sign in sign up
<<
Home , Brad Lauer, Brian Finley, Canada Life Centre, Carey Price, Chet Pickard, Dave Goucher

SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 7/21/2021 Bruins 1190515 Former Bruins Defenseman Kluzak Relates To Miller’s 1190541 Driedger is off to Seattle, but who else will Kraken get? Plight 1190542 Florida Panthers 2021 Report Cards: The Goalies 1190516 BHN Puck Links: NHL Trade Buzz On Eve Of NHL Expansion Draft Minnesota Wild 1190543 Wednesday's NHL expansion draft at a glance 1190544 Twenty top Minnesota prospects in the NHL Draft 1190517 Owen Power, William Eklund headline Sabres' debate with 1190545 About the 2021 NHL draft No. 1 draft pick 1190546 Chaz Lucius blossoms from 14-year-old Gophers commit to first-round NHL draft prospect Flames 1190547 John Shipley: 2021 NHL expansion draft tough on Class of 1190518 Hitmen forward Sean Tschigerl anxious for NHL Draft after 2000 offensive breakthrough 1190548 Who will Wild lose in NHL expansion draft, and what 1190519 Flames announce pre-season schedule would it mean? 1190549 Russo: Wild GM not frightened by KHL threat with Kirill Kaprizov, plus Jack Eichel trade talk 1190520 It’s an anxious time to be an ‘unprotected’ NHL player as the expansion draft nears Canadiens 1190521 Which Hurricanes are staying and leaving ahead of 1190550 Stu Cowan: Kraken face bigger risk than Canadiens with Wednesday’s NHL expansion draft? 1190551 Jean-François Houle named head coach of AHL's Laval Rocket 1190522 Which Chicago Blackhawks might get taken in the 1190552 Carey Price says Canada needs to 'do a better job' on expansion draft — and who are some players on the issue of residential schools team’s NHL d 1190523 NHL set to begin offseason that will redefine the value of cap space 1190553 Nashville Predators to launch NFT series with 25 digital 1190524 Blackhawks head scout Mark Kelley breaks down the NHL collectibles draft big board 1190554 Who will Predators lose to Kraken in NHL expansion 1190525 Ten key questions facing the Blackhawks as the legal draft? Here are 5 candidates process plays out 1190555 2021 NHL Expansion Draft: How to watch on TV, 1190526 Blackhawks set their protected list for expansion draft streaming, format as Seattle Kraken fill their roster 1190556 Preds venture into world of NFTs 1190557 What are Predators getting in Cody Glass, Philippe 1190527 Chambers: For Gabe Landeskog to remain with Myers? Avalanche, one side must budge 1190528 New Avalanche scouting director ready for challenging NHL draft: “With mystery comes opportunity” 1190558 Stocking the Kraken through expansion draft makes for a 1190529 Peter Forsberg turns 48, NHL trade buzz on eve of lot of NHL maneuvering Expansion Draft 1190559 Franchise Stability and Growth Have Made the Islanders 1190530 Avs Draft Plan? “Best player available” an NHL Destination 1190560 New York Islanders Reportedly Interested in RFA Columbus Blue Jackets Conor Garland 1190531 Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine weighing qualifying offer for 1190561 Islanders Working to Keep Bailey from Seattle & More next season 1190532 NHL draft profile: Who is Dylan Guenther? 1190533 Blue Jackets' preseason schedule features eight games, 1190562 Stocking the Kraken through expansion draft makes for a four opponents lot of NHL maneuvering 1190534 Blue Jackets' next two weeks might be turbulent amid 1190563 ‘You can’t have all Ferraris’: Barclay Goodrow can make roster makeover the Rangers tougher, but is he worth the cost? 1190535 Who the Blue Jackets might lose in the Seattle expansion draft, and how it will impact them Senators 1190564 chief scout Trent Mann says the club is 'prepared for every scenario' for NHL draft 1190536 Which Dallas Star will go to Seattle? Here’s a look at the 1190565 Senators haven't ruled out taking a goalie in the draft if Kraken’s options ahead of expansion draft they happen to lose one to the Seattle Kraken 1190566 How the Senators are approaching the NHL Draft: ‘We’re Red Wings not scared to take a goalie at any point’ 1190537 eager for training camp, next season; but will be ready? 1190538 NHL Expansion Draft: Which Red Wings player will end up 1190567 New Flyers defenseman excited to ‘get settled in Seattle? and start a chase for the Cup’ 1190539 Timing could be right for Red Wings to take goalie with top 1190568 The Flyers, who will lose a player in the expansion draft, pick could land winger Vladimir Tarasenko. Is he worth t 1190569 The Ryan Ellis trade was just the beginning of the Flyers’ makeover | On the Fly 1190540 Edmonton Oilers scouts brave pandemic in search of 1190570 Ryan Ellis brings winning mentality to Flyers talent 1190571 Ellis' new jersey is one Flyers fans have never seen 1190572 Flyers release preseason schedule, when you should get first glimpse of Ellis 1190573 Flyers add new assistant coach to Vigneault's staff Websites 1190574 Penguins A to Z: Bryan Rust can really cash in next 1190611 The Athletic / EA Sports has new titles coming amid offseason sustained demand for next-gen consoles and games 1190575 Penguins' early actions in offseason indicate team's main 1190612 The Athletic / Woman victimized by NHL prospect in objective : ‘All I wanted was a heartfelt apology’ 1190576 First Call: Steelers' contract terms known for Melvin 1190613 The Athletic / Will any NHL team trade their first-round Ingram; Seattle prediction on Penguins expansion pick fo draft pick? 1190577 How the Kraken's biggest NHL expansion draft decisions 1190614 The Athletic / Sebastian Cossa’s rare size, athleticism, could impact their Penguins pick consistency make him a top NHL Draft goaltending pros 1190578 Ron Cook: Exposing Brandon Tanev is a risk, but losing 1190615 The Athletic / Why you’ve never seen anyone like NHL him wouldn't ruin Penguins' chances draft-eligible center Kent Johnson 1190579 Penguins Have Perfect Backup Plan for Losing (or 1190616 .ca / Kraken targeting some free agents, Price Trading) Marcus Pettersson decision comes down to the wire 1190580 Expansion Mock Drafts, Trade Rumor Updates 1190617 Sportsnet.ca / Will Kraken look to Oilers for depth, prospects or surprise with UFA deal? San Jose Sharks 1190618 Sportsnet.ca / Can Canucks coax Kraken into taking 1190581 Who Should Sharks Pair With Hill? Holtby's contract off their hands? 1190582 Draft Big Board 3.0: Our Final Top-10 1190619 Sportsnet.ca / Senators hope Kraken choose Dadonov 1190583 Sheng’s Daily: Barclay Goodrow, $20 Million Dollar Man? over Daccord in expansion draft 1190620 TSN.CA / Top prospect Edvinsson on admiring Hedman, Seattle Kraken adapting to smaller ice 1190584 The Kraken finally is set to fill out its roster in the NHL 1190621 TSN.CA / Athletic therapists get funding for study of expansion draft. Will it include Carey Price? Toradol, painkillers 1190585 This interactive tool allows you to build your own Kraken 1190622 USA TODAY / NHL prospect Logan Mailloux withdraws roster ahead of Wednesday’s expansion draft from 2021 draft after criminal conviction in Sweden 1190586 6 of the most intriguing names left exposed for Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft Jets 1190587 Full details: Seattle Kraken expansion draft coverage from 1190603 Tantalizing expansion-draft options when Seattle gets 710 ESPN Seattle Kraken 1190588 Seattle Kraken expansion draft: Salk’s dream team from 1190604 Already thin on the right side of blue-line, things will get available players worse for Jets if Kraken takes DeMelo 1190589 LeBrun: Kraken’s Carey Price decision? Gabriel 1190605 Jets release six-game pre-season schedule, starting with Landeskog’s contract demands? Kirill Kaprizov’s KHL home game against Senators Sept. 26 offer? 1190606 A guide to the first round of the NHL Draft: 1190590 Seattle Kraken mock expansion draft: Why we’re taking Who could fall to them? Who should they want? Gabriel Landeskog but not Carey Price SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 St Louis Blues 1190591 Starting with expansion draft, things about to get busy for Blues 1190592 A chip on his shoulder: Vladimir Tarasenko’s doctor says disgruntled Blues star is healthy and motivated 1190593 ‘It was brutal’: Lightning’s Alex Killorn on final injury 1190594 Pat Maroon, Alex Killorn on expansion draft, superstitions, Lightning locker room Maple Leafs 1190595 There’s something fishy if the Kraken take the Leafs’ Alex Kerfoot in the expansion draft 1190596 The Leafs are still talking to Zach Hyman but something will have to give — or someone will have to go — for t 1190597 TRAIKOS: Price, Giordano and Gourde could be heading to Seattle in the expansion draft 1190598 No matter who departs Toronto to Seattle in expansion, it's on the Leafs stars to get it right 1190599 Maple Leafs free agent targets Part 2: Ranking the 44 UFA forwards who make sense for Toronto Canucks 1190607 Will Canucks pay a Price? Kraken expansion pick could set off some dominoes 1190608 Canucks, pre-NHL Entry Draft: Multi-tasking Mason McTavish’s game has heavy hints of Horvat 1190609 Abbotsford to host 2021 training camp 1190610 Canucks draft options at No. 9: Why Kent Johnson would be a slam dunk pick, which defender could fall and more 1190600 Golden Knights announce 2021-22 preseason schedule 1190601 Golden Knights announce preseason schedule 1190602 What are the Golden Knights getting in Nolan Patrick? A talented skater and scorer in need of a confidence boo 1190515 eventually ended by a complex knee injury, Kluzak’s and Miller’s career paths have little in common. A rugged defenseman whose opportunities were built more on determination than pedigree, Miller reached the NHL Former Bruins Defenseman Kluzak Relates To Miller’s Plight at age 26. Kluzak’s career ended at 26. The right-shooting Miller was a true Californian blooming late at the University of Vermont and giving pro hockey a shot; the left-shooting Kluzak was the first overall pick in the 1982 NHL draft. Their similarities only started on the ice, where Bobby Published 11 hours ago on July 20, 2021By Mick Colageo Orr himself had taught us a half-century ago that hockey does not discriminate against knees.

A year before Kevan Miller’s July 14 announcement of his retirement Miller was at a great place in his career when a cracked kneecap was from professional hockey, former Boston Bruins defenseman Gord cracked again during rehab on a perpendicular axis. He missed 67 Kluzak was watching from afar as Miller rehabbed the second crack in games in the 2018-19 season, including all 24 playoff games, and then his kneecap and all the while reliving his own ordeal from three decades the entire 2019-20 season. Despite being re-signed in 2020 to a one-year ago. contract, Miller was widely written off as Charlie McAvoy, Carlo, and Connor Clifton emerged as the future of the franchise at the former’s A string of left-knee injuries and complicated rehab efforts had plagued right-side defense position. Then the 2021 season began, and it seemed Kluzak’s sometimes-stellar career throughout the 1980s, costing him full as though Miller hadn’t missed a beat. Despite the injuries, Miller brought seasons at a time. A rookie in the fall in 1982, Kluzak’s only full season the same spark if not the same speed and the same leadership and edge as a veteran player was in 1987-88 when he played a key role in helping that the sport’s tougher players find so difficult to recapture after lengthy the Bruins end a 45-year playoff hex against Montreal. When the Boston absences from the competitive environment. The Boston Bruins started Bruins hosted NHL All-Star Weekend in the inaugural season of the the season 10-3-2 with Miller in the lineup and went 8-6-3 in his first 15 FleetCenter (1995-96), ex-North Stars and ex-Canadiens centerman games out. Bobby Smith appeared at a public-skating event at so yours truly couldn’t resist the opportunity to skate with Smith and engage The 2021 season’s jammed-packed 56-game schedule only intensified him about the brutal ’80s rivalry between Boston and Montreal. the need for maintenance days. Throughout the ’80s, Kluzak’s pocket calendar could have been designed according to his successes and “A big reason why we lost in ’88 was Kluzak played so well we couldn’t setbacks. In 1984 training camp, he was a quick-footed, 6-foot-4, 20- defend (Ray) Bourque,” said Smith. “Kluzak went 6-foot-4 and 220 year-old phenom coming off a promising sophomore season and looked pounds as a left-shot defenseman, but his ability to dance laterally with poised to take the next step in his NHL career when future/ex Boston the puck on a string forced the Canadiens to respect his ability at the left Bruins coach Dave Lewis, then playing for New Jersey, low-bridged him point. The result was Bourque could take chances and rove, move to the in a preseason game at . Tearing his ACL, MCL, and slot, and be ready to fire a one-timer at .” meniscus, Kluzak had surgery the next day and was in a cast for two months. He missed the entire 1984-85 season. Coupled with Barry It was a treat to see Kluzak realize his potential, even for a brief period of Pederson’s season-canceling bicep surgery, Kluzak’s absence was a key history-making. By 1988, the big defenseman, unfortunately, had little left reason the Bruins fell from Cup-contender status to the middle of the in his left knee, and after totaling 11 games over the next two campaigns pack. he was only two games into the 1990-91 season when the Boston Bruins were celebrating a victory over the Rangers at , “I came back from that pretty well, then I started to have joint-surface but he was oddly subdued. He knew it was over. cartilage problems,” he recalled.

“We won the game in OT I believe and I was named the second star of Although the Boston Bruins were swept by eventual Stanley Cup the game. I sat down in the locker room after the game and (realized), champion Montreal in the opening round of the ’86 playoffs, Kluzak was ‘I’m not going to be able to walk someday if I keep this up,'” Kluzak back on his game. “I remember I played great that series, felt great,” he recalled. “I knew that I had given it everything I possibly can and as much said. Only a Game 4 slapshot from Hall of Fame defenseman Larry of a risk as it was becoming to the rest of my life. I knew I could be Robinson struck Kluzak directly on the kneecap. The pain was comforted by that.” temporary, but that summer working out Kluzak felt some fluid in his knee. Amidst such an emotionally, mentally, and physically painful decision, comfort is hard to find. Miller’s values and perspective — he was the “For me, the frustrating part was when I had my knee torn apart by that Bruins’ player liaison to veterans — will no doubt help. Needing Dave Lewis hit … they put that all back, but someone’s telling you there’s assistance to leave the ice after his final NHL shift, not because of his this one little tiny spot in your kneecap. But the pain and the forces are knee but a concussion dealt him by Washington defenseman Dmitri extraordinary,” he said. Orlov, was ironic. Minus Miller, when Carlo went out of the Islanders series on the Cal Clutterbuck hit, the Bruins were too severely For Kluzak, the full season (66 regular-season and all 23 playoff games) compromised on their right side to survive inherent defensive weakness he played in 1987-88 would be his last, isolated on either side by a on their left side. complete DNP in 86-87 and a three-game 88-89. Although Kluzak never cracked a knee cap as Miller did twice, the former’s issues were multiple Miller’s presence would have also come in handy against the rugged St. and at the same time chronic. With plenty of down-time to study on his Louis Blues in 2019. Similarly, without Kluzak as a left-side stopper, the injury, Kluzak explained in accurate detail how joint-surface cartilage nimble, quick, and skilled 1989-90 Boston Bruins blue line could not underneath his kneecap had a wedge shape in the back. It was round on match up against an Edmonton team they had considered beatable, the outside and wedge shape inside. The thin covering of cartilage bonds unlike that -led machine that swept Boston two years with the groove at the end of the femur, and “those two surfaces are six earlier. One thing hockey coaches tend to figure out before their bosses times smoother than two pieces of ice.” are that it doesn’t matter how much talent a team has upfront if it cannot defend. And it doesn’t matter how well a defense moves the puck if it He understood, even by walking up and down stairs that the weight on cannot survive the beating levied by a heavier opponent over a seven- one leg is six times one’s body weight per square inch in force. At the game series. fulcrum of his knee cap “like a soft spot on an apple” there was “enormous pain whenever I tried to put weight on my left leg.” The Miller injury was somewhat flukey, as he carried the puck into the Caps’ zone during Game 4 and Orlov cut over Scott Stevens style and Kluzak endured four different surgeries during the 1986-87 season that finished high. Carlo has been repeatedly victimized by the “I had a clean he sat out, all efforts to smooth off the rough patch. shot so I had to take it” constitution that permeates the playoffs. If there is “They took a little more out. Finally, at one point I remember he took off a one skill the rangy defenseman had better learn in a hurry, it’s how to flap, and it was the fourth arthroscopic surgery on that surface (so) I avoid vulnerable positions during board battles. That is a subject for could play in 87-88,” he said. “But the problem … soft spot right down to another day, but the cause of Miller’s retirement may have a lot more in the bone, much rougher spot — remember forces per square inch are common with Kluzak’s plight, something the latter and I discussed over enormous — kneecap patella side wore a corresponding piece of the phone in June 2020. cartilage.” Beyond a great relationship with the City of Boston, thanks to an inspirational decade of professional hockey unfortunately plagued and That last injury left him with a complex rehabilitation that was never fully resolved. The knee regularly flared up, preventing him from helping the Bruins in any playoffs after ’88.

“It’s amazing that I was so young when that happened,” said Kluzak, a high-mileage 24 at the time. In the years following the decision to retire, Kluzak was still a young man who could skate like the wind despite his 6- 4, 220 frame.

“Even today I could go skate and you’d never know I was hurt,” he said.

Kluzak felt fine playing in Boston Bruins Alumni games but knew all the discomfort would eventually come back if he really dug his way into it, just like it did when Cam Neely’s hip was feeling better and he tried to give it a go two years after announcing his own retirement.

“Guys like (Miller) or guys like me that are completely dedicated to it, it’s so hard when you have an injury,” said Kluzak. “There’s nothing else you ever dreamed of doing.”

Like Miller who was nominated by Boston’s chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association as its Bill Masterton Trophy candidate for his unwavering perseverance, Kluzak actually took home the award in 1990. Looking to redirect his competitive juices, Kluzak went to Harvard Business School and has since become managing director at Goldman Sachs & Co.

“I work with really interesting people in the markets, I have a great new career, I worked very hard to make that happen,” he said. “No matter, I wasn’t going to play unless I could play at a high level. I didn’t want to play even at a reduced level, Even if I felt OK … I wouldn’t be the player that I was.”

Kluzak had a run as a TV analyst for NESN’s telecasts of Bruins games. He was as meticulous in the press box and studio as he was on the ice, learning how to pronounce every player’s name. But he did find a place to redirect his competitive intensity, and that is in the world of finance.

“The other thing is — and I tell kids this all the time — there is life after hockey,” he said. “You can take the skills — and reapply them.”

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190516 Boston Bruins

BHN Puck Links: NHL Trade Buzz On Eve Of NHL Expansion Draft

By Jimmy Murphy

With the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft set for tomorrow and the current NHL roster freeze set to be lifted on Thursday at 1 PM ET, the NHL trade chatter is approaching a crescendo once again. The chatter will get even louder at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft Friday and Saturday.

Are the New York Islanders trying to work out a way to keep Josh Bailey and hook up with the Seattle Kraken on the NHL trade market?

There was no way the were going to be able to trade Cary Price or ; so are their current situations part of a grand scheme to move on from both player and their cap hits?

That and more in your BHN Puck Links:

A great get here by my Long Beach buddy Christian Arnold. An NHL source with direct knowledge told NYI Hockey Now that Seattle is keen on Josh Bailey, but the Islanders are trying to push them towards Jordan Eberle. Could the Isles and Kraken hook up on the NHL trade market so the Islanders can keep Bailey? (NYI Hockey Now)

The trade for defenseman Ryan Ellis on the NHL trade front was just the beginning for the wheeling and dealing Flyers. Buckle up! (Philly Hockey Now)

Who will the Seattle Kraken select on Wednesday night? A breakdown of the Pittsburgh Penguins available and why Seattle could select each (and why they shouldn’t), including 3-1 odds that they surprise everyone and select Marcus Pettersson. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

It’s looking more and more like the Detroit Red Wings will lose a veteran defenseman in the expansion draft. (Detroit Hockey Now)

Remember Pavel Datsyuk? The 43-year-old is being encouraged for one more season. No, he’s not coming back to the NHL, but other big teams want him. Sidenote: A well-placed source told me that for a brief time in 2011, Datsyuk’s name was on the NHL trade market and the Bruins pushed hard to grab him. (Detroit Hockey Now)

It might be a double whammy for the Florida Panthers. Could they lose both Chris Driedger AND Springfield, MA native, former UMass star and Boston Bruins forward Frank Vatrano? (Florida Hockey Now)

Sammi Silber (who is KILLING it in Washington like an old pro) steered head-on into the controversial Capitals decision to protect Trevor van Riemsdyk and expose Justin Schultz. (Washington Hockey Now)

The San Jose Sharks decided Adin Hill was starting-goalie material and snagged him on the nHL trade market just under the Saturday deadline. Now it appears his salary cap hit will be higher than expected. Sheng

After trying hard to sign him last offseason and then to acquire him at the NHL Trade Deadline, it appears the Montreal Canadiens are set to take another stab at signing forward Mike Hoffman. (TSN)

Speaking of the Montreal Canadiens, are the Shea Weber and Carey Price situations the perfect opportunity for the Habs to move on for both veterans? (Montreal Gazette)

With the NHL Expansion Draft tomorrow, Lance Hornby takes a cool look back on the NHL’s expansion adventures. (Toronto Sun)

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190517 Buffalo Sabres the options Buffalo has to bolster a young core led by Dylan Cozens and Casey Mittelstadt.

Sabres winger agrees to waive no-movement clause for Owen Power, William Eklund headline Sabres' debate with No. 1 draft expansion draft pick Skinner, the $9 million-per-year winger with 21 goals over the past two seasons, agreed to waive his no-movement clause Tuesday for the Lance Lysowski Jul 20, 2021 purpose of being exposed to the Kraken at the expansion draft on July 21, his agent, Don Meehan, confirmed to The Buffalo News.

Beniers, a teammate of Power’s at Michigan, is considered by many Owen Power helped Canada win gold at the IIHF World Championship analysts as the top center in this draft after a strong showing as a this spring. freshman with the Wolverines. Beniers averaged a point per game at Michigan, with 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points in 24 games. He There was no question that Rasmus Dahlin was going to be the Buffalo also had impressive production at the USA Hockey National Team Sabres’ choice when then-general manager Jason Botterill stepped to Development Program in 2019-20, totaling 18 goals and 41 points in 44 the podium inside Dallas’ on June 22, 2018. games. Dahlin was the consensus top prospect, a remarkable young Beniers represented the United States at the IIHF World Championship defenseman with a skill set that scouts compared to that of Detroit Red this spring, an opportunity for the Sabres and other teams to see how his Wings great and hall of famer Nicklas Lidstrom. Dahlin’s impressive play skills compared to those of NHLers. in Sweden’s top professional league made an immediate jump to the NHL a foregone conclusion. “I think kind of my ability to make plays, see the ice, kind of my hockey IQ,” Beniers said about which of his skills helped him succeed at the Sabres drafting first overall in year in which 'scouting world got turned tournament. “I think that was pretty good. I felt good about that there and upside down' kind of my edges, my skating ability when I was there. I think that those The on-ice development of many prospects was impacted by restrictions two things allowed me to play well at a faster pace and make plays and to combat the spread of the virus, as positive Covid-19 tests wreaked kind of have an impact while I was there. The way I see the ice and move havoc on the schedules of every active league and players couldn’t train my feet, I think that also helped me a lot with forechecking, backchecking as they normally would. This has caused the NHL’s 32 teams to rethink and things like that.” how they evaluate talent in this unusual year, which likely will impact their The Sabres' internal debate, though, likely centers around Power and draft rankings. Eklund. Owen Power, a 6-foot-6 prospect referred to by scouts and analysts as a “In my view, he's the best player,” Craig Button, TSN director of scouting, complete defenseman, is atop every notable mock draft and prospect said about Power. “I've watched him play since he was 15 when he was ranking entering the NHL’s seven-round virtual event this year, which will playing midget hockey, so I've had a real benefit of watching him play for begin Friday at 8 p.m. a long period of time and he played lots this year, so he didn't have that Yet, for whatever reason, no one outside KeyBank Center knows who the gap. So, from his time in midget to his time with the Chicago Steel to his Sabres will select first overall. The perception surrounding this draft is time at Michigan now, he continues to handle every challenge thrown his that it’s as weak as any in recent memory. It’s possible no player will way. There's no question that watching him play at the world make the immediate jump to the NHL, and many prospects’ seasons championships gives you even greater confidence about his ability.” were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Sabres are in Power made an immediate impact upon joining the Wolverines, totaling dire need of help at forward, while defense is arguably the strength of the three goals and 16 points in 26 games as a freshman. Power’s 0.62 organization’s depth chart. points per game this season helped him secure rookie of the year honors It’s a debate we won’t know the answer to until general manager Kevyn from the College Hockey News, and he was a Big Ten Freshman of the Adams announces the Sabres’ selection. Year finalist.

Sabres protect Rasmus Ristolainen, expose Will Borgen for expansion Power also performed at a high level against NHL players at the IIHF draft World Championship. He had three assists, 17 shots on and a plus- 1 rating while averaging 20:07 of ice time in 10 games to help Canada GM Kevyn Adams included most of his high-upside, non-exempt players win gold. on the club’s protection list for the Seattle expansion draft. “This is a complete package, and I think he's going to have a powerful “I think he's better than people think he is, actually,” said Brock Sheahan, impact in the ,” said Dan Marr, director of NHL who coached Power with the United States Hockey League’s Chicago Central Scouting. “And, you know, and I hate doing the comparables, but Steel. “I don't think people understand how great he can be. A lot of I get forced into it a lot. He's going to be the best of Alex Pietrangelo and people are saying they don’t know if this is a good draft, but I’ll tell you Seth Jones combined. And that's a player who can go out and play in any what, there’s definitely one elite player in this draft and that’s Owen situation. He's such a rangy, deceptive skater. He is going faster than Power. There are others, but he is very, very special.” what he looks. He can skate his way through any situation out there, and he's got the quickness with his read-and-react game and his hockey Adams, associate general manager Jason Karmanos and the Sabres’ sense to make those plays on the fly.” scouting staff are scrutinizing every area of Power’s game to achieve a better understanding of how the 18-year-old will develop over the next Eklund is a 5-foot-10 left wing who was ranked by central scouting as the several years. top European skater in this class.

The Sabres aren’t interested in selecting the best player available today. Eklund has not had the production of other draft-eligible prospects, but They want the player who will have the greatest impact 5 to 10 years into he was remarkable while competing against men in the Swedish Hockey the future. There's a good chance that Power will return to the University League this season. Eklund was named the league’s rookie of the year of Michigan for his sophomore season, providing him with a valuable after he totaled 11 goals and 23 points in 40 games for Djurgardens. It year of development to prepare for an NHL career. was the fifth-most productive season for a draft-eligible player in SHL history. He accomplished those feats despite testing positive for Covid-19 Adams' scouting staff is also high on defenseman Luke Hughes, who is in December and missing three weeks following an appendectomy in expected to be the third brother in his family to be drafted in the top 10. January. Hughes, 18, spent this past season at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and will play at Michigan next season. He “He competes and works hard with excellent hockey sense, quickness possesses a left-handed shot and his package of skills more closely and elite puck skills to be both a playmaker and a scorer. A scoring threat resembles that of Dahlin, rather than Power. on every shift, he plays bigger than his size and plays to win,” Marr said of Eklund. Picking ahead of the NHL’s 31 other teams provides the Sabres with bountiful options, particularly at forward. William Eklund, Matthew Beniers, Mason McTavish, Dylan Guenther and Kent Johnson are among Though Eklund has played center in the past, some scouts are of the opinion that he projects as a winger in the NHL. Building on the wing isn’t the best strategy, though the Sabres’ prospect pipeline needs talented forwards no matter their position.

Buffalo News LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190518 of creates a bit of chaos out there with his work ethic. And then to follow it up, he makes real quick plays offensively, whether it’s a quick shot or a quick pass. He’s not a player who has to slow it down and needs all kinds Hitmen forward Sean Tschigerl anxious for NHL Draft after offensive of time and space to be effective. He works at that high work rate, where breakthrough he’s constantly just buzzing, I guess, is probably the best way to say it, and that’s attractive to NHL teams.

“They look at a guy like him and he has the right amount of talent, he has Wes Gilbertson the right amount of skill. He can skate. He’s in good shape … I mean, there’s lots to like there. The conversation I’ve had with many NHL teams

is that, like so many kids, I would have like to see Sean have a longer With a little more time to shine, Sean Tschigerl’s draft stock may have runway this year, because I really feel like he was starting to take off. It really started to rise. was obviously not ideal for anybody, but he certainly made the best of his opportunities.” Tschigerl made the most of his limited opportunities to impress the scouts during the condensed campaign, producing at a point-per-game Calgary Sun: LOADED: 07.21.2021 clip for the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen.

The talented teen really started to showcase his offensive upside with an end-of-season sizzler, hitting the scoresheet in each of his final dozen dates and racking up nine goals over that superb span.

“He finished the season like a house on fire,” marvelled Hitmen head coach Steve Hamilton. “It was very impressive to watch him play that last stretch of probably three or four weekends. He was dominant and really became that featured player that we knew he’d grow into.”

Tschigerl will be in the spotlight again this coming weekend, a safe bet to be one of 200-plus youngsters selected in the 2021 NHL Draft.

The 18-year-old left-winger is projected as a likely mid-round pick.

“I think it’s something every player looks up to and wants to be at some point in their life and their career, so it will be something that just makes feel proud and happy and excited,” Tschigerl said. “But at the same time, you’re back in the gym the next day. You have to get back to work. Getting drafted is one part, but making the team is the next step. Obviously, you have to rejoice in the moment but then move forward and get ready to make that jump.”

Tschigerl repeatedly stressed the importance of his off-ice training — as he puts it, “When I come to camp, I want to be the guy that’s like, ‘This is the standard we want to be at’ ” — and those who hang around the Hitmen will tell you it’s not just talk.

That commitment to his conditioning is part of the reason the Whitecourt- raised forward popped during the abbreviated (and bubbled) season.

He led the team with 13 tallies in 21 twirls. He added eight assists. When you consider that he managed just four goals and 13 points in 56 appearances as a WHL rookie, that’s a major breakthrough.

“Constant growth, that’s what I want as a player, and I thought I made the most of my 21 games,” Tschigerl said. “I went on a good streak at the end of the season, finished really strong, and I couldn’t be more happy with that. Obviously, you want to improve every season. That’s what I think I did this season and I want to continue to grow for next season, as well.

“For me, I think the thing I was most proud of was my confidence with the puck and how comfortable I was playing out there, playing those bigger minutes and those key-role areas,” he added. “And with that came that offensive touch. Thirteen goals this year is something I was super happy with, super proud of, and that just comes with that confidence.”

Tschigerl, the fourth-overall pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft, will be a key returnee for the Hitmen in 2021-22, but he’ll be attending his first NHL camp before rejoining his junior buddies.

In which city? He should find out Saturday.

Listed at 6-foot and 186 lb., this kid can really wheel.

He takes great pride in playing a 200-foot game, hardly a surprise from a guy who grew up idolizing .

And his coach raves about his “exceptional work habits,” something that the scouts must love to hear as they do their final homework on the 2021 NHL Draft class.

“He’s the kind of player that just constantly keeps his motor running and puts in a lot of work both on and off the ice, and I think that’s a foundation piece for him,” Hamilton said. “One of the biggest things for Sean is he can skate. He does a lot of work without the puck. His takeaways, the way he forechecks, he strips a ton of pucks off defencemen and just kind 1190519 Calgary Flames

Flames announce pre-season schedule

Daniel Austin

Fans will be in the stands when the Calgary Flames kick off their pre- season in late September.

After a full season played in front of an empty , the Flames announced their pre-season schedule for the 2021-’22 season and noted that an announcement about when tickets will go on sale will come “at a later date.”

That should be encouraging for fans who are dying to see their Calgary hockey heroes in person.

The Flames will play eight pre-season games this year, kicking off with a home date against the Edmonton Oilers on September 26.

Three nights later, they’ll face off with the NHL’s newest team, the Seattle Kraken, again at the Saddledome. That game will notably mark the first return to Calgary by whichever player is selected by the Kraken in Wednesday’s NHL Expansion Draft.

The Flames will finish off their pre-season with a home game against the Winnipeg Jets on October 8.

Here is the Flames pre-season schedule, in its entirety (home games in bold):

Sunday, September 26 vs. Edmonton, 7 p.m.

Monday, September 27 at Vancouver (in Abbotsford), 8 p.m.

Wednesday, September 29 vs Seattle, 7 p.m.

Friday, October 1 vs. Vancouver, 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 2 at Seattle (Kent, WA), 8 p.m.

Monday, October 4 at Edmonton, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, October 6 at Winnipeg 6 p.m.

Friday, October 8 vs. Winnipeg 7 p.m.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190520 Carolina Hurricanes “There are a lot of moving parts but we’ve been preparing for this for a long time,” Francis said Saturday on a media call.”The one thing we think is extremely invaluable in this environment is cap space and we’ve got It’s an anxious time to be an ‘unprotected’ NHL player as the expansion $81.5 million in cap space to play with.” draft nears FULL CAROLINA HURRICANES LIST

Protected

BY CHIP ALEXANDER JULY 20, 2021 02:30 PM Sebastian Aho (F)

Jesper Fast (F)

The Seattle Kraken are lining up an impressive list of celebrities to help Warren Foegele (F) make Wednesday’s NHL expansion draft a star-spangled affair. Jordan Staal (F) Gary Payton, Marshawn Lynch, Sue Bird, Bobby Wagner, Lenny Wilkins, Shawn Kemp ... it’s quite a lineup set for the big production number at Andrei Svechnikov (F) Seattle’s Gas Works Park. Teuvo Teravainen (F) But there are others who have been sitting by and waiting, some nervously, some excitedly. Those are the NHL players who were not Vincent Trocheck (F) protected by their teams for the expansion draft and will learn Brett Pesce (D) Wednesday -- unless their agents have given them pre-draft intel -- if they’re staying put or have been selected and will be moving to Seattle. Brady Skjei (D)

For the Carolina Hurricanes, it could be an anxious time for forward Nino Jaccob Slavin (D) Niederreiter or defenseman Jake Bean. Neither were protected by the Alex Nedeljkovic (G) Canes and will be available in the draft, which begins at 8 p.m. and will be shown on ESPN2. Available

The Canes protected seven forwards: Jordan Staal, Sebastian Aho, Morgan Geekie (F) Teuvo Teravainen, Andrei Svechnikov, Vincent Trocheck, Jesper Fast and Warren Foegele. But not Niederreiter, whose 20 goals in the 56- Steven Lorentz (F) game regular season ranked second on a team that won the Central Jordan Martinook (F) Division. Max McCormick (F) Why Foegele and not Niederreiter? Brock McGinn (F) A lot of the offseason scuttlebutt about the Canes has had Foegele possibly being traded, allowing the 25-year-old winger the ability — in Nino Niederreiter (F) theory — to get more playing time and a better opportunity elsewhere. That trade obviously didn’t happen before the expansion lists were Cedric Paquette (F) finalized. It might have been a factor in Foegele being kept on the Canes’ Sheldon Rempal (F) protected list. Drew Shore (F) Foegele is a restricted free agent and has salary arbitration rights, according to CapFriendly.com, an analytics site that tracks player Spencer Smallman (F) contracts. He had a $2.15 million cap hit in 2020-21, signing a one-year contract on Nov. 1, 2020. Jake Bean (D)

Canes general manager Don Waddell, in announcing the signing, noted Jake Gardiner (D) Foegele had improved in each year of his professional career and that he Eric Gelinas (D) expected him to “enhance his role on our team.” Jani Hakanpaa (D) Foegele did not take a big step forward last season. He had 10 goals and 10 assists in 53 games, scoring once in the last 14 games, then one goal Dougie Hamilton (D) and one assist in 10 Stanley Cup playoff games. Several of his statistical metrics took slight dips. Maxime Lajoie (D)

Despite the standstill season by Foegele, he might have been attractive Roland McKeown (D) to the Kraken and general manager Ron Francis if left unprotected for the Joakim Ryan (D) draft. Foegele was a third-round draft pick by Carolina — the 67th overall selection — in 2014 when Francis was the Canes’ GM. He has David Warsofsky (D) developed into a player who effectively uses his speed and size to be a strong forechecker. Antoine Bibeau (G)

Should the Kraken take Niederreiter, which is a possibility, it will be Jeremy Helvig (G) pricey. Niederreiter, 28, has a $5.25 million cap hit and will be an Petr Mrazek (G) unrestricted free agent after next season. James Reimer (G) Should Niederreiter be the Kraken’s pick, that would potentially up more playing time for Foegele, if re-signed by the Canes. Niederreiter Dylan Wells (G) averaged 15:43 of ice time in 2020-21 and Foegele 14:09. 2021 NHL EXPANSION DRAFT The Kraken and Francis could decide to take Bean, 23. He now has NHL When: Wednesday, 8 pm. experience. He got power-play time with the Canes this past season. Still slender at 6-1 and a listed 186 pounds, he has gotten stronger but will TV: ESPN2 never be a bruiser in the defensive zone. He’s a puck-mover, and he’s skilled. News Observer LOADED: 07.21.2021

Bean is the cheaper option and could be Seattle’s option. Another possibility: The Kraken working out a long-term deal with Canes defenseman Dougie Hamilton, a pending UFA. That’s a situation still to be resolved. 1190521 Carolina Hurricanes Hurricanes’ main issue during the playoffs? Lack of secondary scoring. Who was out during the playoffs? Trocheck and Niederreiter. That was a tough bounce that showed exactly how valuable those two are to this Which Hurricanes are staying and leaving ahead of Wednesday’s NHL team. And sorry, but considering how this offseason has gone so far, I’m expansion draft? unconvinced the Canes would take the cap space to improve the team. That’s harsh, and free agency hasn’t even happened yet, but I’m willing to come back to this post during training camp and eat crow.

By Sara Civian Jul 20, 2021 Dougie Hamilton (James Guillory / USA Today)

Depends on the return or the price

Folks, we are so close to things actually happening. The expansion draft Dougie Hamilton: Negotiations are still ongoing and — you guessed it — is Wednesday. The amateur draft starts Friday. Free agency looms in a quiet. I can still see this going either way. It looks like the Canes don’t week. want to spend more than $7 million on Hamilton, but the situation is still fluid, so we’ll wait for more information before analyzing it in its own Actual stuff, so, so soon! article. Before said things happen, let’s take one final look at the most likely and Alex Nedeljkovic: I forgot how to speak English for a second, but I talked least likely Hurricanes to leave Raleighwood this offseason. When all is about this while I was in-studio with Joe and Joe at 99.9 The Fan said and done, we can look back at this list and see how accurate it yesterday (19:00 in for all of it, 29:00 for the goalie talk — I meant actually was. unrestricted free agent, pronouncing Nedeljkovic correctly was enough The untouchables stress for the day). This should be a no-brainer, but the Canes might be worried about the money he could make in arbitration. It’s been a long, Sebastian Aho tricky road full of loopholes and strange rules with the Canes and Nedeljkovic, and while you don’t want to overpay a relatively unproven Andrei Svechnikov guy with potential as if he’s a veteran No. 1, at a certain point you have to Jaccob Slavin show him he’s valued. Unless the Canes have something else in mind for their goaltending situation — and I don’t think they do. Jordan Staal (NMC) Warren Foegele: I don’t want to say Foegele is “most likely gone,” For these four, just refer to Sunday’s protected list article. It simply is not exactly, but he’s been the Cane most linked to accurate trade rumors. happening, and I kindly request that you don’t go into this comments Other than Hamilton, I’d make an educated guess that he’s the one most section saying, “Well, what if it was one-for-one for Connor McDavid?” likely gone in this tier. He’s an enticing player to teams in need of a Because it’s not going to be one-for-one for Connor McDavid. Staal is scrappy, young guy who can play anywhere in the lineup. The Canes obviously a unique case where he might get moved before his contract aren’t willing to just throw him away because he does add value in his ends under certain circumstances, but not before the start of this season. versatility. I’m sure if “untouchable” is the right word for that, but call it what you want — the will be back. Brock McGinn: It’s more likely than not that McGinn is the unrestricted free agent glue guy of the bunch the Canes sign and keep. He clearly The almost untouchables has the most value, especially when it comes to the playoffs, and most importantly coach Rod Brind’Amour would riot if McGinn wasn’t back. At Teuvo Teravainen: On the same term as his Finnish sidekick and one of the same time, I’m curious how much money he’ll make and if the Canes the best contract-to-value ratios in the league, pretty much any trade are willing to go there when they have multiple other situations they seem involving shipping Teravainen out would be a loss. He’s established unwilling to “go there” for on their plate right now. himself in the Hurricanes’ core as the piece that makes everything work via his multi-assist nights, deceptively lethal shot and work on the Steven Lorentz and/or Morgan Geekie: There’s a possibility the Kraken kill. go with Lorentz or Geekie over Bean depending on their strategy and other players available, but I’d still bet on Bean. Lorentz emerged as a Martin Necas: Necas is a huge part of the future, and it seems like his hardworking, cheap fourth-line option via the Taxi Squad last season. breakout season is just the beginning. He was involved in tons of The Canes clearly need to lower their bottom-six payroll, and Lorentz and unfounded trade rumors before his scoring really took off, but anyone Geekie are perfect to fill those roles for now. Still, if a team is willing to who watched him both down in Charlotte and with the Canes even before send over secondary scoring for some sort of package including Lorentz he went off knew he wasn’t going anywhere then, and he’s sure as heck or Geekie, the Canes should hear them out. not going anywhere now. Jani Hakanpaa: I almost put Hakanpaa in the “most likely gone” category, Brett Pesce: Man, the Canes sure do have a few stellar contracts. but why wouldn’t the Canes re-sign him for a cheap enough contract? Pesce’s $4.025 through 2024 is a backbone for the team that it can’t He’s shown some glimmers of promise in his short-lived Canes career, afford to lose. The Hurricanes may have fielded a few offers when and again, they need the defensive depth. If they don’t re-sign him on a general managers called in previous seasons, just to see what they could good contract or get something out of this, letting go of Haydn Fleury isn’t get, but it’s clear after last season — and with a murky blue line future — looking great. the Canes need the Jack-of-all-trades Pesce. Most likely gone A trade would make no sense Cedric Paquette: It was a fun experiment that did no harm, but it’s Vincent Trocheck: Protected in the expansion draft, the missing piece ultimately too pricey to continue in light of literally everything else. The that finally gave the Canes depth down the center, a secondary scorer on Canes will have to find more snarl within or elsewhere. a team that’s been lacking — Trocheck has been great as the Canes look to advance from making the playoffs to winning the Cup. I don’t Jake Bean: As everyone keeps saying, it just makes sense for Kraken know who you’d trade him for. general manager Ron Francis to snag the promising, cheap defenseman he once drafted. Let’s not overthink it. Brady Skjei: The Canes really can’t afford to lose any more NHL experience on their blue line, and Skjei can eat big minutes. If they sign Nice knowing you Dougie Hamilton and the Kraken don’t take Jake Bean, then we’ll talk about Skjei. But it’s unlikely both of those things will happen. And what Jordan Martinook: It’s sad for everyone, and Martinook has a legacy with return does Skjei command? We can debate if acquiring him made sense this team that no one can take away. to begin with, but the Canes are probably better off keeping him now that I DON’T THINK JUST QUOTING THIS DOES IT JUSTICE. WHAT A they have him. GUY. PIC.TWITTER.COM/SVZFVVOJED Nino Niederreiter: Niederreiter is hard to fit into a category on this list — SARA CIV (@SARACIVIAN) JUNE 11, 2021 because, while I personally believe it makes no sense to trade him, I know the Canes would hear out a trade offer to shed some cap space, The Canes can only give their fourth line so much money, and Martinook and they obviously exposed him in the expansion draft. What was the obviously wants to find the best contract he can — especially with a newborn. Nothing’s official, but it was already looking bleak with at least four “glue guys” looking for deals. Then his beloved dad made a Facebook post indicating it was the end of Martinook’s journey with the Canes, and being the amazing guy he is, Martinook recently did this.

