarasenko Philadelphia fit? Could the Flyers trade their first-round draft pick? 1217527 OILERS NOTES: No last-minute deals before protected 1217559 Flyers: Need for a defenseman filled in deal for Ryan Ellis list finalized 1217528 Lowetide: 5 players outside the NHL who could help the Oilers 1217529 Anthony Duclair ‘very happy to be back’ with Panthers 1217530 Report: Chris Driedger to sign with 1217531 FHN Today: Seattle expansion draft protection lists due Saturday 1217560 Penguins trade Jared McCann to Maple Leafs 1217601 Canucks make pre-expansion draft trade, pick up Jason 1217561 Penguins A to Z: When (or where) will Juuso Riikola play Dickinson next? 1217602 Canucks seize expansion opportunity, adding Jason 1217562 Who will the Penguins protect in the expansion draft? Dickinson. Now what comes next? ‘This is just the first 1217563 Jared McCann traded to for prospect Filip step Hallander, 7th round pick 1217564 NHL trade grades: Maple Leafs better with Jared McCann; Penguins pay steep price 1217591 Graney: Belief in Cody Glass not strong enough to avoid 1217565 What we’re hearing about the Penguins and NHL trade expansion draft: Keeping Jeff Carter? What is Jason 1217592 Golden Knights deal former top pick to Predators Zucker’s val 1217593 Golden Knights trade Cody Glass to Predators, acquire 1217566 Exclusive: 2021-22 NHL Schedule to Keep Back-to-Back Nolan Patrick Series 1217594 With the Nolan Patrick deal, what might a Vegas protected 1217567 Penguins Trade McCann to Toronto, Re-Acquire list have looked like? Hallander; Full Analysis 1217595 NHL trade grade: Flyers get high marks in three-team deal 1217568 Final Penguins Projections: Who to Protect and Expose for Ryan Ellis for Kraken Expansion Draft 1217596 Las Vegas Sports Teams, Venues Help Vaccination 1217569 Dan’s Daily: Hours to Go Before Lists are Final, Islanders Efforts, With Golden Knight Character, Raiders Hit Trade Market Cheerleaders En 1217597 Golden Knights Trade #2: DeSimone & 4th to Rangers for Brett Howden 1217570 San Jose Sharks’ expansion draft plans: Who’s staying, 1217598 Vegas Golden Knights Trade Cody Glass for Nolan and who might be going Patrick; Full Analysis 1217571 Doug Wilson gets his goalie in Adin Hill. What does that 1217599 KNIGHTS NOTEBOOKJust for Fun: Who Would Golden mean for Martin Jones? Knights Protect in Expansion Draft? 1217572 Why new Sharks Hill looked up to Jones as a kid Websites 1217573 Sharks acquire goaltender Hill from Coyotes for Korenar 1217603 The Athletic / NHL trade tiers: How likely is each NHL 1217574 How the Sharks landed Adin Hill and what it means for team to be in a deal for a superstar player? Martin Jones 1217604 .ca / Canadiens make calculated, high-risk 1217575 What We’re Hearing About Sharks’ Protected List gamble exposing Price in expansion draft 1217576 BREAKING: Sharks Acquire Adin Hill 1217605 Sportsnet.ca / Why the Maple Leafs made last-minute trade for Jared McCann Seattle Kraken 1217606 Sportsnet.ca / Canucks hoping newly acquired Jason 1217577 ESPN NHL expert: How Seattle Kraken will approach Dickinson can fill third-line void expansion draft, what early expectations are 1217607 'Extremely confident' Cossa believes he's the best goalie 1217578 Kraken GM Ron Francis not giving anything away while in the draft hockey world awaits Seattle’s expansion picks Jets St Louis Blues 1217600 What Winnipeg’s quiet roster-freeze day means for the 1217579 Kraken could have choice of Tarasenko or Dunn in Seattle expansion draft expansion draft SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1217580 Why Vladimir Tarasenko isn’t on the Blues’ protected list for the expansion draft Tampa Bay Lightning 1217581 Lightning lose Barclay Goodrow in trade with New York Rangers 1217582 Any way you slice it, Lightning’s depth will be exposed in expansion draft 1217583 Maple Leafs hire AHL coach of the year Spencer Carbery as assistant coach 1217584 Leafs acquire Jared McCann from Penguins for prospect, 2023 draft pick 1217585 Maple Leafs trade for centre Jared McCann from Penguins before NHL roster freeze 1217586 Maple Leafs sign goalie Joseph Woll to one-year, two-way extension 1217587 NHL NOTES: Maple Leafs get McCann, hire Carbery 1217588 Leafs land Jared McCann prior to expansion list deadline 1217589 Jared McCann gives the Maple Leafs a much-needed win to start the offseason 1217590 NHL trade grades: Maple Leafs better with Jared McCann; Penguins pay steep price 1217503 Anaheim Ducks

Ducks sign RW Alexander Volkov to 1-year contract extension

By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | [email protected] | Orange County Register

PUBLISHED: July 17, 2021 at 3:48 p.m. | UPDATED: July 17, 2021 at 3:48 p.m.

The Ducks signed right wing Alexander Volkov to a one-year, $925,000 contract extension Saturday, just before the NHL’s roster freeze ahead of Wednesday’s expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken.

Volkov could be among the Ducks left unprotected for the expansion draft. The Ducks’ list of protected players, either seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie or eight skaters plus one goalie, was due Saturday. The protected list for each team will be revealed Sunday.

Volkov, 23, had four goals and four assists in 18 games after a trade from the champion Tampa Bay Lightning this past season. The Ducks acquired him March 24 in exchange for minor league forward Antoine Morand and a seventh-round draft pick in 2023.

Overall, he recorded career highs in goals with seven, assists with six and games with 37 with the Ducks and Lightning in 2020-21.

LA Times: LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217504 Arizona Coyotes He had 19 saves on 20 shots against the Coyotes' AHL team, the , in a playoff game on May 18.

"We are very pleased to acquire Josef," Armstrong said in club Coyotes' rebuild under way with acquisition of multiple draft picks statement. "He is an athletic goaltender who played very well in the Pacific Division . We look forward to continuing to watch him develop." José M. Romero With Hill gone and Raanta perhaps not coming back, Kořenář joins Arizona Republic Kuemper and Ivan Prosvetov as Coyotes goalies with NHL experience.

"We've acquired a goaltender that we've really had our eye on for a while now. He's the right age and experience and was really looking for the The Arizona Coyotes on Saturday made two trades just before the NHL opportunity that may come his way by joining our organization," Sharks deadline for teams to submit their list of players they seek to protect from GM Doug Wilson said Saturday. the Seattle Kraken in next week's expansion draft. Armstrong said Ladd can bring leadership and the experience of having Arizona sent goalie Adin Hill and a 2022 seventh-round draft pick to the won two Stanley Cup titles in his long career to the younger Coyotes. San Jose Sharks for goalie prospect Josef Kořenář and a second-round Ladd, limited by a torn ACL two seasons ago and after playing the 2021 draft pick, also in 2022. Then they acquired 35-year-old forward Andrew season in the AHL, said he's worked his body into a place where he said Ladd and a second-round draft pick this year, a conditional second-round he feels great. pick in 2022 and a conditional third-round pick in 2023 from the New York Islanders. "I've seen a lot of different things, a lot of different scenarios," Ladd said. "I've learned a lot. Just trying to lean on all those different things and help The Coyotes sent nothing to the Islanders in the deal, agreeing to take this young group take that next step. All of that just comes with being on Ladd's hefty contract with an an average annual value of $5.5 million committed to show up and do things at a high level every day." per year over the next two seasons in order to stockpile picks.

Ladd has recorded 538 career points and 568 minutes in 950 career NHL games with the , Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Republic LOADED: 07.18.2021 , and Islanders. He was a longtime with the Thrashers and Jets.

Hill was one the three the Coyotes deployed regularly in 2021. The 25-year-old from Vancouver Island in British Columbia, , went 9-9-1 in 19 games with 17 starts, and his 2.74 goals- against average led the team.

Originally drafted by the Coyotes in the third round in 2015, Hill didn't see much action since his NHL debut in 2017 with and Antti Raanta the top two goalies for Arizona. But injuries to both last season opened the door for Hill to appear in roughly one-third of the Coyotes' games, and he logged two shutouts.

"Happy to step into a bigger role and I want to get some wins and play some hockey," Hill said after the trade was announced.

Expansion draft rules allow teams to protect just one goaltender, and the Coyotes, with Raanta an impending unrestricted free agent and Hill also having to be re-signed, appear to have chosen not to expose Kuemper to the Kraken. Hill and Kuemper played for Team Canada together in the men's hockey world championship in Latvia in May and June, with Kuemper playing a major role in Canada's run to the gold medal.

Coyotes General Manager Bill Armstrong declined to reveal the list of players the Coyotes protected from the Kraken when asked Saturday, as he wanted to contact all of the players first before making it public.

Armstrong now has several building blocks for the franchise as the team looks to re-stock through the draft while adding perhaps a few pieces through free agency, which starts later this month. The 2021 NHL Draft is July 23-24, with the Coyotes not picking until the second round.

But now they will have two second-round picks on July 24, in addition to picks in the other rounds.

"We need to rebuild, refresh, retool," Armstrong said. "Our main was today when we woke up, and has been for the majority of the year, was to really stock the shelves. I think we did that in a way that I guess we didn't give up star players or major assets. to acquire what we did (Saturday)."

Kořenář, 23, made his NHL debut this past season for the Sharks and played in three games against the Coyotes, winning two. He allowed 10 goals in those three games, and posted a 3-5-0 record with a 3.17 goals- against average and an .899 save percentage in 10 games with the Sharks.

The native also posted a 5-1-2 with an .898 save percentage in eight games with the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL in 2021. In the league's Pacific Division playoffs, he had a 2.03 goals- against average and a .929 save percentage in four games.

'It's a blessing': Young Guns punch NBA Finals tickets with win over Oklahoma Runners for NABI boys basketball national title 1217505 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes acquire Andrew Ladd, 3 draft picks in deal with Islanders

BY TOM KUEBEL

JULY 17, 2021 AT 2:28 PM

A busy Saturday for the Arizona Coyotes continued as the team announced its second trade of the day, acquiring Andrew Ladd and three draft picks from the New York Islanders.

The Coyotes acquire a second round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, giving them three picks in the top 60.

They also pick up a 2022 second round pick and 2023 third round pick, without releasing any assets.

The Coyotes will add Ladd’s $5.5 million cap hit, providing relief for the Islanders to sign players long term who helped them reach the Stanley Cup Semifinals.

Ladd is a 35-year-old, 15-year veteran left winger who won a Stanley Cup with the Caraolina Hurricanes in 2004 and Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.

He did not play for the Islanders last season and only appeared in one game with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL.

The trade gives Arizona some much needed draft capital after the Coyotes were forced to forfeit their first round pick in the 2021 draft due to violating the NHL’s combine testing policy.

Arizona was also forced to lose its second round pick in the 2020 draft.

The NHL is preparing for the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft on Wednesday.

NHL teams are required to submit their protected players lists by 5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217506 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes trade G Adin Hill to Sharks for Josef Korenar and 2022 draft pick

BY TOM KUEBEL

JULY 17, 2021 AT 12:21 PM

UPDATED: JULY 17, 2021 AT 12:32 PM

The Arizona Coyotes have traded goalie Adin Hill to the San Jose Sharks for a 2022 second round draft pick and goalie Josef Korenar, the team announced on Saturday.

Hill has started 49 games in his NHL career with a record of 19-21-4, a 2.79 GAA and .909 save percentage.

The 25-year-old was drafted in the third round of the 2015 NHL Draft by the Coyotes and enjoyed his best season last year, earning 17 starts going 9-9-1.

The trade gives Arizona some much needed draft capital after the Coyotes were forced to forfeit their first round pick in the 2021 draft due to violating the NHL’s combine testing policy.

The Coyotes also receive Josef Korenar, a 23-year-old prospect from Czech Republic.

Korenar has played in 10 NHL games and started in seven. He has a 3- 5-0 record with a 3.17 GAA and .899 save percentage.

The Coyotes will also send a 2022 seventh round pick to the Sharks in the deal.

The NHL is preparing for the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft on Wednesday.

Friday was the deadline for players to waive their no-movement clauses ahead of the draft.

A freeze on trade, waivers and signings took effect on Saturday at 3:00 p.m ET and will last through Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

NHL teams are required to submit their protected players lists by 5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217507 Boston Bruins

Goalie Jaroslav Halak set to move on, leaving Bruins’ net even more wide open

By Matt Porter Globe Staff

Updated July 17, 2021, 6:30 p.m.

Jaroslav Halak and the Bruins are parting ways, the veteran netminder’s agent told the Globe.

Allan Walsh said his client, who battled COVID-19 last season and lost his backup spot to rookie Jeremy Swayman, is healthy and plans to continue his NHL career with another team. Halak, 36, will be an unrestricted free agent July 28.

He spent the last three seasons in Boston, going 49-23-14 with a 2.40 goals against average and .918 save percentage, with 10 shutouts in 83 starts.

Swayman, 22, could begin the season as the Bruins’ No. 1 goalie, with the unsigned Tuukka Rask recovering from hip surgery until at least January. Dan Vladar, 23, would be the backup if the Bruins do not sign another goalkeeper.

Other pending UFAs who could be attractive to the Bruins include Petr Mrazek, Linus Ullmark, Jonathan Bernier, James Reimer, and Frederik Andersen.

The Bruins did not make any trades, waiver moves, or re-sign any players in advance of the roster freeze Saturday, the day NHL teams were to submit their protection lists in advance of Wednesday’s expansion draft.

All signs to the Bruins leaving forward Nick Ritchie exposed to the new Seattle Kraken, and protecting Jake DeBrusk and Trent Frederic.

The Bruins did not announce their list, which will be revealed Sunday, but it is expected to include forwards Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and Charlie Coyle (who must be protected because of their no-move clauses), David Pastrnak, Craig Smith, DeBrusk, and Frederic; defensemen Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Matt Grzelcyk; and Vladar.

Boston Globe LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217508 Boston Bruins “Years later, I looked back at it,” he said, “and it was a six-team league back then, pretty hard to make it. I had my chance, but I didn’t take full advantage of it. I thought I did, but years later I realized I didn’t give it my Long before the Kraken came to life, Guyle Fielder was No. 1 in Seattle best . But anyway, that’s history . . . and I got to play.” hockey Fielder was ready to call it quits after the 1968-69 season in Seattle, but came out of retirement at the behest of his ex-linemate, Ray Kinasewich, who was named coach of the WHL’s Salt Lake Golden Eagles. Fielder By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff was 42 when he played his last pro game for the 1972-73 Portland Buckaroos. Updated July 17, 2021, 9:36 a.m. More WHL players would have made the jump to the NHL, noted Fielder,

if not for sheer distance. The clubs were more inclined to call Seattle formally enters the NHL world with Wednesday night’s expansion up help from minor pro teams in the East simply because of shorter travel draft, the Kraken finally allowed to cull 30 names from around the league, times in the years before commercial air travel became the first option. the first faces of an enterprise that has taken nearly $2 billion (including “We got around then only by train, bus, and car . . . I took ‘em all!” Fielder the $650 million expansion fee) to get off the ground. said with a chuckle. Guyle Fielder, 90, knew Seattle hockey long before it was Kraken Like all other NHL clubs, the Kraken will travel the Original 32 by charter country. A clever 5-foot-9-inch center who played 15 seasons in Seattle, flight and bunk in five-star hotels when on the road. Clubs today in need Fielder often led the in scoring, and today ranks of filling a roster spot, if desperate enough, will have a prospect board a with the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Jaromir Jagr, Mark Messier, and Gordie charter flight to get to the game on time. Different time, different game. Howe as the most prolific scorers in pro hockey. “The game was changing even when I got my shot with Detroit,” said From October 1953 to the spring of ’69, Fielder was the face of Seattle Fielder. “I was a finesse player, and thought my job as a center was to hockey, winning nine WHL scoring titles en route to a career total of get the puck to my wingers. If they scored, they looked good, and I 1,929 points. Now more than a half-century after he last suited up for the looked good for getting them the puck. But the NHL game then was WHL’s , the NHL will take residence in the same going to dump and chase, and that’s never made sense to me. If you’ve downtown arena, albeit extravagantly overhauled, that the Totems played got the puck, why then give it up, just throw it in the zone just to have to in after it was erected for the 1962 World’s Fair. work to get it back? I’ve never figured that out.” “Great hockey town, they’ll do well there,” said Fielder, reached last week Seattle hockey once was Guyle Fielder’s world. It will soon be in the as he made his way by car from his home in Mesa, Ariz., to visit family in hands of the Kraken. Minnesota. “Very good fans — they knew their game. Remember, Seattle won the Stanley Cup back in 1917 and they’ve kept hockey going all “I’ve heard rumors that they might have me there to drop the puck on these years. They needed, and should have had, the NHL in there years opening night,” he said “That’d be nice.” ago, but there was never the money to get it done. But they’re there now and they’ll do very well.” WILD MOVES

The of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association Suter, Parise buyouts signal Minnesota reset defeated the , 3-1, to win the Cup in ’17. The two Bold, stunning move last week by Wild GM Bill Guerin, the ex-Bruin squared off again two years later in Seattle in the ill-fated Cup Final that winger from Wilbraham, in abruptly buying out defenseman Ryan Suter was suspended after Game 5, with no winner declared, because of the and left wing Zach Parise, both of whom had four years and $10 million Spanish Flu pandemic. remaining on the 13-year, $98 million deals they signed in July 2012.

Even the most ardent Bruins fan might not recall that Fielder, fresh from The overall savings is a relative pittance, each player forfeiting one-third winning his first WHL scoring title with 88 points, suited up for the Black of the $10 million, leaving them each essentially with an eight-year and Gold in the ’54 playoffs, along with Seattle Bombers linemate Wayne pension that will pay out at $833,000 per annum (once was the time “Weiner” Brown. Some 67 years later, Fielder recalls little of his when a club’s top scorer only dreamed of $833k a year). experience here. Guerin’s main motivation was to provide his perpetually ho-hum franchise “To be honest,” he said, “I don’t remember much other than the rink, the a mini-reset, with a combined cap savings of $10.33 million for the hotel, and the restaurant. That’s about all we saw. And it was cold. We coming season and $2.3 million in 2022-23. A good chunk of that were from out west and we didn’t have the clothes to fight the chill. ultimately will go to Kirill Kaprizov, the dazzling Russian left winger who Stayed inside.” posted 27-24—51 en route to being named this past season’s rookie of Fielder’s big NHL chance came in the autumn of ’57, when the fading the year. Red Wing dynasty brought him in to center a line with Gordie Howe and Chuck Fletcher thought the Parise-Suter duo would make the Wild Johnny Wilson. He had scored a career-high 122 points the year before perennial Cup contenders, signing them nine years ago when he was with the Seattle Americans and the Wings, now chasing the powerhouse GM. But reality never came close to matching the vision. Suter delivered Habs for NHL supremacy, figured the 26-year-old pivot could reinvigorate better-than-expected numbers while Parise, 28 upon arrival in St. Paul, their offense. already had put up his best numbers in his seven seasons with the “I got off to a bad start, and the whole team was off to a bad start,” Devils. recalled Fielder. “Then I was on the bench, not playing, wasn’t happy . . . All in all, Parise and Suter did for the Wild what Guerin did for the Stars ” after leaving Boston to sign his then-mega deal (five years/$31 million) in Fielder met with Wings GM Jack Adams and asked to be released. Dallas in the summer of ’02. The Stars bought him out after his third Adams, he said, pleaded with him to stay put and added $500 to his season there and he then hopscotched around for four more seasons, salary, a substantial pay boost in those days. winning a Cup title with the Penguins in ’09. No one better than Guerin for having a full understanding of the buyout world. “So I don’t know, I think that put me at $7,500 or $8,000, whatever they were paying rookies then,” recalled Fielder, coached then by Sid Abel. Come July 28, Suter (36) and Parise (37 on that day) can sign anywhere “But another week went by and I still wasn’t playing, and I said, ‘Jack, else in the Original 32. Bruins GM Don Sweeney likely will kick tires on you can get anyone to sit on the bench and not play . . . I just love to both, though Suter would seem to present a far better fit and fill a specific play, that’s all I care about, I don’t care where it is . . . please, let me go.’” need — a legit, experienced lefthanded defenseman who could pair seamlessly in the top four, either with Charlie McAvoy or the recently- In short order, Fielder (six games. 0-0—0) was back on a train to Seattle, extended Brandon Carlo. where he again led the Americans, and the WHL, with 111 points. It was the second of three straight seasons that he piled up more than 100 What Suter lacks in foot speed, he can compensate for with hockey IQ points. and situational savvy — he logged an averaged 22:11 in ice time this past season and played in all situations. A good get for Sweeney would be Suter on a two-year deal at, say, $3 million a year, right around where Sweeney landed Craig Smith last season. But with potentially 30 other felt it was necessary. He has two of the game’s premier offensive talents clubs bidding, the money easily could run higher, forever the risk in the in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. All those points don’t mean a typically-overheated UFA market. thing if the Oilers perennially bleed out more than they can get. Keith alone might not be the difference maker, but Holland clearly is banking Parise, a left shot, isn’t nearly as attractive for the Bruins, especially if on him providing critical experience, particularly if Tyson Barrie (8-40—48 they’re committed to bringing back as the their No. 2 LW. If he last season) walks in the UFA market . . . Pierre McGuire officially left the had an aching desire to be in Boston, for cheap money and spot duty broadcast biz last week when he signed on with the Senators as senior across the bottom nine forwards, then maybe. But again, clubs with VP of player development. Not unlike John Davidson, a superb TV color greater need at wing probably will step up with more dollars than man, packing up years ago for duties in the Blue Jackets’ front office. Oft Sweeney would want to allocate to an aged support winger. a polarizing figure among viewers, McGuire lacked nothing in energy and GOALIE NEEDED knowledge in his long run with NBC. Neither Turner nor ESPN, the new US rights-holders, will be able to find anyone with his passion, Could Kraken bite on veteran Bishop? endurance, and mind for the minutiae. Some segment of the consumers will be happy about that. Not here. So much of hockey broadcasting in Ex-Bruin Anton Khudobin went into the weekend assured that the Stars the United States in bland, rote, and absent energy and insight. McGuire would designate him as their protected goaltender ahead of s Seattle the was guilty of none of that. Ditto for , whose absence from the expansion draft. NBC team this past season contributed to what was too often a flat, With two years left on his deal ($3.4 million cap hit), Khudobin stood to predictable broadcast . . . The Blue Jackets will make three picks (Nos. 5, be the odd man out, and very likely Kraken-bound, had Stars No. 1 Ben 24, and 31) in Round 1 of the draft Friday night. None is likely to land Bishop not volunteered to drop his no move clause, thus making him work this October, and Columbus needs something/someone to eligible for the expansion grab. reinvigorate the franchise. So while it may run contrary to GM Jarmo Kekalainen’s steady approach, maybe a club in a financial reshuffle We’ll find out Wednesday if the Kraken figure it’s worth positioning the offers up a prime young talent for all three picks . . . If the Maple Leafs 34-year-old Bishop as their top stopper, similar to the Knights in 2017 truly are interested in making a play for Taylor Hall, that’s good news for bringing aboard the then-32-year-old Marc-Andre Fleury. the Bruins because the Leafs have precious little cap room. If the Bruins are ardent about bringing Hall back, outbidding the Leafs won’t be the One significant caveat emptor with Bishop: injury woes. He appeared in issue. A bigger concern could be, if David Krejci decides not to return, only three postseason “bubble” games in the Stars’ run to the Cup Final providing Hall here with a bona fide No. 2 pivot . . . Ron Hainsey, who in 2020. He remained sidelined for the entire ’21 season. That history, made his retirement official at the start of April, has taken an active role along with Bishops $4.92 million cap hit, could mean the Kraken won’t within the NHLPA, a good thing for the rank and file. The ex-UMass bite. Lowell defenseman, once a first-round pick of the Habs, needed 14 years If Bishop is out, Khudobin again will split the Dallas net duties with ex-BU just to get into the playoffs. He was a bright, dependable contributor Terrier Jake Oettinger, who made his NHL debut in the ’20 bubble, then wherever he played. He lacks the law school pedigree necessary to run a followed that with an 11-8-7 mark this past season as Khudobin’s running union in today’s sports industry, but he has the necessary acumen and mate at a budget-friendly $925k. blades-on-ice bona fides to be a vital voice at the bargaining table . . . If I were making the call for the Kraken, Jeremy Lauzon would be the guy I’d ETC. cull off the Bruins roster. He has the skill, smarts, and personality to play a long time in a second- or third-pairing role . . . Finnish goaltender Just call him Mr. Mayor Pekka Rinne, 38, called it quits last week after a superb run (13-plus Lost in the flurry of last summer’s NHL restart of training camps and seasons/683 games) with the Predators. He’ll be an interesting Hall of playoffs: ex-Bruin last June was voted in as mayor of Fame candidate when his name comes up for consideration in three Grand Forks, N.D., a part-time gig that pays $25,000 per annum. years. He was a workhorse, and he carried Nashville to the Cup Final in 2017 and is tied at No. 19 with Tom Barrasso for most career wins (369). Then-GM Peter Chiarelli, less than a year in the Causeway Street corner But the lack of a ring might be a deal-breaker. office, acquired Bochenski in a February 2007 deal with the Blackhawks for , the latter of whom enjoyed a far more successful, and richer, NHL career. Boston Globe LOADED: 07.18.2021 Bochenski lasted less than a calendar year with the Bruins, and his best run was in the KHL, an eight-year hitch (2010-19) with Astana Barys, where he led the club in scoring five times.

Now married and with three kids, the 39-year-old Bochenski is Mr. Mayor in Grand Forks (approx. population 55,000), where he starred for three years as a University of North Dakota winger before turning pro with the Senators in the spring of ’04.

Due to COVID-19 limitations, Mayor Bochenski was forced to go virtual with his first State of the City speech in March.

“It’s been an extremely challenging journey, but at the end of the day, strong leadership that was measured and targeted was our guiding principle,” Bochenski said, according to the Grand Forks Herald. “I came to the office every day with that goal in mind and our team put in the work to get the job done.”

Versteeg, now 35, had his last NHL fling with Calgary in 2017-18, then played two seasons overseas before announcing his retirement in April 2020, with Bochenski in the throes of wrapping up his mayoral campaign.

Loose pucks

Duncan Keith turned 38 on Friday, three days after he severed ties with the Blackhawks for a trade that landed him in Edmonton (largely to be closer to his son in Penticton, British Columbia). Keith’s best days are far behind him after 16 heavy-usage seasons on Chicago’s back line, but, similar to Suter, he can infuse the Oiler back line with much needed wisdom. Speed often makes things look bonkers out there, but wise blue liners have a way of mitigating the craziness (Exhibit A: ’s splendid tour here despite bad knees). Oilers GM Ken Holland had to swallow Keith’s full cap hit (two years at $5.4 million) to get it done, but 1217509 Boston Bruins

Jaroslav Halak to test the market

By STEVE CONROY | [email protected] | Boston Herald

July 17, 2021 at 7:53 p.m.

Jaraoslav Halak’s agent, Allan Walsh, confirmed on what most observers expected: the goaltender who spent three years with the Bruins expects to become a free agent when the market opens on July 28.

The 36-year-old netminder was a a strong backup for Tuukka Rask, especially in his first season in Boston when he went 22-11-4 with a .922 save percentage and kept Rask fresh for the playoffs, helping the B’s go to the .

He had a strong second season as well, going 18-6-6 with a .919 save percentage, but he did not fare as well when Rask opted out of the bubble playoffs and he was handed the reins, going 4-5 with a .902 SA.

Halak went 9-6-4 with a .905 SA last season and he lost his grasp on the backup job when he contracted Covid in early April, knocking him out of the lineup for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, rookies Jeremy Swayman and Daniel Vladar were called up and performed well, especially Swayman.

It appeared Halak’s future was sealed when the B’s coaching staff elected to go with Swayman as Rask’s backup for the playoffs.

Boston Herald LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217510 Boston Bruins

Report: Bruins among these teams interested in Coyotes' Garland

BY DARREN HARTWELL

BRUINS

The Coyotes are "very much trying" to trade pending restricted free agent forward Conor Garland, NHL Network Radio's David Pagnotta reported Friday.

Garland hasn't had contract discussions with Arizona this offseason, per Pagnotta, who reports the Bruins are among several teams -- including the Toronto Maple Leafs, , Florida Panthers and Seattle Kraken -- who have "checked in" with the Coyotes about Garland.

Why Bruins should pursue (for a specific role)

A Scituate, Mass., native who played with Jack Eichel on the Boston Jr. Bruins in 2011-12, Garland is an intriguing target for Boston.

The 25-year-old tallied 39 points (12 goals and a team-high 27 assists) in 49 games last season and scored 27 of those points during 5-on-5 play, per Natural Stat Trick. The Bruins need more 5-on-5 scoring after ranking 17th in the NHL in 5-on-5 goals last season, and Garland could be a versatile third-line option who can play both wing positions.

Garland is due for a raise after playing on a bargain contract of $775,000 per year and the Coyotes still control his rights as a restricted free agent. A four-day transaction freeze also goes into effect Saturday at 3 p.m. ET, so any Garland trade would have to wait until late next week at the earliest.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217511 Boston Bruins Boston Hockey NowLOADED: 07.18.2021

BHN PUCK LINKSBHN Puck Links: Boston Bruins Prepare For NHL Expansion Draft

Published 19 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Joe Haggerty

Today is the day that the NHL roster freeze goes into effect for the NHL expansion draft, and the day that all 31 NHL teams, including the Boston Bruins, must submit their protected lists to the league by 5 pm ahead of the Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft.

We’ve already outlined what we think the Boston Bruins are going to do if they don’t make any seismic roster moves ahead of this week’s expansion draft deadlines. The most likely player that the Black and Gold are going to lose is either defenseman Jeremy Lauzon or Connor Clifton depending on which way the Kraken opt to move, but either way it’s going to leave the Boston Bruins with another vacancy on the back end where Kevan Miller has retired, Mike Reilly is a big question mark to return and both Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara were gone ahead of this past season.

That’s why it makes perfect sense that the Bruins are going to make a run at the newly available Ryan Suter, and will be suitors for free agents Alex Martinez, Jamie Oleksiak or potential trade targets like Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Certainly, the newly available Keith Yandle should be included in that category, particularly if the Bruins can pencil him in as a third pair defenseman moving pucks and logging power play time where he’s at his best.

It all makes a couple of things clear: The Boston Bruins have the cap space and willingness to be in on just about anything that will improve the team, and nothing is set in stone for them amidst a player market that’s changing by the day. It’s going to be a wild, wooly 24 hours, so buckle up and we’ll have some answers for the Black and Gold this weekend as a big tidal wave of moves away the entire NHL once teams move past the expansion draft. Now on to the BHN Puck Links:

*Could the Pittsburgh Penguins actually afford to take a run at Zach Hyman if he reaches free agency? FOH (Friend of Haggs) Dan Kingerski thinks so. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

*The New York Islanders are going to miss Nick Leddy for sure, but they were going to lose him for nothing in the expansion draft anyway and desperately needed the cap space. (NYI Hockey Now)

*Conversely, Leddy is exactly what the Detroit Red Wings needed as they’ve got tons of cap space to play with for team improvements this summer. (Detroit Hockey Now)

*Is Nick Jensen the lost likely asset for the to lose in the NHL expansion draft? (Washington Hockey Now)

*Will the Flyers make a big move ahead of the NHL expansion draft deadline as Chuck Fletcher looks to make some big moves? (Philly Hockey Now)

*Speaking of Suter, here’s a good piece from FOH (Friend of Haggs) Mike Russo breaking down where both Ryan Suter and Zach Parise are at this point now that they’re both free to sign and play for whomever they want. (The Athletic)

*Could Ben Bishop be an option for the Boston Bruins as he’s waived his no-movement clause ahead of the NHL expansion draft? Interesting things to ponder with so much up in the air for the Black and Gold. (Dallas News)

*Pretty impressive stuff from Mike Modano on the golf course.

*All your burning questions about “Quest For the Stanley Cup” answered if you watched the series. (ESPN.com)

*For something completely different: Mark Hamill was as stunned as anybody else when he was asked to reprise his Luke Skywalker role for the Mandalorian. (New York Post)

1217512 Boston Bruins

BHN Puck Links: Boston Bruins Prepare For NHL Expansion Draft

Published 19 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Joe Haggerty

Today is the day that the NHL roster freeze goes into effect for the NHL expansion draft, and the day that all 31 NHL teams, including the Boston Bruins, must submit their protected lists to the league by 5 pm ahead of the Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft.

We’ve already outlined what we think the Boston Bruins are going to do if they don’t make any seismic roster moves ahead of this week’s expansion draft deadlines. The most likely player that the Black and Gold are going to lose is either defenseman Jeremy Lauzon or Connor Clifton depending on which way the Kraken opt to move, but either way it’s going to leave the Boston Bruins with another vacancy on the back end where Kevan Miller has retired, Mike Reilly is a big question mark to return and both Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara were gone ahead of this past season.

That’s why it makes perfect sense that the Bruins are going to make a run at the newly available Ryan Suter, and will be suitors for free agents Alex Martinez, Jamie Oleksiak or potential trade targets like Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Certainly, the newly available Keith Yandle should be included in that category, particularly if the Bruins can pencil him in as a third pair defenseman moving pucks and logging power play time where he’s at his best.

It all makes a couple of things clear: The Boston Bruins have the cap space and willingness to be in on just about anything that will improve the team, and nothing is set in stone for them amidst a player market that’s changing by the day. It’s going to be a wild, wooly 24 hours, so buckle up and we’ll have some answers for the Black and Gold this weekend as a big tidal wave of moves away the entire NHL once teams move past the expansion draft. Now on to the BHN Puck Links:

*Could the Pittsburgh Penguins actually afford to take a run at Zach Hyman if he reaches free agency? FOH (Friend of Haggs) Dan Kingerski thinks so. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

*The New York Islanders are going to miss Nick Leddy for sure, but they were going to lose him for nothing in the expansion draft anyway and desperately needed the cap space. (NYI Hockey Now)

*Conversely, Leddy is exactly what the Detroit Red Wings needed as they’ve got tons of cap space to play with for team improvements this summer. (Detroit Hockey Now)

*Is Nick Jensen the lost likely asset for the Washington Capitals to lose in the NHL expansion draft? (Washington Hockey Now)

*Will the Flyers make a big move ahead of the NHL expansion draft deadline as Chuck Fletcher looks to make some big moves? (Philly Hockey Now)

*Speaking of Suter, here’s a good piece from FOH (Friend of Haggs) Mike Russo breaking down where both Ryan Suter and Zach Parise are at this point now that they’re both free to sign and play for whomever they want. (The Athletic)

*Could Ben Bishop be an option for the Boston Bruins as he’s waived his no-movement clause ahead of the NHL expansion draft? Interesting things to ponder with so much up in the air for the Black and Gold. (Dallas News)

*Pretty impressive stuff from Mike Modano on the golf course.

*All your burning questions about “Quest For the Stanley Cup” answered if you watched the series. (ESPN.com)

*For something completely different: Mark Hamill was as stunned as anybody else when he was asked to reprise his Luke Skywalker role for the Mandalorian. (New York Post)

Boston Hockey NowLOADED: 07.18.2021 1217513 Chicago Blackhawks Keith’s hardware alone makes a convincing case. He has three Stanley Cup rings, two Norris Trophies, one Conn Smythe Trophy, four All-Star Game selections and two Olympic gold medals. Those are some rarefied Despite quiet ending, Duncan Keith’s 16-year Blackhawks career a accomplishments. triumphant story It’s difficult to assess a defenseman’s impact accurately through counting stats, but Keith fares well in that regard, too. He finished his time with the Hawks with 105 goals, 520 assists, 1,628 blocked shots and 2,447 shots By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST on goal in 1,192 career games — in the regular season alone.

Jul 17, 2021, 6:30am CDT He’s the Hawks’ all-time leader in games played by a defenseman. He ranks second to Doug Wilson, who played in a much higher-scoring era,

in points by a Hawks defenseman. On one hand, the end of defenseman Duncan Keith’s long tenure with Blackhawks defensemen: All-time leaders the Blackhawks — via trade to the Oilers this week — was the most fulfilling of the many departures the Hawks have experienced recently. Games played leaders Points leaders

He and the Hawks moved on from each other satisfied and on good 1. Duncan Keith — 1,192 GP 1. Doug Wilson — 779 pts. terms. Keith wanted to be closer to his 8-year-old son in British Columbia; the Hawks wanted to free up salary-cap space and accelerate 2. — 1,114 GP 2. Duncan Keith — 625 pts. their youth movement on defense. 3. Bob Murray — 1,008 GP 3. Bob Murray — 514 pts.

None of the other major departures in the last year or so have been so 4. Doug Wilson — 938 GP 4. Chris Chelios — 487 pts. mutually voluntary, much less so mutually desired. 5. Pierre Pilote — 821 GP 5. Pierre Pilote — 477 pts. Goalie Corey Crawford was upset the Hawks wouldn’t re-sign him, then backed out of a new contract with the Devils days into training camp to He also led the Hawks in time on ice for 15 consecutive seasons and retire. Defenseman Brent Seabrook and forward Andrew Shaw were nine consecutive playoff runs, an almost-unfathomable streak in the forced into retirement by injuries after valiant comeback attempts failed. youth-oriented league of today. President John McDonough abruptly was fired in April 2020. At least Keith left Chicago amicably. In fact, although the NHL has kept time-on-ice data only since 1997, Keith ranks fourth all-time in regular-season minutes played (29,732) and On the other hand, the end of Keith’s tenure with the Hawks arrived, third in postseason minutes played (3,781). He has averaged 24 minutes, happened and passed strangely quietly. 57 seconds per regular-season game and 28 minutes per playoff game and missed only 50 total games to injury. Sure, the team published an emotional tribute video, Keith made a long Instagram post and fans mourned on all platforms, but the whole thing NHL time-on-ice leaders (since 1997) didn’t feel fittingly earth-shaking for a player of his stature. Regular season Postseason Perhaps the nostalgia of the fan base already had been exhausted by the retirements of Crawford, Seabrook and Shaw, the seasonlong absence 1. Zdeno Chara — 37,940 min. 1. Zdeno Chara — 5,082 min. of captain and the expectations of an imminent 2. Ryan Suter — 29,993 min. 2. Ryan McDonagh — 4,001 min. breakdown similar to the one of the Cubs’ core. 3. — 29,913 min. 3. Duncan Keith — 3,781 Perhaps the two pending sexual-assault lawsuits have formed a dark min. cloud over the Hawks’ offseason and memories of the 2010 Stanley Cup. 4. Duncan Keith — 29,732 min. 4. Kris Letang — 3,428 min. Perhaps the pandemic — the very thing that separated Keith from his son and ultimately pushed him to request a trade — also separated the 5. — 25,607 min. 5. Victor Hedman — 3,308 min. memories of the player Keith once was and the team the Hawks once And Keith’s immeasurable impact as a person, teammate and leader were from how both are viewed now. cements his claim. Keith’s last action in a Hawks sweater turned out to be May 6 in Carolina, He entered the NHL as a rookie in 2005-06 and immediately initiated and where a linesman’s knee crushed his face, causing a concussion and a led the Hawks’ on-ice transformation. Even when Toews became the goal against. He then missed the last two games of the season, meaning captain and wing Patrick Kane the greatest star, Keith’s steadiness kept not a single Hawks fan watched him play live at the United Center this the Hawks’ dynasty moving. past season. His scraggly, weathered, occasionally toothless appearance became His last goal with the Hawks, April 27 against the Lightning, cut a 6-2 iconic, in part because of how perfectly it exemplified how he played. He deficit to 6-3. He barely reacted when the puck went in. never let the success go to his head, not for fear of arrogance — he His last interview with the Hawks, after a 4-1 loss April 15 in Detroit, possessed just the right amount of that — but because refuting others’ mattered just as little. doubt fueled him.

‘‘The goals they scored we didn’t make them work as hard [for] as we ‘‘I’ve been an underdog my whole career, my whole life,’’ he said in a had to for ours,’’ he grumbled over Zoom that night. Three months later, rare introspective interview last season. ‘‘You can take any type of no one remembers any of those goals. mentality, even if you’re expected to win. I never felt we were expected to win series, even if we had two Stanley Cups under our belt. It is what it All those things seem too trivial to count as lasts at all, much less for is. You try to do your job. [It] doesn’t matter what people say [or] think. someone like Keith. Just perform in the moment.’’

His individual decline during the last few seasons certainly mirrored the Even in recent years, when he was asked to devote just as much of Hawks’ overall decline, even if his pride prevented him from accepting or himself to leading and mentoring the Hawks’ next generation as to his acknowledging it. There’s a reason the Hawks were thrilled to receive a own career, Keith played a huge part in the development of Adam young, third-pairing defenseman () and third-round draft pick Boqvist, Ian Mitchell and others. for him Monday. This summer was probably the right time for Keith’s departure. The But the sterile, somber irrelevance of this past season — which wasn’t Hawks’ defense needs to enter a new era, one led by Connor Murphy, his fault whatsoever — nonetheless wrote an unrepresentative final Boqvist, Mitchell and possibly Seth Jones or Dougie Hamilton. chapter for Keith’s time in Chicago. Meanwhile, the jury remains out on how much the just-turned 38-year-old In truth, Keith is the best defenseman in Hawks history. Once the trade has left to give the Oilers. analysis ceases, the two years left on his contract expire, his No. 2 is But Keith’s 16-year run in Chicago, even as it fades, deserves nothing retired to the rafters and the Hawks’ 2010s dominance is considered in less than the highest accolades. historical context, that will be hard to dispute.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217514 Chicago Blackhawks After that partnership ended in 1999, Gneiser called David Toms after learning Toms fired his caddie.

Toms, who'd missed five straight cuts, gave Gneiser a trial run -- one that Veteran PGA Tour caddie Gneiser will have plenty of anxious moments began with a fourth-place finish in the Kemper Open in Potomac, caddying for his son this week Maryland.

"We worked pretty well together," Gneiser said. "He was struggling with John Dietz his driver and that was the case at the PGA Championship at Medinah (11 weeks later). On No. 18 he hits his drive into the woods on the right- Follow @johndietzdh hand side. So he walks nonchalantly to the back of the tee. I'll never forget it -- it was one of those Big Berthas -- and he flipped it into the Updated 7/17/2021 7:55 PM water."

The next week they were in for the International and Toms picked During his 32 years as a PGA Tour caddie there have been plenty of up a new Ping driver on the range. nerve-racking moments for Darien's Scott Gneiser. Boom. Boom. Boom. Ball after ball is flying straight, true and LONG. At the top of the list are certainly the seconds before David Toms buried "He goes, 'Man. This thing's unreal. Where can I get one?'" Gneiser said. a 12-foot putt to defeat Phil Mickelson by a stroke at the 2001 PGA "We went and found the Ping guys. He didn't even play a practice round Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Atlanta, Georgia. with it and he ended up winning the tournament. He drove the ball on a Gneiser has helped players like Toms, Bill Haas and Brent Geiberger string and it was 20 yards further." deal with the heart-pounding pressure of the Tour since 1989. Six weeks later Toms won the Buick Challenge and suddenly there was a But one of Gneiser's most nervous moments actually came last year new force on the PGA Tour. Toms' world ranking soared from 70th at the when he watched his son, 16-year-old Billy, open with 3 straight double end of the 1998 season to 24th at the end of '99. bogeys at the Illinois Open. Billy, whose first-round caddie was a buddy He then won the 2001 PGA Championship and played on three straight that helped him qualify at Willow Crest Golf Club, came to a realization Ryder Cup teams (2002, '04 and '06). after his front-nine 45. Gneiser said what separates the best players on Tour is the ability to "Dad," he said, "I want you to caddie for me tomorrow and help me out." control their nerves. The next day Billy took 10 strokes off his opening-round 91 on the That's not to say Toms has never been nervous. Gneiser's seen Toms' daunting 7,000-yard track. hands shaking quite a bit over the years -- and that was especially the Eleven months later, Scott will caddie for Billy once again when the case on the first tee box of the 2002 Ryder Cup at the Belfry in England. Illinois Amateur begins at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville on Tuesday. "The stands from 18 are to our left and everybody's looking down," Billy, one of nine grandchildren of legendary Blackhawks center Stan Gneiser said. "It's loud. It's really loud. David gets on the first tee and Mikita, qualified by shooting a 1-under 71 at Fox Bend Golf Course in goes, 'Oh my God, Scott. I don't know what to do. I'm so nervous. I can't Oswego. even see straight.' "A lot of people have their dads on their bag, but they can't say their dad "I'll never forget it. I just said, 'David, just take a deep breath and just do is a PGA Tour caddie," said Billy, who will be a senior at Hinsdale South what you do. Try to block everything out, which I know is tough. But just High School. "It's pretty cool. More bonding and more time with him on go through your routine and swing.'" the course. Last year in the Illinois Open I had a smile on my face the entire time. I'm sure it'll be the same thing again at Mistwood." Toms striped his drive, birdied the first hole and helped defeat Padraig Harrington and Nicklas Fasth 1-up. Loopin' for a livin': "He hit it as good as anybody on the team that week," said Gneiser, who It was never Scott Gneiser's goal to become a Tour caddie. After watched Toms go 3-1-1 that week, with one victory coming over Sergio graduating from Central Michigan, Scott was all set to take a regular job Garcia in singles. at Sugar Loaf Resort in Traverse City when he got a phone call from Ed Humenik, whom Gneiser had caddied for in a few events in Michigan. Europe claimed the Cup, however, with a 15.5-12.5 victory.

"I'm following Ed as he's trying to make the Tour," Gneiser said. "All of a Changing hats: sudden Q School comes around and I'm watching the results and I see Ed makes it. I'm thinking, 'That's great!' Had Scott Gneiser not become a professional caddie, it's highly unlikely he ever would have met Jane Mikita, the third of Stan and Jill Mikita's "Then he calls me up and goes, 'Scotty! I made the Tour!' four children. The two met at The Kerry Piper -- an Irish bar in Willowbrook -- as the 1999 Western Open was being played. "I said, 'Congrats! That's awesome!' " Married in 2001, Scott and Jane have three boys and -- along with Stan - "And he goes, 'Do you want to caddie?' " - were instrumental in growing their love for golf from an early age. It was a call that completely changed Gneiser's life. After turning down "He brought us out to Medinah all the time," Billy said of Stan. "We'd the job at Sugar Loaf, he found himself at Pebble Beach just two weeks always go and hit balls, and after that we would play two or three holes later. Humenik struggled, though, and Gneiser figured his looping days with him and go have dinner. That got me hooked on it, as well as were over after one season. hockey." Not so fast. As for this week, Gneiser will definitely play a different role than when Gneiser got a call from Andy North before the 1990 season asking if he dealing with the grueling pressure of the PGA Tour. wanted to team up. North, who won the 1978 and '85 U.S. Opens, was "I let Billy do his thing," Scott said. "Instilling things into kids' heads will 40 and on the downside of his career so this wasn't an easy decision. bring more negativity into their game, instead of him just freewheeling it That is, until Gneiser saw the Masters on North's schedule. and swinging. Whereas a pro they know how to gauge something. They know how to hit a smaller 7-iron. ... "I said, 'Really? Augusta?'" Gneiser said. "I'm like, 'I'm in. I'll do it for nothing.'" "I'm going to try and keep him loose. He might get a little nervous before he gets out there because I think he's expecting a lot more than last After North's career ended in 1991, Gneiser bounced around. He worked year." for Hinsdale's Jeff Sluman for about half a season then caught on with Brent Geiberger in the mid-to-late 1990s. That is indeed the case, as Billy would love to make the cut. "If I keep playing the way I have I should be able to do that," said Billy, whose 17th birthday is Tuesday. "Just got to keep my head in there." No worries there, kid. Dad's got your back. As well as your bag.

90th Illinois Amateur

Where: Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville

When: Tuesday-Thursday

Format: 18 holes Tuesday and Wednesday. Field cut to top 36 and ties, then 36 holes Thursday

Six to watch• John Ehrgott (Edwards) claimed four mid-am titles (2007 and 2009 Illinois State Mid-Am, 2015 and 2018 CDGA Mid-Am). The 46- year-old has also achieved success on the national stage, advancing to match play in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship five times.

• Jake Erickson (Springfield) has finished in the top 12 of the State Am in five of the last seven years. He is a past winner of the CDGA Mid- Amateur Championship (2019).

• Ethan Farnam (Crystal Lake) is searching to become the first repeat State Am winner since 2002-03.

• Mac McClear (Hinsdale) has won three team IHSA state championships at Hinsdale Central. He also claimed the 2019 Illinois State Junior Amateur crown and earned the individual Big Ten Championship title in May. He is a junior at Iowa.

• Brad Kay (Arlington Heights) won the CDGA Senior Amateur Championship in 2018 and CDGA Senior Amateur Four-Ball Championship in 2019.

• Jordan Less (Elmhurst) nearly achieved a historic double in 2019, claiming the 100th CDGA Amateur Championship at Glen View Club before finishing tied for second in the State Am at Cantigny.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217515 Chicago Blackhawks Exposed

Ryan Carpenter: Carpenter could be an appealing option for Seattle as it fills out its bottom six. He doesn’t bring much offense, but he’s an Blackhawks set protection list for the Kraken expansion draft. Now the excellent penalty killer who can play wing and center, and he comes Nikita Zadorov watch begins cheaply at just one more year at $1 million.

Brett Connolly: The Blackhawks could have bought out Connolly — By Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus whom many saw as a cap dump by Florida in the trade that brought Börgstrom to Chicago — but the Blackhawks hope he can regain his Jul 17, 2021 scoring touch and provide the depth scoring they so desperately need beyond their formidable top six. If not, he can be a 13th or 14th forward

or even get buried in Rockford. The speculation began as soon as the NHL announced the Seattle Collin Delia: The Blackhawks can protect only one goalie, so that means Kraken would be joining as the league’s 32nd franchise. the others must be exposed. There are several proven NHL goalies Whom would the Blackhawks protect? Expose? Could they swing any exposed for the draft, so it’s unlikely the Kraken will take Delia. backdoor deals, as they did with the Vegas Golden Knights? : He is a steady, reliable defenseman and a popular After countless mock drafts, the time has finally arrived for the teammate, but all things considered, de Haan is probably the player the Blackhawks to submit their list to the NHL. According to a source, this is Blackhawks hope Seattle takes. With Caleb Jones in the mix and the the list: potential for a big addition such as Seth Jones or Dougie Hamilton, the Blackhawks could use de Haan’s cap space and roster spot. At $4.55 Protected (listed alphabetically) million, he’s the Blackhawks’ highest-paid defenseman now that Keith is in Edmonton. Forwards Adam Gaudette: Gaudette, a 24-year-old restricted free agent, is an 1. Henrik Borgström: The Blackhawks believe Borgström can still reach interesting case. He has a high ceiling and high hopes after finally getting the potential he showed as one of the top players in college and a first- a diagnosis of and treatment for a stomach ailment that hindered his round pick. He was the key piece in the Blackhawks’ trade with the strength training in recent years. The Blackhawks only gave up perennial Florida Panthers last season. tweener Matthew Highmore for him, so it wouldn’t be a disaster if they 2. Alex DeBrincat: DeBrincat wasn’t ever going to be on the exposed list. lost Gaudette for nothing. But even in a crowded field of middle- to He and Kirby Dach are considered two core pieces of the future and bottom-six forwards, Gaudette stands out. The Blackhawks would prefer untouchable, no matter what Columbus might hope for in a potential Seth to keep him. Jones deal. Vinnie Hinostroza: The Blackhawks have yet to decide what to do about 3. Brandon Hagel: Would Hagel have been on the unprotected list if he Hinostroza, who was an unexpected revelation in his brief return to didn’t break out last season? Possibly. The Blackhawks certainly liked Chicago. Do they re-sign him to a very crowded field of forwards, or do him, but last season helped. they let him use his bounce-back numbers as a springboard to a new contract from a new team? After getting iced out by in 4. David Kämpf: Kämpf probably had to take on too much last season in Florida, Hinostroza would certainly prefer to stay home in Chicago. Jonathan Toews’ place. With Toews returning, Dach potentially healthy to start the season and the Blackhawks having more center depth, Kämpf Malcolm Subban: Subban could be an interesting option for Seattle in should fall into his correct place. goal. He excelled for much of last season in a backup role, and he comes at just an $850,000 cap hit. Whether it’s as a No. 2 or a No. 3, Subban 5. Patrick Kane: Kane is automatically protected because he has a no- would be a good value. And if the Blackhawks lose him (they don’t want movement clause, but the Blackhawks weren’t obviously going to expose to, but they could), they’d have Delia and potentially a veteran addition to him either way. soften the blow.