There might be a slim chance the sides figure something out, but I’d bet against it.

Who knows?

Petr Mrazek: I’d love to know what’s going on in Mrazek’s mind right now. Would he be OK acting like nothing happened and coming back as the No. 1 goalie if the Canes don’t re-sign Nedeljkovic? Would he be OK with a No. 2 role again? (Let’s be real, probably not.) What would either of those contracts look like?

James Reimer: I picture Reimer in the middle of Nowhere, Canada right now, getting his pilot’s license or wakeboarding, and he’s earned it. He’s also earned more of an opportunity to play and probably a similar salary t0 his $3.4 million average annual value last season. Would the Canes be willing to dish out that much for a backup? It depends on what the rest of their goaltending situation will be, and that’s still a mystery.

Jake Gardiner: The Kraken selecting Gardiner and his $4.05 million AAV is a pipe dream, but could the Canes somehow sweeten the deal? I just don’t see it happening with Francis’ penchant for cap space and the questions regarding Gardiner’s ability to play at 100 percent.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190522 Chicago Blackhawks Here are the players the Hawks exposed to the Kraken:

Forwards: Ryan Carpenter, Brett Connolly, Josh Dickinson, Adam Gaudette, Vinnie Hinostroza, Brandon Pirri, John Quenneville, Zack Which Chicago Blackhawks might get taken in the expansion draft — and Smith who are some players on the team’s NHL draft radar? Defensemen: Calvin de Haan, Anton Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov

Goaltenders: Collin Delia, Malcolm Subban By PHIL THOMPSON Here are the players the Hawks protected (including ones they had to protect because of no-movement clauses):

It’s a busy week for the Chicago Blackhawks. Forwards: Henrik Borgström, Alex DeBrincat, Brandon Hagel, David The Hawks released their preseason schedule Monday, a day after they Kampf, , Dylan Strome, Jonathan Toews announced the list of players they’re protecting from the expansion Defensemen: Caleb Jones, Connor Murphy, Riley Stillman Seattle Kraken. : Kevin Lankinen On Wednesday, they’ll learn whom the Kraken will pluck from their roster in the expansion draft. ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski reports the NHL The Hawks just acquired Jones in the trade with the Edmonton Oilers for schedule will be released Thursday. And Friday and Saturday bring the Duncan Keith, so certainly they wouldn’t put him up for grabs. Jones is NHL draft. one of several “second-chance” Hawks — young players who have a lot of talent on paper but have found themselves at a career crossroads Let’s break down each development and its significance. after reaching an impasse with their former teams.

1. The Blackhawks open the preseason against the Detroit Red Wings. Borgström and Gaudette also fall into that category, but the Hawks chose Last season’s abbreviated training camp and schedule didn’t start until to expose Gaudette. The Hawks traded for Gaudette in April from the January, in part because of COVID-19 precautions but also because the Vancouver Canucks, but it only cost them Matthew Highmore. Gaudette 2020 playoffs ran into early fall, thanks to the NHL’s late summer restart had a goal and three assists in his first three games with the Hawks but after pausing the season in March 2020. faded in the final four.

In fact, the back-to-back champion Tampa Bay Lightning will play the It was a given that the Hawks would leave de Haan unprotected, and Carolina Hurricanes in a preseason game Sept. 28 — a year to the day they also exposed Zadorov. He brings size at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds after they clinched the 2020 Stanley Cup against the Dallas Stars and a and often took on an opponent’s “A” player on defense, but his puck day before the Hawks open their preseason against the Red Wings. handling was sometimes a liability. The Hawks probably want to bring the 26-year-old back, especially after trading Brandon Saad to get him in Here is the Hawks preseason schedule: October 2020, but if he’s holding out for much more than last season’s $3.2 million salary, then the Hawks might be inclined to let the Kraken Wednesday, Sept. 29: vs. Red Wings, 7:30 p.m. take the contract headache off their hands and free up cap space. Friday, Oct. 1: vs. St. Louis Blues, 7:30 p.m. Kampf is no offensive star by any stretch, but the fourth-liner quietly adds Saturday, Oct. 2: at Blues (in Independence, Mo.), 7 p.m. a lot of value in other areas such as faceoffs and penalty kills.

Monday, Oct. 4: at Red Wings, 6:30 p.m. Strome is an interesting case. He was a healthy scratch in several games late in the season and he wasn’t fond of playing on the wing, so it looked Thursday, Oct. 7: at Minnesota Wild, 7 p.m. like an easy case for parting ways. But there were mitigating factors, such as missing time with a concussion. Saturday, Oct. 9: vs. Wild, 7:30 p.m. “Production wasn’t what it was in the past, but that happens, not just to Perhaps a sign of a return to normalcy, the Hawks play their traditional Dylan but other players,” Stan Bowman, Hawks president of hockey rival Red Wings in the usual pair of tune-ups. The teams split two operations and general manager, said in May. “Learning to get that exhibition games in September 2019, the Red Wings won twice in 2018 consistency is probably the biggest thing (for) younger players. Dylan’s and the Hawks won twice in 2017. still 24 years old. He’s figuring that out.” During the 2021 regular season, the Hawks went 6-2-0 against the Red Stillman also will get a chance to figure things out after signing a three- Wings, facing them eight times because of the special divisional year extension with a $1.35 million annual cap hit. The 23-year-old gives realignment installed to cut down on travel and COVID-19 risks. But next the Hawks another hard-hitting option if things don’t pan out with season the Red Wings head back to the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Zadorov. Conference, while the Hawks will remain in the Central Division in the Western Conference, meaning they’ll likely meet only twice during the The Hawks exposed both of their backup goalies. They liked the flashes regular season. Subban and Delia showed, but neither was as consistent as Lankinen.

Here’s something else to watch in the preseason: Fans might finally get a 3. That ‘other’ draft is coming too. glimpse of Jonathan Toews on the ice for the first time since March 11, 2020. The Hawks have the 11th pick — technically the 12th, but the had to forfeit the 11th pick — in Friday’s first round of the NHL The Hawks went 0-4-0 against the Blues and 1-0-1 against the Wild draft, and it’s anyone’s guess what they’ll do with it. before the 2019-20 regular season was cut short, and it will have been more than a year and a half since they faced either team. The road game Bowman threw a wrench in a lot of prognostications last year when he against the Blues takes place in suburban Kansas City in the 5,800-seat selected forward Lukas Reichel at No. 17. The Hawks were pleased with stadium where the ECHL’s play. his progress in Germany and will give him a tryout in camp.

The Blues, who won the Stanley Cup in 2019, were swept by the The Hawks aren’t inclined to go with a need pick — that’s not how they Colorado Avalanche in this year’s first round, but they still consider typically operate — but if they did, they would go after a winger with themselves within a championship window. The Wild finished 12 points scoring pop. But the draft might not unfold so that the top available player ahead of the Blues in 2021 and also were dispatched in the first round by matches their greatest need. the Vegas Golden Knights.

2. The list of unprotected Blackhawks for the expansion draft contains a Some projections have centers Chaz Lucius and Cole Sillinger and few interesting names. goalies Sebastian Cossa and Jesper Wallstedt falling to the Hawks. The draft is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN2. Trevor van The 6-1, 185-pound Lucius played for the USA Hockey National Team Riemsdyk was the last Hawk taken in an expansion draft when the Development Program’s under-18 team last season. NHL Central Golden Knights selected him in 2017. Scouting compares him to the Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho, a creative skater who can beat defenders one-on-one.

Sillinger, from the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede, plays more of a power game at 6-1 and 197 pounds, but he also shows good offensive instincts. He has slipped down the board a little since early projections.

The Hawks might not want to bank their entire future on goalies Kevin Lankinen and Drew Commesso panning out, though both performed well last season at the NHL and college levels, respectively.

Cossa, from the WHL’s , is a monster at 6-6, 210, and when Central Scouting drops a comparable of Carey Price, that will get your attention.

Wallstedt was the youngest player to debut in Sweden’s top junior league since Victor Hedman, and he has a lot of experience in international competition. Central Scouting says he “reads the game very well and looks confident in every game.”

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190523 Chicago Blackhawks can’t even crack the top 20. The few teams with substantial space to spare — including the Hawks to an extent and the Kraken most of all — could rake in talent on the cheap.

NHL set to begin offseason that will redefine the value of cap space If Francis navigates his franchise in the manner that is expected this The chaotic confluence of league expansion, salary-cap stagnation and summer, it’ll reinforce an important lesson to the 31 other GMs about the the most loaded free-agent class in recent history will set a precedent for new NHL: Financial flexibility and the leverage it provides trump future NHL offseasons. everything else.

The repercussions of that lesson will be evident in many offseasons to come. By Ben PopeST Jul 20, 2021, 6:10pm CDT Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 07.21.2021

None of the NHL offseason’s major events has happened yet. The expansion draft is first up Wednesday, followed by the entry draft Friday and Saturday, free agency next week and trades scattered throughout.

But a few things are already clear.

This unprecedented offseason — a chaotic confluence of league expansion and salary-cap stagnation — is going to redefine how teams are built, change how assets are valued and set a precedent for offseasons to come.

Salary management is the biggest priority, far bigger than ever before. The cap will be stuck at $81.5 million in 2021-22 for a third consecutive season, a far cry from the $88 million-$90 million many general managers expected when signing stars to large contracts two or three years ago.

Many teams are crunched against the cap with no relief in sight, many players now carry negative trade value because of their cost-inefficient contracts and the rare cap-space chunks that do exist are now almost more valuable vacant than filled with actual players. (The Blackhawks, thanks to Brent Seabrook’s unofficial retirement and Duncan Keith’s departure, are actually in relatively good shape.)

Teams’ decisions when forming their expansion-draft protected lists — merely precursors to the first major event — foreshadowed these shifting priorities.

Weeks after Carey Price miraculously carried them to the Stanley Cup Final, the Canadiens exposed their franchise icon, betting the Seattle Kraken won’t take on his $10.5 million cap hit. And they might be right: Canadiens defensemen ($1.85 million) and ($771,666) are considered just as likely to be selected as Price.

Five other teams joined the Canadiens in exposing their highest-paid players — headlined by the Predators, who exposed not one but both (Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene, at $8 million each).

The Blues can’t find any suitors for Vladimir Tarasenko and his $7.5 million cap hit, nor can the Devils with P.K. Subban and his $9 million hit, nor the Ducks with Adam Henrique and his $5.8 million hit. The Flyers technically weren’t part of that group, but they exposed their second- and fourth-highest-paid players: longtime cornerstones Jakub Voracek ($8.25 million) and James van Riemsdyk ($7 million).

The Wild and Panthers bought out household names Ryan Suter and Keith Yandle to protect Matt Dumba and Gustav Forsling, respectively. The Flames left captain Mark Giordano exposed to protect Rasmus Andersson.

Clearly, the perceived value of players in the league already has flipped. And that trend is unlikely to change Wednesday because the Kraken are seemingly planning to pass on most of these exposed high-profile stars.

“The one thing we think is extremely valuable in this environment is cap space,” Kraken GM Ron Francis said Sunday. “We’ve got $81.5 million . . . [and] we want to make sure we take advantage of [that].”

The most prominent victims will be the unrestricted free agents hitting the market July 28.

They used to receive big paydays. Now, all but the most elite of the bunch will be squeezed into bargain deals because their teammates who signed long-term contracts before 2020 are occupying an oversized share of the dollars in the market.

That reality will become particularly obvious because the 2021 UFA class is the most loaded in recent history: Dougie Hamilton, Alex Ovechkin, Gabriel Landeskog and Taylor Hall sit at the top, but solid role players such as David Savard, Mike Hoffman, Ryan Murray and Petr Mrazek 1190524 Chicago Blackhawks He had a really good year. Right off the gun when the WHL got going, his offensive play stood out. He followed up with a really good under-18 tournament (four goals, three assists in seven games), winning a gold Blackhawks head scout Mark Kelley breaks down the NHL draft big medal. board William Eklund, LW, Djurgården (SHL)

What stands out for me is he was an 18-year-old player in the SHL, and By Mark Lazerus Jul 20, 2021 he was an important part of the Djurgården team. That just gets your attention right there. Just saying that tells you what kind of player he is.

Luke Hughes, D, USNTDP (USHL) If you’re wondering, yes, last year’s interminable second day of the NHL draft was every bit as boring for those drafting as for those of us The third of the Hughes boys. He missed the end of the year because he watching. sliced a tendon in his foot. But I thought there was significant growth in his game. He really caught my eye early in the year because I thought he “I was texting other teams, other scouts, other managers, ‘Hurry up! really made a jump from the end of last year to puck drop this year. He’s Come on! You need help?’” said Blackhawks vice president of amateur mobile and 6-2, so you get a little size we haven’t seen in the Hughes scouting Mark Kelley. “The paint just wouldn’t dry.” family. Really nice player.

The league’s first virtual draft ran smoothly enough in the first round, but Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan (Big Ten) with breaks for TV commercials and a double-confirmation system for each pick (one by phone and one online) — and with staffs not hustling We’ve had the luxury of watching Matty, really, for three years because to get done in time to hop a Saturday afternoon flight home — rounds 2-7 he’s double-underage and he was playing with the USA U-18 team in the took forever. Kelley said the league expects this year’s second day to run World Championships. He has a great motor, a two-way, 200-foot game. about two fewer hours, as the clock won’t stop for commercial breaks. You just can tell that coaches love him because he’s very, very responsible. You just know what you’re going to get every shift. As for the actual drafting itself, it’s a little bit less of a crapshoot this year than it was last year, when the pandemic stymied scouts’ ability to watch Kent Johnson, C, Michigan (Big Ten) players and the combine was canceled. There were still hurdles this past Maybe one of those most skilled players in the draft. If you watch some year, but the Blackhawks feel confident they’ve seen enough as they of his games, some of the highlights, you can see he really can think the hold the No. 12 pick (which is actually the 11th pick, as Arizona’s pick game at a different level. He’s got great hand-eye coordination, a great has been declared “voided”). skill set.

It’s the digital age, after all. Just about every game is streaming Chaz Lucius, C, USNTDP (USHL) somewhere, and it’s not hard to get video from any game around the world. The problem with that, of course, is that a broadcast doesn’t tell It’s been a little interesting for him because he missed the early part of the whole picture. the year with a knee injury, rehabilitated it, came back, and when he came back, all he did was put the puck in the net. Unfortunately for Chaz, “You can get a taste, but the live viewing is very important,” Kelley said. he had an illness — not COVID-19 — and was unable to play (in the U- “There are certain things the camera doesn’t show you. It doesn’t show 18 Worlds) in Texas. But we had a great sample size on him for two you him coming on the ice, it doesn’t show you him going off the ice, his years. The most skilled guy at the program. If you look at his numbers interactions with his teammates, maybe with a coach, something that when he came back, they rivaled (Cole) Caufield, (Oliver) Wahlstrom, happens after the whistle. And the camera follows the puck. With some guys like that. Really impressive. of the players we’re watching, what we’re really looking to see is what they do away from the puck. That’s why the live viewings are so Brandt Clarke, D, Barrie (OHL) important.” Really, really good with the puck. Great vision. He’s a puck-mover, Fortunately, Kelley got to see everyone at the U.S. National Team creates offense, he’s a dynamo on the point. He’s one of those offensive Development Program and the Big Ten right up the road from his house defensemen with great ability to create offense. in Plymouth, Mich., and he saw plenty of USHL players along the way. The Canadian scouts got to see the QMJHL and WHL kids (the OHL Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough (OHL) didn’t play a season). The Swedish scouts scouted the Swedish league; Really good two-way center. He’s got elements to his game to endear Mikko Luoma had Finland covered; Andrei Nikolishin handled the him to his teammates and his coaches. He plays hard. I think his skill set Russian players; and Karel Pavlik took Slovakia, the and is a little bit underappreciated. It’s easy to find when he’s playing. even “snuck into Germany,” as Kelley put it. Jesper Wallstedt, G, Luleå (SHL) So Kelley, as he always does, feels confident heading into Friday’s first round. He’ll feel even better once the expansion draft is out of the way We’ve been watching him for three years, he’s a late ’02. He’s had quite and things really get cooking. a bit of exposure with the national team, and then to watch what he did this year as an 18-year-old in the SHL was impressive. He was playing “Once the expansion draft is over, that’s when we’re going to start to see regularly right up till maybe sometime in February, (when) they brought in the trades,” he said. “There haven’t been so many trades so far because an older goaltender who had been playing in the KHL. Just like in North if you traded for a player, then you had to go through the expansion draft. America, coaches, for playoff time, want the older goaltender. That being Once the expansion draft is over, I expect Stan (Bowman’s) phone to be said, Wallstedt’s numbers and his performance in the SHL got going off. It’s a good thing I’ll be there to get him live because it’s going to everyone’s attention. be hard to get him. I think the phones are going to be going crazy.” Sebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton (WHL) So, whom might the Blackhawks get at (officially) No. 12? Well, here’s Kelley’s top-sheet analysis, in his words, of 19 of the top players What he did in Edmonton, the numbers are (incredible) — he lost one available. Once you get to the goalies on this list, you’re looking at game. Those are Cy Young numbers. Edmonton lost Guenther for the players who are likely on the Blackhawks’ big board. under-18s, and I don’t want to say they didn’t miss him, because of course they did, but Cossa, he stayed the course. (NHL Draft Guide 2021: From ranking the prospects to mock drafts, here’s everything you need to know.) Simon Edvinsson, D, Frölunda (SHL)

Owen Power, D, Michigan (Big Ten) Very, very enticing. He’s 6-foot-6, maybe more. His reach is just incredible. He’s a very, very good skater. His skating is going to improve, They were 15 minutes from my house. Michigan was allowing a limited but I would tell you from the dots down defensively, he’s as good a skater number of scouts, so I got to see quite a few Big Ten games. What’s not as there is in the draft. Great mobility, great range. We’re all trying to to like? He’s 6-5, skates, mobile, he thinks the game, he has the figure out just how high that upside is. presence. The projection on him, the upside, is really, really enticing. Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago (USHL) Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton (WHL) Hats off to the Chicago Steel. By about January, they were probably a 1- to-1 to win the Clark Cup. They were that good. And Coronato was a huge part of it. He was a little bit under-appreciated coming into this year, but that changed very, very quickly because every time you went to see Chicago play, he was just a huge part of the success. He drives the offense and he competes so hard away from the puck.

Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls (USHL)

A WHL player who came down to play in the USHL. What was most impressive about Sillinger was how quickly he assimilated into the Sioux Falls team. By five games in, he looked like he had been there for a year. And about 10 or 15 games in, he was a go-to guy. Shoots the puck as good as anyone in the draft. Another one who competes real hard. He gets in there and battles.

Corson Ceulemans, D, Brooks (AJHL)

What stands out is he’s equally adept offensively and defensively. He’s got size at 6-2, skates, can shoot the puck. Very appealing that he’s going to Wisconsin to play for Tony Granato.

Carson Lambos, D, Winnipeg (WHL)

He played in Jyväskylä, which is the hometown of Mikko Luoma, our Finnish scout. So we had quite a few live viewings of Lambos there. Then he came back, only played about five or six games. He had a health issue that he had to address, he’s addressed it. He is a mobile, good two-way defender. The all-around game and the mobility are what stand out in Carson’s game.

Fabian Lysell, RW, Luleå (SHL)

Dynamite. A lot of great speed coming down the wing, can really shoot the puck. His numbers in the J20 (league) in Sweden (13 points in 11 games) speak for themselves. He played a little in the SHL, so we got a little different taste of him, because there he had fourth-line minutes, so he had to change his game. The advantage for us there is we got to see there’s more to his game than just the offense we’ve seen when he’s playing with the U-18 national team. Big upside on him.

Brennan Othmann, LW, Flint (OHL)

Plays in Flint, right up the road from me. In Flint, he’s shown a great skill set, the ability to run numbers. What stood out for us this year playing for Canada, he was on that top line with Shane Wright and Dylan Guenther, and he showed a lot of compatibility in his game. He can make plays but also showed a willingness to roll up his sleeves and get dirty.

Fedor Svechkov, C, Togliatti (VHL)

We got quite a few viewings of him this year. Got to see him in the MHL, VHL, KHL and he came over and played under 18s in Dallas. I think what stands out about his game is the 200-foot responsible play — that traditional Russian center in that he’s very, very good defensively. But what he’s showed us is there an offensive upside, too.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190525 Chicago Blackhawks said. “And there’s all sorts of things they don’t want to reveal that might relate to these allegations or plenty of other internal corporate records. There are protections for proprietary information and the like, but my Ten key questions facing the Blackhawks as the legal process plays out experience is that every large organization has emails that are uncomfortable if they were released, and so I would prefer to avoid it if I could.”

By Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus Jul 20, 2021 How likely are the judges to dismiss the cases?

It’s possible. There are also other possibilities.

The Blackhawks are in the midst of a pivotal stretch for the long-term “The other thing that could happen is they could go to the judge, and the future of the franchise, with the expansion draft, the entry draft and free judge could say, well, this complaint is not enough, but I’m going to give agency all looming. But the two lawsuits targeting the Blackhawks — one you 30 days to amend,” Clopton said. “So they may be forced into the from a former player alleging sexual assault by video coach Brad Aldrich amendment option by the judge, with the judge basically saying, well, if in 2010 and another from a 2013 victim of Aldrich’s in Houghton, Mich., you don’t amend, you’re going to lose. That’s another thing that could alleging the Blackhawks failed to report the original allegations — easily happen in this situation. And wouldn’t surprise me at all if that were continue to hover over the team. the outcome.”

The Athletic spoke to a legal expert, agents and players to get their The plaintiff’s lawyer is reportedly amending a complaint in the John Doe thoughts on some of the biggest questions facing the Blackhawks as the 2 case, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. legal process plays out: Did the Blackhawks have an obligation to report the 2010 player’s sexual The Blackhawks are alleged to have provided a positive reference for assault allegations to the police? Aldrich to a future employer in the John Doe 2 case. Did the Blackhawks provide such a reference? The Blackhawks have cited Illinois law that says they didn’t have a mandatory obligation to report the alleged sexual assault of an adult There is no evidence so far. employee, and the only individuals who would have required an obligation are minors under the age of 18, adults who have disabilities A Houghton-Portage Township Schools source who was familiar with between the ages of 18 and 59 and adults over the age of 60 who live in Aldrich’s hiring as a volunteer coach in 2010 and 2013 said no care facilities. background check was done on Aldrich because it was a volunteer position. Therefore, the Blackhawks were not contacted. Volunteer “If there had been a minor, disabled or otherwise in a protected class, I coaches do undergo background checks now. think it would be quite clear that they had an obligation to report,” Clopton said. “In this situation where there’s no obligation to report that doesn’t, I Miami University’s general counsel reported a “background verification, think, answer all the questions in the case because the Blackhawks could which includes a criminal records check” was done as part of the hiring be liable for negligently supervising their employees, and that does not process for Aldrich. It’s unclear the extent of the verification and whether require the violation of a statutory duty. But the flip side is the violation of the Blackhawks were contacted. The Athletic specifically requested any a statutory duty is often per se a violation of your responsibilities. So, reference letters provided by Aldrich, and there weren’t any included easy case when you violate a duty, gray area when there isn’t the kind of when the university released a 50-page response to the public-record formal requirement. Then we have to ask questions like, what would a request on June 30. reasonable employer have done in this situation?” The plaintiff’s lawyer also has not provided evidence of a positive How far along is the “independent review” commissioned by the reference, but that’s not uncommon. The lawyer is likely hoping to find Blackhawks? one during discovery. The Blackhawks, of course, would like to prevent the case from reaching the discovery phase. Jenner & Block, led by former federal prosecutor Reid Schar, has begun reaching out to people as part of their investigation. Former skills coach “If (the plaintiffs) survive this motion to dismiss, they move to the Paul Vincent, one of the central figures in the case as the man who said discovery phase, and then the court can order the Blackhawks to turn he brought the allegations to John McDonough, Stan Bowman, Al over every letter of recommendation they’ve ever sent,” Northwestern MacIsaac and mental skills coach James Gary, told TSN that he was Pritzker School of Law professor of law Zachary Clopton said. “But the contacted by Jenner & Block last week, but that he won’t participate in problem in that, well, if you always got to do them, then every pie-in-the- the investigation unless the law firm promises in writing to make its sky allegation could lead to a really expensive discovery and you could findings public. make corporations turn over all these documents and what you might do is blackmail them into settling. Meanwhile, some, but not all, players from the 2009-10 Blackhawks roster have been contacted by Jenner & Block. There’s no indication of “So, the law tries to kind of draw a line that says, OK, you don’t have to how long the process could take, but it is already underway. The NHL — prove your case at the complaint stage, you don’t have to have all the which confirmed to The Athletic that it wields the power to sanction the evidence, but you don’t get to just totally make it up, either. You need Blackhawks regardless of how the legal process plays out — is waiting some other something. until the investigation is complete before taking any possible action of its “Now, what it would be in this case, in any case, will depend. For own. example, it might help to know how many other employers (Aldrich) had Former Blackhawks president John McDonough is the primary non- in between, or maybe the school district hasn’t turned over what letters Blackhawks employee who has yet to address the allegations. Does he are there, but they do have a policy that says you need to provide have to testify? documentation of your three previous employers or something like that. There’s a bunch of other kind of circumstantial evidence or circumstantial The Athletic has left multiple messages for McDonough and none has allegations that might be enough. Because obviously, if they had the been returned. It’s unknown whether he’ll cooperate with the independent letter in hand, they would have said it. My inference is they don’t have the investigation. letter. But it’s also not unreasonable to think that letters were provided. Whether they came from the Blackhawks or someone else, that’s the As for him testifying in the lawsuits, he could decline, but it would cost kind of thing that the plaintiffs are still trying to figure out.” him.

The Blackhawks have filed a motion to dismiss in both lawsuits. Is there “The court can compel testimony under penalty of contempt,” Clopton any benefit to them to argue the cases out and attempt to prove their said. “What there will almost certainly be before they do that is discussion innocence? among the lawyers. OK, how necessary is this testimony? How relevant is it to the underlying allegations? Are there other ways to get (it)? Like if The Blackhawks absolutely don’t want these cases to go any further. If they turn over emails, then do they also need to have testimony? If a the cases reach discovery, the Blackhawks would have to provide a lot lower-level person has already given a deposition who has all the more information than they’d like to. Corporations like their privacy. relevant information, do you need to go to the higher-level person? And those are going to be very kind of fact-specific questions that lawyers will “I think that’s why the motion to dismiss is so powerful, especially for argue about. And then ultimately, they will likely disagree on some of corporate defendants, because it’s kind of the gate to discovery,” Clopton them and bring them to the judge and the judge will have to rule on those “Players are out there to make money, so those agents are probably details. But certainly, the court would have the power to do that.” right,” he said. “But if you’re going to choose between two teams offering the same money, why would you choose Chicago? They don’t have Is there anything unexpected that could still come out of these cases? much of a future, and now all of this. Why would you involve yourself with The discovery phase could open the door to the Blackhawks revealing people like that?” more of who knew what and how the allegations were handled. Miami How is the hockey world viewing this? University hired the law firm Barnes & Thornburg LLP to conduct an independent review of Aldrich’s employment. That could provide more At least three players from the 2010 team told The Athletic that the details. allegations have prompted some soul-searching about who knew what and when. Beyond those three players, Jonathan Toews said he didn’t Miami has already acknowledged there was a known off-campus know about it until just before the following training camp opened. allegation against Aldrich while he was working for the university. Could Duncan Keith said he’d “rather not get into” his memories of what he more alleged incidents become known? knew and what he didn’t. Joel Quenneville said he didn’t know until news “One thing is often allegations like this can kind of expand both in terms of the lawsuits surfaced this summer. of the number of victims,” Clopton said. “Often there are more victims Memories are fuzzy, to say the least. And while the expansion draft, the coming forward. And then in terms of the potential defendants, we’ve got entry draft and free agency are at the forefront of the hockey world’s these potential Miami of Ohio allegations. And so what starts as one mind, the Blackhawks’ story isn’t going away, and it’s a heated topic in victim and one defendant often ends up being dozens of victims and hockey circles. multiple defendants across states and over a period of time. And so that’s kind of what I want to keep my eye on is how kind of localized does Who knew what and when? Will Bowman and MacIsaac survive this? this stay or is this actually a much wider story?” How does this all end?

The Blackhawks have yet to address the lawsuits substantially in public. One agent who has been in contact with a Blackhawks employee “who Should they? would know,” said that very few people in the organization knew anything about the allegations against Aldrich until the day of the parade, when The Blackhawks’ PR strategy has been clear — lay low. Bowman simply Aldrich essentially disappeared. “It wasn’t so much of an open secret as released a written statement after trading franchise icon Duncan Keith people believe it was,” the agent said. rather than hold a standard news conference. It’s the biggest week of the offseason, and we still don’t know if Bowman will speak publicly after the “You’re 10 days away from winning the Cup,” the agent added. “I think expansion draft (Wednesday), the entry draft (Friday and Saturday) or the strategy was, ‘Jesus fucking Christ, let’s just not do anything about it, the start of free agency (next Wednesday). Even the Blackhawks’ Twitter let’s win the Cup, and then we’ll shoo the guy out the door.’ Turns out account has been quieter than usual. It’s the safe play. that’s a pretty bad strategy. Now, this is hindsight in 2021. Now it’s never a good strategy, but can we all say in 2010 that the Bruins or Kings or “Well, if I were the Blackhawks’ lawyer, I would tell them to not speak in anyone else would have done something different on the verge of their public,” Clopton said. “Not because it would be illegal for them to speak first Cup in 50 years? That doesn’t make it any better, but you can see in public unless there’s some additional court order about confidentiality how that would happen.” or some other kind of confidentiality provision that we don’t know about, but I think it would be unwise to speak because absolutely a public Regardless of how the legal situation plays out, and regardless of what, if statement of a corporate officer could be used in court as part of the anything, the league does in terms of potential discipline, there’s a stain litigation. And so I think a lawyer would say don’t risk by saying anything on the Blackhawks name that is unlikely to go away anytime soon. that could possibly be used against you. The safest course is to say nothing.” “Did they have a legal obligation? No, maybe not,” said the former Blackhawks player. “But did they have a moral obligation? These guys One agent who’s also a lawyer acknowledged that the Blackhawks are have kids. Some of the people I’ve talked to are saying the same thing, going to take their hits in the court of public opinion for their silence and that they’re going to skate legally. But the moral compass? That you their attempts to dismiss the lawsuits, but that their primary concern right didn’t reach out? It’s disgusting.” now is the legal side of things. The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 “There’s a difference between the PR strategy and the legal strategy,” the agent said. “As a legal strategy, you have to employ whatever legal resources are available. So therefore, if there’s a statute of limitations issue, you have to raise that issue. If there’s a ‘no duty’ issue, you have to raise that issue. Now, whether that’s good strategy overall? That’s a completely different question. I’d have said, ‘Get into mediation immediately, sit down with them, hear out their complaints, let’s talk, let’s figure out what exactly did happen 10 years ago, and bring everything to the table.’ Because otherwise it’s always going to be an unsettled issue, and it’s always going to be something that’s hanging out there until it’s fully resolved. And that doesn’t necessarily mean admitting liability in that sense of the word. But it means at least coming to the table and figuring out, ‘Did we in fact mess up? And if we did, what can we do to move forward?’ ”

Will the lawsuits make the Blackhawks less attractive to free agents?

Chicago has long been a desirable destination for free agents, not just because of the years of success and the chance to play with a bevy of superstars back in the day, but because of the money Rocky Wirtz pours into the team. Many players rave about the way they’re treated in Chicago. With the Blackhawks looking to make a splash in free agency, will the lawsuits make any players think twice about signing in Chicago?

Unlikely, at least three agents say. Money and term will almost always win out in the end.

“Generally speaking, players, coaches and anyone who’s coming to a team wants to win or get paid, or both,” one agent said. “Do they sometimes look at outside concerns? They do. But at the end of the day, you’re going to take the best situation for your career.”

One former Blackhawks player wasn’t quite so sure, though. 1190526 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks set their protected list for expansion draft

BY CHARLIE ROUMELIOTIS

HAWKS INSIDER

The Chicago Blackhawks have officially set their protection list for the Seattle Kraken expansion draft, which is set for Wednesday. The deadline to do so was Saturday at 4 p.m. CT.

The Blackhawks went with the seven forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender route over the eight skaters and one goaltender option.

Here’s a look at the list:

Forwards

1. Henrik Borgstrom 2. Alex DeBrincat 3. Brandon Hagel 4. David Kampf 5. Patrick Kane 6. Dylan Strome 7. Jonathan Toews

Defensemen

1. Caleb Jones 2. Connor Murphy 3. Riley Stillman

Goaltender

1. Kevin Lankinen

A few thoughts:

• The most notable forwards left unprotected were Ryan Carpenter, Brett Connolly and Adam Gaudette. No surprises here.

• Vinnie Hinostroza, who’s set to become an unrestricted free agent, was left unprotected, but that doesn’t necessarily mean both sides aren’t interested in a contract extension. Leaving him unprotected only means Seattle has an exclusive negotiating window with the 27-year-old forward before free agency officially opens on July 28 up for the other 31 teams.

• Kirby Dach, Dominik Kubalik, Philipp Kurashev and Pius Suter were among the forwards exempt from the expansion draft because they’re first- and second-year players.

• The Blackhawks were loaded with first- and second-year defensemen that were also exempt from the draft: Nicolas Beaudin, Adam Boqvist, Wyatt Kalynuk, Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula.

• Alex Nylander was also exempt because he was considered a second- year player after missing the entire 2020-21 campaign with a knee injury. That essentially allowed the Blackhawks to protect a player like Kampf, who was the team’s best faceoff man and defensive specialist last season with Toews out.

• The back end is where things got interesting. The Blackhawks left Calvin de Haan and pending restricted free agent Nikita Zadorov unprotected, the former of whom has one year left on his contract that carries a $4.55 million cap hit.

If de Haan is plucked by Seattle, that leaves a gaping hole on the left side of Chicago’s blue line after already losing Duncan Keith to Edmonton via trade. Both of those players finished Top 4 in ice time among Blackhawks defensemen last season.

• The Blackhawks had no choice but to protect Jones, days after trading for the 24-year-old defenseman. He would’ve been an intriguing option for Seattle if left unprotected, and locking him into the roster could help play a role in the Seth Jones sweepstakes, whether that’s via trade this offseason or next summer when he’s an unrestricted free agent.

• Collin Delia and Malcolm Subban were the two left exposed, which is no surprise. But the Blackhawks shouldn't be too worried about losing either of them.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190527 Colorado Avalanche Denver Post: LOADED: 07.21.2021

Chambers: For Gabe Landeskog to remain with Avalanche, one side must budge

If Landeskog doesn’t sign with Seattle and doesn’t formally become its one pick from the Avalanche in Wednesday’s expansion draft, he will remain an Avalanche until at least July 28, when league-wide free agency begins

By MIKE CHAMBERS | PUBLISHED: July 20, 2021 at 5:44 p.m. | UPDATED: July 20, 2021 at 6:06 p.m.

For now, Gabe Landeskog is still a member of the Avalanche. He’s still the team captain, still the voice of reason, still an extension of the coaching staff and front office, and a friend to all.

Landeskog has not agreed to terms with the expansion Seattle Kraken, who have likely wined and dined him since Monday morning when they obtained exclusive interview and negotiation rights.

If Landeskog doesn’t sign with Seattle and doesn’t formally become its lone selection from the Avalanche in Wednesday’s expansion draft, he will remain with Colorado until at least July 28, when NHL free agency begins.

There is still hope Avs fans’ affable nine-year captain and 10-year left winger chooses to lower his asking price to remain in Denver — or the Avs decide they can’t afford to lose him and up their ante.

Again the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, the Avs may not want to mess with their culture and leadership. Landeskog sets the bar inside the locker room for both. That and his keen net-front presence is exactly why he’s bound to get paid.

After being voted the Central Division’s “Last Man In” for the 2019 All- Star Game, joining linemates Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, Landeskog repeatedly said he doesn’t consider himself an all-star talent. That’s probably true. But when it comes to leadership, toughness and the ability to stand in front of the crease and score goals on redirections or rebounds, Landeskog is elite.

The Avs already lack multiple attributes Landeskog provides. The club doesn’t have enough heaviness to its game — big hitters who aren’t afraid to drop the gloves. Superstars don’t provide those things; they get paid the big bucks for their skill. Landeskog falls in the middle of those things. He’s certainly skilled but not to the extent of MacKinnon and Rantanen.

Landeskog did not have a good second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights beyond Game 1. In fact, he was demoted to the second line in Games 5 and 6 when coach Jared Bednar shuffled his lines in search of more offense. And in Game 5, he committed the offensive-zone turnover that led to Vegas’ second goal off the rush in what turned into a 3-2 loss.

Colorado blew a 2-0 third-period lead in that game, a painful defeat that management probably still feels.

Landeskog also had that lazy shift change in Game 7 against the San Jose Sharks in 2019 that disallowed the tying goal to begin the first of three second-round playoff losses.

Landeskog isn’t the perfect player. But he sure is a great captain and an outstanding representative of the team. What’s that worth?

Landeskog’s $5.57 million cap hit over the last seven years was the right figure. If I’m general manager Joe Sakic, I’d find every possible way to bump that up a bit over six years and keep the core together.

If I’m Landeskog, with estimated career earnings of $41.4 million, I’d do what’s best for my family.

Taking the maximum money and term from the highest bidder makes sense. But so does remaining in Denver with a strong chance of retiring an Avalanche after winning the Stanley Cup and cementing himself as a community legend.

Is that worth a little less money over what could be his last big contract? Only Landeskog knows the answer to that. 1190528 Colorado Avalanche

New Avalanche scouting director ready for challenging NHL draft: “With mystery comes opportunity”

Klippenstein, who previously was an amateur scout for the Avs since 2016, replaces Alan Hepple, now the director of pro scouting for the Arizona Coyotes. Hepple’s contract wasn’t renewed by the Avs

By MIKE CHAMBERS | July 20, 2021 at 2:56 p.m.

The NHL entry draft always comes with plenty of question marks, but this weekend’s figures to be even more challenging than most.

Many amateur leagues around the world played shortened seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and some like the Hockey League didn’t play at all. In-person scouting was curtailed because of international travel — particularly to Canada — so video and word-of- mouth often replaced live viewings.

But Wade Klippenstein, the Avalanche’s new director of amateur scouting, says he is up for the challenge.

“With mystery comes opportunity,” he said in a video conference call Tuesday. “… We’ve come up with some creative ways to try and simulate what we didn’t see, whether it’s through our analytics department, whether it’s through video or other means. I think every team has done their best with what we have to work with. It’s not ideal. It’d be nice to have a lot more live viewings on player,s but I think there is incredible opportunity with this draft.”

The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche could benefit from seeing a few players slide.

The Avs have four picks in the seven-round draft, but their first selection does not come until No. 28 in Friday’s first round. They acquired the 61st pick late in Saturday’s second round from New Jersey as part of trading defenseman Ryan Graves to the Devils last week, and also have third- (92nd overall) and seventh-round (220th) picks.

Klippenstein, who previously was an amateur scout for the Avs since 2016, replaces Alan Hepple, now the director of pro scouting for the Arizona Coyotes. Hepple’s contract wasn’t renewed by the Avs.

Klippenstein, 51, said Colorado’s approach to the draft has not changed.

“We really do stick to that best-player-available (philosophy),” he said. “When we build our list, we build our list without the idea of exactly where we’re picking because that could change at any time. So it’s the best player available each and every time.”

He added: “This draft, like a lot of drafts, has some spots where there is good depth. This year it will be a little different than others. There is some mystery to this draft, some low viewing spots. If you look at the , the depth there is still to be determined. I would say it’s an average draft. Average is probably the best way to describe it.”

Klippenstein has massive intel on the University of Denver, the perennial NCAA power that annually develops NHL talent. He was an Alaska- Fairbanks teammate to Pioneers assistant coaches Tavis MacMillan and Dallas Ferguson in the early 1990s and the trio coached the Nanooks for three seasons from 2004 to ’07. MacMillan was the head coach.

“It’s strange how life takes turns and goes full circle sometimes,” Klippenstein said. “Both guys were teammates of mine, not only as players but also as part of a coaching staff in Alaska. Some of my best memories in hockey, some of my best friends in hockey. So it’s a great dynamic.

“It’s neat how it’s coming back together here with me working with the Avs and those guys being at DU. Two great hockey minds that I lean on quite a bit sometimes, and vise versa, so it’s been a great relationship going back to the early 1990s. It’s been a long run together in this hockey world with those two guys.”

Denver Post: LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190529 Colorado Avalanche

Peter Forsberg turns 48, NHL trade buzz on eve of Expansion Draft

By Adrian Dater

Good Tuesday to you all. This is your humble correspondent, dishing up some hockey links and other flotsam and jetsam, as we gear up for the NHL expansion draft tomorrow and also the regular draft this weekend. For more on the Avs’ draft plans (the regular draft), Click here. Let’s start off with a note on our beloved Foppa, Peter Forsberg:

Foppa turned 48 today. Hard to believe, right, at least to us old Avs watchers? Man. I’m not saying it feels just like yesterday, because it doesn’t. But I DO still remember seeing him in person for the first time. I believe it was the first day of training camp, 1995, at the old DU Arena. His English wasn’t very good and he looked like a…kid. Hey, he still looks good for his age, right?

A career highlight for me remains: sitting in the passenger seat of his cool Audi as he drove around his hometown of Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, pointing out landmarks from his childhood. That wasn’t so bad.

So, remember: no team except the Seattle Kraken can announce anything in the way of trades or signings until Thursday at 11 a.m. The Kraken have until tomorrow to negotiate exclusively with any NHL unrestricted free agents who were not protected for the expansion draft tomorrow. Yes, that includes Gabe Landeskog and, no, I haven’t heard of any offer that’s been made his way.

A great get here by colleague Christian Arnold. An NHL source with direct knowledge told NYI Hockey Now that Seattle is keen on Josh Bailey, but the Islanders are trying to push them towards Jordan Eberle. Could the Isles and Kraken hook up on the NHL trade market so the Islanders can keep Bailey? (NYI Hockey Now)

The trade for defenseman Ryan Ellis on the NHL trade front was just the beginning for the wheeling and dealing Flyers. Buckle up! (Philly Hockey Now)

Sammi Silber (who is KILLING it in Washington like an old pro) steered head-on into the controversial Capitals decision to protect Trevor van Riemsdyk and expose Justin Schultz. (Washington Hockey Now)

The San Jose Sharks decided Adin Hill was starting-goalie material and snagged him on the nHL trade market just under the Saturday deadline. Now it appears his salary cap hit will be higher than expected. Sheng Peng explains. (San Jose Hockey Now)

NHL Draft prospect Logan Mailloux renounced himself from the 2021 NHL Draft after being fined for photographic activity constituting the invasion of privacy as well as defamation. (TSN)

After trying hard to sign him last offseason and then to acquire him at the NHL Trade Deadline, it appears the Montreal Canadiens are set to take another stab at signing forward Mike Hoffman. (TSN)

Speaking of the Montreal Canadiens, are the Shea Weber and Carey Price situations the perfect opportunity for the Habs to move on for both veterans? (Montreal Gazette)

With the NHL Expansion Draft tomorrow, Lance Hornby takes a cool look back on the NHL’s expansion adventures. (Toronto Sun)

Colorado hockey now LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190530 Colorado Avalanche

Avs Draft Plan? “Best player available”

By Adrian Dater

Welcome back, Avs fans, to the days when you had a wait a long time for the team to make its first-round NHL draft selection. This, you might recall, is generally a good thing. It means your team had a really good regular season and at least won some playoff rounds. For the Avs from roughly 1995-2005, it would be a long while before Avs personnel strode to the stage to proudly announce their first pick.

The Avs own the 28th pick in the first round, which will be held Friday by virtual format. Rounds 2-7 will be Saturday.

The Avs formerly did not own a pick in the second round this year, but that changed when the team traded defenseman Ryan Graves to the . The Avs thus own the 61st pick overall in the second round.

The Avs also have a new chief amateur scout now. Wade Klippenstein takes over for the departed Alan Hepple, and on Tuesday Klippenstein met the media on Zoom to discuss the draft and what kind of player the Avs may look for with that first-round pick.

“It’s a good question, but it’ll be the best player available,” Klippenstein. “Our list will be our list, and we’ll go with the best player available when that happens.”

I’m not the world’s biggest draft expert (that’s my colleague Ashley Glover’s turf, and he’ll have some good stuff in the coming days on it) but there is not considered any wowza, generational player in this year’s crop of prospects. This is also a draft that is generally considered to be harder to judge, because a lot of young kids didn’t get to play much in the past year because of the pandemic.

“There is some mystery to this draft,” Klippenstein said. “I would say it’s an average draft. It would have been nice to get more viewings (of players). It’s been a lot of work. In a good way, we’ve had some good technology to do more things.”

Klippenstein said there really isn’t one position area the team will focus upon in the draft. Partially, he said, that’s because the active roster now probably is going to look much different by the team the kids drafted this weekend are ready to play in the NHL.

“That’s not a fancy answer, per se, but that’s the reality of the situation,” he said.

The Avs also own picks Nos. 92 and 220. They currently do not own picks in rounds 4, 5 and 6. Round 1 will take place at 6 p.m. mountain Friday and can be seen on ESPN2. Rounds 2-7 will start at 9 a.m. Saturday and can be seen on the NHL Network.

Colorado hockey now LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190531 Columbus Blue Jackets the end of the second and entire third periods of a 3-2 loss Feb. 8 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Larsen declined to comment when asked if he and Laine have patched Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine weighing qualifying offer for next season things up, but a source close to the situation said there should be no Star forward mulling $7.5 million offer for next season; would have one lingering issues going forward. more year left as restricted free agent after signing. The Blue Jackets have also hired away from the Jets’ organization to be one of Larsen's assistants, reuniting him with Roslovic and Laine. Vincent coached Roslovic in the Brian Hedger and hopes to help him transition into an impact NHL center, and he's worked with Laine in the past during Winnipeg training camps.

“That wasn’t a deciding factor for me at all,” Larsen said after Vincent's Patrick Laine is mulling a new contract. hire was announced in June. “That’s kind of a bonus. He knows who they Laine, 23, is considering whether to sign a $7.5 million qualifying offer are and has worked with Jack, and Patty knows him from being around from the Blue Jackets that would bump his team-high salary-cap amount the same organization. I just feel like that’s a bonus.” for next season by $750,000, up from $6.75 million last season. Now, barring an unforeseen trade and assuming Laine signs the offer, The Dispatch has learned the Finnish star forward may sign the deal, Vincent and Larsen will get another spin coaching the talented winger — which would give him a one-year contract and buy the team’s who should come into next season highly motivated. management more time to convince him to sign a longer extension next Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 07.21.2021 summer. Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Andy Scott, one of Laine's representatives, declined to comment.

Laine struggled last season, after the Winnipeg Jets traded him and forward Jack Roslovic to the Blue Jackets on Jan. 23 for Pierre-Luc Dubois and a 2022 third-round pick. He posted career-worst numbers in almost every offensive category, finishing with just 12 goals, 12 assists and 24 points in 46 games, but there is significant rebound potential.

After the Jets selected him second overall in 2016, one ahead of Dubois, Laine put up 140 goals, 110 assists and 250 points in four-plus seasons in Winnipeg (306 games). He also scored a career-high 44 goals in his second NHL season and topped 30 goals in each of his first three campaigns.

Those numbers earned him a two-year “bridge” contract signed Sept. 29, 2019 worth $13.5 million, which carried an average annual value (salary cap hit) worth $6.75 million per season. He earned $6 million of the deal in the first year of the contract and $7.5 million this past season, which determined the amount of his qualifying offer.

Should Laine sign the qualifying offer, he will have one year left of restricted free agency and could also be tendered a $7.5 million qualifying offer next summer. If that were the case, his next step would be unrestricted free agency at age 25 — which is a significantly young age to hit the NHL’s open market.

Zach Werenski, who has an annual cap charge of $5 million, is the closest on the roster to Laine in actual income — scheduled to make $7 million next season. Max Domi and Gustav Nyquist, both slated to earn $6 million next season, are next.

Domi, however, is available to be selected by the Seattle Kraken in the NHL expansion draft Wednesday.

Getting Laine's signature on the qualifying offer would give Kekalainen cost certainty, not only for his own budgeting purposes but also for potential trade discussions that might arise this summer or next season. Recent reports have said the Blue Jackets are listening to offers for Laine, but no specifics were given.

Laine is in Finland going through an offseason training regimen. He recently made headlines by telling a Finnish media outlet that he was miscast by the Blue Jackets' coaching staff, specifically former head coach John Tortorella, during his first season with the Blue Jackets.

Laine's comments, translated to English, were direct.

“I understand the need for a tight system, but all players are different,” he said. “I do not even want to be like everyone else. I am who I am and do things my way. Everyone should be given the opportunity to be themselves. Then, of course, you have to play within the team’s system. I think it’s stupid not to use my potential. But then it’s another matter what the coaches think.”

Tortorella declined to comment when asked about Laine's critical remarks.

The Dispatch has learned that Brad Larsen, who was promoted from assistant to Tortorella's replacement this summer, was the target of comments made by Laine that led to the star forward getting benched for 1190532 Columbus Blue Jackets part of my game,” Guenther said. “Hockey IQ and scoring really go hand- in-hand. I feel like I’m able to time the plays and kind of read them ahead of time, so I know the position I need to be in to be able to get my shot off NHL draft profile: Who is Dylan Guenther? and be in a scoring area. I’m just able to read what’s going to happen, and then knowing your teammates are going to do their job really helps with that.”

Brian Hedger One of those teammates in Guenther’s first taste of the WHL action was Trey Fix-Wolansky, a Blue Jackets prospect, who posted 102 points in 65

games for the Oil Kings in 2018-19 with 37 goals and 65 assists. Editor's note: This is sixth in a nine-part a series of profiles analyzing Guenther only skated in eight games for Edmonton that season, but said potential draft prospects for the Blue Jackets. Columbus holds three first- he benefited from watching Fix-Wolansky, an undersized right wing taken round picks: No. 5, No. 24 and No. 31 overall. by the Jackets in the seventh round of the 2018 draft.

Part 1: Owen Power “Playing with Trey, he was really the leader on that team when I came in,” Guenther said. “He obviously did outstanding things on the ice and in Part 2: Matty Beniers practice. Just watching him, you can really learn anything. He’s so good with his speed and with the puck, and his shot’s so hard and accurate. Part 3: Luke Hughes He works hard every single day too, so that’s someone who I definitely Part 4: Brandt Clarke looked up to when I came into the league.”

Part 5: Kent Johnson Guenther and Fix-Wolansky are both from Edmonton, where each lit up scoreboards in their early teen years. Fix-Wolansky averaged about two Today: Dylan Guenther points a game at the U15 AAA level, while Guenther once racked up 103 points in just 30 games at age 14 — 56 goals and 47 assists — for Like most of Canada’s major junior prospects, Dylan Guenther grew tired Northern Alberta U15 Bantam Prep. A year later, he debuted for the Oil of waiting to play last season. Kings in the WHL and kept right on scoring the past two seasons. As the worked with governmental and health Might the two Oil Kings reunite in Columbus someday? leaders in the Canadian provinces of and Alberta, Guenther joined a team in the lower tier Alberta Junior Hockey League There’s definitely a chance. Draft experts believe Guenther will be on a loan agreement. He just wanted to play, so he skated with the available when the Blue Jackets select fifth overall Friday night, while Sherwood Park Crusaders for a brief stint and did what he usually does – Fix-Wolansky continues to work toward the NHL in the Columbus system put up points. despite a torn ACL with the last season that froze his scoring line at 4-5-9 in nine games. Guether had three goals, two assists and five points in four AJHL games before heading back to the Edmonton Oil Kings, his WHL team, for the “We’ve met a couple of times and we’ve had good conversations there,” start of an abbreviated season. Guenther said of his interactions with the Blue Jackets thus far. “I would love to play there.” “I was sitting at home for a long period of time when other countries and other players were able to play and continue to get better through a Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 07.21.2021 normal season,” Guenther said. “I was unable to do that, and I had to find ways to continue to get better and work on my game that even sometimes weren’t on the ice. I think I did a good job of that.”

Here's what to know about Guenther, a high-scoring forward ranked fifth on NHL Central Scouting's list of North American skaters:

Position: Right wing

Height/Weight: 6-1, 181

Shoots: Right

Birthdate: April 10, 2003

Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Team: Edmonton Oil Kings

2020-21 point totals: 12 goals, 12 assists in 12 WHL games; 4 goals, 3 assists in 7 U18 games for Canada; 3 goals, 2 assists in five AJHL games

Offensive struggles have plagued the Blue Jackets the past two years, and they desperately need more point producers. Ideally, they’d like to find them in the form of skilled two-way centers, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add a scoring presence like Guenther at a wing position.

He’s not the fastest skater in straight-line measurements and isn’t all that shifty either. What Guenther has is the ability to anticipate, get to soft areas where coverage is lacking and create a lot of headaches for opponents with adept shooting and passing skills.

In short, he’s a points machine.

After an impressive scoring line of 26-33-59 in 58 games for the Oil Kings in 2019-20, his first full WHL season, Guenther made the most of his limited time with Edmonton this year — averaging two points a game with 12-12-24 in just 12 games. He also helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2021 U18 World Championship, posting 4-3-7, and he’ll probably be a candidate to score 50 or 60 goals for the Oil Kings if he returns to the junior ranks for another full season of development.

“I think when I have the puck on my stick, I’m obviously a threat to shoot and score still, but you can also make plays from that, which is also a big 1190533 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets' preseason schedule features eight games, four opponents

The first game is Sept. 27 in Pittsburgh to begin a slate with four home- and-home matchups against the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Penguins and St. Louis Blues.

Brian Hedger

The Blue Jackets have released their preseason schedule for next season.

The 2021-22 exhibition slate includes home-and-home matchups against the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues – starting with a road game Sept. 27 in Pittsburgh.

The eight-game schedule is split evenly between road and home games and concludes Oct. 9 against the Penguins at .

NHL expansion draft:Blue Jackets gamble, leave Max Domi unprotected

Who'll be a Blue Jacket this fall?:Next two weeks might be turbulent amid roster makeover

It opens with a tripleheader of three games in three days, beginning with the first one against the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena plus home games Sept. 28 against the Buffalo Sabres and and Sept. 29 against the St. Louis Blues.

All eight games will start at 7 p.m. local time, including seven played in the Eastern time zone. The game Oct. 8 in St. Louis will begin at 8 p.m. ET.

The team said dates, start times and broadcast information for the Jackets’ regular season schedule will be released at a later date.

2021 Blue Jackets' preseason schedule

Monday, Sept. 27 at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET

Tuesday, Sept. 28 vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET

Wednesday, Sept. 29 vs. St. Louis Blues, 7 p.m. ET

Saturday, Oct. 2 at Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m. ET

Monday, Oct. 4 at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET

Wednesday, Oct. 6 vs. Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m. ET

Friday, Oct. 8 at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m. ET

Saturday, Oct. 9 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190534 Columbus Blue Jackets The Blue Jackets’ goaltending depth took a hit when Matiss Kivlenieks died July 4 in a fireworks accident. The team is now in the market to add depth, possibly an NHL backup.

Blue Jackets' next two weeks might be turbulent amid roster makeover “It takes away a very good goaltender from our depth chart and now we The NHL's latest expansion draft, trades, amateur draft and free agency have a hole to fill,” Kekalainen said. could all cause significant changes before August arrives. Daniil Tarasov, the team’s top prospect, is expected to start next season with the Cleveland Monsters in the American Hockey League.

Brian Hedger Could Merzlikins and Korpisalo return as a tandem again?

It's not likely, but Kekalainen didn’t rule it out. Each is entering the final year of his contract and would like the opportunity to be a top net-minder Buckle up, because the next two weeks could get a little bumpy for the for a whole season. Blue Jackets. “That’s the tough part, having two guys who think they both should be Prior to the arrival of August, the Jackets must traverse through the No. 1s,” Kekalainen said. “I don’t know if there’s enough ice time for both. NHL’s latest expansion draft Wednesday, an amateur draft Friday and That’s been a problem, but who knows? ... Maybe that’s something that Saturday, the opening of free agency July 28 and the possibility of we can do.” multiple trades sparked by all three of those events. 's next stop In other words, what once was considered a “reload” for next season might look like a “restart” when the dust settles. A source told The Dispatch that former Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno, an unrestricted free agent, plans to sign with the Minnesota Wild “We’re going to try to build this the right way, so that we can compete for to join his younger brother Marcus. the Stanley Cup — and not just for next year,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “That’s something to keep in mind. We Reports had surfaced that Foligno is down to two options once free want to get back into contending and we want to get back into the agency arrives — signing with Minnesota or returning to the Blue playoffs, but we want to get back in to win the Cup, not just to make it … Jackets. Foligno, who’s at his summer home in Subury, Ontario, told The and definitely not getting into the mix of picking 16th every year. That’s Dispatch he hasn’t made any decisions. the worst scenario. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 07.21.2021 "So, we’re going to build the right way, with the goal of winning the Stanley Cup.”

When uttered by most GMs, the words “build the right way” usually mean a team is about to go through a full rebuild. Kekalainen hasn’t put it into those terms just yet, but the math is fairly simple to get there.

The top of the 2022 draft class is loaded with highly rated impact players, including four projected centers who could potentially anchor a first line for years. The Jackets desperately need one of those, especially after trading Pierre-Luc Dubois, and might get a jumpstart on that process with nine picks in this year’s draft — including three in the first round, starting with the fifth overall.

Kekalainen and John Davidson, the team’s president of hockey operations, surprised some by making veteran forward Max Domi available in the expansion draft and may sign off on trades that subtract star defenseman Seth Jones and one of the team’s top goalies — Elvis Merzlikins or Joonas Korpisalo.

There is also free agency to consider, along with any trades the team might work out with the expansion Seattle Kraken between Monday and Thursday – when the NHL lifts a roster freeze that went into effect Saturday.

Got all that?

It’s a lot to digest, but the Blue Jackets hope the next couple of weeks provide some key foundational building blocks for whatever they’re officially calling this process.

“We’ve got to look at our group and make some decisions and get back into building it toward winning the Cup, not just making it into the playoffs or through the first round,” Kekalainen said.

Waiting game with Seth Jones

Kekalainen hasn’t gotten the kind of offers he’s looking for during talks with teams interested in trading for Jones. Otherwise, it might have happened by now.

The fact it hasn’t means there is likely a game of negotiating hardball being played by Kekalainen, other GMs and possibly Jones’ agent, Pat Brisson, who has facilitated trades for other clients. Kekalainen told The Dispatch on Sunday that he remains content to keep Jones to start next season if the offers this summer don’t measure up to his expectations.

That might just be a negotiating ploy, since Jones has made it known he doesn’t want to re-sign with the Blue Jackets, but a deal is expected to happen later this week or next.

Filling the void in goal after Kivlenieks' death 1190535 Columbus Blue Jackets or Vladislav Gavrikov get snapped up by Seattle for nothing. It’s not that they don’t like Kukan, but something had to give.

What Seattle would get: Kukan is a solid but unspectacular player. He’s Who the Blue Jackets might lose in the Seattle expansion draft, and how more of a puck-mover, certainly, than an offensive defenseman, and he it will impact them has decent size — 6-foot-2, 195 pounds — without being very physical. Kukan is 28 years old, so it’s hard to say his best hockey is still ahead of him, but he’s never played more than 35 games in an NHL season and By Aaron Portzline Jul 20, 2021 should probably be seen as six-to-eight blueliner on a good team’s depth chart. He has one year remaining on his contract, at $1.65 million, before

he becomes a UFA next summer. COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Blue Jackets are no strangers to losing What the Jackets would lose: He’s no Norris Trophy candidate, but don’t players, so Wednesday’s NHL expansion draft — the birth of the Seattle act like Kukan’s loss would be easy to swallow. Last offseason, the Kraken — may feel familiar. That doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. Jackets traded Ryan Murray and Markus Nutivaara. In April, they traded A full list of the Blue Jackets players who are available for selection by David Savard. Soon, they’re expected to trade Jones before he heads Seattle is provided below, but most expect the Kraken to pick one of four into his final season before unrestricted free agency. Kukan hasn’t so players: centers Max Domi or Kevin Stenlund, or defensemen Dean much climbed the depth chart as he watched it disintegrate before him. Kukan or Gabriel Carlsson. Kevin Stenlund Those are two positions that used to be strengths in Columbus, but are Overview: Stenlund was a restricted free agent earlier this month before now trouble spots on the roster. This won’t hurt as bad as the Vegas the Blue Jackets moved quickly to sign him, giving them a second expansion draft in 2017 — ugh, William Karlsson — but it will alter the forward (along with Domi, ultimately) that met that minimum exposure Blue Jackets’ 2021-22 lineup. requirement for the draft. He signed a one-year deal worth $1.05 million, In scouring the Web on Monday, we learned that the hockey intelligencia leaving him eligible for arbitration next summer. Stenlund has played is torn on which player the Blue Jackets are likely to lose. some wing, but is widely considered a center.

The Hockey News, The Score, and the Seattle Times all have the Kraken What Seattle would get: Stenlund is a long-strider, so his skating can be taking Domi. NBC Sports thinks it’ll be Kukan. Stenlund was the deceiving — he’s no burner, but he’s not the slow-poke some people prediction by Sportsnet, while Carlsson was tabbed by NHL.com. claim, either. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, he holds onto the puck by using his big frame for protection, not by weaving and dangling. You can look The Athletic’s latest mock expansion draft has Seattle taking Kukan. at his time in Columbus in two ways: either he’s a player with upside that hasn’t been realized, with only limited opportunity (68 games in three We spoke to a collection of NHL scouts and personnel types early this seasons), or he’s a player that, despite a desperate need for centers in week to get their read on the situation, and they were a mixed bag, too. Columbus, hasn’t claimed his spot. Among six participants, Domi was picked three times, Kukan twice and Stenlund once. What the Jackets would lose: You may have heard that center ice is a major concern in Columbus. Stenlund hasn’t exactly solidified his spot in What follows is a look at each of the four players … why Seattle may the lineup, but he did seem to grow increasingly confident last season decide to draft them, and what the Blue Jackets would lose if each player when he became a regular, including some power-play opportunities. were taken. Depending on the moves the Blue Jackets make over the next few Max Domi weeks, he could slot into the lineup as high as the third line. It’s a position that needs to be overhauled, sure, but in the short term the Jackets may Overview: There was deep suspicion regarding the Blue Jackets’ motives need bodies. in exposing Domi. GM Jarmo Kekalainen has framed it as a bit of a gamble, saying Domi’s recovery from shoulder surgery — he’s expected Gabriel Carlsson to miss the first month or two of next season — might deter Seattle from Overview: Carlsson is a bit of a wild card in this discussion, as his name taking him. But others read it as the Jackets trying to cut bait with Domi was barely mentioned as a consideration until lately. Best we can tell, and his contract after only one season. He’s due to make $6 million next there’s not widespread expectation that Seattle would select him, but season, coming off the worst season of his young career. If the Blue there are teams who think he still has significant NHL upside. Jackets negotiate with Seattle to encourage them to draft a certain player — those side deals are being struck right now — the greater likelihood is What Seattle would get: His towering frame (6-foot-5) and pterodactyl- that they’re steering the Kraken toward taking Domi, not away. like reach are Carlsson’s best attributes, and he seemed to put it all Kekalainen isn’t showing his cards publicly, but he framed Domi’s together at one point last season in Columbus. But it wasn’t sustainable. exposure in a rather blunt way to the Columbus Dispatch: “If we lose him, He’s big, but not physical. He actually gets pushed around pretty easily, we lose him.” with only 195 pounds on that frame. There is very little offensive upside. Maybe the Kraken see Carlsson as a project with immense promise — What Seattle would get: The Kraken are said to be fixated on drafting the same reason the Blue Jackets made him a first-round pick in 2015 — centers, so depending on how they view Domi — Is he a wing? Is he a but he’s 24 years old now. He’s only making $750,000 in 2021-22, the center? — they’ll either be very interested or maybe not so much. The final year of his current contract. debate over Domi’s ability to play in the middle did not get much clarity last season. If anything, it got more muddled. But after a rough start to What the Jackets would lose: Much like Kukan, Carlsson would head into the season, his best stretch of play all season was the final month when 2021-22 with his best chance yet of being a Blue Jackets’ regular. He he played at center ice. His skating improved, his playmaking finally might have the inside track to the third pairing job on the left side, behind showed up and he started to look comfortable. Domi sees himself as a Werenski and Gavrikov on the depth chart. If he goes, the Blue Jackets center. Does Seattle? would need to add defensive depth at some point this summer.

What the Jackets would lose: If Domi’s 2021-22 season is anything like The lists his first season in Columbus, the Blue Jackets wouldn’t miss all that much. But let’s get real: Domi is a much better player than he showed Protected (nine goals, 15 assists and 24 points in 54 games), and when he’s Forwards — Cam Atkinson; Oliver Bjorkstrand; ; Patrik playing to his standard he’s one of the most talented players on the Laine; Gustav Nyquist; Eric Robinson; Jack Roslovic. roster. The Blue Jackets are likely to address their center depth this offseason, but Domi’s departure would further thin the cast of candidates Defensemen — Vladislav Gavrikov; Seth Jones; Zach Werenski. to play in the middle and it would further thin an already scarce amount of Goaltender: Joonas Korpisalo. skill on the Columbus roster. Available Dean Kukan Forwards — Zac Dalpe; Max Domi; Nathan Gerbe; Mikhail Grigorenko; Overview: If the Blue Jackets chose the 7-3-1 protection plan, you knew Ryan MacInnis; Stefan Matteau; Cliff Pu; Kole Sherwood; Kevin Kukan would be exposed. No way they’d let Seth Jones, Zach Werenski Stenlund; Calvin Thurkauf; Daniel Zaar. Defensemen — Gavin Bayreuther; Gabriel Carlsson; Adam Clendening; Michael Del Zotto; Scott Harrington; Dean Kukan.

Goaltender — Cameron Johnson.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190536 Dallas Stars The other 12 exposed players: Nick Caamano (RFA), Andrew Cogliano (UFA), Justin Dowling (UFA), Joel L’Esperance, Matej Stransky (Europe), Taylor Fedun (UFA), Ben Gleason (RFA), Niklas Hansson (Europe), Which Dallas Star will go to Seattle? Here’s a look at the Kraken’s Mark Pysyk (UFA), Sami Vatanen (UFA), Landon Bow (Europe) and options ahead of expansion draft Colton Point (RFA).

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 07.21.2021

By Matthew DeFranks7:08 PM on Jul 20, 2021 CDT

Come Wednesday night, someone will be trading Victory Green and Black for Deep Sea Blue and Ice Blue.

The choice is anyone’s guess at this point.

The NHL will hold the Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft on Wednesday night, when the league’s newest team will select one unprotected player from 30 teams — Vegas is exempt —including the Stars.

Seattle’s picks are due to the league at 9 a.m. with the selections televised at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.

In the last week, maneuvering by Stars general manager Jim Nill has left the cupboard almost bare in Dallas. Just when it looked like Anton Khudobin could be the Kraken’s pick, Ben Bishop waived his no-move clause to allow the Stars to protect Khudobin instead. When Jason Dickinson ascended to the top of the list, he was traded to Vancouver for a third-round pick.

Now, the options from Dallas consist mostly of veteran depth pieces and borderline AHL players, save for the injured Bishop and the unrestricted free agent Jamie Oleksiak. It’s mostly a mix of players with uncertain futures or unproven pasts or both, a concoction that might mean Dallas’ selection depends on who the Kraken take from other teams as they fill out their roster’s edges.

Here’s a look at Seattle’s options from the Stars.

Ben Bishop: This would be a big gamble by Seattle, betting that Bishop’s injury history and current recovery from knee surgery won’t stop him from becoming one of the best goaltenders in the world again. Bishop hasn’t played since the 2020 postseason, and hasn’t been a lineup regular since March 2020. Last week, he said that the idea would be to be ready for training camp “if the knee allows that.”

Jamie Oleksiak: The 6-7 defenseman will become an unrestricted free agent on July 28, but Seattle has until Wednesday’s draft to negotiate a contract with Oleksiak. If the Kraken and Oleksiak reach a deal, he would count as the team’s pick from Dallas. Oleksiak transformed into a top- four defenseman the last two seasons and figures to make $3.5-4.5 million per year on the open market.

Adam Mascherin: If you haven’t heard of Mascherin, it’s probably because he hasn’t played an NHL game yet. But he would be an appealing option for Seattle after he was third in the AHL in goals last season, and has the pedigree as a one-time second-round pick. He will be a restricted free agent.

Blake Comeau: The veteran penalty-killer signed with the Stars last month for one year and $1 million to solidify the team’s bottom six. He could do the same in Seattle on a cheap contract, and BetOnline placed the odds of his selection at 2-to-1.

Tanner Kero: Kero spent all of last year with Dallas, bouncing between the NHL roster and the taxi squad. He was a fourth-liner who played limited special teams minutes and he’s signed at the league minimum.

Andrej Sekera: Sekera, 35, was a third-pairing penalty-killer for the Stars last year who averaged a career-low 15 minutes, 38 seconds of ice time per game. He figures to assume the same role in Dallas, and carries a $1.5 million cap hit.

Joel Hanley: Hanley has been a serviceable player for the Stars the last three seasons, stepping into the lineup when injuries mount and giving Dallas solid minutes on the bottom pair. He plays a similar role to Sekera, but he costs half as much and he’s five years younger.

Julius Honka: If the Kraken want a reclamation project, the former first- rounder would be one. Currently signed to play in Sweden for two more years, Honka hasn’t played in the NHL since January 2018 and only played 17 games for AHL affiliate Texas last year. 1190537 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings eager for training camp, next season; but will Dylan Larkin be ready?

HELENE ST. JAMES

The 2021-22 NHL schedule is expected to be released Thursday, and training camp in Traverse City is two months away — and at last, the Detroit Red Wings can interact with fans again.

Forward Robby Fabbri and coach represented the team Monday at a street hockey clinic at Patton Memorial Center in Detroit, the highlight of which was the smile on the face of 10-year-old Harold Washington, Jr., when it was announced he had won the draw to assist general manager in revealing the name of the team’s selection at No. 6 in the 2021 draft on Friday evening.

To be out and about among fans was a welcome change after more than a year spent restricted by the pandemic.

“This was a lot of fun, for sure,” Fabbri said. “We missed doing that throughout the year. I’m happy I’m able to do this.”

WHO'S STAYING? Wings' list of unprotected players an indictment on former first-round picks

Fabbri missed the last month of the season because of a concussion, but said he’s begun training and will be ready for camp.

“I’ve been training for a couple months now and everything is back to normal,” he said. “It’s nice to get healthy.”

Fabbri was one of multiple Wings who didn’t finish the the season because of injuries: Notably, captain Dylan Larkin was hurt when Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn pushed his stick into Larkin’s neck April 20. Larkin required hospitalization and a brace, and Blashill hedged about his readiness for Traverse City.

“He’s progressing in a manner that we think that he’ll be ready,” Blashill said. “Obviously in those two months, things happen, so I certainly would never guarantee anybody would be ready, because over the course of time, things can happen. But I know Dylan is at LCA on a daily basis, and I know he’s progressing.”

MORE ON CAPTAIN: Larkin feels 'pretty lucky' after injury forced him into neck brace

Blashill said the same regarding Tyler Bertuzzi, who didn’t play after a back injury in January and underwent surgery in April.

“They are in the same boat that way,” Blashill said. “They are moving at that rate together. They are beginning the process of skating, beginning the process of lifting.”

Camp will feature a new face in defenseman Nick Leddy, who was acquired Friday in a trade with the New York Islanders. Blashill was at dinner with his wife when Yzerman texted that the deal was done.

THE NEW GUY: Nick Leddy can help the Wings on defense. Here's how

“It adds a player who’s been a legit top-four defenseman for a long time in this league,” Blashill said. “I’ve known Nick a long time as a player. Obviously an excellent skater. He’s been part of an organization that wins in a fashion that we’re going to have to win like. is one of the best coaches in the league. We’re excited about it.”

Leddy, a 30-year-old veteran who shoots left, and the thinking is he’ll be a good partner either for Moritz Seider, or Filip Hronek, both talented, right-shot defensemen. For a team that is very much still in a rebuild, it has potential to make the current team more competitive.

“We believe we’re on the upswing and when you add players like Nick Leddy, it hopefully accelerates that a little bit,” Blashill said.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190538 Detroit Red Wings ►Pros: This would be another minor gamble for Seattle, going with a younger player who simply might need a fresh start, a new coaching staff and an opportunity.

NHL Expansion Draft: Which Red Wings player will end up in Seattle? In brief opportunities with the Wings, Svechnikov hasn't looked out of place. He had eight points in 21 games last season, after twice being waived (and no team selecting him). TED KULFAN | The Detroit News Svechnikov is motivated and driven, and going to a situation like this might work well for both sides.

Detroit — The roster the Red Wings have today isn't going to look the ►Cons: You really wonder about the lengthy list of injuries, including a same by Wednesday evening. knee problem that cost him an entire season.

The Wings and 29 other NHL teams (Vegas is exempt) are each going to At age 24, Svechnikov is past the prospect stage of his career, so what lose one player, as the Seattle Kraken stockpile their first roster in the you see is likely what you're going to get. And while Svechnikov does a NHL Expansion Draft. variety of things well, there isn't anything that really stands out.

The Wings released their protected list Saturday, players unable to be If the Wings don't qualify Svechnikov, he's a restricted free agent. Seattle poached by Seattle, and there were few surprises. might be able to sign him as an unrestricted free agent if it truly has interest. Forwards Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Jakub Vrana, Robby Fabbri, Adam Erne, Michael Rasmussen and Givani Smith, defensemen Filip Vladislav Namestnikov Hronek, Nick Leddy and Gustav Lindstrom, and goaltender Thomas Greiss were protected. ►Pros: Namestnikov has been a classy, versatile, dependable player wherever he's gone and an expansion team would surely benefit from That left some useful, interesting names for the Kraken to consider, him being in the lineup. heading into Wednesday's draft. With one more year left on his contract at $2 million, Namestnikov For subscribers: Ted Kulfan's 2021 NHL mock draft 2.0: Plenty of wouldn't take much salary cap space and he's only 29. He came as questions, unknowns, heading into weekend advertised to the Wings, being able to play both special teams and capable of playing on a scoring or checking line. Here is a list of unprotected Wings, with the likeliest to be picked by Seattle at the top. There are also pros and cons associated with each After Seattle fills out its top two scoring lines, if the salary numbers fit, player, relative to why Seattle would, or would not, pick the player. Namestnikov would be a quality fit on the third line. And he has shown the ability to play either center, or wing, in his career effectively. Troy Stecher ►Cons: Again, it's a situation where the Kraken will have younger and ►Pros: Depending how the Kraken fill out the remainder of their roster, a more inexpensive options available, depending on how they decide to player like Stecher does a nice job complementing the lineup. stock the roster. The Wings saw that last season, as Stecher supplied energy to the Namestnikov had eight goals last season, but five were empty-net goals. lineup with his all-out style of play and had impressive defensive analytic That spoke to a disappointing season offensively. A bit more was numbers. expected, especially five-on-five. Stecher is only 27, he has one year left on his contract at an extremely Danny DeKeyser manageable number ($1.7 million) and he’s from nearby Vancouver. ►Pros: DeKeyser is a proven NHL defenseman, plays major minutes, Perfect team guy in the locker room. and has one year on his contract at $5 million. A veteran who can play ►Cons: There are many Stecher types available for Seattle in this draft, against other team's top lines, DeKeyser would be a shrewd addition to some younger and cheaper. the Kraken.

If Seattle decides to load up with some big names, that might be a Coming off back surgery, DeKeyser showed he was healthy and looked consideration. physically stronger as the season went on.

The Kraken might be just as intrigued by younger defenseman Dennis ►Cons: The back surgery, which will make any team hesitant. It took Cholowski off the Wings' unprotected list. Another Vancouver kid, much of the first half of the season for DeKeyser to get back his strength younger (age 23), and under team control for three more years. and be a key part of the lineup.

Dennis Cholowski For Seattle's money, there will be other options who are healthier and were more productive. It might be a different story if DeKeyser was just ►Pros: The former first-round pick has twice started an NHL season with several years younger. the Wings but was eventually sent back to Grand Rapids each time. Last season, Cholowski played 13 games with the Griffins (10 points) and 16 Frans Nielsen games with the Wings toward the end of the season. ►Pros: If Nielsen, 37, was five-10 years younger, it might be a different Each time, defensive shortcomings and lack of overall consistency were situation. He was one of the better two-way centers in the game. usually reasons Cholowski couldn't stick in the NHL. ►Cons: With one year left at a $5.25 million cap hit, Nielsen is still a Offensively, Cholowski has showed enough to be an eventual NHL candidate to be bought out by the Wings, and Seattle isn't going to be regular. interested.

Being so young, and inexpensive, and also from the area, there's a lot to [email protected] like. You also get the feeling going to a new team, a new situation, may Twitter: @tkulfan benefit Cholowski and unlock his talent. NHL Expansion Draft ►Cons: It's fair to wonder whether the defensive issues will ever get any better, and Cholowski still hasn't shown the consistency to run an NHL ►When: Wednesday, 8 p.m. power play. ►Where: Seattle Some of the younger defensemen available play with a bit more bite to their games, which might give Seattle an edge playing in the Western ►TV: ESPN2 Conference. ►What's next? Seattle must choose a total of 30 players (at least 14 Evgeny Svechnikov forwards, nine defensemen and three goalies), with a salary figure that is between 60-100% of the $81.5 million salary cap ceiling. Detroit News LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190539 Detroit Red Wings Or maybe he will be taken by then, too.

So. unless the Red Wings are enamored with a forward or defenseman at No. 6, it might be worth rolling the dice on Wallstedt. Timing could be right for Red Wings to take goalie with top pick Michigan Live LOADED: 07.21.2021

By Ansar Khan

The Detroit Red Wings will have several quality forwards and defensemen to choose from Friday with the sixth overall selection in the draft, players who could be solid NHLers for many years.

But what are the chances they will land an elite skater at that spot? Not that great.

There is one potential superstar who figures to be available at No. 6 – goaltender Jesper Wallstedt.

The Stanley Cup Final reinforced the importance of the position. , selected 19th overall in 2012 under Steve Yzerman’s watch in Tampa Bay, won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in helping the Lightning to back-to-back championships.

Carey Price, the fifth pick in 2005 and the 2015 Hart Trophy winner as league MVP, led a Montreal team that had no business advancing past the first round all the way to the Finals.

As first-round picks, they are a rare breed. As crucial as this position is, only 14 goalies have been selected in the first round since 2000. Price is the only goalie to be taken in the top six in the past 18 years. Only 12 goalies have ever been picked in the top six, a list that includes Hall-of- Fame talent (Price, Marc-Andre Fleury, ) and flops (Ray Martyniuk, Brian Finley).

The Red Wings have taken a goalie in the first round only once in the past 48 years -- Tom McCollum 30th in 2008 – and he appeared in only three NHL games.

It is more difficult to project how a goalie’s talents will translate to the highest level, and they usually take longer to develop than skaters. General managers under pressure to win now might be more inclined to take a forward or defenseman who will contribute sooner.

But Yzerman is under no such pressure. He has the time to allow a goalie to develop and the reputation to not be criticized about the selection.

Wallstedt (6-3, 214) played well as an 18-year-old in Sweden’s top men’s league (12-10-0, 2.23 goals-against average, .908 save percentage, two for Lulea).

He figures to be the first Swedish-born goalie ever selected in the first round of the draft.

NHL Central Scouting’s breakdown of Wallstedt reads: “The best goalie prospect in years from Sweden. Has good size and a huge presence in the net. Reads the game very well and looks confident in every game. Plays a solid . Moves quickly with good balance. Covers the low part of the ice well and also possesses a quick glove and blocker. Solid, steady and consistent.”

The Red Wings have a decent stable of defense prospects in their system, topped by Moritz Seider, who will make his NHL debut next season. Others with NHL potential include Jared McIsaac, Albert Johansson, Antti Tuomisto, William Wallinder, Donavan Sebrango, Eemil Viro and Wyatt Newpower.

They are thinner at forward. Lucas Raymond, selected fourth overall last year, Joe Veleno and possibly Jonatan Berggren have offensive potential

The goaltending position is a glaring hole in the organization.

Filip Larsson, once considered the most promising of the bunch, has had a rough couple of seasons since turning pro. Keith Petruzzelli, who improved in each of his four seasons at Quinnipiac, is not expected to sign with the Red Wings by the Aug. 15 deadline.

Perhaps Yzerman will use the No. 23 pick (22nd due to Arizona’s forfeiture of the 11th selection), obtained from Washington in the Anthony Mantha/Jakub Vrana trade, on a goalie. Wallstedt is certain to be gone by then, but perhaps Sebastian Cossa, the No. 1-rated North American goalie from Edmonton of the Western Hockey League, will be available. 1190540 Edmonton Oilers Video took on an even larger role than normal this year, but even in the magic age of technology, there are very human challenges.

“Once you’re watching video, you’re at the mercy of the quality of the Edmonton Oilers scouts brave pandemic in search of talent video and the person running the camera,” said Wright. “You’re trying to 'You’re not really supposed to be travelling through a pandemic ... but we watch a and the person who’s doing the shooting won’t have work to do and a draft to run. We have to find players and we have have him on the screen at all. You don’t have a sense of gap control. to do our due diligence' “And if it’s a goalie, you can’t tell from that angle whether it was a bad goal or not. All sorts of challenges.”

Robert Tychkowski With so many unanswered questions about so many players, this could be a year when a lot of very good NHLers emerge from outside the first round. So, saturation picking could reap big rewards.

Having to criss-cross during a global pandemic wasn’t Unfortunately for the Oilers, they don’t have a second-, third- or fifth- especially pleasant, but when the 19th pick in the NHL draft is at stake, round pick this year (barring a trade between now and Saturday). staying home is not an option. “The feeling in the industry is that there is going to be some good value You book the flights and take the swabs. later on,” said Wright. “With no second and no third, we’re limited in the high end of that, but with a fourth, two sixths and a seventh, we’ve got to “I’ve probably been tested over 100 times,” laughed Edmonton Oilers make these picks count.” amateur scouting director Tyler Wright. “Every time you go across the border, every time you get on a plane — and rightfully so, you’re trying to Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 07.21.2021 do your part to get a handle on this thing. You do what you can within the rules and off you go.”

Off he went, from small town in rinks in Western Canada to U.S. college campuses to all points in between, Wright was out here stalking talent. If there were pucks being shot in anger and COVID-19 restrictions allowed, he would punch in the co-ordinates and start driving.

“I would fly into the U.S. and then travel basically by car throughout the U.S.,” said Wright, as he and his staff took a break from putting the finishing touches on the Oilers’ list for this weekend’s draft. “It was a lot of driving, a lot of take-out food in your hotel room and isolating. The various states and provinces all had different regulations in place, so it was everywhere from erratic to stressful.

“You’re not really supposed to be travelling through a pandemic, so you’re trying to be as conscious as possible, trying to do the right things and not step over the line, but we have work to do and a draft to run. We have to find players and we have to do our due diligence.”

All NHL drafts are crapshoots to some degree. It’s extremely difficult to tell how an 18-year-old kid will fare against elite, hardened professionals at the best of times, and these are a long, long way from the best of times.

With leagues playing abbreviated schedules, or shutting down altogether, it’s virtually impossible to determine truly accurate rankings. How do you compare a kid who played 23 bubble games in the Western Hockey League last year to an Ontario Hockey League prospect who didn’t play at all? How do you weigh them against Swedish Hockey League players who completed a full season and playoffs that you never got to see in person?

“You’re dealing with young men, 17 and 18 years old, who are in such different stages of physical and mental maturity to begin with,” said Wright. “Then not having an opportunity to play, like the Ontario kids didn’t, puts a wrench in things.

“You’re missing out on what their development paths are, good or bad. Have they taken another step forward? But if they didn’t play, it’s pretty hard to gauge.”

There are usually 30 to 50 players a year drafted out of the Ontario league. The top 10 or 12 played at the U-18 in Dallas, but that leaves a lot who didn’t play at all.

“I feel bad for the kids,” said Wright. “This is an important time for them in their lives and their careers. But it is what it is and we have to find a way to muster out the best picks possible for us.”

How do you put a list together under these circumstances? Between masked-up road trips, endless video sessions and interviews, teams put together the best patchwork of information they could.

“Agents even had their clients doing their own workouts and sent out the videos with testing numbers. Everyone is trying to be really creative to help us get to the best decision we can. There’s been collaboration throughout the whole industry to get this thing up and running.

“It’s going to be an interesting draft, but there are 32 teams that are going to be in the same boat.” 1190541 Florida Panthers — The Bruins/Capitals preseason game should be fun. (BHN)

— Why did the Capitals protect Trevor van Riemsdyk? (WHN)

Driedger is off to Seattle, but who else will Kraken get? — The Sharks got Adin Hill just before the trade deadline but now it looks like his cap hit is higher than previously thought.(SJHN)

LOCALS ONLY By George Richards The Miami Marlins season is coming apart at the seams and the trade deadline is fast approaching. (Miami Herald)

Chris Driedger, now the former goalie of the Florida Panthers, is going to — Remember that crazy pass Ryan Fitzpatrick threw against the Raiders sign with the Seattle Kraken — this much we know. But who else could last year? He describes how it came about. (MH) the Kraken build around when Wednesday’s expansion draft rolls around? — How contract negotiations between the Marlins and Starling Marte ended up in nowheresville. (MH) General manager Ron Francis has plenty of options out there and knows it. Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021

There are plenty of rumors floating around regarding side deals, including one involving the Panthers sending Frank Vatrano to Seattle, perhaps in exchange for a player the Kraken will take off of another team during the draft process.

If Driedger signs before the draft and becomes the official Florida selection, the Panthers will probably throw in a draft pick as well.