6. Dylan Strome: Where, exactly, Strome fits into the Blackhawks’ lineup Nikita Zadorov: This is the name Blackhawks fans and people around the and future isn’t clear after last season, but it’s not as if Chicago is going hockey world were most curious about. Choosing to expose Zadorov to let him walk for free. doesn’t mean the Blackhawks don’t want to — or won’t try to — re-sign the physical restricted free agent. But if Seattle finds Zadorov’s 7. Jonathan Toews: Toews was also automatically protected by his no- tantalizing mix of size and nastiness as appealing as the Blackhawks did movement clause. His announcement that he intends to return eliminated last offseason, when they traded Brandon Saad to Colorado for him, then the possibility he’d be asked to waive his NMC for the draft. the Kraken might be willing to look past his offensive deficiencies and Defensemen take him. Much of this also depends on what they’re willing to spend to sign him. Comps are anywhere between $3 million and $5 million, and a 1. Caleb Jones: Jones is the newest member of the Blackhawks after source said Zadorov’s initial request was north of $5 million. It’s far more being part of the Duncan Keith trade. The Blackhawks like what he brings likely he ends up in the $3.5 million-to-$4.5 million range. Whether that’s as a 24-year-old left-handed defenseman. There is also the possibility in Seattle, Chicago or elsewhere remains to be seen. the Blackhawks trade for his older brother, Seth Jones.

2. Connor Murphy: With Keith gone, Murphy is the No. 1 defenseman. Will that be the case after this offseason? We’ll see. Regardless, Murphy The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 is an important player for the Blackhawks.

3. Riley Stillman: Stillman provides some of the physical play Nikita Zadorov brings but at a younger age and much cheaper price. When the Blackhawks signed him to a three-year extension with a $1.35 million cap hit, Zadorov became slightly redundant, if not entirely expendable. With so many undersized, offensive-minded blueliners — Adam Boqvist, Ian Mitchell, Wyatt Kalynuk, Nicolas Beaudin — on the depth chart, Stillman can serve as a nice complement to Murphy. And if Seattle passes on Zadorov, the Blackhawks will have options, at the very least.

Goalie

Kevin Lankinen: This was a no-brainer. As much as the Blackhawks like Malcolm Subban and as resilient as Collin Delia was last season, Lankinen is the clear leader of the group. The question is whether he’s a true No. 1 or if the Blackhawks will add a veteran netminder (Marc-Andre Fleury, anyone?) to challenge him. 1217516

Avalanche’s Gabe Landeskog left unprotected from Seattle expansion draft. Here’s what that means

By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Denver Post

July 17, 2021 at 9:25 p.m.

The Avalanche will omit left wing and team captain Gabe Landeskog from its expansion-draft protective list when it’s released Sunday morning, according to a league source. The move will give the Seattle Kraken exclusive rights to recruit the pending unrestricted free agent long before free agency opens July 28.

It will also allow the Avalanche to protect another forward.

All potential free agents left unprotected for the expansion draft can exclusively interview and potentially sign a contract with the Kraken between Sunday morning and Wednesday night’s expansion draft. If Seattle and Landeskog agree to a deal before the draft, Landeskog would count as the Kraken’s one selection from the Avalanche.

Landeskog, 28, is presumably looking for a long-term deal with an annual cap hit of more than $7 million — and $49 million over seven years is probably what he wants. The Avs, meanwhile, are more likely coming in around $30 million over five years ($6 million annual cap hit) — hoping that their nine-year captain and 10-year player accepts a home-town discount.

The $1 million difference and the lesser term might make Landeskog listen to Seattle’s offer — which could be a “C” on his chest and $56 million over seven years ($8 million annual cap hit).

If Seattle doesn’t choose Landeskog in Wednesday’s expansion draft, the parties can return to the negotiation table when free agency opens the following Wednesday.

Saturday marked the NHL’s trade freeze ahead of the expansion draft, so Landeskog’s rights can’t be sold during that time. If the Avalanche attempts to re-sign Landeskog in the ensuing week, it might be too late for the player’s liking.

“I can’t help but be honest with you that I’m a little bit disappointed that it’s gotten this far and it’s had to come to this point,” Landeskog recently told The Athletic. “We’ll see what happens. I’m still hopeful that we can agree on something and come to terms, but if it was up to me, I would have liked it to be done eight months ago, 10 months ago.”

On Saturday night amid rumors of Landeskog’s omission from Colorado’s protective list, the player and his agent did not return texts seeking comment. And an Avalanche spokesman said he could not confirm or deny.

By not protecting Landeskog, the Avalanche could still lose one of the following forwards: J.T. Compher, Valeri Nichushkin or Tyson Jost, the latter of whom is a restricted free agent.

Colorado is bound to use the seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie protection format and shield forwards Mikko Rantanen, Nathan MacKinnon, Andre Burakovsky, Nazem Kadri and Joonas Donskoi, plus defensemen Cale Makar, Sam Girard and Devon Toews, from the Kraken. Goalie Philipp Grubauer is also a pending UFA and either he or Jonas Johansson will be protected.

The protection lists for each team were submitted by 3 p.m. MT Saturday and they will go public at 8 a.m. MT Sunday.

Denver Post: LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217517 Colorado Avalanche Denver and prevent him from becoming Seattle’s captain or also getting $8 million a year from a team like St. Louis.

— Finalize your goaltending plans behind or in front of the surgically Chambers: Five pressing issues for Avalanche with late-July NHL repaired Pavel Francouz. That starts with re-signing or moving on from fireworks looming UFA goalie Philipp Grubauer. If you move on and don’t believe Francouz and a young prospect can do the job, you’ll have to sign another UFA or perhaps trade and sign for a guy like Arizona’s Darcy Kuemper, who is By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Denver Post entering the final year of his contract with a $4.5 million cap hit.

PUBLISHED: July 17, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. | UPDATED: July 17, 2021 at The Avs’ extensive to-do list appears exhausting. But August is just 9:32 p.m. around the corner.

The next two Wednesdays will reshape 31 NHL rosters and create one Denver Post: LOADED: 07.18.2021 for the expansion Seattle Kraken.

Between Wednesday’s expansion draft and the July 28 start to free agency, the NHL entry draft will unfold virtually July 23-24 from New Jersey.

We’re looking at two weeks of fireworks before the dead period begins around the start of August — a stretch that could go a long way toward determining whether the Avalanche lives up to its billing as early favorites to hoist the Stanley Cup.

The Avs are off to a good start in preparing for the busy offseason events. Last week’s trade of defenseman Ryan Graves to New Jersey for bright forward prospect Mikhail Maltsev and a second-round draft pick was a terrific move by the club. The Avs traded a player they couldn’t protect in the expansion draft for two assets, including a draft pick that fills a void.

Before the Graves trade, Colorado only had three selections in the upcoming draft — a first, third and seventh. Now it has the 61st overall pick between the 28th and the 90th, and Maltsev is a 6-foot-3 left wing who is exempt from the expansion draft and someone the Avs could use next season.

The Avs traded their original 2021 second-round draft pick, which turned out to be No. 60, for defenseman Devon Toews before last season. They also gave the New York Islanders their 2022 second-round draft pick for Toews, who led Colorado in average ice time last season at 24:46.

Say what you want about the Avalanche’s perceived lack of playoff grit, general manager and his staff — particularly top assistant Chris MacFarland — continue to make shrewd offseason moves for a team coming off its first Presidents’ Trophy in 20 years.

In order to maintain that trend, Sakic and company must successfully navigate the following pressing issues:

— Prepare to lose a good player in Wednesday’s expansion draft. The Avs’ protected list was submitted Saturday and will become public at 8 a.m. MT Sunday after Central Registry approves it. This list will not include left wing and team captain Gabe Landeskog, an unrestricted free agent, and my guess is they will lose a forward (J.T. Compher, Valeri Nichushkin or Tyson Jost) or defenseman Jacob MacDonald.

— Have faith in director of amateur scouting director Wade Klippenstein. New to his job this offseason, it is critical Klippenstein and his eight-man support staff identify the best player available late in the first, second and third rounds on July 23-24. While it’s unlikely whoever they select makes an immediate impact (especially the seventh-rounder on Day 2), organizational depth is critical for a team scraping up against the salary cap. Klippenstein is taking over for Alan Hepple, now the pro scouting director for Arizona.

— Identify what it’s going to take to re-sign restricted free agent defenseman Cale Makar. Based on Saturday’s signing of comparable Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen (eight years, $67.6 million, for an $8.45 million annual cap hit), the Avs might have to devote $9 million or more annually to Makar to avoid an ugly RFA offer sheet from another team. Once the first big domino falls, or the price is set, the Avs will know how much money they have to work with next week in free agency. The 2021 Norris Trophy finalist, who is not arbitration-eligible, could agree to a deal at any time leading up to the October season-opener.

— Re-sign or move on from Landeskog. The captain hits the Kraken free-agent market Sunday morning and then could reach the entire free- agent market July 28. But the Avs can make a decision prior to that. I believe Landeskog wants a long-term deal (six to eight years) with an $8 million annual cap hit. I think $7 million at five years could keep Landy in 1217518 Colorado Avalanche

Unprotected? Landeskog circus begins in earnest

Published 4 hours ago on July 18, 2021

By Adrian Dater

About three weeks ago, I wrote how Avs captain Gabe Landeskog could easily be left unprotected when the Avs submit their “protected” list for the July 21 NHL expansion draft with the Seattle Kraken. A lot of people thought that was insane. Well, there are some unconfirmed reports tonight that Landeskog will, indeed, be left unprotected when the list that they had to formally submit becomes public Sunday morning.

Rather than rehash the whole thing, I encourage you to click on the story and read how/why this could happen.

The Kraken have from Sunday to July 21 to exclusively negotiate with Landeskog. If they DO come to an agreement, he has to be their official selection on July 21 when the draft occurs. If not, the Avs can start negotiating with him soon after, until July 28, when EVERY team can make him an offer. Seattle can throw a huge offer at Landy now, and who knows, maybe Seattle part-owner, Hollywood producer , will throw in a role in the next “Mission Impossible 18” or something. I can see Landy being a good bad guy against Tom Cruise, like that blond Euro guy in the first “Die Hard” movie.

As spelled out in my original piece, this is either Joe Sakic making a very shrewd move, allowing the Avs to protect a guy they may not have wanted to lose and still keeping Landy with a wink-win agreement. Or, it might have been the first formal step in the team disengaging from the 28-year-old left winger.

I have been told by reliable sources that the Avs and Landeskog are far apart on the numbers. But I’ve heard all that before. It could all be posturing. Or, maybe not.

Good on Athletic reporter Peter Baugh getting a quote the other day from Landeskog saying he was “disappointed” at not having a deal with the Avs by now. I can promise you this much: Sakic probably did NOT like Landeskog going public like that. Oh, I can guarantee he didn’t like that.

So, maybe there really is some discord between the parties now and Landy is a goner.

I don’t know, I still have a hunch this is all been something of a posturing game. I do have some people telling me they think Landeskog will return to the Avs. Sakic, of course, is saying nothing publicly. If Landeskog is gone, you can darn well expect them to do something dramatic with the money saved, to bring in someone else.

We’ll really analyze things tomorrow morning, when the list becomes official. Try to get some sleep, lol.

Colorado hockey now LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217519 Colorado Avalanche

Exclusive: Next NHL schedule will maintain back-to-back “series” concept

Published 13 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Adrian Dater

The next NHL schedule is expected to be released next week, and at least one of the features that defined the schedule in the pandemic- affected season of 2020-21 will be incorporated into the new one.

That feature will be more of the back-to-back home/road “series” format that was so much a part of this past one, a league source tells Colorado Hockey Now. While it will not be as heavily a part of the last division-only schedule, because every team is expected to play each other at least once in the 2021-21 season, there will still be many instances in which teams play back-to-back games in the same city.

That became a popular innovation to the 56-game, inter-division schedule forced by the pandemic. Players enjoyed not having to run around as much and hopping on airplanes after every road game. It also greatly cut down on teams’ travel expenses and, frankly, cut down on carbon emissions from all that airplane fuel. CHN was the first to break the news of such an innovation last December.

The Avalanche was one of the teams that really enjoyed the “series” format, being one of the teams that has always had to travel more miles to games than most NHL teams. Players said that it made them feel more rested and pointed to it as a reason why they had the best record of any team in the regular season.

For so many years, the Avs would finish up a road trip and have to hop on a plane and get back home at 3 or 4 in the morning. With more of the back-to-back, series concept, players were able to go back to the hotel and get a real night’s rest.

It is something that may become a permanent part of the NHL landscape beyond this coming season too.

Colorado hockey now LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217520 Columbus Blue Jackets He'll also follow oldest brother Quinn's footsteps by playing at Michigan. Quinn spent two years with the Wolverines before joining the Canucks in the spring of 2019.

NHL draft profile: Who is Luke Hughes? "I can only imagine the things that he learned and saw in his growth and the pressure of being the last (Hughes brother)," Pearson told The Dispatch. "You try to live up to those expectations, and he’s done a great Bailey Johnson job of that so far. But if you know Luke, he’s a really confident kid. He handles everything well. Very humble. He wants to cut an identity for The Columbus Dispatch himself, too."

As one of the youngest players in the draft — if his birthday was six days Editor's note: This is third in a nine-part a series of profiles analyzing later, he'd be eligible for the 2022 draft — Hughes is also considered to potential draft prospects for the Blue Jackets. Columbus holds three first- have some of the highest upside in this draft class. round picks: No. 5, No. 24 and No. 31 overall. Some scouts have lingering questions about his decision making, Part 1: Owen Power particularly on the defensive side of the puck, but his natural ability and his development path over the past few seasons indicate there's every Part 2: Matty Beniers reason to believe those questions will be solved before too long.

Today: Luke Hughes "These draft-eligible players, they all have a level of maturity, but he has some stuff that’s just next level," Muse said. "Everybody, if you get to that Luke Hughes ranks fourth on NHL Central Scouting's list of North point when you get drafted, the majority (of players) you’re gonna say, American skaters and is widely expected to be drafted in the top 10. He'll yeah, they work hard in practice. Yeah, they work hard in the weight join brothers Quinn (seventh overall to Vancouver in 2018) and Jack (first room. overall to New Jersey in 2019) as the third first-round pick from the Hughes family. "But I think now in order to continue to separate yourself, you have to find every single inch that you can to be able to separate yourself from others Never before have three brothers all been first round NHL draft picks. and give yourself an advantage and most importantly, be working Here's what to know about the defenseman from the U.S. National Team towards your full potential. I really think, for a player his age, he’s doing Development Program: all those little things that he can."

Position: Defense

Height/weight: 6'2, 184 lbs. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 07.18.2021

Shoots: Left

Hometown: Canton, Mich.

Birthdate: Sept. 9, 2003

Team: U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP)

2020-21 point totals: 6 goals, 28 assists in 38 games

When first-year NTDP coach Dan Muse started last summer, he had no preconceived notions about the team he was inheriting. But it didn't take long for Hughes to stand out and make his talent apparent.

"You hear the name, but I didn’t know him," Muse told The Dispatch. "Right from the get-go, you’re so impressed with his skating. That’s such a big element to his game. That combination of the size that he is, just how good of a skater he is, how dynamic he is on his edges.

"Just how hard that is to play against a player like that with those attributes. His escapability, his mobility. I think to anybody that watches him even for a couple of shifts, that really stands out."

Much like his two brothers, elite skating is a key component of Hughes' game. It's the foundation of what makes the two-way defenseman effective, particularly when exiting the defensive zone.

Many defensemen have to pass the puck to a better-skating teammate as they exit the defensive zone, but Hughes can use his skating ability to take the puck himself all the way into the offensive zone and create a scoring chance. He's elusive and shifty, in addition to being fast, which makes him challenging to stop.

"I think a big part of my game is my exits and entries," Hughes said. "My exits out of the (defensive) zone, entries into the offensive zone. And then in the offensive zone, I think I’m pretty deceptive with the puck. I try to make things happen in there."

Despite missing last month of the of the NTDP season and the U18 World Championships after undergoing surgery on a lacerated tendon in his foot, Hughes still put up 34 total points and had the highest points per game, 0.89, of any defenseman on the team. Hughes said in early July that he's almost back to 100% from the injury and had been back skating for about five weeks at the time.

When Hughes joins the University of Michigan this fall, the coaching staff in Ann Arbor will be expecting him to contribute right away. Michigan coach Mel Pearson likes to have his defensemen get involved in the offensive zone, and Hughes fits that mold perfectly. 1217521 Columbus Blue Jackets Arizona, for instance, gained a second-round pick this year, a conditional second-round pick next season and a conditional third-round pick in 2023 for taking forward Andrew Ladd’s contract from the New York Islanders.

Blue Jackets will expose Max Domi to Seattle in expansion draft: Source The Blue Jackets were not involved in trade talks for Ladd, a source told The Athletic.

By Aaron Portzline

Jul 17, 2021 The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Blue Jackets were quiet leading up to Saturday’s deadline to finalize and submit their expansion protected list, but they’ll make noise Sunday with a big-name exposure.

Max Domi, the centerpiece of the trade last October that sent Josh Anderson to the Montreal Canadiens, is expected to be made available for selection when the Seattle Kraken come to life with Wednesday’s expansion draft.

A source confirmed to The Athletic on Saturday that Domi will be exposed. Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen would not comment on the protected list, and Domi’s agent, Darren Ferris, said he hadn’t been informed by the club.

The NHL will make the protected lists public Sunday.

The Blue Jackets certainly aren’t hoping to part ways with Domi, who is an unrestricted free agent in 2022. He struggled mightily, especially early, in his first season in Columbus — 9-15-24 in 54 games — but is among the most offensively gifted players on the roster.

Just three seasons ago, Domi had 28-44-72 in 82 games with Montreal.

The issue is Domi’s health. Kekalainen is betting that Domi’s injured right shoulder — he had surgery for a labral tear in early June and is expected to miss the first one or two months of next season — will be enough of a deterrent to steer Seattle general manager Ron Francis in another direction.

Here’s what Kekalainen told The Athletic earlier this month:

“We’re looking at it hard from every angle. Whether there’s another player we can expose that we think we should protect but they might not be taken for certain reasons … we’ll have to see. It’s always a bit of a gamble.

“If you have a guy with an ACL injury and he’ll be out for four months next season … I don’t think Seattle is going to claim that guy.”

By exposing Domi, the Blue Jackets will be able to protect bottom-six winger Eric Robinson, whose size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds), speed and work ethic have delighted Kekalainen and coach Brad Larsen in his three pro seasons after he was signed out of Princeton University.

Even though Robinson turned 26 earlier this summer, and even though he’s played mostly on the Blue Jackets’ fourth line in his career, the feeling within the organization is that his game is still developing. He has 15-15-30 in 120 NHL games.

The Blue Jackets’ protected list is expected to be:

Forwards (7): Cam Atkinson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Boone Jenner, Patrik Laine, Gustav Nyquist, Eric Robinson and Jack Roslovic

Defensemen (3): Vladislav Gavrikov, Seth Jones,

Goaltenders (1): Joonas Korpisalo

Barring any surprises with the protected list, the players exposed to Seattle are likely to be forwards Domi and Kevin Stenlund, defenseman Dean Kukan and goaltender Cam Johnson.

Young players with two or fewer years of North American pro experience are exempt. That includes forwards Emil Bemstrom, Liam Foudy and Alexandre Texier, defenseman Andrew Peeke and goaltenders Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov, among others.

The Blue Jackets are one of the few NHL clubs this summer with salary- cap space. But while other clubs came to the rescue of teams facing financial and expansion list hardships, the Blue Jackets were quiet leading up to Saturday’s deadline. 1217522 Columbus Blue Jackets But Kekalainen might have an indication from Francis about which Blue Jackets player Seattle is taking, and if the Blue Jackets believe that is set in stone, they could get creative in the hours leading up to Saturday’s What we’re hearing about the Blue Jackets’ big summer: Expansion, the deadline. Draft and Seth Jones on trade docket Don’t be surprised if the Blue Jackets provide “protection relief” to a club that’s desperate to avoid losing a player for nothing. The New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning might need relief. By Aaron Portzline It would have to be the right type of player or a deal that also brings a Jul 17, 2021 premium future commodity to the organization, but Columbus is one of the few teams with anticipated salary-cap space. There are indications

they’re willing to use it. COLUMBUS, Ohio — Seatbelts fastened? The NHL’s crazy season is Trading Seth Jones upon us, a two-week stretch that will include the expansion draft, entry draft, start of free agency and a multitude of trades. The Blue Jackets will The Blue Jackets don’t have to trade Jones this summer. That’s the be heavily involved in much of it. message being passed around the league in recent days, which is a pretty good indication that Keklainen and company aren’t exactly blown General manager Jarmo Kekalainen can be difficult to read in normal away by the offers they’re getting. times, but it’s particularly tough this summer because there are so many different directions this might go for the Blue Jackets. Jones, as you might have heard, informed the Blue Jackets this spring that he wouldn’t be signing an extension in Columbus. So, with They are expected to trade defenseman Seth Jones, but they insist they unrestricted free agency looming after next season, the Jackets have won’t trade him unless the offer is right. They will likely trade goaltender made their 26-year-old defenseman available via trade. Joonas Korpisalo, too, but the market could once again be crowded. They might trade other players, most notably winger Patrik Laine. The Blue Jackets’ asking price is significant, as you might expect. They’re looking for multiple assets, some combination of established The expansion draft seems like a slam dunk — especially compared to young NHL players, top prospects and early-round draft picks. the Vegas expansion draft — but there could be surprises ahead of the 5 p.m. ET deadline Saturday for submitting protected lists to the NHL. It is true that the Jackets don’t have to trade Jones this summer. They could carry him well into next season and solicit offers again at the trade And then there’s the draft. For a Blue Jackets franchise that appears deadline if Jones still desires a new address. But there’s a huge risk in ready for a restart, nothing looms larger than the entry draft and player that. development over the next two or three seasons. It starts with three first- round picks in this year’s draft, including the No. 5 pick. If Jones suffers a season-ending injury, the Blue Jackets would have wasted one of their big trade pieces. And what if the Blue Jackets linger What follows is a closer look at the Blue Jackets’ bigger storylines this around the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference as the trade deadline summer and what we’re hearing as the dates draw nearer: looms? That’s not out of the question, and then a trade becomes really Expansion draft unsavory …

Dates: Protection lists are due by 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, with the NHL … which is why the Blue Jackets likely will move Jones this summer. making all lists public Sunday. The unveiling of the Seattle Kraken The Chicago Blackhawks makes a ton of sense for Jones, and not just expansion draft choices will be Wednesday. because they recently traded with Edmonton to acquire his younger The Blue Jackets did a bit of housekeeping Thursday, signing goaltender brother, Caleb Jones. Cam Johnson to a one-year, two-way contract worth $750,000. Johnson The Colorado Avalanche is a team that is believed to be interested in might never play a game for the Blue Jackets, but he’s serving an Jones, too. On Thursday, they traded a defenseman, Ryan Graves, to important role this summer. New Jersey to avoid losing him in the expansion draft. Look for the Blue Jackets to protect Korpisalo. Elvis Merzlikins is exempt, Los Angeles and Philadelphia are also said to be interested. The Flyers so Seattle can’t pick him. But the Blue Jackets needed a goaltender to are an interesting team in this situation for at least two reasons. “expose” to Seattle following the tragic death of Matiss Kivlenieks earlier this month. First, Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman has reported that the Flyers’ interest in trading for Jones has waned in recent days because it’s become clear to Johnson is three years removed from playing at the University of North Philadelphia that Jones doesn’t want to sign there long term. Dakota, so he meets exposure requirements. That’s an interesting development because Kekalainen — as of Friday — The rest of the Blue Jackets’ protected list holds only slightly more hasn’t granted any team permission to negotiate with Jones or his agent, drama. . How could the Flyers possibly know Jones’ long-term plans On defense, they can protect Jones, Zach Werenski and Vladislav without tampering? Gavrikov, but that leaves Dean Kukan exposed to the Kraken. There Second, there is a widely held belief that the Blue Jackets will deal first doesn’t appear to be much mystery on the blue line. with the clubs that Jones has targeted as places he’d be willing to sign At forward, the Jackets have a decision to make. For months, logic long term because those teams — knowing they have Jones into the dictated that they’d protect Cam Atkinson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Max Domi, future — would provide the strongest trade return. Boone Jenner, Laine, Gustav Nyquist and Jack Roslovic, leaving Eric But a club source says that’s not necessarily the case. Robinson and Kevin Stenlund exposed. There are at least a couple of NHL clubs that see their Stanley Cup But the Blue Jackets seem to wince at the idea of exposing Robinson, windows closing pretty quickly, and they view 2021-22 as their last best and — as we’ve noted previously — could decide to dangle either chance to win. They are in “going for it” mode, and they’ll sort out the Nyquist or Domi in front of the Kraken rather than let Robinson get 2022 offseason when it arrives. snatched. (When I hear this approach described, I think of Colorado, don’t you?) Nyquist missed last season while he recovered from shoulder surgery. Domi is expected to miss the first few months next season after having a The Blue Jackets believe that, in some cases, the intense desire to similar procedure this spring. Would Seattle view them as damaged acquire Jones as a full-season rental could offset the difference in the goods and shy away? trade return generated by clubs that think they can sign Jones long term.

Kekalainen has surely had conversations with Seattle GM Ron Francis. landed Columbus a first- and a third-round pick when he The Blue Jackets aren’t at Seattle’s mercy, and so they won’t have to pay was traded to Tampa Bay at this year’s trade deadline. Not only is Jones an exorbitant price to steer the Kraken away from a certain player. (Good a superior player, but teams would be getting him for a full year, not just thing, too, because word around the league is the Kraken are asking for a few weeks, as in the case with Savard. a first-round pick and more to do that type of favor.) Jones has given the Blue Jackets a list of 10 teams to which he cannot comparing him to another Swede who might be the best defenseman of be traded. The Blue Jackets are willing to trade him to any of the other 21 his generation, Victor Hedman. There’s enormous potential here, though — but they’re waiting for the offers to get serious. he might take a while to get established.

The entry draft

Dates: July 23 (first round), July 24 (second through seventh rounds) The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021

It’s probably safe to consider the draft the most enjoyable event of the next couple of offseasons in Columbus. In this year’s draft, the Blue Jackets have three first-round picks and nine selections overall.

The Jackets are going to get a very good player at No. 5. It won’t be like last year’s draft, when the Blue Jackets selected forward Yegor Chinakov at No. 21 and managed to stump even the most seasoned draft experts (although not TSN’s ).

There’s a very good chance that defenseman Owen Power and center Matty Beniers will be gone before the Blue Jackets are on the clock. They’re expected to go 1-2 to Buffalo and Seattle, respectively.

But the Blue Jackets will have their pick of some very bright prospects, players who are no more than one or two seasons from debuting in the NHL.

That No. 5 pick will get a ton of attention. But it’s equally compelling to wonder what the Blue Jackets might do with their later first-round picks: picks No. 24 (from Toronto for Nick Foligno) and No. 31 (from Tampa Bay for Savard).

Kekalainen spoke openly late last season about trading those picks for established players, which shouldn’t be difficult in a flat-cap world.

But ever since John Davidson returned to the organization as the president of hockey operations, the Blue Jackets seem more willing to rebuild the roster with high-end talent through the draft, not patch tires and spackle together a lineup just to be competitive next season.

So how do they use those late first-round picks? Could they package one with the No. 5 pick to move higher in the draft order? Could they put the 24th and 31st picks together to trade up into the low or mid-teens?

One player of interest, apparently, is center Cole Sillinger — son of former Blue Jackets center Mike Sillinger — but the Jackets are in no- man’s-land to draft him as of now. It’s probably a reach to draft him at No. 5, but there’s no way he’ll still be on the board at No. 24.

Here’s the latest mock draft — all rounds, all 224 picks — from The Athletic’s Corey Pronman. And here are six names to keep in mind for that No. 5 spot, assuming Power and Beniers are off the board …

Forwards …

Dylan Guenther, RW: He might be the most dynamic scorer in this year’s draft class. No, he’s not a center, and that’s a desperate need in Columbus, but Kekalainen will be in “best available player” mode at this point in the draft. It’s probably a reach that Guenther is there at No. 5.

Mason McTavish, C: No, they won’t draft by position at this point in the draft, but if two or more players are similarly ranked by the Blue Jackets, you have to believe McTavish’s status as a pivot would hold considerable sway with Columbus. This feels like a wheelhouse pick for the Blue Jackets.

Kent Johnson, C: A highly skilled, highly creative player, but most suspect he’ll be moved to the wing as a professional.

William Eklund, LW: A small but skilled winger with abundant speed. Eklund was once seen as a surefire top 5 pick, but he could slide a bit if he gets past Columbus.

Defensemen …

Luke Hughes, LHD: In 2017, Quinn Hughes went to Vancouver at No. 7. In 2019, Jack Hughes went No. 1 overall to New Jersey. Now it’s the baby brother’s turn, and he’s going to go somewhere in that range set by his brothers. He’s not diminutive like they are, though. He’s 6-foot-2 with wheels, a future top-pair blueliner.

Brandt Clarke, RHD: He’s a highly skilled, right-shot defenseman with size. The Blue Jackets, after trading Savard late last season and preparing for a Jones trade this summer, will need those elements in their organization. There are questions about Clarke’s skating technique.

Simon Edvinsson, LHD: Possesses skating ability and stick skills that belie his massive size. He’s 6-5 and over 200 pounds, which has many 1217523 Dallas Stars First, there is cost certainty. Faksa is signed for four more years at a $3.25 million cap hit, perhaps expensive for a fourth-line center (should Bowness use him as such) but in line for what a third-line center should Dallas Stars trade Jason Dickinson to Vancouver for 2021 third-round cost. Dickinson, meanwhile, is an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent pick that figures to get a raise of at least $1 million on his $1.5 million cap hit from last year.

With the flat salary cap, the Stars know how much Faksa will cost for the By Matthew DeFranks next few seasons. Even if Dickinson ends up being cheaper, knowing the cost of business is important for organizations. 2:22 PM on Jul 17, 2021 CDT Second, Faksa plays on the power play. That is the biggest difference

between Faksa and Dickinson at this point in their careers. Faksa has With the expectation that they would lose him for nothing to Seattle been a staple at the net front on the second power play unit and the during the expansion draft, the Stars traded forward Jason Dickinson to difference in overall offensive production can be attributed to time spent Vancouver on Saturday afternoon for a third-round pick (No. 73) in next on the man-advantage. week’s entry draft. Third, Faksa plays a heavier game than Dickinson, something the Stars The trade was the latest development in Dallas’ protection strategy as have traditionally valued even if Dickinson’s skating allows him to match the Kraken enter the league, coming days after goaltender Ben Bishop up with speedy centers like Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon. Perhaps it’s a waived his no-movement clause to allow the Stars to protect Anton contributing factor why Faksa won 55.8% of his faceoffs last season. Khudobin instead of the injured and uncertain Bishop. The combination meant Dickinson was the odd man out on the protection Without Dickinson to choose from, the top options for Seattle to choose list, and shipped to Vancouver instead of lost to Seattle. from all come with caveats: an unknown in Bishop, a 23-year-old prospect in Adam Mascherin, a pending unrestricted free agent in Jamie Oleksiak, or depth pieces like Nick Caamano, Blake Comeau or Andrej Dallas Morning News LOADED: 07.18.2021 Sekera.

Dickinson, 26, spent his entire career in the Stars organization, beginning when he was a first-round pick in 2013 and including parts of six seasons in the NHL with Dallas. He finished his time in Dallas with 25 goals and 38 assists in 221 games while primarily playing a defensive role in the bottom-six.

“We drafted Jason, developed him, he’s a great young man and his career is just starting,” Stars general Jim Nill said. “He’s got a great future ahead of him and I just wanted a chance to thank him. He’s been a great Dallas Star.”

The Stars now have eight picks in the upcoming draft, including all seven of their own and the 14th selection in the first round.

Dallas’ protected list was due at 4 p.m. and will be announced by the league Sunday. It is expected to include seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie: Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, Alexander Radulov, Joe Pavelski, Roope Hintz, Denis Gurianov and Radek Faksa; Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell and John Klingberg; and Anton Khudobin.

Between no-move clauses (Seguin and Benn), current production (Pavelski and Radulov) and future production (Hintz and Gurianov), the final decision the Stars had to make on their protected list was between Faksa and Dickinson.

“Some of it comes down to contracts, some of it comes down when they’re going to be a restricted free agent or unrestricted free agent, so a lot of different scenarios come into play,” Nill said. “Really, it’s nothing against Jason Dickinson as a player. It’s the situation of all the situations thrown together.”

Across the last three seasons, their individual production at 5 on 5 is remarkably similar, with Dickinson actually holding a slight edge in points per 60 minutes.

Last season, when Faksa was still battling a wrist injury he suffered during the 2020 run to the Stanley Cup Final, he managed a slight edge over Dickinson by posting 0.90 points per 60 minutes at 5 on 5, compared to Dickinson’s 0.86.

But the team did much better with Dickinson on the ice at 5 on 5, controlling significantly more shot attempts, shots on goal, scoring chances, goals and expected goals than Dallas did with Faksa on the ice.

Sure, Faksa’s injury probably had something to do with the difference, and he had tougher matchups as coach Rick Bowness used Faksa against other teams’ best players. But the vast gulf is enough to wonder whether Dickinson should be the player kept in Victory Green, especially given his usefulness moving up and down the lineup, and between center and left wing.

From the Stars perspective, there are a few things that Faksa brings that Dickinson does not. 1217524 Dallas Stars a player the stature of Miro Heiskanen, it’s important to make sure that they’re looked after, that they’re signed and then we’ll fill in the voids from there. It’s a challenge no matter what right now in our business with the Dallas Stars sign Miro Heiskanen to 8-year, $67.6 million contract cap.” extension The contract now places more expectations on Heiskanen, who is used to them since he was the Stars’ highest draft pick since Mike Modano. Heiskanen’s defensive game is sound and subtle, relying on his skating By Matthew DeFranks and stick to break up plays. But his offensive game is unrefined and has to progress for his contract to be worth it across the life of it. 11:52 AM on Jul 17, 2021 CDT Heiskanen has averaged 38 points per 82 games during his career,

peaking at 42.2 points per 82 games during 2019-20. All five higher-paid No. 4 will be in Dallas for eight more years. defensemen produce at a higher clip in their careers than Heiskanen: (48.5 points per 82 games), P.K. Subban (48.2), Roman Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen signed an eight-year contract Josi (53.8), Drew Doughty (45.1) and Erik Karlsson (65.0). extension on Saturday morning worth $8.45 million annually, making him the sixth-highest paid defenseman in the league. The $67.6 million total “That’s there,” Nill said of Heiskanen offensive ability. “Like with value makes Heiskanen’s contract the third-biggest in Stars franchise anybody’s career, there’s going to be some years you get more points history, and the largest by a Finnish player in NHL history. with others and vice versa. When we talk about his maturing as a player, that’s going to pick up even more. That’s part of the evolution of On the Stars, only Tyler Seguin ($9.85 million) and Jamie Benn ($9.5 experience, figuring out the league a little more.” million) will be paid more than Heiskanen. Heiskanen, who turns 22 on Sunday, has a full no-move clause included on the final four years of his Heiskanen’s contract will set the market for other RFA defensemen this deal, the only years he is eligible for one. summer, notably Colorado’s Cale Makar, Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes and Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin. Heiskanen is only the fourth defensemen The contract represents a massive deal for the Stars, who now have a younger than 24 years old to sign for eight years, joining Doughty, Aaron franchise cornerstone under contract through the 2028-29 season, longer Ekblad and Thomas Chabot (who is also represented by Heiskanen’s than anyone else on the Dallas roster. Heiskanen’s contract will expire agent, Ian Pulver). when he is 29 years old, potentially setting him up for another lucrative contract. Nill said the other current RFA defensemen did not factor into Heiskanen’s negotiations, citing different circumstances in Colorado, “We’re very excited to have him, to know that he’s going to be a Dallas Vancouver and Buffalo. Star for the next eight years,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “That’s something that Miro made very clear in our negotiations, in my Heiskanen set a record — potentially broken by Makar soon — for the exit interview with him: Dallas is his home, he wants to be a Dallas Star. highest AAV by a defenseman on their second contract. His representatives made that very clear in negotiations also.” “In the end, we found that sweet spot,” Nill said. “You have to find that Heiskanen, currently in Finland, is expected to speak with reporters on sweet spot in any negotiation. They’re happy with it, would probably like Monday afternoon. a little bit more. We’re happy with it, would like a little bit less. It works for everybody in the end, here we are today.” Heiskanen was the No. 3 pick in 2017 and burst on to the scene as an immediate difference-maker in 2018-19. He was masterful during the team’s run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020, posting 26 points in 27 Dallas Morning News LOADED: 07.18.2021 games, garnering Conn Smythe consideration should the Stars have won the Cup. Last year, he had 27 points in 55 games while averaging 24:58 of ice time.

“He’s a pretty complete package,” Nill said. “He can play the game any way you want. He’s an effortless skater. His hockey sense is off the charts. He’s got a calmness to him. It’s really just gaining experience.”

Heiskanen would have become a restricted free agent on July 28 when his entry-level contract expired, and entering the summer, it looked as if a three-year bridge contract would make the most sense for both sides.

The Stars would get a cheaper cap hit since RFA years are cheaper than UFA years, allowing them flexibility to add pieces this summer. Heiskanen would get a chance at his third contract once the salary cap starts going up, and would have the chance to capitalize once Benn’s money comes off the books.

But Heiskanen preferred the maximum eight-year term. Nill said the sides also discussed three- and six-year deals. So the Stars gave up term, and Heiskanen forfeited potential future earnings.

“He wants to be a Dallas Star for life,” Nill said. “As I mentioned, Dallas is his home. He loves the team. He loves his teammates. He just wants to know that he’s compensated fairly and that he just wants to go play hockey.”

For example, if Heiskanen signed a three-year contract worth $6.5 million annually, and then followed it with an eight-year contract worth $10 million annually, the AAV across the 11 years would be north of $9 million. Instead, both sides landed at an AAV of $8.45 million for the next eight seasons.

Heiskanen’s deal limits the Stars’ ability to add impact free agents this summer, as the Stars would have minimal money to spend should they spend around $4 million on a top-four defenseman, potentially Jamie Oleksiak.

“The key thing is to make sure you have your core signed,” Nill said. “We’ll work around the edges and fill everything else in. When you’ve got 1217525 Dallas Stars Nill said that in the end, the two sides found that “sweet spot,” resulting in the third-biggest contract in franchise history, behind Seguin’s and Jamie Benn’s. Overall, the contract is, as Seguin said, a win-win for both sides. Miro Heiskanen’s contract extension with the Stars is a ‘win-win,’ but Heiskanen was adamant about wanting immediate long-term security. more work remains The Stars’ AAV figure of $8.45 million looks like market value right now, but in a few years, when the NHL is getting out of the flat-cap era brought on by COVID-19 and Heiskanen continues to progress, as expected, that number is going to look like a bargain. By Saad Yousuf A bridge deal could also have served as a win-win for both sides. A Jul 18, 2021 three-year deal would have brought the AAV figure down in the immediate short term, allowing the Stars to have more funds to sign free agents this summer. It would have also set up Heiskanen to hit the open Until 11:34 CT on Saturday, it was a pretty mundane morning, as most market again as a 25-year-old and surely land a bigger contract, mornings have been around Stars hockey since May 11, when the especially with Benn’s deal coming off the books and the salary cap regular season ended. That’s when the Dallas Stars’ team account rising. tweeted 22 eyeball emoji in the shape of a No. 4. But to think that Heiskanen gave up a large contract later on would also Tyler Seguin saw the tweet. At the same moment, he got a call from Ian be premature. Heiskanen’s projected potential is very high, and at the Pulver, his agent, who also represents Miro Heiskanen. Pulver shared end of his current contract, he’ll be about to turn 30. He might not get the with Seguin that Heiskanen and the Stars had agreed to an eight-year, maximum term, but if his play continues on the path of expectations, he’ll $67.6 million contract coming out to an $8.45 million average annual get another rich contract in his career. Heiskanen has managed to stay value. relatively healthy, and modern-day athletes are playing deeper and deeper into their 30s at a high level. “I was beyond excited,” Seguin said in a text message to The Athletic. “Win-win for everybody, and to have a guy of that caliber locked in for For the Stars, things will be a bit tricky now. They are under $6 million of eight more years makes you really excited. In (Stars general manager available cap space for the summer. If Seattle takes Ben Bishop and his Jim) Nill we trust.” $4.97 million, it would open up a different level of free-agency conversation, but it’s unlikely the Kraken will do that. The Stars traded Heiskanen’s contract was one of the top storylines for the Stars entering away pending restricted free agent Jason Dickinson to Vancouver for a a pivotal offseason. The question was never about whether a deal would third-round draft pick, but they still have in-house business to take care of get done, nor was there ever a question Heiskanen would get a with Joel Kiviranta. After that, it’s going to come down to where the handsome raise. The only mystery was whether it would take the form of priorities lie. a bridge deal or a long-term extension. Turns out that wasn’t as much of a mystery on the inside as it was on the outside. Going into the 2021-22 season, Dallas now has its top three defensemen locked up in John Klingberg, Esa Lindell and Heiskanen. It’s a mighty “Miro made it very clear that he wants to be here long-term,” Nill said. bunch, but the Stars have been pretty transparent about their desire to fill “When we started to negotiate, his representatives made it very clear that that No. 4 defenseman spot, Heiskanen’s partner, adequately. Mutual he preferred an eight-year deal. We talked about the different scenarios interest remains between the Stars and Jamie Oleksiak for his return, — do we do a three-year deal, a six-year deal, an eight-year deal? — and unless Oleksiak does the Stars a favor, that contract is likely to and Miro and his representatives were very clear that he wanted an check in around $4 million AAV. Add Kiviranta’s number to the remaining eight-year deal. $2 million and there’s very little left to make a dent in the free-agency “He wants to be a Dallas Star for life. Dallas is his home; he loves the news cycle, let alone dream of a talent such as Blake Coleman. team, he loves his teammates. He just wants to know that he’s And then there’s the situation of next offseason. If the Stars do sign compensated fairly, and he just wants to play hockey.” Oleksiak, and if it comes at the extended rate, the Stars will have $18.25 The last bit of Nill’s words might seem like a cliche, but they’re actually million AAV tied up among Heiskanen, Lindell and Oleksiak. If that’s the true to Heiskanen’s brand. The (as of July 18) 22-year-old Finnish case, is there money left for Klingberg and the sizable extension he’ll superstar was pictured in Espoo, Finland, signing his contract in a plain demand at the climax of his career? Sure, Joe Pavelski’s and Alexander black shirt with a small white Adidas logo on the left side. His goal- Radulov’s massive cap hits will come off the books, but their potential scoring celebrations, which the Stars hope to see more of over the next departures also mean the Stars will need to use most of that money to decade, are anti-climactic fist-bumps as the crowd spirals into a frenzy replenish their roles among the forwards. and viewers marvel at his skill. His response to how he’s able to make A potential solution could be to use the remaining available cap space on special plays happen is oftentimes some variation of: “I just do my thing, a forward who would upgrade the group this upcoming season and then play my game.” His self-assessment of said games is usually fill in a void left by Pavelski and/or Radulov instead of a strong No. 4 characterized as “pretty good.” defenseman. That would leave more money on the table next summer to Heiskanen is a man of few words but a player with plenty of game. re-sign Klingberg, and the hope would be that Thomas Harley is ready by that time to complete the top four. It doesn’t seem like the Stars plan to His new contract will earn him $5 million this season, including a $3 do that, but Harley’s rise could still lead to a completion of the top four million signing bonus, $7 million in the second year, $10 million in the defensemen. He’d just be asked to fill in bigger shoes. third year, $11 million in the fourth and fifth years, $9 million in the sixth year, $8 million in the seventh year and $6.6 million in the final year. The “The key thing is to make sure you have your core signed,” Nill said. last four years of the contract also contain a full no-movement clause. “We’ll work around the edges and fill everything else in. When you’ve got a player the stature of Miro Heiskanen, it’s important to make sure that It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Heiskanen’s monster they’re looked after, that they’re signed, and then we’ll fill in the voids extension came together fairly smoothly. The first part of that equation is from there. It’s a challenge no matter what right now in our business with always the player, and Heiskanen is already among the NHL’s elite. But the cap.” negotiations involve more than just the player and the team’s brass, which is where Nill’s relationship with Pulver comes into play. Just three The Stars still have a lot to figure out this offseason, but getting years ago, Pulver negotiated the richest contract in Stars history when he Heiskanen’s contract figured out was at the top of the list. On Saturday, it helped Seguin land an eight-year, $78.8 million deal to remain in Dallas. got done with smiles on both sides.

“It’s very important,” Nill said. “Your relationships, it doesn’t matter what walk of life you’re in, relationships are important. … They did a great job. The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 They were very respectful. They respected our position, and I understand their position. They have a unique player here. His upside is untapped. They know that — once again, getting back to his age again — he’s getting better. His projection is on the rise; it’s not falling. They had to protect themselves that way. That was the fine line between doing a long-term deal and what’s the right number that works.” 1217526 Detroit Red Wings Q: How much does next season’s schedule - with the Wings playing against ALL the other teams in the NHL - factor into the Vegas oddsmakers placing them so low in the standings? – CJ

Red Wings mailbag: Tyler Bertuzzi trade talk; Zach Hyman on the radar? A: Don’t know. But it’s never a bad thing when the likes of Buffalo, Ottawa and New Jersey multiple times, a luxury the Red Wings didn’t have last season. Posted Jul 16, 6:05 AM

By Ansar Khan | [email protected] Michigan Live LOADED: 07.18.2021

The NHL’s busy season is about to begin.

It starts Saturday when teams submit their protected list for Wednesday’s Seattle Kraken expansion draft.

The entry draft, virtual for the second year in a row due to the pandemic, follows on July 23 (first round) and 24 (second through seventh rounds).

Free agency starts on July 28.

The Detroit Red Wings have many moves to make between signing their own free agents, making two picks in the first round (Nos. 6 and 23) and 12 in all (for now), exploring the market for help at all positions and possibly making a trade or two.

This week’s mailbag includes questions about potential moves:

Q: There seems to be a lot of talk about the Leafs trading for Tyler Bertuzzi. Why would the Wings move one of their most consistent players, someone who’s proven he can score when this team needs offense badly? Is perhaps his back in worse shape than they’re letting on? – Don

A: It’s doubtful the Red Wings will move Bertuzzi, for several reasons.

First of all, he’s coming off back surgery on April 30 and played only nine games, and there’s no guarantee he will be ready for the start of the season. Not sure why Toronto would be so eager to acquire a player that might need a while to fully recover.

Bertuzzi scored 21 goals in each of the previous two seasons and was off to strong start with five goals and seven points in nine games. The Red Wings need that offense, and he also brings a different dimension with his grit.

General manager is aggressive, so nothing is out of the question (Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond are probably the only players he wouldn’t consider trading). But if for some reason the Red Wings were willing to part with Bertuzzi, it wouldn’t be for draft picks, it would be a “hockey trade,” for someone who can help them immediately, much like the Anthony Mantha deal for Jakub Vrana (and first- and second-round picks).

Q: Do you expect the Wings to make a big push for Zach Hyman? – Gary

A: More than likely. Hyman isn’t expected to re-sign with Toronto so he will hit the market. He played four years at Michigan and experienced a breakout season as a senior (22 goals, 54 points in 37 games) while playing with Dylan Larkin, who was in his lone season at U-M.

He could provide secondary scoring; he had 15 goals and 33 points in 43 games last season and 21 goals in each of the previous two seasons. He also would fill their need for a right-handed shooter.

Q: Sure, it’s nine years later than it should have been, but why not sign Ryan Suter. Should be able to get him on the cheap now, right? – Rob

A: Suter would be a good pick-up. He’s 36, but still durable (played all 56 games), can log a lot of minutes (averaged more than 22 last season) and play in all situations. He would fill their need for a left-shooting defenseman and would be the logical first NHL defense partner for Seider.

After Minnesota bought out the final four years of Suter’s 13-year, $98 million contract, he wouldn’t cost much to sign, much like last year’s signing of Bobby Ryan following his buyout in Ottawa.

But, Suter figures to have several suitors and might be more inclined to sign with a playoff-contending team.

The Red Wings probably have a better chance at re-signing Marc Staal. 1217527 Edmonton Oilers winger and had a strong 2017 playoff. Sekera had a no-move clause, so had to be protected, but also was a top-four in the middle of a five-year contract. He tore the ACL in his left knee after a Ryan Getzlaf OILERS NOTES: No last-minute deals before protected list finalized hit in the playoffs against Anaheim in 2017, though, and only played 36 games the next season.

Only Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, Kassian, Klefbom and Larsson are still Jim Matheson • Edmonton Journal on the Oilers today.

Publishing date:Jul 17, 2021 Eberle was traded to the New York Islanders for Ryan Strome June 22, 2017, one day after the Vegas expansion, so Eberle was only written

onto the Oilers protected list in pencil. And with a big eraser, Letestu While other NHL teams were doing some major housekeeping before moved on to Nashville for winger Pontus Aberg, Feb. 25, 2018, and rosters had to be frozen Saturday afternoon and expansion protected Maroon, the man of three Stanley Cup rings, for a third-round draft pick lists were finalized, it was all quiet on the western front for the Edmonton to New Jersey a day later. Talbot was traded to Philadelphia for Anthony Oilers. Stolarz in a salary dump Feb. 15, 2019. Sekera was bought out in June 2019. Lucic went to Calgary for James Neal in July 2019. No last-minute deals for, say, Montreal goalie Jake Allen to protect him rather than Bakersfield’s Stuart Skinner because the Habs had Carey McDavid, Nurse, Puljujarvi and Matt Benning, now in Nashville and likely Price waive his no-move to be unprotected with his $10 million salary. available for Seattle, were exempt in 2017.

They also didn’t make any late forward adds, grabbing somebody off Vegas decided to take Griffin Reinhart rather than Khaira — in hindsight, another team with protection issues, such as Tampa (Alex Killorn, Ondrej the wrong move. He never played a game for them and played last Palat) or Pittsburgh (Jared McCann, who went to Toronto) — somebody season for Iserlohn in Germany. They weren’t sold on Khaira playing they maybe liked better than , who most likely will be their aggressively enough on a consistent basis and took William Carrier from seventh forward protected. Buffalo to do that role.