There are plenty of big name players left unprotected. The biggest names include Montreal goalie Carey Price, St. Louis winger Vladimir Tarasenko and Colorado’s Gabriel Landeskog.

Get a subscription to Florida Hockey Now for all the latest Panthers free agency and expansion draft news

While we don’t think the Kraken will take Price due to the length and price of his contract (not to mention his newly disclosed injury situation), Seattle could make a big splash by taking a player such as Landeskog.

There are plenty of mock drafts out there. One from ESPN thinks the Kraken will take former Panthers forward Evgenii Dadonov a year after he signed a three-year deal with the Sens; another from The Athletic has Jared McCann going days after Toronto acquired him from Pittsburgh.

Should be fun — and we’re just getting started with what should be a crazy time in the NHL.

The final grades of the 2021 season are in and the goalies of the Florida Panthers graded out pretty well.

There will be a lot to keep an eye on when training camp starts — Sergei Bobrovsky should remain the starter but does he hold onto it? — but that is a story for another month. (FHN)

— If there was ever an example of the NHL going back to normal, just take a look at the Florida Panthers’ upcoming preseason schedule. It definitely has a familiar feel. And, we’re all going back to Orlando. (FHN)

— Speaking of the expansion draft, remember when the Panthers lost both Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights? Of course you do.

We go back and discuss why the Panthers decided to go the way they did. Story for our loyal subscribers on Wednesday morning.

AROUND THE NHL

According to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, when the NHL announces its schedule, there will be a break written in for the Winter Olympics — even though the NHL has not said whether it is going or not. (ESPN)

— The Kraken may be in the mood for Josh Bailey, but the Islanders are trying to get them to take Jordan Eberle. (NYIHN)

— The Flyers offseason is already off to a great start after getting Ryan Ellis from Nashville. It may have just begun. (PHN)

— Logan Mailloux pulls his name out of the upcoming entry draft after his conviction for a crime of a sexual nature in Sweden last year had teams vowing not to select him this weekend. (ESPN)

— The Tampa Bay Lightning are extending its ECHL deal with the Orlando Solar Bears. (O-Sentinel)

— Looking at Seattle’s options when it comes to the Penguins. (PHN)

— It looks like the Red Wings will be losing a defenseman to the Kraken. (DHN) 1190542 Florida Panthers Chris Driedger (23 games; 14-6-3; 2.07 GAA; .927 save %; 3 shutouts; .652 quality save %; +12 goals-saved above average)

For the second consecutive season, Driedger came in and helped bail Florida Panthers 2021 Report Cards: The Goalies out the Panthers in net when called upon.

It ended up earning him a nice payday — and a three-year contract — By George Richards from the Seattle Kraken where he should compete for the starting job on Day 1.

Driedger showed that his 2019-20 performance was not a fluke as he The Florida Panthers season wrapped up more than a month ago, but gave the Panthers strong showings throughout the season and at times, report cards for the 2021 campaign are now being mailed home. looked like Florida’s starter.

Today, we look at Florida’s goalies and how they graded out. Chris Driedger gets opening start when Florida Panthers host Blackhawks In the 56-game compressed schedule, it is mildly surprising that Florida only used three goalies during the 2021 season. The Panthers were splitting things up, however, but when Bobrovsky looked shaky in Game 1 against the Lightning, Quenneville wasted no While Philippe Desrosiers spent the entire season on the taxi squad and time in naming Driedger the starter for Game 2. That had nothing to do Sam Montembeault did come up toward the end, only Sergei Bobrovsky, with a compressed schedule. Chris Driedger and Spencer Knight played. Desrosiers and Montembeault did dress as backups, however. Although Driedger’s showing in the playoffs weren’t what he had hoped them to be (Bobrovsky replaced him in Game 3 and then got the start for Two of those starting goalies will be back. Game 4) his regular season work was more than solid. Florida Hockey Now can confirm that Driedger will be signing with the Simply looking at the stats over the past two years and Driedger had expansion Seattle Kraken for the coming season. some of the best in the entire league. It is not known whether Driedger will officially sign with Seattle before As much as he and the Panthers would have liked to continue their Wednesday’s expansion draft, but he is signing with Seattle. professional relationship, this is a business and it’s time for Driedger to How the Panthers work the goalie situation moving forward will definitely move on. be something worth looking out for. Final grade: A. Does Bobrovsky get back to the form that got him a seven-year, $70 Spencer Knight (4 games; 4-0-0; 2.32 GAA; .919 save %; 0 shutouts; million contract from the Panthers in 2019 and get 65-plus games? .333 quality save %. Or does Knight, who will still be a rookie next season, wrest more than a The Panthers only planned on giving Knight one start after he signed with few games and perhaps even become the starter? the team in March upon leaving Boston College following his sophomore Perhaps Montembeault rises up in training camp and take the backup job season. sending Knight to the AHL to get the lion’s share of The Panthers — coaches, teammates, fans — were all impressed by the games there. way the 20-year-old handled himself in net as he became the youngest This is a story for another day although with training camp kicking off in goalie in NHL history to start his career with four consecutive wins. about two months, it is a day that is rapidly approaching. He got his unofficial fifth straight win as he got the start for a desperate Regardless, the Panthers know they won’t have Driedger to fall back on Florida team in Game 5 of the playoffs. this year. Knight was obviously crushed after losing Game 6 in Tampa but the GRADING THE PANTHERS’ GOALIES experience he got in his final weeks with the Panthers may prove to be invaluable. All stats courtesy of hockey-reference.com The question now is: Could Knight not only be the Panthers’ goalie-of- Sergei Bobrovsky (31 games; 19-8-2; 2.91 GAA; .906 save %; 0 the-future but the goalie-of-right-now? shutouts; .533 quality save %; -1.9 goals-saved above average) The smart money is on Bobrovsky starting the season in net but Knight It was not the best of seasons for Bobrovsky, but it certainly was a better obviously has an opportunity here. It will be interesting to see what one than he had in his Florida debut in 2019-20. happens.

Bobrovsky ended up sharing time with Driedger who, due to the Final grade: A-plus. compressed schedule, was pressed into service more than a traditional backup usually would. Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021

As the season went along, it was obvious Florida coach Joel Quenneville was running more of a 1A-1B operation in net.

In the end, Bobrovsky got 54 percent of Florida’s starts throughout the season and picked up 56 percent of the team’s total wins.

Sergei Bobrovsky hitting his stride at the right time for the Panthers

Not exactly what you’re hoping for from your highest paid player, but this was a strange season.

Bobrovsky had his moments and improved his play from the season before. Although he only started two of the six playoff games and was completely scratched for the final two, it is expected he will come into training camp as Florida’s starter.

Based on the past two seasons, however, no one would be surprised if he were to be replaced.

But, the net is his once again. How long he holds onto it, at least for the immediate future, is up to him.

Final grade: C. 1190543 Minnesota Wild

Wednesday's NHL expansion draft at a glance

By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune

JULY 20, 2021 — 5:47PM

SEATTLE EXPANSION DRAFT

THE RULES

Seattle will select 30 players, one from each team except Vegas (which is exempt). The Kraken must pick at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen and three goalies. At least 20 players have to be signed to contracts that have a combined value of $48.9 million. Teams could protect seven forwards, three defensemen and a goaltender from Seattle or eight skaters and a goalie. These protection lists were submitted to the NHL last Saturday and released publicly Sunday when the Kraken could start to exclusively interview unprotected free agents. Teams had to expose a goalie signed for next season (or one who's a restricted free agent) and at least one defenseman and two forwards under contract who played in at least 27 games last season or a minimum of 54 games the previous two seasons combined. First- and second-year pros, like the Wild's Kirill Kaprizov, were exempt from the expansion draft and didn't need to be protected.

THE REVEAL

Past and present Seattle sports stars such as Gary Payton, Marshawn Lynch and Sue Bird will help General Manager Ron Francis unveil the Kraken's picks, and iconic Seattle locations Pike Place Market, the Space Needle and Mount Rainier will be spotlighted.

PLAYERS PROTECTED BY THE WILD

Forwards Joel Eriksson Ek, Kevin Fiala, Marcus Foligno, Jordan Greenway, Ryan Hartman, Nico Sturm and Mats Zuccarello; defensemen Jonas Brodin, Matt Dumba and Jared Spurgeon; and goaltender Cam Talbot.

PLAYERS UNPROTECTED BY THE WILD

Forwards William Bitten, Nick Bjugstad, Nick Bonino, Joseph Cramarossa, Gabriel Dumont, Marcus Johansson, Luke Johnson, Victor Rask, Kyle Rau, Mason Shaw and Dmitry Sokolov; defensemen Matt Bartkowski, Louie Belpedio, Ian Cole, Brad Hunt, Ian McCoshen, Brennan Menell, Dakota Mermis and Carson Soucy; and goaltenders Andrew Hammond and Kaapo Kahkonen.

WILD OUTLOOK

Although the Wild protected the bulk of its lineup, the team is still likely to lose a roster regular. Kahkonen and Soucy are the most intriguing candidates available to Seattle, and either player's exit would create a hole on the Wild's depth chart. In his first chance to be the Wild's full-time backup, Kahkonen impressed last season by winning 16 games (a franchise record for a rookie in a single season) and going on a 9-0 run that tied for the fifth-longest win streak in NHL history by a rookie. As for Soucy, he was effective in his own end on the Wild's third defensive pairing and set career highs in assists (16) and points (17). His $2.75 million cap hit for two more years could be especially appealing to the Kraken; Kahkonen carries an even smaller cap hit next season at $725,000. If the Wild has to replace Kahkonen, the team probably searches free agency for a new backup where a handful of veteran goaltenders are expected to hit the market. The Wild could also use free agency to address its defense if Soucy leaves, and look for the team to pursue short-term contracts. Even though the Wild gained approximately $10 million in cap space this offseason from buying out the remaining contracts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, the team's flexibility shrinks over time as the buyout charge escalates.

Star Tribune LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190544 Minnesota Wild

Twenty top Minnesota prospects in the NHL Draft

Staff Report

By Star Tribune

JULY 19, 2021 — 6:59PM

Top-rated Minnesotans in the NHL draft, with overall rating among North American skaters from the Central Scouting Bureau

Rank: Name, position, hometown (Most recent team, College commitment)

12: Chaz Lucius, C, Grant (U.S. Nat'l U-18, Gophers)

27: Jack Peart, D, Grand Rapids (Grand Rapids HS, St. Cloud State)

28: Tristan Broz, LW, Bloomington (Fargo USHL, Gophers)

52: Jackson Blake, RW, Eden Prairie (Eden Prairie HS, North Dakota)

78: Kyle Kukkonen, C, Maple Grove (Maple Grove HS, Michigan Tech)

81: Charlie Lurie, LW, Minnetonka (Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep, Omaha)

91: Jack Harvey, LW, Stacy (Chicago USHL, Boston University)

96: Henry Nelson, D, Maple Grove (Maple Grove HS, Notre Dame)

98: Luke Mittelstadt, D, Eden Prairie (Eden Prairie HS, Gophers)

109: Joe Palodichuk, D, Cottage Grove (Hill-Murray, Wisconsin)

112: Luke Levandowski, LW, Rosemount (Rosemount HS, Wisconsin)

118: Joey Pierce, D, Ely (Hermantown HS, Minnesota Duluth)

121: Bennett Schimek, RW, Mendota Heights (Sioux City USHL, Providence)

128: Justin Janicke, LW, Maple Grove (U.S. Nat'l U-18, Notre Dame)

140: Cameron Berg, C, White Bear Lake (Muskegon USHL, Omaha)

176: Cade Ahrenholz, RW, Lakeville (Lakeville South HS, Colorado College)

178: Brody Lamb, RW, Kasson (Dodge County HS, Gophers)

199: Carter Batchelder, C, Eden Prairie (Eden Prairie HS, Colorado College)

203: Connor Kurth, RW, Elk River (Dubuque USHL, Gophers)

211: Jake Martin, D, White Bear Lake (U.S. Nat'l U-18, Wisconsin)

Star Tribune LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190545 Minnesota Wild

About the 2021 NHL draft

By Star Tribune

JULY 19, 2021 — 7:00PM

First round: 7 p.m. Friday.

Rounds 2-7: 10 a.m. Saturday.

Where: The draft is virtual for a second year in a row.

TV: ESPN2 (first round), NHL Network (Rounds 2-7).

Michigan connections: Three of the top six North American prospects, according to NHL.com, are from the University of Michigan — No. 1 Owen Power (a 6-6 defenseman), No. 3 Kent Johnson (6-1 center) and No. 6 Matthew Beniers (6-2 center).

All in the family: The No. 4 North American prospect is Luke Hughes, a Michigan native whose brothers Quinn (Canucks) and Luke (Devils) are recent NHL draft picks.

Best of the rest: The No. 2 North American prospect is center Mason McTavish (Peterborough, Ontario Hockey League). No. 5 is right wing Dylan Guenther (Edmonton, Western Hockey League) and No. 7 is defenseman Brandt Clarke (Barrie, OHL). Two Swedish players — Simon Edvinsson and William Eklund — are among the top European prospects.

Wild picks (nine): Two first round (No. 22 and No. 26), one second round, two third round (No. 86 and No. 90), fourth round, fifth round, sixth round, seventh round.

Wild in 2020-21: Went 35-16-5 and finished third in the West Division.

Star Tribune LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190546 Minnesota Wild "It was every day in practice," Hengen said. "It was every day in games and if it was a bad team, it was a lot of goals. If it was a good team, it was a lot of goals."

Chaz Lucius blossoms from 14-year-old Gophers commit to first-round When Lucius debuted with USA Hockey's National Team Development NHL draft prospect Program, more of the same happened.

In 46 games with the Under-17 team, he had 31 goals and finished with 50 points in 46 games. By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune Hengen called Lucius a "McDonald's cheeseburger" for his consistency. JULY 20, 2021 — 6:52AM "It's the same product every single day," Hengen said.

What stood out was Lucius' shot. Tears filled Tami Lucius' eyes. Not only is it described as heavy and accurate, but the puck leaves his She was in the stands of USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich., last stick quickly — skills that Lucius honed. February to watch her son Chaz play his first game of the season with the U.S. National Under-18 team. But what complements his release is his ability to create time and space. That's what Lucius credits to instincts. He had been sidelined with an injury, going from a wheelchair to crutches during a months-long recovery that forced him to relearn how to walk. "The way that he thinks the game offensively, he goes to the right areas," said Dan Muse, the U.S. U-18 coach. "[He] has the timing to go to those Over time, this comeback led Lucius back on the ice and to the sport he areas and keep himself free. That really impressed me the more I cherished. watched him."

And when he scored in his return to action — the first of two goals on two Eventually, Lucius' momentum stalled. shots — Tami welled up. After suffering a bone lesion from taking a puck off the left knee two "He never let the injury shake him," Tami said, "and he knew he was years ago, Lucius underwent surgery last summer to clear out the dead going to come back even stronger and better than before." bone and replace it with bone marrow from his back.

Lucius is the top-ranked Minnesotan in this year's NHL draft and a He was in a wheelchair for six weeks and then moved on to crutches projected first-round pick despite getting hurt and playing only a fraction while his leg was still tucked in a brace. For the first three months post- of the season. surgery, Lucius spent two hours a day Monday through Friday in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber — treatment that accelerates healing. But instead of this setback being a roadblock for the Gophers commit, the adversity was the gateway to the next chapter of Lucius' already "If you're claustrophobic," Lucius said, "it might not be the best for you." unique journey through hockey. In November, he began to learn how to walk again. By December, the 6- Lucius committed to the Gophers four years ago at age 14, along with his foot-1, 185-pound center was skating. then-13-year-old brother, Cruz. They are believed to be the youngest commits in program history. "That really came back easy more than the walking part," Lucius said.

Both brothers have remained on the upswing, going from Gentry While Lucius was sad at first when he realized what he was facing, he Academy to the U.S. National Team Development Program, and Chaz didn't feel sorry for himself. And he didn't want anyone else's pity, almost enters Friday's draft ranked 12th among North American skaters by NHL getting mad when people were apologetic about his circumstances. Central Scouting. "It happened to me for a reason," said Lucius, whose knee is now pain- "I'm really excited for what the future holds," Lucius said. free. "I'm just going to become better from it."

Always a scorer He felt more confident in his resiliency and what he could accomplish.

Before he was pushing pucks around, Lucius was dribbling a ball. "He always stayed positive," said Lucius' brother Cruz. "He never was down." He grew up in Grant, near White Bear Lake, and took up soccer and after Tami played on the hoops team at Minnesota State And when Chaz Lucius scored in his first game back, the first of 13 goals Mankato. in 13 games with the U-18 squad, he felt relief.

But once he saw his friends involved in hockey, Lucius figured he might He was still himself. as well try it, too. "The reason he's going to get drafted in the first round is he could be the "I've never looked back and loved the sport ever since," he said. best goal scorer at his age level in the draft," said Hengen, who noticed Lucius' shot actually get harder after the injury. "That's the thing that Lucius was 8 years old when he started hockey, and it didn't take long for teams are coveting the most. They could have a big body in the middle of Tami to notice he had a knack for it. the rink that can score goals at a high clip, and everyone needs goal scorers." The first time he played on a full sheet of ice, he scored — just like he did in soccer. Plenty of hockey is in store for Lucius.

"He just has a nose for the net," Tami said. The 18-year-old starts his Gophers career later this year and is even scheduled to get on the ice in the coming days at the 2021 World Junior Lucius caught the attention of Billy Hengen while Hengen was coaching Showcase, a preview of the talent that could represent the United States against Lucius' team. Lucius was dominating the game despite facing at the next World Junior Championship. most of the better 9-year-olds in the area. That event is back at USA Hockey Arena, so Lucius is planning to watch Late in the action, Hengen remembers Lucius burying the game-winning the first round of the NHL draft on Friday with his dad Chuck at their goal and then dropping down to one knee to punch the ice — a move house in Michigan. Hengen interpreted as pure passion. "I'm really looking forward to the day," Lucius said. "It's been a long time "I was like, 'Who is this kid?' " Hengen recalled. coming but obviously a little nervous as well." Hengen went on to coach Lucius throughout a youth career where Lucius Since he was 10 years old, Lucius has been dreaming of making the continued to emerge as a scorer. NHL. He kept racking up more goals than games played, including a whopping What kept him motivated is proving to himself what he's capable of 39 in 13 in one season. achieving. And now, he's not the only one who knows his potential.

"I can't wait to see what happens," Lucius said.

Star Tribune LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190547 Minnesota Wild wants to. He was an asset, and Guerin felt he needed to let him go at a minimal financial advantage.

And let’s not even start about Alex Tuch. John Shipley: 2021 NHL expansion draft tough on Class of 2000 It’s difficult, if not impossible, to say the Wild and Jackets got fleeced by their expansion drafts. The teams made hundreds of subsequent personnel decisions, many of which didn’t work, especially for Columbus, By JOHN SHIPLEY | [email protected] | Pioneer Press which has won one (!) playoff series. But it doesn’t mean Wednesday hasn’t already been uniquely hard on the NHL’s Class of 2000. PUBLISHED: July 20, 2021 at 12:31 p.m. | UPDATED: July 20, 2021 at 1:57 p.m.

Pioneer Press LOADED: 07.21.2021 The principals in Minnesota’s re-entry to the NHL are gone, late owner Jac Sperling, general manager Doug Risebrough and coach Jacques Lemaire among the biggest names. The league is a different beast, as well, now requiring a $650 million expansion fee of the Seattle Kraken, $570 million more than the Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets paid to join the league.

That helps explain the disparity between the expansion draft the Kraken will enjoy on Wednesday and the one the Wild and Jackets got June 23, 2000, but it won’t make it any easier for their fans. They remain the only constant from that night. Well, them and the trophy cases at and Nationwide Arena, where Minnesota and Columbus have toiled, respectively, for 20 seasons.

Those remain empty.

Seattle will get the same expansion draft as Vegas did in 2017, which is to say all to itself and with more unprotected players to choose from. The Golden Knights have since won a Western Conference championship and played for a Stanley Cup, something neither Minnesota nor Columbus has managed in 20 years.

Certainly, the Knights ($500 million) and Knights are paying for the privilege. Certainly, it’s in the NHL’s best interests to have competitive teams top to bottom. Certainly, parts of a $650 million windfall for NHL owners can be reinvested in clubs.

So, maybe unfair is too strong a word to explain the predicament the Wild and Blue Jackets are in. But it would at least be a shame to see one of them lose any piece of what they have built, however meager, over the past 20 years. The real winner here is Vegas, which as a recent addition is exempt from the expansion draft.

Look, the Wild and Jackets have made their share of management mistakes, and the fact that they have won only four playoff series between them is not because of the 2000 expansion draft. But it’s naïve to say it hasn’t made a difference.

This year, 30 teams could protect seven forwards, three defensemen and a goalie, or eight skaters and a goalie. When Minnesota and Columbus joined the league, the 26 oldest teams could protect one goalie, five defensemen and nine forwards, or two goalies, three blue liners and seven forwards.

It makes a difference, especially when teams have to swap choices on the same pool as the Wild and Blue Jackets did. Vegas and now Seattle got the whole basket of candy to themselves, and there is a lot more good candy in there now. Chances are, Seattle won’t play for the Cup right out of the gate the way Vegas did, but they have a much better chance than Minnesota and Columbus did.

And let’s not pretend this draft doesn’t hurt the Wild. Even if the Kraken don’t choose goaltender Kappo Kahkonen or defenseman Carson Soucy, the draft forced general manager Bill Guerin to buy out the contracts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter because as players with no-movement clauses in their contracts, they had to be protected.

Guerin says the expansion draft wasn’t the only reason he made that decision — he also needed money to nail down long-term deals for Kirill Kaprizov and Kevin Fiala — but of course it was a factor. Parise might have waived his no-movement clause because he could go to a lot of teams, including Seattle, and play more than he was under coach Dean Evason. But Suter was playing as much as he wanted, and protecting him would have cost the Wild either younger, cheaper and (probably) better Matt Dumba or Jonas Brodin.

So, yeah, Guerin’s hand was forced.

Also consider that the Wild would be a better team next season with Suter, who was solid this year and seems to be able to turn it on when he 1190548 Minnesota Wild to gift Francis an extra asset like a draft pick or a prospect. It’s hard to imagine the Kraken taking on Rask and his $4 million cap hit otherwise. It’s worth noting that Rask plays center and there aren’t many good options at center available on Wednesday. Who will Wild lose in NHL expansion draft, and what would it mean? What the Wild lose: Not much. While he was a valuable player for the Wild last season — his analytics were actually quite impressive despite what his reputation might suggest — clearing out Rask and his $4 million By DANE MIZUTANI | [email protected] | Pioneer Press cap hit would be more valuable than anything else. That said, it would PUBLISHED: July 20, 2021 at 12:19 p.m. | UPDATED: July 20, 2021 at create a small problem in the process, as the Wild are already extremely 7:14 p.m. light up the middle.

Upon submitting his protection list on Saturday, Wild general manager Pioneer Press LOADED: 07.21.2021 Bill Guerin started to to come to grips with the fact that he’s going to lose a good player to the Seattle Kraken in Wednesday’s NHL expansion draft.

Now, will Guerin make a side deal with Kraken general manager Ron Francis to dictate which player he loses? That remains to be seen.

That’s something former Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher opted to do back in 2017, sending top prospect Alex Tuch to the Vegas Golden Knights so that they selected Erik Haula. Though that move kept the Wild blue line in tact, the fact that Tuch has emerged as a face of the franchise for the Golden Knights makes the move tough to stomach.

There’s a good chance the Wild have learned from the past and will simply accept the fact that they are going to lose a good player this time around. Plus, the Kraken reportedly are asking for too much to complete a side deal.

It all comes down to who the Wild will lose on Wednesday. Here are the three most likely players to go:

CARSON SOUCY

Position: Defenseman

Why he’s the pick: Soucy, 26, is a solid defenseman who has the potential to grow into a bigger role. He spent most of last season skating alongside veteran Ian Cole on Wild’s third pairing and impacted the game with his 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame. He has been extremely solid defensively throughout his career and there’s reason to believe he has more to give offensively. Maybe he can play on the second pairing for the Kraken next season. Plus, his team-friendly $2.75 million cap hit is intriguing to a franchise trying to build from the ground up.

What the Wild lose: After buying out veteran defenseman Ryan Suter last week, if the Wild lose Soucy in the expansion draft they would have to replace a couple of defensemen before next season. That could be done with some prospects already in the farm system or through NHL free agency next week. Or both. Nonetheless, the blue line has been a strength of the Wild for much of the past decade, and losing both Suter and Soucy in the same week would sting.

KAAPO KAHKONEN

Position: Goaltender

Why he’s the pick: Kahkonen, 24, proved last season with the Wild that he’s, at best, a legit No. 1 goaltender, and, at worst, a viable No. 2. In other words, Kahkonen is going to be in the NHL for a long time with somebody. That’s extremely valuable considering the lack of goaltender depth across the league. If the Kraken want to build around a young player between the pipes, Kahkonen might be the best option available in the expansion draft. He already has gotten some NHL experience under his belt and his $725,000 cap hit would allow the Kraken to spend big money elsewhere.

What the Wild lose: The fact the Wild opted to protect veteran goaltender Cam Talbot instead of Kahkonen speaks volumes. They clearly see Talbot as the goaltender of the present and didn’t want to risk losing him. That said, if the Wild lose Kahkonen, they would need to find a backup ahead of next season. While there are some solid options in NHL free agency, none of those players will have Kahkonen’s upside.

VICTOR RASK

Position: Center

Why he’s the pick: Rask, 28, was a draft pick by Francis when both were with the Carolina Hurricanes. Maybe that type of familiarity tips the scales in the expansion draft. More likely, Rask is the pick only if Guerin decides 1190549 Minnesota Wild Guerin understands that the threat of returning to the KHL is actually a legitimate option.

The big question remains, however, whether Guerin will actually blink. Russo: Wild GM not frightened by KHL threat with Kirill Kaprizov, plus It doesn’t appear as if he plans to deliver Kaprizov a one-, two- or three- Jack Eichel trade talk year contract offer anytime soon, although he subtly voiced in recent weeks that he would be willing to compromise by coming down in his desired term if Kaprizov’s agent comes up in his from three years. By Michael Russo Guerin continues to remind that this is not abnormal, all part of the Jul 20, 2021 process and he’s confident they’ll be able to get a deal done.

As he said recently, “Hey, we love Kirill, but these things take time.”

There are pressure points in every negotiation. Some negotiations go quickly like Joel Eriksson Ek’s recent eight-year contract and some take a while, like the other high-profile one Guerin’s The Wild were hoping the Kirill Kaprizov contract talks would be quick currently engaged in with Kevin Fiala. and simple once they started this process months ago by offering him a pile of money that, if he agreed to a long-term deal, would almost As of now, Kaprizov is entrusting his agent to run the show, but at some certainly make him the highest-paid player in franchise history despite point, Guerin may want to get Kaprizov on the phone himself or even fly only 55 games of NHL regular-season service. to Moscow to ensure nothing’s being lost in translation.

The Wild also figured they’d hold all the leverage since he’s the type of It took 5 ½ years from the time Kaprizov, 24, was drafted in 2015 for him “free agent” that can’t file for arbitration or sign an offer sheet with to debut for the Wild. another NHL team. He came over and delivered on expectations despite the fact it was in the But that doesn’t mean Kaprizov can’t return to the KHL, and that’s middle of a pandemic that limited his ability to truly get to know his precisely the pressure point the Wild find themselves in today. teammates, explore the state of Minnesota, eat out at restaurants, or even leave the team’s road hotel and play in front of packed arenas. As The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported Tuesday night and NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes hinted at last month on Twitter, Kaprizov’s old He was embraced by his teammates, who all say he’s a great, bubbly KHL team, CSKA Moscow, would welcome him back with open arms and kid, and especially Wild fans, who have long yearned to root for a game- have a contract offer sitting in a drawer waiting for Kaprizov to sign if he breaker with Kaprizov’s immense talent. wants to return home. It still seems hard to believe that he’d come over for one year, lead the Kaprizov has an apartment in Moscow. He trains in Moscow. CSKA team in goals and points, rewrite the Wild’s rookie record book, win the Moscow’s training camp is about to open. And, as Wild general manager Calder and not come back because he opted to return to the KHL instead Bill Guerin has said, Kaprizov’s agent is heading to Moscow next week to of signing a lucrative contract in Minnesota. meet with Kaprizov. Those who know Kaprizov best say he wants to be an NHLer. He sure All of this, especially the fact that Moscow’s training camp is about to proved during an odd first year that he has what it takes to be an elite begin, is putting pressure on the Wild to get a deal done with Kaprizov. NHLer. For that to happen, it’s got to continue to be in Minnesota, unless, of course, it ever gets to the point that the Wild trade him. The problem is this continues to be an upside-down negotiation that has not gone seamlessly despite the fact that dialogue between the two sides Guerin’s banking on the fact that Kaprizov’s camp will compromise at remains ongoing. some point.

It’s believed the Wild have made seven- and eight-year overtures that Until then, though, with Kaprizov back in Russia, KHL training camps would pay Kaprizov an average of roughly $8.5-$9 million annually. opening and rumors already starting to circulate, this will continue to be an emotional rollercoaster until Guerin gets his star’s signature on a Kaprizov’s camp is willing to forgo that security and guaranteed money contract. for a short-term deal. Wild’s search for a center includes Jack Eichel But Guerin doesn’t want to risk signing Kaprizov to a contract of three years or less because that could walk him straight into unrestricted free One thing that could excite Kaprizov is the acquisition of a No. 1 center. agency in the summer of 2024. And Guerin doesn’t want to gamble that Let’s be blunt: Kaprizov dominated at times last season despite the fact Kaprizov’s agent is following the same template as one of his other he didn’t play alongside an elite centerman. clients, Artemi Panarin, who signed a bridge deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, eventually was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets and According to sources, the Wild continue to have trade talks about Jack ultimately signed a seven-year, $81.5 million ($11.6-plus million AAV) Eichel with the Buffalo Sabres even after last week’s buyouts of Zach free-agent contract with the New York Rangers. Parise and Ryan Suter.

Kaprizov fired the same agent that Panarin also fired to sign with their But as of this very moment – and things can change in a hurry this time current agent, which adds a little extra glimmer of concern. of year – the cost continues to be astronomical.

It would seem logical that the two sides will ultimately compromise on a Unless the price comes down significantly, it’s hard to buy that the Wild term of around five years, but as of now, there hasn’t been headway would decimate the franchise in order to add a $10 million a year center toward a finalized contract. who continues to rehabilitate a serious neck injury.

And as of now, Guerin has shown no indication that the threat of As The Athletic reported last month, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams’ initial ask Kaprizov returning to the KHL scares him one iota. from the Wild was believed to be all futures, meaning top prospects Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy and multiple first-round picks. Minnesota’s training camp starts in two months, meaning Guerin feels he has plenty of time to get Kaprizov signed. Eichel has five years left on his contract with a $10 million cap hit, so the Wild couldn’t afford to make a trade like that for Eichel even if they The risk with that though is Kaprizov, himself, gets antsy and is wanted to. They’d either need the Sabres to take significant money back influenced by the fact that he’s currently at home in Russia and being or find a third team to act as a broker to take a high-salaried Wild player continuously persuaded by his old KHL team or friends and family, who or two. would love to see him remain there. Plus, as LeBrun noted, it’s still not a lock that NHLers will participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Returning Fiala remains unsigned and could command north of $6 million on a new to Russia would guarantee the country’s 2018 Olympic hero would take contract. He’d be the likeliest roster player the Wild would have to part part in February’s Olympic Games. with in an Eichel trade or even conceivably any legit No. 1 or 2 center.

Some cynics question if this is just a smokescreen. After all, with no Defenseman Matt Dumba averages $6 million annually with two years leverage beyond returning to Russia, it benefits Kaprizov’s camp if left on his contract. There are also less expensive players like Carson Soucy ($2.75 million), depending on if he’s taken in Wednesday night’s expansion draft, and Jordan Greenway ($2.1 million).

So again, unless Buffalo’s tune changes in what it would take back in a trade, it’s hard to see a clear path as to how the Wild could satisfy the Sabres’ desired return to land Eichel.

For the first time in a long time, the Wild have an intriguing prospect pool and would prefer not to eat into that. Imagine having to part with Rossi and/or Boldy but also be forced to shed more quality rostered players in order to afford Eichel long-term.

The other issue with Eichel is he still hasn’t had neck surgery. If that’s the route eventually taken, Eichel would potentially miss the start of next season.

If Eichel doesn’t make sense, would the 25-year-old Sam Reinhart, the consistent Sabres’ 20-goal scorer, make sense to acquire? He wouldn’t help the Wild’s speed, but he’s a smart, skilled center who could help the power play. Like Fiala, he’s a pending restricted free agent, so perhaps there’s a swap to be made there.

Other centers potentially available via trade include Arizona’s Christian Dvorak, San Jose’s Tomas Hertl and Calgary’s Sean Monahan.

The other option is to dabble in free agency, but it’s not easy to find a clear fit at the role and price point the Wild would need.

The NHL’s trade freeze lifts Thursday at noon.

Wednesday night, the Wild will have a much better idea of what holes they’ll need to fill this offseason when they see which player the Seattle Kraken take from the Wild in the expansion draft.

Assuming no side deal is made, the likeliest pickup by Seattle is goalie Kaapo Kahkonen, the 24-year-old who won 16 games as a rookie last season. At $725,000 and still exempt from waivers, Kahkonen would seem like a no-brainer. But the other options for Seattle include Soucy, center Victor Rask, forward Nick Bjugstad and unsigned restricted free agent Brennan Menell.

If Kahkonen is taken, the Wild will likely need to find his replacement in free agency.

If Soucy is taken, the Wild will need to sign three NHL defensemen in free agency. If he’s not, the Wild will likely need two NHL defensemen and one depth defenseman.

Options include re-signing Ian Cole and pursuing free agents like Jake McCabe, , Alex Goligoski, Keith Yandle and Alex Edler.

The Wild could also use at least two forwards. Nick Foligno, Marcus’ older brother, could replace Parise at left wing or play the middle in a pinch. As we reported last week, a Foligno Bros. union in Minnesota is very possible.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190550 Montreal Canadiens In Seattle, Price would immediately become the face of the franchise, like goalie Marc-André Fleury was for the Vegas Golden Knights after they selected him from the Pittsburgh Penguins in the last expansion draft in 2017. Of course, Fleury is a lot better dealing with the media than Price Stu Cowan: Kraken face bigger risk than Canadiens with Carey Price — a man of very few words at the best of times — and did an impressive job selling the Golden Knights on and off the ice after arriving in Las

Vegas. Stu Cowan • Montreal Gazette As for the Canadiens, leaving Price unprotected is sort of a win-win Publishing date: Jul 20, 2021 situation for Bergevin. If Seattle doesn’t take him, Price and Allen will be back together next season and Bergevin will hope Price can maintain the form he showed in the playoffs and stay somewhat healthy for the next five years. If Seattle takes Price, Bergevin gets rid of a massive contract There are some who will say Canadiens GM is taking a and can spend money to fill holes at other positions while changing the big risk by not protecting Carey Price for Wednesday’s NHL expansion look of his team. draft (8 p.m., SN1, TVA Sports 2) for the Seattle Kraken. One thing that must be in the back of Bergevin’s mind, however, is But the bigger risk is on the Kraken if the team decides to take the 33- something an NHL scout once told me. year-old goalie who has five more seasons remaining on his eight-year, US$84-million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $10.5 million. “You don’t really appreciate elite goaltending until it’s gone.”

It’s the contract Bergevin isn’t protecting more than the goalie after Price agreed to waive his no-movement clause for the expansion draft. It’s similar to the situation the Nashville Predators were in when they traded Montreal Gazette LOADED: 07.21.2021 Shea Weber to the Canadiens five years ago in exchange for P.K. Subban. Predators GM David Poile was trading the last 10 years of Weber’s contract — a 14-year, US$114-million deal with an annual salary-cap hit of $7.857 million — more than he was trading his captain.

Poile was forced to match the ridiculous offer sheet the Philadelphia Flyers gave Weber in summer 2012 in order to keep him in Nashville. But the day the Predators GM matched the offer was also probably the day he realized he would eventually have to trade Weber’s contract.

The Canadiens have Price’s and Weber’s contracts for the next five seasons eating up $18.375 million of a flat NHL salary cap of $81.5 million. That works out to 23 per cent of the team’s payroll.

But that could change before next season with the possibility of the Kraken taking Price and his contract, and reports Weber could miss next season — and possibly longer — because of wrist, foot, ankle and knee injuries. It also looks like the Canadiens will lose Phillip Danault and Tomas Tatar to free agency and it’s hard to imagine Jonathan Drouin playing in Montreal again.

Bergevin could have a ton of cash to go free-agent shopping when the market opens next Wednesday and the Canadiens could be a much different team next season.

Nobody forced Bergevin to sign Price to his $84-million deal, but it’s a contract he probably wouldn’t mind getting rid of and the expansion draft is probably his last chance. It’s hard to imagine Price waiving his no- movement clause if his next possible destination wasn’t Seattle, which is closer to his off-season home in , B.C., and the home of his wife’s family in Kennewick, Wash.

The Kraken are starting from scratch and as a result are probably the only team that can afford a salary-cap hit of $10.5 million for a goalie for the next five seasons because they don’t have any other big contracts they’re stuck with and can build their team around Price. At this point, Price’s health and inconsistent play during the last couple of seasons must be a bigger concern to the Kraken than his contract. There have been reports Price has a knee problem that might require surgery and that he also has a hip issue. After being fired as Canadiens goalie coach this season, Stéphane Waite spoke about Price having a history of knee, hip and back issues that he has had to learn to play through.

If the Canadiens lose Price to Seattle, Bergevin would have to find another experienced goalie to share the duties with Jake Allen because it appears needs at least one more full season with the AHL’s .

One of the goalies who could be available on the free-agent market is , who had a 9-11-1 record with a 2.99 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage on a bad Detroit Red Wings team this season. The 32-year-old, who had a $3-million salary-cap hit in Detroit, had made at least 30 starts in each of his previous seven full NHL seasons. If the Canadiens lose Danault and Drouin, you have to think Bergevin will be under pressure to have at least one francophone on the team next season and Bernier would help fill that void. Other goalies who could be available as free agents include and Jaroslav Halak (remember him?). 1190551 Montreal Canadiens

Jean-François Houle named head coach of AHL's Laval Rocket

Stu Cowan • Montreal Gazette

Publishing date: Jul 20, 2021

Jean-François Houle is coming back home.

The 46-year-old son of former Canadiens player and general manager Réjean Houle was named head coach of the AHL’s Laval Rocket on Tuesday.

Houle played two seasons with the Lac St. Louis Lions midget Triple-A team in 1990-91 and 1991-92 before leaving home to play one season for Northwood School in Lake Placid, N.Y., followed by four years at Clarkson University.

The Canadiens selected Houle in the fourth round of the 1993 NHL Draft, but he never played in the NHL. As a left-winger, Houle had 8-22-30 totals in 69 games with the AHL’s Fredericton Canadiens and also played three games for the AHL’s Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, followed by three seasons in the ECHL with the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks and the New Orleans Bass.

After retiring as a player in 2002, Houle spent seven seasons as an assistant coach at Clarkson, followed by two seasons as head coach of the QMJHL’s Lewiston MAINEiacs and three seasons as head coach of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. After posting a 40-22-6 record in his first season with the Armada in 2011-12, Houle won the Ron Lapointe Trophy as the QMJHL’s top coach.

Houle then spent one season as head coach of the ECHL’s , followed by six seasons as an assistant coach with the Condors after they moved up to the AHL and became the Edmonton Oilers’ farm team.

Now, his long hockey journey has brought him back to , replacing Joël Bouchard as head coach of the Rocket. Bouchard left the Rocket this month to become head coach of the AHL’s , the farm team of the .

“It’s a great honour for me to be a head coach of the Laval Rocket,” Houle said after signing a three-year contract. “For me, wearing the logo of the Montreal Canadiens and the Laval Rocket is very special and something that I want to show our players how important it is for the city of Montreal and Laval. There’s a lot of pride in wearing that logo. For my family, they’re extremely excited to go back to Montreal and go back to my roots and where I’m from. The Montreal Canadiens have been part of my life and my family’s life for 50 years now and I take this very seriously this job and I know the importance of developing players in a winning environment and that’s what I intend to do.”

The Rocket finished first in the Canadian Division this season with a 23- 9-4 record.

“I did have a long road,” Houle said about his coaching career. “I’m probably one of the only coaches that I know of that’s coached in the CHL and the NCAA and I think that’s a great thing for me. I’ve learned to kind of get to know players and I can sense and know where they come from. If they come from the NCAA or the major junior … I even coached in the ECHL, so I know how they feel when they get sent down or sent up.”

Houle added that he’s a good communicator and understands the importance of listening to young players.

“I think I work well with these young players,” he said. “To me it’s about teaching. I’m also a teacher, which I’ve learned in all the different leagues I’ve coached in North America and I enjoy teaching and showing the players how to do things. I’m excited about the opportunity.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190552 Montreal Canadiens

Carey Price says Canada needs to 'do a better job' on issue of residential schools

Montreal Gazette

Publishing date: Jul 20, 2021

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price says Canada needs to do a better job recognizing the history of residential schools.

In an interview Monday with 680 News in Toronto, Price — whose mother, Lynda Price, is chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation in British Columbia — said his grandmother went to a residential school “and my mom is still really emotional about the stories that she’s told us about their experiences.”

“It’s definitely an emotional time for everybody,” he said. “I don’t think a lot of people were even aware of what a residential school even was. … That part of our history in Canada was not covered very well.”

Price said recognition of that chapter of the nation’s past is “a big part of the reconciliation process.”

“I just think we need to do a better job in the future of recognizing that this is a part of our history in Canada,” he said.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190553 Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators to launch NFT series with 25 digital collectibles

FRANCISCO ROSA | Nashville Tennessean

The Nashville Predators are the latest pro sports team to enter the Non- Fungible Tokens industry. The NHL franchise announced Tuesday that it would be partnering with NFT producer Fanaply to release a limited run of 25 digital collectibles.

Some other pro teams that have recently gotten involved include the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards.

NFTs are digital trading cards that are rare and valuable due to them being made out of Ethereum blockchain technology. All of the trading cards are one-of-ones and cannot replicated due to individualized serial numbers and lack of resources to create more.

Fanaply has been producing NFTs since 2019, originally starting with collectibles for music festivals and events before eventually entering the sports space. The Predators started working with them in May.

"We saw Fanaply as a rising star in the NFT space, primarily because of their eco-friendly approach and flexibility to process transactions via credit/debit card, in addition to cryptocurrency," Predators' director of communication Kevin Wilson said in an email to The Tennessean.

The Predators are planning on auctioning a No. 1 of 1 "Gold Saber Skull Genesis Edition" in addition to selling the 24 other individually numbered "Gold Saber Skulls" as part of their opening round of NFTs known as "The Origin Series." The winner of the auction, which goes through July 30, will also receive two Lexus Lounge tickets to any event at that they want.

For every collectible purchased, there will be $35 donation in the buyer's name to the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund in honor of goaltender , who retired last week. The Predators have worked with the organization since 2013-14 to help raise money and awareness for cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Wilson said the main reason that the Predators decided to enter the NFT realm was to fulfill the wishes of fans.

"Based on their feedback, we created this initial launch and look forward to working with them to create the next round of NFTs," said Wilson.

Tennessean LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190554 Nashville Predators affordable and more than capable bottom six player with an affordable price tag.

Nick Cousins Who will Predators lose to Kraken in NHL expansion draft? Here are 5 Position: F candidates Age: 27

Cap hit/contract status: $1.5 million/1 year left Paul Skrbina | Nashville Tennessean Stay or go? Probably up there with Sissons as an attractive option for the

Kraken. Cousins had a solid season, has only one year left on his deal The city known for bachelorette parties has been overwhelmed of late by and is affordable. Though, Yakov Trenin also could be someone the going-away parties. Kraken are eyeing. He's young and affordable and tough.

First Viktor Arvidsson left for Los Angeles. Then Pekka Rinne left for lazy days of retirement. Then Ryan Ellis packed his bags for Philadelphia. Tennessean LOADED: 07.21.2021 On Wednesday the Nashville Predators will bid farewell to yet another to- be-determined player when the Seattle Kraken assemble their team during the NHL expansion draft.

The league announced each team's list of protected players Sunday. The Predators, the only team to protect five defensemen, left some big names for the Kraken's taking.

Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene, both of whom carry an $8 million cap hit and make more money than any other Predators forward, both of whom have struggled the last couple of seasons, both of whom were left exposed, can be taken.

Tanner Jeannot cannot.

So who will the Kraken take from the Nashville pool?

Here's a look at five candidates and who is most likely to be saying goodbye to Nashville soon:

Ryan Johansen

Position: F

Age: 28

Cap hit/contract status: $8 million/4 more years

Stay or go? Doesn't seem likely that the Kraken will take Johansen, whose numbers on the stat sheet haven't matched the hefty numbers on his contract. If they want to move him, general manager David Poile might have to get creative and give something else up to unload him

Matt Duchene

Position: F

Age: 30

Cap hit/contract status: $8 million/5 more years.

Stay or go? Stay. See reasons above, with Johansen. Plus he has a modified no-trade clause that kicks in in 2023. The Predators just have to hope he starts getting better with age.

Colton Sissons

Position: F

Age: 27

Cap hit/contract status: $2.857 million/5 more years.

Stay of go? This is where it gets interesting for the Kraken. Sissons seems like a perfect candidate. He's productive. He's versatile. He's a two-way player. He doesn't carry a huge cap hit. But those five years likely leave him as the second most likely to be taken from the Predators. Which leads us to ...

Calle Jarnkrok

Position: F

Age: 29

Cap hit/contract status: $2 million/1 more year

Stay or go? Most likely to go, given his cap hit, and the fact he'll be an unrestricted free agent after next season. He consistently scores in the teens in goals and regularly posts around 30 points per season. An 1190555 Nashville Predators

2021 NHL Expansion Draft: How to watch on TV, streaming, format as Seattle Kraken fill their roster

NICK GRAY | Nashville Tennessean

The Seattle Kraken will enter the National Hockey League in the 2021-22 season as the league's 32nd franchise.

A good chunk of Seattle's roster will compiled on Wednesday with the expansion draft, where the Kraken will add 30 players. Each team, sans the Vegas Golden Knights, will lose a player to the Kraken. Each team will also protect anywhere from 8 to 10 players from the draft, presumably limiting Seattle's quality options.

Here's everything you need to know about the expansion draft:

2021 NHL Expansion Draft: How to watch on TV, streaming, format

When: 7 p.m. Central on Wednesday, July 21

Where: Gas Works Park, Seattle, Washington

TV: ESPN2

Streaming: ESPN app, ESPN.com/watch

Format: The Seattle Kraken must pick an unprotected player from each NHL team sans the Vegas Golden Knights. The Kraken can also sign pending unrestricted free agents, having a 3-day window to negotiate prior to the draft. If they sign a pending free agent, that'll count as a pick for the player's previous team. Seattle must pick at least three goalies, 14 forwards and nine defensemen.

What about the protection lists? 30 NHL teams will protect either seven forwards, three defensemen and a goaltender, or eight skaters and a goaltender. Those lists were due Saturday. Vegas, who entered the league in 2017, is exempt from this draft. Those lists have been announced, and they can be found here.

What else do we know about the Seattle Kraken? The Kraken will be in the Western Conference. They have hired general manager Ron Francis and head coach Dave Hakstol. The arena formerly known as KeyArena, the old home of the Seattle Sonics, has been renovated for the start of the 2021-22 NHL season.

Tennessean LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190556 Nashville Predators

Preds venture into world of NFTs

MICHAEL GALLAGHER

JUL 20, 2021

Trading forward Viktor Arvidsson and defenseman Ryan Ellis were likely on the Nashville Predators’ offseason to-do list, but launching a Non- Fungible Token partnership? That one probably wasn’t as high on the list.

Still, the Predators on Tuesday announced a partnership with Fanaply, a digital collectibles creator, to produce a limited run of 25 collectibles called “The Origin Series.”

The first of the series is the No. 1 of 1 “Gold Saber Skull – Genesis Edition,” which is up for auction on the Fanaply website for bidders through July 30. Also included in the winning bid are two Lexus Lounge tickers to any event at Bridgestone Arena. The other 24 collectibles can be purchased for $150 apiece with $35 being donated in each buyer’s name to the Predators’ 365 Pediatric Fund.

"Our fans have been asking us to enter the digital collectibles realm for quite some time, so we are excited to do so by going back to the beginnings of the franchise with 'The Origins Series,'" Predators Chief Marketing Officer Bill Wickett said in a team release. "We would like to thank the National Hockey League for permitting us to explore the space and look forward to working with our fans to further enhance the SMASHVILLE experience through more NFT series."

Fanaply’s NFTs are digital collectibles that use blockchain technology to guarantee authenticity and rarity, using serial numbers to mark their limited supply. The organization describes its NFTs as digital trading cards “whose original cannot be reproduced.”

The New Jersey Devils were the first NHL team to launch NFTs in early July, followed by the Vegas Golden Knights. Several NBA teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards, also have joined the game as well.

Nashville Post LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190557 Nashville Predators

What are Predators getting in Cody Glass, Philippe Myers?

MICHAEL GALLAGHER

JUL 20, 2021

Cody Glass was the last man standing of the Vegas Golden Knights’ three first-round picks from the team’s first-ever draft class in 2017.

Once deemed the most untouchable prospect in the Vegas organization, Glass is now with his second NHL team in three years with the chance to prove to his naysayers — and there are a lot of them — that he still has the ceiling of an elite NHL center.

Vegas’ first-ever draft selection, Glass was drafted No. 6 overall in 2017 after a meteoric rise during his 69-game WHL season with the . But the 6-foot-3 center, for whatever reason, just couldn’t translate his WHL success to the NHL.

Glass missed 11 months with a knee injury, and when he was healthy, scored just nine goals and 22 points in 66 regular-season games. It became clear that the Golden Knights’ front office lost confidence he would ever be the elite, No. 1 center they drafted him to be. And so they shipped him to Nashville for 2017 No. 2 overall pick Nolan Patrick, whom the Preds acquired in a previous trade with the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman Ryan Ellis.

The fact that Predators General Manager David Poile swapped Patrick, who tallied 30 goals and 70 points in 197 NHL games, for Glass, who’s far less proven at the NHL level, shows his willingness to gamble more on potential than results.

“I really feel he has the potential to be a real good center-iceman in the National Hockey League and play on the top two lines,” Poile said. “He’s still developing. He came off that knee injury a year ago, and I think we’re going to reap the rewards of a totally healthy Cody Glass.

“He was the sixth pick in the draft a few years ago, so he’s a highly coveted player. He plays a hard game… I do think offensively, he’s going to be a player to contribute in an area that we’re going to need.”

Glass could be insurance if the Preds lose one of Ryan Johansen or Matt Duchene to Seattle in the expansion draft, or if Nashville doesn’t have the cap space to re-sign Mikael Granlund.

He could also be one of Nashville’s top-six forwards three to five years down the road, and along with Philip Tomasino and Rem Pitlick, he gives the Predators a skilled core of young centermen.

It’s hard to make the case that the Preds got better on defense after sending Ellis to Philadelphia for Patrick and defenseman Philippe Myers. While the 24-year-old Myers is younger and has a six-inch height advantage over Ellis, he’s nowhere near the caliber of blueliner Nashville just lost.

Swapping Ellis for Myers, though, somewhat fortifies the Predators’ new identity of wanting to be a gritty, difficult-to-play-against team.

“He adds that element to our defense that we haven’t had in a while,” Poile said. “He’s 6-foot-5, he’s a big boy, only 24 years of age, he’s a good skater for his size and his mobility, and I think he’s going to fit really well into our top six (defensemen).”

Myers has never played in more than 50 games in his three NHL seasons, never scoring more than four goals or 16 points either. Ellis topped those numbers in every year he was a full-time player (2013-21). Replacing Ellis’ production will be a tall order as the 30-year-old was a consistent eight to 10 goal, 30-point producer in seven of the last 10 years.

Myers may make the Predators defense bigger and stronger, but does he really make it better?

Nashville Post LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190558 New York Islanders Seattle Kraken NHL Expansion Draft When: Wednesday, 8 p.m.

TV: ESPN2 Stocking the Kraken through expansion draft makes for a lot of NHL maneuvering Picks in: The Kraken must submit their expansion draft selections to the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association by 10 a.m. on Wednesday. There

is no set order as to how they will be revealed on television. By Andrew Gross Rules: The Kraken will select a total of 30 players (at least 14 forwards, [email protected] @AGrossNewsday nine defensemen and three goalies) – one from each club, except for Vegas, which is exempt. The Kraken must select a minimum of 20 Updated July 20, 2021 6:36 PM players already under contract for 2021-22. The salary-cap charges of the players selected must total between 60-100% of the $81.5 million cap

ceiling Beware the Kraken. Protected Islanders: F Mathew Barzal, F Anthony Beauvillier, F Cal Seattle, the NHL’s incoming 32nd franchise, will stock its initial roster in Clutterbuck, F , F Matt Martin, D Scott Mayfield, F Brock Wednesday night’s expansion draft. And several teams may go through Nelson, F Jean-Gabriel Pageau, D Adam Pelech, D Ryan Pulock, G some drastic alterations as the Kraken make their picks.

If the league’s last expansion draft for Vegas — exempt from losing a Key unprotected Islanders: D Sebastian Aho, F Josh Bailey, F Kieffer player on Wednesday — in 2017 is a barometer, there will be plenty of Bellows, F Michael Dal Colle, F Jordan Eberle, D Andy Greene, D maneuvering and side deals made with the Kraken to keep the new team Thomas Hickey, F Ross Johnston, F Leo Komarov, F Richard Panik from selecting a player another team doesn’t really want to lose but was Protected Rangers: F Pavel Buchnevich, F Filip Chytil, G Alexandar forced to leave exposed to the draft. Georgiev, D Libor Hajek, F , D Ryan Lindgren, F Artemi That would include he Islanders’ Josh Bailey, the team’s longest-tenured Panarin, F Kevin Rooney, F Ryan Strome, D Jacob Trouba, F Mika player. Islanders president and general manager left both Zibanejad Bailey and fellow top-six forward Jordan Eberle exposed for the draft Key unprotected Rangers: D Anthony Bitetto, F Colin Blackwell, D Tony while protecting fourth-liners Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. DeAngelo, F Phillip DiGiuseppe, F Julien Gauthier, F Barclay Goodrow, Island Ice Ep. 107: The Isles, the Kraken and the expansion draft D Jack Johnson, G , D Brendan Smith

Andrew Gross and Colin Stephenson discuss the Islanders' protected players and how the Seattle Kraken and their NHL expansion draft on Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 07.21.2021 Wednesday night may affect the Islanders.

The Kraken were believed to be initially interested in defenseman Nick Leddy, but Lamoriello dealt Leddy to the Red Wings rather than lose him for nothing. Now, it’s quite possible the Kraken have their sights set on Bailey, or at least want the Islanders to believe that.

Reportedly, the Kraken were seeking a first- and third-round pick to guarantee they would steer clear of an exposed player a team did not want to lose.

But Bailey is far from the only intriguing player available to the Kraken, whose decisions will be equal parts hockey decisions in constructing a roster and financial in working to satisfy salary cap requirements.

Bailey has three seasons remaining on a six-year, $30 million deal. Eberle has three seasons left on a five-year, $27.5 million deal.

The Canadiens, who lost a five-game Stanley Cup Final to the two-time champion Lightning, have left future Hall of Fame goalie Carey Price exposed. But Price comes with a pricey $10.5 million cap charge through 2026 and the Kraken have reportedly already reached a three-year deal with Panthers unrestricted free agent goalie Chris Driedger.

There is precedent for selecting a franchise goalie as a foundation piece. Vegas did so in 2017, taking future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury from the Penguins, who had just won their second straight Cup.

The Golden Knights became the first expansion team since the St. Louis Blues in 1968 to reach the Cup Final in their inaugural season, losing to Barry Trotz’s Capitals in five games.

The Kraken may also use the expansion draft to facilitate three-way trades.

For instance, the Blues have exposed sharpshooter Vladimir Tarasenko, who carries a $7.5 million cap charge through 2023. But Tarasenko has been limited to 34 games and just seven goals and 17 assists over the past two seasons as he’s dealt with shoulder issues. The Kraken may not be interested in gambling on Tarasenko, but there is interest in him around the NHL, including potentially from the Islanders.

The Kraken could select Tarasenko and then move him to another team to acquire more preferred assets.

Flames captain Mark Giordano, who carries a $6.75 million cap charge through 2022, may be another player taken by the Kraken and subsequently traded. 1190559 New York Islanders current captain at the time, agreed to be traded to the Islanders (No- Trade Clause) in an effort to join a team that was slated to compete in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After his contract came to a close following the 2020 season, he signed a 1-year deal to remain with the Islanders. Franchise Stability and Growth Have Made the Islanders an NHL Destination This past Saturday, Greene signed another 1-year deal with the Islanders.

Report: Islanders Re-sign Andy Greene to One-Year Deal Published 13 hours ago on July 20, 2021 One move from 2020 that may not garner much attention in regards to By Stefen Rosner this subject is Ilya Sorokin coming over from Europe. The third-round selection in 2015 could have elected to remain in his home country and

continue to play in the KHL as he did a few years prior when he signed a After back-to-back trips to the NHL Stanley Cup Semifinals, and a brand contract extension with CSKA Moscow. new arena at Belmont Park, the New York Islanders have become a But he did not. team that the league’s best players want to be a part of. Sorokin not only came over, but he played big minutes in his rookie Vladimir Tarasenko and Gabriel Landeskog are the latest high-profile campaign and was key in the Islanders’ run back to the semifinals. He names that have included the Islanders on their wish list of teams they’d proved that he had the skills to be a number one goaltender in the NHL. play for. Both have been locked in disputes with their current clubs, with Tarasenko calling for a trade out of St. Louis and Landeskog at an The skilled netminder is currently a restricted free agent, and by all impasse in contract negotiations with Colorado. accounts, a deal will get done prior to next season.

The fact that the Islanders made their lists is something that just a few In 2020, Lamoriello made another deal with the Devil, as he acquired years ago would have seemed unheard of. Now after the cap moves forwards Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac at the 2021 NHL Trade made by Lou Lamoriello and recent trades, the pipe dream of bringing in Deadline. While both currently remain free agents, Palmieri has stated talent like either of those two has gone from wishful thinking to a publically that he would like to remain with the Islanders if possible. legitimate possibility. Times have changed on Long Island. There is a winning culture in place After the Minnesota Wild bought out Zach Parise on July 13, immediately and players from around the NHL are seeing that and are showing a the talk was that he will end up joining the Islanders. Parise waived his desire to be a part of it. no-trade clause at the 2020 deadline to come to the island, but a deal was not made because of the complicated financial situation both teams were in. NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021 Parise may not be the player that Lou Lamoriello saw leave for Minnesota back in 2012, but he could be a valuable addition to the current Islanders roster.

To get to this point the Islanders have gone through a massive shift in the perception of the franchise. Gone are the days of an organization looked at as the punching bag of the league. Now the Islanders are viewed as a franchise others would want to emulate, some might even say they’ve become a saintly organization.

It was not too long ago when the likes of Evgeni Nabokov (2011) and Lubomir Visnovskiy (2013) failed to report to the Islanders upon acquisition. Back then the Islanders were not a competitive franchise and getting players to come to Long Island was akin to pulling teeth at times.

The tide started to shift in 2014 for the Islanders with the acquisitions of Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy.

General manager at the time, Garth Snow, acquired the pair of Stanley Cup Champions. While Leddy had zero say, Boychuk had to waive his no-movement clause to join the Islanders and then the two made even bigger waves when they signed seven-year contract extensions.

Boychuk’s playing days have come to an end and Leddy was traded this past Friday to Detroit, but the impact of their signings paved the way for where the Islanders are now.

While the culture of the Islanders was shifting slowly but surely, the hiring of general manager Lou Lamoriello in the summer of 2018, and his critical hiring of Barry Trotz as head coach, sped up the process. The building blocks for success were prevalent and over the last three seasons, the Islanders went from a laughing stock in the NHL to a Stanley Cup contender.

Whether it had been through trades, followed by long-term contracts, or free-agent acquisitions, players have shown interest in what the Islanders have to offer.

The NHL Trade Deadline over the last two seasons has magnified the Islanders’ growth.

After Jean-Gabriel Pageau was acquired from the Ottawa Senators a the 2019 NHL Trade Deadline, he showed a willingness to remain on the Island. He inked a six-year extension before ever stepping foot on the ice with his new teammates, which exemplified a strong sense of trust.

A week prior to the Pageau acquisition, the Islanders made a trade with New Jersey to acquire defenseman Andy Greene. The lifelong Devil, and 1190560 New York Islanders

New York Islanders Reportedly Interested in Arizona RFA Conor Garland

Published 16 hours ago on July 20, 2021

By Christian Arnold

The Islanders have options now that they’ve already cleared nearly $13 million in cap space, with the possibility of more opening up after the NHL Expansion Draft. With that, the Islanders can now re-sign their RFAs and UFAs they want to bring back as well as add outside help.

They have already been linked to Zach Parise and Vladimir Terasenko, but now there could be another player the Islanders are eying. The New York Islanders have an interest in Arizona Coyotes RFA Conor Garland, according to the Fourth Period.

Arizona and Garland haven’t discussed a new contract since May and Arizona is looking to move the 25-year-old winger, according to the report. The Islanders are one of eight teams that have shown interest in Garland.

The others include the , Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers, and Florida Panthers.

Garland would certainly be an enticing player for the Islanders. He finished the COVID-19 shortened season with 39 points (12 goals, 27 assists) in 49 games and recorded 27 of those points during five-on-five play, according to Natural Stat Trick. Garland also matched his points total from the prior season, but in 19 fewer games.

Garland would bring some skill and grittiness to the Islanders should they pursue him, which is a quality that would match with the team’s already established identity.

The winger would be up for a raise from his bargain of a deal he had with Arizona. Garland had been signed to a two-year deal with Arizona with an AAV of $775,000.

The New York Islanders haven’t released their preseason schedule yet, but the Philadelphia Flyers unveiled theirs on Tuesday and revealed that they would be playing New York twice.

The first game will take place on Tuesday, September 28 at the Wells Fargo Center. The second exhibition meeting will be a home game for the Islanders.

Philadelphia originally had the game listed as taking place in Bridgeport, but their website now lists the game location as “TBD.” Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said during his end-of-the-season media availability that the team would likely be holding their home preseason games in Bridgeport while they awaited the completion of UBS Arena.

NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190561 New York Islanders Detroit Hockey Now polled a scout, two general managers, two broadcasters, four journalists, an ex-NHL player and a former team executive and 54.5% of them think defenseman Troy Stecher will be the Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft pick from Detroit. Six of the 11 panelists Islanders Working to Keep Bailey from Seattle & More took Stecher. Defenseman Dennis Cholowski received two votes and left wing Evgeny Svechnikov, center Vladimir Namestnikov and Danny

Dekeyser received one vote each. (Detroit Hockey Now) Published 19 hours ago on July 20, 2021 Since the Avalanche traded Ryan Graves to the New Jersey Devils last By Stefen Rosner week, a lot of you have probably asked “Who is Mikhail Maltsev and what kind of player can we expect him to be?” I pretty much had the same questions. So, I asked a currently employed NHL scout who has seen Maltsev play a lot and got this answer. (Colorado Hockey Now) When the New York Islanders protection list came out, there were notable players missing. Lifelong Islanders forward Josh Bailey was not What will Adin Hill sign for? It might be more than you expect. The San being protected along with top-line winger Jordan Eberle. Sources have Jose Sharks acquired the 25-year-old RFA from the Arizona Coyotes on told NYI Hockey Now that the Seattle Kraken want to take Bailey from Saturday, sending prospect Josef Korenar and a 2022 second-round pick the Islanders. Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is working to for Hill and a 2022 seventh-round pick. While Hill made just $800,000 last make sure that Bailey remains on the island. year — not to mention that he’s been an back-up for the first four seasons of his NHL career — he looks to be in line for a big bump in pay. This story and more in today’s daily links! (San Jose Hockey Now) New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is vehemently The 2021 NHL Expansion Draft presented by Upper Deck will do more working to keep Josh Bailey out of the clutches of the Seattle Kraken, a than reveal the initial roster of the Seattle Kraken. It will celebrate the source has told NYI Hockey Now. Ron Francis and Seattle have been NHL’s 32nd team ahead of its 2021-22 inaugural season and show off eying Bailey for his leadership for the fledgling franchise, but Lamoriello the city of Seattle on Wednesday. (NHL) and the Islanders have been trying to steer them towards taking Jordan Eberle, according to an NHL Source close to the conversations between Luke Prokop made history Monday, becoming the first player under the two teams. Seattle is so high on Bailey that if he was to be picked contract to an NHL team to come out as gay. The Nashville Predators that giving him an “A” or even making him captain wouldn’t be out of the defenseman prospect came out in a social media post. “Hi everyone. question. (NYI Hockey Now) While the past year and a half has been crazy, it has also given me the chance to find my true self. I am no longer scared to hide who I am. The New York Islanders shocked a few people by exposing Jordan “Today I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay.” (NHL) Eberle and Josh Bailey in Wednesday’s NHL Expansion Draft, but it doesn’t mean that it will be who the Seattle Kraken end up taking. (NYI The Seattle Kraken will select 30 players during the 2021 NHL Expansion Hockey Now) Draft presented by Upper Deck on Wednesday. The Kraken must choose one player from each of the 30 participating teams (the Vegas Golden The Boston Bruins will kick off their 2021-22 preseason in the Nation’s Knights are exempt), including at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen capital on Sunday, September 26 in the first of two preseason games and three goalies. Additionally, at least 20 of their selections must against public enemy No.1 Tom Wilson and the Washington Capitals. already be under contract for next season, with an aggregate value of at The two teams will also square off in their respective preseason finales at least 60 percent ($48.9 million) of the $81.5 million NHL salary cap. TD Garden on Wednesday, October 6. Thanks in large part to a Tom (NHL) Wilson cheap shot on Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo, the Bruins, and the Capitals formed a heated rivalry in the 2021 abbreviated TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button joins host Gino Reda to discuss 56-game schedule. (Boston Hockey Now) whether or not the Seattle Kraken should take Carey Price in the expansion draft, who he’d look at on the blue line and up front in addition It may be the surest sign that normalcy is around the corner. The to his thoughts on ’ decision to acquire Jared McCann and Pittsburgh Penguins released their 2021-22 preseason schedule on what it could mean for Alex Kerfoot. (TSN) Monday. There will be the same-old-same-old teams like Buffalo and Columbus, but the highlight of the preseason will return.

The always loud, always raucous, and always high-pitched Free Game NYI Hockey Now LOADED: for Kids will return on Oct. 3 when the Penguins host the Detroit Red Wings. Game time is 1 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. It is the team’s 10th annual “Free Game For Kids.” (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The Philadelphia Flyers have a new man behind the bench. Darryl Williams will join ‘s coaching staff as an assistant coach, the Flyers announced on Monday. Williams joins Mike Yeo, , Kim Dillabaugh and Adam Patterson on the staff. The Flyers had a vacant assistant coach position with Ian Laperriere becoming the head coach. Williams fills that hole. Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher hinted at a few personnel moves coming during his press conference last week. (Philly Hockey Now)

Three years after losing two players to the expansion Vegas Golden Knights, there is a report the Florida Panthers have a deal in place with the Seattle Kraken in which it would not only sign pending free agent goalie Chris Driedger, but get forward Frank Vatrano for doing so. Frank Seravalli, formerly of TSN and now with the Daily Faceoff, reported on his latest podcast that he heard Vatrano would be part of a side deal with Seattle. (Florida Hockey Now)

For Brian MacLellan and the Washington Capitals, the most difficult decision for the Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft came at the blue line. Considering they could only protect three defensemen, the Capitals knew they risked losing a big name; it was just a matter of who. In the end, they didn’t want that to be Trevor van Riemsdyk. In addition to John Carlson and Dmitry Orlov, the Capitals chose to protect JvR over Justin Schultz, Brenden Dillon and Nick Jensen. That being said, it appears more likely Seattle takes Schultz, a top-4 blueliner with offensive acumen and puck-moving prowess. (Washington Hockey Now) 1190562 New York Rangers Seattle Kraken NHL Expansion Draft When: Wednesday, 8 p.m.

TV: ESPN2 Stocking the Kraken through expansion draft makes for a lot of NHL maneuvering Picks in: The Kraken must submit their expansion draft selections to the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association by 10 a.m. on Wednesday. There

is no set order as to how they will be revealed on television. By Andrew Gross Rules: The Kraken will select a total of 30 players (at least 14 forwards, [email protected] @AGrossNewsday nine defensemen and three goalies) – one from each club, except for Vegas, which is exempt. The Kraken must select a minimum of 20 Updated July 20, 2021 6:36 PM players already under contract for 2021-22. The salary-cap charges of the players selected must total between 60-100% of the $81.5 million cap

ceiling Beware the Kraken. Protected Islanders: F Mathew Barzal, F Anthony Beauvillier, F Cal Seattle, the NHL’s incoming 32nd franchise, will stock its initial roster in Clutterbuck, F Anders Lee, F Matt Martin, D Scott Mayfield, F Brock Wednesday night’s expansion draft. And several teams may go through Nelson, F Jean-Gabriel Pageau, D Adam Pelech, D Ryan Pulock, G some drastic alterations as the Kraken make their picks. Semyon Varlamov

If the league’s last expansion draft for Vegas — exempt from losing a Key unprotected Islanders: D Sebastian Aho, F Josh Bailey, F Kieffer player on Wednesday — in 2017 is a barometer, there will be plenty of Bellows, F Michael Dal Colle, F Jordan Eberle, D Andy Greene, D maneuvering and side deals made with the Kraken to keep the new team Thomas Hickey, F Ross Johnston, F Leo Komarov, F Richard Panik from selecting a player another team doesn’t really want to lose but was Protected Rangers: F Pavel Buchnevich, F Filip Chytil, G Alexandar forced to leave exposed to the draft. Georgiev, D Libor Hajek, F Chris Kreider, D Ryan Lindgren, F Artemi That would include he Islanders’ Josh Bailey, the team’s longest-tenured Panarin, F Kevin Rooney, F Ryan Strome, D Jacob Trouba, F Mika player. Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello left both Zibanejad Bailey and fellow top-six forward Jordan Eberle exposed for the draft Key unprotected Rangers: D Anthony Bitetto, F Colin Blackwell, D Tony while protecting fourth-liners Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. DeAngelo, F Phillip DiGiuseppe, F Julien Gauthier, F Barclay Goodrow, Island Ice Ep. 107: The Isles, the Kraken and the expansion draft D Jack Johnson, G Keith Kinkaid, D Brendan Smith

Andrew Gross and Colin Stephenson discuss the Islanders' protected players and how the Seattle Kraken and their NHL expansion draft on Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 07.21.2021 Wednesday night may affect the Islanders.

The Kraken were believed to be initially interested in defenseman Nick Leddy, but Lamoriello dealt Leddy to the Red Wings rather than lose him for nothing. Now, it’s quite possible the Kraken have their sights set on Bailey, or at least want the Islanders to believe that.

Reportedly, the Kraken were seeking a first- and third-round pick to guarantee they would steer clear of an exposed player a team did not want to lose.

But Bailey is far from the only intriguing player available to the Kraken, whose decisions will be equal parts hockey decisions in constructing a roster and financial in working to satisfy salary cap requirements.

Bailey has three seasons remaining on a six-year, $30 million deal. Eberle has three seasons left on a five-year, $27.5 million deal.

The Canadiens, who lost a five-game Stanley Cup Final to the two-time champion Lightning, have left future Hall of Fame goalie Carey Price exposed. But Price comes with a pricey $10.5 million cap charge through 2026 and the Kraken have reportedly already reached a three-year deal with Panthers unrestricted free agent goalie Chris Driedger.

There is precedent for selecting a franchise goalie as a foundation piece. Vegas did so in 2017, taking future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury from the Penguins, who had just won their second straight Cup.

The Golden Knights became the first expansion team since the St. Louis Blues in 1968 to reach the Cup Final in their inaugural season, losing to Barry Trotz’s Capitals in five games.

The Kraken may also use the expansion draft to facilitate three-way trades.

For instance, the Blues have exposed sharpshooter Vladimir Tarasenko, who carries a $7.5 million cap charge through 2023. But Tarasenko has been limited to 34 games and just seven goals and 17 assists over the past two seasons as he’s dealt with shoulder issues. The Kraken may not be interested in gambling on Tarasenko, but there is interest in him around the NHL, including potentially from the Islanders.

The Kraken could select Tarasenko and then move him to another team to acquire more preferred assets.

Flames captain Mark Giordano, who carries a $6.75 million cap charge through 2022, may be another player taken by the Kraken and subsequently traded. 1190563 New York Rangers Adding to his value is the ability to play center or wing. In San Jose, Goodrow saw more time down the middle, but he mostly stuck to right wing with the Lightning. The Rangers, depending on how this offseason unfolds, could be in need of center depth when the season begins. ‘You can’t have all Ferraris’: Barclay Goodrow can make the Rangers tougher, but is he worth the cost? But what will it cost to have Goodrow wearing a Rangers sweater on opening night?

According to The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn’s model for projecting By Shayna Goldman market contract value based on Game Score Value Added, Goodrow should make about $1 million on average over the next seven seasons. Jul 20, 2021 The Rangers traded for Goodrow’s negotiating rights because a player’s

market value can be inflated once free agency begins. Ideally, the early The New York Rangers had a clear-cut goal coming into this offseason: negotiating period helps a team keep the cost or term down. But as Chris to become a tougher opponent. Johnston reported shortly after the trade, some teams are willing to offer Goodrow a six-year term, so there’s pressure to match that. That means That can be taken in two directions. You can become tougher in the that what his contract should cost and what it will cost are likely to be sense of being more physical. Or you can become tougher in the sense different values. of being a more challenging team to play against. That term is a red flag, given how players like Goodrow age and how The front office might have found a way to do both with one addition in often free-agent deals don’t work out. While a player’s value only trends trading for and, from the sound of it, agreeing to contract terms with downward as those contracts continue, many don’t even live up to unrestricted free agent Barclay Goodrow. expectations in the first season.

What did the Rangers add with the trade for Goodrow, a member of One way to get an idea of what Goodrow’s next few seasons could look back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning Tampa teams? How might he fit in? like is with Luszczyszyn’s similarity score generator, which finds “similar” And is he worth the cost for what he’ll add? players based on scoring and play-driving, as well as physical attributes such as age, height and weight. The generator, though, does not match Let’s dive in. players based on playing style. It compares players’ curves based on Goodrow’s value doesn’t come from prolific scoring. He has just 32 goals their play after those “matching” seasons. and 93 points in 331 regular-season games. This past season with the After his 2020-21 campaign, Goodrow has three “very high matches”: Jay Lightning, he had 20 points in 55 games. Beagle, Matt Beleskey and Jori Lehtera. He has several “strong matches” He generally isn’t the most frequent shooter, but most of the attempts he as well, including Brandon Prust, Patrik Berglund, Cody McLeod and does get come from the home-plate area in front of the net and off the Viktor Stalberg. forecheck. He’s a tenacious player who grinds away at opponents, The thing to note about this group of players is just how much their play creates pressure that leads to turnovers and recovers dump-ins along the can drop as they age. Gritty, physical players can take more wear and boards. tear over the years, and that contributes to a steeper decline. Or, in some That’s what made him click so well with Yanni Gourde and Blake cases, a player’s peak isn’t particularly high, so his decline takes him Coleman on the Lightning’s third line, which excelled at transitioning the deeper into negative territory. Either way, it only increases the chances of puck up the ice and driving play. Whenever that trio was on the ice, it a player from this mold falling short in the later years of a lengthy pressured opponents, used physical play to slow them down and created contract. chaos in the offensive end. The Rangers can’t sign Goodrow officially until after the roster freeze Goodrow didn’t individually generate team offense, but he played a key ends Thursday. But they can be chipping away at the details so his supporting role as his line did, as assistant coach Derek Lalonde contract is ready to go. As Frank Seravalli reported Monday, there has explained during this past season’s Stanley Cup run. been progress in the talks, and the expectation is a six-year contract that carries an average annual value of approximately $3.6 million. Rangers “Goodrow has the hockey sense to positionally support Coleman and general manager and president Chris Drury confirmed the progress later Gourde to get after it and puck-pressure all over the ice. It makes for in the day, saying, per The Athletic’s Rick Carpiniello, “We’ve talked, special chemistry,” Lalonde said. “As you have seen, they have had so we’re making progress, but nothing to report now. I don’t anticipate any many shifts to change ‘field position’ and get momentum back.” issues with getting him under contract.”

That hardworking game is what earned Goodrow an infamous description That reported deal isn’t far off what Luke and Josh Younggren of from Lightning head Jon Cooper: “You can’t have all Ferraris. Sometimes Evolving-Hockey projected it could be at that term. For an unrestricted you need a good old-fashioned four-wheel-drive Jeep to get you through free agent who signs this early, with a different team than the one he the mud, and that’s what Barclay Goodrow can do for you.” finished the season playing for, they estimated a $4.1 million cap hit for a What really stands out about Goodrow’s game is his defensive impact. six-year contract. However, their model had only a 7 percent probability As the heat maps below show (with the bottom row showing the that Goodrow would get six years. The highest probability was for a four- defensive zone and blue highlighting areas of shot suppression), his year deal (28 percent chance) that they estimated would carry a $3.15 teams have generally been stronger throughout his career when he’s million cap hit. been on the ice. The closest comparable contracts, via CapFriendly, to the reported That strong play has spanned two teams now, starting with the Sharks in Goodrow deal are that of Scott Laughton in Philadelphia and Brandon 2014-15 and moving over to the Lightning in 2019-20 after he was Tanev in Pittsburgh. Tanev actually got six years with a $3.5 million cap acquired at the trade deadline along with a third-round pick for a Tampa hit (that was a higher cap percentage in 2019 than it would be right now). Bay first-rounder plus Anthony Greco. With Goodrow at age 28 and coming off two Cup victories, this will likely Between his hard work and defensive responsibility, Goodrow has been be a front-loaded contract. But contracts can’t vary more than 25 percent leaned upon in high-leverage situations; this past season, that often in adjacent years, and the lowest-paid year over the term of a deal can’t translated to defensive-zone starts and led to an uptick in minutes to help be less than 60 percent of the highest-paid year, per the collective hold leads or in late ties. bargaining agreement. (Regardless of how much the actual salary changes from year to year, the cap hit remains the average annual That also lent to a leading role on the Lightning penalty kill. Goodrow’s value.) short-handed ability was a major reason the Lightning acquired him, and along with Coleman, he helped tighten the team’s defensive efforts while According to the similarity score generator, the chances that a Goodrow down a player and push the pace of play down the ice. This past season, contract with a $3.6 million AAV would provide positive value is 40 he led all Lightning forwards with almost 45 percent of the available percent in the first year, less than 20 percent in Years 2 and 3, and less short-handed ice time. than 10 percent for the duration after that. It would be a questionable investment, but as Carpiniello wrote in his assessment of the potential deal, “In order to upgrade the Rangers, especially during a player-movement window that will really be flung wide open Thursday afternoon when the Kraken-draft roster-freeze lifts, Drury will be required to make difficult decisions and, let’s face it, also some overpayments.”

The question is whether this is the right investment for the Rangers right now.

This team clearly wants to become tougher, in both senses of the word, and Goodrow fulfills that. Head coach Gerard Gallant also places value on having a player from this mold, and Goodrow’s versatility between wing and center makes him an even better fit.

But just how much should be invested in this kind of depth?

On a deeper team, Goodrow, as shown in Tampa Bay, is an ideal bottom-sixer. He played a key third-line role with Gourde and Coleman. But his linemates were the play-drivers of the line, and those are the players worth splurging on.

What added to the value was how cost-effective that third line was, with Goodrow making $925,000 on average and Coleman $1.8 million. The Lightning didn’t go for the big-name depth players who already proved to be clutch in championship situations, which would have bloated their salaries and made them unattainable to a team overflowing with high-end talent and contracts.

The Rangers should be learning from the top contenders around the league to better compete against them. Goodrow was a key part of one of those contenders these past two postseasons, but winning changes salaries and drives prices up — back-to-back Stanley Cup wins even more so, which is why he, along with Coleman, will cash in this summer.

Instead of trying to replicate what the Lightning had, when it comes with this price tag, the Rangers should be trying to find “the next” Coleman or Goodrow.

Having a player who can add grit and experience and who knows how to win should help the Rangers in spots, including the playoffs if they make it there. But skill players are who the Rangers need to be focused on to achieve that goal.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190564 Ottawa Senators doubt about it plus their time at the under-18 will help. Both of them are very good players. They bring a very different skill set and package.

“We’ve done our work on that as well. There’s a chance they’re there Ottawa Senators chief scout Trent Mann says the club is 'prepared for when we pick but when you look at the amount of public lists that have every scenario' for NHL draft come and the information from their (agents) it probably leans towards unlikely but, at the same time, we’re ready for that possibility.”

That’s a good point because former NHL GM Craig Button, TSN’s Bruce Garrioch director of scouting, had McTavish selected at No. 4 by the New Jersey Devils in the mock draft released Tuesday while Clarke was at No. 8 to Publishing date: Jul 20, 2021 the Los Angeles Kings. It should be noted that Postmedia has been told the Kings are open for business on that selection and willing to move it.

The Ottawa Senators have put their list in place for the NHL draft this Mann dismissed the notion the Senators “may take a gamble” at No. 10 weekend and now they’re preparing for every scenario. because they have lots of good prospects in the organization. Let’s be honest, the Senators have a good record at the table and they’ll take the While chief scout Trent Mann is confident the Senators will get a strong guy they want the most. player if they keep the No. 10 overall selection in Round 1 of the virtual draft Friday, he and the staff have held discussions with general manager “At No. 10 there’s going to be some solid players there and, Pierre Dorion about the possibility of moving up or back as part of their unfortunately, we’re going to have to play the waiting game and see what preparations for the annual crapshoot. develops over the first five or six picks,” said Mann. “We’ll see where that leaves us and then we’ll have to make a quick decision. It’s not going to Yes, those talks at the this week are no different be that difficult a decision because I believe we’re prepared for that than ones taking place in all 32 NHL war rooms this week, but the moment depending on which direction we go depending on presents Senators have plenty of prospects and can study every possibility. itself.” Should they decide, in the end, staying in the No. 10 slot makes the most sense then club has no concerns.

Rounds 2-through-7 will be held Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 07.21.2021

“I’m very confident that we’re going to get a player that we’re extremely excited about and that’s going to be able to help the organization down the road at some point,” Mann told reporters in a Zoom call Tuesday. “Moving forward, the likelihood of somebody stepping into the NHL right away is difficult in a normal year under normal circumstances.

“When you pick at No. 10 it’s unlikely it’s somebody for this coming season but down the road I have no doubt that it’s going to be someone who can help us for sure.”

There will be a lot of work done internally and externally looking at what the cost is of moving up or back in this draft. This isn’t regarded by many as the deepest draft and that’s why Dorion is exploring the possibility of switching picks, which he’s done in the past. Is it likely? No, but it does have to be explored.

The club’s scouts in Canada are all in Ottawa while the American and European-based scouts are working from their homes because of the border restrictions much the same way they did last year.

Mann alluded to the fact that teams behind the Senators may want to select either Swedish goalie Jesper Wallstedt or Edmonton netminder Sebastian Cossa, who are both rated in the first round.

Those teams may be motivated to make a move with Ottawa.

“There’s a couple of goalies there so there’s always that possibility,” said Mann. “We have to be prepared for the fact that some team may want to take a goalie early because they don’t feel there’s enough depth in their organization. That’s a scenario that does come into play and we’ll work through those scenarios this week.

“We have in the past, but we’re going to continue to work through them to make sure we’re prepared for different circumstances. I like to think that we’re as prepared as possible as a scouting group going into the draft. I don’t see this year being any different, but equally it’s different because it’s a different feel for everyone. It’s not impossible, it’s just different.”

We all know the challenges that have existed in the last 18 months. Several leagues either had limited playing time or didn’t get off the ground at all. Much of the scouting and preparations for this draft have been done through the camera lens because scouts weren’t able to go watch games in person.

The Senators will have lots of options to choose from at No. 10. Local centre Mason McTavish and defenceman Brandt Clarke, who both went overseas to play, are rated to go in that zone. They could be there for the Senators and they’re on the club’s radar screen. Naturally, they’re not going to be the only ones.

“It helped them go play in Europe because we were able to get eyes on them,” said Mann. “We were able to watch them play and see the progression that they made. It’s definitely helpful (to them), there’s no 1190565 Ottawa Senators doesn’t get picked up then you can expect the Predators to step up their efforts to try to deal him.

OFF THE GLASS Senators haven't ruled out taking a goalie in the draft if they happen to The Senators will likely release their pre-season schedule Wednesday lose one to the Seattle Kraken but you can expect the club to open its exhibition season against the Winnipeg Jets on the road Sept. 26. The Jets released their portion of the pre-season Tuesday and that game was listed. Ottawa will open camp on Bruce Garrioch Sept. 22. Most of the games the Senators play will likely be against Canadian-based teams because there was still border uncertainty when Publishing date: Jul 20, 2021 the schedule was done. The balance of the NHL schedule will be released Thursday and will include a three-week break for the Winter Olympics … Keep an eye on defenceman Mark Giorodano of the Calgary The Ottawa Senators could make a net gain in the first round of NHL Flames in the expansion draft because the club’s captain fits the bill for draft. the Kraken. Several league executives contacted by this newspaper Tuesday they believe Giordano may be on the move and could be If that’s to transpire, a lot may depend on who the Seattle Kraken select selected by Seattle. from the Senators in the expansion draft that will be announced Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. THE LAST WORDS

While league executives believe there’s a possibility the Kraken will The biggest debate is whether Seattle will select Montreal goaltender select either winger Evgenii Dadonov or centre Chris Tierney from the Carey Price and his $10.5 million cap hit in the expansion draft. I’ve Senators and then flip them to another team in a trade, 24-year-old asked a few league executives and they’re all torn on the subject. goaltender Joey Daccord is also there if Seattle wants a young goaltender in its system. Perhaps, this was the best response I got.