So, the Oilers handed in their protected list Saturday afternoon for The Oilers’ available list of players in 2017: UFA Kris Russell, Jordan Seattle’s expansion, and are going with the same seven-forwards-three Oesterle, Andrew Ference, , Eric Gryba, David defencemen-one goalie route as they did when the Vegas Golden Desharnais, Tyler Pitlick, Laurent Brossoit, Mark Fayne, Benoit Pouliot, Knights were coming in four years ago. The lists will be announced Iiro Pakarinen, Anton Lander, Reinhart and Khaira. Sunday. This ‘n’ that: Sources say the Chicago Blackhawks will protect Caleb Here’s what the protected list is predicted to be, with unrestricted free Jones, whom the Oilers traded for Keith. He’ll be one of their three agents not part of the 7-3-1: defencemen, along with Connor Murphy and Riley Stillman. Nikita Zadorov will be available … The Leafs traded prospect Filip Hallander, a Forward: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jesse former second-rounder of Pittsburgh, and a seventh-round draft pick Puljujarvi, Kailer Yamamoto, Josh Archibald and Kassian, over top (2023) for centre/winger McCann ($2.9 million cap hit). Assuming the farmhand Tyler Benson. Kassian’s game didn’t measure up last season Oilers were interested, the cost maybe would have been second-round for his $3.2 million salary, in part because of a broken hand and a leg draft pick Raphael Lavoie and a seventh-rounder … With Dallas signing issue. But they need him to shoo the flies away from the stars. Archibald Miro Heiskanen to an eight-year contract with an average cap hit of $8.45 is their No. 1 penalty killer and hits everything that moves. million, that’s the comparable for Nurse, one year from UFA status. An eight-year, $64 million deal seems in the ballpark for Nurse. Defence: Darnell Nurse, Duncan Keith and Ethan Bear. With unrestricted free agent Adam Larsson unsigned, but Keith’s second pairing partner if he returns. Bear will be the third protected defenceman. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 07.18.2021 With Philadelphia trading for Nashville defenceman Ryan Ellis to play in their top pairing with Ivan Provorov, they’re likely out of the unrestricted- free-agent hunt for Larsson. Betting is Larsson will be back here with a four-year deal somewhere between $4 million and the $4.5 million fellow shutdown defenceman Chris Tanev got as a UFA signee in 2020.

Goal: Farmhand Skinner, not Mikko Koskinen, who has been vigorously shopped. He’ll be there for Seattle, who probably will take a pass. There will be an array of goalies (Price, Ben Bishop, Kaapo Kahkonen, maybe Marc-Andre Fleury and Tristan Jarry) they could take instead. Mike Smith is still unsigned and reportedly looking for starter money, not the $1.65 million, which included $150,000 in bonuses for games (20, 25 and 30) played.

Most likely not protected: Koskinen and fellow goalie Alex Stalock, winger James Neal, forwards Jujhar Khaira, Dominik Kahun and Kyle Turris, and defenceman William Lagesson. Also farmhands Benson, Cooper Marody and Theodor Lennstrom.

Benson, Khaira, Lagesson and Stalock would be the top four possibilities for Seattle. They have to take a player off every team and at least 20 players under contract for the 2021-22 season and it has to add up to $48.9 million in cap hit. Benson or Khaira, both restricted free-agents, are most likely to leave.

As in Vegas’s expansion in 2017, the Oilers had no real worries about losing somebody they didn’t want to. The protected list in 2017:

Forwards Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zack Kassian, , , Pat Maroon and Mark Letestu.

Defencemen Oscar Klefbom, Adam Larsson and Andrej Sekera.

Goalie Cam Talbot.

Letestu leveraged a 16-goal, 35-point regular season and 11 points in 13 playoff games to his protected spot. Kassian was their most aggressive 1217528 Edmonton Oilers affiliate for the 2020-21 season. It worked out well for all involved, especially Gildon, as he made the AHL All-Rookie team.

Condors coaches got a chance to see Gildon up close, and the results Lowetide: 5 players outside the NHL who could help the Oilers were outstanding. In his first 10 games with the Condors, his on-ice goal differential was 18-6 (+12), and he sparked the offence with his pure skating skills and creative passing. By Allan Mitchell The Panthers have other defensive prospects (John Ludvig is highly Jul 17, 2021 thought of) and a strong group of young defencemen already in the NHL. Gildon would be an excellent option for an Oilers team that needs to

support a left side of the defence lacking sure things after Darnell Nurse. Free agency gets all the attention (along with marquee trades), but it’s 4. Konovalov as goaltending depth often the smaller names added by an NHL team who solve on-ice problems. The Oilers drafted Russian goaltender Ilya Konovalov in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft. He was already 21 and coming off a strong KHL An example came in 2011 when Edmonton Oilers general manager season, with 45 games, 25 wins, a .930 save percentage and a 1.89 Steve Tambellini spent a feverish day signing NHL free agents Ben goals-against average. Eager, Cam Barker, Eric Belanger and Darcy Hordichuk. During the busy day, the club made a quiet signing of an AHL defenceman: Corey Potter. Despite being small for a goaltender (5-11, 196) his quick reflexes and positioning kept him in the world’s second-best league in the two Potter would post more points than any of the more famous names in the seasons since the draft. Konovalov didn’t sign an extension with 2011-12 season and play more NHL games in the years that followed Yaroslavl Lokomotiv over those two years and was eventually replaced than any of the other additions. as the starter. For the current Oilers, this year’s free-agent summer will bring a more He signed with the Oilers in March (two-year entry deal) and will attempt handsome return than 2011 as GM Ken Holland addresses team needs to push his way to the NHL via the Bakersfield Condors. Edmonton’s with a substantial pool of money. Names such as Zach Hyman, Taylor goalie situation is in flux, so his timing is excellent. There are some Hall and others are out there for Edmonton, so the solutions at the top interesting stats on Konovalov, and he could surprise as early as training end will tower over Eager, Barker and Belanger. camp. Once the big money is gone, the Oilers will be looking for bargains who 5. Frk as a first-shot scorer can help them win. As was the case with Potter, these players could emerge as legit solutions to real problems. Here are five players who Every year I expect Martin Frk to emerge as a 20-goal scorer in the NHL, spent 2020-21 outside the NHL (save for one game) but could help and every year he toils in the minors. Frk’s main skill (shooting the puck) Edmonton in the year to come. has enormous value and should be used on an NHL power play.

1. Katchouk as a bottom-six left winger to replace Neal The Oilers often deployed five lefties with the man advantage over the past two seasons, and the success for Edmonton has been exceptional. The Oilers are going through a period of transition at left wing this Even with that kind of success, it’s easy to imagine Frk’s cannon cashing summer. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been signed to a long-term deal and in on cherry passes from Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl or Nugent- appears to be strictly a winger now, and Devin Shore was also signed Hopkins. after the season in a depth role. He is a good passer and has the size (6-1, 205) and enough NHL James Neal is rumoured to be a buyout option, Joakim Nygard signed experience (118 games) to be considered a sure plug-and-play. back in Europe, and there’s every chance Tyler Benson will be exposed Edmonton is likely going to walk Chiasson in free agency, and Frk’s in the expansion draft. unique power-play skills might be a dynamite replacement for Edmonton. If the Oilers are looking for a bigger winger who can play a physical game In his NHL career, Frk has scored seven power-play goals in 204 and has enough skill to stay in the lineup, Boris Katchouk carries that minutes. That’s over two goals an hour with the man advantage. It’s an resume. His style and skill set are somewhat reminiscent of Patrick exceptional weapon. Maroon at the same age, and he is waiver-eligible this fall. Katchouk blossomed offensively in 2020-21 with the AHL Syracuse Crunch, Holland has big money to spend on famous free agents, but the Oilers scoring 11-23-34 in 29 games. have many areas of need and there’s a good chance the money will run out before the problems are all addressed. 2. Bokk to replace Kahun or Chiasson The 50-man list stands at 33, with the Seattle Kraken about to reduce Dominik Bokk was drafted in 2018 by the St. Louis Blues and plays in the that number by one. Even with the famous free agents coming in this Carolina Hurricanes system. He is 21 and played part of 2020-21 with the summer, there will be plenty of room. of the AHL. In 29 games, he scored 9-9-18 after playing several years in Sweden’s top league (SHL). He is a left winger but These five men can help Edmonton next season. shoots right.

On his draft day, Bokk was regarded as a quality first-shot scorer, with inconsistency the biggest worry. He is not a big man (6-foot, 180 pounds) The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 but is strong, elusive and a great passer.

Bokk went 5-3-8 on the power play in 2020-21, meaning he could grab five-on-four minutes Alex Chiasson enjoyed with Edmonton a year ago. That role is likely to be Jesse Puljujarvi’s in 2021-22, but competition is a good thing.

Bokk could also be a good replacement for Dominik Kahun’s five-on-five minutes on skill lines from last season.

The Hurricanes have six impressive wingers for the top three lines, with only Brock McGinn heading to free agency. Warren Foegele would seem to be the next man up for No. 3 left wing, meaning Bokk could shake loose. He can play either wing and could be available, although he is not waiver-eligible.

3. Gildon to help with depth

In another example of the unusual hockey season just passed, the Florida Panthers loaned prospect defenceman Max Gildon to the Oilers 1217529 Florida Panthers

Anthony Duclair ‘very happy to be back’ with Panthers

By MALLORY SCHNELL

SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL

JUL 17, 2021 AT 3:04 PM

After playing for six teams in seven seasons, Florida Panthers forward Anthony Duclair has found a home.

Duclair, 25, signed the first multi-year contract of his career with the Panthers on Thursday. The deal is a three- year, $9 million contract.

“I’m very happy to be back for another three years,” Duclair said in a video conference on Friday. “I’ve worked very hard for this and for the organization to give me a chance to come back is an honor. I’m definitely not going to take it for granted.”

Duclair represented himself without an agent in the deal, which was finalized on his father’s birthday.

“That was a really special day not only for myself, but obviously for my whole family,” Duclair said.

Being involved in the community is important to Duclair. Now that he will be in South Florida for the next three years, he plans on taking a larger role in it.

“Any time I go to a new team, I do my best to take part in the community,” Duclair said. “Obviously, the fans and the people are what makes this sport so special, so anytime I have the chance to give back, I go right ahead and do that. Being here for next three years, I’m definitely going to take a leap and dig deeper in that role.”

The Quebec native has enjoyed living in South Florida and has embraced the lifestyle.

“You can’t beat Florida, that’s for sure,” Duclair said. “There are so many things to do off the ice. The lifestyle is unbelievable. It’s not close to home, but it’s on the east coast and my parents are more than happy to come watch a few games down here.”

Duclair has appeared in 396 career NHL regular-season games for Florida (2020-21), Ottawa (2018-19 to 2019-20), Columbus (2018-19), Chicago (2017-18), Arizona (2015-16 to 2017-18) and New York Rangers (2014-15).

In 43 games for the Panthers, Duclair recorded 32 points (10-22-32) and led the team’s forwards with a career-high +27 rating.

“I’m really excited to come back in this group and keep moving forward.”

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217530 Florida Panthers

Report: Chris Driedger to sign with Seattle Kraken

Published 14 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By George Richards

According to a report from NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic and TSN, the Seattle Kraken are close to signing Florida Panthers goalie Chris Driedger and would do so before Wednesday’s expansion draft.

This has been a rumor for the past few months and it comes as good news for the Panthers.

If the Kraken do sign Driedger — who, after three years with the Panthers is set to become an unrestricted free agent — he would count as Seattle’s pick from Florida.

That would also make the Panthers’ protected list, which is due at 5 p.m. on Saturday, moot.

Dreidger would, if he signs, be the player that the Panthers would lose.

This is obviously great news for the Panthers.

Although both sides would have preferred a continuation of their relationship, with the Panthers committing $10 million per season to Sergei Bobrovsky and rookie Spencer Knight on the fast track to the team despite only being a first-round pick in 2019, there was really no way for Driedger to return to Sunrise.

It is also another piece of Driedger’s remarkable career turnaround.

A third-round pick by Ottawa in 2013, Driedger bounced around between the Senators system before being cut loose in 2018.

The Panthers signed Driedger to a minor league contract and, initially, he was loaned to an ECHL team just to get some playing time. After becoming Florida’s AHL starter in Springfield later that year, he was offered an NHL two-way deal.

By Thanksgiving of 2019, Driedger had been recalled to the Panthers to replace Sam Montembeault as Bobrovsky’s backup.

The move was looked at to be a temporary one.

Driedger took the ball and ran with it.

In his first career NHL start days after his callup from Springfield, Driedger tossed a shutout against Nashville. Aside from an injury rehab stint, Driedger did not return to the AHL and, at times, took over the starting role from Bobrovsky.

In 2019-20, Driedger went 7-2-1 in 12 games; this past season, he basically split time with Bobrovsky and went 14-6-3.

In two seasons with the Panthers, Driedger established himself as a legitimate NHL starter. He made 93 percent of his saves in his 35 games played. Driedger not only had a GAA of 2.07 with the Panthers, but his goals-saved against-average was a plus-21.6.

All of his stats were among the league leaders over the past two years and were much better than those of Bobrovsky.

Seattle cannot make any moves until team’s finalize their protection lists but it is expected Driedger will sign rather quickly and be on hand for the team’s expansion draft party on Wednesday night.

Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217531 Florida Panthers — Speaking of players the Panthers may have interest in: The Canadiens are apparently going to watch Phillip Danault hit the open market. (TSN)

FHN Today: Seattle expansion draft protection lists due Saturday — Did the Sharks overpay for Dylan Gambrell? Yup.(SJHN)

Published 20 hours ago on July 17, 2021 Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 By George Richards

It is almost time to see which NHL players are available to the expansion Seattle Kraken and who are not as every team — save for the Vegas Golden Knights — have to have their official protection lists in by 5 p.m. on Saturday.

As we close in on the protection lists, more trades and more signings could be on the horizon.

Today at 3, rosters are frozen; teams cannot make any moves — unless it involves the Kraken directly — until the expansion draft comes to a close on Wednesday night. That means no trades, no signings, no buyouts, no waivers.

Seattle, of course, can make moves during this so-called dead period.

The Kraken can begin talking to free agents who are not protected and, if it signs one, that counts as a player taken.

So, just for fun, if Seattle were to sign — oh, I don’t know — goalie Chris Driedger before the expansion draft, the free agent goalie would count as the player the Panthers would lose.

Could the Kraken sign Driedger before Wednesday?

Perhaps.

We will see which ones are held in a few hours.

And, perhaps, some other news hits along the way.

FLORIDA PANTHERS LINKS

The Panthers did not ask Keith Yandle to waive his no-movement clause perhaps because they knew he was not going to do it. Or, they already knew if he had, there wasn’t much of a trade market for him.

Regardless, on Thursday, the two sides parted ways after five seasons as the Panthers bought out the final two years of Yandle’s contract. Yandle will be a free agent and free to sign with anyone (Boston?) come the end of the month. (FHN)

— Once the Yandle buyout was announced, the Panthers made some other moves, locking in Anthony Duclair and Gus Forsling with three-year contracts.

They will almost assuredly now be protected from the Kraken later today. (FHN)

— Duclair talked about sticking around with the Panthers. I will have a story on what this means for both sides on Sunday. (WPLG-10)

— Jeff Chychrun joins the boys on Territory Talk. (Panthers)

AROUND THE NHL

Columbus goalie Matiss Kivlenieks was memorialized at a service in the Columbus suburbs after he was killed in a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July in Michigan. (Columbus Dispatch)

— The Detroit Red Wings were the latest team to make a deal before the roster freeze, swinging a deal with the Islanders for Nick Leddy. (DHN)

— It looks like the Penguins are all over pending free agent — and former Panthers prospect — Zach Hyman. (PHN)

— Erik Haula, whom the Panthers allowed to walk last October, could be returning to the Music City. (TSN)

— The Avs knew they would probably lose defenseman Ryan Graves — so they traded him to Jersey. (CHN)

— The Flyers are one of the teams in on St. Louis’ Vladimir Tarasenko. So are the Panthers. (PHN) 1217532 Buxton's case is messy, and could lead to the most complicated contract negotiations in recent memory. Buxton is an MVP-caliber talent when healthy, yet he's rarely healthy for long stretches. I've waffled on what to do, but unloading a player of Buxton's talent – even knowing his lengthy Wild's big mistake with Zach Parise and Ryan Suter? There wasn't one injury history – just seems self-defeating. Find a deal that keeps him here.

Risk is always an inescapable truth for teams willing to pursue a big JULY 18, 2021 — 12:42AM payoff. Chip Scoggins Chip Scoggins @CHIPSCOGGINS

Star Tribune LOADED: 07.18.2021 The Fourth of July fireworks came without the grand payoff — a parade.

That's the Wild's disappointing reality, and in it is a lesson for the Twin Cities sports market: Don't be scared to go for it, even if the outcome fails to deliver the dream envisioned.

The Wild executed an awkward divorce from Zach Parise and Ryan Suter this week. One was inevitable, the other a stunner. That neither cornerstone player made it to the end of matching 13-year, $98 million contracts before being shooed away unceremoniously raises the question of whether the gamble was all worth it. The answer is easy.

Heck yes. Unequivocally yes.

Visions of Stanley Cup parades that were hatched back on July 4, 2012, never materialized. The Wild never really came close to being a legitimate Cup contender in the Parise-Suter Era. If the goal of any professional sports organization is to win championships, then the Wild's experiment failed solely by that black-and-white measure.

Yet failing to win Cups doesn't mean owner erred by signing those two prized free agents in the boldest move in team history. Leipold acted precisely how any fan or observer of a team should want an owner or general manager to run the operation: Identify an opportunity to do something big — something that takes guts and probably a lot of money – and let 'er rip.

If the results ultimately don't reward the investment, then a risk of being ambitious came to be. It's hard to know if this risk paid off. No Stanley Cup, true, but the organization became relevant with Parise and Suter as a regular playoff entrant, a period that reinvigorated its fan base.

Financial risks coupled with an endless amount of data available nowadays can paralyze decision-makers. Nobody wants to be wrong, especially when massive contracts are involved.

Naturally, there are some constraints involved. Teams can't just throw cash around willy-nilly without having a plan. But knowing when to strike and then acting on it signals a true desire to win, which should be a trade-off in asking for fans' emotional and financial investment.

In 2009, the Vikings had a good team but wanted more. They signed Brett Favre to be the final piece to a championship team. Emotional scars remain for fans over how that ended, but the team made the right call and did so again the following year when Favre had to be dragged out of Mississippi by three teammates to run it back.

It is easy to second-guess everything about the nightmarish 2010 season, but the Vikings came this close the first time and would have been foolish not to give it one more shot. Hindsight is undefeated.

The current view of this market brings the conversation into focus. Wild GM Bill Guerin clearly has no qualms about shaking things up with bold moves that might be unpopular with fans. He has a plan and he has conviction, and he's willing to put his neck on the line in chasing a championship. I admire that.

Timberwolves President Gersson Rosas, who already has reconstructed his roster once, reportedly is having trade talks with Philadelphia about Ben Simmons. That would qualify as a blockbuster move that brings high risk given Simmons' shooting issues, but Rosas has been ultra- aggressive in trying to pull his franchise out of despair.

Now the Twins have decisions to make on two prominent players, Jose Berrios and Byron Buxton. Both are set to become free agents after next season and will want and command big paydays. If the Twins decide to trade either this month or this offseason, settle in for a rebuilding job. That's not an appealing plan.

Berrios' situation is more straightforward. They should sign their best pitcher to an extension. 1217533 Minnesota Wild The need to draft and develop homegrown talent is already essential in a salary-cap world, but the stakes are magnified because of the Wild's finances.

The Wild is changing but expectations aren't When the team has nearly $15 million of its cap budget allocated to the Parise and Suter buyouts in two years, adding players on cheaper, entry- level contracts might be necessary.

By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune Prospects Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi are on the team's radar. So are the likes of Calen Addison, Connor Dewar and Brandon Duhaime. JULY 17, 2021 — 6:09PM Roster spots won't be gifted, but there's more of an opportunity to merit

ice time than in the past. The Wild from two years ago might not recognize today's version. "It's a very competitive business, and we want guys to elevate their Much is different, even with the lineup that was eliminated from the games and come in and take jobs," Guerin said. "Nobody's going to give playoffs by Vegas less than two months ago. you a job in this league. You have to come in and take one."

Such is the state of the Wild, where goodbyes and hellos have been on a Same expectations loop during an overhaul that started out slowly before slamming on the Despite ending in defeat in that Game 7 loss to the Golden Knights, the gas. Wild's season closed with optimism. And while the team continues to shift gears heading into a crucial Dubnyk was gone, but Cam Talbot steadied the crease. Koivu was gone, offseason stretch, the constant in all the turnover is the philosophy in the but new captain Jared Spurgeon and other veterans emerged as leaders. driver's seat. Zucker was gone, but Kaprizov and Fiala were making their own "We need to expect to win every time we step on the ice," General electrifying plays. Manager Bill Guerin said. "We want to win the Stanley Cup, and that The team clicked even though it was in transition, an encouraging sign doesn't change. No matter what, that doesn't change." for a franchise still in flux. Some well-known players were shown the If the departures of former fixtures like Mikko Koivu, and door, with Parise and Suter to follow, but winning remained a priority. Jason Zucker over the past year-plus weren't enough to suggest a After all, just because the players are changing doesn't mean the shakeup was happening, the team's latest moves cleared up any expectations are. confusion. "If we continue to build off what we did this year," Guerin said, "then One-time faces of the franchise Zach Parise and Ryan Suter are gone, we're heading in the right direction." getting served with buyouts on Tuesday, four seasons before their identical 13-year, $98 million contacts and Wild tenures were set to expire. Star Tribune LOADED: 07.18.2021 "You see teams constantly changing," Guerin said. "You have to try to get better. We are trying to win, and we have to try to improve all the time and sometimes it takes very difficult decisions to do that."

The exits by Parise and Suter ended an era when the Wild morphed into a competitor but not quite a championship contender. Dismissing those two left plenty of logistical repercussions.

The Wild has two additional holes to fill on its roster, and although the buyouts immediately created more flexibility – approximately $10 million in new cap space – those savings will soon be dwarfed by the cap charge of the buyouts. And this hit against the books will stay there for eight years, a potentially cumbersome cost that could make future roster maneuvering a challenge.

"We've planned out for all that stuff," Guerin said.

In the meantime, that extra cap space will come in handy.

Not only do reigning rookie of the year Kirill Kaprizov and need new contracts, but adding depth at center and/or wing is a possibility.

And the team's defense is looking lean, a position the Wild is expected to address with stop-gap solutions since the looming cap pinch from the buyouts would appear to make long-term commitments difficult.

Without Suter, the Wild has just four regulars signed for next season, and that number could drop to three if the team's unprotected defenseman is scooped up by Seattle in the expansion draft.

Either way, the Wild's shopping list for July 28 when NHL free agency opens will come into focus after the Kraken reveals its pick on Wednesday.

By Friday, the spotlight shifts to the entry draft, where the Wild has a rare opportunity.

This is just the second time the team has had two picks in the first round, its own at No. 22 and No. 26 after acquiring it from Pittsburgh in the Zucker trade.

"We have five picks in the first three rounds," Guerin said. "So, we're starting to accumulate some prospects and guys that we really think are going to help impact our team in years to come. We've got high hopes for guys." 1217534 Minnesota Wild

Bill Guerin's updated offseason to-do list

Staff Report

By Star Tribune

JULY 17, 2021 — 5:05PM

Wild GM Bill Guerin's offseason to-do list update

Completed tasks

* Signed Joel Eriksson Ek to an eight-year, $42 million deal.

* Re-signed free agent to a one-year, $900,000 contract.

* Dumped Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, buying out final four years of their deals.

In the works

* Sign Kevin Fiala

He is a restricted free agent, eligible for arbitration.

* Sign Kirill Kaprizov

NHL rookie of the year hasn't reached free agency yet, but the Wild envisions Kaprizov being here long-term.

* Find some key pieces

The team still hasn't added a front-line center; otherwise addressing depth at center or wing and filling out the defense are likely needs.

Star Tribune LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217535 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens won't protect Carey Price in expansion draft: report

Stu Cowan • Montreal Gazette

Publishing date:Jul 17, 2021

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reported Saturday night the Canadiens might not protect goalie Carey Price from the Seattle Kraken for the NHL expansion draft.

Teams had until 5 p.m. Saturday to submit their protected lists to the NHL for Wednesday’s expansion draft, with the Kraken becoming the league’s 32nd team next season. Teams have the option of protecting seven forwards, three defencemen and one goalie, or eight skaters (forwards or defencemen) and one goalie. The Vegas Golden Knights, who joined the NHL as an expansion team for the 2017-18 season, are exempt from the Seattle expansion draft but won’t get a cut of the Kraken’s US650-million expansion fee, which will be split among the other 30 teams.

Price has a no-movement clause in his eight-year, US$84-million contract, which means the Canadiens would have to protect him and make backup goalie Jake Allen available in the expansion draft. However, LeBrun reported he heard Price has waived his no-movement clause, which would make him available in the expansion draft and would also allow the Canadiens to protect Allen.

As LeBrun reported, the Canadiens in that scenario would be hoping Price’s contract — which has five more years with an annual salary-cap hit of $10.5 million — would keep the Kraken from selecting him.

The NHL will approve and distribute the protected lists to all clubs, including Seattle, on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Price had an inconsistent regular season this year, posting a 12-7-5 record with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage in 25 games. He found his game in the playoffs, posting a 13-9 record with a 2.28 GAA and a .924 save percentage as the Canadiens advanced to the Stanley Cup final before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Of note on the Carey Price situation: He's owed an $11M signing bonus in September -- a big upfront payout if #seakraken claim him.

Because of Price’s inconsistent play early in the season and injuries he suffered later in the year, Allen played 29 regular-season games, posting an 11-12-5 record with a 2.68 GAA and a .907 save percentage. The 30- year-old Allen has a two-year contract extension that kicks in next season with an annual salary-cap hit of $2.875 million.

If the Kraken did take Price in the expansion draft, it would give Canadiens GM $10.5 million in salary-cap space to find another goalie to split duties with Allen and still have a good chunk of change left over to add other players to the roster for next season.

Price’s contract next season includes an $11-million signing bonus and $2 million in salary.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217536 Nashville Predators because they've been cheering these guys for a number of years and they deserve to be applauded. ... I feel the same way. This is what's the hardest part."

What Ryan Ellis trade means for Nashville Predators: Youth, moving on Breaking up, that's been hard to do for Poile. from '17 Cup Final season

Tennessean LOADED: 07.18.2021 Paul Skrbina

Nashville Tennessean

The Nashville Predators' "core" is no more.

The headline Saturday read: "Predators acquire Cody Glass, Philippe Myers in three-team trade."

Ryan Ellis' name was nowhere to be found in the big, bold letters atop the press release sent out by the team.

Make no mistake, though, general manager David Poile's actions this offseason have spoken way louder than some words on some release. Make no mistake, Ellis' name is a headliner.

Make no mistake, Poile finally is breaking up with the nostalgia attached to the 2017 team that unexpectedly reached the Stanley Cup Final. He listened to their pleas and the promise that looked to come with it.

No more. After the Ellis trade, only eight players remained on the Predators' roster from that season.

"We were clinging onto that '17 finals, the '18 Presidents' Trophy," Poile told reporters after the trade. "We've been going a little downhill since then. If we don't do anything, we're not going to get any better.

"We need to change the cast. ... It's a step backward, in some regards, to take, hopefully, a giant step or several steps forward."

Sixteen days after trading Viktor Arvidsson, the franchise record-holder for single-season goals, to the Los Angeles Kings, associate captain Ellis, the same player Poile thought highly enough of to sign to an eight- year, $50 million extension in 2018, was packing his bags for Philadelphia, where he will play for the Flyers.

Not to mention, "face of the franchise" Pekka Rinne announced his retirement on Tuesday.

Poile hesitated to use the word "rebuild," instead settling on "competitive rebuild."

Either way, the team fans once knew is no more. Poile said it was fair to say these moves were overdue, or at the very least, due.

What do these things mean, besides the $15 million in combined cap space the team unloaded with those three, pushing their total cap space to more than $26.5 million? Some of that could go toward signing players such as defenseman Mattias Ekholm and left wing Filiip Forsberg to extensions.

It means some younger players are likely to get their shot this season for a franchise that has been among the league's oldest the last few years. For example, 2019 first-round pick Philip Tomasino could become more familiar to fans as one of the team's forwards.

It means Alexandre Carrier, who proved capable last season while playing with Ekholm, could see his role increased. It means more Eeli Tolvanen and Mathieu Olivier and Myers, a defenseman, and Glass, a forward, and Tanner Jeanot and Yakov Trenin and Dante Fabbro likely will have more vital roles.

It means Poile has more flexibility in free agency (see: Mikael Granlund, Erik Haula) and looking for a No. 2 goalie for Juuse Saros.

Not to say Poile isn't aware of the reaction from some of those who remain with the team. Forsberg gave the Arvidsson deal a thumbs down on Instagram. Other players also expressed displeasure.

Poile said he's discussed the possibility of big moves with captain Roman Josi, with the understanding not all the decisions will be popular. There very well could be more with the expansion draft Wednesday and NHL draft Thursday.

"In order to get, you must give," Poile said. "I would be disappointed if our players weren't upset. I'd be disappointed if our fans weren't upset, 1217537 Nashville Predators

'Time for a change to our core': Nashville Predators deal Ryan Ellis to Philadelphia Flyers

Paul Skrbina

Nashville Tennessean

Change is not being spared by Nashville Predators general manager David Poile this offseason.

Big change.

Poile dealt defenseman Ryan Ellis to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday for defenseman Philippe Myers and Nolan Patrick, the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. The Predators then sent Patrick to the Vegas Golden Knights for prospect Cody Glass, who was picked sixth in 2017 as the franchise's first draft choice.

"We felt it was time for a change to our core this offseason, and we are really excited to add an influx of youth, size and skill into the lineup with these additions,” Poile said in a team release.

"At the same time, we will miss Ryan Ellis’ leadership, dedication and work ethic in our locker room."

The Predators picked Ellis 11th overall in the 2009 draft. The 30-year-old had 75 goals and 185 assists in 562 regular-season games spanning 10 seasons with Nashville.

The move came a little more than two weeks after forward Viktor Arvidsson was traded to the Los Angeles Kings.

Much like Arvidsson, Ellis has had his share of injuries of late. He missed 41 games during the last two seasons. He took an elbow to the head from during the Winter Classic against the Dallas Stars in 2020 that sidelined him for a chunk of that.

Ellis, an associate captain with six years and $37.5 million remaining on his contract, was a $6.25 million cap hit. Arvidsson has three years left on his deal, at a $4.25 million annual hit.

"We’ve had a long time interest in Ryan Ellis," Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said in a team release. "We were looking for help on the blue line in the offseason and during the season. ... It’s a good fit for our team. We paid a price but it’s hard to get defensemen like this."

Glass, 22, is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound center who has nine goals and 13 assists in 66 NHL games. Myers, 24, is a 6-5, 209-pounder who has appeared in 115 NHL games.

The moves leave the Predators with nearly $30 million in cap space. That money could go toward signing left wing Filip Forsberg and defenseman Mattias Ekholm to contract extensions.

Tennessean LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217538 Nashville Predators There could be more moves coming, though. By trading Arvidsson and Ellis, the Predators cleared $10.5 million in salary-cap space, leaving them with around $26.5 million, according to CapFriendly. Myers has a $2.55 million cap hit through 2023. Glass, who is exempt from the Seattle After the Ryan Ellis trade, there might be more coming for the Predators’ Kraken expansion draft, has an $863,333 cap hit in the final year of his ‘competitive rebuild’ entry-level contract.

“Having cap flexibility in a league that is going to (have) approximately the same cap for two or three years because of the COVID year and (not By Adam Vingan having) fans and the lost revenue is a good thing,” said Poile, who wants Jul 18, 2021 to re-sign defenseman Mattias Ekholm and forward Filip Forsberg, both of whom are entering the final year of their contracts.

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported earlier this week that there was a On Aug. 14, 2018, the Predators announced they had signed “growing sense” that Predators forward , who has an $8 defenseman Ryan Ellis to an eight-year, $50 million contract. million cap hit, could be exposed in the expansion draft. It is unknown if center , who carries an identical cap hit, will be left off the A couple of days later, inside a conference room at Bridgestone Arena, team’s protection list, which will be released Sunday. Ellis sat next to general manager David Poile, who considered him invaluable. The Predators could look even more different in a few days.

“In this day and age, it’s not often that a player gets a chance to maybe “It’s a step backwards, in some regard, to take hopefully a giant step or play his whole career in one city,” Poile said. “I will do everything, and I several steps forward,” Poile said. “That’s the plan with inserting a lot of know Ryan will do everything, to try to make that happen.” these younger players into our lineup and changing our team around.”

Poile did not make that happen. In a surprising move, he traded Ellis, 30, to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday for defenseman Philippe Myers and forward Nolan Patrick. The Predators then flipped Patrick, the No. 2 The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, to the Vegas Golden Knights for forward Cody Glass, taken four spots after Patrick in that draft.

“It’s changing our team,” Poile said Saturday evening. “It’s changing our makeup. It’s getting younger. … As I said to you when we made the (Viktor) Arvidsson transaction (July 1), I know that we were clinging onto the (2017 Stanley Cup Final), the (2018) Presidents’ Trophy, and we’ve been going a little bit downhill since then. If we don’t do anything, we’re not going to get any better. The hard decisions that I’m making right now (are about changing) the cast.

“When I signed Ryan Ellis, that was my vision. My vision was a highly competitive team competing for the Stanley Cup and winning the Stanley Cup, and that hasn’t happened in the last three to four years. If I believed that that was going to happen with this present cast, I would not be making these trades.”

The trade of Arvidsson to the Los Angeles Kings was somewhat expected. This qualifies as shocking. Ellis was beloved by Poile, who drafted him at No. 11 in 2009. The Predators gave him the title of associate captain before the 2017-18 season in recognition of his leadership and importance to the franchise.

This is what happens, though, when a team repeatedly fails to meet its goals. (Ellis did not respond to a request for comment from The Athletic.)

In his opening statement to reporters, Poile said: “I would like to emphasize in my mind that I don’t see this as a rebuild. I see this as an effort to get younger and to add some elements to our team that maybe we haven’t had in recent years. I want to get us back to a situation where we’re competing at a higher level.”

Poile was later asked to elaborate.

“I guess we all have to (come up with) our own definitions as to what a rebuild is,” he said. “I’m going to do my best to not use that word. I would like to stay competitive and, by making these changes, not be a team that falls out of making the playoffs or goes to the bottom, like some other teams have in this league, and they seem to have been there for a while. I’m pretty bullish (on) the way the second half of the season went and how our team played and how our younger players played and (Juuse Saros) in goal, so I think there’s a lot of things that are really looking good on our team for a lot of years.

“We are one of the oldest teams in the league, so when Pekka (Rinne) retires at 38 (and with Arvidsson and Ellis) close to 30, our average age is going to be going down. I’m just really feeling that we’re not that far off. … I would like to say ‘competitive rebuild.’ Let’s go with that one.”

In Myers, 24, the Predators acquired a 6-foot-5, right-shot defenseman coming off a down season, his third in the NHL. Glass, 22, has been in and out of the Golden Knights’ lineup over the past two seasons because of injury and performance, but the Predators are intrigued by his raw potential at center. On the surface, it seems like an underwhelming return for a player of Ellis’ caliber, albeit one with a lengthy injury history. 1217539 Nashville Predators He’s also a fantastic playmaker who knows where to move pucks and can hit tough plays with pace. I thought Glass looked better in physical battles in his second pro season, and he saw a lot of penalty kill time in the AHL. His skating remains a question mark and his heavy stride may NHL trade grade: Flyers get high marks in three-team deal for Ryan Ellis hold him back from realizing his sixth-overall draft slot. I still think there’s too much to like here and he will be a second-line center in time.

Scott Burnside: So much to unpack in this three-team deal that falls just a By Corey Pronman, Dom Luszczyszyn and more smidgen short in our books of being a blockbuster. So let’s start with the Jul 17, 2021 best player in the deal, Ryan Ellis. Not sure Ellis has ever been the same since being hit early in the 2020 Winter Classic by Corey Perry, but when healthy he checks all the boxes for the Flyers and slides into a top-four role either playing with Provorov or bolstering another top-two unit. The Trade A number of sources we spoke to during the season felt the Flyers never Flyers get: Defenseman Ryan Ellis really replaced the presence of Matt Niskanen, who retired before the Predators get: Defenseman Philippe Myers and forward Cody Glass start of this season, either in terms of minutes played or leadership on and off the ice. Ellis will do all those things and maybe more for a Flyers Golden Knights get: Forward Nolan Patrick team that is desperate to step into a contending role. When Roman Josi The Grades was named captain in Nashville, it came down to Josi or Ellis for that honor. Nashville can now turn its attention to locking up Mattias Ekholm Dom Luszczyszyn: The Flyers were in the market for a top pairing right long-term and newly acquired Myers. shot defender and they got arguably the best one in Ryan Ellis. They swung for the fences and arguably knocked it out of the park, grabbing a Myers is 24 and can play a 4-5-6 role for the Preds, but they’ll miss Ellis smooth-skating rearguard who has a proven track record playing top in all kinds of ways. “I like Ellis in Philly, but I don’t like the hole he leaves minutes. Ellis should be a perfect fit next to Ivan Provorov and though it’s when you’re trying to coach the Predators,” one veteran scout said. “Hard unlikely either can carry their own pair, they both should perform to replace a 23-minute player.” admirably playing next to each other. Another source familiar with the Flyers’ organization agreed. “Great move Ellis is 30 and coming off a down season, so there is some room for for Flyers,” the source said. “Myers has skill but can’t think the game.” concern. His best comps do not age well and, considering he’s signed for The futures part of this deal is most fascinating. There’s some symmetry six more seasons, his deal has potential to be problematic in the later to Nolan Patrick, the No. 2 pick in 2017, ending up in Vegas having years of his career. Philadelphia has a very narrow short-term window, played three seasons for Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon with the though, and Ellis’ current abilities should help maximize it by solidifying WHL’s Brandon Wheat King. Still, Patrick’s myriad health issues makes the top pair, adding a stable puck-mover to a thin defense corps. If Ellis this feel very much like a project. can bounce back from a poor 2020-21 season, there’s a good chance he can provide strong value for Philadelphia over the next few seasons. As for Glass, the Predators continue to look for that depth down the middle that has been an organizational Achilles heel for years. Maybe It’s a bit mystifying that this is all Nashville could get for Ellis however, Glass will get a chance to prove he’s a legitimate No. 1 or 2 center, which even with age considered. Myers and Glass (acquired from Vegas for he didn’t seem to get and/or take advantage of in Vegas. The scout we Nolan Patrick) are both young players, sure, but neither are very good spoke to felt that the Glass for Patrick part of this deal was a wash. players. Both have limited prospects of being valuable top-end “Neither guy has been able to get on track,” the scout said contributors, with their current trajectory pointed directly toward modest depth pieces. That’s not a great haul for Ellis, a bonafide top-pairing Flyers: A defender. It feels like Nashville could’ve got a bigger package had this Predators: B- deal been made before last season’s trade deadline and it’s fairly puzzling why the team made the deal at all. If it’s time to rebuild, neither Vegas: B- piece looks all that enticing barring a sudden and inexplicable breakout. It’s a possibility for Glass – one of his top comps is Evgeny Kuznetsov – but it’s far from likely given what he’s shown to date. The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 Vegas obviously wasn’t very high on Glass given his deployment since being drafted. He hasn’t been able to crack the lineup regularly and at 22 it’s fair to wonder if he’ll ever be anything. Patrick at least had OK NHL results before missing an entire season due to a concussion, so there’s a better chance he becomes an NHL regular. A solid bet, even if Patrick at the moment doesn’t seem to be a very inspiring player. There’s still a chance he can be something and Vegas is betting it’s bigger than Glass’ ceiling. It’s worth noting that the large majority of comps for both players (and Myers for that matter) didn’t amount to much.

Flyers: A

Predators: C-minus

Golden Knights: B

Corey Pronman: I like to pretend I have all the answers, but I honestly have no idea how to explain Patrick’s season and overall lack of NHL success. Some NHL scouts think his compete level is an issue. Some scouts attribute his injury history to his play. All I know is a 6-foot-2 forward with his skill and hockey sense who can skate should be a good NHL player by this point. I’ve never seen Patrick as someone who lacks compete in my viewings over the years, but eventually something has to explain why it isn’t clicking. I see way too much talent that I think at some point he has to become a second-line forward, but the clock is ticking at this stage.

Glass was up and down between the AHL and NHL this season, and while he hasn’t stuck high in the lineup for Vegas yet, I think his best is yet to come. Inside the offensive zone he’s a threat. He’s got great puck skills and with his reach he’s able to inside out defenders consistently. 1217540 New York Islanders

Islanders trade Andrew Ladd, re-sign Andy Greene as they potentially eye big move

By Joseph Staszewski

July 17, 2021 | 4:59pm | Updated

Another Islander is on the move and another is on his way back.

A day after shipping defenseman Nick Leddy to the Red Wings in a cost- cutting move, the team traded injured forward Andrew Ladd, second round picks in the 2021 and 2022 NHL Drafts and a 2023 conditional third round pick to the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday in another cost- cutting move.

Andrew Ladd

Arizona will take on Ladd’s contract, which comes with a $5.5 million cap hit over the next two seasons, as the Islanders look to free up salary-cap space in hopes of making a big move this offseason.

The Islanders opening up cap space comes as reports suggest they’re in the running for star Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, who will become a free agent if he can’t come to terms with Colorado.

The 35-year-old Ladd last played for the Islanders in the 2019-20 season, appearing in four games, and isn’t expected to play another NHL game.

The Islanders are also re-signing defenseman Andy Greene to a one- year, $750K contract, according to reports. The deal also includes an extra $250K in performance bonuses. Greene, 38, is expected to be left unprotected for the expansion draft. He played the past two seasons with the team.

New York Post LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217541 New York Islanders

Islanders trade Andrew Ladd to Coyotes, sign defenseman Andy Greene

By Andrew Gross [email protected] @AGrossNewsday

Updated July 17, 2021 7:54 PM

It was, quite literally, addition by subtraction.

Before the Islanders submitted their list of protected players for Wednesday’s expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken — which will become public on Sunday — they also gained needed salary-cap space by dealing Andrew Ladd to the Coyotes on Saturday along with a second-round pick in next weekend’s NHL entry draft, a conditional second-round pick in 2022 and a conditional third-round pick in 2023.

They also re-signed defenseman Andy Greene to a one-year deal with a cap charge of $750,000. He will fulfill the expansion draft requirement for the Islanders to expose at least one defenseman under contract for next season, allowing them to protect their top-pair of and Adam Pelech along with Scott Mayfield, who has two seasons remaining on a team-friendly five-year, $7.25 million deal.

The Islanders, somewhat uniquely, received no asset in return from the Coyotes other than the resulting cap space.

But the move was worth it to president and general manager Lou Lamoriello to free the organization of the final two seasons of Ladd’s seven-year, $38.5 million deal. The cost is minimal to the Coyotes, who still have $27 million in cap space per CapFriendly.com, as Ladd is owed just $1 million in salary for next season and $1 million in salary and a $3 million signing bonus in 2022-23.

Still, with Ladd’s $5.5 million cap charge gone, coupled with the deletion of Nick Leddy’s $5.5 million cap charge after the defenseman was traded to the Red Wings on Friday, the Islanders have approximately $12.2 million in cap space under the flat, $81.5 million cap ceiling for 2021-22.

Lamoriello’s offseason priority is new contracts for top restricted free agents Pelech, Anthony Beauvillier and goalie Ilya Sorokin and the trio’s combined new cap hits may approach the $12.2 million the Islanders currently have available. Casey Cizikas and Kyle Palmieri can become unrestricted free agents on July 28.

But the Islanders can exceed the cap ceiling by $6 million if remains on long-term injured reserve.

A freeze on trades and player signings went into effect at 3 p.m. on Saturday and runs through Thursday.

The Islanders sent their own second-round pick this year — No. 60 — to the Coyotes while retaining the 52nd overall pick they acquired along with bottom-six forward Richard Panik for Leddy.

The Coyotes will then receive the better of the Islanders’ two second- round picks in 2022. They will also collect a third-round pick in 2023 if Ladd, who played in just one AHL game last season and just four games for the Islanders in 2019-20 after injuring both knees in 2018-19, plays at least one game for the Coyotes in 2022-23.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217542 New York Islanders Koivula, who still hasn’t gotten a crack at regular time but could be more of a factor if Cizikas leaves.

If Koivula is left exposed, he might be the player Seattle goes for over Tarasenko? Landeskog? Islanders have options following Ladd deal Bellows or Dal Colle.

We’ll know more Sunday. What we know now is Lamoriello paid a big but not exorbitant price to be rid of Ladd, who is owed $7 million over the By Arthur Staple next two seasons. The sum total of Ladd’s Islanders career, which spanned five years: 181 games, 39-33-72 and $31.5 million paid out. Jul 17, 2021 July 1, 2016, was a bad day for the Islanders. Loyal soldiers Kyle

Okposo, and Martin left in free agency and Ladd came in. Lou Lamoriello trading Nick Leddy on Friday night signaled the end of an Only Martin has come out looking good, and that was only because he Islanders era. His moving Andrew Ladd and three draft picks to the made it back to the Isles. Now the stench of that day is finally erased and Coyotes just before the expansion lists were submitted on Saturday Lamoriello can do more to keep his successful team intact — or take a marked the end of another Islanders era, though a much more frustrating big swing and bring in more talent. one.

Lamoriello gave up a lot to get Ladd and his $5.5 million average annual The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 value the next two seasons fully off the books: The 60th pick in next week’s draft (originally the Avalanche’s pick), the better of either the Isles’ own or Colorado’s second-rounder in 2022 and a conditional third- round pick in 2023, which transfers if Ladd plays at least one game for Arizona in 2022-23.

But what the Islanders got in return is huge: A deep sigh of relief for Lamoriello as he dives deeper into contract negotiations with three restricted free agents and a couple of unrestricted free agents he may want to keep.

The other Islanders move Saturday was an obvious one after the Leddy trade left Lamoriello without a defenseman to meet the exposure requirements for Wednesday’s expansion draft: Andy Greene returned on a one-year deal worth $1 million, with $250,000 of that in performance bonuses. So it’s a $750,000 cap hit for 2021-22.

That leaves the Islanders with $12.2 million in cap space, plus the presumed $6 million of Johnny Boychuk’s deal when he goes on long- term injured reserve at the start of the season. That $18.2 million safely covers prospective deals for Anthony Beauvillier, Adam Pelech and Ilya Sorokin; it also covers a decent deal for Casey Cizikas and maybe even Kyle Palmieri, too, given that Leo Komarov’s $3 million is on the books right now.

The Isles also have room to aim higher. Vladimir Tarasenko will be left unprotected by the Blues in the expansion draft; if he’s not selected, the price could drop for a trade. Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is headed to the open market and has reportedly said the Islanders interest him; Lamoriello would have to move out another contract to make that happen, but it’s nice to be wanted.

Lamoriello also needs a second-pair left defenseman with Leddy gone. We listed some options for trades and free agency in the wake of the Leddy deal Friday and those haven’t changed — Ryan Suter is reportedly going to take his time considering offers and his price likely goes up that way. But Jamie Oleksiak or could fit in well.

The protected lists for the expansion draft go public Sunday. On defense, we know the three protected will be Pelech, Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield. Greene will be left exposed, along with Thomas Hickey, Sebastian Aho, Mitch Vande Sompel and Parker Wotherspoon. In goal, the exposed will be veteran minor leaguer Ken Appleby, with Semyon Varlamov protected and Sorokin exempt.

So the only real intrigue is up front. These five forwards are locks to be on the protected list: Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Mathew Barzal, Beauvillier and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Josh Bailey figures to be the sixth.

With one spot left, Lamoriello had some options. He’s reportedly been shopping Jordan Eberle and, if the Isles upgrade via trade, Eberle’s RW1 spot seems the likeliest place to do so. So perhaps Eberle is left exposed and Seattle considers selecting him despite three years remaining on Eberle’s contract, a fairly big commitment for the expansion team.

Matt Martin, and Komarov are certain to be left unprotected. Clutterbuck might have some interest, especially on an expiring contract, but it’s a long shot.

The intrigue for a seventh protected slot comes with a trio of young forwards. Michael Dal Colle and Kieffer Bellows are RFAs and, while they’ve both had stretches of promising play in the NHL, neither has established himself. The bet here is if it’s not Eberle protected, it’s Otto 1217543 New York Islanders

Report: Islanders Re-sign Andy Greene to One-Year Deal

Published 11 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Christian Arnold

Lou Lamoriello wrapped up a busy day with one final move Saturday afternoon. Andy Greene has been re-signed to a one-year, $750,000 contract, according to Elliotte Freidman and Arthur Staple.

The deal totals out to $1 million with $250,000 in bonuses for Greene, who first came to the Islanders via a trade with New Jersey back in 2020. Signing Greene helped the Islanders have one defenseman that met the exposure requirements for the upcoming NHL Expansion Draft.

The Islanders had been without a defenseman that met the requirements, but the deal was worked out with Andy Greene and it allowed New York to submit their protected list on time by Saturday’s 5 p.m. deadline.

The signing capped off a day that saw the Islanders shed another contract to make room under the salary cap. Lamoriello was able to send Andrew Ladd and his $5.5 million cap hit to the Arizona Coyotes and the night before he sent Nick Leddy to Detroit.

Andy Greene has appeared in 65 regular-season games with the Islanders since arriving on Long Island. Greene has also served as a mentor for young defenseman Noah Dobson last season.

The two were defensive partners during the regular season and during the Islanders run to the Stanley Cup Semifinals.

NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217544 New York Islanders

Andrew Ladd Traded to Arizona as Islanders Continue to Clear Cap Space

Published 12 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Christian Arnold

It was a hefty price to pay, but the New York Islanders managed to clear Andrew Ladd from their payroll on Saturday in a trade that sent the pricey forward and several draft picks to the Arizona Coyotes.

The trade came just before the 3 p.m. roster freeze and was announced just after 4:30 p.m. The deal allowed the Islanders to clear Ladd’s $5.5 million cap hit from their books to create some much-needed space.

In order to do that the Islanders had to send a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft (#60 originally the Colorado Avalanche selection), a second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and a conditional third-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Islanders do not receive anything in return as part of the deal.

The move was the second trade in less than 24 hours that the Islanders made in order to create more cap space ahead of the expansion draft and free agency. The Islanders have three restricted free agents that need to be re-signed and they would like to find a way to bring back Casey Cizikas, who will be an unrestricted free agent if a new deal isn’t worked out before July 28.

The trade gives the Islanders $12.9 million in projected cap space, according to PuckPedia. That’s before the Islanders even place Johnny Boychuk on LTIR, which would allow them another $6 million in cap space to use.

On Friday night the Islanders traded Nick Leddy to Detroit and cleared all of his $5.5 million cap hit off their books. In that deal, however, the Islanders did get Richard Panik in return as well as a second-round pick in this year’s draft.

It had been rumored that Leddy was being shopped prior to Friday, but the deal to trade Ladd caught many off guard. Ladd’s contract had become an albatross to the Islanders because moving him had become so difficult due to the price tag he came with.

That explained the large price that the Islanders had to pay in order to send him to Arizona.

Andrew Ladd had never matched the expectations of the seven-year, $38.5 million contract he signed with the Islanders in 2016 under then general manager Garth Snow. Ladd was plagued by injury and underperformed in his four years since joining the Islanders.

He appeared in 181 games for New York and recorded 72 points (39 goals, 33 assists) in that time.

One final bit of cap relief could come during Wednesday’s expansion draft depending on who the Islanders leave unprotected and who the Seattle Kraken select.

NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217545 New York Islanders The Florida Panthers, and the rest of the NHL (save for the Vegas Golden Knights), have to provide their protected list for the Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft by Saturday afternoon. On Thursday, the Panthers not only bought out the remainder of Keith Yandle’s contract NYHN Daily: Islanders Trade Leddy, Parise Fit, & More but extended both Anthony Duclair and Gus Forsling. By doing that, general manager Bill Zito not only took care of some pressing offseason

business, but offered some clarity as to how the Panthers are thinking Published 21 hours ago on July 17, 2021 going into the expansion draft. Certainly there could be some unknown, hidden moves to come. (Florida Hockey Now) By Stefen Rosner The Detroit Red Wings acquired puck-moving defenseman Nick Leddy from the New York Islanders in a deal for Richard Panik and a second round pick in 2021. The pick is the 52nd pick, previously acquired from With time left on the clock before the Saturday roster freeze, New York Edmonton. Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman agreed to retain half Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello traded defenseman Nick of Panik’s $2.8 million salary. The Red Wings were expected to add two Leddy in a cap-clearing move. UFA Zach Parise seems like a given for or three veteran defensemen. Leddy could be one of them, or Yzerman Islanders, but could Ryan Suter also end up on the island? These stories could have acquired Leddy for some other team. He could retain half of and more in today’s daily links! Leddy’s salary and send him elsewhere in exchange for assets, like he The New York Islanders traded Nick Leddy to the Detroit Red Wings in a did in the David Savard deal. (Detroit Hockey Now) deal to clear salary-cap space. The late Friday night deal sent Leddy to The first couple of months of the 2021 offseason have flown by. Now, the Detroit in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft Washington Capitals are face-to-face with tough decisions they’ve been (#52 originally the Edmonton Oilers selection) and forward Richard pondering for a while when it comes to the Seattle Kraken. Washington Panik. (NYI Hockey Now) must submit its final protected list for the expansion draft on Saturday by The reunion of Zach Parise and Lou Lamoriello, and the potential 5 p.m. The Capitals will have to figure out which players to protect from homecoming to a team synonymous with his father, JP Parise, would the grasp of the Kraken, while also coming to terms with potentially losing have all the elements for an ESPN 30 for 30. The writing seems to be on a big name. They’ll likely go with the 7-3-1 option, as that gives the wall for 36-year-old forward to be in orange and blue next season Washington the most flexibility and more names to protect. (Washington when the puck drops, following the Minnesota Wild’s buyout of his Hockey Now) contract earlier this week. Suter was also bought out by Minnesota this Could Darcy Kuemper be a starting option for the San Jose Sharks? “It week and would come on a relatively cheap deal as well. (NYI Hockey sounds like they’re gonna move Kuemper, or try to, and Adin Hill would Now) be the guy,” an NHL scout told San Jose Hockey Now earlier this week. Another star player has the New York Islanders on his shortlist of “Arizona has been awfully high on [Hill].” Frank Seravalli of The Daily destinations he would go to. The Islanders are one of five teams that Faceoff reported yesterday that a trade for Kuemper could come together Gabriel Landeskog would have interest in signing with if he cannot “in short order, perhaps so that Arizona could move to protect Adin Hill in complete a new deal with the Colorado Avalanche, according to Andy the upcoming Expansion Draft.” (San Jose Hockey Now) Strickland. Landeskog is set to become an unrestricted free agent in just Ross Colton kicked off a good old-fashioned Summer with Stanley Tour 12 days after finishing out the final year of a 7-year, $39 million contract with a trip to a local rink in Hamilton, New Jersey. The Tampa Bay extension he signed in 2013. Colorado and Landeskog have reached an Lightning forward, who scored the Stanley Cup-clinching goal, was the impasse in negotiations and Colorado Hockey Now reported on Thursday first member of the team to get the trophy for a home visit. (NHL) that the two sides were “far apart.” (NYI Hockey Now) Alex Edler is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in There are only three defensemen in Islanders history with more points in his NHL career, the agent for the Vancouver Canucks defenseman said blue and orange than Nick Leddy. , Stefan Persson and Friday. “It’s just a matter of the right time for Alex to try free agency,” Tomas Jonsson all have their names on multiple Stanley Cups and Edler’s agent Mark Stowe told “Donnie and Dhali – The Team” on Chek played in an era of high-flying Islanders and NHL hockey. But now he is TV in Vancouver. “He’s played over 925 games and been with the gone. Friday night’s trade sent Leddy’s $5.5 million cap hit to the Red Canucks organization for 15 years. It’s more … the chance to do so and Wings for the 52nd pick in next week’s draft plus depth forward Richard perhaps the last time in his career because he’s older.” (NHL) Panik, whose $2.75 million cap hit will be split between the Wings and Islanders. So Lamoriello has accomplished the first goal in his offseason plan to give himself as much cap flexibility as possible without damaging the core of a back-to-back semifinal team. (The Athletic) NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021

Nick Leddy was traded to the Detroit Red Wings by the New York Islanders for forward Richard Panik on Friday. New York also received a second-round pick (No. 52) in the 2021 NHL Draft. Leddy, a 30-year-old defenseman, scored 31 points (two goals, 29 assists) in 56 regular- season games with the Islanders this season and had six assists in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He has one season remaining on a seven- year, $38.5 million contract (average annual value $5.5 million) he signed with New York on Feb. 24, 2015. (NHL)

Despite being one of the NHL craziest weeks in recent memory, the Pittsburgh Penguins were consistently absent from the persistent NHL trade rumors and chatter. That changed on Thursday afternoon after the Penguins were linked to gritty Toronto Maple Leafs right-wing Zach Hyman. A source with direct knowledge of the Penguins’ communications confirmed to PHN the Penguins are a serious player in the trade talks. Thursday morning, Toronto permitted Hyman to negotiate a rights trade ahead of the July 28 free agency. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Activity is already picking up and it should continue to do so over the next few weeks. However, there will be five days of zero activity between Saturday’s NHL roster freeze at 3 p.m. ET and Wednesday’s Expansion Draft. The Philadelphia Flyers have yet to make a move this offseason, but will Chuck Fletcher strike before Saturday afternoon? Unfortunately, probably not. Despite fans clamoring for a move, it just doesn’t make sense right now. The Flyers have a “pretty straightforward” protection list for the Seattle Expansion Draft, Fletcher said Tuesday, and they won’t want to change things if they don’t have to. (Philly Hockey Now) 1217546 New York Islanders

Islanders Send Nick Leddy to Detroit in Cap Clearing Trade

Published 20 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Christian Arnold

The New York Islanders traded Nick Leddy to the Detroit Red Wings in a deal to clear salary-cap space.

The late Friday night deal sent Leddy to Detroit in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft (#52 originally the Edmonton Oilers selection) and forward Richard Panik. Detroit will take 50 percent of Panik’s $2.75 million cap hit, while the Islanders shed all $5.5 million of Leddy’s.

The deal came less than 24 hours before the league-wide 3 p.m. roster freeze on Saturday ahead of Wednesday’s NHL Expansion Draft. If the Islanders didn’t trade Leddy, they were to likely lose him for nothing to Seattle in the expansion draft.

NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217547 New York Rangers

Rangers acquire Barclay Goodrow from Lightning in last-minute trade frenzy

By Mollie Walker

July 17, 2021 | 4:05pm | Updated

In a quest to add playoff experience and a reliable forward who can change the dynamic of their lineup, the Rangers may have gotten both in Barclay Goodrow.

Now, they’ll just have to keep him.

The Blueshirts secured the exclusive rights to negotiate with Goodrow after acquiring the impending unrestricted free agent from the Lightning on Saturday. The Rangers sent their 2022 seventh-round pick to Tampa Bay before the NHL roster freeze began for the Seattle expansion draft.

Additionally, the Rangers unloaded Brett Howden on the Golden Knights in exchange for Vegas’ 2022 fourth-round pick (originally belonging to the Jets) and impending free agent defenseman Nick DeSimone. Considering the Golden Knights had to include a player in the deal to be compliant on their reserve list, the Rangers aren’t expected to re-sign DeSimone.

Locking up Goodrow before he is eligible to hit the market on July 28, however, is likely a top priority for the Rangers.

Barclay Goodrow; Brett Howden

The 28-year-old winger is coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup wins with the Lightning and has 65 games of playoff experience. After recording 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 55 games during the regular season, Goodrow chipped in two goals and four assists in 18 postseason games — including a goal and three assists in the Stanley Cup Final against the Canadiens as Tampa Bay defended its title.

In 331 career NHL games over parts of seven seasons with the Sharks and Lightning, Goodrow has totaled 32 goals, 61 assists and 304 penalty minutes.

Goodrow, who helped forge the Lightning’s pesky third line with Yanni Gourde and Blake Coleman, plays the hard-nosed brand of hockey that Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury has said he wants to add to his lineup. But after making $925,000 last season, Goodrow has certainly earned himself a pay raise heading into his eighth NHL season.

After shipping Howden to Vegas, the Rangers had to submit their protection list for Wednesday’s expansion draft and could only protect one from among Colin Blackwell, Kevin Rooney and Julien Gauthier. Goodrow was probably left exposed in anticipation that the Kraken wouldn’t want to take the risk of selecting an impending free agent.

Howden, who came to Broadway as part of the 2018 trade package that sent defenseman Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller to the Lightning, finished his Rangers tenure with 49 points (16 goals and 33 assists) in 178 games over three seasons.

After the expansion draft takes place on Wednesday, the trade freeze will lift at 1 p.m. Thursday.

New York Post LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217548 New York Rangers

NY Rangers acquire gritty forward Barclay Goodrow from the Tampa Bay Lightning

Vincent Z. Mercogliano

The NHL trade freeze has begun, but not before the New York Rangers made a couple of moves on Saturday.

The more notable of the two was acquiring forward Barclay Goodrow from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. The 28-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent, but the Rangers now have exclusive rights to negotiate with him before the UFA market opens on July 28.

The second trade sent forward Brett Howden to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for defenseman Nick DeSimone and a 2022 fourth- round pick. DeSimone is a pending UFA who Vegas had to include in the deal to be compliant on their reserve list, but a source told the USA TODAY Network the Rangers do not intend to sign him.

They do fully intend to sign Goodrow, with another source suggesting the Rangers made the trade with a strong indication they would be able to come to terms before the opening of free agency.

The gritty winger registered 20 points (six goals and 14 assists) in 55 games this season and is coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup titles with the Lightning. He was a member of Tampa's relentless third line, along with Yanni Gourde and pending UFA Blake Coleman, which came up big throughout their most recent playoff run.

His high-energy, physical style of play is exactly what new team president and general manager Chris Drury has stated he wants to add to the Rangers' lineup. If signed, the 6-foot-2, 203-pounder would add toughness and strong defense to a young group of forwards, most likely playing in the bottom six and on the penalty kill.

Goodrow made $925,000 last season, but his championship pedigree has pushed his price tag up. Evolving Hockey projects his next contract at four years for an average annual value of $3.15 million, but Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported some teams are prepared to offer six years if he hits the open market.

Meanwhile, Howden moves on to Vegas after appearing in 178 games over three seasons with the Rangers. The 23-year-old posted 49 points (16 goals and 33 assists) in that span and was used frequently on the penalty kill, but never found his footing as an NHL regular. The former first-round pick was part of the package acquired in the February 2018 trade that sent defenseman Ryan McDonagh and forward J.T. Miller to Tampa Bay.

Bergen Record LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217549 New York Rangers

Rangers acquire Barclay Goodrow from Lightning, trade Brett Howden to Golden Knights before expansion draft

By Colin Stephenson [email protected] @ColinSNewsday

July 17, 2021 6:40 PM

Just prior to submitting their protected list for the NHL’s expansion draft Saturday, the Rangers were able to pull off a couple of trades, acquiring gritty forward and two-time Stanley Cup winner Barclay Goodrow from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and dealing away 23-year-old forward Brett Howden to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Goodrow, 28, a 6-2, 203-pound left wing, was a key third line player for the Lightning in both of their Stanley Cup championship runs and would bring a lot of the physicality and abrasiveness the Rangers are seeking to add to their lineup if they are able to sign him. An unrestricted free agent, the Rangers did not need to protect him for the expansion draft, and all he cost them was a seventh-round pick in 2022. By acquiring him via trade prior to the expansion draft, Rangers GM Chris Drury has exclusive rights to sign him before the July 28 start of free agency.

Goodrow had two goals, four assists, and 26 penalty minutes in 18 playoff games this summer and six goals and 14 assists (20 points) plus 52 penalty minutes in 55 games in the 2021 regular season.

Howden, who signed a one-year, one-way $885,000 contract with the Rangers last week, likely would have been included in the Rangers’ protected list of seven forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender, had they not traded him to Vegas in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2022 draft (which originally belonged to Winnipeg) and minor league defenseman Nick DeSimone.

Moving Howden, who played 178 games in three seasons for the Rangers (16 goals, 33 assists and 53 penalty minutes), freed the Rangers to protect either Colin Blackwell, Kevin Rooney or Julien Gauthier, who signed a one-year deal on Friday. Vegas, which joined the NHL in 2017 as an expansion team, is exempt from Wednesday’s expansion draft.

Blackwell, who bounced around the minor leagues before signing with the Rangers as a free agent prior to last season, ended up being quite a find. He had 12 goals and 10 assists in 47 games, a lot of those on the second line, with Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome. Rooney, signed away from the Devils before last season, was a key penalty killer and fourth line center for the Rangers in 2021, and posted career highs in goals (eight), assists (six), and points (14). Gauthier, 23, had two goals and six assists in 30 games.

DeSimone, 26, has played four seasons in the after coming out of Union College and has yet to play in the NHL. He is an unrestricted free agent, and, according to a source, was included in the trade in order for Vegas to be compliant with the league’s 50-man reserve roster. He is not expected to be signed by the Rangers.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217550 New York Rangers

Rangers trade for Barclay Goodrow’s rights but signing him won’t be cheap

By Rick Carpiniello

Jul 18, 2021

The Rangers completed a pair of trades before the expansion-draft roster freeze Saturday, neither of which guarantees anything that will add to the roster for next season.

The big get for the Rangers was the negotiating rights to unrestricted free-agent-to-be Barclay Goodrow, a two-time Stanley Cup champ with Tampa Bay. The Rangers sent a seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft to the Lightning for Goodrow’s rights, which gives Rangers president/general manager Chris Drury 10 days to try to lock up the 28- year-old forward before the market opens July 28.

The Rangers also sent center Brett Howden to Vegas for a 2022 fourth- round pick and defenseman Nick DeSimone.

Some quick thoughts:

Goodrow isn’t an automatic signing for the Rangers, just a head start. They will have to negotiate a contract with him. That said, it’s a head start on what will likely be a fairly expensive deal for a bottom-six forward, albeit one who can play all three forward positions. Goodrow, a sturdy 6- foot-2, 203-pounder, was only available because Tampa Bay is in salary- cap hell. It will likely take five years at $4.5 million per, and that might be on the light side, to persuade Goodrow to sign before reaching the open market.

But Goodrow, in addition to his Cup jewelry, would check a lot of boxes for the Rangers, who seek to add some grit, and the type of player who is difficult on opponents. Goodrow is that, although a lot of his success will depend on what type of line the Rangers have constructed around him. If anybody is expecting Goodrow to be a top-sixer, they are likely going to be disappointed.

It’s clear that Drury and new coach Gerard Gallant aren’t the big fans of Howden that former GM Jeff Gorton and coach David Quinn were. Either way, Howden was certain to be unprotected for the Seattle expansion draft, which is set for Wednesday. Protected lists will be released Sunday.

Trading Howden means all that is left of the Ryan McDonagh/J.T. Miller trade with Tampa at the 2018 deadline are defenseman Libor Hájek, rookie defenseman Nils Lundkvist, who should have a chance to win a roster spot in training camp in September, and prospect Karl Henriksson. The Rangers also have a fourth-round pick in next weekend’s draft from the trade of Vlad Namestnikov, who was in the McDonagh trade, to Ottawa in 2019.

The Rangers will most certainly expose just re-signed winger Julien Gauthier to the expansion draft and likely will protect Colin Blackwell, leaving Kevin Rooney not only unprotected but very likely headed to Seattle.

DeSimone, a minor leaguer, is also going to be an unrestricted free agent July 28, and sources say the Rangers will not re-sign him. The Rangers had to take him in the Howden deal so that Vegas would be compliant with its reserve list before the expansion-list deadline.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217551 Ottawa Senators OFF THE GLASS Winnipeg GM was busy working the phones. League

executives indicated the Jets were trying to deal winger Mason The Calgary Flames tried to get in on the action Saturday afternoon but Apppleton. At 25-year-old and making $900,000 Appleton would be a came up short in the end nice option for some teams so the possibility exists if he’s not protected and doesn’t get picked up by Seattle then these talks could pick up again when the dealing begins again Thursday … The Chicago Blackhawks are trying to acquire Seth Jones from the Columbus Blue Jackets and that’s Bruce Garrioch left GM Stan Bowman trying to clear up roster space. The word Saturday Publishing date: Jul 17, 2021 was the club is trying to move RFA D NikitaZadorov to make room for Jones … The Sharks made a move by acquiring G Adin Hill from the Arizona Coyotes. That means the future of G Martin Jones in San Jose is clouded at best. “We haven’t made any decisions on that,” said GM Doug There was a flurry of activity before the NHL’s roster freeze went into Wilson. We needed to have a different look and a different approach to place at 3 p.m. ET Saturday. our goaltending and we think that Adin certainly brings that to us.” By the time the dust had settled, the biggest deal saw the Philadelphia THE LAST WORDS Flyers acquire defenceman Ryan Ellis from the Nashville Predators in exchange for D Phillipe Myers and forward Nolan Patrick. Yes, there There’s a lot of discussion surrounding the coaching opening with the were other moves, but that was the most significant as teams tried to fill AHL’s after Joel Bouchard was hired to to take over out their protected lists by the 5 p.m. ET deadline Saturday night. Anaheim’s AHL franchise in San Diego. With Dominque Ducharme taking over the full-time job with the Montreal Canadiens, the word is the top Patrick was then dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights for Cody Glass. candidate for the job in Laval is Gatineau Olympiques’ coach Louis Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving didn’t make any deals Robitaille … The Kraken aren’t supposed to get a look at the protected but we’re told it’s not for a lack of trying. lists from the 31 teams until Sunday at 10 a.m. The word is they were politely calling around asking teams if they could forward their list at 5:01 A league executive told this newspaper Saturday afternoon that Treliving p.m. after it was sent to the NHL and NHLPA. Not sure how much teams has a “a lot of balls in the air” and another added that the Flames are were willing to help on that front. “open for business.”

Naturally, the name everybody is keeping an eye on is winger . His future with the Flames is clouded at best and the Ottawa Sun LOADED: 07.18.2021 indications are the St. Louis Blues are making a hard run to acquire Tkachuk, the son of legendary former winger KeithTkachuk, who still makes his home there.

The Blues aren’t the only team in pursuit by they are considered by many to be the frontrunner because Keith works as a scout for St. Louis and would be 100% behind this move. St. Lous will expose forward Vladimir Tarasenko in the expansion draft and if Seattle does select him that will take money off the books.

However, Tkachuk isn’t the only name being discussed. The talk is the Flames are also trying to find out what the market is for centre Sean Monahan. This is the second straight summer the Flames have tried to trade the under-performing Monahan, who had 10 goals and 28 points in 50 games last season.

There are several teams looking for help in the middle, including the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators, so Monahan may be a fit if those two clubs want to make a move.

The belief is the Flames simply want to make changes. Coach Darryl Sutter likes players who compete and work hard. If you look at Calgary’s roster, the club has a shortage in those areas in its lineup.

THIS N’ THAT

Barclay Goodrow of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in Game Four of the 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the on July 5, 2021 in Montreal, Quebec.

Lightning GM Julien Brisebois made one move by sending winger Barclay Goodrow, who is scheduled to be a UFA July 28, to the New York Rangers Saturday in exchange for a seventh-round pick. That move will give the Rangers the negotiating rights to Goodrow, who didn’t fit into the plans for the cash-strapped Bolts. Goodrow had six goals and 20 points for the Bolts last season but make no mistake that wasn’t the only trade Brisebois tried to make. We’re told he was trying to attach draft picks to bad contracts before the freeze went into place to get money off the books hoping teams like the Arizona Coyotes or might be willing to bite. The Bolts are hopeful the Kraken will select winger TylerJohnson, who has three years left with a cap hit of $5 million … If you’re wondering why the Flyers made the move to get Ellis, it bolsters them but it also helps the cub get some flexibility with the roster. The belief was Philly wasn’t going to be able to protect forward James Van Riemsdyk unless the club freed up space. A couple of league executives told this newspaper they fully expect if Van Riemsdyk is available then Seattle GM Ron Francis will select him. Given the trade, that option may not be there anymore. Still, Ellis has six years left on his deal with a cap hit of $6.25 million per-season. 1217552 Ottawa Senators The reality is the door is hardly closed to make deals to get more help for next season, so the Senators will have other options to make moves. Several teams will continue discussions right up until the first round of the NHL draft is held virtually on Friday night and continues with Rounds 2-7 Dadonov, Tierney and Murray expected to be among the options on Saturday morning. available from the Ottawa Senators There could be eyebrows raised at the option to protect Logan Brown ahead of Dadonov or Tierney, but that might be for tactical reasons.

Bruce Garrioch Dadonov has two years left $5 million per season while Tierney is headed into the final season with a cap hit of $3.5 million. If the club Publishing date: Jul 17, 2021 loses either contract, it frees up money while both struggled with consistency last year.

The Ottawa Senators spent Saturday huddled in meetings, making their As for Logan Brown, the club’s No. 11 overall pick in 2016, has struggled protected list and checking it twice. to make the NHL regularly and has suited up for only 30 games in his career. A RFA, the Senators plan to give him a qualifying offer but the When the NHL’s roster freeze kicked in at 3 p.m. ET Saturday, Senators reality exists it may be best for both sides to get a change of scenery. general manager and the rest of the club’s hockey The best bet for Dorion is to protect the asset and then determine what’s operations staff finalized their list of seven forwards, three defencemen next. and a goaltender that the club will protect from the Seattle Kraken for the expansion draft, then sent it to the NHL at the 5 p.m. deadline. So, once the lists are released, the guessing game on who the Kraken will select will begin. Some will speculate and come up with reasons for The expansion draft will be held Wednesday night at 8 p.m. and the this or that pick, but we don’t do that here. rosters are now frozen until 1 p.m. Thursday. The indication we’re getting from league executives is that Dadonov or While the Senators list — along with those of the NHL’s other 29 teams Tierney are both attractive options for the Kraken because they’ve got — won’t be revealed until 10 a.m. Sunday, don’t expect to see any major NHL experience. surprises amongst the names left unprotected. The expectation is winger Evgeni Dadonov, centre Chris Tierney along with goaltenders Matt There was no reason for Dorion and the Senators to rush into a deal. Murray and Anton Forsberg will be among the veterans left exposed by Plenty of opportunities will knock and from what we understand there’s the Senators. been no shortage of discussion.

Dorion spent Saturday reaching out to the veteran players left unprotected to let them know before the list becomes public. It’s the right Ottawa Sun LOADED: 07.18.2021 route to take because the Senators don’t feel their players should find out like everybody else and it’s not like the organization necessarily wants to lose those made available.

Unrestricted free agent forwards Artem Anisimov, and Derek Stepan will also be available. The Senators have no intention of bringing any of the trio back while it’s unlikely they could be taken by Seattle.

The expectation is the Senators will protect forwards Drake Batherson, Connor Brown, Logan Brown, Nick Paul, Brady Tkachuk, and Colin White. On defence, the belief is Thomas Chabot, Nikita Zaitsev and RFA blueliner Victor Mete will protected. It should be noted blueliners Artem Zub and Erik Brannstrom are exempt from this process.

Players with less than two years of NHL experience aren’t eligible to be selected.

Of course, many feel the biggest decision has to be made in goal. There’s little risk in leaving Murray, a two-time Stanley Cup champion exposed, because the Kraken aren’t likely to take him. He’s coming off a difficult first season with the Senators and has three years left with a cap hit of $6.25-million per season.

That means it comes to either Filip Gustavsson or Joey Daccord on the list. The belief is Gustavsson, 23, picked up in a trade that sent to Pittsburgh in 2018, will be the name the club opts to protect. A RFA, Gustavsson had a 5-1-2 record down the stretch with the Senators along with a .933 save-percentage and a 2.16 goals-against average.

Though Daccord, 24, was solid with a 1-3-1 record, a .897 save- percentage and a 3.27 GAA before suffering a high ankle sprain, Gustavsson’s success was just too much to ignore for the organization. Unless the Kraken want a young goalie, there are better options available than Daccord and the club is only allowed to pick three netminders.

The Senators never seriously considered protecting a combination of eight forwards and defencemen along with a goaltender because that scenario didn’t make sense. The club doesn’t have protection issues like it did when Marc Methot was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft then dealt to the Dallas Stars.

Dorion spent Saturday working the phones until the rosters were frozen. The Senators would like to add a centre and a defenceman either through trade or free agency before next season, so the staff spent time checking to see what might shake loose as some teams struggled with protection issues. 1217553 Philadelphia Flyers That declaration seemed a direct counter to the argument or perception – one that the Sixers have promoted merely by the nature of their plans, one that existed in the early 2000s, when the Phillies were weighing where to build Citizens Bank Park – that a downtown arena would be Will Wells Fargo Center renovations entice the 76ers to stay? | Mike better for the city’s economy and civic life. Sielski “The stadium district is such a unique urban-planning success story,” Camillo said. “It’s well-planned. It’s managed. It’s a significant, well- functioning, traffic-management plan – ingress and egress, everyone’s Mike Sielski down here together. The partnership structure works very well between the teams. I would be hard-pressed to think that there’s anything better out there than what we have today.” Spectacor will resume on Monday its $300 million renovation of the Wells Fargo Center, a project that was stalled for more than a year by the COVID-19 pandemic and that could affect the long-term relationship Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 07.18.2021 between the company and one of the arena’s primary tenants: the 76ers.

The renovation, which began in 2016, is still $100 million away from completion, according to , which owns the Flyers and rents the center to the Sixers. Installation of new and improved guest seating in the arena’s club level is expected to be finished this fall, and additional changes – an upgrade of the exterior facade, remodeled and updated entrances, a greater variety of food and beverage vendors – will begin next summer.

“We’re a local company, and we take pride in our sports teams and our arena,” Valerie Camillo, the center’s president of business operations, said in a phone interview Friday. “We want to invest, to give the best fans in sports what they deserve, and that’s the best experience in sports with the best arena.”

Camillo said that Comcast Spectacor is the sole source of funding for the project. “There are no public monies of any kind,” she said. “There are a lot of needs in Philadelphia, and quite frankly, we don’t think it’s reasonable that we would expect public money to help deliver that.”

Valerie Camillo (center), president of business operations for the Wells Fargo Center, will announce several upgrades to the arena on Monday.

It was natural to interpret Camillo’s words as a salvo in the public- relations tug-of-war between Comcast Spectacor and the Sixers, whose plans for a taxpayer-funded arena of their own, at Penn’s Landing, were revealed last August.

Comcast Spectacor sold the Sixers to Joshua Harris, the founder of Apollo Global Management, and his partners in Harris & Blitzer Sports & Entertainment in 2011, and the team’s lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031.

Harris and the Sixers’ ownership group want their own arena for a host of reasons, according to an Aug. 28 Inquirer report. Those reasons include additional revenue streams, priority in scheduling the team’s games, and concerns about how much the Wells Fargo Center’s condition will deteriorate between now and the end of the lease.

“Comcast Spectacor is a great, long-standing partner of the 76ers, and we’re excited by their continued commitment to delivering a world-class arena experience,” a Sixers spokesperson said via email. “We have a lease with our partners at Comcast Spectacor for another decade. We will continue to explore all options in Philadelphia for when our lease expires in 2031, with a focus on delivering the best experience for our fans.”

When asked whether the renovations were in any way intended as a carrot for the Sixers, Camillo said: “We’re not thinking about our transformation in terms of enticing the Sixers to stay. We’re thinking about it in terms of every guest who comes into the building, and the Sixers are certainly part of that. But we also host Flyers games, concerts, family events, shows. This is an investment in the city, in the community, in the stadium district. We want to provide the city of Philadelphia a world-class arena.

“Look, I don’t want to get into speculation about how the Sixers think about this,” she added. “The Sixers know we want them to stay.”

The Wells Fargo Center opened in 1996, kickstarting a massive refurbishment of the South Philadelphia sports complex that continued with the building of Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park and that led to the razing of Veterans Stadium and the Spectrum. Comcast Spectator owns the development rights for the land next to the center, “and we have exciting plans for that,” Camillo said. “In the next several months, we’re going to have exciting announcements to come there, too.” 1217554 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers make stunner of a trade to land a top-pair defenseman

BY JORDAN HALL

FLYERS huck Fletcher has shaken things up.C

Just ahead of Saturday's NHL trade and waiver freeze 3 p.m. ET deadline for the expansion draft, the Flyers acquired defenseman Ryan Ellis from the Predators in exchange for Philippe Myers and Nolan Patrick. Patrick was then traded from Nashville to the Golden Knights for Cody Glass.

Ellis is an experienced, top-pair, righty-shot defenseman who will play alongside Ivan Provorov. The 30-year-old is under contract for the next six seasons with an annual cap hit of $6.250 million.

Fletcher said the Flyers had a "longtime interest" in Ellis and that he "checks a lot of boxes" for the club.

"Ryan is an excellent, all-around defenseman," the Flyers' general manager said Saturday. "In our opinion, he's one of the best passers in the game on the blue line. He's great in transition, he can play the power play, he's got a heavy shot and he's a very good penalty killer.

"He had been part of the leadership group in Nashville for a while. He's a competitive, team-oriented type of player. For us, we think he's a really well-rounded hockey player, a quality person and somebody that we feel very fortunate that we were able to add to our group today."

Over the last six seasons, Ellis has 199 points (55 goals, 144 assists) in 360 games. In that span, his plus-94 rating is fourth best among all NHL defensemen, behind only Ryan McDonagh (plus-112), Victor Hedman (plus-112) and Zdeno Chara (plus-105).

In 2020-21, Ellis had 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) over 35 games and played the second-most minutes per game on the Predators at 23:46. Ellis missed all of March because of an upper-body injury that required surgery. During the playoffs, Ellis played over 25 minutes per game and had five points (one goal, four assists) through six games.

"Overall, just surprised, shocked and at the same time, excited," Ellis said about the trade, via Flyers senior director of communications Zack Hill. "New challenge and new chapter."

The trade of Patrick could now allow the Flyers to protect James van Riemsdyk in Wednesday's expansion draft.

Patrick was the second overall selection in the 2017 draft. The 22-year- old center had a rough season (four goals, five assists, minus-30 rating) a year after missing all of 2019-20 as he battled a migraine disorder.

Myers was an undrafted discovery of the Flyers, a 6-foot-5 defenseman who had climbed the club's prospect rankings. With prospects Cam York and Egor Zamula in the wings, it was possible the Flyers would dangle the 24-year-old Myers this offseason. They ended up doing so to fill a big hole.

The Flyers desperately needed to a top-pair defenseman. They didn't fill the void left by Matt Niskanen's retirement last offseason and ended up surrendering more goals than any other team in hockey at 3.52 per game. As a result, the Flyers missed the playoffs a year after they fell one win short of the Eastern Conference Final.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217555 Philadelphia Flyers There's an outside chance Seattle takes Nicolas Aube-Kubel, but he did not play much under Hakstol, seeing only 5:35 minutes per night over a nine-game stint in 2018-19.

Expansion draft details and predicting Flyers' protected list Defensemen (3)

Ryan Ellis

BY JORDAN HALL Ivan Provorov

Travis Sanheim

FLYERS The Flyers' decisions on defense don't look hazy. Provorov and Ellis are obvious protections, while Sanheim has shown his potential and is still he Flyers, like every NHL team aside from the Golden Knights, are soon young when it comes to a player reaching one's ceiling. He's big, mobile to lose a player to the Kraken in the expansion draft. Seattle is set to and has too much upside to lose for nothing. build its first-ever roster as the NHL's newest club in the 2021-22 season.T , who was drafted by the club and has played six full seasons in Philadelphia, very well could be the most intriguing to the On Saturday by 5 p.m. ET, Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher and Kraken among the Flyers' blueliners likely to be exposed. We detailed company had to submit the list of players the team will protect from that all here, along with who could be the biggest loss on the back end. Seattle's picking. On Sunday at 10 a.m. ET, the NHL's central registry will distribute each protection list to the Kraken and other clubs. The Flyers' Goalies (1) protection list will be released around that time Sunday. Carter Hart Starting Saturday at 3 p.m. ET, an NHL trade and waiver freeze went into A clear-cut, no-brainer here. effect. It will be lifted Thursday at 1 p.m. ET. Within that time period, teams can only make deals with Seattle.

The Flyers made a big trade just prior to the deadline. On Saturday Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.18.2021 afternoon, they acquired Ryan Ellis in exchange for Philippe Myers and Nolan Patrick.

Before we get into predicting the Flyers' protection list, here are the essentials for the expansion draft:

When: Wednesday, July 21, 8 p.m. ET

Where: Seattle

Broadcast: ESPN2

Live stream: ESPN.com

The Flyers can either protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie or eight skaters (with a combination of four or more defensemen) and one goalie.

If the club goes with the seven-forward, three-defensemen plan, which is most probable, here's our prediction for the Flyers' protection list.

Forwards (7)

Sean Couturier

Claude Giroux

Kevin Hayes

Travis Konecny

Scott Laughton

Oskar Lindblom

James van Riemsdyk

The Flyers do not need to protect Joel Farabee because the 21-year-old winger is exempt as a two-year pro.

Giroux and Hayes require protection because they have no-movement clauses in their contracts. They would have been protected anyway. Couturier, Konecny and Laughton are surefire protections.

It's all but certain Jakub Voracek will be left exposed. He's one of the older Flyers with term and a large cap hit. He was also tied with Giroux and van Riemsdyk for the 2020-21 team lead in scoring (43 points). This would be a business decision about cap relief in a critical offseason amid a flat-cap world. Voracek turns 32 years old in August and is under contract for the next three seasons at an annual $8.25 million cap hit. Voracek, a decade Flyer with a precarious situation this summer, is one of the bigger storylines to the club's offseason.

With the trade of Patrick, the Flyers now have a much more logical opportunity to protect van Riemsdyk, who is 32 and under contract for the next two seasons at an annual $7 million cap hit. If left exposed, van Riemsdyk would be highly appealing to the Dave Hakstol-led Kraken for various reasons, which we detailed here. 1217556 Philadelphia Flyers Gostisbehere led the 2020-21 Flyers with a 37 percent rate — Ellis, in other words, immediately steps in as the defense’s best puck mover, an area that needed dramatic improvement in Fletcher’s eyes.

Breaking down the Ryan Ellis trade: Flyers fill biggest roster need in “We acquired one of the premier defensemen in the National Hockey offseason-defining move League, and a player that we feel fits the needs of our team quite well in terms of his overall two-way game and ability to move the puck, which is an area I thought we struggled in a lot last year,” Fletcher said. “I think there was a lot of focus on the fact we didn’t defend as well. To me, we By Charlie O'Connor just defended too much. If we move the puck cleaner and more quickly Jul 17, 2021 out of our defensive zone, then we won’t have to defend as much.”

But don’t take Fletcher’s focus on Ellis’ puck-moving ability to mean that he’s a slouch on defense. In his 10 seasons, he’s graded out as a plus The Philadelphia Flyers’ offseason was always going to be defined by scoring-chance suppressor at even strength (per xG RAPM) eight times, whether general manager Chuck Fletcher could find their much-needed and he’s done the same (per RelTM) on the penalty kill the past three top-pair defenseman. seasons.

Consider the offseason defined. We’re talking about a complete defenseman here.

Just before the 3 p.m. trade freeze Saturday, the Flyers acquired 30-year The cost old defenseman Ryan Ellis from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Philippe Myers and Nolan Patrick, who was later flipped by Nashville to Of course, a player like that doesn’t come for free. Vegas for Cody Glass. Suddenly, Philadelphia’s most glaring roster need Philippe Myers’ upside remains extremely high. Defensemen who are 6-5 is no more. Ellis immediately slots into the Flyers’ top-pair alongside 24- and can absolutely fly on the ice are rare breeds already; add the fact year old Ivan Provorov, giving Provorov the long-term, high-end right- that Myers also possesses solid puck skills and is a right-handed shot, handed partner that he lacked in the wake of Matt Niskanen’s surprise and it becomes abundantly clear just how high Myers’ theoretical value to retirement after the 2019-20 season. a team can be. “The opportunity to add a player like Ryan was too good to pass up,” That said, Myers struggled mightily in 2020-21. After a strong second half Fletcher noted a little over an hour after the trade was announced. “He’s in 2019-20 and a stellar showing in the playoffs against the Montreal what we need at this time.” Canadiens, hopes were high that Myers could fill an even bigger role this Is Ellis the right piece for the Flyers? Was the cost reasonable? What are past season — possibly even serving as the internal replacement for the risks of the deal? And what comes next for the front office? Matt Niskanen.

Ellis the player Instead, Myers failed to rise to the challenge. His underlying five-on-five metrics actually weren’t terrible in the end, but much of that was due to Let’s get one thing out of the way: Ryan Ellis’ track record implies that he some good games once the Flyers were long out of the playoff picture is a very, very good NHL defenseman. and basically just playing out the string. When the games mattered, Myers faltered, lacking confidence without the puck and purpose with it. Ellis is a plus skater. He can put up points. He can drive offense without By March, he was getting healthy scratched by coach Alain Vigneault; by sacrificing defense. He has a bomb of a slap shot. He can play well in all April, he was playing so poorly that fans weren’t even angry when he situations. He passes the analytics test with flying colors. watched a game from the press box. He simply hadn’t earned the right to In other words, the Flyers aren’t passing off a good second-pair play on a nightly basis. defenseman as an impact first-pair one. Ellis, in theory, is exactly what It’s certainly possible that Myers quickly puts the 2020-21 season behind the Flyers wanted and needed. him and establishes himself as the bona fide top-four NHL defenseman As a 10-year veteran with 562 regular-season games and 74 playoff he appeared to be rapidly developing into as recently as last summer. games to his credit, Ellis brings a veteran presence to Philadelphia. But But it’s no guarantee. Myers has to be viewed more as a low-end second that only goes so far if the player can’t provide tangible on-ice value. But pair/high-end third-pair defenseman, and he’s already 24. Even with his that’s exactly what Ellis did in Nashville. Over the past five seasons, Ellis immense physical tools and relative lack of experience at the NHL level has averaged over 23 minutes, 30 seconds per game for the Predators, — he’s appeared only in 115 regular-season games — it’s certainly and over that span, he’s also paced for nearly 50 points per 82 games. possible that Myers doesn’t progress any further. Obviously, Nashville is Aside from his size — he’s just 5-foot-10 — he checks all of the boxes betting that he will. But there’s a dramatic drop-off between Ellis and that traditionalists would want in a top-pair defenseman. what Myers is now.

And don’t take that to mean that Ellis doesn’t grade out well by advanced And then there’s Nolan Patrick. metrics as well. He does. In fact, he’s something of an analytics darling. It always made the most sense that if Patrick were to be moved this Before the 2020-21 season — more on that later — Ellis could summer, it would be as the secondary piece in a larger deal, and that’s legitimately be called one of the best play-driving defensemen in hockey. exactly how it played out. As with Myers, the risk with trading Patrick is Evolving-Hockey’s RAPM model, which attempts to isolate a player’s that he ultimately realizes his immense potential elsewhere. After all, he’s impact on both his team’s expected goal differential and shot attempt still just 22 years old. And he has shown flashes of brilliance — Patrick differential at even strength, consistently had graded Ellis as pushing the played like a legitimately effective 2C during the second half of his rookie needle dramatically in the right direction. And their Goals Above season and was more frustrating (due to the swings between highs and Replacement model consistently has ranked him in the upper echelons of lows) than truly bad in his sophomore year. We are talking about the No. the NHL, to the point where it views him as having been one of the most 2 pick in 2017 here. valuable defensemen in all of hockey over the past decade. But the risk with Patrick is high as well. Even before his 2020-21 season, That’s a lot of green. Patrick struggled with consistency and on-ice assertiveness. But in his return from the migraine disorder that wiped out his 2019-20 season, How does he consistently push play in the right direction, year after year? Patrick was flat-out ineffective. Nine points in 52 games simply isn’t going Fletcher pointed out that Ellis’ ability to transition the puck from defense to cut it for a scoring NHL center, particularly one who was receiving to offense is truly high-end. regular power-play time. Patrick’s two-way metrics were actually not “He is one of the best passers in the game on the blue line,” Fletcher terrible (51.44 percent expected goals share at five-on-five, +0.030 xG said. “He’s great in transition.” RAPM impact) in 2020-21, but his tendency toward passive play resulted in him being a complete no-show on the scoresheet. Per Corey Sznajder’s manual tracking work, Fletcher has a point. From 2016-17 through 2019-20, Ellis checks in with a 39 percent possession Can Patrick return at the very least to his pre-migraine disorder form? exit rate (meaning that 39 percent of his attempts to exit the defensive Probably. A normal offseason this summer will surely help him, and zone not only succeed but come with possession of the puck), which perhaps his passivity was at least in part due to making it past the mental easily clears the league average of 34 percent. For reference, Shayne hurdles of returning from a major head issue. But Patrick turns 23 in September; time is running out for him to reach the levels projected for example, would have cost significantly more (likely upwards of $8 million him when he was tearing up the WHL with the . per year) if the Flyers had been able to convince him to come to Philadelphia. Seth Jones would have been cheaper ($5.4 million) next Essentially, the Flyers traded away two talented players in their early 20s season, but the Flyers were not going to acquire him without assurances with enormous upsides but serious questions as to whether either will that he would ultimately sign a long-term extension starting in 2022-23, reach it. and that contract almost certainly would have had a higher cap hit than Breaking down the risks $6.25 million.

The Ellis trade doesn’t come entirely without risks. Addressing the first-pair defenseman hole with a player who doesn’t break the bank from a cap standpoint is huge for both the Flyers’ short- The most glaring one is age. Ellis is 30, and by the numbers, is well past term and long-term planning. In fact, Fletcher is actually in a pretty solid what tends to be an NHL player’s prime. And while his $6.25 million cap spot from a cap compliance standpoint. Here’s a look at their cap hit is more than fair right now, Ellis is signed through the 2026-27 situation, with my recent contract projections for pending RFAs Sanheim season, when he’ll be 36. It’s certainly plausible that as he ages, that and Carter Hart included: steal of a cap hit could slowly turn into an albatross. Yes, they’ll still need to jettison a contract to have space for a backup Second, it’s worth noting that Ellis did have a down season in 2020-21. goalie upgrade and to fill out the rest of the roster. But it’s a lot more For only the second time in his career, he graded out as a (slightly) manageable of a task with Ellis’ number at $6.25 million instead of $8.25 negative impact player in terms of even-strength expected goal million, for example. If Seattle poaches one of Gostisbehere, Jakub differential, and his point totals dipped back into the half-point-per-game Voracek or James van Riemsdyk in the expansion draft next week, the range after being above 0.70 PPG in two of his previous three seasons. Flyers should be absolutely fine — even if they don’t want to make any Much of his drop-off can likely be attributed to a shoulder injury that more major moves this summer. ultimately required surgery and knocked him out of action for 20 games, but that’s not necessarily reassuring, given that a 30 year old having a Yet I believe they do. And that leads into the final positive of this trade for major surgery stands as a red flag of its own. Fletcher, however, Philadelphia: they filled their biggest need without emptying out their war expressed confidence about Ellis’ future. chest. Fletcher still has all of his prospects. He still has the 13th selection in next week’s draft. He still has quality young, established NHL players “It’s a fair question. That’s a concern with everybody,” Fletcher like Sanheim and Travis Konecny if he wants to get in the mix for another acknowledged when asked why he believed Ellis will age well. “He’s 30 blockbuster. The Ellis trade closes no doors for the Flyers in terms of years old. We believe he has good hockey ahead of him. It’s tough to what they can do over the next two weeks. predict injuries, certainly he is a man that plays hard. There’s no reason to think that he can’t (age well). We like him a lot as a player.” A defining offseason for the Flyers just got off to a roaring start, and it’s far from over. It may be tough to predict injuries. But Ellis has absolutely dealt with his fair share of them in recent years, which adds another concern. He — All statistics courtesy of Evolving-Hockey, Cap Friendly, and Corey missed 21 games last season, 20 in 2019-20 (concussion), and 38 in Sznajder. 2017-18 (knee surgery). Ellis may be very good when he plays, but there’s a risk that his style of play and his size — combined with the natural aging process — could lead to even more injuries, cutting down The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 on the value he can provide the Flyers.

None of these concerns is a dealbreaker, of course. But they can’t be ignored entirely.

Why the trade makes sense for the Flyers

To be blunt, in the moment, this trade looks like a home run for the Flyers.

Fletcher may have publicly challenged the assumption that he needed to add a top-pair quality defenseman this offseason, but let’s be honest: he pretty much did. The loss of Niskanen hit the Flyers’ blue-line corps extremely hard in 2020-21, both on and off the ice. Ivan Provorov desperately needed a new partner, and not merely a decent one. This past season, when taken in aggregate with Provorov’s “one great year, one meh year” career trend, provided further evidence that Provorov might not be destined to develop into a pairing-carrying No. 1 defenseman. And if he’s merely a very solid No. 2, the Flyers could not afford to bargain-hunt for his partner. They needed to get a defenseman capable of impact-level play.

Ellis fits the bill.

Suddenly, the Flyers’ defensive corps is starting to look a lot more logical. Provorov-Ellis will clearly be the top pairing, at least to start, and it looks like a good one. Assuming that Travis Sanheim is not moved this summer — and with Myers out the door, it’s probably safe to guess Sanheim stays — he’ll run the second pairing as the No. 3. There are remaining questions when it comes to the Philadelphia defense, namely the identity of Sanheim’s regular partner and how the third pair shakes out. But the presence of Ellis should allow for players like Sanheim and Justin Braun and even a looming prospect like Cam York to play in the right roles for their talents, which should benefit the group as a whole.

The price was also reasonable, and I’d argue a bit light. Swapping Myers for Ellis is a no-doubt-about-it roster upgrade, and the Flyers already showed they can be competitive without Patrick back in 2019-20. The fact that Fletcher was able to execute this deal without relinquishing any draft picks or prospects plays as an obvious win for Philadelphia.

Ellis’ cap hit also works in the Flyers’ favor. For a top-pair defenseman, Ellis’ $6.25 million cap charge is more than reasonable; in fact, it’s even lower than that of Provorov ($6.75 million). Dougie Hamilton, for 1217557 Philadelphia Flyers Scott Burnside: So much to unpack in this three-team deal that falls just a smidgen short in our books of being a blockbuster. So let’s start with the best player in the deal, Ryan Ellis. Not sure Ellis has ever been the same since being hit early in the 2020 Winter Classic by Corey Perry, but when NHL trade grade: Flyers get high marks in three-team deal for Ryan Ellis healthy he checks all the boxes for the Flyers and slides into a top-four role either playing with Provorov or bolstering another top-two unit.

A number of sources we spoke to during the season felt the Flyers never By Corey Pronman, Dom Luszczyszyn and more really replaced the presence of Matt Niskanen, who retired before the Jul 17, 2021 start of this season, either in terms of minutes played or leadership on and off the ice. Ellis will do all those things and maybe more for a Flyers team that is desperate to step into a contending role. When Roman Josi was named captain in Nashville, it came down to Josi or Ellis for that The Grades honor. Nashville can now turn its attention to locking up Mattias Ekholm Dom Luszczyszyn: The Flyers were in the market for a top pairing right long-term and newly acquired Myers. shot defender and they got arguably the best one in Ryan Ellis. They Myers is 24 and can play a 4-5-6 role for the Preds, but they’ll miss Ellis swung for the fences and arguably knocked it out of the park, grabbing a in all kinds of ways. “I like Ellis in Philly, but I don’t like the hole he leaves smooth-skating rearguard who has a proven track record playing top when you’re trying to coach the Predators,” one veteran scout said. “Hard minutes. Ellis should be a perfect fit next to Ivan Provorov and though it’s to replace a 23-minute player.” unlikely either can carry their own pair, they both should perform admirably playing next to each other. Another source familiar with the Flyers’ organization agreed. “Great move for Flyers,” the source said. “Myers has skill but can’t think the game.” Ellis is 30 and coming off a down season, so there is some room for concern. His best comps do not age well and, considering he’s signed for The futures part of this deal is most fascinating. There’s some symmetry six more seasons, his deal has potential to be problematic in the later to Nolan Patrick, the No. 2 pick in 2017, ending up in Vegas having years of his career. Philadelphia has a very narrow short-term window, played three seasons for Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon with the though, and Ellis’ current abilities should help maximize it by solidifying WHL’s Brandon Wheat King. Still, Patrick’s myriad health issues makes the top pair, adding a stable puck-mover to a thin defense corps. If Ellis this feel very much like a project. can bounce back from a poor 2020-21 season, there’s a good chance he can provide strong value for Philadelphia over the next few seasons. As for Glass, the Predators continue to look for that depth down the middle that has been an organizational Achilles heel for years. Maybe It’s a bit mystifying that this is all Nashville could get for Ellis however, Glass will get a chance to prove he’s a legitimate No. 1 or 2 center, which even with age considered. Myers and Glass (acquired from Vegas for he didn’t seem to get and/or take advantage of in Vegas. The scout we Nolan Patrick) are both young players, sure, but neither are very good spoke to felt that the Glass for Patrick part of this deal was a wash. players. Both have limited prospects of being valuable top-end “Neither guy has been able to get on track,” the scout said contributors, with their current trajectory pointed directly toward modest depth pieces. That’s not a great haul for Ellis, a bonafide top-pairing Flyers: A defender. It feels like Nashville could’ve got a bigger package had this Predators: B- deal been made before last season’s trade deadline and it’s fairly puzzling why the team made the deal at all. If it’s time to rebuild, neither Vegas: B- piece looks all that enticing barring a sudden and inexplicable breakout. It’s a possibility for Glass – one of his top comps is Evgeny Kuznetsov – but it’s far from likely given what he’s shown to date. The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 Vegas obviously wasn’t very high on Glass given his deployment since being drafted. He hasn’t been able to crack the lineup regularly and at 22 it’s fair to wonder if he’ll ever be anything. Patrick at least had OK NHL results before missing an entire season due to a concussion, so there’s a better chance he becomes an NHL regular. A solid bet, even if Patrick at the moment doesn’t seem to be a very inspiring player. There’s still a chance he can be something and Vegas is betting it’s bigger than Glass’ ceiling. It’s worth noting that the large majority of comps for both players (and Myers for that matter) didn’t amount to much.

Flyers: A

Predators: C-minus

Golden Knights: B

Corey Pronman: I like to pretend I have all the answers, but I honestly have no idea how to explain Patrick’s season and overall lack of NHL success. Some NHL scouts think his compete level is an issue. Some scouts attribute his injury history to his play. All I know is a 6-foot-2 forward with his skill and hockey sense who can skate should be a good NHL player by this point. I’ve never seen Patrick as someone who lacks compete in my viewings over the years, but eventually something has to explain why it isn’t clicking. I see way too much talent that I think at some point he has to become a second-line forward, but the clock is ticking at this stage.