The well-respected Craig Button, a former NHL general manager, did his “If you pass on Carey Price to take either Brett Kulak or Paul Byron from mock draft for TSN Tuesday and had the Senators taking goaltender the Montreal Canadiens I’m just now sure how you explain that one to Jesper Wallstedt of Lulea in the Swedish league. He was the youngest your fanbase,” one executive said. goalie in the Swedish league this season and had solid numbers with Le Journal de Montreal reported Tuesday centre Philip Danault, a UFA 2.23 goals-against average plus a .908 save-percentage in 22 games. on July 28, won’r return to the Habs. The talk around the league is he Edmonton goalie Sebastian Cossa is also rated to go in the first round turned down a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per-season aft the and Button had the Oilers selecting a player who has been working in playoffs. If that indeeed happened, Danault knows he’s going to get more their own backyard. elsewhere.

The Senators already have Matt Murray, Anton Forsberg, Filip Have a nice Wednesday and enjoy the expansion draft. Gustavsson, Leevi Merilainen, Kevin Mandolese and MadsSogaard in the system so that’s an area they need to talk about. Forsberg and Murray are also unprotected in the expansion draft. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 07.21.2021 Chief scout Trent Mann didn’t rule out the possibility of taking a goalie if Daccord is taken by the Kraken. Mann and the scouting staff planned sit down with goalie coach Zac Bierk Tuesday to study his thoughts on the goalies available.

“We’ve had that discussion without the scouts and presented that scenario of what happens if we lose a goaltender and how do you feel now about our depth?,” Mann said in a Zoom call Tuesday. “I’ve talked to the scouts and in-house about that scenario and there’s a couple of more discussions to be had on that.

“There’s no doubt they’re good prospects and it’s not that there won’t be goalies taken later in the draft that won’t turn out and that’s always the way. As far as a scenario of taking a goalie, we’re not scared to take a goalie at any point in the draft if we feel it’s going to help the organization. (Wednesday) will give us a better indication of which route we should go, but as I said we’re not opposed to taking a goalie if fits our needs.”

Button felt Wallstedt was a good fit for the Senators.

“He’s set to become the first Swedish goalie selected in the first round. If he’s chosen in the top 10, he would be the first netminder since Carey Price in 2005 (at No. 5) to go that high,” said Button. “Everything the Ottawa Senators have done in building up that prospect pool, they don’t have an elite goaltender and Jesper Wallstedt screams No. 1.

“He’s closer to playing that not playing so the argument about goaltenders taking longer doesn’t apply here.”

THIS N’ THAT

Rosters are frozen until 1 p.m ET tomorrow but it’s possible some teams may work out side deals with Kraken to select a player for them and then move them elsewhere as mentioned above. It sure doesn’t feel like Seattle GM Ron Francis will be able to gather the kind of assets that the Vegas Golden Knights did during their expansion draft … The Senators have held talks with other teams about centre Logan Brown but it’s not known how close they are to making a deal come to fruition … A centre available is Nashville’s Ryan Johansen, however, he’s got a hefty price tag. He has four years left at $8 million per-season and was left unprotected by the Predators. There’s talk Seattle may take him but if he 1190566 Ottawa Senators starts with Ottawa this past season and appears to be a legitimate NHL prospect who could slot in nicely as the Kraken’s N0. 3 goaltender.

So if the Kraken pluck Daccord off Ottawa’s roster, does that nudge the How the Senators are approaching the NHL Draft: ‘We’re not scared to Senators toward taking a goalie in the first round of Friday’s draft? take a goalie at any point’ “We’ve had that discussion with the scouts and you’re presented that scenario. ‘OK, so we lose a goaltender to expansion. So how do you feel now about our depth?'” said Mann. By Ian Mendes Mann was scheduled to have one final conversation with Senators Jul 21, 2021 goaltending coach Zac Bierk and AHL goalie coach Justin Peters on Tuesday. They will likely do a final evaluation of the organization’s

goaltending pool and have a discussion about the scenario of losing If you want tangible proof that the Ottawa Senators have taken a step Daccord. forward in their rebuilding process, simply consider the feeling around the But at one point, Mann made a rather interesting comment when he said, organization heading into this Friday’s NHL Draft. “(Wednesday) will give us a better indication of which route we should Whereas last year’s draft — with the Senators selecting twice inside the go.” top five — was franchise-altering, this draft simply feels like it can be Was that Mann cryptically suggesting that if Seattle takes Daccord, he’s franchise-enhancing. Already stocked with a deep pool of prospects, the more inclined to draft a goalie? Or is it all part of the smoke and mirrors Senators are almost playing with a little bit of house money. that every team engages in during draft week? I suspect it might be the Ottawa will not be drafting a player who suits up in their opening night latter, because it’s hard to imagine that if the Senators lose Daccord that lineup like we’ve seen with Tim Stützle or Brady Tkachuk in recent years. would force their hand to draft a goalie with their first-round pick. And while they can certainly grab an impact player, we likely won’t see After all, if they thought so highly of Daccord that he was only him challenging for a spot in Ottawa’s lineup until the fall of 2022 at the replaceable by means of a first-round selection, they likely wouldn’t have earliest. exposed him to Seattle in the first place. Still, Mann went out of his way Despite the lowered expectations on what they might land, there is still to mention how the Seattle expansion draft on Wednesday night will have plenty of interest in what the Senators might do at No. 10. And on an impact on Friday’s draft proceedings. Tuesday, chief amateur scout Trent Mann spent 25 minutes speaking to “The expansion piece kind of throws things for a little bit of a loop as well the media, offering insight on some intriguing questions floating around and makes it just much more interesting,” added Mann. the hockey club ahead of the draft. Would Ottawa consider moving down in the draft? Are the Senators seriously contemplating a goalie with the No. 10 pick? There are a lot of experts who believe there is a significant drop off after If you’re looking for the bold, splashy quote from Mann’s media the first nine skaters in this draft. And that makes Ottawa’s selection at availability, he delivered it about seven minutes into his session. No. 10 one of the most intriguing, because they could have a number of “As a scenario to take a goalie, we’re not scared to take a goalie at any options on their hands. point in the draft if we feel it’s going to help the organization,” Mann said. When Mann was asked if the Senators would consider trading down a For the past several weeks, Senators fans have been debating the merits few spots, it sounded like that was a scenario they would contemplate. of selecting either Jesper Wallstedt or Sebastian Cossa at No. 10. And “Absolutely open to it for sure, depending on how it develops,” said Mann’s comment certainly doesn’t extinguish the idea Ottawa would Mann. “There will be teams that will call and check to see if we’re willing select an elite goaltender prospect with their first-round pick. In Corey to move back and switch with them or a scenario like that. If we move Pronman’s most recent mock draft, he has Cossa — who was brilliant for back one spot, two spots, four spots — whatever the case may be — the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL this past season — being the first what’s going to be left? Are we still comfortable with the player we’re goalie taken off the board … by the Senators at No. 10. getting compared to who we would just pick at that point?” “Ottawa may have the most interesting pick in the first round, with league The Senators will likely be engaged in regular conversations with the sources unsure if they will go skater or goalie, and if they go goalie, teams selecting directly behind them — Chicago, Calgary, Philadelphia which goalie that would be,” wrote Pronman. “As time has gone on in this and Dallas — to see who they are targeting. If Ottawa believes they can draft process, more scouts have seemed to lean toward Cossa as the get the same player or something comparable by sliding down three or No. 1 netminder, and I think he will be Ottawa’s selection.” four spots, they might be inclined to swing a trade that allows another The detractors to this school of thought believe the Senators have team to select at No. 10. enough goaltending prospects with the likes of Filip Gustavsson, Mads If Ottawa isn’t planning on taking a goalie, there should be a wide range Sogaard, Joey Daccord, Leevi Merilainen and Kevin Mandolese that they of forwards — Chaz Lucius, Cole Sillinger, Fabian Lysell — available shouldn’t waste a first-round pick on another goalie. But many prospect when they are on the clock. If they know the Blackhawks, Flames, Flyers analysts, such as Pronman, believe the Senators are still lacking an elite, or Stars are interested in a goalie or a defenceman, maybe the Sens can blue-chip goaltending prospect and adding either Cossa or Wallstedt is slide back and grab one of these three forwards. the smartest play for the organization. But the situation could become complicated if one of the consensus top- On several occasions Tuesday, Mann alluded to the fact that the picks nine skaters somehow falls to No. 10. What if Kent Johnson is suddenly ahead of Ottawa — particularly No. 5 (Columbus), No. 6 (Detroit) and No. passed over and is sitting there when it’s Ottawa’s turn to draft? 7 (San Jose) could alter Ottawa’s plans at No. 10. A team like the Red Considering Ottawa’s need for another high-end centre, it would seem Wings might look at their prospect depth chart and assess that taking a unlikely they would trade down with a player like Johnson still on the goaltender in the first round is the smartest move for them. board. “We have to be prepared that some team may want to take a goalie early Are the Senators willing to trade their two-second round picks to move up if they don’t feel that there’s enough depth in the organization,” explained into the first round? Mann. “As I’m sure everyone is aware, there are a couple of higher-end goalies this year for the draft. So that’s a scenario that comes into play.” The Senators might be comfortable moving down in the draft and there is also an outside chance they can acquire another pick later in the first Could Seattle expansion selections affect the Senators at the draft? round. The Senators do have the luxury of holding two selections early in The Senators could be staring at a situation where they lose a goaltender the second round — San Jose’s from the Erik Karlsson trade (38th) and in Wednesday’s expansion draft, with the most likely target being their own (41st). Tuesday, Mann was asked specifically about the Daccord. Matt Murray and Anton Forsberg are also available, but it’s possibility of packaging both of those second-rounders to move up into almost impossible to envision a scenario where either goalie is selected the first round. by Seattle. Daccord, however, showed some promise during a handful of “That’s one of the interesting scenarios that we’ve discussed at length,” underwhelming first season with the team. The Senators are probably acknowledged Mann. looking at the last two years of Dadonov’s contract with some skepticism, as they owe him $11.5 million during that stretch — including $6.5 million He went on to explain they have different thresholds for players, ranked in real cash for the 2022-23 season. in a tier system. So if somebody they have ranked in the middle of the first round is still available around the 24th or 25th pick, it might be worth But during his recent media availabilities, Dorion has been adamant Ottawa’s while to move up in that scenario. Because the Senators have about only losing one player to Seattle in the expansion process. That stockpiled themselves with a number of prospects already, Mann means he probably wouldn’t want to attach a “sweetener” to entice believes they are now in a position where they can probably afford to Seattle to select Dadonov. Would Ottawa be willing to send another surrender two draft picks in order to pick one player. asset to Seattle to ensure they take Dadonov? From what Dorion has indicated to us lately, that answer would be no, but there is always room “I think we have the numbers as far as prospects and now we can’t be for negotiation. shy about picking up one player instead of two if we feel strongly about a player,” said Mann. “So I would say yes, that we’re willing to do that if it It’s doubtful Seattle would be interested in taking Chris Tierney as the presents itself. But it’s not an easy thing to do.” sweetener in addition to Dadonov, considering Tierney is slated to make $4.2 million in real cash next season ($3.5 million cap hit). That would be What does Mann consider to be a weak spot in terms of organizational committing Seattle to $9.2 million in real cash ($8.5 million cap hit) by depth? taking those two players from Ottawa. And it seems unlikely that Ottawa The only time Mann morphed into a politician with a non-answer to a would be willing to part with a prospect like Daccord just to get Dadonov question was when he was asked about what areas of weakness he sees off the books. If we keep Dorion at his word, the Sens would prefer to just in the organization’s depth. Mann was reluctant to say anything that take their lumps and lose the one player in the expansion process. might tip his hand toward Ottawa drafting a player at a particular position. The Senators can always hope Seattle simply takes Dadonov on their “I think we’ve addressed a lot of the areas that need to be addressed. own, without the added bonus of a sweetener. But considering the And I think now we’re at a point where you always want more depth. I’d Kraken have a number of options for top-six talent in this expansion draft like to think we’re in pretty good shape kind of all the way around,” said with the likes of Vladimir Tarasenko, James van Riemsdyk, Jakub Mann. “If all things are equal, you kind of probably would lean towards an Voracek, Jordan Eberle, Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson available, they’ll area that you’d like to see a little more in depth.” have plenty of options to explore outside of Dadonov.

The smart money here suggests the Senators are satisfied with their Are there some other side deals the Senators can make with the Kraken depth on the blue line and won’t use a first-round pick on a defenceman. that don’t involve Dadonov? In addition to Thomas Chabot, the club boasts Jake Sanderson, Jacob There were some Ottawa fans disappointed the team didn’t get involved Bernard-Docker, Lassi Thomson and Tyler Kleven — all of whom could in the flurry of trade activity that occurred just prior to last Saturday’s project into the top six within the next couple of seasons. It seems almost roster freeze. Ryan Graves was the prime example of a defenceman who impossible that Ottawa would use their first-round selection on a might have been a perfect fit in Ottawa but he landed in New Jersey defenceman, given the depth of talent they already possess at the instead. position. The door on those types of deals hasn’t necessarily closed, as the A lot of Sens fans still believe they need more high-end skill up front, Senators can still work on a potential side deal with the Kraken involving especially after they opted to take Sanderson at No. 5 last year instead of players available in the expansion draft. When Vegas went through this a flashy forward. When asked if he was willing to take a bigger swing on process four years ago, they drafted multiple players — like Marc Methot, a prospect this year in the No. 10 spot — maybe gambling a bit on a Alexei Emelin and — and simply turned around and higher upside — Mann simply dismissed that narrative by suggesting the traded them the next day. So if the Senators see somebody who piques team is going to land an impact player in any scenario. their interest on the exposed list, they can certainly engage in “As for swinging for the fences, there are some pretty good players there. negotiations with Seattle about potentially acquiring that player via the And while some may perceive it as that, I don’t know if it’s necessarily Kraken. swinging for the fences,” said Mann.” I think we’re going to get a quality Let’s take a player like Adam Henrique, for example, who was made player one way or another.” available by the Anaheim Ducks. Perhaps the Kraken are aware of Are the two players with local connections — Clarke and McTavish — on Ottawa’s interest in the centre and they can work out a deal where if they the Senators radar? draft him, Ottawa would be willing to pay a certain price to land him. The same can be said for a defenceman like Nick Jensen from Washington. Two players who spent formative childhood years in the Ottawa area — The 30-year-old right-shot defenceman might fit what the Senators need Brandt Clarke and Mason McTavish — are projected to be selected on the back end and perhaps they can negotiate a deal with Seattle for within the top 10. the services of a player like Jensen.

Mann said his scouting group has a lot of intel on both players, There is no shortage of players available in the expansion draft who considering their European scouts were able to watch them play live this could help the Senators. Just because Dorion wasn’t able to hammer out past season. But it sounds as though the Senators are resigned that both a deal last week, doesn’t mean the door is closed to making a trade at players will be off the board by the time they are picking at No. 10. some point later this week. And it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Senators be active Friday night by moving up or down in the draft and “There’s a chance they are there when we pick, but you know when you potentially trying to acquire some assets to help them in the immediate look at the amount of public lists that have come out and the information future. from their representation, it probably leans towards unlikely,” said Mann. “But at the same time, we’re ready for that if they are there at No. 10 and what we would do and what we would decide from our end.” The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 McTavish might be a really nice fit if he were to somehow fall, but most projections have him selected a few spots ahead of No. 10. In his latest mock draft, Pronman had the Red Wings selecting McTavish in the No. 6 spot while Clarke was projected to be taken by Los Angeles at No. 8.

How badly do the Senators want Seattle to take Dadonov?

In addition to the questions posed above to Mann, there are a handful of storylines for the Senators heading into Wednesday’s expansion draft. And we should be able to get an answer to some of these next couple of questions, either during the expansion draft process itself or with Pierre Dorion’s scheduled media availability on Thursday morning.

There weren’t too many people surprised with the Senators decision to expose Evgenii Dadonov to Seattle in the expansion draft after an 1190567 Philadelphia Flyers defensive plays. If we’re down, it might be cheating on offense, trying to make plays happen offensively. Honestly, I just pride myself on being a team-first guy.”

New Flyers defenseman Ryan Ellis excited to ‘get settled and start a chase for the Cup’ Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 07.21.2021

Sam Carchidi

If you Google the words Ryan Ellis, Nashville Predators, and shoulder surgery, you will get nearly a half million stories, many explaining how the defenseman returned from shoulder surgery to play in the 2021 playoffs.

He was asked about the injury Tuesday and if he was feeling 100 percent.

“I don’t know what shoulder you’re talking about,” Ellis said in a Zoom call with reporters, introducing the Flyers’ new top-pairing defenseman. “I shattered my knuckle last year, so that was what I missed time for. Other than that, no, I’m good. I’m healthy. I’m hungry and I’m happy and excited to be a member of the Flyers.”

Ellis, 30, later said he had “no idea” why there were erroneous reports about his shoulder. “I just broke a bone in my hand,” he said.

So the Flyers are getting someone with a sound shoulder and a hand that has healed and did not require surgery.

They are also getting someone with poise, experience and talent, a player they hope can help Ivan Provorov — his likely defensive partner — blossom.

Ellis said a handful of Flyers players have contacted him since he was acquired Saturday in a deal that sent Phil Myers and Nolan Patrick to Nashville. Patrick was then dealt to Vegas for Cody Glass.

“I’ve spoken to five or six guys. They were nice enough to reach out after the trade and [answer] just some basic questions,” Ellis said. “It’s middle of summer. I’m sure they’re busy. I’ve gotten a lot busier over the past couple days, trying to sort everything out for me and my family. Just looking forward to getting there and getting started.”

Ellis, a righthander, admitted he hasn’t seen Provorov play that often since the Flyers and Predators are in different conferences and didn’t meet last season in a revamped schedule caused by the pandemic.

“I know he’s an unbelievable player. He’s got terrific skill. I’ve seen him score some awesome goals on the highlights,” said Ellis, who spent 10 seasons with the Predators. “Him being in the East and us in the West previously, I just didn’t see him a lot, to be honest.”

Being traded for the first time was “sad” and a “bit of a shock to the system to me and my family,” he said. “Nothing but looking forward from here. We’re excited to get there, get settled and start a chase for the Cup.”

An associate captain in Nashville, Ellis hasn’t been told yet if he’ll be part of the Flyers’ leadership group.

“I haven’t even thought that far ahead,” he said. “I know they have a great core. The core has been there for a long time. They’ve had a lot of success. To be honest, I’m just looking forward to jumping in and being another player. To contribute any way I can, whether it be on the ice or off. Just be another guy in the room trying to chase something together.”

Actually, the Flyers haven’t had much success. They have missed the playoffs in five of the last nine years, during which they have won just one playoff round.

That’s one of the reasons they dealt for Ellis, hoping he can solidify a defense that allowed the most goals in the NHL last season.

“I’m excited at the next chapter,” he said. “... I honestly haven’t even talked to all [his former Nashville teammates] yet because it’s been so busy the last few days. Like I said, [I’m] moving forward and moving on. I’m excited to be a part of the Flyers organization. … Honestly, once I’m settled, have my family all settled, everything’s kind of played out, and I’m back on the ice with the guys, I think that will be the time everything will calm down for me personally.”

Ellis said he approaches each game trying “to do whatever the team needs at the time to win, whether it be blocking shots or making 1190568 Philadelphia Flyers Twarynski, German Rubtsov, and Felix Sandstrom. It would be surprising, however, if one of those players was chosen.

The Flyers protected Claude Giroux, Kevin Hayes, Sean Couturier, The Flyers, who will lose a player in the expansion draft, could land Travis Konecny, Oskar Lindblom, Scott Laughton, Nic Aube-Kubel, Ryan winger Vladimir Tarasenko. Is he worth the risk? Ellis, Ivan Provorov, Travis Sanheim, and .

First- and second-year players, including Joel Farabee, Wade Allison, York, and Morgan Frost, are exempt from the draft. Sam Carchidi Each NHL team except Vegas will lose one player in the expansion draft, which will be shown on ESPN2 at 8 p.m.

The Flyers will lose a player to Seattle in Wednesday’s expansion draft, Breakaways but they could also land a five-time 30-goal scorer in right winger Vladimir Tarasenko. In the 2017 expansion draft, the Flyers lost Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, a fourth-line center and valuable penalty killer, to Vegas. ... The Flyers For now, there are lots of balls in the air, and where they land won’t be announced they will play six exhibition games, including three at home, known until Wednesday night. before the 2021-22 season. The home games are against the Islanders (Sept. 28), Capitals (Oct. 2), and Bruins (Oct. 4). The road exhibitions will Tarasenko, 29, was once a prolific scorer with a shoot-first mentality. But be against Boston (Sept. 30), the Isles (Oct. 5), and Washington (Oct. 8). he has had three shoulder surgeries in the last three years, reducing his Ticket information will be announced later. effectiveness and making him somewhat of a risk. He managed just four goals in 24 games with St. Louis last season.

If he returns to his form — he had 37, 40, 39, 33, and 33 goals over a Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 07.21.2021 five-year stretch that ended in 2018-19 — he would fit in nicely with the Flyers, who need a sniper because their top six is filled with mostly pass- first players.

Tarasenko has a no-trade clause but has agreed to be dealt to a handful of teams, including the Flyers. Shoulder issues have limited him to just a total of 34 games over the last two seasons, and he has reportedly become disenchanted with the Blues and feels they mishandled his first two surgeries.

There are rumors that if Seattle plucks Tarasenko from St. Louis in the expansion draft, it will send him to the Flyers for right winger Jake Voracek and a high draft pick. There are also reports that Washington will trade for him and give up Evgeny Kuznetsov, and that the Rangers want to add Tarasenko because he is close friends with star left winger and fellow Russian Artemi Panarin.

There is no shortage of rumors.

Voracek, who turns 32 on Aug. 15, is still a valuable (albeit expensive) player. Since joining the Flyers in 2011-12, he has been one of the league’s most durable players and is eighth in the NHL in assists in that span. (Claude Giroux, his teammate, is second.)

Tarasenko has two years left on a contract that carries an annual salary- cap hit of $7.5 million. Voracek has three years left at $8.25 million per year.

If the deal is made — and Tarasenko’s health makes it iffy — it would reunite Voracek with Seattle coach Dave Hakstol, the former Flyers coach.

The Kraken, of course, could just draft Voracek and someone else from St. Louis.

James van Riemsdyk, Shayne Gostisbehere, Justin Braun, and Robert Hagg are among the other Flyers available to Seattle. Voracek, van Riemsdyk, and Gostisbehere were exposed because of their big salary- cap hits.

Van Riemsdyk, 32, has a $7 million annual cap hit, but it’s less than Voracek’s, and it’s for just two more years. You could argue it’s the going rate for a player who usually scores 25 to 28 goals. He had 10 power- play goals and shared the team lead with 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists) during the abbreviated 2021 season.

Gostisbehere, 28, also has two years left on his contract ($4.5 million yearly cap hit), and he is coming off a relatively strong season in which he scored nine goals in 41 games.

Braun ($1.8 million cap hit) and Hagg ($1.6 million) have one year left on their contracts, and they are dependable third-pairing defensemen who might be attractive to Seattle. The Flyers don’t want to lose the righthanded Braun, a veteran who will probably play on their third pairing if he is bypassed by Seattle. Braun would fit nicely alongside Gostisbehere (if he’s still with the Flyers) or rookie Cam York.

The Flyers have many other players available for Seattle, including unrestricted free agent Samuel Morin, Connor Bunnaman, Carsen 1190569 Philadelphia Flyers Whoever they add, they figure to have a very different look by the end of this month. After a season in which they missed the playoffs, allowed the most goals in the league, and had no identity, that’s a good thing.

The Ryan Ellis trade was just the beginning of the Flyers’ makeover | On Things to know the Fly Morgan Frost’s chances of sticking with the Flyers have increased greatly. The center has recovered nicely from shoulder surgery, and the Flyers showed confidence in him by dealing Nolan Patrick. Sam Carchidi Kudos to colleague Mike Sielski. While I was on vacation and jumping the waves with my giggling three-year-old grandson, James, in Ocean City, Sielski pinch-hit for me and, unsurprisingly, hit a home run Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher got off to a very good start in the as he wrote about the Flyers’ acquiring Ellis to be Provorov’s sidekick. Great Summer Makeover, but there’s more work to be done. In a surprising move, the Flyers protected Nic Aube-Kubel over You know it. I know it. Fletcher knows it. James van Riemsdyk in the expansion draft, showing they value potential Acquiring top-pairing defenseman Ryan Ellis gives Fletcher momentum. salary-cap savings over scoring. Now he needs to add another right-handed defenseman (Adam History lesson Larsson?), a sniper (Vladimir Tarasenko?), and a backup goalie (Linus Ullmark?) who can play lots of games. How good were the Flyers in the expansion draft before their first season in 1967-68? The makeover process should continue in earnest in the coming days as Seattle’s expansion draft is held Wednesday, followed by the regular Historically good. draft Friday (Round 1) and Saturday (Rounds 2-7), and the start of free agency July 28. In NHL history, six players selected in an expansion draft have gone on to play at least 10 seasons with the franchise that chose them — and For Flyers fans desperately longing for a new-look team, these are three of them are Flyers. exciting days because Fletcher has given every indication that more changes are coming, even stating his first-round draft pick (13th overall) Defenseman Joe Watson and right winger Gary Dornhoefer played 11 is in play. years with the Flyers, and goalie Bernie Parent was with them for 10 years. Stabilizing the defense Goalie Billy Smith played the most years with a team after being selected From here, acquiring Ellis for Nolan Patrick and Phil Myers was a risk in an expansion draft, per the NHL. He spent 17 seasons with the New worth taking. York Islanders.

Yes, Patrick and Myers are much younger than Ellis and have great Smith also made the most playoff appearances with the franchise that potential, but Ellis, 30, is a proven commodity who checks all the boxes: selected him in an NHL expansion draft, guiding the Isles to 13 playoff He’s right-handed, plays in all situations, helps exit the defensive zone berths and four Stanley Cups. The highest total of playoff berths among with precision passes, and displays a calmness that should permeate to skaters is nine, by Watson and Dornhoefer, two unsung heroes of the his teammates. He also provides veteran leadership, and he has played Flyers’ powerhouses of the 1970s. They won Cups in 1974 and 1975. on successful Nashville teams. Important dates Oh, and he’s signed for six years at a reasonable rate (annual $6.25 million cap hit) for someone of his pedigree. Wednesday: Seattle expansion draft, 8 p.m. on ESPN2.

An injury is the only thing that can make this trade a disaster for the Thursday: The NHL’s brief trade moratorium, which started at 3 p.m. Flyers. Saturday, is lifted at 1 p.m. Thursday. It should be noted that the trade freeze does not apply to deals made with the Kraken. Ellis missed 20 games last season after he had shoulder surgery, but returned for the playoffs and is ready to serve as a steadying influence Friday: NHL draft, Round 1 at 8 p.m. on ESPN2. for his partner, Ivan Provorov — like Matt Niskanen did before retiring Saturday: NHL draft, Rounds 2-7, 11 a.m. on the NHL Network. prior to last season. July 28: Free-agent signings permitted, noon. The Flyers allowed the most goals in the NHL last season, so Fletcher knows his work isn’t done. He needs to find a right-hander to replace From the mailbag Myers and become Travis Sanheim’s partner on the No. 2 pairing. Question: If Fletcher decides the defense needs another addition, who is “We’re certainly going to continue to look at every avenue to get better,” the defenseman the Flyers should bring in to play beside Sanheim? And Fletcher said. “We weren’t good enough last year. Ryan Ellis is an do you think Cam York plays third pair this season? — Mike Gierusz upgrade. He’s a step in the right direction. We’re not going to get (@MikeGierusz) via Twitter complacent. We’ll do what we can to upgrade in the areas we can. The primary focus certainly going into next year will be on reducing our goals Answer: Thanks for the question, Mike. Free agents David Savard and against.” Larsson are right-handed defensemen who are believed to be on Fletcher’s radar. Savard (6-foot-2, 233 pounds), who will turn 31 on Oct. Fletcher’s needs will come into better focus after Seattle picks a player 22, is beefier than Larsson (6-3, 208). Both play with an edge, but from the Flyers in Wednesday’s expansion draft. That will help determine Larsson, who will turn 29 on Nov. 12, is the better defender. Steadier. what else the Flyers need and how much money they have to spend. More reliable. When Savard played with Columbus and Tampa Bay this year, his teams were outscored by a 51-17 margin while he was on the The Flyers also need a proven scorer. Their team is loaded with pass- ice in even-strength situations, including a 10-2 deficit with the eventual- first players. Tarasenko, 29, a five-time 30-goal scorer who has asked St. champion Lightning. Louis to trade him, would be a great fit — if healthy. Warning: He has had three shoulder surgeries in the last three years and is coming off an Larsson would stabilize Sanheim’s game and give him a veteran to lean injury-plagued season, one in which he scored just four goals in 24 on. games. If Larsson is too expensive, free agent Travis Harmonic (6-2, 205), Still, the rumor mill is churning. Tarasenko is headed to Washington for another right-hander, might be a good fallback option. Fletcher tried to Evgeny Kuznetsov, according to one report. Another has Tarasenko sign him before last season, but Harmonic opted for Vancouver. being chosen by Seattle in the expansion draft and dealt to the Flyers for Jake Voracek and a high draft pick. Another report suggests the New As for York, I believe he will be on the third pairing. A lot depends, of York Rangers want him because he is good buddies with Artemi Panarin. course, on whether Shayne Gostisbehere, who had nine goals in 41 games last season, is selected by Seattle or traded. A third pairing of Maybe Tarasenko will end up in Philly, or maybe the Flyers will add a York and Justin Braun — assuming he isn’t chosen by the Kraken — less risky forward who doesn’t have health concerns. would match a rookie and a solid veteran.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190570 Philadelphia Flyers knuckle last year. So that is what I missed time for. Other than that, I’m good. I’m hungry, healthy, happy and excited to be a member of the Flyers.”

Ryan Ellis brings winning mentality to Flyers Flyers announce preseason schedule

On Tuesday, the Flyers announced their preseason schedule for 2021- 22. Wayne Fishflyingfishhockey.com The Flyers will play a total of six games, featuring three pairs of home- and-away sets with the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins. When the pandemic cut short the 2019-20 season, defenseman Ivan Provorov was on the way to perhaps the best year of his career, with 13 Here is the schedule (starting times yet to be determined): Sept. 28, New goals, 36 points and a plus-11. York Islanders (Wells Fargo Center); Sept. 30, Boston Bruins (at TD Garden); Oct. 2, Washington Capitals (Wells Fargo Center); Oct. 4, At the same time, the Flyers finished that truncated campaign a collective Boston Bruins (Wells Fargo Center); Oct. 5, New York Islanders (at UBS plus-35 and seventh in the NHL for goals allowed. Arena); and Oct. 8, Washington Capitals (). Of course, Provorov flourished due to the presence of partner Matt

Niskanen. Burlington County Times LOADED: 07.21.2021 It’s generally accepted the Flyers fell all the way to minus-38 last season (last in the NHL) in part because of Niskanen’s retirement.

Which brings us to newly acquired backliner Ryan Ellis, who arrived on Saturday via a trade with Nashville for defenseman Philippe Myers and forward Nolan Patrick.

Ellis is a career plus-114 player and possesses some of the savvy defensive instincts that made Niskanen so effective.

It’s general manager Chuck Fletcher’s hope this revamped No. 1 defense pairing can move the Flyers back in the right direction toward keeping pucks out of the Philadelphia net.

“I’ll do my best,” Ellis said during a media Zoom call on Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to competing with the guys — at this point in my career, all I want to do is win. And this organization has a winning standard along with the expectation to do so. For me, I’m going to play my game and help the team any way I can. Scoring goals, stopping goals ... whatever it takes to help this team win.”

No doubt acquiring Ellis is an upgrade and should help the Flyers’ beleaguered penalty kill.

“I just try to do whatever the team needs to win,” Ellis said. “Whether it be blocking shots or making defensive plays, up or down. Honestly, I pride myself on being a team-first guy. Whatever it takes to win, hopefully that’s what you’re going to see out of me.”

Ellis has spent his entire career with Nashville, so the move came as a bit of a surprise for the 30-year-old player, who is about to enter just the third year of an eight-year, $50-million contract.

“A little bit of a shock to the system,” he admitted. “But nothing but looking forward from here. We’re excited to get there and start a chase for the (Stanley) Cup.”

Ellis said he had not spoken with Provorov yet, but the two are bound to make a connection at some point prior to the season.

Because the two have been playing in different conferences, they don’t get to see a lot of each other on the ice.

“We don’t play them a lot,” Ellis said. “I know he (Provorov) is an unbelievable player. He’s got terrific skills, I’ve seen him score some awesome goals on the highlights. But with him in the East and us in the West, I just didn’t see him a lot.”

Ellis said he has already spoken with five or six players on the Flyers who called to welcome him to the team.

“They were nice enough to reach out after the trade,” he said. “Just some basic questions. I’m looking forward to getting there and getting started.”

Shoulder injury? What shoulder injury?

There were a number of media reports out of Nashville last season that stated Ellis underwent shoulder surgery, causing him to play in only 35 of the 56-game schedule.

Ellis said he had a significant injury all right, but it was not his shoulder. It was a fractured knuckle. No surgery was involved.

“I don’t know what shoulder you’re talking about,” Ellis said in an initial response to a question during the news conference. “I shattered my 1190571 Philadelphia Flyers

Ellis' new jersey number is one Flyers fans have never seen

BY JORDAN HALL

FLYERS

When Ryan Ellis received word of his trade to the Flyers, his jersey number was probably one of the furthest things from his mind.

After all, Ellis has played every one of his 10 NHL seasons in Nashville and said he was shocked by the news.

"Once I’m settled and have my family all settled, everything’s kind of played out and I’m on the ice with the guys, I think that will be the time that everything kind of calms down for me personally," Ellis said Tuesday morning in his introductory press conference. "Knowing if my family's all set up and safe and sound — once that’s done, I'll be ready to go and even more excited."

And he'll be rocking a jersey number Philly fans have never seen worn by a Flyer. When the deal went down Saturday, Ellis inevitably had himself a new number for his fresh Flyers sweater. Ellis wore No. 4 for nine of his 10 seasons with the Predators. However, No. 4 is Barry Ashbee's retired number in Flyers history.

Lo and behold, Ellis chose No. 94 for his new Flyers number.

Ellis wore No. 49 his rookie season in Nashville. His junior hockey number was No. 6 and it's retired by the OHL's Windsor Spitfires, but Travis Sanheim currently wears No. 6 with the Flyers. No Flyers player has ever donned No. 94, so you wonder if the element of uniqueness played into Ellis' decision.

During the next media availability with Ellis, we'll have to ask the Flyers' new top-pair defenseman the meaning behind the number.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190572 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers release preseason schedule, when you should get first glimpse of Ellis

BY JORDAN HALL

FLYERS

Last season, the Flyers' entire training camp consisted of six on-ice days (which included an intrasquad matchup) and no preseason games.

This season, the Flyers will have six preseason games to go along with a full camp starting in September.

The club on Tuesday announced its exhibition slate, which features three home games at the Wells Fargo Center. The start times for all six games are to be determined.

Players almost never play in every preseason game, but it's safe to say the Flyers will want Ellis dressing for the preseason opener at home. So fans should get their first glimpse of the club's new top-pair defenseman on Sept. 28.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190573 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers add new assistant coach to Vigneault's staff

BY JORDAN HALL

FLYERS

Alain Vigneault has his new assistant coach.

The Flyers on Monday announced the hiring of Darryl Williams. The 53- year-old replaces Ian Laperriere, who was named head coach of AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley in June.

As expected, the hiring clearly had heavy Vigneault influence. Williams worked under Vigneault in New York and Vancouver for nine combined seasons. His most recent position in hockey was with the ECHL's as an assistant in 2019-20 (the Growlers did not have a 2020-21 season). His last NHL position came with Vigneault and the Rangers in 2017-18.

"Darryl has experience at every level and I am confident that he will fit seamlessly into our coaching staff," Vigneault said in a release from the team. "There is a high level of familiarity having worked with Darryl for several years and I know what he is capable of to help bring success to our group."

Williams was on Vigneault's Vancouver staff when the Canucks went to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. When Vigneault took the Rangers to the Cup Final in 2014, Williams was still with the Canucks. He joined Vigneault in New York the next season.

“I’m honored to join the Philadelphia Flyers organization," Williams said in the release. "I can’t wait to get started with such a great staff and an exciting group of players.”

On Vigneault's staff, Michel Therrien oversees the club's forwards and power play, Mike Yeo the defensemen and penalty kill, Kim Dillabaugh the goalies and Adam Patterson the video operations. Over the past two seasons, Laperriere was tasked with pre-scouting and various other responsibilities.

The 2021-22 season will be Vigneault's third with the Flyers, who won their first playoff series since 2012 in Year 1 and missed the playoffs in Year 2.

Last week, general manager Chuck Fletcher said the Flyers would soon be announcing "a lot of personnel moves," with Williams obviously being one of them. Some of the other moves will include a new staff for the Phantoms under Laperriere and other roles in the big club's hockey operations.

"We spent an awful lot of time this summer looking at our staff, our structure and I think we've made some really meaningful changes and improvements to how we do things, not just from a coaching standpoint, but from a development standpoint, a scouting standpoint and a data standpoint," Fletcher said. "We put a lot of time and effort this summer into fixing some things off the ice that we think will lead to better on-ice results.

"We've looked at everything. Last year was unacceptable. It's been a busy offseason behind the scenes and I'm really happy with some of the moves we've made. Now we have to find a way to get better on the ice and that'll be the focus from here on out."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190574 Pittsburgh Penguins As a pending unrestricted free agent who has improved steadily throughout his seven NHL seasons, Rust could set himself up for a big payday during the 2022 offseason.

Penguins A to Z: Bryan Rust can really cash in next offseason One of the most malleable players in franchise history, Rust has shown the versatility to play either wing on all four lines and contribute on each special teams unit.

SETH RORABAUGH A strong skater, he offers a solid forechecking presence who creates opportunities for his linemates. Additionally, he’s a very confident Tuesday, July 20, 2021 9:36 a.m. shooter, as evidenced by the 154 shots he put on net last season, second most on the team.

In 56 games last season, Penguins forward Bryan Rust had 42 points (22 There are a lot of variables that are out of Rust’s control between now goals, 20 assists). and the 2022 offseason, particularly the NHL’s economics as it tries to emerge from two pandemic-shortened seasons that have damaged With the Penguins in the midst of their offseason, the Tribune-Review is revenues and, by extension, kept the salary cap flat. looking at all 48 players currently under NHL contracts to the organization in alphabetical order, from mid-level prospect Niclas Almari But if the league gets on track in some fashion and Rust continues to flirt to top-six winger Jason Zucker. with a 30-goal pace, he really could cash in.

Bryan Rust

Position: Right winger Tribune Review LOADED: 07.21.2021

Shoots: Right

Age: 29

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 192 pounds

2020-21 NHL statistics: 56 games, 42 points (22 goals, 20 assists)

Contract: Third year of a four-year contract with a salary cap hit of $3.5 million. Pending unrestricted free agent in 2022.

Acquired: Third-round draft pick (No. 80 overall), June 26, 2010

2020-21 season: Usually when you get moved off Evgeni Malkin’s line, it’s because you weren’t up to the task of playing with a future hall-of- fame center.

In Bryan Rust’s case, he was shifted off Malkin’s line to play with another future hall-of-fame center: .

After enjoying his first 20-goal campaign in 2019-20 while primarily skating with Malkin, Rust opened 2020-21 on Malkin’s right wing again. But those designs dissipated fairly quickly.

During the sixth game of the season, a 3-2 home win against the New York Rangers, forward Evan Rodrigues suffered an undisclosed injury at 9 minutes, 11 seconds of the second period. Having opened the season as a fill-in on the right wing of the top line, Rodrigues was replaced by Rust.

Little more than two minutes later, at the 11:24 mark, Rust scored by converting a stretch pass from Crosby into a breakaway goal.

With the exception of a brief experiment with Kasperi Kapanen, Rust was bolted onto the top line along with Crosby and Jake Guentzel at left wing. That trio drove the vast majority of the Penguins’ offense all season as Crosby (24 goals), Guentzel (23) and Rust were the team’s top three goal scorers.

Beyond five-on-five play, Rust, who was one of two members of the team to play in all 56 games in the regular season (Guentzel was the other), also staked a bigger role on the top power-play unit, finishing with six goals on the man advantage, second most on the squad.

Rust’s presence on the penalty kill was lessened, however, in 2020-21. After averaging 1:38 of short-handed ice time per contest in 2019-20, he saw an average of only 22 seconds with the penalty kill this past season.

In the playoffs, Rust, like most of his teammates, was limited by a stout New York Islanders defense. In six games, he generated three points (two goals, one assist) as the Penguins were dispatched in the first round.

The future: Rust was one of 11 players the Penguins opted to protect in advance of Wednesday’s expansion draft. So it’s safe to assume he’ll return for the 2021-22 season and inhabit a prominent role again.

Where he’ll be in the 2022-23 season is a good question. 1190575 Pittsburgh Penguins “It’s very possible,” Rorabaugh said. “My only concern on that front is, who has cap space right now? No one in terms of being a serious contender right now has salary cap space. Every team is trying to shed salary to create some maneuverability.” Penguins' early actions in offseason indicate team's main objective Also on our podcast, Rorabaugh and I try to determine which Penguins prospects could fill the voids created by the departures of these current veterans. We look at some of the other big names across the league who TIM BENZ might be scooped up by Seattle. And we debate the merits of “Kraken” as Tuesday, July 20, 2021 6:40 a.m. a nickname.

The Penguins’ Jared McCann and Jason Zucker celebrate with Jeff Tribune Review LOADED: 07.21.2021 Carter after Carter’s second goal against the Buffalo Sabres on May 6 at PPG Paints Arena.

Many observers of the Pittsburgh Penguins entered this offseason thinking the organization’s biggest need was to improve the goaltending. Others stressed a desire to add more size and physicality. Some want increased scoring for the playoffs.

The front office probably agrees with all of the above.

This is why it appears the likes of general manager Ron Hextall and president of hockey operations Brian Burke have an initial overarching objective this offseason.

Clear salary cap space.

Because — given the Penguins’ current cap situation — without accomplishing that task immediately, none of those other things will be possible.

Hextall and Burke haven’t verbalized that message directly. But their actions are speaking louder than any words could.

Look first at the Jared McCann trade. Shipping him off to Toronto for prospect Filip Hallander gets the Pens to $3.94 million in the black against the cap.

That’s better. But that’s still the second-worst cap situation in the NHL behind only that of the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning according to Cap Friendly.

So, again, the cap reality probably factored into why Burke and Hextall did what they did when sculpting the team’s protected list in advance of Wednesday’s Seattle Kraken expansion draft.

Cost is likely part of the reason why the franchise decided to protect forward Jeff Carter instead of the likes of winger Brandon Tanev, defenseman Marcus Pettersson and winger Jason Zucker.

With Los Angeles retaining some of Carter’s salary, he only costs $2.63 million against the cap in Pittsburgh. Tanev is at $3.5 million, Pettersson is at $4.02 million and Zucker comes in at $5.5 million.

Otherwise, how else could you explain the strategy behind protecting a 36-year-old forward with one year remaining on his contract, who may have retired rather than rebooting his career with an expansion club? Carter hardly seemed like a threat to be selected.

Well, TribLive’s hockey beat writer Seth Rorabaugh did offer one other explanation during Tuesday’s “Breakfast With Benz” podcast.

“With Evgeni Malkin most likely to miss some portion of the regular season, they don’t want to risk any kind of chance of losing Jeff Carter,” Rorabaugh explained. “And then, all of a sudden, Teddy Blueger is your No. 2 center. The risk of (Carter) going to Seattle might have been minimal. It might have been 1%. But, apparently, even that was too great for the Penguins to entertain.”

One Penguins player needs to be taken in the expansion draft. The Kraken get to take one player from every team in the NHL except the Vegas Golden Knights — a recent expansion team themselves.

One has to wonder if Seattle general manager Ron Francis is interested in Tanev, Pettersson or Zucker. If he isn’t, a cheaper player such as forward Zach Aston-Reese may be more to Francis’ liking. Aston-Reese is a pending restricted free agent who made $1 million each of the past two seasons.

Should the Kraken go that route, I asked Rorabaugh if it’s possible for the Penguins to trade any — or all — of those other three players for draft picks or prospects so that the Penguins could free up cap space. 1190576 Pittsburgh Penguins Initially, Zucker was the target for Seattle Times reporter Geoff Baker. But now he says he’s going with Tanev, largely because he’s about $2 million cheaper.

First Call: Steelers' contract terms known for Melvin Ingram; Seattle “Going cheaper than initial Jason Zucker pick, albeit for longer and taking prediction on Penguins expansion pick for Kraken left-wing Tanev, 29, for his speed, aggressiveness and penalty killing,” writes Baker.

Count me among those rooting for Baker to regret changing his mind. I TIM BENZ want to see Tanev stay in Pittsburgh.

Tuesday, July 20, 2021 6:00 a.m. The official announcement of the Kraken’s list will be revealed on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram watches from the sideline Dec. 8, 2019, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Tribune Review LOADED: 07.21.2021 Florida.

Tuesday’s “First Call” gives us the numbers behind Melvin Ingram’s new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pitt’s odds of winning the ACC football conference have been released. We found a prediction from Seattle regarding which Penguins player will go to the Kraken via the expansion draft. Also, a Steelers preseason game is going national.

Got a calculator?

The terms are known on Melvin Ingram’s signing.

The Steelers signed the former Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Monday afternoon. He’ll cost $4 million for one season according to CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora. Steelers cornerback Joe Haden sure seems happy about the news.

The Steelers had roughly $12.7 million in cap space coming into the week. Keep in mind, a corresponding roster move will be necessary to clear a slot for Ingram.

Plus, it is anticipated that the franchise will try to hammer out an extension for outside linebacker T.J. Watt. The team still needs to sign rookie offensive lineman Kendrick Green, as well.

Whatever cap space the team chooses to use could still be well spent on depth at offensive line or cornerback.

TV tweak

The Aug. 21 Steelers preseason game against the Detroit Lions is going to be on the NFL Network next month.

That was part of a league announcement pumping up a 23-game preseason schedule on the network. The Steelers and the Lions will kick off from Heinz Field at 7:30 p.m. It will be the third game of a quadruple- header on the network.

Additionally, the Hall of Fame game against the Dallas Cowboys will be broadcast nationally on FOX.

The Steelers-Lions game can also be seen on KDKA-TV, as will the preseason road games against the Philadelphia Eagles (Aug. 12) and Carolina Panthers (Aug. 27).

Who is favored for second place?

Betting odds are out for college football fans who may want to make a wager on the ACC conference winner.

Believe it or not, you are allowed to bet on someone besides Clemson. Go figure! Here are the numbers from college football writer Brett McMurphy via SuperBook Sports.

And, yes, the Tigers are the favorites again with North Carolina, Miami and Virginia Tech slated in front of Pitt.

Might I add, as a Syracuse graduate, I looked at those odds and the first thing that went through my head was, “Even at 500-1, I still think they are being generous.”

Tanev time

Lots of us have vented our opinions over who we want to see the Seattle Kraken take off the Penguins unprotected list.

Or, more specifically, who we prefer they leave alone.

Most commonly from Penguins fans, that answer seems to be forward Brandon Tanev. And the hope is they’ll snatch up Jason Zucker and his costly $5.5 million contract instead. 1190577 Pittsburgh Penguins They are also expected to pick another goalie in Florida’s Chris Driedger. If Price and Driedger both head to Seattle, Pittsburgh’s Casey DeSmith likely won’t.

How the Kraken's biggest NHL expansion draft decisions could impact 3. Other high-priced possibilities their Penguins pick A bunch of talented but well-paid forwards were made available, including Vladimir Tarasenko, Gabriel Landeskog, Jordan Eberle, James van Riemsdyk, Jeff Skinner and the Tampa Bay trio of Yanni Gourde, Matt Vensel Alex Killorn and Tyler Johnson.

7-9 minutes 7/20/2021 (Alex Ovechkin, an unrestricted free agent, is also up for grabs. But it’s considered a formality that the sniper re-signs with Washington in the

coming days.) The Seattle Kraken spent the past three days scrutinizing over their Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton and P.K. Subban are big-name blue- options for Wednesday’s NHL expansion draft, hoping to select the 30 liners. building blocks that give them the best chance to construct an eventual Stanley Cup champion. If Seattle covets Price and/or a few of the players mentioned above, they will have less cap space and likely less interest in taking Jason Zucker. Needless to say, deciding whether the Kraken should take a 29-year-old Given all the options at the two winger spots in particular, it’s easy to see role player from the Penguins versus a backup goalie or a free agent Seattle passing on Zucker and selecting the much more affordable Zach defenseman isn’t the choice that’s made general manager Ron Francis Aston-Reese. sleepless in Seattle. 4. Considering leadership and letters The Penguins did not leave the Kraken with an obvious choice for the expansion draft, which starts at 8 p.m. But Francis and Co. have much Zucker is a high-character player who could appeal to the Kraken if they more important decisions to make. Botching one of those big ones could believe he can get his point production back in line with where it was in set them back for years. Minnesota, making his $5.5 million cap hit the next two years more reasonable. Should they push for the playoffs or display patience? Do they grab the aging goalie with Marc-Andre Fleury-type upside? Which high-priced The 29-year-old was a popular guy in the Penguins’ dressing room. He veterans could live up to their contracts? Can they leverage their salary earned extra points by limping his way through their final game of the cap space in another way? playoffs. And with the Wild in 2019 he was a deserving winner of the King Clancy Trophy, which in large part recognizes a player’s humanitarian Those key questions, which the Kraken must answer by 10 a.m. contribution in his community. Wednesday, will have a domino effect on how they proceed whenever they get around to picking a Penguin. So let’s take a look at what the new Zucker is the caliber of person who would be a candidate to wear a letter team is likely considering. in Seattle. But with NHL captains in Landeskog and Giordano and other former captains or alternates also available, Seattle has a lot of good 1. What is Seattle’s game plan here? guys to choose from. The Kraken head into the expansion draft with clean books and a chance 5. Big names vs. blue-line bargains to choose from hundreds of players, from unproven youngsters to pricey NHL award winners. Ownership has given Francis, the former Cup- Giordano, Hamilton and Subban are high-profile defensemen left winning center for the Penguins, the green light to spend. How will he unprotected and Erik Johnson, Shayne Gostisbehere and Kevin utilize all that salary cap space? Shattenkirk are names most casual fans have heard of. But there are also a number of intriguing youngsters. After replacing Jim Rutherford in Carolina, Francis used the NHL amateur draft and creative trades to lay the foundation of a Hurricanes Jake Bean, Vince Dunn and Travis Dermott are skilled, two-way team that rose up to be one of the NHL’s best in 2021. And the Kraken defensemen who are solid bets to thrive in bigger roles. Logan Stanley, have invested a lot in analytics, which suggests the franchise wants to be Oliver Kylington and Jeremy Lauzon have interesting skill sets but calm and calculated in its infancy. uneven results so far in the NHL.

But are we sure they will take a patient approach with the hope of being a Where does Marcus Pettersson, who turned 25 in May, fit into this perennial contender in a few years? Or will they be tempted by the group? marquee names that were made available and, after remembering that the Pacific Division is presently the NHL’s weakest, try to make noise Pettersson isn’t flashy and hasn’t been used much in either special right away like Vegas did in 2017? teams phase. But he has produced solid results with the Penguins, who have at times relied on him in a second-pairing role. Does Seattle see a Francis and the Kraken have kept their cards close to the vest on that, still-ascending player here? Or a finished product with a $4 million cap hit making it hard to predict how they will play their hand. The team-building the next four years? philosophy they choose will whittle down the list of Penguins who appeal to them. For example, the Kraken shouldn’t want Brandon Tanev if they 6. Will they steal one Vegas act? are taking the long view. One wise thing that Vegas did four years ago was selecting nine pending 2. The Carey Price conundrum free agents in their expansion draft and quickly flipping four for future assets. They traded Trevor van Riemsdyk for a second-round draft pick, When NHL teams submitted their protected lists to the league Saturday got a third-rounder for Alexei Emelin and dealt Marc Methot for another evening, the most surprising omission was Price, the highly regarded high pick and a prospect. puck-stopper who just lugged the Montreal Canadiens to within three wins of the Cup. Seattle is required to select at least nine defensemen Wednesday and can grab up to 13 of them. Some teams that lost one of them will need a The Canadiens are betting the Kraken will not take on Price’s contract, replacement. which has five years left and an annual cap hit of $10.5 million. While his peers still view him as one of the NHL’s best goalies and his playoff Enter Cody Ceci. There is a chance the Kraken could want to keep the pedigree speaks for itself, he is 33, might need surgery and has been so- unrestricted free agent around and simply sign him. The righty had a nice so in recent regular seasons. 2021 season.

The Kraken, per reports, are giving strong consideration to selecting They could also see an opportunity to grab his rights from the Penguins Price, who has ties to Washington. If they do, that will eat up a chunk of and try to trade him for future assets. If they don’t want to take on the their cap space and signal that they’re all-in on the present. They’ll want contract of, say, Zucker or Pettersson and aren’t excited about their other more win-now players. options, they could take a page out of the Vegas playbook by selecting then shopping the blue-liner.

Post Gazette LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190578 Pittsburgh Penguins Post Gazette LOADED: 07.21.2021

Ron Cook: Exposing Brandon Tanev is a risk, but losing him wouldn't ruin Penguins' chances

Ron Cook

4-5 minutes 7/20/2021

You know the popular speculation, right?

The final spot on the Penguins’ protected list for Wednesday’s NHL expansion draft came down to Jeff Carter or Brandon Tanev. The team elected to keep Carter and run the risk of losing Tanev, the closest thing it has to a — don’t you love the term? — “sandpaper player.”

I get that decision.

Carter was the Penguins’ best player last season after joining the team in April after a trade with the Los Angeles Kings. He had nine goals in the final 14 regular season games and added four more in six playoff games against the New York Islanders.

Evgeni Malkin’s knee injury and subsequent surgery also had to factor into the decision to protect Carter. Malkin will not be ready for the start of next season, which leaves the Penguins thin at center. Maybe the Seattle Kraken wouldn’t have taken Carter because he’s 36 and is signed for just one more season, but the Penguins couldn’t afford to take that chance, especially not after they traded Jared McCann for cap space last week.

But putting Carter on the protected list might have been a moot point, anyway. His roots were deep in Los Angeles and there was no guarantee he would accept the trade to the Penguins. To get him to do so, I have to believe Ron Hextall gave him assurances that he wouldn’t be exposed in the expansion draft. At this point of Carter’s career, he wants to play for a team that gives him a chance to add to the two Stanley Cups he won with the Kings. He couldn’t possibly have been interested in joining an expansion team.

It would hurt the Penguins if the Kraken decided to pick Tanev from the their list of unprotected players. Tanev became a fan favorite in his two seasons here because of his all-out, all-the-time style of play. To say he was an irritant to opponents would be an understatement. He wasn’t afraid to hit anybody at any time. The Penguins need more guys with his grit. As Brian Burke has said, “Our team needs to get uglier.”

But Tanev has a couple things that are keeping him from becoming an ideal player for the Penguins. One, he is signed for four more seasons with a cap hit of $3.5 million per year. That is a big number and a lot of term. And two, he is a smaller player who runs a greater risk of injury because of how hard he plays. He missed 24 of 56 games last season because of injuries.

Burke and Hextall know Tanev’s shortcomings and clearly don’t believe in him enough to protect him. They have said they want to add size and toughness to the Penguins’ roster. That is a worthy goal. The team is built more for the regular season, when skill counts, than for the playoffs, when the stars are physically abused and penalties aren’t called. Did you watch the series against the Islanders? The Penguins’ defensemen weren’t able to punish the Islanders’ forwards in front of their net the way the Islanders tormented Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust in front of theirs.

The Kraken might not even take Tanev. They might be more inclined to go for Zach Aston-Reese, who is a restricted free agent and could be signed for much less. He also passes all of the analytics tests.

But even if the Penguins lose Tanev, it wouldn’t be all bad. They saved nearly $3 million in cap space by trading McCann to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The money they would save if the Kraken take Tanev could be used to get some of the size and toughness that management craves and also, perhaps, a veteran goaltender to challenge Tristan Jarry for playing time.

That’s why it won’t be wise to judge the Penguins’ loss in the expansion draft until after free agency, which begins at the end of the month. Hextall’s work didn’t end when he submitted the team’s protected list. It will be just beginning after the draft. 1190579 Pittsburgh Penguins So, if all of the Penguins’ eggs to replace Pettersson were in Joseph’s basket, that may be a problem. However, the Penguins have the perfect solution.

Penguins Have Perfect Backup Plan for Losing (or Trading) Marcus Mark Friedman. Pettersson Friedman was a depth defenseman in the Philadelphia Flyers system until new Penguins GM Ron Hextall rescued him off the waiver wire on Feb. 24. Published 17 hours ago on July 20, 2021 Friedman is a right-handed defenseman who is comfortable on his off- By Dan Kingerski hand. Most defensemen claim it’s no big deal, but it clearly is. NHL coaches strive to keep a left-right balance because the NHL game is too

quick for defensemen to fumble from their backhand to forehand to move We don’t yet have a good idea what the Seattle Kraken will do to, for, or the puck. with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night. If the Penguins know, Friedman, 25, is one of the exceptions. He couldn’t crack the Flyers they’re doing a good job of keeping quiet, too. We’ve heard multiple lineup and was even used as a forward in a pinch. takes from different parts of the organization, making the next two days all the more intriguing. However, he, too, burst into the Penguins lineup when given a chance.

It’s PHN’s growing opinion that Marcus Pettersson is a strong candidate. With no small irony, Friedman’s first two games were against the Given the paper-thin crop of available defensemen, Pettersson’s age and Philadelphia Flyers on March 2 and 4. After his new teammates made skill set make him one of the six best d-men in the draft. That’s both good sure there were no friends on the ice, the Penguins feisty defenseman and bad news for the Penguins. was treated rather rudely by his old teammates.

Actually, it could be a lot of good. Friedman was involved in a few skirmishes. On March 2, Friedman notched one assist. Then on March 4, Friedman set in motion a wild Monetarily, the Penguins would clear $4.025 million from their salary cap. game against Philadelphia with hard-nosed play. First, Friedman scored That’s a significant chunk, especially considering the replacement costs. his first goal as a Penguin. He was apparently uninjured when Nolan The Penguins would have every reason to use their in-house talent to Patrick boarded him a few minutes later, but Friedman was then injured replace Pettersson on the left side of the third pairing. Talented rookie when he tried to deliver a hard check at center ice but got the worst of and greenhorn, P.O. Joseph, is marinating in the AHL and Mark the collision. Friedman pushed for more ice time before his former team roughed him Friedman returned to play three games at the end of the regular season up. on May 3, 4, and 6, including another physical game against the Flyers. It may be the ideal situation for the Penguins. During the May 4 (be with you) game, Friedman fought Joel Farabee, We saw the very best of Joseph, 21, when both top Penguins and Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere was suspended for two defensemen and Brian Dumoulin were out of the lineup in games for a late hit on Friedman. late January. Joseph and his temporary defense partner John Marino Yes, Friedman is a feisty defenseman who brought out the worst in were spectacular. In one specific game against the New York Rangers, opponents. He’s a battler, a scrapper, and a defenseman who showed Joseph played almost 26 minutes. Marino over 30. he, too, can join the rush. And finish. Joseph assisted on the game-winner in the Penguins’ 5-4 OT win on Jan. Friedman, 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, is not an imposing defenseman, but he 30. After two games of heavy minutes against the New York Rangers, he brings some sandpaper to the job. ripped his first NHL goal against the New York Islanders on Feb. 6. And that’s what gives the Pittsburgh Penguins the perfect plan to replace Those few games also marked the turning point of a rough season for Pettersson if Seattle snags him or if the Penguins use Pettersson as a Marino, too, but I digress. trade chip. Friedman is capable of limited minutes on a nightly basis, and There were significant knocks on Joseph when the Arizona Coyotes Joseph could be a genuine player in the NHL, but he will have more selected him later in the 2017 first round (23rd overall) and as he turned growing pains. pro two seasons ago. Some scouts just absolutely did not like his game. As Joseph ebbs, Friedman can flow. And vice versa. And, if neither is Current Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach and then head coach of the ready for the bright lights, Hextall has a full season to explore the NHL WBS Penguins Mike Vellucci set the record straight. Vellucci roared trade market. praise for Joseph in 2019-20. Roared it. We didn’t even mention the nearly forgotten and buried Juusso Riikola, In May 2020, Vellucci chatted exclusively with PHN about Joseph, who who has toiled in practice and the occasional game for nearly three had just completed his first professional season with the WBS Penguins. years.

“He’s outstanding…he played 27 minutes a game. All tough situations,” The Penguins are well-positioned. Vellucci’s praise began. “He got better and better every day. I’m very impressed.” Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021 And then Pittsburgh Penguins fans got to see it first hand in February of 2021. Joseph isn’t a good skater. He’s a great skater. He’s got good vision and a knack in the offensive zone. Actually, he’s a bit like Mike Matheson.

Not only is he quick on his skates, but he’s also quick with the puck and able to lead the rush.

Joseph would cost the Penguins only $863,333 against the salary cap, according to PuckPedia.com.

The downside to Joseph is his inexperience, and he may not be quite ready for the NHL grind. After his initial adrenaline-fueled couple of weeks, he regressed and had some issues. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan reduced Joseph’s workload, and the team eventually sent him back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. 1190580 Pittsburgh Penguins Washington: Sammi Silber (who is KILLING it in Washington like an old pro) steered head-on into the controversial Capitals decision to protect Trevor van Riemsdyk and expose Justin Schultz.

Expansion Mock Drafts, Trade Rumor Updates I don’t know what lightning in a bottle Schultz caught in 2016-17 when he scored 51 points, but I haven’t seen that defenseman since. He hasn’t hit the 30-point mark since.

Published 20 hours ago on July 20, 2021 San Jose: The Sharks decided Adin Hill was starting-goalie material and snagged him via trade just under the Saturday deadline. Now it appears By Dan Kingerski his salary cap hit will be higher than expected. Sheng Peng explains.

And back to Detroit… Wellsboro, PA — Greetings from the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. The Remember Pavel Datsyuk? The 43-year-old is being encouraged for one NHL roster freeze allowed this humble scribe to escape on Monday more season. No, he’s not coming back to the NHL, but other big teams afternoon to the little town of Wellsboro, PA, where even the bars closed want him. at 9:00 p.m. No joke (I’m here, yet I’m still working?!). From a turn of the century hotel that was astonishingly cheap–The New York Islanders are 8 rumored to be hot on Vladimir Tarasenko, the NHL trade cost was astronomical for Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, we may put stay-home RHD Adam Larsson back on the table, and Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021 Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson’s expansion draft stock is rising.

I don’t know if you read between the lines of our breakdown, but after viewing the availables, I think there is a very good chance Seattle selects Pettersson.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Who will the Seattle Kraken select on Wednesday night? A breakdown of the Penguins availables and why Seattle could select each (and why they shouldn’t), including our 3-1 odds that they select Pettersson.

The Pittsburgh Penguins preseason schedule is public--the “Free Game for Kids” returns!

TSN: It was a big story met with positive reactions everywhere. Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop announced via Twitter that he is gay. Overwhelming support followed.

NHL Trade Chatter, News, & National Hockey Now network…

NYI: A great get here by Christian Arnold (and maybe our young reporter’s first!). An NHL source with direct knowledge told NYI Hockey Now that Seattle is keen on Josh Bailey, but the Islanders are trying to push them towards Jordan Eberle. High noon drama in Long Island.

Philly: Ryan Gilbert writer–the Ryan Ellis swap on the NHL trade front was just the beginning of the offseason for the Flyers. Buckle up!

Sportsnet: Here is their mock expansion draft. Consensus is forming around several players. Would you take Tarasenko? I surely would. I’d leave Carey Price, his ailing knees and hips alone. Here’s what the pros at Sportsnet think.

TSN: Owen Power is pulling away as the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft.

WGR 550: Daren Dreger appeared on Buffalo radio. Yes, the Buffalo Sabres put Rasmus Ristolainen on the NHL trade block. Their cost was just short of your firstborn.

Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is beginning to remind me of former Pirates GM Dave Littlefield, who routinely slapped heavy price tags on his players and got less than full value when the market collapsed. Adams cost for Eichel was insanity (up to six pieces, per a fellow GM who spilled the beans to our Jimmy Murphy in a recent PHN+ Off the Record column), and asking for a young NHL defenseman and a top pick for Ristolainen is doubling the market value.

St. Louis Dispatch: The paper reports Blues GM Doug Armstrong had a few offers for Tarasenko before the Saturday 3 p.m. deadline halted NHL trade activity. Those offers will be on the table if Seattle doesn’t snag Tarasenko.

Detroit: It’s looking more and more like the Detroit Red Wings will lose a veteran defenseman in the expansion draft.

Florida: It might be a double whammy for the Florida Panthers. Could they lose both Chris Driedger AND Frank Vatrano?

Boston: The Bruins open their preseason schedule in September. No biggie, right? They’ll open against Tom Wilson, who sent Brandon Carlo to the hospital last season, and the Washington Capitals. 1190581 San Jose Sharks 2021-22 $1,916,667 $3,833,333 2022-23 $2,416,667 $3,333,333

2023-24 $2,916,667 $2,833,333 Who Should Sharks Pair With Hill? 2024-25 $1,666,667 -$1,666,667

2025-26 $1,666,667 -$1,666,667 By Sheng Peng 2026-27 $1,666,667 -$1,666,667

After a buyout, Jones’s 2021-22 cap hit will be $1,916,667. Is there another goalie on the way to the San Jose Sharks? That gives the San Jose Sharks about $7.3 million to add at least one On Saturday, the Sharks brought in Adin Hill. That answered one roster forward and replace Jones. question. The next question: Who will they pair with Hill? Let’s keep these projections in mind when thinking about a new goalie. Could it be incumbent Martin Jones? Let’s look at the cap implications of You can bring in, say Philipp Grubauer for about $5 million a season, but keeping the embattled Jones: if that leaves you just $2 million or so for a new 3C, is that the wisest way FORWARDS 2021-22 Cap Hit to allocate your money? Couture, Logan $8,000,000 CLUES FOR A NEW GOALIE? Kane, Evander $7,000,000 Wilson is famously tight-lipped, so we shouldn’t read too much into his Hill trade press conference on Saturday. Meier, Timo $6,000,000 Regardless, it was an intriguing presser. Hertl, Tomas $5,625,000 “We need to have a different look and a different approach to our Labanc, Kevin $4,725,000 goaltending,” Wilson noted. NEW 3C? ? San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021 BALCERS, RUDOLFS $1,500,000 Gambrell, Dylan $1,100,000 Barabanov, Alexander $1,000,000 Leonard, John $925,000 Nieto, Matt $850,000 GREGOR, NOAH $850,000 Dahlen, Jonathan $750,000 TOTAL $38,325,000 DEFENSE 2021-22 Karlsson, Erik $11,500,000 Burns, Brent $8,000,000 Vlasic, Marc-Édouard $7,000,000 Simek, Radim $2,250,000 Ferraro, Mario $925,000 Knyzhov, Nikolai $796,667 Pasichnuk, Brinson $925,000 TOTAL $31,396,667 GOALTENDING 2021-22 ADIN HILL $2,500,000 Martin Jones $5,750,000 TOTAL $8,250,000 Projected cap hits are in all caps. This is presuming that the Seattle Kraken select RFA Ryan Donato in tomorrow’s expansion draft. I’m also assuming that the RFA Hill’s cap hit clears $2 million dollars, which I touched on yesterday. The total here is $77,971,667, leaving the San Jose Sharks with about $3.5 million to pursue a veteran third-line center or a “couple forwards,” which GM Doug Wilson alluded to over the weekend. But of course, this story is about San Jose bringing in another new netminder. In that case, for cap reasons, they almost certainly need to buy out Jones if they’re serious about improving their team next year. The Sharks will have until Jul. 27 to buy out their long-time starter. According to the Puckpedia, this is what a Jones buyout will look like: Martin Jones, Buy-out Cap Hit Cap Savings 1190582 San Jose Sharks

Draft Big Board 3.0: Our Final Top-10

By JD Young

Kyle, Erik, and JD take one last look at the 2021 NHL Draft by discussing how we are currently feeling about the San Jose Sharks heading into the draft. We discuss if they will draft a defenseman with the first pick (7:00), worst-case scenario for the San Jose Sharks (12:00), and do our final big board of our 10 favorite players going into the draft (15:00). San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190583 San Jose Sharks

Sheng’s Daily: Barclay Goodrow, $20 Million Dollar Man?

By Sheng Peng

What’s Adin Hill’s cap hit going to be? It’s probably going to be for higher than most San Jose Sharks fans expect: Hill’s Cap Hit Will Probably Be Higher Than Expected Is Adin the right Hill for the San Jose Sharks to die on? Is Adin Right Hill for Sharks to Die On? IN OTHER SAN JOSE SHARKS NEWS… Thank you @sjbarracuda @SanJoseSharks It has been great three seasons. pic.twitter.com/dJVyvUJ2z2 — Josef Kořenář (@pepakoren) July 20, 2021 Get to know prospect Kyle Topping. There are perks to living with your parents in the offseason… like mom's cooking . Check out what #SJBarracuda forward @Topping11 has been up to in the latest edition of Catching up with the 'Cuda.

: https://t.co/zzrccT5tu0 pic.twitter.com/3KtEYwWzu5 — San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) July 19, 2021 Want to review all of Locked On Sharks’ prospect profiles? Nobody has you better covered for the San Jose Sharks and the 2021 NHL Draft: Are you trying to cram before the #NHLDraft? We at @LockedOnSharks have you covered. I made a Spotify playlist of all of our draft episodes including interviews with @JoshTessler_, @theTonyFerrari, @Scouching, and @MitchLBrown to just name a few.https://t.co/K3TeizrzdS — JD Young (@MyFryHole) July 19, 2021 AROUND THE NHL… Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop comes out. (The Athletic) The Rangers are about to sign San Jose Sharks playoff hero Barclay Goodrow to a six-year, $21.6 million dollar contract. (Forever Blueshirts) What if the Senators and Lightning had the same expansion draft rules as Seattle and Vegas? (The Athletic) Bob McKenzie’s final draft rankings are here! (TSN) SPORTLOGiQ offers three potential breakout players for the Seattle Kraken to target. (Sportsnet) Carey Price calls for reconciliation, increased awareness of residential schools. (City News 1130) Source: Kraken Eying Josh Bailey in NHL Expansion Draft as Islanders Work to Prevent It Could Florida Panthers lose Driedger and Vatrano to Seattle? Gilbert: Adding Ellis only the beginning of Flyers’ big offseason moves Zucker, Tanev, ZAR or Petterson, Who Will Seattle Kraken Select & Why? Former Red Wings Star And Free Agent Datsyuk Weighing Options Washington Capitals Made Right Call Protecting Van Riemsdyk, Exposing Schultz Mikhail Maltsev: A scouting report on the newest Avs forward Bruins Kick Off 2021-22 Preseason Against Tom Wilson And Caps San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190584 Seattle Kraken The Kraken’s picks will be announced by division, with sports and entertainment celebrities on hand to read off the names from a 50-foot- wide, 24-foot-tall main stage featuring two large video screens. The Kraken finally is set to fill out its roster in the NHL expansion draft. “It’s really an outdoor venue that we’re essentially building out, and the Will it include Carey Price? backdrop is the water and the city from the Gas Works Park area,” Mayer said. “I think it’s going to look spectacular, especially for those who don’t know Seattle. And the stage is really unique and definitely has a very distinct Kraken feel to it.” By Geoff Baker Out on that water, boaters participating in a “Sail-gate” can watch the broadcast as it’s beamed to a 40-foot-wide screen positioned on a Imagine a floatplane descending onto the waters of Lake Union carrying floating barge some 500 feet offshore. The water is too deep to anchor goaltender Carey Price, who is whisked ashore and on to the big stage at the 100-foot-long barge, so it will be held in place by two tugboats. Gas Works Park, where thousands of cheering Kraken fans welcome the Gary Wichansky, owner and CEO of Seattle-based Hotopp Associates, a franchise’s new marquee player. design firm tasked with creating and building the on-location sets, said It isn’t beyond the realm of possibility Wednesday night, whether with achieving stunning visuals that “really frames the city for the TV show” Price or another player the Kraken chooses in the long-awaited NHL was paramount. The company sent employees to the park with a expansion draft. The plane scenario, though not confirmed as part of the handheld LIDAR scanner to map out the topography and pinpoint “the live ESPN2 broadcast, has at least been up for consideration as the best camera positions and staging locations so we could dial in to it Kraken and NHL look to make as big a splash — literal or otherwise — quickly as we only have Monday and Tuesday to load it in and as possible when the league’s 32nd franchise actually takes shape. Wednesday to rehearse.” Kraken general manager Ron Francis was facing a Wednesday-morning First thing Monday morning, crews totaling around 150 people began deadline to hand in his list of 30 players selected, one from each NHL assembling the sets, seating and on-site vendor spaces. team with the exception of the Vegas Golden Knights. The suspense The set will have 1,000 reserved chairs and lawn seating for around over whether the list includes Price, 33, the former Tri-City Americans 3,000. The Kraken gave out all free tickets to the event last week, and netminder who just led Montreal back to the Stanley Cup Final, or nobody without one is allowed in the park. possibly a different franchise cornerstone such as Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, 28, should make this one of the more “The stage events like this are always exciting when an audience shows anticipated sports events in our city’s history. up for us,” Wichansky said. “So I’m just excited for that vibe in the park. I’ve done a lot of events with the NHL, and the level of enthusiasm for “Now, suddenly, all of this becomes real,” NHL chief content officer Steve this is really high just because of the buzz coming out of (COVID-19) Mayer, serving as executive producer of the 5 p.m. telecast, said this quarantine. week of the Kraken’s roster. “I just remember back to Vegas and my first expansion draft … how different it was from the start of the draft to the “It’s an interesting opportunity for the new team in the city, because for end. Just in terms of people backing what had become their players. It that whole (pandemic) year they had such little opportunity to engage. I just feels so much more real after you get done with the process of think fans are going to be excited just to have that kind of energy.” announcing players.” From a TV-interest-level perspective — especially with the Price factor — Nearly 32 months since the franchise was awarded, fans have only the Kraken/NHL live event should be more than ready for prime time. junior-level forward Luke Henman, signed as a free agent in May, And we’ll know by broadcast’s end whether the team’s roster is as well. identifiable as a Kraken player. But by the 7 p.m. conclusion of Wednesday’s broadcast, co-hosted by Chris Fowler and Dominic Moore Seattle Times LOADED: 07.21.2021 with analyst Kevin Weekes doing on-site reporting, they’ll have a roster of NHL-seasoned players to mull over. Francis must pick at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen and three goalies, and he can choose the remaining four players from any position. At least 20 players must be under contract next season at a minimum $48.9 million salary-cap hit. Though Francis has mostly contained leaks ahead of his picks, some video surfaced Tuesday on Twitter of ESPN analyst Weekes tossing fish at Pike Place Market and recording what appeared to be a pretaped announcement of one pick with television cameras rolling — which the NHL plans to do from several landmark locations as part of the broadcast. Weekes announced on the video and apparently during multiple TV takes, according to one eyewitness posting the footage, that the Kraken had chosen center Alexander Kerfoot, 26, as its Toronto Maple Leafs pick. There has been much debate over whether the Kraken will take Kerfoot or forward Jared McCann, so the video caused a social-media stir. The Kraken responded with a tweet Tuesday that multiple takes were shot and included a hashtag that said, “#keepguessing.” It’s also gotten out through more traditional reporting, that Florida Panthers goalie Chris Driedger, 27, will sign a three-year, $10.5 million deal ahead of the broadcast. Driedger would immediately slot in as a candidate for the No. 1 goaltending job if the Kraken passes on Price, whose five remaining contract years at a $10.5 million annual cap hit sparked a continentwide debate about selecting him. Still, this is an unprecedented situation in which a new franchise can add a marquee player with immediate off-ice name value and local ties. Measuring that under the lens of strictly an on-ice transaction won’t always apply if there’s a prevailing business argument that Price helps the Kraken more quickly broaden its reach. Would Price want to come? Why not? It gets the British Columbia native out of Montreal’s intense hockey media hotbed. He also waived his no- movement clause so the Canadiens could expose him, knowing he might be picked. His wife, Angela, is from Kennewick, and Washington has no state income tax — pertinent to Price this year as he’s due a onetime $11 million bonus. 1190585 Seattle Kraken understand what was happening — and Shin rewrote the whole front-end of the website to make the presentation look cleaner.

The group also had to rewrite parts of the optimizer to interface with the This interactive tool allows you to build your own Kraken roster ahead of new website better, and Chan estimates it took a couple of months to put Wednesday’s expansion draft everything together. Even with all the extra time the project required, Shin said he appreciated the opportunity to test his skills.

“This was a good chance to work on something that was a little bit By Andy Yamashita different than my day-to-day job,” he said. While Shin and Shalaby were very confident in the team’s optimizer, they do want fans to know a few things before logging on. Most important, the The Seattle Kraken will soon go from a team with merely a logo, color website is not a predictor of the future. Instead, it gives fans a chance to scheme and Twitter account to a fully fleshed out roster of players for the run the expansion draft as if they were a general manager. They hope first season of NHL hockey in the Emerald City since 1924. the new tutorial will help explain exactly how the optimizer works and But for fans who want to get a sense of what the Kraken roster could look what to expect of it. like, Yusuf Shalaby, Michael Shin and three other University of Toronto Additionally, Shin noted that the optimizer can’t account for trades or students created an NHL expansion draft optimizer tool, which allows behind-the-scenes deals in which the Kraken avoids a certain player users to play the role of GM Ron Francis by selecting players based on because of an agreement with the other team, as it’s too difficult to salary-cap restrictions and talent. predict. The expansion draft, which takes place Wednesday evening at Gas However, the project has made the whole team excited to see what’s on Works Park, will allow Francis to select one unprotected player from each the horizon for the Seattle Kraken, even though Shin and Chan are both roster of 30 NHL teams (with the exception of previous expansion team avid Vancouver Canucks fans. Vegas). Seattle will choose at least three goalies, 14 forwards, and nine defensemen, with the remaining four picks for any position. He’ll also “Looking at this optimizer I’m like, ‘Oh man, Seattle’s gonna be good.’” only be able to select from a list of protected players, which was finalized Shin said. “That’s not good for Vancouver.” Sunday. Seattle Times LOADED: 07.21.2021 And now, thanks to this tool, fans can take a crack at creating their own Kraken roster ahead of the draft. “Now that the protection lists have been revealed, what we’re seeing is that Seattle can build a pretty good team,” Shalaby said. “Just purely based on the numbers and without spending too much beyond the minimum (salary) which they even have to spend. There’s a lot of good players out there.” The idea for the project, hatched in 2017 ahead of the Las Vegas expansion draft, was brought to life by a group of five graduate and undergraduate students — Shalaby, Shin, Albert Loa, Rafid Mahmood and Benjamin Potter — under he guidance of Timothy Chan, an engineering professor at UT. Chan, who is also the director of the UT Center for Analytics and A.I. Engineering, thought the expansion draft was the perfect way to study optimization through the lens of sports analytics due to its protection rules and cap space specifications. Once he found a group of students interested in applying the concept and building the website, they got to work. KRAKEN EXPANSION DRAFT 2021 mock NHL expansion draft: Geoff Baker predicts how the Kraken’s picks could play out Canadiens goalie Carey Price among surprise players available to Kraken in NHL expansion draft Mailbag: Could the Kraken make a splash for a big-money player? Should Seattle follow Vegas model? “We had a version of this tool up back then, and we played with it and showed it around,” Chan said. “When the Seattle expansion draft was happening, we decided to revisit the tool and modernize it a little more and make it a little more user friendly.” Mathematical optimization is a process that involves selecting the best possible outcome within a specific set of parameters. Chan compared optimization to Google maps choosing the fastest route when asked for directions and said most sports fans use optimization to help set their daily fantasy sports lineups. Shalaby, who studied optimization under Chan at UT for his master’s degree, stuck with the example of the Kraken. “Optimization will let you create your team in a way that maximizes the value while also following the rules of the draft,” he said. “We can basically express these draft rules as mathematical equations, and that allows us to give it to a computer and then return the optimal lineup in terms of these numbers while also making sure we’re not breaking any of the draft rules.” Shin was the one who first reached out about revamping the tool, and while the optimizer model needed little work, even four years after the Las Vegas expansion draft, the rest of the website did. The user interface needed to be reworked and explained better — the team added a tutorial to help people unfamiliar with optimization 1190586 Seattle Kraken assist in the playoffs. He has four more years remaining at just more than $5 million. Gourde also provides value on special teams.