Glass was up and down between the AHL and NHL this season, and while he hasn’t stuck high in the lineup for Vegas yet, I think his best is yet to come. Inside the offensive zone he’s a threat. He’s got great puck skills and with his reach he’s able to inside out defenders consistently. He’s also a fantastic playmaker who knows where to move pucks and can hit tough plays with pace. I thought Glass looked better in physical battles in his second pro season, and he saw a lot of penalty kill time in the AHL. His skating remains a question mark and his heavy stride may hold him back from realizing his sixth-overall draft slot. I still think there’s too much to like here and he will be a second-line center in time. 1217558 Philadelphia Flyers of acceptable teams. (The Flyers are one of them.) Add in his substantial cap hit ($7.5 million for two more seasons) and the injury concerns and we’re talking about a potential superstar who is likely going to come at a highly discounted rate. The Blues might even have to retain salary to A Vladimir Tarasenko Philadelphia fit? Could the Flyers trade their first- move him. round draft pick? Why does this matter for the Flyers? A dynamic, goal-scoring forward has long been a need, but the Flyers have other, more pressing concerns this summer — namely, restructuring the defense and acquiring an By Charlie O'Connor upgrade in goal behind Carter Hart. It’s going to cost assets, whether it Jul 17, 2021 be cap space or players/prospects/picks (or both), to fill those holes. And even if the Flyers successfully do so, will they then have the chips remaining to go out and get a truly impactful forward? It would be difficult.

Well, it’s finally here. The busy portion of the NHL offseason. The buy-low opportunity on Tarasenko provides a way around that conundrum, albeit a risky one. Suddenly, there’s a path to upgrading the Today, teams will submit their lists of protected players to the Seattle blue-line corps and addressing one or two other holes and still being able Kraken, with the official lists released to the public Sunday. Once Seattle to seriously vie for Tarasenko in the trade market. Sure, it might not work has made its picks — and whatever trades and side deals it ultimately out and Tarasenko might be finished as an elite player. But the upside — executes — the rest of the league can exit the trade freeze Thursday and that he bounces back and Philadelphia gets that long-desired shoot-first fully join in on the fun. Next up on Friday and Saturday is the NHL Draft, goal scorer without any of the two-way concerns that a Patrik Laine and then the following Wednesday is the opening bell of unrestricted free brings to the table, and for a reasonable price to boot — is enormous. agency. That’s a lot of activity compressed into about a week and a half. Imagine a revitalized Tarasenko on the right wing of the Flyers’ top line The Philadelphia Flyers, of course, won’t be shying away from that with Giroux on the left and in the middle. Yeah, that’s a activity. At this point, it would be a major surprise if general manager fit. Chuck Fletcher doesn’t make a few eye-catching moves. The bigger Gut feeling for the first-rounder: Do the Flyers stay put, trade up, trade question is whether those moves will be the right ones to push the team down or trade out? — Michael P. back into contention. So, with a pivotal set of days looming, it’s no surprise this month’s edition of the Flyers mailbag is heavy on offseason My gut feeling is they trade the pick. Based on everything I’ve heard from questions and concerns regarding the people who will be guiding the sources about the Flyers’ desire to be aggressive this summer and what organization through this important stretch. Fletcher was willing to state on the record Tuesday at a team news conference, I believe Fletcher’s preference is to move the pick for a Note: Submitted questions have been lightly edited for clarity and length. player who helps the Flyers win now and in the future. Pick No. 13 is a Thoughts on Vladimir Tarasenko and his fit with the Flyers? Reading valuable asset, but given the Flyers’ deep prospect pool and that this isn’t your work, I know you were a huge fan of him, but is that still the same the strongest draft, it’s not an essential one. The Flyers realize that. player, and is he worth the risk? — Brian M. If they don’t trade the pick in a package for a roster player, however, I I’ll start by acknowledging this is all speculation and analysis on my part. find it hard to believe they’d trade up. That would cost additional assets, Beyond the fact that the Flyers are apparently on Tarasenko’s list of assets they’d rather use to shake up the NHL roster, not to add another approved teams, I have nothing concrete telling me that Philadelphia is prospect. Staying put or even trading down strikes me as far more likely. actively pursuing the Blues winger. Do you have faith in Fletcher’s ability to make the proper adjustments for That said, yes, I think there’s absolutely a potential fit here. this team after his body of work in Minnesota? The Zach Parise/Ryan Suter deals stand out as albatrosses, but that team at the time was also It goes back to the point I made in my “perfect offseason” article in late *probably* considerably further away from contention than the Flyers are June. The Flyers have lots of quality depth in their forward corps, but now. — Aaron S. they’re lacking one major piece: a dynamic offensive talent capable of breaking open games. Claude Giroux and, to a lesser extent, Jakub I’m going to use this question as a springboard to address some of the Voracek used to be at that level, but even as they’ve remained impact misconceptions I see in corners of the fan base surrounding Fletcher’s players (particularly Giroux), they’ve lost a step in their 30s in terms of tenure in Minnesota, and hopefully it’ll shed some light on why I think being able to scare defenses. The lack of said player is particularly he’s capable of building a strong team in Philadelphia. glaring on the power play, but it shows up at even strength too. The First, the Parise/Suter deals. They get cited quite often to lessen Flyers simply don’t have a player who can turn a game in a single shift on Fletcher’s work in Minnesota, but that’s not totally fair, for a few reasons. the regular anymore. First, it’s no secret those signings — while certainly endorsed by Fletcher Is Tarasenko still that guy? Obviously, that’s the big question. The 29- — were pushed by ownership in Minnesota. Just as I don’t blame Paul year old had his first shoulder surgery in the wake of the 2017-18 season Holmgren for the Ilya Bryzgalov signing engineered by Ed Snider, I don’t and returned for the following campaign back in peak form, helping lead fully ding Fletcher for the Parise/Suter signings. Secondly, I’m not even the Blues to the Stanley Cup in 2019. But he separated it again at the sold they were truly terrible contracts. start of 2019-20, missed the rest of that season, and then briefly returned Over nine seasons in Minnesota, Suter put up 15.9 wins’ worth of value for the 2020 playoff bubble before being shut down once again for a third (per Evolving-Hockey’s Wins Above Replacement model) and Parise surgery. Tarasenko finally returned this past March, but he scored only produced 12.9 wins. Evolving-Hockey’s model estimates that each win is 14 points in 24 games and, most concerning for such a talented sniper, worth about $5.3 million on the market, meaning Suter delivered $84.3 just four goals. His underlying even-strength metrics were million worth of value (against $67.85 million worth of cap hits over the uncharacteristically poor as well, raising concerns that the “old” nine seasons) and Parise provided $68.37 million. Both have been worth Tarasenko might be gone for good. their contracts. Granted, the buyout announcements throw a wrench into But the old Tarasenko was truly an elite player — before 2019-20, he that, but that’s future negative impact not past. They weren’t really posted five consecutive seasons of 30-plus goals and 65-plus points, on albatross contracts. Fletcher paid very good players a lot of money, and top of elite five-on-five results. Unlike most goal scorers, Tarasenko they went out and continued to be very good players. That’s not really graded out as a two-way force — just one who happened to have one of worthy of scorn. the best shots in the business. That guy absolutely qualifies as that Second, and more importantly, I wonder how different the narrative elusive “dynamic offensive talent” who terrifies opponents at all times. surrounding Fletcher’s tenure would be had they not run into Jake Allen The team that trades for Tarasenko is taking an obvious risk — it’s having the series of his life in 2017. gambling that Tarasenko’s shoulder is fixed and that his 2020-21 That 2016-17 Wild team was really, really good. It won 49 games, struggles were more about him slowly regaining his form than a finished with the second-best record and the best goal differential in the permanent drop-off in true talent. But with that risk comes a lower price Western Conference (and the second-best in the league) and drove play tag. Tarasenko wants out, and it’s essentially impossible to imagine a to the tune of a 56.29 percent expected goals for percentage at five-on- scenario in which he returns to St. Louis in 2021-22. He also has a no- five (tops in the NHL, per Evolving-Hockey). Minnesota was deep trade clause and so far has provided the Blues with only a limited number offensively and had a stacked blue-line corps, a great coach (Bruce Is it true Bob Clarke and Paul Holmgren played a significant role in Boudreau) and Devan Dubnyk before the floor fell out from under him. Fletcher’s hiring? I have heard this repeated from time to time, but it True talent-wise, that was an extremely well-constructed hockey team. could just be noise. — Don B.

So, what happened? Well, a goalie with a career 0.912 save percentage My understanding is, yes, they did. When Ron Hextall was relieved of his put up a 0.956 over five games. Season over. Now, Allen’s heroics surely duties, Holmgren more or less temporarily took over management of the weren’t the only reason the Blues upset the Wild in that series. But they team and drove the search for a new GM. (If you remember, it was a were a big part of it. And my general view of team building is that I don’t quick search.) ding a GM for running into a hot goaltender in the playoffs. I view that season as proof Fletcher can put together a very good roster, even if he As for Clarke, I heard at the time he was very involved in the vetting wasn’t rewarded for it in the postseason. process, and obviously he has a long-standing relationship with Fletcher, as he was the one who gave Fletcher his first official front-office job when Now, does that mean Fletcher did a perfect job? Of course not. The he was running the Florida Panthers in 1993. Surely he at least vouched Martin Hanzal trade that very year blew up in his face, and his for him, and I believe he was more involved than that. underwhelming offseason that summer — highlighted by losing Alex Tuch and Erik Haula to the Vegas Golden Knights in expansion — didn’t Speed round: position them well to follow up their big year. And it’s not like Fletcher Y/N: Giroux finishes his career as a Flyers captain? built a yearly juggernaut. Which is a higher need: 3C or a shoot-first forward? But the idea that Fletcher’s Minnesota teams were always mediocre isn’t an accurate portrayal of what happened. The 2016-17 team was very It’s the end of next season — which pair is York most likely on? good, and the two clubs that were knocked out of the playoffs by a still- Over/under: Alain Vigneault says “martini” 6 1/2 times in news elite Chicago Blackhawks team earlier in the decade were quite conferences this season? — Eric F. impressive as well. I don’t totally disregard the work he did in Minnesota just because of a lack of playoff success, though that’s in large part Yes, I think Giroux ultimately stays in Philadelphia and finishes his career because I’m a “postseason success is pretty random” type of person, and here, and I doubt they’d strip the “C” from him if he stays. I know a lot of people aren’t. Third-line center is the bigger need; shoot-first forward is more of a Chuck Fletcher spent nine seasons as the GM of the Minnesota Wild, luxury. That said, it’s at least possible their 3C solution could come with whom he compiled a record of 399-298-89. (Zack Hill / Flyers) internally as soon as this season (, Nolan Patrick), while that sniper would have to come from the outside (Allison is more of a Which prospects do you think have a chance at making the roster next power forward; Foerster almost certainly won’t be ready). season? — Brian M. Let’s say third pair for York by the end of 2021-22. Wade Allison is the obvious answer, and he does still count as a prospect — by appearing in only 14 games last season, he still meets the I’ll be optimistic and assume the upcoming offseason goes well, threshold for Calder Trophy eligibility. I wouldn’t say he’s a stone-cold positioning the Flyers for a much-improved 2021-22 campaign, which lock to make the big club out of training camp, but he’s pretty close to it. leads me to pick the over on this one. A less demanding schedule plus Barring a terrible summer and a flop in preseason, expect Allison on the more wins equals more martinis for Vigneault. roster for the first game of the regular season. Why has this franchise been unable to make a good “hockey trade” for Beyond Allison? Cam York will be given a real shot, though much of that years at a time? — Darren K. depends on (A) the summer he has and (B) the summer the Flyers have in terms of restructuring the defense. Regardless, I believe he’s on the The Matt Niskanen-for-Radko Gudas trade was a hockey trade that team by the end of the 2021-22 season, even if he ends up needing worked out pretty well. some time in the AHL for seasoning. Tanner Laczynski is close as well, What’s more likely: a Voracek trade or a Voracek buyout? — Peng W. but he’ll be in a race to recover sufficiently from offseason surgery to put his best foot forward at camp. A Voracek trade, and it’s not particularly close.

Those are the big three. There will be some dark horses — maybe Why? A buyout of Voracek would be extremely costly and German Rubtsov or Maksim Sushko have big summers and blow away counterproductive in 2022-23, when the Flyers certainly hope to be in the coaches at camp. Maybe Tyson Foerster or Zayde Wisdom beats the contention. If they did buy out Voracek right now, they would have a odds and accelerates his timeline. Maybe Egor Zamula jumps York in the $2.56 million dead cap hit on their books for next season — clearing up blueliner prospect pecking order. But for me, it’s Allison, York and $5.69 million. That’s certainly helpful. But in 2022-23, the Flyers would Laczynski with the best chances. have a massive $8.80 million cap charge on their books in the event of a Voracek buyout. In other words, they’d be allotting more cap room in In your previous article, you mentioned the Flyers need a 1D, a dynamic 2022-23 for Voracek not to play for the Flyers than if they simply kept his impact forward, a partner for Travis Sanheim, a high-end backup $8.25 million on the roster. netminder, a play-driving 3C and a quality veteran fourth-liner. What are your “grand slam, knocked it out of the park, good job, Chuck” guys to fill The reason? Voracek is scheduled to receive $5 million of his $6.25 all of those gaps in the roster for the offseason? Thanks, Charlie! — million total salary in 2022-23 via a signing bonus, and signing bonuses Craig B. always throw wrenches into buyouts. In the end, if the Flyers were to buy out Voracek, they’d save just $5,416,667 in cap space spread across six The problem with this question is there’s no way the Flyers could add all seasons and have a Voracek cap charge on their books until 2026-27. of my “grand slam” answers to these questions and remain cap Voracek is still a good NHL player, and blowing up your future just to compliant. They also probably don’t have enough assets to acquire them open up $5.7 million in extra cap space for one season would be foolish. all in the same offseason. But let’s give it a go anyway, just in terms of If the goal is long-term financial flexibility, a Voracek trade is the far better showing my “ideal” adds for each category: option, even if it ultimately involves retaining salary. • 1D: Dougie Hamilton (Ryan Ellis would be No. 1 absent the injury I view last season as one we entered with a lot of uncertainty, from young concerns) core pieces to an unexpected retirement to a generational pandemic. • Dynamic forward: Jack Eichel While that uncertainty hurt them last season, I feel like the fan base is overcorrecting a bit, trying to remove all uncertainty for this year. (Which I • Partner for Sanheim: Adam Larsson don’t see as the goal or even possible.) What are a couple of “bets” you would feel comfortable making this year? — Greg K. • Backup netminder: Jonathan Bernier Setting aside the point about overcorrecting — I understand what you’re • Play-driving 3C: Phillip Danault saying, but I also get why fans are frustrated with the team’s regression • Veteran fourth-liner: Barclay Goodrow in 2020-21 given the long years of mediocrity — I agree that the front office isn’t going to be able to address every hole on the big club. It will need to take some leaps of faith in terms of certain players returning to form. So here are the leaps I’m most comfortable with making: • Hart bouncing back: I trust the talent and work ethic. If he struggles once again in 2021-22, the organization will have to pivot, but for now, I’ll view 2020-21 as an extreme career outlier.

• Oskar Lindblom plays like a quality NHL middle-sixer: I’m not sure Lindblom will get back to the form he showed in the first half of 2019-20, partially because that might have just been an unsustainable hot streak. But I do believe, given a full offseason to work on rebuilding his body in the wake of his cancer treatments, he’ll be back to playing like the valuable, play-driving, two-way stalwart he was even before he appeared to be breaking out offensively. I trust in his hockey IQ, talent and, most of all, character.

• Sanheim solidifies the second pair: All Sanheim needs is a more stable partner and better puck luck in 2021-22, and I fully believe he’ll return to looking like the rock-solid No. 3 I view him to be.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217559 Philadelphia Flyers Fletcher called Ellis "one of the best passers in the game on the blue line; he's great in transition, he can play the power play. He's got a heavy shot and he's a very good penalty killer.

Flyers: Need for a defenseman filled in deal for Ryan Ellis "The opportunity to add a player like Ryan was too good to pass up," Fletcher added. "He's what we need at this time."

By Rob Parent [email protected] @ReluctantSE Delaware County Times LOADED: 07.18.2021

It was a search that took more than nine months, but Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher has finally found a replacement for retired defenseman Matt Niskanen.

Ryan Ellis, 30, a steady, two-way defender over the past decade for the Nashville Predators, was acquired Saturday in a three-way deal that saw once heralded forward Nolan Patrick and developing defender Phil Myers shipped to Nashville.

The Predators then sent Patrick to the Vegas Golden Knights for center Cody Glass.

The moves came just ahead of the NHL deadline for frozen rosters, with the Seattle Kraken's expansion draft scheduled to take place Wednesday.

"Pretty shocked," was Ellis' early reaction to the trade. "Obviously, there's a lot going on these next few days with the expansion (draft) and everything, but I've never been through it before, so overall (I'm) just surprised, shocked and at the same time excited. It's a new challenge, a new chapter."

While Ellis has logged 562 career games for Nashville, he played only 35 games last season due to a shoulder injury.

"That's a concern with everybody," Fletcher said, "(But) he's 30 years old; we believe he has good hockey ahead of him."

Ellis did play in all six of Nashville's playoff games in a first-round loss to Carolina, scoring five points.

"We like him a lot as a player," Fletcher said. "We like the cap hit. We think it's a fair number and we also like the fact that he's already signed. He's not a player that we traded for and now have to turn around and find a way to sign a contract in the next year or so."

Ellis, who has career totals of 75 goals and 270 points and a plus-114 rating, is in the third year of an eight-year pact averaging $6.25 million per season. That cap hit, coupled with Patrick and Myers coming off the books, eats another $3.4 million-plus into the Flyers' cap space, which currently stands at a projected $9.385 million.

But the deal also takes the job of signing restricted free agent Patrick off of Fletcher's hands. A No. 2 selection overall in 2017, Patrick never came close to living up to expectations, and his health issues have overshadowed his career almost from the start. The club drafted him despite his admission to having two sports hernias requiring surgery prior to that year's draft, and he missed all of 2019-20 due to what the club called chronic "migraine" issues.

Preds GM David Poile showed his level of interest in Patrick by trading him right away for Glass, who was the first franchise draft pick for the Vegas Golden Knights, going No. 6 overall in 2017, four spots behind Patrick.

"We are really excited to add an influx of youth, size and skill into the lineup with these additions," Poile said.

Myers, an undrafted 6-foot-5 defender that the Flyers signed in 2015, had completed the first of a three-year deal carrying a cap hit of $2.5 million. At 24 he was still considered a defenseman on the rise in the organization.

As for parting with both Patrick and Myers, Fletcher said, "it was very difficult. We certainly were not looking to move them.

"Phil Myers is a young man who is going to be a real good defenseman in this league for a long time," Fletcher added, "and I still believe in (Patrick). Last year, I thought, was a step forward for him in terms of his health and getting back on the ice. I think the production will come and the confidence will come as he continues in his career."

Patrick played in 52 of the Flyers' 56 games last season, but scored only four goals and nine points and was a minus-30. 1217560 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins trade Jared McCann to Maple Leafs

SETH RORABAUGH

Saturday, July 17, 2021 4:10 p.m.

The Penguins found a way to avoid losing Jared McCann to the Seattle Kraken in the upcoming expansion draft.

They traded him to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

On Saturday, McCann was dealt to the Maple Leafs in exchange for forward prospect Filip Hallander, a former draft pick of the Penguins, and a seventh-round pick in the 2023 draft.

McCann, 25, appeared in 43 games last season and had 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists). After the trade-deadline acquisition of Jeff Carter on April 12, McCann and Carter established chemistry while skating on the third line.

During the postseason, McCann was limited to an assist in six games.

Entering the final year of a two-year contract, McCann has a salary cap hit of $2.94 million.

After the trade, the Penguins have $3,946,795 of salary cap space against a ceiling of $81.5 million, according to Cap Friendly.

Hallander, 21, spent all of the 2020-21 campaign with Lulea HF of the . In 51 games, he had 24 points (13 points, 11 assists).

Entering the second-year of a three-year entry-level contract he signed with the Penguins in 2018, the left-handed Hallander returns to the organization after being dealt to the Maple Leafs on Aug. 25, 2020, as part of a multiplayer trade that led to Kasperi Kapanen being dealt to the Penguins.

Hallander (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) was the Penguins’ second-round pick in the 2018 draft (No. 58 overall). He automatically becomes one of the franchise’s better prospects in what admittedly is a shallow pool of candidates.

As a player on an entry-level contract, Hallander is exempt from being selected in the expansion draft.

This trade was completed before Saturday’s roster freeze went into effect for the expansion draft. NHL teams other than the Vegas Golden Knights are scheduled to submit their list of protected players for the draft by 5 p.m. Saturday. Those lists are slated to be revealed by the NHL on Sunday in advance of Wednesday’s expansion draft.

Tribune Review LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217561 Pittsburgh Penguins On April 10, the Penguins placed Riikola on waivers with the intent of placing him on the taxi squad. After he cleared, he was moved to the taxi squad on April 11 and that freed the Penguins of $1.125 million of his salary cap hit. That transaction helped the Penguins acquire forward Jeff Penguins A to Z: When (or where) will Juuso Riikola play next? Carter via trade on April 12.

In the playoffs, Riikola was a healthy scratch for all six of the Penguins’ games during their first-round loss to the New York Islanders. SETH RORABAUGH The future: It’s safe to assume Riikola will not be protected in Saturday, July 17, 2021 10:07 a.m. Wednesday’s expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken and it’s safer to assume the Kraken will not select a player who has played all of 75 games in three seasons as NHLer. With the Penguins in the midst of their offseason, the Tribune-Review is looking at all 48 players currently under NHL contracts to the Riikola seems to have a lot of the assets necessary to be a steady organization in alphabetical order, from mid-level prospect Niclas Almari bottom-pairing defenseman in the NHL. He’s a solid skater, tends to to top-six winger Jason Zucker. make the safe play, offers a little bit of physicality and offers a fairly heavy point shot that creates problems for goaltenders. Juuso Riikola The only thing he doesn’t seem to have is the trust of the coaching staff. Position: Defenseman At this stage, Riikola appears to have fallen behind Friedman, a right- handed shot, on the team’s depth chart of left-side defensemen. And with Shoots: Left the emergence of prospect P.O Joseph, another southpaw, Riikola Age: 27 appears to be running out of chances with the Penguins, if he hasn’t done so already. Height: 6-foot When you consider Riikola has a seven-figure price tag and the Weight: 189 pounds Penguins are tight against a flat salary cap, it might benefit all parties 2020-21 NHL statistics: Two games, zero points (zero goals, zero concerned if the Penguins find a way to move him off the roster. assists) Such a maneuver would free up salary cap space for the Penguins and Contract: First year of a two-year contract with a salary cap hit of $1.15 provide Riikola a chance to play that he isn’t likely to get in Pittsburgh. million. Pending unrestricted free agent in 2022.

Acquired: Free agent signing, May 18, 2018 Tribune Review LOADED: 07.18.2021 2020-21 season: Always mindful of having plenty of depth at all positions, former Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford signed Juuso Riikola, then a pending restricted free agent, to a two-year contract extension on Sept. 5.

While the Penguins were facing an offseason with limited salary cap space and several other pressing needs in terms of other pending restricted free agents, the reasoning to devoting such a contract to a player as sporadically deployed as Riikola was sound.

Considering how often the Penguins have seen their blue line be decimated by injuries over the years, having depth at the position was important. Plus, given that the 2020-21 season would be played under the extraordinary circumstances of a pandemic and the Penguins, as well as all NHL teams, would deal with the possibility of multiple players being sidelined for covid-19 related concerns, it would be shrewd to have as many NHL-caliber players available at all positions.

Those concerns were manifested fairly early into the Penguins’ campaign.

By the third game of the season, the Penguins saw defenseman Mike Matheson, an offseason addition, leave the lineup due to an undisclosed injury. And with Cody Ceci, a fellow newcomer on the blue line, scratched as he adjusted to his surroundings, Riikola entered the lineup. In a 4-3 home win against the Washington Capitals on Jan. 17, Riikola was held without a point as he logged 14:31 of ice time on 19 shifts, including an ample 3:22 on the power play. His most notable play of the game, and arguably his season, was a breakout pass out of his zone that eventually led to a goal by Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

Two days later, Riikola’s season came to an end for all intents and purposes.

During the second period of a 5-4 home win against the Capitals on Jan. 19, Riikola suffered an undisclosed injury and didn’t record another minute for the rest of 2020-21.

The timing couldn’t have been worse for Riikola. In addition to Riikola, Matheson and Pettersson, fellow defensemen Brian Dumoulin, Kris Letang, John Marino and even waiver acquisition Mark Friedman would miss games due to various maladies over the next handful of weeks.

Due to salary cap considerations, Riikola was placed on long-term injured reserve and remained there until March 9. By that point, the Penguins’ blue line was stricken with an outbreak of good health. Between March 18 and May 1, Ceci, Dumoulin, Letang, Marino, Matheson and Pettersson all dressed for 23 consecutive games. 1217562 Pittsburgh Penguins Mike Matheson ($4.875 million) — Truth be told, Penguins management probably wouldn’t mind being liberated of Matheson’s leviathan of a contract that still has five years remaining. Losing that cap hit would create a lot of flexibility to adjust the 2021-22 roster. But there really isn’t Who will the Penguins protect in the expansion draft? a great choice for the third defenseman they can protect. Marcus Pettersson also has several years (four) and a large salary cap hit

($4,025,175) and offers less than what Matheson’s skill set provides. SETH RORABAUGH Matheson isn’t a great choice here, but he’s the best out of what is available to the Penguins. Friday, July 16, 2021 6:25 p.m. Goaltender

Tristan Jarry ($3.5 million) — Even after his terrible performance this past Pretty much, the only certainty about who the Pittsburgh Penguins will postseason, Jarry is the only goaltender capable of being a starter protect for Wednesday’s expansion draft is who they must protect. currently in the Penguins’ system. Even with all of his flaws, the 26-year- old Jarry is hardly a lost cause. He can rebound and prove he is capable The “core.” of being a franchise goaltender. Were he exposed, his modest salary cap Franchise staples Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin each would make Jarry a tempting choice for the Kraken. have no-movement clauses in their contracts and, by the NHL’s rules, (Note: All first- and second-year professionals, such as defenseman John must be protected from being selected by the incoming Seattle Kraken. Marino, are ineligible to be selected in the expansion draft.) As for the rest? There are some obvious names the Penguins will include Follow the Penguins all season long. to their list of seven forwards, three defenseman and a goaltender.

And there are some borderline choices who might wind up in the Pacific Northwest when the season opens in October. Tribune Review LOADED: 07.18.2021 Whom should the Penguins place on that list? Consider this an educated guess:

(Note: Players are listed with their salary cap hits.)

Forwards

Teddy Blueger, center ($2.2 million) — Having signed a two-year contract extension Wednesday, Blueger’s importance has been heightened by the right knee injury that likely will sideline Malkin for some portion of the season. Depth at center is vital to how the Penguins operate, and Blueger, arguably the team’s top defensive forward, is a major component of that dynamic.

Sidney Crosby, center ($8.7 million) — As mentioned above, he must be protected by rule.

Jake Guentzel, left winger ($6 million) — Not a lot of thought needs to go into this one. Guentzel is young (26), has three years remaining on his contract and has established chemistry with Crosby like few wingers ever have. As one of the more talented players on the roster, he won’t be going anywhere soon.

Kasperi Kapanen, right winger ($3.2 million) — Kapanen is kind of like a lesser version of Guentzel for the reasons listed above. He is a pending restricted free agent next season, so the Penguins still have contract control over him. And he has established chemistry with Malkin. Exposing him would make him a tempting target for the Kraken.

Evgeni Malkin, center ($9.5 million) — He must be protected by rule.

Bryan Rust, right winger ($3.5 million) — As steady and consistent of a player the Penguins have dressed over the past two seasons, protecting Rust offers minimal risk. The only risk lies in his contract status as he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. A consistent 20 goal-threat who likely would have reached the 30-goal mark at least once were it not for the pandemic disrupting the past two seasons, he could command a heavy payday next summer.

Brandon Tanev, left winger ($3.5 million) — There are more talented players the Penguins can protect, such as fellow forward Jared McCann. But there aren’t many members of the roster who are move valued than Tanev. One of the fastest skaters in the league, Tanev is a tone-setter for the team who plays a hard game and can even chip in the occasional bit of offense. Protecting him over others would be more about not having an adequate replacement for what he offers.

Defensemen

Brian Dumoulin ($4.1 million) — Perhaps the Penguins’ best defensive entity, Dumoulin is a no-brainer to protect, even if he turns 30 on Sept. 6. One of the more respected voices in the dressing room, Dumoulin has a presence few on the roster can eclipse. And he’s the perfect counterbalance to Letang, who is always eager to take chances on the rush.

Kris Letang ($7.25 million) — He must be protected by rule. 1217563 Pittsburgh Penguins to consider its options. However, the fact that the Penguins just traded one center option in McCann makes it seem a bit more likely they’ll protect another center, Teddy Blueger.

Jared McCann traded to Toronto for prospect Filip Hallander, 7th round The Penguins were required to submit their finalized protection list by 5 pick p.m. on Saturday. The NHL plans to release those names publicly on Sunday.

MIKE DEFABO Post Gazette LOADED: 07.18.2021 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

JUL 17, 2021 4:58 PM

As the Penguins put the finishing touches on their expansion draft protection list, one of the toughest decisions revolved around forward Jared McCann.

At times, McCann looked every bit like a top-six forward who deserved his promotion to the top power play unit. Other times? He was streaky to the point that he was a healthy scratch in the Toronto bubble during the 2020 postseason.

A source told the Post-Gazette that, ultimately, the Penguins were planning to leave McCann unprotected, which would have made him one of the most-likely candidates to be lost for nothing to the Seattle Kraken.

Instead, general manager Ron Hextall orchestrated a trade.

Penguins center Jared McCann skates against the Flyers Tuesday, March. 2, 2021, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. Saturday the Penguins traded Jared McCann to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for prospect Filip Hallander and a 2023 seventh-round pick.

The Penguins dealt McCann to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday afternoon in exchange for forward prospect Filip Hallander (who was a 2018 Penguins second-round pick) and a seventh-round pick in the 2023 draft.

“We are excited to add Filip back to the organization. He is a well- rounded player with good size who plays the game the right way,” Hextall said in a statement. “We are grateful to Jared for his contributions to the team and wish him the best.”

McCann, 25, arrived in Pittsburgh in the middle of the 2018-19 season. Last year, he netted 14 goals and dished 18 assists in 43 games. He provided options at both center and wing during his stint in Pittsburgh and also became a lethal power play threat during Evgeni Malkin’s absence.

The young forward also blossomed into an analytics darling last year. The Penguins generated 54.54% of the expected goals when McCann was on the ice last season during 5-on-5 play. That was best among Penguins who appeared in at least 20 games. Now, he heads to his fourth NHL team in seven seasons.

Yes, trading McCann now means the Penguins will lose two players instead of one this week. However, the trade will free up nearly $3 million in salary cap space that might be used to sign one of the Penguins’ own free agents (like, possibly, Cody Ceci) or create roster flexibility to make more changes to the team identity. The trade will also limit Seattle’s options as it peruses the Penguins' roster, where it will find a number of questionable contracts.

The trade also addresses a prospect pool that many analysts see as the thinnest in the entire league. Hallander, 21, was traded from Pittsburgh to Toronto last offseason as a part of the Kasperi Kapanen deal. Now the 6- 1, 195-pound power forward has boomeranged back to Pittsburgh.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward spent the 2020-21 season with Lulea HF of the Swedish Hockey League, recording 13 goals, 11 assists and 24 points in 51 games. He’s signed through the 2022-23 season on a contract that carries an average annual value of $764,167 at the NHL level.

Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Brandon Tanev celebrates his goal in the second period tonight against the Flyers Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Now, the attention shifts to the expansion draft. Each team can protect seven forwards, three defenseman and one goalie. The Penguins are playing their cards close to the vest, as to not give Seattle any extra time 1217564 Pittsburgh Penguins see Hallander as a long-term bottom-six winger in the NHL, who is close to playing that type of role for Pittsburgh, and he immediately becomes one of the Penguins’ very best prospects.

NHL trade grades: Maple Leafs better with Jared McCann; Penguins pay Maple Leafs: A steep price Penguins: C-minus

By Sean Gentille and Corey Pronman The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 Jul 17, 2021

The Grades

Sean Gentille: The expansion draft was always going to create league- spanning issues. It was only a matter of how teams would resolve them … or how they’d make the attempt. The McCann trade is an example of two ways of solving a common problem: Both Pittsburgh and Toronto were set to lose quality forwards, and both tried to offset the impact on Saturday afternoon.

McCann’s obvious fit on the Leafs is as a replacement for Alexander Kerfoot, who’s a prime candidate to be A) left unprotected and B) swiped by the Kraken. McCann is cheaper ($2.94 million average annual value versus Kerfoot’s $3.5 million) and signed for one season, rather than two. Every penny counts for Toronto, at this point. Both are versatile middle- six options.

So if that’s how it breaks — if Kerfoot finishes July 21 as a member of the Kraken — in a vacuum, the Leafs’ 2021-22 lineup will be better because McCann is better than Kerfoot. McCann is center and left-wing capable, and he produced like a second liner last season despite, again, bouncing around the lineup (14 goals, 18 assists in 43 games). Ten of those goals came on the power play, so some regression would seem to be in line, but McCann has an outstanding shot and, most of all, great defensive impacts.

Is he streaky? Absolutely. Is he physical? Not particularly. But he can more than carry his weight offensively, and his consistently solid defensive play makes up for his consistently, uh, inconsistent offensive output. The Maple Leafs are better today than they were yesterday. For them, there’s nothing not to like. McCann is versatile, he’s productive at five-on-five, he’s reliable defensively, he’s a power-play option, and he’s an upgrade at a spot where they, presumably, are going to take a hit.

For the Penguins, the optimist’s view is simple enough: They added a solid prospect to a barren system for a player that they, clearly, had become resigned to losing on Wednesday. The issue is that they were resigned to losing McCann at all. Ultimately, they chose Brandon Tanev (a heartbeat player and extremely effective fourth-liner signed for $3.5 AAV through 2025) and Teddy Blueger (a good third-line center) over McCann. The reductive viewpoint — that they picked bottom-six players over, at worse, a middle-six player — might not be wrong.

Ron Hextall’s expansion draft experience was always going to be rough. Jim Rutherford didn’t leave him with a Kraken-friendly group of defensemen, so a solid forward was always going to be on the table. Still, this should be a bitter bit of medicine for Pittsburgh, and a reason to track McCann’s career, wherever it takes him.

What stops it from being a true disaster for the Penguins is that it shrinks Seattle’s pick options to, essentially, Jason Zucker, whose $5.5 million AAV they could afford to lose; Zach Aston-Reese, a solid, cheap defensive third-line winger; or one of Mike Matheson and Marcus Pettersson, two overpaid left-side defensemen whose contracts are among those stopping the Penguins from making any real shake-ups elsewhere.

In other words, this could’ve been Hextall’s only real chance at coming out of the expansion draft with wiggle room. McCann is a steep price to pay, and a gamble on the Kraken taking Zucker — a solid player who just hasn’t quite fit — but if Hextall wanted to make changes without blowing anything up, his options were limited. And that is far from his fault.

Corey Pronman: Filip Hallander, whom Penguins fans should be quite familiar with, had another good season in Lulea and made Sweden’s World Championship team. He’s a forward with a high skill level, good creativity and vision as a playmaker. Hallander is able to finish from range and in tight due to a strong frame and compete level. His main drawback is his subpar skating, which has held up at the SHL level, but may prevent him from putting up significant scoring totals in the NHL. I 1217565 Pittsburgh Penguins versatility to play on the wing or at center, a position at which they were strong, could be thin and would be weak if Carter is lost to the Kraken.

Unless, that is, a one-two pivot punch of Crosby and Blueger is thought What we’re hearing about the Penguins and NHL expansion draft: of as imposing. Keeping Jeff Carter? What is Jason Zucker’s value? It’s not. And the potential for it to exist for the Penguins coming out of the expansion draft is reason enough to think their trade of McCann on Saturday indicates Carter will be among their protected forwards Sunday. By Rob Rossi Jason Zucker Jul 17, 2021 Hextall is calling the shots when it comes to roster moves this summer. (The exceptions will be potential new contracts for Malkin and Letang, as ownership has always been and will again be more involved in those Fiery as he was when trying to deny shooters as an NHL goalie, talks given those players’ history with the Penguins.) Still, even with Penguins general manager Ron Hextall is said to have played it cool Hextall running the show, Burke is no mere showpiece. His opinions are when finalizing the list of players he will stop the Kraken from selecting in sought and considered, and a lot of league sources who dealt with Burke the NHL expansion draft. Having spent the past week or so working at his past NHL stops have shared that he holds Zucker in high regard. phones, we’re confident of only a handful of things when it comes to the Penguins’ protection list: For that reason alone, Zucker went from being a winger we figured was destined for exposure to one firmly in a different category as of Saturday. 1. It will include seven forwards, three defensemen and a goalie. If nothing else, it’s probably safe to say Hextall and Burke value Zucker 2. Centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kris more than many outside the organization had presumed. Letang will be protected because neither player was asked to waive a Perhaps the possibility of playing a chunk of next season without Malkin respective contractual clause restricting movement without consent. has changed the view of Zucker? He has scored 20 goals in four of five 3. Brian Dumoulin is universally assessed to be a sure thing for seasons when he played at least 50 games. It’s generally thought foolish protection among nonexempt defensemen. to take for granted goal-scoring prowess, and neither Hextall nor Burke is known to be a fool. 4. Wingers Jake Guentzel, Bryan Rust and Kasperi Kapanen are viewed as near-locks to join the ranks of protected forwards. A case for protecting Zucker is that it could clear the way to also protect Tanev and instead expose a center. Zucker has never needed an elite 5. And, last but not least, to paraphrase multiple league sources and center to score goals; in fact, he has yet to show himself a fit for the two quote an anonymous one directly: “Hexy has things airtight in Pittsburgh, future Hall of Fame centers in Crosby or Malkin. so I think anybody you’re hearing from is drawing their own conclusions.” The Penguins could dare to go with Crosby, Malkin, Guentzel, Rust, As if that sentiment required proof, the Penguins made a move Saturday Zucker and Tanev, then pick between either Carter or Blueger. The before the deadline to submit protection lists. Forward Jared McCann problem with that grouping is it likely means exposing Blueger, a value was sent to the Maple Leafs for forward Filip Hallander and a 2023 center even at his new $2.2 million cap hit. Oh, and nobody we’ve seventh-round pick. spoken with — even after the trade of McCann — truly believes Hextall would risk exposing Kapanen, for whom former GM Jim Rutherford Hextall said in a news release about this trade that the Penguins are handed a haul last season. “excited to welcome Hallander back into the organization.” But what is a GM supposed to say about a forward his predecessor shipped out last Then again, Hallander was part of that haul and Hextall just brought him summer as part of the package that returned Kapanen to the Penguins? back. That’s a fact, even if we’re not sure it means anything.

Hallander, a second-round pick by the Penguins in 2018, is exempt from Tristan Jarry vs. Casey DeSmith requiring protection in the expansion draft. By reacquiring him and parting with McCann, the Penguins have one fewer forward to make a From Hextall to coach Mike Sullivan to players, the Penguins have been decision on when it comes to choosing the two who would join Crosby, impressively in lockstep in not piling on Tristan Jarry after his dismal first Malkin, Guentzel, Rust and Kapanen. series as the go-to goalie in the Stanley Cup playoffs. There is no benefit to doing any more damage to Jarry’s psyche than might have already Let’s look at where things stood with the Penguins and expansion after been done by the Islanders in May. their trade with the Maple Leafs on Saturday. The Penguins could need Jarry next season even if he isn’t their The Penguins want Jeff Carter back, and they’ve spent a lot of time this preferred pick to return as the No. 1 in net. Their cap situation is an past week attempting to gather intel on whether the Kraken would take albatross that could negate any chance to improve at the position in free him. If they did, the Penguins would be prohibited from working a trade agency or through a trade. For what it’s worth, the early word is not with the Kraken to reacquire Carter. encouraging on Jarry’s trade value — though, as any astute follower of the NHL silly season knows, it takes only one GM to buy in on a player. His on-ice performance and off-ice assimilation had already won over (See: Matt Murray last season. Or Jack Johnson in July 2018, for that Penguins brass. But Malkin’s injury transformed Carter from a missing matter.) piece to a must-have player for the Penguins, at least in the eyes of most league sources. Some sources have wondered if the Penguins would dare expose Jarry and chance weakening his confidence. The read from within is that if The reason for Carter’s categorization in the above chart is because Jarry can’t handle being unprotected, he probably lacks the acumen to we’ve heard enough people offer that Teddy Blueger was signed to be overcome his poor postseason and again become an All-Star-caliber protected. If accurate, that would not prevent the Penguins from also goalie. That’s a better point than we could make, so we’ll go with it. protecting Carter. But to do so would risk allowing the Kraken to pry winger Brandon Tanev — a move that would remove the roughest sheet As one hockey ops employee with another club wondered: If Jarry isn’t of so-called sandpaper from a roster that Hextall has repeatedly said their guy going forward, why would Hextall and Burke worry about losing needs more to compete for the Stanley Cup. him to expansion — or losing him in another way because of expansion? And, well, that’s an even better point, so we’ll go with it too. Leaving Tanev for the Kraken to take would be akin to Hextall ordering a dirt sandwich for dinner after force-feeding himself one for lunch in the Kraken assistant GM was the Penguins’ associate GM — form of dealing McCann to the Maple Leafs. and heavily involved with bringing in non-NHL talent — when Casey DeSmith signed with Pittsburgh’s ECHL affiliate in June 2015. Botterill The summer menu at PPG Paints Arena figures to feature dirt knows DeSmith well enough to make a case to GM Ron Francis that the sandwiches quite often. That’s not Hextall’s fault — and it’s also a story Kraken could do worse than selecting DeSmith as a backup goalie. A for another day — but there isn’t much he can do about it other than hold $1.25 million cap hit on a deal with only next season remaining strikes us his nose and hope for the best. as appealing to a Kraken organization that is all-in on analytics. The Penguins will miss McCann’s shot on the power play as a DeSmith’s .916 save percentage over 70 games would be worth a look replacement for Malkin. They’ll also be worse off for not having his by Seattle and might also project to the type of inexpensive option for a No. 2 goalie the Penguins would just as soon keep in their mix.

The Penguins can protect only one goalie.

By the way, The Athletic’s Sean Gentille made a case for how the Penguins should proceed with their goalie situation in this story.

Cody Ceci

In our final mock list from June, we went with Mark Friedman as a surprise third defenseman protected by the Penguins. Some sources have said we should reconsider. Others insisted to trust our gut.

Ugh.

With Friedman being among way too many defensemen about whom Hextall must make some kind of call, we’re opting to avoid making a call on his status and instead turn the spotlight on Cody Ceci.

A pleasant surprise from Rutherford’s otherwise reckless previous offseason with the Penguins, Ceci would surely be a player the Penguins would protect and try to re-sign if all things were equal. They’re not — not even close — and an excess of defensemen, especially on the left side, makes Ceci a great fit but unlikely to be retained even though he plays the right side.

Sure, the salary cap will remain flat at $81.5 million. Indeed, clubs are feeling the constraints of consecutive seasons with lost revenues. But unless the league is entering its offseason with a plethora of prime-age, right-shot defensemen who increased their market value this past season, Ceci figures to cash in when free agency opens.

So, why do some sources have the Penguins protecting a player they probably can’t keep? Well, as one source dryly noted, Hextall has to pick three whether he likes it or not. Alrighty then …

Whatever the Penguins think of Marcus Pettersson or Mike Matheson as players, their respective lengthy contracts represent at least one too many in Pittsburgh.

By taking on the contract of Matheson or Pettersson, the Kraken would be doing the Penguins the favor of this decade. (It’s only 2021, but the cap crunch inherited by Hextall is that severe of a threat to keeping things going and making improvements in Pittsburgh.) Their contracts, and the readiness of P.O. Joseph to join Dumoulin as a left-side regular next season, are viewed as reason enough for neither Pettersson nor Matheson to end up protected.

An overlooked rule about this expansion draft: Seattle owns an exclusive window (Sunday to Wednesday) to sign any unprotected impending free agents. As it relates to Ceci, this means the Penguins could opt not to protect him, the Kraken could sign him during that window, and Ceci would qualify as Pittsburgh’s expansion-draft pick for Seattle.

That wouldn’t do the Penguins any good in terms of cap relief coming from this expansion draft. But it was worth noting, nonetheless.

And, yeah, we’re still stuck on Friedman being the mystery third guy. If he is, it’ll be as if WCW had booked Shane Douglas to partner in the original New World Order with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash back in the mid-1990s.

Hextall was still stopping shots back then. Now he’s trying to stop the Penguins from succumbing to a tough set of circumstances: a run of bad contracts by Rutherford, a pandemic flattening the salary cap, a devastating injury to Malkin and an expansion draft tilted in favor of the NHL’s incoming franchise.

Dirt sandwiches all around!

The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217566 Pittsburgh Penguins

Exclusive: 2021-22 NHL Schedule to Keep Back-to-Back Series

Published 11 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By PHN Staff

The Pittsburgh Penguins schedule could have a few more back-to-backs with angry division rivals and conference foes. The next NHL schedule is expected to be released next week, and at least one of the features that defined the 2020-21 pandemic season schedule will be incorporated into the new one.

The feature that stuck will be more back-to-back home/road “series” that was a large part of last season, a high-level league source told National Hockey Now Sr. reporter Adrian Dater. The multi-game series will not be as prominent as the division-only COVID-schedule, because every team is expected to play at least once in the 2021-21 season. There will still be many instances in which teams play back-to-back games in the same city.

The two, three, and even four-game sets became a popular part of the 56-game, inter-division schedule forced by the COVID pandemic. Players enjoyed not having to run around as much and hopping on airplanes after every road game. It also greatly cut down on teams’ travel expenses and, frankly, cut down on carbon emissions from all that airplane fuel. CHN was the first to break the news of such an innovation last December.

The Penguins were one of many teams that expressed pleasure in the baseball-like series format. PHN asked winger Bryan Rust his thoughts on the calendar, and his quote was oft-repeated.

“I like it,” Rust said. “It’s like college hockey on steroids.”

He meant that in a good way.

“It takes a toll on your body. You know, it’s fun,” Penguins defenseman Kris Letang said. “I’d rather get dressed in the morning going to a game than a practice, that’s for sure.”

It is something that may become a permanent part of the NHL landscape beyond this coming season too. More Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals series? Yes, please. However, we may take a pass on too many games in a row against the New York Islanders on the Penguins schedule.

Pittsburgh Hockey NowLOADED: 07.18.2021 1217567 Pittsburgh Penguins 21-years-old and hasn’t yet skated in a professional North American game.

He’s a mid-level prospect at this point. Penguins Trade McCann to Toronto, Re-Acquire Hallander; Full Analysis The Penguins lose a potential top-six LW with 20-goal potential and coming into his own. Toronto gains a replacement for Zach Hyman on the left side of Auston Matthews. Published 14 hours ago on July 17, 2021 But the Penguins are much more likely to keep Blueger or Carter. It’s a By Dan Kingerski loss but Hextall mitigated the pain. And, Hallander may become a grimy net-front battler the team needs in a year, or two.

The Pittsburgh Penguins slipped in just under the 3 p.m. NHL roster freeze. With the expansion draft looming and the Saturday at 5 p.m. Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 deadline for submitting expansion draft protected lists, the Penguins trade recouped an asset for a player they feared losing.

While it is not yet official, multiple NHL rights holders have reported Penguins GM Ron Hextall traded Jared McCann to the Toronto Maple Leafs for former Penguins prospect Filip Hallander and a seventh-round pick.

“We are excited to add Filip back to the organization. He is a well- rounded player with good size who plays the game the right way,” said Hextall. “We are grateful to Jared for his contributions to the team and wish him the best.”

Hallander, 21, is signed through the 2022-23 season and his contract carries an average annual value of $764,167 at the NHL level.

PHN spoke with Hallander in the 2019 rookie camp. He was anxious to join the Penguins organization and come to North America but never got the invite. COVID kept most European prospects at home in 2020-21.

McCann, 25, will play for his fourth team. He was drafted in the first round by the Vancouver Canucks, then traded to the Florida Panthers in the Roberto Luongo deal. Florida traded him and Nick Bjugstad to the Penguins on Feb. 1, 2019, in the Derick Brassard trade.

McCann and Bjugstad famously received a police escort from the Pittsburgh airport to the arena and just made the opening faceoff.

Last season, McCann scored 32 points (14-18-32) in 43 games and became an exciting piece at the top of the Penguins’ power play in Evgeni Malkin’s absence. However, the Penguins were looking at losing a good player in the expansion draft.

So, just before the freeze, the Penguins recouped Hallander, a player they are familiar with as a Penguins second-round pick in 2018. Hallander had 24 points (13-11-24) in 51 games this season in the Swedish Elite League for Lulea HF.

The Penguins traded Hallander to Toronto last August as part of acquiring Kasperi Kapanen from Toronto. In part, this trade undoes some of that.

Hallander, 6-foot, 190 pounds, is a gritty forward who doesn’t mind a few net-front battles. His 13 goals against only 11 assists should tell you he is a finisher. His ceiling is a middle-six winger, though he can play center, as well.

PuckPedia Trade Analysis by the numbers.

McCann’s departure leaves a LW hole in the Penguins lineup but removes $2.9 million from the Penguins’ salary cap.

The expansions lists are due at 5 p.m. on Saturday, and there is an NHL roster freeze until 1 p.m. EST on Thursday.

Penguins Trade Analysis

The Penguins had a difficult choice ahead of the expansion draft list deadline. If they protected McCann, Teddy Bleuger was a possible unprotected asset. Blueger or Jeff Carter could still be unprotected, but the Penguins did recoup an asset for McCann.

The biggest knock on McCann was his playoff performances. He is goalless in 13 games, all with the Penguins and was scratched for one game in the 2020 Qualifying Round against Montreal.

It’s a tough deal for the Penguins. Hallander is highly unlikely to score 14 goals this coming season, certainly not the 19 McCann popped in 2018- 19. In fact, Hallander is no sure thing to make an impact in the NHL. He’s 1217568 Pittsburgh Penguins Aston-Reese was also visibly quicker this season, but he’s a third or primarily a fourth-line player.

McCann is a 20-goal scorer on a $2.94 million contract and winger who is Final Penguins Projections: Who to Protect and Expose for Kraken just finding the full potential of his game. At 25-year-old, he’s stepping Expansion Draft into his prime and has the potential to be a top-six winger.

Strategy: If the Penguins expose McCann–he’s gone. 100%. McCann is fast, gritty, and versatile with a sub $3 million price tag. He’s a Published 19 hours ago on July 17, 2021 prototypical Ron Francis player. The fallout for the Penguins is there would be no chance that Francis selects a larger salary, like Jason By Dan Kingerski Zucker.

Why not Carter? Carter’s 13 goals in 20 games, including playoffs, was NHL teams will submit their final answers Saturday afternoon under lock eye-opening. But before he arrived in Pittsburgh, Carter was nearing and key or a hermetically sealed mayonnaise jar on Funk and Wagnall’s retirement. Compare Carter’s resurgence to Bill Guerin in 2009. The porch. Who will Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ron Hextall protect in the energy, the excitement, the chemistry clicked, and it revived Guerin, but it expansion draft as the NHL finally unleashes the Kraken? The names was also short-lived. haven’t changed, but the situation has. Several payers across the league Francis is no dummy. He’ll pass on the 36-year-old Carter. And if Seattle are unexpectedly available, new free agents are on the market, and does select Carter, the Penguins have $2.8 million and trade pieces like Seattle GM Ron Francis definitely has a type. Zucker to spend on a third-line center. Or they can happily re-insert There has been tons of speculation. I find the different perspectives both Blueger into the role with Zucker or McCann, too. entertaining and enlightening. It’s been curious to see how different Protected Defensemen (3) colleagues have sized up this situation which contains variables beyond the known. Kris Letang

Sources reached this week wished me luck but absolutely would not Brian Dumoulin divulge info. The Pittsburgh Penguins org and all related principals were under lock and key. As were most others. Mike Matheson

This week, I debated 93-7 the Fan morning host Chris Mack about (not) Exempt protecting Jeff Carter…A day later, on Twiter, Mack admitted I was right. John Marino, P.O. Joseph, Mark Friedman, Juuso Riikola. It’s the small victories that make life worth living. Unprotected: PHN Projected Pittsburgh Penguins Protected and Unprotected List Marcus Petterson Protected Forwards (7) Cody Ceci’s rights Sidney Crosby Editor’s note: there are conflicting stories from the NHL regarding the Evgeni Malkin exemption rules for Friedman and Riikola. Regardless if they’re exempt, Jake Guentzel that will not change our projections.

Bryan Rust Why: Matheson instead of Pettersson seems to be an easy call from this chair. After Matheson’s season in which he scored 16 points (5-11-16) in Kasperi Kapanen 44 games but was increasingly good throughout the season, his contract is tenable. He has five years and $24.375 million left. Brandon Tanev If he hit the free-agent market, that contract for a 26-year-old would be Jared McCann fair market value. In Matheson’s five-year career, he’s had two very good Unprotected: years, two bad years, and one average year. He surely seemed to fit the Pittsburgh Penguins mold–and the Penguins had one of the top-five Jason Zucker scoring defenses in the league, too.

Teddy Blueger The Penguins have P.O. Joseph, who will soon be kicking down the door for NHL ice. Pettersson has four years remaining on his contract with a Jeff Carter $4.083 million AAV. Don’t downplay Pettersson’s skillset but his contract, Zach Aston-Reese lack of physicality, and offense, combined with Joseph’s impending readiness, make Pettersson the odd-man-out. Why: I think the first five are easy. No. 6 Tanev is too valuable both in a defensive role, in the locker room, and for goodness sakes, he’s the Depending on the defensemen available, Pettersson may well be an crash-and-bang energy guy the Penguins would desperately be trying to attractive candidate to Seattle. A steady defenseman with a quick first replace. His contract has four more years at an increasingly reasonably pass. He fits Francis’s M.O. $3.5 million AAV, and he showed with a little sunlight he can put some M. Night Shyamalan twist: GM Ron Hextall hopes to clear cap space, numbers on the stat sheet. He scored 16 points (7-9-16) in 32 games this knows Seattle won’t select Zucker, and exposes Matheson, who would season. likely be Seattle’s pick. I also think it’s easier to replace Teddy Blueger than McCann. Blueger’s Protected Goalie: speed and tenacity are nice additions, and I feel sheepish bringing up the negatives. He’s a bit light, and his faceoff percentage leaves a bit to be Tristan Jarry. desired for a defensive center. I’m a bit surprised this is even a discussion. Jarry had a bad playoff His new contract doesn’t change the expansion draft calculus. Also, series. Before that, this would be laughable. Six playoff games don’t Montreal Canadiens center Phillip Danault will be a free agent. That must erase a career trajectory. The Pittsburgh Penguins have a starting goalie, tempt Seattle, who will have exclusive negotiating rights for two days and unless they have a deal in the works for another, Jarry stays. beginning on Sunday. It also presents an opportunity for the Pittsburgh Penguins if they lose a center.

Aston-Reese is the sleeper here. He is very good at whatever role he Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 chooses. When the Penguins put him in a defensive role, he’s 100% defense and does a remarkable job. When head coach Mike Sullivan cast him in a third-line role, he promptly scored a career-high nine goals and 16 points in 45 games. 1217569 Pittsburgh Penguins

Dan’s Daily: Hours to Go Before Lists are Final, Islanders Hit Trade Market

Published 21 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Dan Kingerski

As my man Tom Petty once wrote, the waiting is the hardest part. The final protection and unprotected lists are due to the NHL by 5 p.m. on Saturday, and teams are still scrambling to get something for their assets before Seattle Kraken GM Ron Francis drops down their chimney like the Grinch after Christmas trees. The Detroit Red Wings hit the NHL trade market, and the New York Islanders got some salary-cap relief. Ben Bishop opened up about why he allowed himself to be on the unprotected list, and we examine how in the world the Pittsburgh Penguins could possibly fit Zach Hyman under their salary cap structure.

It could be a fun day–like the NHL trade deadline. Teams are working, that’s for sure.

It’s also been interesting how many teams sent out the call to players, agents, and the entire org –SHUT UP! Silence and secrecy were entirely paramount this week. GMs knew it was going to be a wild week. They also have no idea what Francis is going to do in Seattle. Ronnie kept his poker face to the end.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Free for everyone (but please consider joining PHN+. Thank you to the dozen subscribers on Friday!). The original title was “How in the Hell Would Penguins Fit Zach Hyman Under Cap?” — I shortened the title, but from replacement costs, trades and options, I explained every possibility and ran through every scenario that conceivably made sense.

Detroit: GM Steve Yzerman and Detroit Red Wings spent some of that $27 million cap space–The Red Wings acquired defenseman Nick Leddy. That’s a good get for the Red Wings.

NYI: The Islanders are a lesser team today without Leddy, but he would have been unprotected, and they recouped a solid asset. Also–Ba-bye Leddy, Hellooo salary cap space!

TSN: I don’t know if this has any Pittsburgh Penguins implications or not, but — Phillip Danault is headed towards NHL free agency.

Sportsnet: This definitely could have some Penguins implications–gritty defenseman Alex Edler’s agent told a Vancouver TV station that Edler declined the Vancouver Canucks latest offer and will become a UFA, too.

Also from Sportsnet–Dallas Stars goalie Ben Bishop opened up why he waived his NMC and allowed himself to be placed on the unprotected list.

Philly: I’ll say this for Chuck Fletcher, he’s trying to pull off something big. He’s working the NHL trade market like a politician works the room the night before an election. Can the Philadelphia Flyers pull off the big trade they seek?

Washington: The Pittsburgh Penguins fiercest rival will also lose a player in the expansion draft, and it could be a former Penguin.

Of course, Washington has at least four former Penguins on the roster.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217570 San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks’ expansion draft plans: Who’s staying, and who might be going

By CURTIS PASHELKA | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group

PUBLISHED: July 17, 2021 at 5:18 p.m. | UPDATED: July 17, 2021 at 5:19 p.m.

The Sharks on Saturday sent in their protected list for next week’s expansion draft, and everyone will know soon enough what players general manager Doug Wilson exposed to the Seattle Kraken.

The NHL on Sunday will reveal the protected lists for the 30 NHL teams who had to participate in the process. Only the Vegas Golden Knights are exempt from having to expose players to the Kraken, who will select one player from each team. The Golden Knights came into the league in 2017.

The Kraken’s expansion draft selections will be revealed on Wednesday.

Teams had the option of protecting seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie, or eight skaters — regardless of position — and one goalie.

The Sharks in 2017 protected seven forwards, three defensemen, and a goalie, and the Golden Knights took defenseman David Schlemko off San Jose’s roster. Schlemko never played for Vegas, as he was traded one day after the expansion draft to the Montreal Canadiens.

It’s our guess that Wilson opted to protect seven forwards and three defensemen again, meaning the Kraken will have access to a bottom-six forward or a fourth defenseman.

We predict the seven forwards the Sharks will protect will be Logan Couture, , Timo Meier, Tomas Hertl, Kevin Labanc, Rudolfs Balcers, and Jonathan Dahlén. The defenseman protected will be Erik Karlsson, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, and Brent Burns, and the goalie protected will be Adin Hill.

Here’s our prognosis for who the Kraken might select.

MOST LIKELY TO GO: Forwards — Ryan Donato, Dylan Gambrell.

ANALYSIS: Donato fell out of favor with the Sharks’ coaching staff toward the end of the season, but he remains a smart, skilled forward who could still be of aid to a team’s power play. Gambrell is a two-way centerman who became an effective penalty killer this season for the Sharks. He’s also from Bonney Lake, Wash., just south of Seattle.

HAS A CHANCE TO GO: Forward — Matt Nieto. Defenseman — Radim Simek.

ANALYSIS: Nieto’s the most proven player among the forwards who have a chance to be selected, having played in 500 career regular- season games and 55 playoff games. Speed is also not an issue for Nieto. What may be problematic is Nieto’s contract, which runs through the 2022-2023 season, and that extra year could give Seattle GM Ron Francis some pause. Simek has proven he can be effective when he’s healthy, but he’s missed time with injuries the last three years and trading him might not be easy. His contract also carries a $2.25 million cap hit for the next three seasons.

VERY LITTLE CHANCE TO GO: Forwards — Alex True, Jayden Halbgewachs. Defensemen — Jacob Middleton, Nicolas Meloche, Christian Jaros.

ANALYSIS: True, Halbgewachs, Middleton and Meloche have proven to be effective AHL players but have yet to establish themselves at the NHL level. Seattle has more valuable options to choose from on the Sharks’ roster.

NO CHANCE TO GO: Goalie — Martin Jones.

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217571 San Jose Sharks “The journey that he’s been on, we think he’s on a great trajectory,” Wilson said. “We were looking for, ideally, somebody with size and athletic ability. His reputation as a great teammate and a really competitive guy is a big part of it, too.” Doug Wilson gets his goalie in Adin Hill. What does that mean for Martin Jones? Teams around the NHL were feeling some urgency in recent days to get assets for players they could not protect in the expansion draft.

Clubs had until Saturday afternoon to submit protected lists for the draft, By CURTIS PASHELKA | [email protected] | Bay for which they could either protect seven forwards, three defensemen Area News Group and one goalie, or eight skaters — regardless of position — and one goalie. PUBLISHED: July 17, 2021 at 11:53 a.m. | UPDATED: July 17, 2021 at 3:54 p.m. Wilson felt in May with this being an expansion year, several goaltenders would become available as teams look to recoup an asset for a player

rather than risk losing them to the Kraken for nothing. SAN JOSE — The Sharks hope they’ve taken a major step in eradicating Hill felt he could be on the move as the Coyotes already have Darcy their goaltending woes, acquiring Adin Hill from the Arizona Coyotes on Kuemper under contract for next season at a $4.5 million cap hit. Saturday for goalie Josef Korenar and a 2022 second-round pick. “You know the expansion draft’s coming, you know there could be The Sharks also received a 2022 seventh-round draft pick from the movement,” Hill said. “I was expecting something to happen, just didn’t Coyotes, who were one of a handful of NHL teams looking to put know what.” themselves in a better position for next week’s expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken. Korenar, 23, went 3-5-0 in 10 games for the Sharks this past season.

General manager Doug Wilson said the Sharks scouted a handful of “We are very pleased to acquire Josef,” Coyotes general manager Bill goalies who they thought might become available through the expansion Armstrong said in a statement. “He is an athletic goaltender who played draft process, in which 30 NHL teams could only protect one netminder. very well in the Pacific Division playoffs. We look forward to continuing to Saturday was the deadline for teams to submit their protection lists for watch him develop.” the expansion draft.

The Sharks were impressed with Hill, who Wilson said is the right age and has the necessary size (6-foot-6) and experience to play a major role San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 07.18.2021 for the team going forward. In his fifth season as a professional, Hill, 25, had a 9-9-1 record with a .913 save percentage in 2021.

“We exhausted and explored every age group, every guy who could potentially be available … and (Hill) hit on all the boxes we were looking for: age, experience, size, compete,” Wilson said. “If you’re going to give up an asset to get a player like that, you want it to be somebody that fits for both now in the future.”

Finding an upgrade in net was arguably the Sharks’ biggest offseason priority as their goaltending statistics in 2021 ranked among the worst in the NHL for a third straight year.

The combined save percentage for Martin Jones, Devan Dubnyk, Korenar, and Alexei Melnichuk this season was .891, tied for 29th in the NHL with New Jersey and only ahead of Philadelphia (.880). Fourteen of the 16 teams that qualified for the playoffs had a team save percentage above .900.

Jones is the only goalie to help lead the Sharks to a Stanley Cup Final, as he started 60 playoff games from 2016 to 2019. He has a career .907 save percentage in six seasons with the Sharks, but finished this year with a sub-par save percentage of .896. Like Hill, Jones, six years ago, came to San Jose in a trade as a 25-year-old with his NHL experience mainly coming as a backup.

In May, Wilson would not rule out a buyout of Jones’ deal, which has three years remaining and carries a cap hit of $5.75 million per season. With Saturday’s deal for Hill, the Sharks almost assuredly have exposed Jones for the expansion draft, which takes place Wednesday.

Asked Saturday what the trade for Hill means for Jones, Wilson wouldn’t specify, saying, “we haven’t made any decisions on that. We needed to have a different look and a different approach to our goaltending and we think that Adin certainly brings that to us.”

Hill said he’s an admirer of Jones, saying that he watched him when he played the WHL’s more than a decade ago. Still, Hill said, he’s “ready to embrace the opportunity if it’s given to me that I become a starter, and push for that job.”

If Jones is not brought back, the Sharks would likely have to acquire another veteran goalie to work in tandem with Hill.

San Jose’s other top goaltending prospect, Melnichuk, doesn’t appear ready for the NHL. He struggled at times in the AHL last season and had a .864 save percentage in three games with the Sharks.

For now, though, the Sharks are excited to have Hill, who has split time between the AHL and NHL over the last four seasons. 1217572 San Jose Sharks

Why new Sharks goaltender Hill looked up to Jones as a kid

BY ALEX DIDION

New Sharks goaltender Adin Hill will be competing with Martin Jones for ice time next season, but the 25-year-old told reporters Saturday that he has looked up to the veteran netminder for a long time.

"Obviously you guys have Jones there who I think is a great goalie and I've looked up to him for years, he used to play for the Calgary Hitmen when I grew up in Calgary," Hill said when asked about competing for the starting goalie job. "So yeah, no it's cool and I'm ready to embrace the opportunity if it's given to me to be a starter and push for that job."

Hill was traded to San Jose on Saturday along with a 2022 seventh- round draft pick in exchange for young Sharks netminder Josef Korenar and a 2022 second-round draft pick.

Jones played four seasons for the Calgary Hitmen between 2006 and 2010, breaking a team record and leading the Western Hockey League with 45 wins in his first full season as a starter.

Hill had 19 appearances, including 17 starts, for the Arizona Coyotes last season, posting a .913 save percentage and allowing 2.74 goals per game.

At just 25, Hill had two older veteran goalies he was fighting with for time in the net in Arizona. Sharks general manager Doug Wilson noted in a statement announcing the trade that Hill's combination of youth and experience was a primary factor in San Jose.

"Adin is an extremely competitive and athletic goaltender and he has played a significant amount of professional hockey games despite being only 25 years old," said Wilson. "We have been impressed with the trajectory of his play, particularly his ability to make saves in high-danger scoring opportunities. We look forward to having him in San Jose and being part of our goaltending unit."

Jones has been in goal for the Sharks since 2015-16, starting 325 games in a San Jose uniform over his NHL career.

For the past three seasons, Jones has failed to eclipse a .900 save percentage. The Sharks' combined save percentage during the 2021 season was .891, tied for the NHL's second-worst mark with the .

Goaltender was a top priority for the Sharks this offseason, and size (6- foot-6) combined with his age makes Hill a great addition to the San Jose roster.

Hill might have grown up watching Jones, but he'll now potentially be competing with the veteran for the Sharks' primary netminder spot.

Wilson has emphasized the need for a roster "reset" over a rebuild, and that reset could extend to the Sharks' goal before next season begins.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217573 San Jose Sharks

Sharks acquire goaltender Hill from Coyotes for Korenar

BY ALEX DIDION

It appears the Sharks have added a veteran goaltender just hours before the expansion draft protection deadline, as San Jose has acquired Adin Hill and a seventh-round draft pick from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Josef Korenar and a 2022 second-round draft pick, the organization announced Saturday afternoon.

"Adin is an extremely competitive and athletic goaltender and he has played a significant amount of professional hockey games despite being only 25 years old," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said in a statement. "We have been impressed with the trajectory of his play, particularly his ability to make saves in high-danger scoring opportunities. We look forward to having him in San Jose and being part of our goaltending unit."

Hill played in 19 games (17 starts) for the Coyotes last season, finishing with a .913 save percentage. The 25-year-old has a .909 save percentage over 49 career NHL appearances. Hill is a restricted free agent this summer after earning $800,000 with Arizona last season.

Korenar spent most of last season with the Barracuda in the AHL, but did make 10 appearances in goal for the Sharks, posting a save percentage of .899 over 492 minutes.

After moving Devan Dubnyk at the trade deadline, the Sharks were hoping to add a veteran goaltender this offseason.

It looks like Hill will be that netminder for the Sharks, as teams had until noon PT on Saturday to lock down their rosters before transactions are frozen ahead of the Seattle Kraken's expansion draft on Wednesday.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217574 San Jose Sharks Before 2021, Hill had never started more than 11 games in a season (2018-19). He’s looking forward to getting more of an opportunity than he likely would have had in Arizona behind Darcy Kuemper.

How the Sharks landed Adin Hill and what it means for Martin Jones “I’m ready to embrace the opportunity, if it’s given to me, to become the starter and push for that job,” Hill said.

He continued: “I think it’s a good opportunity for me. Obviously, in By Kevin Kurz Arizona we had (Antti) Raanta and Kuemper, who were slated ahead of me. Being a younger guy, a lot of times I was moved around to the Jul 17, 2021 practice squad. I’m happy to step into a bigger role. I want to get some wins and play some hockey.”

The situations are oddly similar. In the 2015 offseason, the Sharks were What immediately stands out about Hill is his size. At 6-foot-6 and 202 in need of a goaltender after it became evident they would never reach pounds, he’s one of the taller goaltenders in the NHL. Not surprisingly, the next level with Antti Niemi. Enter Martin Jones, who was 26 and had one of the players he’s tried to pattern his game after is the 6-5 Pekka just 31 games of NHL experience but was instantly the new No. 1 after a Rinne, who announced his retirement earlier in the week after a trade with the Bruins. phenomenal career in Nashville.

Six years later, it’s Jones who needs replacing, and the man who will get “I thought he was a good, stable, well-positioned goalie who had that the first crack at it was acquired Saturday. Adin Hill, 25, joins the Sharks athletic side to him,” Hill said of Rinne. “That’s kind of how I feel like I from Arizona with just 49 games of NHL experience scattered over four play.” seasons with the Coyotes. The Sharks traded their second-round pick in Still, Hill is something of a question mark. Former NHL goalie and current 2022 and prospect Josef Korenar to Arizona for Hill and a seventh-round analyst said recently that Hill has “a little bit of an awkward pick next year. style in net.” There were two directions the Sharks could have gone in their offseason Still, Hill “really had some good games down the stretch,” Biron said. “Is quest to fix their broken goaltending situation. They could have targeted that a product of the way Arizona defended? I’m not sure. I was very an established veteran with experience, perhaps as a bridge to one of surprised by Adin Hill. I still see him as a project. I think there’s still a bit their younger goalies in a couple of years (maybe even Korenar, who of a question mark, but he could be interesting with some teams that played in 10 games last season as a rookie). Instead, they focused on a have to be creative with their salary cap. He has size, he’s tall, he covers younger goalie like Hill who still has to establish himself as someone who the net, (and) he’s got long legs and arms.” can handle a significant workload but can grow with the team while it’s in the middle of what general manager Doug Wilson has termed a “reset.” The salary cap surely factored into the Sharks’ decision to trade for Hill, who was a teammate of Mario Ferraro’s in the recently completed IIHF “That was our priority,” Wilson said of bringing in one of the younger World Championships, winning gold for Team Canada. As a pending goalies. “In a perfect world, that would be what we were looking for. We restricted free agent, Hill will need a new contract, but he won’t command exhausted and explored every age group and every guy that could the kind of salary free-agent goaltenders such as Chris Driedger and potentially be available. … He hit on all the boxes we were looking for: Linus Ullmark are likely to get. age, experience, size, compete (level). If you’re going to give up an asset to get a player like that, you want it to be somebody that fits for now and And the Sharks still need to add other pieces after two straight poor the future.” seasons. A third-line center is among them, and Wilson reiterated Saturday that the Sharks “will continue to look for a couple more forwards Hill was likely to be left exposed for Seattle in the expansion draft, and to add to our group.” Further, if the Sharks buy out Jones, they’ll be on there’s a good chance the Kraken would have made him their selection the lookout for a more veteran goalie to either serve as a No. 2 with Hill from Arizona, too. The expansion protection lists were due to the NHL or perhaps even platoon with him. For comparison’s sake, the Sharks just about a half-hour after the trade was announced by the Sharks and signed Jones, also a restricted free agent at the time, to a three-year, $9 will be revealed Sunday. An NHL trade freeze is now in effect until July million contract before he played a single game in teal. 22, during which only the Kraken can make moves. “When it comes to doing contracts, we’ll be fair with (Hill), we’ll find The Sharks will undoubtedly protect Hill, a third-round pick of the something that will work,” Wilson said. “I don’t anticipate any problems in Coyotes in 2015, while leaving Jones exposed. And the Kraken will that area. I think he’s excited about the opportunity we present to him. almost definitely pass on Jones, who has posted some ugly numbers in We’ll find something good that fits for both of us.” the past three seasons. From the start of the 2018-19 season through last season, 59 goalies have appeared in at least 50 games. Jones’ .896 save percentage over that span ranks 56th, and his 3.04 goals-against average is 48th. The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021

Last season, Jones was 15-13-4 with a 3.28 GAA and an .896 SP. He got off to a wobbly start, played well for a brief stretch in March and early April and was awful again down the stretch as the Sharks fell out of the playoff race.

What does Hill’s acquisition mean for Jones? Wilson wouldn’t say definitively, but it would be surprising if the Sharks don’t buy out the three remaining years on Jones’ contract. One league source indicated that it’s time for a fresh start on both sides.

In 327 career games with the Sharks, Jones is 170-121-27 with a .907 SP and 2.66 GAA. He helped lead the Sharks to their only appearance in the Stanley Cup Final in 2016 in his first season with the club. He was an All-Star in 2016-17 and finished sixth in voting for the Vezina Trophy that season.

“We haven’t made any decisions on (Jones),” Wilson said. “We just felt that this is the type of goalie in the age group that we needed to add to our group. We needed to have a different look and a different approach to our goaltending, and we think that Adin certainly brings that to us.”

Hill started 17 of the Coyotes’ 56 games last season, going 9-9-1 with a .913 SP and 2.74 GAA. Four of those games were against the Sharks, in which he posted a 3-1-0 record, .944 SP and 1.92 GAA. For his career, Hill is 19-21-4 with a .909 SP, 2.79 GAA and three shutouts. 1217575 San Jose Sharks

What We’re Hearing About Sharks’ Protected List

Published 12 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Sheng Peng

Who’s on the San Jose Sharks’ protected list?

NHL teams had until 2 PM PT today to turn in their lists to the league.

San Jose Hockey Now is hearing that there won’t be any surprises to the Sharks’ protected list.

That means a 7 forwards-3 defensemen-1 goalie configuration.

The San Jose Sharks should protect Logan Couture, Evander Kane, Tomas Hertl, Kevin Labanc, Timo Meier, Rudolfs Balcers, and Jonathan Dahlen up front.

On the back-end, they should protect Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Newly-acquired Adin Hill will also be protected.

Save for Hill, who was acquired this morning, this has been SJHN’s projection for the last month.

That means the Seattle Kraken can choose from forwards Dylan Gambrell, Matt Nieto, Jayden Halbgewachs, Ryan Donato, Alex True, Marcus Sorensen, Maxim Letunov, Patrick Marleau, and Kurtis Gabriel. Or they can select defensemen Radim Simek, Christian Jaros, Jake Middleton, Nicholas Meloche, and Greg Pateryn, or goalie Martin Jones.

The San Jose Sharks will lose one of these players to the Kraken. Who will it be? We’ll find out at Wednesday’s expansion draft.

The NHL will release official protected lists for every team, except for the Vegas Golden Knights, tomorrow morning.

San Jose Hockey NowLOADED: 07.18.2021 1217576 San Jose Sharks

BREAKING: Sharks Acquire Adin Hill

Published 14 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Sheng Peng

The San Jose Sharks have a new goalie.

The Sharks have acquired Adin Hill and a 2022 seventh-round pick from the Arizona Coyotes for Josef Korenar and a second-round pick.

Details of this trade were first reported by Kevin Kurz, John Gambadoro, and Elliotte Friedman.

The timing of this trade is critical: At 12 PM PT today, there will be a roster freeze on trades, waivers, and signings. At 2 PM, teams have to turn in their expansion draft protection lists.

The San Jose Sharks will protect Hill and expose Martin Jones, while Arizona will protect Darcy Kuemper and expose Korenar.

There were rumors about Kuemper being the Coyotes goalie on the move, but he remains with the Coyotes…for now.

As for the San Jose Sharks, is Hill the first of two goalies that they intend to acquire? Historically, the 25-year-old RFA has been a successful back-up — he’s played 13, 13, and 19 games over the last three seasons.

Or does Hill’s expected low cost — he made $800,000 in 2020-21 — make it possible for the Sharks to trot out a Hill-Jones combination next year?

Jones is making $5.75 million per over the next three years and is a buyout candidate.

Hill’s price tag could also help create more cap space for the San Jose Sharks to be bigger players in the UFA market.

San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217577 Seattle Kraken Wyshynski thinks Seattle will do what Vegas did, which is load up on as many quality defensemen as possible.

“And then the question then becomes how many of them will they carry ESPN NHL expert: How Seattle Kraken will approach expansion draft, into the season?” he said. “How many of them do they immediately turn what early expectations are around and try to trade?”

Between their expansion draft and the start of their inaugural season, the Golden Knights traded a few of those defensemen for picks or other BY BRANDON GUSTAFSON players.

JULY 17, 2021 AT 9:56 AM Wyshynski sees defensemen and “quality goaltending” as the two key targets for the Kraken in the expansion draft.

“And then we’re gonna see what’s out there at the forward spot,” he said. We’re only a few days away from finding out who will be playing for the Seattle Kraken in their inaugural season. The Golden Knights, Wyshynski said, found some contributors at forward in the draft, but they made trades using “the leverage of the draft” to gain That’s right, the Kraken’s expansion draft is set for Wednesday, July 21, “really good players up front.” and the list of players who will be protected and unprotected by teams across the league will be finalized over the weekend. “What might be the best path for Seattle is use the leverage they have in this expansion draft and force teams to give them some good quality Someone who’s locked in to the Kraken and the rest of the NHL is Greg players up front,” he said. Wyshynski, who is a senior NHL writer for ESPN. Despite not knowing yet who is officially protected and unprotected, He joined 710 ESPN Seattle’s Jake and Stacy this week to discuss the Wyshynski said that Francis likely has a good understanding of the expansion draft, early expectations for the Kraken as well as some landscape because of conversations with opposing general managers insight into the mind of the team’s head coach. Here’s some of what over the last few months. Those conversations may very well lead to Wyshynski had to say. some trades in the near future as well. The Seattle Kraken named Dave Hakstol, a former University of North “You have to remember that a lot of the conversations he’s been having Dakota head coach who later was head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, with teams for the last two months have been about players teams may as the first head coach in franchise history. be forced to leave unprotected, and how do we ensure that you guys Wyshynski recently talked to Hakstol about the new gig and what he don’t take them,” Wyshynski said. “And (the two sides) make those little learned from his first run as a head coach in the NHL and shared some side deals and all that stuff that happened in the Vegas draft.” of that with Jake and Stacy. What are early expectations for the Seattle Kraken? “It’s much different than his first gig with the Philadelphia Flyers as a The Golden Knights came out of the gate red hot and in four seasons head coach when he made the jump from the University of North Dakota have made the playoffs every year and have made three Western to the because you’re taking over a team with Conference Finals appearances. They also made it to the Stanley Cup players that have been in place for a long time,” Wyshynski said. “… Finals in their inaugural season. Obviously in interviewing for this job, it becomes more philosophical. ‘How do you intend to build the team? How do you intend to coach these Whether the Kraken will have that kind of success and lead them to games?’ and that sort of thing.” being a marquee franchise early remains to be seen, Wyshynski said, but he believes Seattle will try and be a key player right away. Hakstol’s philosophies, Wyshynski said, appear to line up well with what Kraken general manager Ron Francis, a Hall of Fame center, is looking “This ownership group is going to spend,” he said. “They’ll spend a lot for in building this franchise. and it wouldn’t shock me to see them potentially dabble in unrestricted free agency if there’s somebody that’s there this management group “We actually joked about the fact that the players Ron Francis seems to thinks can really help this team straight away.” be looking for are in fact (like) Ron Francis when he was playing,” Wyshynski said. “Smart, high IQ, tenacious, somewhat gritty players. He Wyshynski also believes that Seattle is a very desirable landing spot for has a sense of what the team is looking for and I think his style and his players in the expansion draft, free agency and trade, which could help outlook kind of align with where the Kraken are.” the Kraken out early on. But more than anything, the expansion draft is key in how the start of the franchise goes, especially when it comes to Wyshynski said that he also got the feeling that Hakstol is reflective and one key position. understands why his Flyers tenure didn’t go as well as anyone would have liked. Hakstol’s teams made the playoffs twice, but they failed to “If you go back to Vegas, a lot that depends on who’s going to be in goal make it out of the first round. One area Wyshynski said that Hakstol for you because Marc-André Fleury was the MVP for them in their appeared to be focusing on is communicating with all players regardless inaugural season,” Wyshynski said. “You need really good goaltending, I of their place in the lineup. think, to give a foundation and a base to whatever you’re going to build for the rest of the team.” “That’s a real key for an expansion team,” Wyshynski said. “You’re not coming into this thing with four or five guys that are going to be your But luckily for Seattle, Wyshynski said, the team plays in a favorable voice in the room. You’re not coming into this thing with four or five guys division. who are stars you build the team around. You don’t know anything about the team yet.” “The fact of the matter is they’re going to be placed in a Pacific Division that is not insurmountable insofar as trying to make the playoffs if you’re How the Kraken will approach the expansion draft a competitive team right off the bat,” he said.

Teams are in the process of finalizing which players will be protected and unprotected in next week’s expansion draft. Seattle Times LOADED: 07.18.2021 Wyshynski said teams likely will go out of their way to protect bigger- named players, but that the Kraken will still have the ability to select high- quality players in this draft. Part of that is because of how the Las Vegas Golden Knights built their team in their expansion draft in 2017. It’s worth noting that the Kraken’s expansion draft has the same rules as Vegas’ draft.

That means that teams will have the choice of protecting either seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie, or eight skaters (forwards and defensemen) and one goalie. 1217578 Seattle Kraken unless the Kraken decide to take a swing at signing Dougie Hamilton instead. Is Max Domi a possibility given it was reported by The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline that Domi is expected to be exposed by the Columbus Blue Jackets? Kraken GM Ron Francis not giving anything away while hockey world awaits Seattle’s expansion picks And those are just the questions involving teams that start with “C.”

Francis made the point that free agency is also an option when the time comes. He said the team would venture into the market to see what By Ryan S. Clark individuals could fill needs once the expansion draft is done. The expectation amongst NHL agents is that the Kraken possess the financial Jul 17, 2021 clout with their cap situation to play a significant role in how late July develops.

Now we wait. “We’ve been doing this for a few days now and we will continue that today,” Francis said about surveying the landscape. “Certainly, we will try We wait to see what players will be exposed and if the court of public to pick up what we can from the media and see if there’s certain things opinion will try to expose NHL executives for those decisions. We wait to we know teams have done.” see what happens to Chris Driedger and Vladimir Tarasenko. We wait to discover what decisions the Seattle Kraken will make over the next 72 Hold up. Let’s get this straight. So, you’ll try to pick up what you can from hours. We wait to see what all of this will bring when Wednesday arrives the media without divulging what you are doing when asked by the and the expansion draft can finally commence. media? And you will deliver a bit of a chuckle after saying that?

Sure, there will be a waiting game. There will also be a guessing game Then again, being in a position of control is kind of a thing right now for about all of this for the next 72 hours. the Kraken.

Everything was quiet Saturday until it wasn’t. An eerily muted start was Go on, Ronald. drowned out by a quick rush of moves around the league spurring the “Maybe that gives us a bit of a head start on tomorrow morning,” Francis collective organism that is Hockey Twitter to comment that their feeds said. “Again, it’s just sort of rehashing things and looking at how the were not refreshing fast enough to fully capture what was going down. trades changed things and where we might go in those situations. But we Then, when it was all done, the noise reemerged as general managers will do some more work tonight ahead of tomorrow morning.” began addressing the day’s moves.

Kraken GM Ron Francis was one of them. The man known as “Fort Knox Francis” looked relaxed in his Kraken polo, salt and pepper hair with a The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 gold chain loosely hanging around his neck. Surely he was going to open up. There was no need for secrecy anymore. What would be the harm in saying something about who they were taking given some were already starting to connect the dots.

Man, listen. Fort Knox Francis is on full alert right now, and he’s not giving any anything. Francis was asked about a report from The Athletic’s Pierre Lebrun that they were going to select Driedger from the Florida Panthers and then sign the pending unrestricted free agent goaltender. And with top-six forwards expected to be in short supply, Francis then was asked if Tarasenko could be an option.

“On the first one, I am not going to comment on any rumors and stuff,” Francis said. “We’ve got 72 hours here and then we submit our list to the league and that is when everyone finds out on Wednesday. The same thing (on Tarasenko). We don’t know for sure if he’s been exposed or not until we see that list. Then, we’ll look at things and make that decision at that point. Whether it is him or somebody else on that list or what we want to do in that situation.”

Protection lists are slated to be released at 7 a.m. PT, which could make for an early morning or a long evening depending upon the source. It’s likely that a few of those lists could be made available before the NHL distributes them with The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus and Scott Powers reporting the Chicago Blackhawks will indeed expose pending restricted free agent defenseman Nikita Zadorov, among others.

Francis reiterated what Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke told The Athletic more than a week ago in that ownership has given the green light to spend to the cap. So it is plausible that the Kraken could sign Driedger and Zadorov to new contracts and still be in position to handle Tarasenko’s $7.5 million cap hit over the next two years. Having Driedger in tow would mean the Kraken need to sign two more goaltenders to meet requirements.

The goaltender market has options, but some of those prospects changed before Saturday with Ben Bishop waiving his no-movement clause so the Dallas Stars could protect Anton Khudobin. And landing a top-six forward could pose to be an even greater challenge now that the Philadelphia Flyers made the necessary moves to protect James van Riemsdyk.

But as much as moves like the one the Flyers made changed how the Kraken could approach the next 72 hours, the teams that did not make trades on Saturday left even more questions. Like what are the Calgary Flames going to do about Mark Giordano? What happens with Francis’ former team, the Carolina Hurricanes, as it relates to choosing between a forward like Warren Foegele or a defenseman like Jake Bean? That is, 1217579 St Louis Blues hit. And that others were involved on the condition the Blues retained some of his salary.

But Armstrong obviously didn’t like any of those deals. And here we are. Kraken could have choice of Tarasenko or Dunn in expansion draft

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 07.18.2021 Jim Thomas

It looks like the Seattle Kraken will have their choice of forward Vladimir Tarasenko or defenseman in Wednesday’s expansion draft.

The Blues submitted their protected list to the NHL on Saturday afternoon, and shortly before the 4 p.m. Central deadline, sources told the Post-Dispatch that Ivan Barbashev was expected to be protected, which almost certainly would mean that Tarasenko would be exposed.

About that same time, Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff said on Twitter he was “hearing” that Tarasenko would be exposed and Barbashev protected.

Nothing’s official until Sunday when the NHL announces the protected lists for all 30 teams. (Vegas is exempt from the expansion draft.)

Neither Blues general manager Doug Armstrong nor Tarasenko agent Paul Theofanous responded to messages seeking comment.

But if Tarasenko is indeed exposed, the Blues’ protected list is expected to include forwards Ryan O’Reilly, David Perron, Brayden Schenn, Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Oskar Sundqvist and Barbashev; defensemen Justin Faulk, Torey Krug and Colton Parayko; and goaltender Jordan Binnington.

There was another deadline Saturday, at 2 p.m., for trading, signing or waiving players. It came and went without the Blues making a trade. It’s widely known that Armstrong was shopping both Dunn and Tarasenko, but he apparently didn’t get an offer to his liking for either player.

Once the 2 p.m. deadline passed, no trades, signings, or waiver moves can be made league-wide until noon Thursday, or the day following the Seattle expansion draft. Seattle, however, can negotiate and sign any unprotected free agents – starting Sunday morning and ending Wednesday morning. Any free agent signed by the Kraken during the period counts as their expansion pick for that particular team.

In terms of the Blues, that means Seattle could negotiate and potentially sign forwards , Mike Hoffman, Tyler Bozak or Zach Sanford, if as expected, they are left unprotected. Schwartz, Hoffman and Bozak are unrestricted free agents; Sanford is a restricted free agent.

As for Tarasenko, he has a full no-trade clause, meaning he would have to approve any trade. (He has given the Blues a list of several such teams, basically all strong playoff and Stanley Cup contenders.)

But he does not have a no-move clause, a distinction that leaves the Blues free to waive him, send him to the American Hockey League, or expose him in an expansion draft.

Should Seattle select Tarasenko, the Blues would get nothing in return. But they would be free of his $7.5 million salary cap hit, which would give them additional dollars to pursue players in free agency starting July 28.

The fact that Tarasenko would even be on an expansion list was unthinkable not that long ago. But three shoulders surgeries, starting in the spring of 2018, have changed the picture. Sources indicated to the Post-Dispatch that Tarasenko was unhappy with how the first two surgeries went – they were both performed by Blues doctors.

He was also unhappy with his declining ice time late this past season as well as his role on the power play. For a while he was moved to the second power play unit. When he returned to the top unit, he was placed net front rather than his usual spot on the flank – a move he did not like according to sources.

Prior to the season Tarasenko told a Russian media outlet he was upset with not being named team captain, which led to awkwardness in the locker room. (Ryan O’Reilly was named team captain.)

Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff reported Saturday that at least four teams were interested in trading for Tarasenko and willing to absorb the full cap 1217580 St Louis Blues The NHL Draft is next Friday and Saturday, followed by the opening of free agency on July 28. If the Tarasenko situation is still unsettled, having his $7.5 million salary-cap hit on the books could tie up what they have to spend on the market. Why Vladimir Tarasenko isn’t on the Blues’ protected list for the expansion draft A trade, of course, could materialize before then, but it’s clear that because one hasn’t happened yet, an already fractured relationship has become hostile.

By Jeremy Rutherford Also on Saturday, the trade freeze took effect without Dunn being dealt away. Jul 17, 2021 It appears Dunn won’t be among the three defensemen protected by the

Blues. Those are expected to be Colton Parayko, Justin Faulk and Torey While the Blues’ protected list for the upcoming Seattle expansion draft Krug. won’t officially be revealed until Sunday, Blues forward Vladimir League sources say Armstrong attempted to move Dunn but might not Tarasenko is not on the list, according to multiple league sources. have received more than a third-round pick in return. Thirty NHL clubs — excluding Vegas — had until 4 p.m. CT to submit Yes, the Blues could lose Dunn for nothing if he is selected by Seattle, their lists ahead of Wednesday’s draft, and the Blues likely protected but they’re guaranteed to lose one player. If they had traded Dunn for a seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie. The forwards are draft pick and someone else was drafted, they would have been short believed to be Ryan O’Reilly, David Perron, Brayden Schenn, Robert two NHL-caliber players for next season. Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Oskar Sundqvist and Ivan Barbashev. The change would be Barbashev being added to the list and Tarasenko taken But now paramount to the departure of Dunn, or anybody else, is that if off. Tarasenko isn’t taken in the expansion draft, the Blues will continue to have an excruciating issue on their hands. The decision is disappointing to Tarasenko, but a source says it’s not the top reason Tarasenko is upset with the organization. Two months after the right winger asked the Blues for a trade, and 10 days after it was first reported by The Athletic, the source says Tarasenko can’t believe he The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 hasn’t been moved by Blues general manager Doug Armstrong.

Armstrong has told Tarasenko’s camp, according to a source, that no teams are interested in the player, who has scored 30-plus goals in five of his nine NHL seasons but has since had three shoulder operations. The source added that Los Angeles, New Jersey, Carolina and Boston, among other teams, have each expressed interest and were willing to take on Tarasenko’s $7.5 million salary-cap hit for the next two seasons, but Armstrong has not found a suitable return. That’s Armstrong’s prerogative, the source said, but the delay is worsening the relationship between the Blues and Tarasenko. And not that there was any recourse, but there is no going back now.

Other sources tell The Athletic that interest in Tarasenko around the league is extremely limited and Armstrong is having a difficult time finding anything.

Armstrong declined to comment for this story.

Two weeks ago, a source said that Tarasenko had provided a list of 10 or more teams to which he’d approve a trade. Whether that was true at the time or the deteriorating relationship has caused Tarasenko to expand the places he would go, a source now says he just wants out and will essentially go anywhere.

But now, with the NHL’s trade freeze kicking in Saturday, any such move will have to wait until Thursday morning after the expansion draft. Meanwhile, with Tarasenko being left off the Blues’ protected list, there’s a chance he could be gone by then if Seattle takes him.

The decision to leave Tarasenko off the protected list could have been made for several reasons:

No. 1: If Armstrong can’t get the return he wants, then this is another way to unload him.

No. 2: A message to Tarasenko: “If Seattle doesn’t take you, that should be a moment of awakening.”

No. 3: If Tarasenko is going to be gone at some point soon, this assures the Blues of keeping Barbashev. Sure, Barbashev isn’t the top-six asset Tarasenko should be when healthy and producing, but for a team seeking an identity in its bottom six, it means the Blues won’t lose a player who’s been effective in his role.

No. 4: If the Kraken do take Tarasenko, then perhaps it steers them away from defenseman Vince Dunn.

If Seattle does select Tarasenko, which a source said the player would welcome, then the split would be finalized. But if not, the Blues are back at square one with Tarasenko. And if Armstrong has yet to find a fit, how ugly could this saga get before he does? And will the return — specifically, the size of the salary retained — continue to diminish the longer it drags out? 1217581 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning lose Barclay Goodrow in trade with New York Rangers

By Eduardo A. Encina and Mari Faiello

Published Yesterday

Updated 5 hours ago

TAMPA —The Jeep is moving on.

The Lightning on Saturday traded forward Barclay Goodrow’s rights to the Rangers for a seventh-round pick in next year’s draft as teams worked to finalize their protection lists and other deals in advance of Wednesday’s expansion draft for the Kraken.

Goodrow, acquired near the trade deadline last season, can be an unrestricted free agent July 28. New York has until then to make a deal with him.

Goodrow was a key piece to the Lightning’s back-to-back Stanley Cup titles, teaming with Yanni Gourde and Blake Coleman to form the gritty third line that was arguably Tampa Bay’s most consistent throughout the postseason and started most of the playoff games this year.

Goodrow was also a part of the top penalty-kill unit and was often on the ice when preserving a lead in 6-on-5 play late in games. Coach Jon Cooper affectionately compared Goodrow to a Jeep during the first-round playoff win over the Panthers this year, praising his blue-collar style by saying title teams can’t be a fleet of Ferraris, they need the dependable 4-by-4 to get through the mud.

Goodrow played last season at a bargain salary of $925,000 and is in line for a significant multiyear deal. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said last week that Goodrow was one of the players on the team who deserved a raise but he wasn’t sure he would be able to give it to him as the Lightning search for ways to get under the $81.5 million salary cap.

Advanced statistics website Evolving Hockey projects Goodrow in line for a three-year deal with an average annual value of $3.15 million if he hits free agency.

Because Goodrow can be an unrestricted free agent, he did not fall into the category of players who would be exposed in the expansion draft.

Goodrow played in 55 games for the Lightning last season and was one of their most physical players, leading Tampa Bay with 111 hits during the regular season. He also scored six goals and had 14 assists.

He had two goals and four assists in the postseason, including the winner in the Lightning’s second-round opener at Carolina.

After the Lightning won the Cup with a Game 5 win over the Canadiens in the final, Cooper said Goodrow’s block on defenseman ’s shot, clocked at 101.6 mph, was emblematic of the physical sacrifice players exhibited on their way to a second straight title.

Goodrow skated off in pain after that play but returned for his next shift. BriseBois said Tuesday that Goodrow played with a broken hand in the postseason.

The Lightning on Saturday also signed defenseman Fredrik Claesson, who has appeared in 161 career NHL games over six seasons, to a one- year, two-way contract. The salary website Cap Friendly said the deal is for $750,000. Claesson could have been a free agent.

He played two games with Tampa Bay after coming from San Jose in a trade April 12.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217582 Tampa Bay Lightning (defense) all around. He’s top level. So if you decide to go that route, I think you’re pretty much guaranteed to lose him.”

Other possible options for the Kraken: one of the Lightning’s younger — Any way you slice it, Lightning’s depth will be exposed in expansion draft and cheaper — contributors, such as forwards Ross Colton or Mathieu Joseph, or defenseman Cal Foote, all of whom are in line for significant roles next season because of the inevitable cap-induced turnover.

By Eduardo A. Encina When Vegas entered the league four years ago, the Lightning, also handcuffed by cap issues then, dealt veteran defenseman Travis Published Yesterday Garrison and his $4.6 million salary to the Golden Knights. They also Updated 5 hours ago shipped forward prospect Nikita Gusev and swapped a second-round pick in that year’s draft for a fourth-rounder the following year.

That trade allowed the Lightning to keep a pair of young defensemen, TAMPA — For nearly two months, the rest of the NHL had a close-up Jake Dotchin and Slater Koekkoek, neither of whom are still with them. look at what a championship team looks like, including Seattle Kraken Koekkoek was traded to Chicago in 2019 in a deal that netted current general manager Ron Francis, who watched at least one Lightning Lightning defenseman Jan Rutta. playoff game with a bird’s-eye view from the Amalie Arena press box. Expansion-draft wrangling could be the start of a trade-heavy offseason. Now Francis can pick from the Lightning’s treasure trove of depth pieces in building his team from scratch in Wednesday’s expansion draft. On Saturday, the Lightning traded the rights to forward Barclay Goodrow, who can be an unrestricted free agent July 28, to the Rangers for a In a lot of ways, it’s a no-lose situation for the Kraken, who begin play seventh-round pick in next year’s draft. next season. The Lightning also have forward Blake Coleman and defenseman David Building an expansion team is much like putting together a puzzle, Savard who can be unrestricted free agents. picking the right pieces to form a competitive roster. But the expansion format now is built to allow first-year clubs to be competitive right away. The league’s expansion draft trade/waiver freeze went into effect 3 p.m. The Golden Knights advanced to the Stanley Cup final in their first year, Saturday and goes through 1 p.m. Thursday. 2017-18. The lost to the Capitals. With the amateur draft Friday and Saturday, and then free agency Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has been in regular contact opening four days after that, the Lightning will be busy with the No. 1 with the Kraken, discussing trade scenarios that would allow him to priority of clearing cap space. determine who on his roster goes to Seattle. But any deal would involve “I would expect that once we’ve passed the expansion draft, I think there a draft-pick sweetener, and Tampa Bay is running low on picks after will be a certain number of trades coming up,” BriseBois said of the dealing some to help it build back-to-back Cup champions. league. “(Other teams are) looking for players and maybe they have cap The Lightning on Saturday submitted their list of protected players for the issues of their own, so there’s a lot of chatter going on, as there usually is expansion draft; the list will be released by the league today. Teams had at this time of the year.” two options for making their protected list: a combination of seven forwards, three defensemen and a goaltender, or eight skaters regardless of position and a goaltender. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 07.18.2021 “There isn’t one (factor) that’s overriding,” BriseBois said about choosing which players to protect. “Ultimately, we’re trying to keep the strongest group possible so that we can hopefully get on another ride and bring the Cup back again next year.”

Ultimately, the Lightning’s biggest decision was expected to be whether to protect veteran Ryan McDonagh, whose stock skyrocketed during a postseason in which he arguably was the league’s top defenseman.

If the Lightning chose to protect him, they likely protected four defensemen total: McDonagh, Victor Hedman, Mikhail Sergachev and Erik Cernak. That would have left four forwards to protect. Nikita Kucherov and have no-move clauses; any player with a no-movement clause must be protected unless he waives it. The other two forward spots presumably went to Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli.

That scenario would have left several key pieces to the Lightning’s Cup runs vulnerable, including veteran forwards Alex Killorn, Ondrej Palat, Yanni Gourde and Tyler Johnson, all of whom make between $4.45 million and $5.3 million.

And even if those four forwards weren’t protected and one isn’t drafted by Seattle, the Lightning might be forced to move one — maybe two — to get under the $81.5 million salary cap.

The best teams are built from the back out. A good goaltender is needed, but after that, building a stout defense corps is paramount to winning, especially in the postseason, which is what we saw from the Lightning during the past two playoff runs.

If the Lightning opted to leave McDonagh unprotected, would the Kraken take him? McDonagh turned 32 last month, and he’s owed $6.75 million a year for the next five seasons. That’s a huge financial commitment for a new team to take on. But there might not be a player available with a better combination of playoff experience, leadership and toughness to build a defense around.

“I would assume that would be the guy that Seattle would take,” Lightning TV broadcast analyst said. “I certainly would. What a player, what a person he is. That would be the cornerstone of your 1217583 Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs hire AHL coach of the year Spencer Carbery as assistant coach

Staff Report

By The Canadian Press

Sat., July 17, 2021

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs are adding to their bench, hiring Spencer Carbery as an assistant coach.

Carbery, 39, previously worked in the American Hockey League as head coach of the , an affiliate of the Washington Capitals.

The Bears went 104-50-17 over Carbery’s three seasons at the helm, and he was named the AHL’s outstanding coach of the year in June after Hershey finished the campaign 24-7-9.

Carbery previously served as an assistant coach with the AHL’s and as a head coach for the Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit.

Originally from Victoria, Carbery played with South Carolina, Fresno, Stockton and Bakersfield in the East Coast Hockey League and with Tusla in the Central Hockey League.

Leafs coach said in a statement that he’s “thrilled” to have Carbery join Toronto’s bench.

“Spencer possesses a great mind for the game along with the necessary work ethic, energy and communication skills we were looking for,” Keefe said.

Toronto Star LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217584 Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs acquire Jared McCann from Penguins for prospect, 2023 draft pick

Staff Report

By The Canadian Press

Sat., July 17, 2021

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs have added forward Jared McCann to their lineup in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In return, the Penguins got Leafs’ prospect Filip Hallander and a seventh- round pick in the 2023 NHL entry draft.

McCann, 25, had 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) in 43 regular-season games for Pittsburgh last season. He also played six playoff games, registering one assist.

The six-foot-one, 185-pound left-winger from Stratford, Ont., was originally picked 24th overall by the Canucks in the 2014 draft.

He has played for Vancouver, Pittsburgh and the Florida Panthers, amassing 155 points (66 goals, 89 assists) in 353 career NHL games.

Saturday’s trade came shortly before the NHL froze rosters ahead of Wednesday’s expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken.

Toronto Star LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217585 Toronto Maple Leafs So now the Leafs might go the 7-3-1 route, adding McCann and two other forwards, while exposing Holl along with Dermott.

The backstory is that the Kraken hired Leafs assistant coach Dave Maple Leafs trade for centre Jared McCann from Penguins before NHL Hakstol to be their head coach, and he hired ex-Leaf assistant Paul roster freeze MacFarland to run Seattle’s offence. Those two know the Leafs roster as well as anybody, and it’s not beyond reason to think Dubas and Kraken GM Ron Francis have worked out a side deal regarding who Seattle would take as part of the Hakstol hiring. That would make the Leafs’ By Kevin McGran Staff Reporter protected list more for show. Sat., July 17, 2021 One camp believes it will be Kerfoot, a third-line centre who can also play in the top six. If the Leafs lose his cap hit of $3.5 million, they’d have a bit more money to re-sign Hyman, or a goalie with Frederik Andersen also The Maple Leafs acquired centre Jared McCann from the Pittsburgh heading towards free agency on July 28. Penguins on Saturday, moments before the league-wide roster freeze went in effect — as teams jostled to get what they could for players who If it’s Holl, then the Leafs would see $2 million come off their cap total, would otherwise be left available in Wednesday’s NHL expansion draft. but would be looking again for a big, right-handed defenceman to replace him, though perhaps re-signing Zach Bogosian could fill that hole. The Penguins, who likely would have lost McCann, got prospect Filip Hallander and a seventh-round pick in 2023 from the Leafs. Hallander It’s doubtful they’d lose Dermott, since Hakstol ran the defence and had been acquired from Pittsburgh last off-season, in the deal that sent Dermott was a healthy scratch toward the end of the season and most of Kasperi Kapanen to the Penguins. the playoffs. It’s also doubtful the Kraken would be interested in the 32- year-old Simmonds, coming off a down year, or the 38-year-old Spezza, The Leafs also signed Marlies goalie Joseph Woll to a one-year who’d probably retire if claimed. And there are more appealing goalies extension that would pay him $750,000 (U.S.) at the NHL level, and than Hutchinson available. Spencer Carbery as an assistant coach. Carbery was the AHL’s coach of the year after leading the Hershey Bears to a 24-7-2 record last year. The Kraken might like Engvall or Brooks, neither of whom have reached their potential in bottom-six roles. Engvall carries a $1.25-million cap hit, The McCann move was the most significant with the expansion draft to Brooks $725,000. stock the Seattle Kraken on the horizon. Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren and Ilya Mikheyev are exempt based “They’re going to lose one player,” said former executive Jim Rutherford, on years of NHL service. most recently GM of the Penguins. “So if you add another player, it means whatever player you’re going to lose can be replaced by the guy The Kraken can also start talking to all pending unrestricted free agents you got. Or you may lose the guy you got, and then you get to keep your left off protected lists. If they sign one, that would count as the player lost players.” by a team. Seattle must draft 30 players, one from every team but Vegas.

In other words, McCann’s presence offers some roster protection if the The Leafs weren’t the only ones making moves. There were some Leafs lose centre Alex Kerfoot in the expansion draft or forward Zach creative trades, including a three-way deal involving Vegas, Philadelphia Hyman to free agency. and Nashville. Players on the move Saturday included:

McCann has one year left on his contract at $2.94 million. His arrival Stanley Cup champion Barclay Goodrow, to the N.Y. Rangers. brings the Leafs to 11 forwards under contract, along with six Nashville Predators defenceman Ryan Ellis, to the Philadelphia Flyers. defencemen and a goalie. According to CapFriendly, the Leafs have about $6.4 million in cap space to add another goalie, a defenceman and Vegas forward Cody Glass and Flyers defenceman Phillippe Myers, to one or two forwards, though those numbers will change with Nashville. Wednesday’s expansion draft. Flyers centre Nolan Patrick, to Vegas. McCann is 25 and a former first-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks, but with ties to both Leafs GM and coach Sheldon Keefe, Dallas defenceman Jason Dickinson, to Vancouver. having played for both with the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He Arizona goalie Adin Hill, to San Jose. had 14 goals and 18 assists for the Penguins this past season. Islanders centre Andrew Ladd, to Arizona. “He’s an offensive player. He can play centre or wing, he can skate, he can play a quick game. He’s got a really good shot,” said Rutherford, who traded for McCann as GM of the Penguins. “He’s good on the power play. He’s a good player. He can play in the top six.” Toronto Star LOADED: 07.18.2021

Toronto is his fourth team, though Seattle could well be his fifth. The Leafs submitted their protected list at 5 p.m. — about two hours after acquiring McCann, whose mere presence could have changed their equation.

Jared McCann, acquired Saturday by the Leafs, scored 32 points for the Penguins this past season.

Teams have two choices: Protect seven forwards, three defencemen and one goalie, or any eight skaters and one goalie. In the Leafs’ case, it’s easy to see the first four forwards, three defencemen and goalie: Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, , William Nylander, Morgan Rielly, T.J. Brodie, and Jack Campbell.

Until the McCann trade, it was widely believed they’d protect a fourth defenceman — — and go the 8-and-1 route. That would leave , Kerfoot, Pierre Engvall, Adam Brooks, Wayne Simmonds, and Michael Hutchinson available for the Kraken.

But if they go that route now, they could lose McCann, who can play in the top six. The Leafs might even see him in the role that Hyman has filled — playing on any line. McCann is reasonably priced with one year left, and would still be a restricted free agent next year. 1217586 Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs sign goalie Joseph Woll to one-year, two-way extension

Staff Report

By The Canadian Press

Sat., July 17, 2021

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs have reinforced their depth in net, signing goalie Joseph Woll to an extension.

The one-year, two-way deal is worth a league-minimum US$750,000.

The Leafs announced the news Saturday as NHL teams finalize their protected lists ahead of Wednesday’s expansion draft.

Woll, 23, has yet to appear in an NHL game after being picked 62nd overall by Toronto in the 2016 entry draft.

The native of Dardenne Prairie, Mo., has played 47 games with the American Hockey League’s , recording a 18-23-3 record with a .884 save percentage and a 3.68 goals-against average.

Woll previously played for Boston College, putting up a .919 save percentage and 2.51 goals-against average in 101 games.

Toronto Star LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217587 Toronto Maple Leafs Heiskanen has 88 points in the regular season and playoffs since the start of the ‘19-20 season.

Makar is in current RFA limbo, though Pierre Lebrun of TSN reports his NHL NOTES: Maple Leafs get McCann, hire Carbery agent says there have been “cordial conversations” with Colorado.

ICE CHIPS

Lance Hornby Winger Max Domi (Columbus) and 35-year-old goalie Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles) are among the big names to be exposed according to Publishing date: Jul 17, 2021 various reports … Asked how many mock drafts he and his staff have run through the past few months, Francis said “easily in the hundreds” …

The Canucks added some versatility up front with Jason Dickinson in a The Maple Leafs chose a very familiar trade route to insure against the Saturday trade from Dallas, giving up their third-round pick this week. loss of free agent Zach Hyman and potential Seattle Kraken pick Alex The Stars faced losing the 26-year-old for no return, while Vancouver Kerfoot. had protection space … Goalie Jaroslav Halak will leave the Boston Bruins and explore free agency. The Leafs, who gave young Joseph Woll In a deal just before Saturday’s NHL freeze on roster moves ahead of a one-year, two-way deal on Saturday ($750,000 at the NHL level), might submitting protected lists for the expansion draft, Toronto acquired look at Halak, though he just turned 36. forward Jared McCann from the Pittsburgh Penguins for forward prospect Filip Hallander and a seventh-round draft pick in 2023.

If you follow the Phil Kessel trade tree from 2015, Kasperi Kapanen came Toronto Sun LOADED: 07.18.2021 to the Leafs for Kessel, then back again in 2020 in a six-player deal that included young Hallander.McCann is a six-foot, sixth-year NHLer, a former first-rounder who played a year for his draft team, the Vancouver Canucks, and a couple with Florida. The 25-year-old can play wing or centre, but the key part of his CV is three years with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, from which Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas and coach Sheldon Keefe have often mined players, picks and staff from their time there.

With a salary of $2.94 million US, McCann comes with a cap hit a half- million dollars less than Kerfoot, a year from becoming a restricted fee agent. As it’s unlikely the already squeezed Leafs would keep the salaries of both (unless another trade happens before the weekend NHL draft), look for Kerfoot to be exposed regardless of the Leafs electing the model of protecting seven forwards, three defencemen and one goalie or eight skaters and a goalie.

If it’s the West Coast-born Kerfoot the Kraken want (Toronto might already know that after it dealt with Seattle GM Ron Francis to release assistant Dave Hakstol to be their head coach) it won’t lose one of defencemen Travis Dermott or Justin Holl. Protected lists will now be double-checked by the league, forwarded to Kraken management Sunday morning and released later in the day. Seattle’s selections will be revealed Wednesday.

McCann had 32 points in 43 games for the Pens last year, with an assist in six playoff games. His 353 career regular season games yielded the Stratford, Ont., native 155 points.

Hallander had 24 points in 51 games for Lulea in Sweden last year. With only three picks at the moment and no first-rounder, the Leafs punted the seventh selection two years down the road.

SPENCER FOR HIRE

Keefe has turned to a former AHL rival coach to fill out his bench staff.

Though there were some older NHL veterans who would’ve been interested, Spencer Carbery was added on Saturday. He was named AHL Coach of the Year in 2021 with the Hershey Bears. The 39-year-old is a year younger than Keefe and earlier worked in the AHL as assistant with Providence and in the OHL with Saginaw. Dean Chynoweth, formerly an assistant with the Carolina Hurricanes, was hired Monday.

“Spencer possesses a great mind for the game along with the necessary work ethic, energy and communication skills we were looking for,” Keefe said in a club release. “I’m thrilled to have him join Manny (Malhotra), Dean and myself on the bench”.

Assistant Paul MacLean has been the team’s ‘eye in the sky’ since last year.

MIRO ADDS ZEROES TO CONTRACT

There was a nice big 22nd birthday present for Dallas Stars defenceman Miro Heiskenan on Saturday. He signed an eight-year, $67.6-million contract to head off restricted free agency and solidify the Dallas blueline.

He was the first defenceman picked in the 2017 draft, third overall behind forwards Nico Hischier (New Jersey), Nolan Patrick (Philadelphia) and just ahead of 2020 rookie of the year blueliner Cale Makar of Colorado. 1217588 Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs land Jared McCann prior to expansion list deadline

Lance Hornby

Publishing date: Jul 17, 2021

The Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins pulled off a Saturday trade, just before the 3 p.m. Eastern Time freeze on roster moves ahead of the deadline to submit protected lists for the Seattle expansion draft.

Toronto acquired left wing/centre Jared McCann from the Pittsburgh Penguins for forward prospect Filip Hallander and a seventh-round pick in 2023.

McCann is a sixth-year NHLer, who played a year for Vancouver and a couple with Florida, bringing some insurance up front at wing and centre if unrestricted free agent Zach Hyman departs as expected and if Toronto chooses the protection model that would see Alexander Kerfoot exposed for possible selection by the Kraken on Thursday.

McCann, with one year to go on a reasonable $2.94 million US salary prior to becoming a restricted fee agent, had 32 points in 43 games for the Pens last year, with an assist in six playoff games. His 353 career regular season games yielded the Stratford, Ont., native 155 points. He also has the right junior career profile for general manager Kyle Dubas and coach Sheldon Keefe, three years with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, whose graduates both men have championed through the years.

The other protection scenario would see the Leafs expose defencemen Travis Dermott and Justin Holl, though they’d lose just one. The protected lists will be released Sunday night.

McCann was the Canucks first pick, 24th overall in 2014, two spots back of Pittsburgh’s Kaspari Kapanen. The Leafs acquired Kapanen as part of the Phil Kessel trade in 2015, then last year traded Kapanen back to the Penguins getting Hallander in that six-player deal. Hallander had 24 points for Lulea in Sweden last year.

With only three picks in the amateur draft in a week’s time, the Leafs made the seventh selection in this latest trade not until 2023.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217589 Toronto Maple Leafs This trade, while unique to the circumstances forced by expansion, is out of a similar playbook as the one that brought Kerfoot to Toronto, with the Leafs aiming to replace a player who’s on the way out with a younger, cheaper version. Jared McCann gives the Maple Leafs a much-needed win to start the offseason That attempt ultimately failed. McCann, however, is a more reasonable bet who cost little in return. His contract also carries no long-term commitment.

By Jonas Siegel McCann won’t struggle with the same size question mark as Kerfoot: He’s 6-foot-1 and plays a heavier style of game, which shows up in the Jul 18, 2021 — wait for it — analytics! McCann’s 55 percent expected-goals mark was tops among Penguins forwards to play at least 20 games last season.

If Alex Kerfoot is indeed the guy going to Seattle in the upcoming McCann managed 17 goals and 44 points at five-on-five over the past expansion draft, the Maple Leafs have found his replacement. two seasons, which isn’t all that different from Kerfoot, who had 14 goals and 43 points for the Leafs. McCann’s production, however, came in A cheaper, younger and perhaps better version. significantly fewer minutes and he’s a stronger possession player.

The Leafs nabbed Jared McCann from the Penguins for next to nothing An on-ice shooting percentage at five-on-five of over 13 percent for ahead of the expansion-related roster freeze Saturday afternoon. Going McCann last season means it’s probably wise to expect some regression the other way in the deal: prospect Filip Hallander, part of last summer’s offensively next season. Clearly, though, the Leafs are counting on his return from Pittsburgh for Kasperi Kapanen, and a seventh-round pick in play-driving skills and, some might say, underappreciated defence to aid 2023. them up front.

It doesn’t sound like the trade will affect the Leafs’ protection list for the Like Kerfoot, McCann has historically struggled on the draw. He’s won expansion draft, which will be released Sunday. A source suggests Justin less than 42 percent of his career faceoffs, and it wasn’t always clear if Holl is expected to be protected, making it likely the Leafs have a side Penguins coach Mike Sullivan liked him at centre. It was Carter who got deal worked out with Seattle that has Kerfoot ending up with the Kraken. the nod there in the playoffs.

But first, McCann … McCann had one point in six games against the Islanders in the postseason and has collected only three points in 12 career playoff Who is he and where does he fit? games. He totaled a very respectable 39 goals and 84 points over 141 A first-round pick of the Canucks in 2014, McCann turned 25 at the end regular-season games with the Penguins. of May. He has one year left on his contract at a very reasonable $2.9 The Leafs are betting on his upside. million clip — less than Kerfoot at $3.5 million — after which he’ll remain under the Leafs’ control as a restricted free agent. McCann just put His 2021 breakout was fueled in large part by the power play. McCann together his best season in the NHL with 32 points in 43 games, playing got an opportunity on the first unit and let ‘er rip. He scored seven times 14 minutes a game. He ranked just inside the top 40 NHL forwards with on 21 shots, with five of those goals coming off helpers from Crosby. his five-on-five production rate (2.41 points per 60 minutes). McCann can probably expect a role of some kind on the Leafs’ revamped He is the pride and joy of the analytics community, with numbers that pop power play next season. He didn’t kill many penalties in Pittsburgh, off the charts: though, so the Leafs might need to look elsewhere to replace Kerfoot on that front. The Penguins demolished teams by 20 goals (36-16) when McCann was out there at five-on-five in 2021. And it’s not like he was sheltered either, Expansion ramifications with an offensive-zone starts percentage of 51 and roughly a third of his minutes against elite competition. (Pittsburgh’s possession in those With the expectation that Holl will be protected, it appears the Leafs will minutes: 57 percent.) go with an eight-skater, one-goalie protection scheme for Wednesday’s expansion draft. (Joining Holl will presumably be Matthews, Tavares, It’s notable, of course, that McCann played for Sheldon Keefe with the Nylander, Mitch Marner, Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, T.J. Brodie and Soo Greyhounds. He was drafted fourth by the Greyhounds in the 2012 Jack Campbell.) OHL Draft when Kyle Dubas was the team’s GM. That would leave McCann exposed alongside Kerfoot. Since it’s unlikely In short, the Leafs know this player. They know this player very well. the Leafs would trade for McCann just to lose him to Seattle, it seems likely that a side deal with the Kraken has been worked out — one that From the looks of it, they’re trying to replace Kerfoot’s versatility with has Kerfoot landing in Seattle. (Such a deal could also theoretically another similarly switchable type in McCann while saving almost include Travis Dermott being the Kraken’s pick, though that seems $600,000 on the cap. unlikely given McCann’s and Kerfoot’s similar-ish profiles.) Though he’s naturally a centre, McCann played plenty of wing last Absent a trade, it’s possible Kraken GM Ron Francis has simply assured season. He did his best work in the second half, playing the left side with Dubas that his team is interested only in Kerfoot, who has two years left veteran Jeff Carter. It’s easy to see him slotted similarly with the Leafs, on his contract. The Leafs could also view McCann and Kerfoot as with Zach Hyman and Alex Galchenyuk, the Leafs’ top two left wings last largely interchangeable and feel comfortable heading into the expansion season, headed (at this point, anyway) for free agency. Maybe McCann draft with both exposed, knowing they have one to replace the other. joins John Tavares and William Nylander on the second line, or perhaps even up top with Auston Matthews. McCann’s addition could have led the Leafs to the 7-3-1 protection route, with Kerfoot and McCann protected alongside Pierre Engvall and the It’s possible he ultimately replaces Kerfoot in the third centre spot or Core 4. That would expose Holl, an important and low-cost ingredient on simply gives Keefe another option in the middle in case of injury. defence, along with Dermott. The Leafs need more switchable types like McCann, especially if they’re It sounds like the Leafs won’t go in this direction, though, rightly losing Kerfoot. Their lack of versatility has been exposed repeatedly in preferring to instead keep Holl off-limits. the playoffs, including last spring against Montreal when Keefe slid Nick Foligno into the middle — and out of position — with Tavares sidelined However their expansion protection list pans out, this trade is a pretty by injuries, instead of using Kerfoot, who went on to deliver a strong clear win for management in an offseason needing them. The Leafs series. jumped on a player with upside, on a good contract, from a competitor that didn’t want to lose him for nothing. McCann plugged the Penguins’ second centre spot at one point two seasons ago when Sidney Crosby was injured. It’s unclear whether the The cost wasn’t far from that in Hallander, who projects as a bottom-six Leafs see McCann as a winger first, centre second, but he’s an option at forward in the NHL, and a seventh-rounder two years from now. both spots. There’s plenty more heavy lifting to be done. The Leafs need even more help up front as well as a goalie to share the load with Jack Campbell. The McCann trade seems like a nice start.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217590 Toronto Maple Leafs see Hallander as a long-term bottom-six winger in the NHL, who is close to playing that type of role for Pittsburgh, and he immediately becomes one of the Penguins’ very best prospects.

NHL trade grades: Maple Leafs better with Jared McCann; Penguins pay Maple Leafs: A steep price Penguins: C-minus

By Sean Gentille and Corey Pronman The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 Jul 17, 2021

The Grades

Sean Gentille: The expansion draft was always going to create league- spanning issues. It was only a matter of how teams would resolve them … or how they’d make the attempt. The McCann trade is an example of two ways of solving a common problem: Both Pittsburgh and Toronto were set to lose quality forwards, and both tried to offset the impact on Saturday afternoon.

McCann’s obvious fit on the Leafs is as a replacement for Alexander Kerfoot, who’s a prime candidate to be A) left unprotected and B) swiped by the Kraken. McCann is cheaper ($2.94 million average annual value versus Kerfoot’s $3.5 million) and signed for one season, rather than two. Every penny counts for Toronto, at this point. Both are versatile middle- six options.

So if that’s how it breaks — if Kerfoot finishes July 21 as a member of the Kraken — in a vacuum, the Leafs’ 2021-22 lineup will be better because McCann is better than Kerfoot. McCann is center and left-wing capable, and he produced like a second liner last season despite, again, bouncing around the lineup (14 goals, 18 assists in 43 games). Ten of those goals came on the power play, so some regression would seem to be in line, but McCann has an outstanding shot and, most of all, great defensive impacts.

Is he streaky? Absolutely. Is he physical? Not particularly. But he can more than carry his weight offensively, and his consistently solid defensive play makes up for his consistently, uh, inconsistent offensive output. The Maple Leafs are better today than they were yesterday. For them, there’s nothing not to like. McCann is versatile, he’s productive at five-on-five, he’s reliable defensively, he’s a power-play option, and he’s an upgrade at a spot where they, presumably, are going to take a hit.

For the Penguins, the optimist’s view is simple enough: They added a solid prospect to a barren system for a player that they, clearly, had become resigned to losing on Wednesday. The issue is that they were resigned to losing McCann at all. Ultimately, they chose Brandon Tanev (a heartbeat player and extremely effective fourth-liner signed for $3.5 AAV through 2025) and Teddy Blueger (a good third-line center) over McCann. The reductive viewpoint — that they picked bottom-six players over, at worse, a middle-six player — might not be wrong.

Ron Hextall’s expansion draft experience was always going to be rough. Jim Rutherford didn’t leave him with a Kraken-friendly group of defensemen, so a solid forward was always going to be on the table. Still, this should be a bitter bit of medicine for Pittsburgh, and a reason to track McCann’s career, wherever it takes him.

What stops it from being a true disaster for the Penguins is that it shrinks Seattle’s pick options to, essentially, Jason Zucker, whose $5.5 million AAV they could afford to lose; Zach Aston-Reese, a solid, cheap defensive third-line winger; or one of Mike Matheson and Marcus Pettersson, two overpaid left-side defensemen whose contracts are among those stopping the Penguins from making any real shake-ups elsewhere.

In other words, this could’ve been Hextall’s only real chance at coming out of the expansion draft with wiggle room. McCann is a steep price to pay, and a gamble on the Kraken taking Zucker — a solid player who just hasn’t quite fit — but if Hextall wanted to make changes without blowing anything up, his options were limited. And that is far from his fault.

Corey Pronman: Filip Hallander, whom Penguins fans should be quite familiar with, had another good season in Lulea and made Sweden’s World Championship team. He’s a forward with a high skill level, good creativity and vision as a playmaker. Hallander is able to finish from range and in tight due to a strong frame and compete level. His main drawback is his subpar skating, which has held up at the SHL level, but may prevent him from putting up significant scoring totals in the NHL. I 1217591 Vegas Golden Knights Didn’t work out In looking past McCrimmon’s yet again not-so-subtle and tired

suggestion that local media lack knowledge regarding the nuisances of Graney: Belief in Cody Glass not strong enough to avoid trade such moves, we won’t overthink the room.

Glass was always viewed the most untouchable of those three first-round draft picks, not to be seriously included in trade offers for much of his By Ed Graney Las Vegas Review-Journal time in Las Vegas. But then he got injured and never developed as the Knights wanted and expected. Never became the player they forecast at July 17, 2021 - 6:41 PM this point. It’s as much on the team as him.

It’s also not very original. Sometimes, the deal ultimately works for both This was Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon when sides and players involved thrive with their new organizations. speaking about center Cody Glass on June 11: Sometimes not.

“I think it’s important that he knows we believe in him. Sometimes these “This wasn’t a failing on Cody’s part at all,” McCrimmon said. things take time. Development doesn’t always happen in a straight line.” Hmm. I guess they just believe in the other guy more. Good news for Glass then: Things are pretty unswerving over the 1,789 miles it takes to go from Las Vegas to Nashville. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 07.18.2021 Believe that.

Glass on Saturday became the last of the team’s three first-round picks from its inaugural draft in 2017 to be shipped out. He was traded to the Predators for center Nolan Patrick, who had earlier been dealt from Philadelphia to Nashville.

You’re going to hear a lot about fresh starts and the positive results a change in scenery can create for Glass and Patrick. About the idea that without failure, success has no worth.

Every trade is spun one way or the other by management. This is no different.

Missed on Glass

What it confirms is that the Knights missed badly on Glass when selecting him sixth overall as the franchise’s first draft pick. They whiffed. The same is true for Philadelphia in taking Patrick at No. 2 of the same draft.

The idea that each player might now overcome what have been disappointing NHL careers thus far and actually produce and prosper in their new homes in more than possible. Happens often in sports. They’re both just 22. Brighter days could absolutely materialize.

It could also be the Knights just traded one flawed player for another and neither will ever reach their projected potential.

Time only knows.

Assess each trade on its own. One shouldn’t define another. That the Knights also moved on from 2017 first-round picks in Nick Suzuki to Montreal and Erik Brannstrom to Ottawa shouldn’t determine to what merit trading Glass offers.

There is, however, significant difference. When trading Suzuki in 2018 and Brannstrom a year later, the Knights received back forwards Max Pacioretty and respectively. Even as Suzuki continues to establish himself a rising talent and top line center, the return on both deals was worth it.

This is far different. Glass missed 11 months with a major knee injury and has struggled over 66 NHL games to generate much of anything offensively. Patrick missed the entire 2019-20 season with a migraine disorder and also hasn’t come close to meeting expectations of his draft placement.

Patrick had four goals and nine points this past season and his minus-30 rating tied for second worst in the NHL. He’s a (really) long way from the player who produced consecutive 30-point campaigns over his first two seasons.

But he played for and starred in juniors under McCrimmon with the Brandon Wheat Kings and that was a major reason the Knights parted with Glass.

If you own a hockey stick and have ever taken a breath in the province on the banks of the Assiniboine River, McCrimmon will be interested.

“I know (Patrick) extremely well,” he said. “I know what he’s capable of. He missed an entire season. For any player, there’s a time frame needed to get back to the level you were at.” 1217592 Vegas Golden Knights The 6-3, 200-pound Howden was a valuable penalty killer and bottom-six role player, but was set to be exposed by the Rangers in the expansion draft.

Golden Knights deal former top pick to Predators “Sometimes this is where it goes for young players in the NHL,” McCrimmon said. “Opportunities that presented themselves for us here with expansion, with the trade freeze, it was our opportunity to be active and acquire two really good young players.” By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

July 17, 2021 - 12:33 PM LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 07.18.2021 Updated July 17, 2021 - 6:22 PM

The Golden Knights moved on from former top draft pick Cody Glass, making a pair of trades Saturday in an effort to improve their center depth.

Glass was sent to Nashville as part of a three-team deal that brings former Philadelphia center Nolan Patrick to the Knights. Patrick was the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft, four spots ahead of Glass, and the move provides each with a change of scenery.

The Knights also acquired center Brett Howden from the New York Rangers for a 2022 fourth-round pick and minor league defenseman Nick DeSimone before all NHL rosters are frozen in anticipation of Seattle’s expansion draft Wednesday. The freeze lasts until 10 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday.

“These are all players that I think are likely in a better spot today in terms of opportunity in front of them than they were yesterday,” general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “We think these players both have a lot of real positive things ahead, a lot of runway to work with as young players and players that we think are really going to contribute to our team.”

Patrick totaled four goals and nine points in 52 games last season after missing all of the 2019-20 season because of a migraine disorder that threatened his career. The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, was coached by McCrimmon in juniors with Brandon of the Western Hockey League.

A restricted free agent, Patrick has 30 goals and 70 points in his first 197 career NHL games. If healthy, the 6-foot-2-inch, 198-pound Patrick can provide size and skill down the middle.

He joins a center depth chart that features Chandler Stephenson, William Karlsson, Nicolas Roy, Keegan Kolesar and Howden. Tomas Nosek and Mattias Janmark are unrestricted free agents.

“I think if this was 12 months ago and you’re making that move on the heels of a season where (Patrick) never played a game, you’d have lengthier discussions and maybe greater concerns,” McCrimmon said. “I’m comfortable, confident, know this player well from having coached him. I watched him closely as an NHL player and again, you marry that insight with what our scouts see and what our projections are for the player. That’s what it took for us to be comfortable to make this move.”

Glass was the last of the Knights’ three first-round picks from 2017 still with the team but seemed to fall out of favor this season after he was unable to seize a full-time spot in the lineup.

He underwent major knee surgery in March 2020 and bounced between the NHL and the minors this past season, recording four goals and 10 points in 27 games with the Knights.

Glass, 22, appeared in one postseason game in 2021 despite the Knights losing centers Stephenson and Nosek at various times in the playoffs. In 66 NHL games, Glass produced nine goals and 22 points.

During his end-of-the-season interview, coach Pete DeBoer seemed express his frustration with Glass’ slow development despite handing him the opportunity to skate on the first line and with the top power-play unit.

“This is a really good young player for a really good young player. There’s no more to it than that,” McCrimmon said. “This wasn’t a failing on Cody’s part, at all.”

Howden, 23, was a first-round pick by the Lightning in 2016 and was traded to the Rangers in 2018. He scored one goal and seven points in 42 games for New York this past season, averaging 12 minutes, 34 seconds of ice time. 1217593 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights trade Cody Glass to Predators, acquire Nolan Patrick

By Justin Emerson (contact)

Published Saturday, July 17, 2021 | 12:43 p.m.

Updated Saturday, July 17, 2021 | 4:33 p.m.

The Golden Knights are reportedly trading their first-ever draft pick.

Cody Glass is on his way to Nashville as part of a series of moves between the Golden Knights, Predators and Flyers. In return, the Golden Knights will receive center Nolan Patrick from Philadelphia, the team announced today.

In a separate smaller deal, the Golden Knight acquired forward Brett Howden from the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2022 fourth-round pick and minor leaguer Nick DeSimone.

"These are all players that I think are likely in a better spot today in terms of opportunity in front of them than they were yesterday," general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. "Opportunities that presented themselves for us here with expansion, with the trade freeze, it was our opportunity to be active and acquire two really good young players."

The Predators dealt defenseman Ryan Ellis to the Flyers in exchange for Patrick and Philippe Myers, and the Predators flipped Patrick to Vegas for Glass.For Glass, the trade brings to an end a disappointing tenure in Vegas after he was the sixth overall pick in the 2017 draft and the first pick in Golden Knights franchise history. He struggled in parts of two seasons with the Golden Knights, mustering nine goals, 13 assists and 22 points in 66 NHL games.

He played only 27 games with the Golden Knights this year before a midseason demotion to AHL Henderson. He played just one playoff game and was not with the team in the final rounds this year. His rookie season in 2019-20 season ended prematurely by a knee injury.

"This is a really good young player for a really good young player," McCrimmon said. "This wasn't a failure on Cody's part at all."

Patrick has also struggled through injuries and instability in four years with the Flyers, playing 197 games with 30 goals, 40 assists and 70 points. He missed all of the 2019-20 season with a migraine disorder.

Patrick was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2017 draft, four picks ahead of Glass. He played his junior hockey for WHL Brandon, which was managed then by McCrimmon.

"I'm comfortable, confident, I know this player well from having coached him, watched him closely as an NHL player," McCrimmon said. "You marry that insight with what our scouts see, what our projections are for the player and that's what it took for us to be comfortable to make this move."

Patrick is a restricted free agent and will need a new contract before playing with the Golden Knights next season. He had nine points in 52 games for the Flyers last season, and his contract is not expected to have a large cap hit.

Glass’ exit means the Golden Knights have traded all three of their first- round picks from the inaugural draft in 2017. They traded forward Nick Suzuki to Montreal in 2018, and defenseman Erik Brannstrom to Ottawa in 2019.

Howden, 23, was a first-round pick by the Lightning in 2016 but has struggled in his time in the NHL with 49 points in 178 career games, including seven in 42 games last year. He has one year remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $885,000 before reaching restricted free agency next summer.

LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217594 Vegas Golden Knights rest. The Golden Knights’ top six forwards would all likely be protected. That means leading scorer Max Pacioretty, top-line center Chandler Stephenson, and the entire second line of William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith. The final forward protection spot goes to With the Nolan Patrick deal, what might a Vegas protected list have Alex Tuch. looked like? Peyton Krebs would be exempt from expansion because his hasn’t played enough seasons in the NHL to qualify. The newly-acquired Patrick would be exposed in this situation, but despite his youth I don’t think he’d By Jesse Granger garner a spot on the list over any of Vegas’ more veteran forwards. Jul 17, 2021 Mark Stone

Max Pacioretty Seattle’s expansion is upon us, with rosters freezing Saturday afternoon William Karlsson and protection lists being finalized across the league. Several teams made last-minute tweaks to their rosters before Saturday’s deadline, Alex Tuch including an interesting move by the Golden Knights, who are exempt from the expansion draft. Jonathan Marchessault

The Golden Knights traded Cody Glass to Nashville in a three-team trade Reilly Smith with the Predators and Flyers. The deal sent 2017 No. 2 overall pick Chandler Stephenson Nolan Patrick to Vegas, where he’s reunited with GM Kelly McCrimmon, who coached him with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey If Vegas opted to protect seven forwards, it would mean only protecting League from 2014-17. Patrick has 30 goals and 40 assists in 197 NHL three defensemen. And like the forward list, it begins with an automatic games. He struggled this season, with only nine points in 52 games and qualifier due to a full no-movement clause. This time it’s Alex Pietrangelo, a minus-30 rating. who signed his deal last offseason. Like Stone, Pietrangelo would be protected regardless of status. After a disappointing 2020-21 season for Glass, it was clear the coaching staff and front office in Vegas had lost confidence in his ability to develop Shea Theodore is an easy decision for the second slot. He’s only 25 into the player they hoped he’d become when drafting him sixth overall in years old and has finished sixth in voting for the Norris Trophy in back-to- 2017. He spent the majority of the end of the season in the AHL, and will back seasons. Theodore led all Vegas defenseman, and finished fourth get a fresh start in Nashville. Now, Glass and Patrick both have clean overall on the team, with 42 points in 53 regular-season games in 2020- slates with the hope that a change of scenery can unlock some of the 21. As much as Seattle would love Theodore to return home – he grew potential that made them first-round picks in 2017. Another key to this up near Vancouver and played major junior hockey with the Seattle trade for the Predators was that Glass hasn’t played enough NHL games Thunderbirds of the WHL – there’s no chance Vegas would leave him to qualify for expansion, so he won’t need to be part of Nashville’s exposed. protection list. The third and final protection spot for defensemen is where things get Patrick is not exempt, but the Golden Knights have no such worries. interesting. To this point, the selections have been relatively Player protection lists for every NHL team are scheduled to be released straightforward, but this slot would likely require a good deal of to the public on Sunday. deliberation. The Golden Knights’ next-best defender in 2020-21 was clearly Alec Martinez, but he’s an unrestricted free agent so Vegas Well, for almost every team. The Golden Knights are the only team wouldn’t need to use a protection spot on him. They could simply re-sign exempt from Seattle’s expansion draft, and won’t be losing a player to him as a free agent after the expansion process ended. So it would come the Kraken the way the other 30 clubs will. down to Brayden McNabb, Zach Whitecloud and Nic Hague for the final It’s part of the deal owner Bill Foley signed when he paid his $500 million protection spot. expansion fee in 2017, and it is a common practice throughout NHL McNabb has shouldered much more responsibility, serving as a top-pair history. The league has regularly left new teams out of expansion drafts, or second-pair defenseman for the last four years in Vegas. In 2020-21, including when the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets entered he was fourth among defensemen in average ice time at 19:18, behind in 2000. In that draft, neither the Nashville Predators (who joined in 1998) only Pietrangelo, Martinez and Theodore. But McNabb is also 30 years nor the Atlanta Thrashers (1999) surrendered players. Now it’s Vegas’ old with only one year remaining on his contract. Whitecloud and Hague turn to sit back and watch as Seattle picks one player from each are both much younger and are under team control for longer as organization. restricted free agents in 2022-23. But what if the Golden Knights weren’t exempt? What would their Deciding between Whitecloud and Hague wouldn’t be easy, but I think protection list look like? Which players would they be at the greatest risk Vegas ultimately would protect Whitecloud. He’s shown more at the NHL of losing? The city of Las Vegas is not used to being left out of the fun, so level, despite not being the highly-rated prospect that Hague was we’ve decided to create a mock expansion list, and examine who might entering the league. Whitecloud has developed into an impressive player have been a Kraken if not for Vegas’ exempt status. in his own end, with more offensive ability than originally thought, and Seattle will be using the same rules for its expansion as Vegas did four could be a mainstay in Vegas’ lineup for the foreseeable future. Hague years ago. The Kraken will select one player from each of the 30 clubs has shown plenty of promise as well, and if he wasn’t protected he’d be (at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen and three goalies). They must one of Seattle’s biggest targets. select at least 20 players under contract for the 2021-22 season and Alex Pietrangelo must hit at least 60 percent of the salary cap. Shea Theodore Teams have two options in terms of the players they protect from Seattle. They can either protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one Zach Whitecloud goalie, or eight skaters (forwards and defensemen) and one goalie. Because the Golden Knights are more forward-heavy, it’s a pretty safe But if Vegas were included in the expansion draft, Seattle’s focus would bet that Vegas would opt for the first option. So which seven forwards be squarely on the goalies. would be protected? Teams are allowed to protect only one goalie in expansion, which hurts Mark Stone is automatically on the list because of his full no-movement teams with strong tandems. And no club has a better tandem than the clause, not that he wouldn’t be protected otherwise. The 29-year-old is Golden Knights’ duo of Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner. The two coming off the best offensive season of his career, and his first as combined to allow the fewest goals in the NHL this past season, and captain of the Golden Knights. He led the team with 61 points in 55 Fleury walked away with the first Vezina Trophy of his career as the games. league’s best goaltender.

The rest of Vegas’ forward protection list is relatively easy to fill out, as Attempting to predict which goalie Vegas would predict is about as easy there’s a pretty definitive line between the top seven forwards and the as predicting which ibe will play in a given game… Not easy at all. Fleury was clearly the better goalie this past season, and arguably the best in all of the NHL. But he’ll also be 37 in November with only one year left on his contract. Meanwhile, the front office has shown a strong commitment to Lehner, signing him to a five-year, $25 million contract last offseason. Based on the way this team has operated, my best guess is that they would opt to protect Lehner. He’s seven years younger and under contract for longer. While he may not be Vegas’ best goalie right now, he’s an excellent starting goalie who can lead the team moving forward.

Robin Lehner

So with all of that, here are the top players Seattle would be choosing from if Vegas were involved in expansion.

Marc-Andre Fleury

Nic Hague

Brayden McNabb

Nicolas Roy

Nolan Patrick

Keegan Kolesar

William Carrier

Ryan Reaves

Nick Holden

Fleury is the easy choice for the Kraken. He has already served as the backbone of one expansion franchise, leading Vegas to the Stanley Cup Final in its inaugural season and perhaps more importantly, helping shape a strong culture in the locker room. Winning has followed Fleury everywhere he has gone, and he checks all of the boxes on and off the ice. If Vegas opted to protect Fleury, Lehner would also be an easy choice for the Kraken. The goalies selected in The Athletic’s latest Seattle mock expansion draft were Adin Hill (Arizona), Malcolm Subban (Chicago), Anton Khudobin (Dallas), Jake Allen (Montreal) and Tristan Jarry (Pittsburgh). None come close to Fleury or Lehner, so if the Golden Knights were part of expansion, they almost certainly would be providing the Kraken with their starting goalie.

If the Kraken opted to go with a different position, Hague would be the most likely selection. He would give them a young defenseman who has already proven he can play in the NHL with a high upside.

Luckily for Vegas, this is all hypothetical. On Wednesday, the Golden Knights will kick back, relax and watch the rest of the league lose players while their roster remains intact.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217595 Vegas Golden Knights He’s also a fantastic playmaker who knows where to move pucks and can hit tough plays with pace. I thought Glass looked better in physical battles in his second pro season, and he saw a lot of penalty kill time in the AHL. His skating remains a question mark and his heavy stride may NHL trade grade: Flyers get high marks in three-team deal for Ryan Ellis hold him back from realizing his sixth-overall draft slot. I still think there’s too much to like here and he will be a second-line center in time.

Scott Burnside: So much to unpack in this three-team deal that falls just a By Corey Pronman, Dom Luszczyszyn and more smidgen short in our books of being a blockbuster. So let’s start with the Jul 17, 2021 best player in the deal, Ryan Ellis. Not sure Ellis has ever been the same since being hit early in the 2020 Winter Classic by Corey Perry, but when healthy he checks all the boxes for the Flyers and slides into a top-four role either playing with Provorov or bolstering another top-two unit. The Trade A number of sources we spoke to during the season felt the Flyers never Flyers get: Defenseman Ryan Ellis really replaced the presence of Matt Niskanen, who retired before the Predators get: Defenseman Philippe Myers and forward Cody Glass start of this season, either in terms of minutes played or leadership on and off the ice. Ellis will do all those things and maybe more for a Flyers Golden Knights get: Forward Nolan Patrick team that is desperate to step into a contending role. When Roman Josi The Grades was named captain in Nashville, it came down to Josi or Ellis for that honor. Nashville can now turn its attention to locking up Mattias Ekholm Dom Luszczyszyn: The Flyers were in the market for a top pairing right long-term and newly acquired Myers. shot defender and they got arguably the best one in Ryan Ellis. They swung for the fences and arguably knocked it out of the park, grabbing a Myers is 24 and can play a 4-5-6 role for the Preds, but they’ll miss Ellis smooth-skating rearguard who has a proven track record playing top in all kinds of ways. “I like Ellis in Philly, but I don’t like the hole he leaves minutes. Ellis should be a perfect fit next to Ivan Provorov and though it’s when you’re trying to coach the Predators,” one veteran scout said. “Hard unlikely either can carry their own pair, they both should perform to replace a 23-minute player.” admirably playing next to each other. Another source familiar with the Flyers’ organization agreed. “Great move Ellis is 30 and coming off a down season, so there is some room for for Flyers,” the source said. “Myers has skill but can’t think the game.” concern. His best comps do not age well and, considering he’s signed for The futures part of this deal is most fascinating. There’s some symmetry six more seasons, his deal has potential to be problematic in the later to Nolan Patrick, the No. 2 pick in 2017, ending up in Vegas having years of his career. Philadelphia has a very narrow short-term window, played three seasons for Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon with the though, and Ellis’ current abilities should help maximize it by solidifying WHL’s Brandon Wheat King. Still, Patrick’s myriad health issues makes the top pair, adding a stable puck-mover to a thin defense corps. If Ellis this feel very much like a project. can bounce back from a poor 2020-21 season, there’s a good chance he can provide strong value for Philadelphia over the next few seasons. As for Glass, the Predators continue to look for that depth down the middle that has been an organizational Achilles heel for years. Maybe It’s a bit mystifying that this is all Nashville could get for Ellis however, Glass will get a chance to prove he’s a legitimate No. 1 or 2 center, which even with age considered. Myers and Glass (acquired from Vegas for he didn’t seem to get and/or take advantage of in Vegas. The scout we Nolan Patrick) are both young players, sure, but neither are very good spoke to felt that the Glass for Patrick part of this deal was a wash. players. Both have limited prospects of being valuable top-end “Neither guy has been able to get on track,” the scout said contributors, with their current trajectory pointed directly toward modest depth pieces. That’s not a great haul for Ellis, a bonafide top-pairing Flyers: A defender. It feels like Nashville could’ve got a bigger package had this Predators: B- deal been made before last season’s trade deadline and it’s fairly puzzling why the team made the deal at all. If it’s time to rebuild, neither Vegas: B- piece looks all that enticing barring a sudden and inexplicable breakout. It’s a possibility for Glass – one of his top comps is Evgeny Kuznetsov – but it’s far from likely given what he’s shown to date. The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 Vegas obviously wasn’t very high on Glass given his deployment since being drafted. He hasn’t been able to crack the lineup regularly and at 22 it’s fair to wonder if he’ll ever be anything. Patrick at least had OK NHL results before missing an entire season due to a concussion, so there’s a better chance he becomes an NHL regular. A solid bet, even if Patrick at the moment doesn’t seem to be a very inspiring player. There’s still a chance he can be something and Vegas is betting it’s bigger than Glass’ ceiling. It’s worth noting that the large majority of comps for both players (and Myers for that matter) didn’t amount to much.

Flyers: A

Predators: C-minus

Golden Knights: B

Corey Pronman: I like to pretend I have all the answers, but I honestly have no idea how to explain Patrick’s season and overall lack of NHL success. Some NHL scouts think his compete level is an issue. Some scouts attribute his injury history to his play. All I know is a 6-foot-2 forward with his skill and hockey sense who can skate should be a good NHL player by this point. I’ve never seen Patrick as someone who lacks compete in my viewings over the years, but eventually something has to explain why it isn’t clicking. I see way too much talent that I think at some point he has to become a second-line forward, but the clock is ticking at this stage.

Glass was up and down between the AHL and NHL this season, and while he hasn’t stuck high in the lineup for Vegas yet, I think his best is yet to come. Inside the offensive zone he’s a threat. He’s got great puck skills and with his reach he’s able to inside out defenders consistently. 1217596 Vegas Golden Knights

Las Vegas Sports Teams, Venues Help Vaccination Efforts, With Golden Knight Character, Raiders Cheerleaders Enlisted At VivaVaxVEGAS On Strip Saturday

July 17, 2021

By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com

It was 2:20 PM when I arrived at the makeshift vaccination clinic at a Park MGM bar on the Las Vegas Strip Saturday and by then Gov. Steve Sisolak, Congresswoman Dina Titus and Las Vegas comedian Brad Garrett were gone.

Free walk-in COVID vaccination shots were being administered in the back of the MGM Resorts property next to Park MGM’s Eataly, but it was quiet. A friendly MGM Resorts worker was trying the best he could do to lure people off the Strip for a shot.

The friendly staffers of the state’s Immunize Nevada program were holding down the fort at the all-day “Viva Vax VEGAS,” signing up anyone who wanted a vax shot and signing them up for free prizes.

Up until then, about 50 people had received vaccination shots against the COVID virus, which is infecting more and more residents in Clark County. The Southern Nevada Health District issued a recommendation Friday that all people — vaccinated or unvaccinated — should be wearing masks when inside at places.

While the Vegas Golden Knights were trading away a once-bright prospect, Cody Glass, and receiving a couple young fellas named Nolan Patrick and, Brett Howden in NHL trades Saturday, the local NHL team was loaning out their knight mascot, the golden knight played by Lee Orchard. Orchard was dressed in the full knight costume as the VivaVax event and he was feeling the 105-degree heat today.

Las Vegas sports teams and venues have been involved in hosting COVID vax events.

Overall, only 42 percent of Nevadans are completely vaccinated.

The test positivity rate for Clark County has increased to more 10 percent in Clark County.

That number could go up because the COVID cases do not reflect the number of people infected with the coronavirus at the July 10 Garth Brooks concert where 65,000 people — mostly unmasked — attended at Allegiant Stadium a week ago.

LVSportsBiz.com LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217597 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights Trade #2: DeSimone & 4th to Rangers for Brett Howden

Published 10 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By vsnnetwork

The Vegas Golden Knights opened up their trade season by moving Nick DeSimone, and the 2022 4th round pick they acquired from Winnipeg for New York Rangers center Brett Howden.

It was the second trade for a center in about five minutes, as GM Kelly McCrimmon also spun fading prospect Cody Glass to Nashville as part of a three-team trade for struggling Philadelphia Flyers center Nolan Patrick, who as the 2017 second-overall pick.

Howden, a 6-foot-3 center from Alberta, Canada, was originally drafted in the 1st round (27th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016. Still young at 23 years old, Howden has played three seasons with the Rangers, tallying 49 points in 178 games. His best season was in 2018- 19, when he scored 23 points in 66 games.

Howden signed a one-year, $885,000 contract with the Rangers on July 9th.

Going to the Rangers in the trade is 6-foot-2 defensive prospect Nick DeSimone. DeSimone went undrafted and was signed to a two-year contract by the San Jose Sharks in 2019. San Jose traded DeSimone to Vegas (via Chicago) in a three-team trade, April 12, 2021, but he has not played a single game at the NHL level.

DeSimone played three years at Union College before signing with the Sharks as a free agent in 2017. DeSimone is currently an unrestricted free agent.

About Brett Howden:

Howden was a fourth-line center in the tough Metro Division. He could be impressive at times and disappear for others. He was disappointing with only seven points, including just one goal, last season.

But Howden is another big center who will compete for Golden Knights ice time as McCrimmon appears to be stocking up on pivots.

Vegas Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217598 Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas Golden Knights Trade Cody Glass for Nolan Patrick; Full Analysis

Published 12 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Dan Kingerski

Cody Glass was the last of the original three Vegas Golden Knights draft picks, who remained. Now all three are gone as the Vegas Golden Knights trade sent Glass to the Nashville Predators for former second- overall pick Nolan Patrick in a swap of struggling youngsters.

GM Kelly McCrimmon was busy on Saturday, and this was the first of two trades.

Fans have wondered if or when Glass, the Golden Knights’ first-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft (sixth overall), would become a fixture in the lineup. However, he never did. In 66 games played over the past two seasons, Glass scored nine goals and 13 assists.

He did play in one playoff game this season but was in desperate need of a change of scenery. And the team remains in desperate need of top-six centers. There’s an outside chance they just got one.

The Golden Knights are the third wheel in a significant trade between the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers. Nashville sent top-four defenseman Ryan Ellis to the Flyers in exchange for young defenseman Philippe Myers and Patrick. Ellis, 30, was in danger of being exposed in the coming expansion draft. The Flyers were in desperate need of defensive help.

In addition, Nashville acquired Patrick for Ellis and spun him to Vegas for Glass.

About Nolan Patrick…

The Golden Knights are getting a big center who has stumbled early in his career. Patrick has not been an impact player in Philadelphia and has seen the press box a few times.

He missed the entire 2019-20 season due to a migraine disorder. However, he played 52 of 56 games last season but scored only nine points, including four goals.

Patrick’s spot in the Flyers lineup sank lower and lower.

Patrick has hockey sense, good size, and his skills were well-hyped before the 2017 NHL Draft. It just never clicked in Philadelphia. Patrick scored 13 goals in his first two NHL seasons in 2017-18 and ’18-19. He scored 30 and 31 points, respectively.

There’s no winner or loser in this trade. Both players are equally likely to find success away from their original team as they are to fail.

The Golden Knights did get good raw material but traded one gamble for another. Patrick may be a better fit for head coach Pete DeBoer’s defensive regimen, and he certainly brings a more physical presence and use of his size than Glass.

Vegas Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217599 Vegas Golden Knights Goalie: This would fill another 1000 words, wouldn’t it? Since it’s just for fun, you

tell us. Who do you protect? Marc-Andre Fleury or Robin Lehner? KNIGHTS NOTEBOOKJust for Fun: Who Would Golden Knights Protect One thing is probably true: if the Golden Knights were subject to the in Expansion Draft? expansion draft, one of the goalies would have a new address by now. There aren’t two better goalies in the league.

Published 14 hours ago on July 17, 2021

By Dan Kingerski Vegas Hockey Now LOADED: 07.18.2021

Sure, the Vegas Golden Knights are exempt from the coming expansion draft where the Seattle Kraken will pluck players from each team except the Golden Knights. Teams are scrambling on the NHL trade market to protect players, get assets for players who are likely to be lost, get under the salary cap or create more cap space.

It’s been a mad scramble in public.

It’s been even crazier behind closed doors.

Even though GM Kelly McCrimmon will not have to sacrifice a player (a rule I’m sure rival GMs are regretting), just for fun, let’s project the Golden Knights situation if they were not exempt.

For those not paying attention because it doesn’t affect the Golden Knights, the Seattle Kraken expansion draft rules are the same as they were four years ago. A team may protect seven skaters, three defensemen, and one goalie OR eight skaters and one goalie.

Using the PuckPedia.com expansion tool… Warning, we’re not going with a conventional layout. The Golden Knights have five forwards with no-movement clauses, which means they would be required to protect them or get permission to expose them.

That creates a problem. If we’re playing GM, it would be tempting to ask Reilly Smith to waive his NMC, and the prospect of protecting Brayden McNabb–thus using the eight skaters formula–was very tempting.

This isn’t as easy as you may think. The Golden Knights could have shocked everyone by exposing a few well-paid, big-name players.

Who would Vegas Golden Knights Protect?

Why: This is fairly straightforward. The Vegas Golden Knights’ top seven forwards are protected. Why giveaway a player when they could be a trade chip, instead. We waffled on the PuckPedia sim. Should we go seven, three, and one–or–eight and one?

The five NMCs were a factor in our decisions, as well as weighing Brayden McNabb’s value vs. the losses of exposing Stephenson, Smith, and Marchessault. That’s a big difference–only protect four forwards, and you lose a top-six player. Worse, if Smith or Marchessault refused to waive their NMC, then the Golden Knights would lose Alex Tuch.

No Bueno.

So, we played it safe out of necessity.

Why: Boy, this was the tough one. McNabb is a top-four defenseman. Even Whitecloud is a stout young defenseman. We opted for Hague because we project him to have the highest ceiling and top-four potential. The “Haguer Bomb” is a big defenseman with a big of offense and is just 22-years-old.

How do you sacrifice that potential?

McNabb would surely be plucked pending a side deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis. Perhaps McCrimmon could have dusted off George McPhee’s playbook and convinced Francis the team would leave McNabb exposed if Francis also took a salaried forward–say, Smith?–off their hands, too.

Last season, Hague scored 17 points (5-12-17) in 52 games. He’s also entering the final year of his ELC, which means he costs less than $800,000 per season, will be an RFA without arbitration rights. In other words, he’s Vegas property until they decide otherwise.

Whitecloud is another strong defender. With McNabb available, Whitecloud probably stays, but would Francis have picked the 24-year- old, 6-foot-2, 209-pound heavy defender? Last season he put 12 points on the sheet (2-10-12) and turned a few heads with his d-zone work. 1217600 Winnipeg Jets creates offence with the puck on his stick, but DeMelo is quietly and consistently excellent at putting his teammates in good breakout positions with just the right 5-foot pass. He’s so good at it, in fact, that most models mistakenly assume that DeMelo is a particularly good What Winnipeg’s quiet roster-freeze day means for the Seattle expansion offensive player. He helps teammates (Morrissey, for example) spend draft less time in their own zone, and thus DeMelo helps teammates spend more time creating offence. (This effect is, in some ways, the inverse of

Ehlers’ impact. Ehlers is so good at transitioning the puck that the Jets By Murat Ates spend less time needing to defend when he’s on the ice. Thus Ehlers has a massive, positive impact on defence without having to be any better at Jul 17, 2021 D-zone coverage than Winnipeg’s other wingers.) These indirect impacts are exactly what you’d expect an analytics-savvy front office like Seattle’s

to appreciate. For the next four days, the Jets roster will remain exactly as you know it. I’m not as convinced that DeMelo will be a shinier asset to the Kraken Winnipeg didn’t make any last-minute deals before Saturday’s roster than the other defencemen likely to be available, so it’s possible he freeze, meaning that Mason Appleton and either Dylan DeMelo or Logan remains a Jet even if he is exposed. Stanley continue to be exposure risks for the Kraken draft. Protection Part of that possibility is Appleton’s strong season on the third line, lists were due Saturday at 4 p.m. CT and will be distributed to all teams mostly with Lowry and Perreault. At just $900,000, Appleton is a player (and the NHLPA) Sunday morning by 9. who has all kinds of opportunities to outperform his contract. He’s also That’s not to say the Jets aren’t at risk between Sunday and stylistically distinctive in Winnipeg, given his proclivity for dropping his Wednesday’s 9 a.m. deadline for Seattle to make its selections. The shoulder and turning the corner on opposing defenders. Kraken are the one team exempt from the roster freeze, meaning that So even if DeMelo is exposed, Appleton might be the player Winnipeg side-deal season is on in full force. loses. The Kraken are also allowed to negotiate with any unprotected restricted Meanwhile, Seattle’s prices for side deals have been exorbitant, by all or unrestricted free agents starting Sunday morning. If Seattle reports. I can’t imagine that those prices will drop now that the roster successfully signed Paul Stastny, Mathieu Perreault, Nate Thompson, freeze stops teams from solving each other’s expansion problems among Trevor Lewis, Derek Forbort, Tucker Poolman, Jordie Benn, Laurent themselves. Brossoit or Stanley (if the Jets surprisingly protect DeMelo), then that player would become the Kraken’s selection from the Jets. If the Jets are working on provisions to keep Appleton, DeMelo and Stanley safe, the cost could be higher than simply the loss of one of Such a signing would be quite the escape for Winnipeg. Imagine a world those players. in which Stanley, DeMelo and Appleton are safe because Seattle signed someone the Jets were already unlikely to keep. Finally, it’s worth considering that Winnipeg’s protection list could tell us a little bit about how the Jets operate with respect to sunk costs. Stastny would be the premier player among that group and the biggest loss. At 35 years old, Stastny produced at a 42-point pace this past Stanley was a first-round pick in 2016 whom the Jets traded up to draft at season — terrific numbers for a third-line centre and decent ones for one No. 18. They then spent five years guiding his development and watching who plays inside the top six — while providing great leadership, balanced his work with and without the puck slowly catch up to his 6-7 frame. His thinking and the joy of a 1,000th-game milestone. One suspects emergence in a highly sheltered, third-pairing role as a 23-year-old rookie Stastny’s priorities at this stage of his career revolve around some was a bright spot this past season, and his proponents might be eager to combination of Stanley Cup aspirations and family duties. Betting on the project even bigger steps forward in the years to come. Kraken to go to the Cup final right out of the gate, as Vegas did, seems like something of a gamble, but from Seattle’s perspective, a veteran Meanwhile, DeMelo was acquired for a third-round pick, given up on centre who can still play like Stastny must be all kinds of appealing — quite cheaply by the Ottawa Senators, then signed easily in the especially with the unprotected forward lists not expected to be offseason by the Jets. particularly deep. I don’t expect that any decisions made Saturday or throughout the week On the note of free agents: I wouldn’t be shocked to see multiple players are fully attributable to “sunk cost” vs. “easy come, easy go,” but it’s an from the Stastny, Perreault, Thompson, Lewis, Forbort, Poolman, Benn interesting wrinkle to consider. and Brossoit list return to Winnipeg next season. Other than Stastny, For the moment, there’s still a chance the Jets hit free agency in dire most of those contracts will be below $1 million, and the ones that need of defensive help just days after letting one of their smartest UFA exceed that figure won’t exceed it by much. signings walk for free. What does this all mean for the Jets at the expansion draft? We’ll explore that eventuality if it happens — for the moment, this is Let’s start with the simplest, safest assumption that Seattle does not sign speculation — but an absence of 11th-hour deals leaves Winnipeg in a a Jets free agent. difficult spot.

Winnipeg will protect , Mark Scheifele, Nik Ehlers, Kyle Connor, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Copp and Adam Lowry up front. It’s The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 a quality group with diverse skills, although you’d ideally like one of those star forwards to bring some sandpaper or two-way prestige with his offence. You’ll note that Copp remains a Jet despite his status as an arbitration-eligible player one year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. This might be a positive bit of news with respect to Winnipeg’s belief that it can sign him long term. An alternative theory is that Copp will be part of a transaction between the Jets and Kraken wherein Seattle gives Winnipeg a smaller asset in exchange for Copp’s — and not Appleton’s — availability in the draft. I think that’s an unlikely outcome, but circumstances like these sometimes instigate a special flavour of creativity among general managers.

We’ve made the defence debates multiple times now: The Jets will protect Neal Pionk and Josh Morrissey without a doubt. Nothing I’m hearing is definite, but everything I’m hearing points to Stanley being the third player protected, with DeMelo left exposed.

There is an argument that Seattle, as analytics-savvy as it is, would treat DeMelo as a must-add. He’s not a big, bruising player or one who directly 1217601 Vancouver Canucks “No huge story for me, just seeing everything in the media, I thought it was important,” he said of why he spoke up last summer. “I have people of colour in my family, I pictured them being in situations, I have cousins who could be in those situations.” Canucks make pre-expansion draft trade, pick up Jason Dickinson Dickinson wasn’t sure when he and his fiancée Alandra — they grew up together — might first come to visit their new city, but said he’d made it a habit in Dallas to get back to town a few weeks before training camp Patrick Johnston started. Publishing date: Jul 17, 2021 “But we might come up to Vancouver next week. Just check the city out. Who knows. I haven’t really thought about it yet,” he said.

The Vancouver Canucks were in a good position heading into Saturday’s As for his golf game on Saturday, it wasn’t going so well. roster freeze ahead of next week’s expansion draft, holding a couple “Well … no. But at least I’m out here, right?” spots they could fill on their protected list. Dickinson was originally selected by the Dallas Stars in the first round, And then they made a trade, finalizing it minutes before the noon 29th overall, at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. deadline to lock in their roster. The Canucks still have seven picks in next weekend’s draft. They have The Canucks have added 26-year-old checking forward Jason Dickinson single picks in the first, second and seventh rounds, plus two picks in the from the Dallas Stars, in exchange for their third-round pick in this year’s fifth round and also two picks in the sixth round. NHL Entry Draft. The Georgetown, Ont., native scored seven goals and added eight assists in 51 games for Dallas this past season. He has Benning confirmed he had a few other irons in the fire ahead of the roster tallied 63 points in 221 career NHL games. freeze but nothing else panned out — so adding Dickinson also set the Canucks’ protected list, which was due to be submitted to the league by Despite playing a more defensive focused role this season, the Stars 2 p.m. Saturday. were roughly even in shot attempts while the former first round draft pick was on the ice, a good sign. It’s expected the Canucks will protect seven forwards and three defencemen on top of goalie Thatcher Demko. Forwards Pettersson, “He’s a versatile player. He plays centre or on the wing. He kills Horvat, , J.T. Miller, Tanner Pearson, Tyler Motte and penalties. He gives us speed,” Canucks general manager Jim Benning Dickinson, plus blueliners Tyler Myers, Nate Schmidt and Olli Juolevi. told Postmedia on Saturday. “He’ll help us, he just gives Travis (Green) more options. I think he can play in that third line matchup role. But he’s That means that the Seattle Kraken will most likely select one of forwards got enough speed, if Travis wants to play (Elias Pettersson), Horvat and Matthew Highmore, Zack MacEwen, Kole Lind or goaltender Braden Miller at centre, he can also play him on the wing.” Holtby in Wednesday’s expansion draft.

Dickinson is 6-2, 200 pounds and is a restricted free agent. He carried a US$1.5 million cap hit on his most recent deal. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 07.18.2021 The fact that Dickinson needs a new contract and could even opt for arbitration isn’t a concern to the Canucks.

“They gave us permission to speak (early) to his agent (Pat Morris), so we’ve spoken with him. I expect we’ll be able to get him signed,” Benning said. Morris is also the agent for Canucks captain Bo Horvat.

Dickinson isn’t the greatest faceoff man, though, and while he’s a solid penalty killer, he didn’t take draws while down a man.

At even strength, HockeyViz.com’s data showed he’s a very effective defensive player, with the opposition getting poorer-quality shots away when he was on the ice.

Dickinson, reached on the golf course on Saturday, said that the numbers really did reflect who he is as a player.

“Basically that, 200-foot. I’m going to play mainly from my d-zone out. Love a good matchup. Love to go head to head with Connor (McDavid), I’d love to play him every night. I love to play against the top guys, I really feel engaged in the game when I’m doing that,” he said.

“I’m super excited to be joining Vancouver, it’s a super nice city, team is young and up and coming. I’m excited I’m going to be able to help benefit the Canucks.”

The Vancouver Canucks sent a third round draft pick to the Dallas Stars on Saturday to acquire forward Jason Dickson, a defensive forward.

He’s not worried about his contract status though.

“We’ll sort something out. We’ll leave that to the lawyers,” he chuckled.

Last season was a tough one in all respects for Dickinson and his teammates. After making the Stanley Cup Final in the bubble last summer in Edmonton, the Stars slumped to fifth place in the Central Division in 2020-21 and missed the playoffs.

“Last year was a little bit up and down. We obviously had our challenges, coming out of COVID, coming out of power outages,” Dickinson said. “If it wasn’t one thing it was the next. I think all that affected how we played.”

Dickinson, whose father’s family hails from St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean, was heavily involved in organizing last summer’s NHL player protest in support of Black Lives Matter. 1217602 Vancouver Canucks It wasn’t an opportunity that was lost on Canucks management. In fact, the team has been preparing for this opportunity for more than one cycle of the hockey calendar.

Canucks seize expansion opportunity, adding Jason Dickinson. Now Benning and his key advisors saw how things were shaping up for their what comes next? ‘This is just the first step’ club years out. They knew they had a relatively young roster and have made a series of moves — from the structure of and Alex Edler’s no-move clauses to the way they handled negotiations with Jacob Markstrom to the deadline trade for Madison Bowey — to By Thomas Drance maximize their flexibility at this precise moment. Jul 18, 2021 Then they went about putting in the legwork. Publicly, Benning had repeatedly poured cold water on the expansion deadline, managing expectations on whether the club would be able to avail themselves of Jason Dickinson was physically on a golf course, but mentally he was this opportunity. Privately, however, Benning has worked the phones with eyeing the clock. focus and diligence, setting up ways to utilize his additional protected slots efficiently and improve his team. The veteran forward has paid his dues. He put in years of work in the AHL. He’s adapted his game, evolving from the promising scorer with the By the time Saturday rolled around, Canucks fans were nervous. There gaudy junior scoring profile that made him a first-round draft pick in 2013 isn’t a ton of confidence at the moment in the club’s management group, into a versatile, shutdown forward who has carved out an everyday niche particularly not after a season in which the club finished last in the North in The Show. Division.

He’s never been traded, though. His entire professional hockey career to Inside the Canucks’ front office on Saturday, however, it wasn’t a this point has unfolded with the Dallas Stars organization. stressful vibe. The frustration level was more pronounced than the pressure was felt as the day went along, particularly as some of the That changed Saturday, as Dickinson was dealt to the Vancouver other, larger items that the club was working on came off the board. Canucks. With about an hour to go ahead of the roster freeze at noon PT, Canucks “I was on eggshells,” Dickinson told The Athletic on Saturday when management felt that the Dickinson deal was essentially done. They had reached by phone after the trade. “I had a feeling something would ground down the original, bigger ask of Stars general manager Jim Nill to happen. We got down to the wire, 3 p.m. (ET) was rolling around, you a point they felt comfortable with. see the clock about to turn over into the roster freeze. You’re just wondering ‘What’s going to happen here?'” “There was a lot of moving parts, we talked a lot to teams and just followed up on lots of conversations,” Benning said. “We decided going Dickinson wouldn’t have been available in a normal offseason. A natural into expansion that we could add a forward we could protect. We like centre and a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, Dickinson is the Dickinson, so we made the move. sort of useful piece that teams very rarely offload if left to their druthers. “I’m happy, we got a versatile player in the prime of his career who fits a For the Stars, however, a team with enviable depth of talent up front, need for us.” Dickinson was mere hours from being made available for free to the Seattle Kraken. While the club was able to land Dickinson, there were still a couple of other larger items at play as the clock went down to the wire. The Athletic Dallas was caught in a protected list crunch. Dickinson was the understands Vancouver was in discussions with several teams about organization’s eighth most valuable forward and in an expansion process moving inefficient contractual commitments that remain on their books that only permits them to protect seven forwards that made him and kicked the tires on some higher upside expansion crunch targets. expendable. Among them, yes, The Athletic Vancouver bureau’s favourite expansion “It’s only because of the expansion draft, in my mind,” Dickinson said, target Mason Appleton, who the Winnipeg Jets ultimately decided to hold reacting to the trade. “I think I created a good relationship with onto. management and the coaching staff in Dallas. I think they would’ve kept me if they could’ve, but the circumstances changed. That happens, for Even though the roster freeze deadline produced some serious fireworks whatever reason it is. — more than living up to expectations — the Canucks were still dealing with teams that decided not to aggressively redistribute players they “You know what?” he added, “I’m super excited to be in Vancouver. couldn’t fit onto their protected lists, opting instead to accept their losses We’re Canadian, so we love that too. in the expansion process or else deal with the Kraken directly to steer “And I was a big fan of Vancouver when they made their Cup run in them in a certain direction. 2011.” “We were talking on two or three different things,” Benning said. “Some At this point, we stopped him. An Ontario kid rooting for the us-against- of the other ones at the end of the day, we could still maybe do them the-world, embrace-the-hate Canucks? In 2011? after the expansion draft, but going into the expansion draft we felt if we could add a forward, we could protect one. We got this done today, but “Yeah man, I loved the Sedins and I loved (Ryan) Kesler mainly. I saw a we’re still looking at some other things once we get through expansion.” lot of myself in him. There was a lot I liked in his game, so I gravitated to that.” Which brings us to what comes next for Vancouver, because the opportunities offered to the club by the expansion process don’t end now, It’s easy to see how Dickinson will fit in well, from a personality even if the club’s roster is frozen until after Wednesday’s draft. standpoint, in this market. Less than two hours after completing the Dickinson deal the club As for the return for Dallas, it was the Canucks’ 2021 third-round pick, a submitted its protected list. The list will be officially publicized Sunday. valuable commodity in an uncertain draft class. At least it’s an asset. It’s Multiple Canucks sources declined to confirm the precise makeup of better than nothing, which is what Dickinson would’ve been worth within Vancouver’s list, but all of them indicated that there would be no the hour if he’d been exposed to Seattle in the expansion process. surprises. So you can expect the Canucks to protect Elias Pettersson, As Dickinson golfed anxiously on Saturday afternoon, over at Rogers J.T. Miller, Bo Horvat, Brock Boeser, Tyler Motte, Tanner Pearson and Arena, Canucks hockey operations gathered and put in the work, Dickinson up front, Nate Schmidt, Tyler Myers and Olli Juolevi on the grinding away in an attempt to upgrade their roster. Unlike the Stars, back end and Thatcher Demko in net. Vancouver wasn’t facing a protected list crunch. This leaves the Kraken with their choice of one of Zack MacEwen, Kole The Canucks, partly because the club isn’t particularly deep and partly Lind, Matthew Highmore, Jonah Gadjovich, Madison Bowey or, most because they have several key players like Nils Höglander and Quinn interestingly, Braden Holtby. Hughes who are expansion exempt, had additional protected slots to The Kraken have already inquired with Canucks management about spare. It was a unique opportunity, one that The Athletic identified and possibly retaining some of Holtby’s salary as an inducement to select hammered away at over the course of the past 13 months. him, as The Athletic has previously reported, but there’s also been considerable interest expressed in Holtby by a host of other teams. The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 Sources indicate to The Athletic that well over five teams have called the club about their backup goaltender, in addition to the Kraken.

For the Canucks and for the Kraken, it’s a balancing act. Seattle is likely to have some really solid options available in net and is eyeing Florida Panthers pending UFA Chris Driedger in particular, according to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun. In a surprise twist, Montreal Canadiens backup Jake Allen won’t be available to platoon with Chris Driedger, but the Kraken will have other, more affordable options than Holtby to consider in the expansion process.

Should Vancouver put its finger on the scale, however, and promise the Kraken additional assets — or offer to retain some salary on Holtby — to lock in the cap savings that having him selected in the expansion process could open up? It’s a matter the club is debating internally, although the interest being shown in Holtby around the league may well convince the club that they have sufficient options — and leverage — to resist any strong-arm tactics.

On the other side of the expansion process, similarly, the club could have some opportunity to trade with the Kraken. During the expansion process in 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights selected the maximum number of defencemen in the draft and subsequently moved four of the 13 they selected within days. They netted multiple future assets — including two second-round picks, a third-round pick, a fifth-round pick and a Vancouver-based goaltending prospect named Dylan Ferguson — for defenders like Marc Methot, Alexei Emelin and Trevor van Riemsdyk.

Opportunity could knock in this area for Vancouver too.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” Benning said. “And we’re going to continue to figure things out here. The next step is the expansion draft, and once expansion ends, then it’ll open up again for more trades — with draft picks being involved. This is just the first step of what could be a busy 10 to 12 days.

“I suspect we’re still going to have calls with all the teams during the freeze, we’re still going to be busy trying to figure out deals after the expansion draft and going into the draft,” Benning continued. “We’ll have conversations with Seattle, see what they’re thinking and see if there’s something to be done there. We’re back in the mode of ‘what can we get done here once the freeze ends’ so I think that’s the next domino to fall.”

Dickinson gets the Canucks off and running with their offseason business. It’s a solid beginning for a club that’s still in the market for two or three defenders — depending on what happens with Schmidt — and another middle-six forward. The club could also end up looking for backup goaltending, depending on how the Holtby situation plays out.

And efforts will continue to reallocate and shed some of the inefficient salary commitments that remain, which limit Vancouver’s options on every front.

The cap space issue is also relevant to the Dickinson acquisition, as he’s a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights. His next contract is likely to fall into the $2.5 to $2.8 million range, although it depends on term. It could be a fair bit higher if the club and Dickinson go longer or a bit lower if the sides agree to a one-year deal.

Dickinson is represented by Pat Morris of Newport Sports, who also represents Horvat and Markstrom. The club has already spoken with Morris and received permission to do so from Nill before the trade was completed.

“That would be nice,” Dickinson told The Athletic when asked about the prospect of signing a deal with some term in Vancouver. “We have to look at some of the numbers and the way the cap is and sort out how everything shakes out. In a couple of years, I become a UFA and we have to work through what’s valuable to Vancouver and what’s valuable to me, we really have to nail down those details.

“Pat and I have talked a little bit about that but we wanted to let these two weeks play out, because obviously, with every team it would be a different scenario. We had to wait to see where we were going to be because there’s a multitude of different options.”

Now Dickinson knows where he’ll be and the Canucks have added a stellar defensive third-line centre, paying a below-retail price to do so.

It’s a promising start, but as any Canucks executive will tell you, a ton of work remains to get this team and this rebuilding project back on track.

1217603 Websites Attempts to trade Ekman-Larsson ultimately fell through last offseason, largely because of his no-move protection, but it won’t stop the Coyotes from exploring the market again. It’s a complicated deal to complete because he, like Nick Schmaltz, is priced too high for his current level of The Athletic / NHL trade tiers: How likely is each NHL team to be in a production ($8.25 million AAV until 2026-27). But that won’t stop them deal for a superstar player? from trying. -Eric Duhatschek

Chicago Blackhawks

By The Athletic NHL Staff In play: Seth Jones

Jul 17, 2021 The Blackhawks need a No. 1 defenseman and they know it. Jones and Dougie Hamilton are probably their best options this offseason. -Scott

Powers There are some big names available this offseason. Jack Eichel. Seth Your mileage may vary on how much of a blockbuster it is to trade a 38- Jones. Vladimir Tarasenko. Evgeny Kuznetsov. Just to name a few. year-old Duncan Keith, but he’s a Hall of Famer and a legend in Chicago, We’ve already seen a lot of action this summer as teams manage the so it was certainly seismic enough in these parts. -Mark Lazerus pending expansion draft and a flat salary cap. And there is no question Testing the market there will be surprises ahead, so we asked The Athletic’s NHL crew to forecast how likely it is that their team will be involved in a blockbuster Anaheim Ducks trade (either as a buyer or a seller). In play: Jack Eichel, Johnny Gaudreau, Vladimir Tarasenko, Conor We also wanted to know which players their team is targeting for a Garland, Phillip Danault or Christian Dvorak change of address. Anaheim has some promising young talent among its forwards, but as it Here is what they said. stands right now, it might have the weakest one through four lines in the league. The Ducks can badly use a proven scorer or dynamic playmaker Already called the movers up front. Preferably one that is on the younger side and still has some New York Rangers term on his deal. It is why they were in discussions for Pierre-Luc Dubois. It is why they are taking a long look at Eichel. But there are other In play: Jack Eichel forwards who appear to be on the trade market that may not cost as much to acquire. -Eric Stephens The need for a 1A or 1B center to play with Mika Zibanejad is obvious. However, an Eichel trade will be costly in assets dealt and in cap space Calgary Flames ($10 million per for Eichel) and may end up eventually costing the Rangers Zibanejad, who is due to be a UFA next summer. -Rick In play: Jack Eichel Carpiniello The Flames have reportedly been in on the Jack Eichel sweepstakes, Philadelphia Flyers though details have remained minimal. Calgary needs elite talent, and more specifically a No. 1 center. Eichel would certainly fit that bill. That In play: Jack Eichel, Johnny Gaudreau, Seth Jones, Vladimir Tarasenko said, I’m not sure if the Flames have all the pieces to get this done, especially if something like Matthew Tkachuk and a first-round pick is the Expect the Flyers to at least be on the outskirts of the mix for pretty much asking price from the Sabres. -Hailey Salvian every high-profile name on the trade market. They have a deep prospect pool, a full complement of draft picks, attractive young talent at the NHL Los Angeles Kings level and a desire to make changes this summer to a roster that woefully underperformed expectations. July is going to be a very interesting In play: Jack Eichel, Seth Jones month for Chuck Fletcher and Co. -Charlie O’Connor The Kings need to add an impact player. Even though the cost for either St. Louis Blues Eichel or Jones would be high – they have the resources to bid for them and they could certainly use additional difference-makers. -Lisa Dillman In play: Evgeny Kuznetsov, Vladimir Tarasenko Minnesota Wild The Blues have been involved in several blockbuster trades in the past few years, with the Ryan O’Reilly deal at the top of the list. This summer, In play: Jack Eichel the Blues have been linked to Matthew Tkachuk, among other top-end Not often do No. 1 centers become available, and the Wild have needed talents. And even if Armstrong isn’t able to pull off that type of trade, it will a star No. 1 center for 20 years. The Wild are interested, but they’d need be considered a blockbuster deal whenever he moves Tarasenko. - the Sabres to take salary and salary cap back (Matt Dumba and Kevin Jeremy Rutherford Fiala?), something Buffalo hasn’t been interested in yet. The Sabres Buffalo Sabres want futures like Marco Rossi, Matt Boldy and more. So it would seem unlikely unless Buffalo changes course. -Michael Russo In play: Jack Eichel, New Jersey Devils The Sabres’ grand plan in 2013 was to lose on purpose and get the best draft picks possible. They got the picks, drafting Reinhart and Eichel at In play: Seth Jones No. 2 in back-to-back years, but the second part of the plan failed. The Devils have as much long-term cap flexibility as any franchise in the Buffalo couldn’t build a winner with the prizes from The Tank. The team league save for Seattle, a deep collection of interesting prospects and a is poised to start over without them. The makeover can’t begin until new desire – but not quite an ultimatum – to get better after a third straight pieces arrive in the Eichel and Reinhart trades. -John Vogl season without the playoffs. GM Tom Fitzgerald could check the price Columbus Blue Jackets tag for all of these players, while someone closer to Jones’ age would be a preferred option. -Corey Masisak In play: Seth Jones New York Islanders He has told the Blue Jackets that he won’t be signing a contract extension with them this summer, and he’s poised to be a free agent In play: Vladimir Tarasenko after next season. -Aaron Portzline There are a few paths this offseason could take for the Isles. One Looking to make a move involves Lamoriello deciding to upgrade his top-six wingers and bring in a high-end scorer who could catch fire alongside Mathew Barzal and give a Arizona Coyotes meh power play a boost. Tarasenko, despite his injury history, fits that role best. -Arthur Staple In play: Oliver Ekman-Larsson Pittsburgh Penguins In play: Marc-Andre Fleury and sign elsewhere or sign with the Canes after weighing his options. - Sara Civian Pittsburgh has a need, Vegas has a surplus, and Fleury has always been keen on finishing where he started. -Rob Rossi Colorado Avalanche

The Penguins would be willing to bring in a big-name goaltender should In play: Seth Jones one become available. It remains a mystery if that will be the case. -Josh Yohe The Avalanche could look to bolster their defensive corps with a player like Jones, but the cap situation and Jones’ numbers will make a San Jose Sharks potential trade difficult. Colorado has a front office that uses analytics wisely, and Jones is not a player whose advanced numbers jump off the In play: Brent Burns page. -Peter Baugh

Despite two seasons at the bottom of the standings, the Sharks haven’t Seattle Kraken said they need to make a change to their core. But we can, and they do. Most of their key players have significant trade restrictions in their In play: Jack Eichel, Evgeny Kuznetsov contracts, and that includes Burns’ three-team limited no-trade clause. But Burns, 36, could be open to going elsewhere in order to try and win a If the Kraken were to make a massive trade, going after a top-six center Stanley Cup. And despite his numbers declining in recent seasons, he could be the move given they are not in high supply with the expansion can still contribute on a contending team’s blue line. -Kevin Kurz draft. That could be Eichel or Kuznetsov. Or it could be someone else. - Ryan S. Clark Toronto Maple Leafs Won’t make a big trade In play: Seth Jones, Morgan Rielly Dallas Stars T.J. Brodie perfectly filled the Leafs’ longstanding need on the right side, making Jones an unlikely add this summer — especially given Columbus’ The Stars are in a win-now mode so never say never but the cap space likely ask. Then again, if the front office decides to trade Rielly — who they have available, or lack thereof, is the biggest obstacle in acquiring can ink an extension on July 28 — then maybe there’s a world that sees any notable talent, especially with so much in-house business on the Jones come to Toronto somehow. It feels pretty unlikely though. offseason itinerary. -Saad Yousuf Regardless, a Rielly trade isn’t out of the question. -Jonas Siegel Detroit Red Wings

Reworking their forward depth is a top priority with Zach Hyman leaving. As long as Steve Yzerman is in charge, the Red Wings will be a sneaky While that’s doable in free agency, they may opt to go the trade route if threat for a trade surprise, but given the state of the team, it seems more there’s a good deal to be made. -James Mirtle likely that would be as a seller than a buyer. -Max Bultman

Vegas Golden Knights Edmonton Oilers

In play: Jack Eichel, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Vladimir Tarasenko The Oilers need another top-six winger, but GM Ken Holland said it’s I’m admittedly trying to ride the fence as long as possible on this topic. unlikely he trades top prospects Evan Bouchard, Philip Broberg, Dylan On one hand, it seems unlikely Vegas will make any sizable moves Holloway or Ryan McLeod, and the Oilers don’t have many trade chips because the Golden Knights are a contending team without much cap on the roster. It’s hard to see how an impactful trade is made. The Oilers space to make improvements. But as unlikely as it seems, a top center already traded for blueliner Duncan Keith this week. He’s had a like Eichel or Kuznetsov would obviously upgrade the weakest part of the decorated career but is 38, wanted out of Chicago and projects to be a roster, and Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee have shown second-pairing defenseman in Edmonton. Calling his acquisition a repeatedly that they aren’t afraid to make the big, splashy move. -Jesse blockbuster seems a bit of a reach. -Daniel Nugent-Bowman Granger Florida Panthers

Washington Capitals Never say never with GM Bill Zito, who knows Seth Jones well from In play: Evgeny Kuznetsov Columbus, but he’s got to lock up captain Aleksander Barkov long-term and he won’t add to cap issues with adding another top player until that It’s no secret that the Caps’ patience with Evgeny Kuznetsov has worn deed is done. -Scott Burnside thin. The tough part is finding a deal that works. The 29-year-old center is due to count $7.8 million against the cap each of the next four seasons. Montreal Canadiens He also has a 15-team no-trade list, meaning he has some control over As reluctant as I am to write that Marc Bergevin will not make a big his destiny, as well. Another potential stumbling block is that the Caps offseason trade – he almost always does something significant – his cap would need to get a playmaking center in return, as they don’t have an situation is very tight and he has several internal fires to handle this internal option that’s ready to be plugged in. -Tarik El-Bashir offseason. That said, never say never with Bergevin; he is a master of Winnipeg Jets pulling off the unexpected. -Arpon Basu

In play: Seth Jones Nashville Predators

I don’t expect another blockbuster in Winnipeg’s imminent future but Predators GM David Poile has never been shy about executing a there are only three ways to upgrade the defense: free agency, trading blockbuster trade. It is hard to imagine him going after one of the many and development of young players. If UFA season is unkind to the Jets, superstars reportedly on the trade block, but if he can find a way to shake then they’re left to promote youth or look to make deals. -Murat Ates up his stagnant team, he will certainly try. -Adam Vingan

Not likely to deal Ottawa Senators

Boston Bruins Even though Sens owner was adamant the Senators are going to find a veteran center and a dependable defenseman in the In play: Oliver Ekman-Larsson offseason, I’d be shocked if they made an aggressive, “win-now” type of trade this summer. This franchise has benefitted from a patient approach The Bruins need a 200-foot left-shot defenseman. If Arizona retains a lately, so why blow it all up to land an aging player with a lot of term or significant portion of Ekman-Larsson’s contract and accepts a mid-level dollar left on his contract? Kuznetsov would probably fit the bill of what prospect, he could be a good fit on the first or second pairing. -Fluto they need here in terms of a high-end center, but does Ottawa want to Shinzawa take on four more years at $7.8 million? My thinking is no, especially Carolina Hurricanes when their biggest offseason priority is signing Brady Tkachuk to a contract that might look awfully similar to what Kuznetsov has left on his In play: Dougie Hamilton deal. -Ian Mendes

A Dougie Hamilton sign-and-trade is on the table, but the unique move Tampa Bay Lightning probably won’t happen. It looks like he will either become a free agent The Lightning don’t have the cap space to make a blockbuster deal for any of those big names, not without major money going the other way. - Joe Smith

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks will look to be aggressive this offseason, but I don’t see them making a move for a big name player. This club’s biggest need is just “volume of talented players,” and they have a ton of needs and not a ton of cap space, so they’ll have to shop in the more bargain-oriented aisles of the NHL’s offseason grocery store this summer. -Thomas Drance

The Canucks are looking to be aggressive this offseason and they could make big trades, but the odds of them being in on a star player of Jack Eichel, Seth Jones or Johnny Gaudreau’s caliber is highly unlikely. Vancouver doesn’t have the trade assets or the cap flexibility at the moment to chase a star-level name unless they get very creative. - Harman Dayal

The Athletic LOADED: 07.18.2021 1217604 Websites Vezina- and Ted Lindsay-Award winner who also has two Olympic gold medals on his mantle. There will be some great players available to the franchise, but none who can serve as adequately as the face of it.

Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens make calculated, high-risk gamble exposing And as one executive pointed out after Saturday’s news dropped, “The Price in expansion draft Kraken will make up all that signing-bonus money on jersey sales within hours of Price landing in Seattle.”

Price’s wife, Angela, is from Washington State, and the family spent its Eric Engels@EricEngels last off-season there. And Price, born in Anahim Lake, B.C., would certainly help convert more than a few Vancouverites into Kraken fans, July 17, 2021, 11:23 PM expanding the team’s reach and its merchandise sales.

Remaining Time -11:57 MONTREAL — This is no small gamble, but it is a calculated one from Which player would the Canadiens hate to lose in expansion draft? Marc Bergevin. So, for Francis, this won’t be as much about the remaining $44.25 million When the Canadiens general manager decided earlier this week to ask Price is owed on his eight-year, $84-million contract as it will the 13 per Carey Price to waive his no-movement clause for the upcoming Seattle cent of Seattle’s annual cap that will be devoured over each of the next expansion draft, he rolled the dice on losing his franchise goaltender for four seasons. And yeah, it’s going to count for a significant chunk in that nothing come July 21. final year, too, even if the cap rises. Bergevin did it to give himself the best opportunity to keep both Price and Would the Kraken really want to do it? backup Jake Allen, but he also did it knowing that’s anything but guaranteed. There are going to be several good (and much cheaper) goaltenders available to them on Wednesday. There will be several star-level (and But if Bergevin does have to lose one of his two goaltenders, earlier on expensive) skaters on offer, too. And from the Canadiens alone, they Saturday Kraken GM Ron Francis (ironically) offered up the best could be looking at some appealing options outside of the crease. explanation as to why his Montreal counterpart would be willing to live with it being Price. Francis says he’s been authorized to spend to the cap, and he could do it through a combination of the expansion draft, trade and free agency. “The only thing we think is extremely, extremely valuable in this environment,” Francis said , “is cap space.” If he does, would he be enticed to snag Shea Weber?

No other GM would disagree. The Montreal captain is reportedly too injured to continue playing and will be left unprotected by the Canadiens. He could be placed on long-term The NHL suffered losses in the billions over the last 17 months of injury reserve for the remainder of his five years under contract, and trudging through most of two playoffs and parts of two abbreviated taking him would enable Francis to annually exceed the cap by his $7.87- seasons without fans in attendance, and the upper limit of the salary cap million salary. is expected to remain fixed at $81.5 million over the next four years because of it. That has created a lot of headaches for GMs across the Remaining Time -0:40 league, and Bergevin is no exception. Francis explains that cap space is extremely valuable for Kraken Price is less than a month away from celebrating his 34th birthday, he’s locked into a contract that comes with a $10.5-million cap hit for each of Francis might have the same opportunity with . If the the next five years, and that’s a lot of valuable space being used on a talented 26-year-old goes unprotected, he’s already on LTIR and has a goaltender who fell off the pedestal over the last few regular seasons — $5.5-million cap hit for each of the next two seasons. even if he put in a superstar performance in last year’s bubble before It’s all but guaranteed 22-year-old right-handed defenceman Cale Fleury doing the same to carry the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final this year. will be left exposed. He’s a talented, tough restricted free agent due a The injuries have piled up more than the trophies have over his 14 qualifying offer worth about $9.5 million less than Price will count for on seasons in Montreal, and he admittedly can’t handle the same workload next season’s cap. that had him termed a thoroughbred by the man who drafted him (Bob Gainey). There will be other options, and we’ll find out on Sunday what they are — not just from the Canadiens, but from every team. All that reinforced Allen’s value to Bergevin. The 30-year-old, who’s on the cap for $2.875 million over each of the next two seasons, got the Bergevin will have to hope Francis’s plans have him steer clear of the Canadiens to the playoffs so Price could get them through, and that’s the former fifth-overall pick in 2005. And if his gamble doesn’t pay off, at least same model the GM wants to retain in making this move. he’ll have what Francis correctly termed the most valuable commodity in this environment. The hedge to potentially losing Price to Seattle is on Allen. It’s on 21- year-old Cayden Primeau, who’s waiting in the wings and projects to be a future No. 1. And it’s on the goaltending market, which will open on July 28 when free agency kicks off and offer some reasonably priced and Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.18.2021 talented stop-gap solutions.

But prior to Saturday, Price’s contract was thought to be immovable— with good reason — and Bergevin is banking on that still being the case.

Price is owed an $11-million signing bonus on September of 2021, and he’ll make a minimum of $5.5 million up front for every remaining season under contract. His actual salary will be $13 million for next season and it will never dip below $7.5 million at any point. And though he has lifted his no-movement clause for the expansion draft, he will retain it if claimed by the Kraken (meaning they cannot claim him and then flip him to another team without his consent).

If all that — on top of what Price is making on the cap — isn’t a concern to Francis, he isn’t doing his job properly.

But even Bergevin has to know that some of that concern can be mitigated by several factors.

Start with this one: Of the 31 players the Kraken will choose, none of them will come with the pedigree or notoriety of Price, a former Hart-, 1217605 Websites Suspecting the Kraken might nab McCann, Pittsburgh was able to re- acquire Hållander, whom it drafted in 2018 and dealt to Toronto in 2020 as a key part of the Kasperi Kapanen trade.

Sportsnet.ca / Why the Maple Leafs made last-minute trade for Jared “We are excited to add Filip back to the organization. He is a well- McCann rounded player with good size who plays the game the right way,” Penguins GM Ron Hextall said. “We are grateful to Jared for his contributions to the team and wish him the best.”

Luke Fox@lukefoxjukebox Hållander, 21, is signed through the 2022-23 season at a $764,167 AAV. He has yet to play for a North American team. July 17, 2021, 7:09 PM The six-foot-one, 190-pound forward spent 2020-21 with Lulea HF of the

Swedish Hockey League, recording 13 goals, 11 assists and 24 points in TORONTO – The Seattle Kraken had their tentacles out for both Jared 51 games. McCann and Alexander Kerfoot.

Thanks to an 11th-hour trade, however, the 32nd franchise will only be Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.18.2021 able to snatch one of the middle-six forwards during the July 21 expansion draft.

Shortly before Saturday’s 3 p.m. ET trade freeze — slotted two hours prior to the expansion draft’s deadline for protection lists — the Toronto Maple Leafs secured McCann from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for 21-year-old prospect Filip Hållander and a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

No salary was retained in the deal.

McCann, 25, carries a $2.94-million salary-cap hit through 2021-22, but is due $3.38 million in actual salary, which will be of little consequence to the cash-flush Leafs.

Unlike McCaan, Hållander does not require protection from the Kraken.

The transaction better positioned both Pittsburgh and Toronto for next week’s player harvest. It was merely one in a blizzard of 10 trades involving 15 teams — none of them Seattle — in a frenzied 48 hours leading up to the freeze.

Learning well from George McPhee’s skillful hoodwinking and opportunistic double-dipping at the 2017 Vegas Golden Knights Expansion Draft, the NHL’s general managers have thus far favoured deals amongst themselves instead of letting Seattle GM Ron Francis play puppet master.

“Different teams have different motivations to make player transactions,” Maple Leafs assistant GM Laurence Gilman said previously.

“A lot of teams look at the expansion draft as an opportunity for them to divest themselves of some players or — if they’re sharp — acquire players in advance of the expansion draft from other teams that are vulnerable.”

That is precisely what the Maple Leafs (among other clubs) accomplished Saturday.

In McCann, the Maple Leafs have secured another Ontario-born forward and some measure of insurance against losing Kerfoot, a 26-year-old on the books through 2023 at $3.5 million.

Both players have shown versatility, playing centre and left wing.

McCann, a natural pivot, moved to the left flank on the Penguins’ third line once the organization acquired centre Jeff Carter at the trade deadline.

A late first-round draft pick by the Vancouver Canucks in 2014, McCaan recorded 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) and was a career-best plus-17 rating in 43 regular-season games with the Penguins in 2021. He posted one assist in Pittsburgh’s six-game Round 1 loss to the New York Islanders.

McCann’s positive underlying numbers would’ve caught Leafs GM Kyle Dubas’s eye, and his shooting percentage (15.1 per cent) was higher than normal last season.

The Maple Leafs have yet to make McCann available to reporters, and he immediately joins Kerfoot, Travis Dermott and perhaps Justin Holl as the Leafs likely targeted by Francis.

If Seattle snatches McCann or Kerfoot, Dubas will no longer lose a versatile middle-six forward at a reasonable price point.

Simply put: McCann is Kerfoot insurance… and he’s cheaper. 1217606 Websites submitted two hours after the trade in advance of the Seattle expansion draft on Wednesday.

Dickinson had just seven goals last season with the Stars and has shown Sportsnet.ca / Canucks hoping newly acquired Jason Dickinson can fill few signs of becoming a top-six scorer in the NHL. But the winger-centre third-line void from Georgetown, Ont., was fourth on the Stars in five-on-five shot share (56.23 per cent) and scoring chances (59.56) and, interestingly, fifth among forwards in overtime ice time despite his limited offence. Clearly, he was a player Dallas coach Rick Bowness trusted. Iain MacIntyre@imacSportsnet In Vancouver, he could replace unrestricted free agent Brandon Sutter as July 17, 2021, 6:38 PM the team’s third-line centre.

One of Dickinson’s early idols in hockey was two-way Canucks centre VANCOUVER -- Being a “utility-knife guy” for the Dallas Stars allowed . Jason Dickinson to build the foundation for his NHL career. “When I was watching hockey growing up, I didn’t really watch one But he is hoping for something more specific with the Vancouver team,” he explained. “I was a fan of players. I kind of followed players Canucks. He’d like to become a more purposeful implement – like a big, and what I liked in their game, and at first it was Ottawa because I really sharp fork the Canucks can stick into the opposition’s top players each liked watching . And then as things started to change night. for him, I started to notice Kesler and was watching his game, and then the Sedin twins as well.” “Offensively, I have a lot more in me,” he told Sportsnet after Saturday’s trade to the Canucks. “But my defensive game, I feel like that is where So the kid from just outside Toronto followed the Canucks? I've been able to solidify myself. I've found my game. I know where I “Yeah, you can ask anyone from my family,” he said. “They’ll vouch for stand there and I love the matchup game. Once I've got a guy I know I me.” need to outplay, that's when my game starts to shine and I play at my best.

“Being that versatile guy is good and bad. It has its pros and cons, but Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.18.2021 you never get a consistent situation. Every night (last season) I looked at the board and I was on a different line. I'd have a different winger or I'd be a winger. I do believe that I'll be able to carve out a definitive role in Vancouver and I just hope that they see it the same way.”

They do. Canucks general manager Jim Benning said Dickinson will have the chance to earn the third-line centre spot in Vancouver.

The organization surrendered to the Stars a third-round pick in next week’s draft with the hope that Dickinson, the just-turned-26-year-old who had 15 points in 51 games last season, will lift some of the defensive burden from Bo Horvat and give Vancouver’s captain more offensive- zone starts.

“We think he's a real good, third-line, matchup-type player,” Benning said. “We think he's versatile. He can play centre, he can play the wing, he gives us speed and he's a good penalty killer. And he's 26 years old; he's right in that window with the. . . rest of our group. And I think there's still room for growth in his game offensively. We're happy to get him.”

They’re happy to get not only Dickinson’s skill set, but also his character and leadership.

A 2013 first-round pick who spent the last three seasons with the Stars after climbing to the NHL, Dickinson gained prominence beyond the ice during last summer’s playoff bubble in Edmonton when he represented his team at the front of the room as the Stars, Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche held a press conference to announce a two-day strike over racial injustice.

Dickinson stood alongside Horvat, Vegas’ Ryan Reaves and the Avalanche’s Nazem Kadri and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare in a powerful display of player unity and empowerment.

“That weighed into the decision because he's a high-character person,” Benning conceded. “Talking to (Dallas GM) Jim Nill, they had a tough decision to make on him. If they would have kept them, he would have worn a letter at some point for them. We talked about his character and bringing in a guy like that to our group, I think it's going to help us.”

Dickinson said he didn’t think about potential ramifications for standing up for what he believed.

“I just didn't think I had the courage to do it on my own,” he said. “When the opportunity was presented to me (to help lead the player movement), I was on-board. I loved it. I was glad we were doing something. It was a great moment for all of us.”

After a dreadful season, the Canucks could use some great moments on the ice.

Dickinson’s acquisition dislodged prospect Kole Lind, Benning’s second- round pick from 2017, from the Canucks’ protected list that was 1217607 Websites What are you most proud of when it comes to your season? "The beginning of it. I went on a 12 game win streak and broke Tristan

Jarry’s [franchise] record so that accomplishment is pretty cool. It's a 'Extremely confident' Cossa believes he's the best goalie in the draft team record, but with Jarry in Pittsburgh now it's pretty cool."

Did you hear from Jarry?

By Mark Masters "Yeah. We work out at the same gym so there's some really good role models there, some really good pros like Carter Hart and Tristan Jarry, Sam Steel, Dan Carr, so some really good pros there. I'm fortunate to workout with them." For the first time since 2012 when Andrei Vasilevskiy (19th to Tampa Bay) and Malcolm Subban (24th to Boston) heard their names called on Where did your game grow the most this season? the opening night of the National Hockey League Draft, we could see two goalies picked in the first round. "The confidence in my game skyrocketed. I've always been a confident goalie, but just the consistency of my game [was there]. When I simplify Lulea's Jesper Wallstedt is the top-ranked European goalie, per NHL my game and I'm tracking the puck well and seeing the puck, the game Central Scouting, and played against men in the Swedish Hockey seems to be easier for me. So, it's just staying consistent." League last season. Edmonton's Sebastian Cossa dominated the Western Hockey League and is the top ranked North American goalie. I get the sense you don't get rattled by much, but are there any questions you get asked during NHL team interviews that make you raise your TSN director of scouting Craig Button has Wallstedt at No. 7 and Cossa eyebrows? at No. 15 on his latest list of top prospects. Being the first goalie picked would be meaningful for Cossa. "Questions about what I need to work on. Those are ones you need to think about, especially mentally. Obviously, I'm a confident guy, but "I like the pressure of it," he said. "There comes quite a bit of pressure realizing there's always the next step and you can always be getting with that so, obviously, I'd use that as motivation. It would be cool." better in those aspects of the game."

And Cossa, who posted a .941 save percentage last season, believes What do you see as the next step? What are you focused on? he's earned the distinction. "Right now, I'm continuing to work on tracking, skating, puck handling, "Yeah," the 18-year-old said succinctly when asked if he thinks he's the retrieving pucks behind the net. There's a lot of small details in my game best goalie in the draft. "Yeah, I do." as well. Obviously, being a big guy, I want to stay that way and utilize my size and not shrink down sometimes throughout my legs or chest so Cossa spoke with TSN about his style, NHL role models and how he continuing to work on that." uses his size to his advantage. The following is an edited transcript of the conversation. How has working with True Movement in Edmonton helped you?

What do you enjoy the most about being a goalie? "It's amazing. Doing a lot of off-stabilization work, a lot of core work, a lot of hamstring, hip mobility, so my body has been night and day since I’ve "I love the pressure, honestly. Being the last line of defence, being either been doing that. the hero or the villain, I like the stress of that and I like the pressure of that." When did you start and how did you get hooked up with them?

Pressure doesn't bother you? "Two years ago. My trainer at my gym recommended it. Carter Hart was going there, so she (Erin Baker) had quite a bit of a resume and a couple "No. The more pressure, the better I play." guys that were going before me. Once I went there, I got hooked." How do you deal with the mental side of the game? What's the story behind your mask design? "I'm just extremely confident. I'm confident in my game and confident in "There's a 'Seabass' on the back, which is the nickname I’ve had since I my skills. I definitely put the work in so I go out there and just play." was a kid. There's the legislature in Edmonton. But Rogan Dean, my How would you describe your style? equipment manager in Edmonton, handles most of it."

"Pretty technical. I take a position and my angles are very serious and Is that the Sea Bass character, played by , from 'Dumb and then I track the puck very well." Dumber' on the mask?

Who are your NHL role models? "My equipment manager loves the movie 'Dumb and Dumber' and clearly likes that scene (smile). It's been on my mask the last couple years and I "Carey Price and Pekka Rinne. Carey Price because of how calm and guess it's not leaving any time soon." cool he is. He just makes the game look so easy. And then Pekka Rinne, who just retired, is more my size and how well he moved in the crease, I Who gave you the nickname? really looked up to." "My brother when I was about six or seven. I don't tell anyone, but You're listed at 6-foot-6 and a half, is that accurate up to the moment? everywhere I go everyone starts calling me it. It's following me around."

"Ah, it might be 6-foot-7 now (smiles)." The World Juniors are in Edmonton again this year. What would it mean to you play for Team Canada? Are you done growing? "It's one of my goals, especially with it being in Edmonton and so close to "Hopefully. I got some pretty big feet. I hope I quit growing now. I got the home, so close to Fort McMurray. With Edmonton and all the great fans size." there, it would be the experience of a lifetime."

Sometimes taller goalies need time to learn how to move efficiently, but How did the Fort McMurray wildfire in 2016 impact your family? you've figured that out pretty quickly. "We left town for three months. Luckily, our house wasn't burnt down. We "Being a bigger goalie there's going to be bigger holes, but my goalie had smoke damage like everyone else, but very fortunate our house was coach hammered in tracking and shutting down those holes. Being still standing when we went back. But, obviously, having to leave home bigger, that's only going to help me now. Staying athletic and being able for three months and the uncertainty of it was pretty scary." to move and staying flexible with my size is really key." What did you take from the experience? You posted a 17-1-1 record last season in the WHL so the obvious question is: what happened in that one regulation loss? "Just understanding what you can control and what's out of your hands. Worrying about things that you can't control isn't going to do much for "(Laughs) I want it back. Yeah, two goals I want back and we could've you so just put your head down and try to make the best out of the won the game 2-1. So, yeah, I wanted a couple goals back there." situation. We went down to Calgary and went to the Edge School there and had a really good time there. So, just trying to make the best out of every situation."

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