Bonus 6 of the most intriguing names left exposed for Seattle Kraken in the Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog expansion draft Landeskog, 28, is a different case than the rest. He’s an unrestricted free agent, which means Seattle now has exclusive rights to recruit him By Lauren Kirschman July 19, 2021 05:30 AM before free agency opens July 28. Potential free agents who were left unprotected for the expansion draft can exclusively interview and potentially sign a contract with the Kraken between Sunday morning and the draft Wednesday night. If the Kraken and Landeskog agree to a deal What is the NHL expansion draft? before then, he would count as the Kraken’s selection from the The Seattle Kraken will make their picks in the NHL expansion draft on Avalanche. July 21. Here is how the draft works. By Joshua Bessex Landeskog is reportedly looking for a salary in the range of $9-10 million The expansion draft is just days away, and now the Seattle Kraken have on the open market. In his last complete season in 2018-19, Landeskog a complete picture of the available players. set career highs in goals (34), assists (41) and points (75). He totaled 46 goals and 96 points combined over the last two 54-game seasons. On Sunday, NHL teams submitted their protection lists to the NHL and NHLPA, with teams able protect seven forwards, three defensemen and News Tribune LOADED: 07.21.2021 one goaltender or eight skaters and one goaltender. That brought the Kraken one step closer to selecting the first pieces of their inaugural roster. The Kraken’s choices will be announced Wednesday starting at 5 p.m. live on ESPN. Seattle will select one player from 30 teams — the Las Vegas Golden Knights are exempt. Before we get to some of the most intriguing names left exposed, here’s a quick refresher on the rules for the Kraken: ▪ Seattle must select at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen and three goalies. ▪ At least 20 players must be under contract for the 2021-22 season and the total cap hit must call between 60% and 100% of the upper limit. The salary cap for the 2021-22 season is $81.5 million. ▪ Starting Sunday, the Kraken can exclusively negotiate with pending free agents who were not protected by NHL teams. Now, here are six of the top players available: Names to watch Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price Price, who helped lead the Canadiens to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, was one of the biggest surprises left available to the Kraken. But Seattle will still have a decision to make. The 32-year-old Price comes with a salary-cap hit of $10.5 million for five-more seasons, but he’s also a veteran goalie coming off an exceptional playoff performance. Taking a seasoned goalie certainly paid off for the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 when they selected Marc-Andre Fleury from the Pittsburgh Penguins. St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko Tarasenko, 29, wasn’t happy with how the Blues handled his multiple shoulder surgeries and requested a trade. He has two cap years left on his contract at $7.5 million against the cap. He played in just 10 games in 2019-20 and 24 in 2020-21. Tarasenko was once an elite goal scorer, so the Kraken now have to decide if he’s worth the risk on the chance he regains his form. Tarasenko is worth $9.5 million in actual salary next season, but $5.5 million in 2022-23. Philadelphia Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk Riemsdyk, 32, is another intriguing — yet pricey — option. He carries a $7 million cap hit over two more seasons. He had a strong season in 2020-21, finishing with 17 goals, 26 assists and 43 points in 56 games. Riemsdyk, who tied for fifth-most in the NHL with 10 power-play goals, also averaged his second-most ice time since 2015-16. He also played under Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol when Hakstol was in Philadelphia. Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano, Giordano is 37 years old, but he recently won the Norris Trophy in 2019. One of the best defensive options available, the Flames’ captain had 26 points in 56 games last season. Giordano carries a $6.75 million cap hit for one year. He could bring a quality veteran presence to the Kraken or be a valuable trade option. Tampa Bay Lightning forward Yanni Gourde Gourde, 29, won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning. Gourde gave Tampa Bay quality depth and finished last season with 17 goals and 19 assists in the regular season before adding six goals and one 1190587 Seattle Kraken

Full details: Seattle Kraken expansion draft coverage from 710 ESPN Seattle

BY 710SPORTS.COM STAFF

The moment has finally arrived. The Seattle Kraken become a true NHL franchise and put their roster together with their own expansion draft at 5 p.m. today – Wednesday, July 21. While the team will hold an event on the north end of Lake Union at Gas Works Park, we’ll have full coverage of every pick, trade and all manner of news from the Kraken’s draft on the 710 ESPN Seattle airwaves and here on 710Sports.com. Here are the full details: 710 ESPN Seattle A live Seattle Kraken expansion draft show will air from 5-7 p.m., hosted by Bob Stelton and Mike Salk and featuring the expert analysis of NHL Network insider Jon Morosi, a frequent guest on 710 ESPN Seattle. Get ready @SeattleKraken fans, we are only a day away from the roster being built!!! Tune in tomorrow as @BobStelton, @TheMikeSalk & guest analyst @jonmorosi break down every selection and what it means for the inaugural #Kraken season. Head to https://t.co/PLQ5e3xjJf for more. pic.twitter.com/TW99O4emBD — 710 ESPN Seattle (@710ESPNSeattle) July 20, 2021 710Sports.com We will have live coverage and analysis in our expansion draft tracker, plus additional stories throughout the night from 710Sports.com writers and the voices of 710 ESPN Seattle. MYNORTHWEST.COM LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190588 Seattle Kraken — NHL (@NHL) March 17, 2021 • Yanni Gourde, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

The knock on Gourde is that he’s overpaid for a third-line center, but any Seattle Kraken expansion draft: Salk’s dream team from available good team needs solid, two-way play from the center position and players Gourde can offer that. He can score (two seasons of 20-plus goals), play in all three zones, and has recent Stanley Cup experience. This one is close to a no-brainer. BY MIKE SALK JULY 20, 2021 AT 8:16 PM • Nikita Zadorov, D, Chicago Blackhawks

Zadorov is 6 foot 6 and 236 pounds. That is a mammoth beast. I watched It’s hard to believe that the years of anticipation, excitement, and what Zdeno Chara did for the Bruins when he arrived in Boston in 2006. preparation will finally lead us to the first major step in the construction of While he isn’t 6-9, Zadarov may Chara-lite. the actual Seattle Kraken team that we will root for. The Kraken will be formed from clay beginning with the expansion draft Wednesday night, 10/10 for this one, Nikita Zadorov (@zadorov61). and the rules are definitely in their favor. pic.twitter.com/ZoUFK74sX8 ESPN’s Emily Kaplan on key players Kraken could take to build around — NHL (@NHL) October 14, 2019 On Sunday, we learned which players are available. At 5 p.m. • Nathan Bastian, F, New Jersey Devils or Andreas Johnsson, F, New Wednesday, the Kraken announce their picks (and we’ll have live Jersey Devils coverage on 710 ESPN Seattle with me, Bob Stelton and NHL Network’s I like the “big and bruising” description for Bastian, and with Johnsson I Jon Morosi). love the word “tenacious” and term “breakout potential,” plus he has been Here is a list of a few players that I’d be psyched to hear announced as described as someone who plays both ways. members of the initial team. • Brenden Dillon, D, Washington Capitols • Mark Giordano, D, Calgary Flames Physical presence in front of the net. Giordano has a few things going for him. He’s a natural captain, which is Brenden Dillon's (@BDillon04) point shot is good! #StanleyCup of great importance to a new franchise. Coach Dave Hakstol will need someone to lead the room and he has that experience. He’s also a : https://t.co/pBtFS0mjvh @NHLonNBCSports physical defensive presence (my top need for any new team), plus his salary expires after this year if you want to move him for future help. This : https://t.co/YcZ1KtsaMb @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/HZD4FclDaA is an obvious choice. — NHL (@NHL) May 16, 2021 Another point for @MarkGio05 as he keeps that No. 2 spot locked for defensive scoring. pic.twitter.com/scHhT2gRKA • Dylan Gambrell, C, San Jose Sharks — NHL (@NHL) March 30, 2019 Local product (Bonney Lake) but another two-way center who can kill penalties. Need guys like that. • Vladimir Tarasenko, F, St. Louis Blues Looks like @D_Gambrell7 left the spin cycle on. (Dylan Gambrell) This is a huge risk as Tarasenko has had some major shoulder injuries, pic.twitter.com/UOHMOwlTvl but he has the highest scoring upside available and is among the most creative players in the league. We’ve heard rumors he could be selected — NHL (@NHL) September 25, 2019 and traded, but I’d love to see his upside here. No other available player could ignite and excite a rookie crowd like he could. MYNORTHWEST.COM LOADED: 07.21.2021 • Jordan Eberle, F, New York Islanders Eberle is a personal favorite of mine. He is a solid winger who scores 20 goals per season and has playoff experience. Some mocks believe he is too expensive but I would spend it on a guy like this because of his dependability. The Islanders have some other players I like including Josh Bailey and free agents Kyle Palmieri and Casey Cizikas. Jordan Eberle (@jeberle_7) in 2OT. That's game, y'all! #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/TQvJ49HmcX — NHL (@NHL) September 16, 2020 • James van Riemsdyk, F, Phildelphia Flyers Just can’t pass up the veteran goal scoring. JVR is a top line scorer who should be familiar to fans. It may feel like he has been around forever after entering the league at just 20 years old, but he is just 31. James van Riemsdyk (@JVReemer21) earned some style points with this one. pic.twitter.com/lvr2tTmTKM — NHL (@NHL) April 17, 2021 • Chris Driedger, G, Florida Panthers There’s obvious risk here as Driedger has not played too many games, but the upside is huge while the cost is not. There are plenty of reasons to select prized Canadiens goalie Carey Price, but he is way too expensive for too much injury risk. Taking on $10 million a year for a former MVP with a hip injury could set up for the future or completely destroy the first few years of the franchise. I’m too risk averse, especially with quality goalies available. • Kaapo Kähkönen, G, Minnesota Wild Young, cheap, decent goaltending is at a premium and Kähkönen is another high-upside, low-risk play. Kaapo Kahkonen was perfect, once again, collecting the @pepsi . pic.twitter.com/XsynFXzfpo 1190589 Seattle Kraken Can’t wait to see what Seattle ends up doing. Landeskog/Kraken

There’s certainly time for the Kraken to circle back but there hasn’t been LeBrun: Kraken’s Carey Price decision? Gabriel Landeskog’s contract a firm contact offer yet as of Tuesday morning from Seattle on star UFA demands? Kirill Kaprizov’s KHL offer? winger Gabriel Landeskog. I’m told the two sides did chat Sunday when the window opened for the By Pierre LeBrun Jul 20, 2021 Kraken to do so but as of now, that conversation hasn’t been rekindled since and I suspect Seattle GM Ron Francis probably wasn’t interested in the number Landeskog’s camp put out there. The Carey Price expansion draft saga has been a captivating subject for But man, talk about a stud winger and captain material walking through everyone in the hockey world. the door if Francis decides to make an offer before Wednesday’s deadline. As I make my calls around the league on other matters, it’s amazing how many player agents and front offices executives ask me what I think will One thing to consider: Francis has full ownership backing to spend right happen Wednesday evening when the Seattle Kraken announce their to the salary cap but I believe he doesn’t plan to do that right away, that expansion draft selections and whether No. 31 will be part of it. he wants to keep some of his powder dry for next summer as well, that the flat cap environment will give him more opportunities that he wants to The short answer? It’s too close to call. And my sense is that as of fully explore over the next few years. So, there’s a sense he doesn’t want Tuesday morning, the Montreal Canadiens were also waiting like to cap out right out of the gates and that’s probably the right way to go. everyone else to find out what happens Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Avs and Landeskog remain far apart. But the door is not Gripping stuff. closed there, there’s still lots of time before July 28. I think the Kings and Here’s what I believe to be true so far: Blues would be among several potential suitors if Landeskog goes to market. There’s an expectation that Seattle, at the 11th hour, will inform Montreal what the price would be not to take Price. As of late afternoon Tuesday, Kaprizov’s KHL offer? that had not happened yet. But if it does, here’s the poker game: Are the Kirill Kaprizov has a legit offer from CSKA Moscow, sources confirm, and Kraken really ready to take on that massive contract? Does Marc so where this goes now will be interesting. Bergevin call their bluff and say “take him, we’re not paying an asset”? Or does he feel compelled to make sure he doesn’t lose No. 31? To me, While there are some who view it as leverage in talks with the Minnesota he’s already pot-committed, to stay with the poker analogy, once he Wild, it is nevertheless believed to be true that there’s a pretty big offer to agreed with Price to go this route. So why pay an asset now? Kaprizov from the KHL club. Price has a doctor’s appointment Thursday in New York City for his knee, The Wild, however, believe there’s lots of time for this to play out, after which might need surgery, although while he’s there they’ll want to check all, we are two months away from NHL training camps opening. out his hip just to make sure. (As an aside, if Seattle is picking him and wants him there Wednesday evening for the unveil, they better tell him An issue so far between the Wild and Kaprizov’s camp is believed to be sooner rather than later before he gets on his Wednesday flight for New term; Minnesota is offering an eight-year deal while the player’s camp York.) It’s this health concern that prompted Price himself to come up has expressed a desire for a three-year deal. with this stunning idea of exposing him and protecting Jake Allen just in Another layer in all this is the NHL’s Olympic decision. If for whatever case Price wasn’t ready to start the season. Price, I’m told, even called reason the NHL doesn’t close the deal with the IOC on Beijing Allen before doing this to make sure he was OK with it. participation (and that decision has to be coming soon), the question is My guess is Allen was indeed good with it just based on what he told whether Kaprizov would want to sign in the KHL so he could play for Montreal reporters July 9 in his season-ending exit interview: Russia again in the Olympics as he did in 2018. “I understand what’s at stake, but I signed here to play with the Montreal Call me naive, but I still think he ends up re-signing with the Wild. To me, Canadiens, and that’s where I am right now,” Allen said. “And unless there’s a five-year deal that eventually enters the picture and ends this something changes, that’s my No. 1 objective. We’ll cross that bridge stalemate. when it comes. But I understand that this is not a normal year and that But to be clear, I don’t think the KHL offer is a smokescreen. I think it’s free agency and the expansion draft, all that is within 10-14 days, so for real. decisions have to be made, and we’ll see what happens.” Ristolainen watch The Kraken, for what it’s worth, have had a few calls over the last few days with Price’s camp led by agent Gerry Johannson, doing a deep dive The Sabres have some pretty solid interest from teams on Rasmus before making their decision and they have had access to his medical Ristolainen, who has one year left on his contract. The general asking file. price is believed to be a first-round pick and a prospect. This all developed late last week. Until Friday, the Habs, I believe, were Among the clubs who have inquired are Montreal and Winnipeg, for talking to teams about a potential Allen trade instead of losing him for obvious reasons. The Jets are scouring the D market from top to bottom nothing in the expansion draft. And Montreal had also started looking at looking for blue line upgrades, which everyone knew would be the case the free-agent market for potential Allen replacements. But then came this offseason. Price’s solution to it all on Friday and well, that changed everything. The Habs, of course, need to replace Shea Weber and in Ristolainen — Price, who turns 34 in August, has five more years on his deal at a $10.5 while obviously an inferior player — there’s a similar big body at least. million cap hit including an $11 million bonus payable Sept. 1. I don’t But I also think the Habs have a few other defencemen on their shortlist think the up-front money is as big a concern for deep-pocketed Seattle slotted ahead of Ristolainen. compared to the cap management of that contract would be. But as a few other NHL front office execs suggested to me Tuesday, it might be worth Stralman to Coyotes? having Price on your club as the face of the franchise with the ability to As first suggested by Craig Morgan over the weekend in Arizona, I’m have him end his career on LTI if need be. also told the Coyotes have discussed a potential Anton Stralman deal Maybe. I still think that’s a whopper of a deal to take on. But he’s a very with Florida. special player. The 34-year-old fell out of favour in Florida and has one year left on his And finally, I think a lot of people are debating Price’s true intentions here deal at $5.5 million. As part of his 16-team no-trade list, I believe he because he has ties to the Tri-Cities in Washington, a three-hour drive would have to sign off on a deal to the Coyotes if indeed both clubs from Seattle, where his wife Angela is from and where they spend part of decided to firm that up. their offseasons along with Kelowna, B.C. Part of the appeal of playing in Arizona would be to potentially partner From my own interpretation of events here, I think Price deep down with countryman Oliver Ekman-Larsson on the blue line. wants to stay in Montreal and believes his health and contract are On the other hand, there’s the chance OEL gets moved this offseason, reasons for the Kraken to stay away. But if the end result is Seattle taking so no doubt that’s got to factor in Stralman’s decision to waive or not. him, it’s a reality he could undoubtedly live with given the reasons above. But again, I also think Stralman wants a fresh start. I suspect the Panthers would have to throw in a pick to unload Stralman’s contract, so this would fit the pattern with Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong thinking outside the box. He collected three picks from the Islanders on Saturday while taking on Andrew Ladd’s contract. The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190590 Seattle Kraken Generally speaking, hockey front offices are not democracies, but ours was.

The majority ruled. Seattle Kraken mock expansion draft: Why we’re taking Gabriel In the end, we made a list, we checked it twice (to ensure we met both Landeskog but not Carey Price the positional and financial stipulations associated with the expansion draft), and we present it here for your critiques and comments: Eric Duhatschek, Ryan S. Clark and more Jul 20, 2021 2021-22 Seattle Kraken Haydn Fleury, D In the next 48 hours or so, the hockey world at large will learn exactly Anaheim Ducks which players the Seattle Kraken selected to stock the NHL’s newest $1.3 million franchise. Christian Fischer, RW The NHL unveiled the protected lists of 30 teams Sunday (the Vegas Golden Knights are exempt) and predictably, there were some intriguing Arizona Coyotes names left up for grabs. $1 million Carey Price in Montreal was one. Price’s former teammate in Montreal, P.K. Subban, was another. The Predators left both their $8 million men, Jakub Zboril, D Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene, available. The Flames couldn’t find a Boston Bruins way to protect captain Mark Giordano $725,000 The one quality they share: They would all be pricey adds, maybe too pricey in the NHL’s flat-cap world. William Borgen, D Here at The Athletic, we’ve been doing mock drafts since before Seattle’s Buffalo Sabres expansion bid even became official and what follows is our final attempt to sort out what Kraken general manager Ron Francis and his staff might RFA come up with. Mark Giordano, D Procedurally, we’ve added one tweak to the exercise this time around and convened a “war room” designed to mimic the conversations the Calgary Flames Seattle hockey operations staff is having internally right now. Our war $6.75 million room consisted of Eric Duhatschek, Ryan S. Clark, Sean McIndoe, Dom Luszczyszyn and Michael Russo. Jake Bean, D Collectively, we’ve spent the weeks and months (and some of us, years), Carolina Hurricanes trying to work through all the expansion-draft scenarios that could possibly come up. RFA Then Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin threw us all a curveball over the Nikita Zadorov, D weekend, successfully persuading Price to waive his no-move clause so Chicago Blackhawks Montreal could protect Jake Allen. RFA By rule, Seattle is obliged to select three goaltenders, nine defensemen and 14 forwards. The other four openings are “at large,” meaning they Gabriel Landeskog, LW could be at any position. Seattle is also required to select players that meet a minimum salary-cap threshold ($48.9 million, or 60 percent of last Colorado Avalanche year’s $81.5 million salary cap). They cannot exceed the cap. UFA Price’s availability forces you to start with him for reasons that are pretty Dean Kukan, D apparent. If the Kraken were to take Price (and his $10.5 million cap hit for five additional years), then it would affect the remaining 29 decisions. Columbus Blue Jackets On the one hand, Price could be the Kraken’s 2021 answer to Marc- $1.65 million Andre Fleury, the cornerstone goaltending piece that helped Vegas get (and stay) so competitive in its first four years of operation. Adam Mascherin, LW On the other hand, if you took Price, you would immediately gobble up Dallas Stars about an eighth of your available salary-cap space — and leveraging that cap room will ultimately be the key to whatever success Seattle has in RFA the short-, medium- and long-term. Moreover, Price hasn’t been Troy Stecher, D physically sound for years and the expectation is that at 34, he might not be able to summon up the sort of goaltending heroics he did in this past Detroit Red Wings year’s playoffs. $1.7 million A further complication: Price wasn’t the only battle-tested goaltender made available. The Kraken can choose from among Ben Bishop , C (Dallas), (Vancouver) or (Los Angeles). Edmonton Oilers Then there are younger, cheaper net-minding options as well: Vitek Vanecek (Washington), Kaapo Kahkonen (Minnesota) and Florida’s RFA pending UFA Chris Driedger who, if you follow hockey Twitter, is almost certainly signed, sealed and delivered for the Kraken already. Chris Driedger G Philosophically, NHL teams will tell you they are built from goaltending Florida Panthers out, so that’s where we began too. Spoiler alert: After a vigorous debate, UFA we elected NOT to take Price. The explanation is below. Blake Lizotte, C In his previous life as an NHL GM, Kraken GM Ron Francis was known for his ultra-conservative managerial style, but he has a chance to swing Los Angeles Kings for the fences a few times here and we’re recommending he do so with Colorado’s pending UFA captain Gabriel Landeskog. No other team is $800,000 positioned as well as Seattle to overpay Landeskog and if you could ever Kaapo Kahkonen, G coax him to an expansion team, he’d be the perfect captain — a foundational piece, in the prime of his career, who would help set the Minnesota Wild organizational culture going forward. $725,000 first player his regime selected in the NHL draft. Fleury is 25 and moderately priced at $1.3 million for one more season. At 6-foot-3, he Cale Fleury, D can play quiet third-pair minutes for a long time in Seattle. Potentially, Montreal Canadiens Fleury could be their answer to Vegas’ Brayden McNabb. — Eric Duhatschek RFA Arizona Coyotes Calle Jarnkrok, C Christian Fischer, RW: Immediately, Ryan Clark said “let’s speed this Nashville Predators along, Christian Fischer is the guy.” Arizona didn’t have many options, but the 32nd pick of the 2015 draft is just 24 and on a $1 million contract. $2 million His last two seasons have been very trying, but there’s potential here if he can get back to the player he was in his first two seasons. A change Andreas Johnsson, W of scenery may do him well. — Dom Luszczyszyn New Jersey Devils Boston Bruins $3.4 million Jakub Zboril, D: In the battle between Nick Ritchie and Jakub Zboril, it is Jordan Eberle, RW Zboril who gets the nod. He is a top-six defenseman who won’t cost much in addition to the fact he has a previous relationship with Kraken New York Islanders assistant Jay Leach from their time together with the . — Ryan Clark $5.5 million Buffalo Sabres Julien Gauthier, RW William Borgen, D: Not surprisingly, the Sabres don’t give us all that New York Rangers much to get excited about. Buffalo fans will be disappointed to know that $775,000 there was zero discussion of Jeff Skinner, and it’s hard to even imagine what that kind of side deal would have to look like. Zemgus Girgensons Chris Tierney, C didn’t draw much interest either. Instead, it came down to two defensemen: the 24-year-old Borgen or veteran Colin Miller. When in Ottawa Senators doubt, we decided to go with the younger, cheaper option. If we find $3.5 million something here, great; if not, we move on without much regret. — Sean McIndoe James van Riemsdyk, LW Calgary Flames Philadelphia Flyers Mark Giordano, D: By trading away Sam Bennett at the deadline, the $7 million Flames put their long-serving captain squarely in Seattle’s sights – and despite his age (37), his salary ($6.75 million, in the final year of the deal) Zach Aston-Reese, LW – we predict they’ll take him because he checks so many important Pittsburgh Penguins boxes. Giordano is still a viable on-ice presence, he can help the Kraken build the chemistry and culture any first-year team needs, and if they RFA happen to fall out of playoff contention in their first season, he would be an in-demand rental at the trade deadline. — Duhatschek Dylan Gambrell, C Carolina Hurricanes San Jose Sharks Jake Bean, D: Jake Bean was a draft pick who came under Francis’ $1.1 million watch. The familiarity, the promise and the fact he is going to be a manageable cap hit meets so many requirements. Plus, hiring Nate Vince Dunn, D Brookreson and Gary Roberts to maximize what can be done with St. Louis Blues strength and conditioning could see Bean take the next step. — Clark RFA Chicago Blackhawks Yanni Gourde, C Nikita Zadorov, D: Big, physical and mean at times, Zadorov adds little offensively and is plagued at times by inconsistency. But it could be Tampa Bay Lightning tantalizing to take a nasty, 6-foot-6 defenseman who could be coveted in the future. The big question is whether Seattle’s going to even want to $5.16 million enter a negotiating fray with a player coming off a $3.2 million salary that Jared McCann, C may command north of $4 million as a restricted free agent. Toronto Maple Leafs We debated everybody from Ryan Carpenter, who had history with the expansion Golden Knights, to Malcom Subban, who, well, ditto. But we $2.94 million just felt there were better goalie options out there than Subban and it’s not like he’s super valuable enough to pick up in expansion, then flip in a Zack MacEwen, C trade. In the end, we decided that we’d prefer taking Zadorov over Vancouver Canucks Washington’s Brenden Dillon, and Washington’s Vitek Vanecek over Subban. — Michael Russo $825,000 Colorado Avalanche Vitek Vanecek, G Gabriel Landeskog, LW: There was some discussion to be had about Washington Capitals possibly taking Joonas Donskoi. But the decision to take Gabriel Landeskog was done for a few reasons. He is a two-way, top-six left $716,667 winger who can score at the net front and other places on the ice. Furthermore, we see him possibly as the future captain of this team. That Dylan DeMelo, D is, we are willing to make him the strongest possible offer both with Winnipeg Jets money and term. And by picking him here, that means adding an eighth year to his deal. — Clark $3 million Columbus Blue Jackets Anaheim Ducks Dean Kukan, D: Max Domi is the enticing name on the available list, but Haydn Fleury, D: Adam Henrique would have had the greatest initial not for his price tag and not based on how he played last season with the impact because there’s so little center depth available, but he was a Blue Jackets. Dean Kukan is the play here as we stack the defense touch too expensive (three more years at $5.825 million) for his current corps with promising bottom pairing types who do well in sheltered rate of production. Besides, Francis has a strong connection to Fleury. minutes — hoping some can be something more. Vegas did well in that Francis became GM of the Hurricanes in April 2014 and Fleury was the regard with its expansion draft process and Seattle has ample opportunity to replicate it here. Kukan is a good candidate for it. — Nashville Predators Luszczyszyn Calle Jarnkrok, C: You don’t know what teams are going to go to Seattle Dallas Stars and say “Take him, and we’ll give you this.” But can one of those players really be Matt Duchene at five years left at $8 million per or Ryan Adam Mascherin, LW: This was one of the thinnest lists to choose from Johansen at four years left at $8 million per? If you’re going to take one in the NHL, so Stars GM Jim Nill did a good job protecting those he of the two, you’d lean toward Johansen if you’re willing to eat, say, $3 wanted. We looked back at the Vegas expansion draft, and whoever million per in an actual trade. But Jarnkrok would be a great choice at 29 heard of guys at the time like Tomas Nosek and William Carrier? Yet years old with one year left at $2 million. both players are still important fixtures on that roster. So we’re going to pluck Mascherin, a fast, hard-working forward, out of the ether and hope He can anchor a penalty kill, and quite frankly he’s been more productive he too ends up playing. The 23-year-old had 18 goals and 34 points in 37 the last two years than Duchene and Johansen. He’s a good middle-six games for the , so we know he can at least skate. — Russo option who can also be flipped at the trade deadline as a rental for a contending team. Our gut says Francis and Preds GM David Poile have Detroit Red Wings been chatting a lot lately, and perhaps after the expansion draft, Francis Troy Stecher, D: There were two options from the Red Wings: Troy can circle back and show a willingness to take Johansen if Nashville eats Stecher or Vladislav Namestnikov. It came down to positional preference a portion of the contract and gives a sweetener. — Russo and the fact Stecher was a right shot, a player type that was a bit scarce New Jersey Devils among the players available. The Red Wings didn’t have many great options, but Stecher has shown flashes of being something more and Andreas Johnsson, LW: I tried to make a half-hearted case for P.K. has strong puck-moving ability. He has the potential to play a top-four Subban, and there was at least a little interest in making one of the role and has some experience in that regard relative to other options. — league’s most marketable players into an early face of the franchise. The Luszczyszyn problem with that approach is that the Kraken aren’t going to struggle to sell tickets in year one. Instead, their focus will be on icing a winning Edmonton Oilers team, or at least a competitive one, and that’s where the case for Subban Jujhar Khaira, C: Alex Stalock would have been an option here as an falls apart given his recent play. Under different circumstances, maybe organizational depth piece in goal. Or a pair of high-flying minor leaguers, we can talk ourselves into a rebound season from a Norris winner, but at Tyler Benson or Cooper Marody. But we went with Khaira, who is 26, can a $9 million hit in a hard cap league, it was a no go. play center or left wing, kills penalties, plays with an edge (No. 2 behind From there, the discussion moved to Will Butcher or a forward. In the Darnell Nurse in penalty minutes), and is a restricted free agent coming end, the group decided on Johnsson, hoping that he’d look more like the off a modest $1.2 million contract, so easy to retain with a qualifying middle-six scoring threat he seemed to be developing into for the Maple offer. — Duhatschek Leafs and less like the slumping winger we saw last year in New Jersey. Florida Panthers — McIndoe Chris Driedger, G: Not much debate here. Driedger seems to be just New York Islanders about everyone’s pick to be the Kraken’s choice from Florida, and Jordan Eberle, RW: Jordan Eberle is a consistent 20-goal scorer who probably their opening night starter. He’s a UFA, meaning Seattle would would have hit that mark in 2019-20 and again in 2020-21 if the NHL had really be picking up his negotiating rights here while still needing to sign played a full, 82-game schedule. His $5.5 million cap hit is manageable him to a contract. There’s some risk in that, but the group agreed that we and he could also serve as part of the Kraken’s leadership contingent. — could get it done, probably at a cap hit of around $3.5 or $4 million. (But Clark just for old time’s sake, we’ll check in to see if the Panthers want to gift an expansion team with two-thirds of a scoring line for no good reason.) New York Rangers — McIndoe Julien Gauthier, RW: The discussion came down to two forwards, with Los Angeles Kings cases being made for both Gauthier and Colin Blackwell. With nobody seeming all that excited about either option, this was another case where Blake Lizotte, C: Jonathan Quick was an intriguing option here. If the it made sense to roll the dice on a younger player with a bit more upside. Kraken wanted their own answer to Vegas’ Marc-Andre Fleury, Quick Gauthier only has two career goals in parts of two NHL seasons, but he’s was a possibility — great pedigree, and reasonable AAV of $5.8 million still just 23 and was a first-round pick in 2016. — McIndoe on a front-loaded contract where the actual dollars are very moderate ($3 million for the upcoming season, $2.5 million for 2022-23, at which point Ottawa Senators it expires). But the 5-foot-7 Lizotte can provide a pesky, mosquito-like presence on a team that plans to forecheck and skate. He can kill Chris Tierney, C: There was a brief debate about whether Evgenii penalties, win faceoffs (50.9 in the circle last year) and best of all, counts Dadonov was the play, but that didn’t last long after struggling in his first only $800,000 against the cap. — Duhatschek season in Ottawa. There’s good reason he was exposed and the money saved could be used elsewhere. Considering the sheer lack of quality Minnesota Wild centers, Chris Tierney felt like a decent pick at a modest price tag. He’s been asked to do too much in Ottawa, but might be stronger in a bottom Kaapo Kahkonen, G: This was one of the fastest discussions. I tried my six role for the Kraken. Ottawa didn’t really have much in terms of darnedest to convince the others that if it’s true Francis is going to have a enticing options. — Luszczyszyn soft spot for former Canes Jake Bean and Haydn Fleury, of course, he would, too, for centerman Victor Rask after once gifting him a six-year, Philadelphia Flyers $24 million contract in Carolina. But alas, my colleagues weren’t sold. As intriguing as Carson Soucy (team-leading plus-22 last season) is at an James van Riemsdyk, LW: The war room agreed that Philadelphia’s affordable $2.75 million per, there are a lot of D to choose from in this available list was a good place to use up cap space for a strong player draft but not a lot of 24-year-old, waiver exempt, $725,000 goalies that at who can contribute at the top of the lineup. The majority agreed James one point last season was in the Calder Trophy conversation. — Russo van Riemsdyk was likely the guy after coming off a resurgent season scoring at a 63-point pace. As deep as the expansion draft looks, there Montreal Canadiens aren’t that many players who can score like van Riemsdyk. Though his contract is pricey, there are only two years left and $7 million isn’t that Cale Fleury, D. No discussion was potentially more polarizing than what bad for a 60-point second-line winger. Jakub Voracek was also an option, to do with Montreal’s list after the Canadiens made Price and the final but the extra year at $1.25 million more was a deterrent. With Dave five years of his eight-year, $84 million contract available. Price’s long- Hakstol as the coach, there was also some love for Shayne term durability — and the possibility that he could miss significant time Gostisbehere, who was at his best under Hakstol, looking like a top- this season with knee and hip issues — added a cloud of uncertainty and pairing player in 2017-18 — his best season. Ultimately, there was a bit doubt to what is a frighteningly hefty price tag, even if he were perfectly too much risk there given his three seasons since. — Luszczyszyn physically sound. Pittsburgh Penguins Jonathan Drouin was another possibility, the third pick of the 2013 entry draft, who has never quite met his boundless potential and was absent Zach Aston-Reese, LW: With two years left on his contract at $5.5 from the Canadiens’ playoff run, dealing with a personal issue. But cap million, I thought it would be worth it to take the speedy, offensive-minded space can disappear quickly and Drouin is signed for two more years at Jason Zucker because he’ll provide a pizzazz factor on the ice and be $5.5 million per season — too much considering there were safer options the ideal salesman off the ice. The 2019 King Clancy winner is an elsewhere. In the end, we settled on Fleury, a 23-year-old, right-priced, exceptional citizen. Plus, it’d be ironic since in 2017 Vegas was hoping to right-shot defenseman who can provide defensive depth or be flipped for find a way to bring the hometown kid into the fold. But I was quickly shot a modest return. — Duhatschek down. It was pointed out to me that Zucker had a tough 2020-21 season (.47 One thing we won’t know until Wednesday, when Seattle reveals its points per game) on a line with Evgeni Malkin and that Zucker’s salary is official selections, is what sort of side deals Francis will engineer just too exorbitant. We considered Brandon Tanev, but at 29 and four between now and then. years left at $3.5 million, that was a hard no for me. So, we went with Aston-Reese, who’s probably as good a forechecker as Zucker and can The NHL is in the midst of a trade freeze, with one exception: Teams can play a shutdown role on the third line. Plus, he’s 26 and will only need a make trades with Francis, if a) they are trying to find a way to escape raise on his $1 million salary. — Russo internal salary-cap pressures; b) they are trying to steer the Kraken away from a player they ideally do not want to lose; or c) they want Francis to San Jose Sharks select a player on their behalf and then flip that player to them in exchange for draft choices or other considerations. Dylan Gambrell, C. Seattle may opt to give the Sharks’ list a complete pass and they could do so by simply selecting a player such as Kurtis Overall, there was reasonable quality in goal, on defense and on the Gabriel, who is on an expiring contract and UFA by the end of the month. wings, but a very thin group of available centers. In a perfect world, If they do select an NHLer from a very thin available list, Gambrell makes Francis would turn the clock back 40 years and insert the 18-year-old some sense. He recently signed a one-year extension for $1.1 million, version of himself in the Kraken lineup. Sadly, that isn’t doable. He will averaged a little over 16 minutes last season, is only 24, and who knows, have his work cut out for him finding players to play center for the may one day evolve into a useful, versatile Barclay Goodrow-type. — Kraken’s inaugural squad. Duhatschek The NHL had a mini-trade flurry on Saturday, just before the expansion St. Louis Blues lists were filed, and predictably, Vegas was at the center of it, landing two young pieces — Nolan Patrick and Brett Howden — safe in the Vince Dunn, D: Well, our big wish in drafting this team was to select knowledge that since they’re not involved in the expansion process, they Landeskog in a huge splash and sell him on signing a max, eight-year didn’t have to worry about protecting their newcomers. The rest of the contract to become the first captain and cornerstone of the Kraken. The NHL was not so fortunate. last thing we want to do is to take Vladimir Tarasenko and do St. Louis a big favor by giving it $7.5 million of cap space to bid against us for The moves altered half-a-dozen protected lists and also showed what a Landeskog if he were to hit the open market July 28. team might have to pony up to dump a bad contract. The Islanders gave up two second-rounders, plus a conditional third, to Arizona, just to get The second-to-last thing we want to do is to take Tarasenko, try to act as Andrew Ladd’s contract off their books. Expect to see more of the same a broker in order to get assets and then discover that we’re actually — maybe a lot more of the same — by Wednesday’s final Seattle roster unable to flip him elsewhere and end up stuck with him. reveal. Dunn is the easy choice here to either keep or trade elsewhere. The Based on the team we’ve selected here, powered by Landeskog and Golden Knights took a number of extra defensemen but wound up stuck Giordano, Seattle projects to be a playoff-caliber team in Year 1. Based with more than they expected. Dunn is easily tradeable if he is one of the on the value of each player selected, Seattle would roughly be a 95-point blueliners we don’t keep. Dunn being here is a gift unless the Blues feel team and likely the third-best team in the Pacific Division post-draft. like giving us an asset or two to steer us a different way. — Russo The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 Tampa Bay Lightning Yanni Gourde, C: Here is a situation in which Francis could work toward exercising leverage. The Lightning’s cap situation makes the need to move money important. So the Kraken could take pending RFA defenseman Cal Foote and be done. But the play here is that the Kraken take Yanni Gourde with the idea that Foote comes along in a side deal for helping the Lightning alleviate more than $5 million of their cap concerns. — Clark Toronto Maple Leafs Jared McCann, C: This conversation narrowed down quickly to three names: McCann, Alex Kerfoot and Travis Dermott. The consensus was to take one of the forwards, and after some back-and-forth the group settled on McCann, who’s younger and cheaper and might be the better player. That could be frustrating for Leaf fans, who’d view this pick as a case of trading for a player only to lose him for nothing. Then again, maybe you look at it as Toronto giving up a late pick and a prospect they weren’t all that excited about to keep Kerfoot, one of their only forwards to look good during yet another brief playoff run. — McIndoe Vancouver Canucks Zack MacEwen, C: Our options in Vancouver were to go young and cheap, or pay up for some veteran name value. I tried to tempt the group into considering Braden Holtby, mainly as trade bait for any contender looking for a Cup-winner, but that was shot down. We discussed a few of the veteran forwards, but the decision came down to MacEwen and Matthew Highmore. The two forwards are close in age and contract status, but MacEwen’s size and energy level ultimately tipped a close vote. — McIndoe Washington Capitals Vitek Vanecek, G: There was some debate about whether Seattle would be better served taking one of Washington’s exposed defenders, namely Brenden Dillon, and fulfilling the goalie requirements elsewhere. Dillon is reliable but ageing and pricey. There are a plethora of solid defense options, but not many goalies with actual value like Vanecek. He’s 25, on a bargain bin contract, and showed plenty of potential last season. A solid back-up or a candidate to be flipped for positive value — and a relatively easy choice. — Luszczyszyn Winnipeg Jets Dylan DeMelo, D: It’s a landscape with forwards similar to Mason Appleton. So taking Dylan DeMelo in this situation allows the Kraken to have a top-four defenseman who can eat penalty minutes and average somewhere between 17 and 20 minutes per game. — Clark So, there you have it. 1190591 St Louis Blues After leading the Blues in scoring with 78 points, including a career-high 29 goals, Phil Goyette went to the Buffalo Sabres in the 1970 expansion draft. Starting with expansion draft, things about to get busy for Blues Two years later in the 1972 expansion draft, the Atlanta Flames selected Bill Plager, the lesser-known of the three Plager brothers. That same year, the New York Islanders picked original Blue Terry Crisp. Jim Thomas Which Blues player went on to have the most success after being taken in an expansion draft?

Well, goalie Guy Hebert played eight seasons with the Mighty Ducks of So far, the Blues’ offseason has consisted of one move: Signing minor- Anaheim after they selected him in the 1993 expansion draft. He was an league forward Tanner Kaspick, a 2016 draft pick, to a one-year, two-way All-Star in 1997. The Florida Panthers also had their expansion draft in contract last month. ’93 and took Dave Lowry, who after playing parts of five seasons with the Things may look calm on the surface but that’s all about to change Blues went on to play 11 more years with Florida, San Jose and Calgary. staring with Wednesday’s Seattle expansion draft. Hebert and Lowry would get an argument from David Perron, who has General manager Doug Armstrong’s analogy is that of a duck on water. played some of the best hockey of his career since Vegas selected him Things look uneventful on the surface but the duck is paddling away in the 2017 expansion draft. He played only one season for the Golden below. Make no mistake, Armstrong has been busy paddling. He always Knights before returning to St. Louis via free agency in 2018. is. The rules were much different for most of those past expansion drafts, What should be a hectic week begins with Seattle’s Blues pick in an with teams allowed to protect more players, which limited the quality of expansion draft that begins at 7 p.m. Central. players exposed. Starting with the Vegas draft, those rules were changed to the benefit of the expansion team. Ever since it became apparent that the Blues would leave Vladimir Tarasenko unprotected, the Kraken seemingly were left with three clear In the Seattle expansion draft, there are 28 players exposed who have choices with respect to St. Louis: scored more than 200 career NHL goals, including Tarasenko at 218. • Tarasenko. He wants out of St. Louis, and by all indications the feeling All told, there are four Hart Trophy winners as past league MVPs, three is now mutual. Sources have told the Post-Dispatch that the trade offers Norris Trophy winners (best defenseman), and three will still be there if the Kraken don’t take Tarasenko. winners (best goalie) left unprotected. There are several dozen who have won a Stanley Cup, including three-time winner and former Blue Pat If Seattle selects Tarasenko, there is speculation the Kraken could flip Maroon. the pick and trade him elsewhere. But once the Kraken pick Tarasenko, he’s no longer the Blues’ problem. They will be free to use the $7.5 Many of those players are near the end of their careers. And some are million he is due this coming season elsewhere. unrestricted free agents, meaning they must be signed by the Kraken before they select them. And if that’s the case, the Blues in effect will have “traded” Tarasenko for Vince Dunn, or whoever else Seattle might have picked among the But there are lots of possibilities for the NHL’s 32nd team, including players left unprotected by the Blues. several from the Blues. • Dunn. Even with Tarasenko left unprotected, the vast majority of the St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 07.21.2021 mock drafts out there — and there are about a million of them — list Dunn as the Seattle pick. He’s 24, mobile, can score goals and has upside. Dunn is a restricted free agent, but the Kraken would hold his rights — for at least one year — just by selecting him. Among other Blues’ defensemen that are unprotected, Marco Scandella and even Niko Mikkola aren’t out of the realm of possibility for Seattle. • Jaden Schwartz. This one hasn’t been discussed nearly enough. Schwartz just turned 29, so he’s still in his prime. He’s a good, quick skater, plays defense and isn’t afraid to do dirty work in the corners or net front. Yes, he’s a streak scorer, and yes, he has had injuries issues. But he’s a proven player who doesn’t shrink from big moments. He’s also an unrestricted free agent, so if the Kraken intend to sign him, they must do so before their three-day negotiating window with unrestricted and restricted free agents ends Wednesday morning. If Seattle can’t sign Schwartz, there’s no need to claim him in the expansion draft because under those circumstances he reverts to free agency on July 28, when the league-wide period opens. As for Armstrong, he can re-sign Schwartz or fellow unrestricted free agents Mike Hoffman and Tyler Bozak as early as noon Thursday, when the expansion moratorium on trading, waiving or signing players ends for the rest of the league. It made little sense for Armstrong to sign any of those players before the expansion draft, because if that were the case the Blues would’ve had to use one of their 11 protected spots on them. So Thursday could be busy. Friday and Saturday certainly will be busy because that’s when the “regular” NHL draft takes place, and then free agency starts four days after the draft. Whoever Seattle plucks from St. Louis on Wednesday, it will be the 25th Blues player picked in an NHL expansion draft. The Blues have had the equivalent of a hockey team taken over the years in the various expansion drafts: 16 forwards, 5 defensemen and three goalies. Most had careers of little consequence either before or after they were taken in an expansion draft. Most, but not all. 1190592 St Louis Blues “My understanding is that after the second surgery, as Vlad tried to recover, he felt that his shoulder continued to be unstable,” Millett said. “When Vlad did come under my care, he did have a significant injury that he had been coping with as best he could in order to continue to play A chip on his shoulder: Vladimir Tarasenko’s doctor says disgruntled hockey. Blues star is healthy and motivated “Despite the severity of his shoulder instability, he powered through. I have no doubt that, prior to the most recent surgery, Vlad’s ongoing shoulder instability and the resultant lack of confidence in his shoulder By Jeremy Rutherford Jul 20, 2021 negatively affected his play.” Millett did a thorough examination of Tarasenko’s injury history and The day before the expansion draft, the burning question in St. Louis is determined that he would require additional surgery. whether the Kraken will take disgruntled Blues forward Vladimir In The Athletic’s story in March, a panel of three shoulder specialists — Tarasenko, either to resurrect his career in Seattle or to flip him to who were informed of Tarasenko’s situation but had no knowledge of another team. which operations had previously been performed — agreed that his third For the Kraken, or any team trading for him from Seattle or St. Louis, the surgery at Steadman was likely a “Latarjet.” The procedure, named after question for months has been: How healthy is Tarasenko’s shoulder? French surgeon Dr. Michel Latarjet, is commonly used to stabilize the shoulder and prevent future dislocations. Seeking an answer to that question, The Athletic went directly to Dr. Peter Millett, the physician who performed Tarasenko’s third shoulder VLADIMIR TARASENKO’S RETURN TO THE BLUES: SHOULDER surgery last summer. He is a shoulder and sports medicine specialist at SPECIALISTS SEE REASON FOR OPTIMISM BUT WARN THIS the Steadman Clinic in Edwards, Colo., and his list of patients includes COULD BE HIS ‘LAST SHOT’ #STLBLUES HTTPS://T.CO/9JGMJ4E3MI Christian McCaffrey and Colin Kaepernick (NFL); Josh Anderson, Yanni — JEREMY RUTHERFORD (@JPRUTHERFORD) MARCH 4, 2021 Gourde, Max Domi, Erik Johnson and Nikita Zadorov (NHL); and Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1). Millett confirmed the surgery was indeed the Latarjet. It’s been 11 months since Millett operated on Tarasenko, who recently “The Latarjet is used typically for people like Vlad’s situation,” he said. spent eight days at Steadman preparing for the 2021-22 season. He said “We take a piece of the bone and rebuild that and make the socket the player’s left shoulder is “rock solid.” concave, so that the ball will stay in that. It also stabilizes the shoulder because there’s some additional tendons attached to that bone that help “Vlad’s shoulder is very stable and strong,” Millett said in an exclusive push the ball back into the socket when the arm is put up in external interview. “He told me it is more stable and stronger than it has felt in a rotation and over the head. So that adds additional stability to it.” long while. To me, it feels rock solid. There is no doubt, Vlad will be 100 percent ready for the upcoming season. I am confident he will be ready The Latarjet procedure, according to Millett and the panel of shoulder to play and that he will make a big impact for his team.” specialists, has been highly successful in the past. Which team will that be, though? “My experience in professional, contact athletes (NHL and NFL) has been excellent, with all the pro athletes I have treated returning to play at With sources saying Tarasenko’s relationship with the franchise is the same or higher level and no recurrences,” Millett said. “Most all have irreparably damaged, it doesn’t appear that will be the Blues. But it may had successful and long careers after the surgery. The results thus far not be the Kraken, either, even if they take Tarasenko in the expansion have been excellent in my hands. So based on my most recent draft Wednesday night. There’s been a lot of speculation this week that assessment of Vlad, and my past experience in professional contact he could be selected by Seattle in the draft, then traded to another club. athletes, I would estimate that his risk of further injury has returned to the You may be wondering why teams would make a deal with Seattle for baseline risk for the NHL.” Tarasenko when Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, after weeks of Tarasenko’s trade request, which was first reported by The Athletic, was exploring the market, couldn’t get a suitable return. made in large part because of his frustration with how the first two Well, those other clubs, such as Philadelphia or Tampa Bay, might have surgeries were handled by the Blues, according to team and league an advantage in working with Seattle. They could steer the Kraken away sources, and that the club internally criticized his performance while not from taking a player they hope to keep or might find that Seattle GM Ron taking ownership for the alleged faulty procedures. (The Blues have Francis is more willing than Armstrong to retain some of Tarasenko’s declined to comment on the assertions.) $7.5 million salary-cap hit. The one factor to remember in this scenario is Millett was asked about those surgeries, and how Tarasenko, after the that Tarasenko has a full no-trade clause, so any trade Seattle would like first operation, had such a successful second half of the 2018-19 season, to make would be subject to his approval. including the playoffs. In the meantime, Tarasenko is working out twice a day with high- “I’m unable to comment on whether it was addressed properly, as he performance trainers under Millet’s supervision at Steadman. He has a wasn’t under my care at the time,” he said. “I think it’s been addressed two-hour morning session that begins at 7 a.m., and there’s an afternoon properly now. I make the assumption that the medical team was doing session as well. what they thought was in the best interest of the athlete at the time. “Vlad is a pretty quiet and stoic guy, and his son (Mark) is, too,” Millett “St Louis has an excellent medical team and top-notch orthopedic said. “But it was funny, when they were in my office, (Tarasenko) told me surgeons who care for the players. I know from a lot of personal he and his son were doing twice-a-day workouts with the performance experience that the decision-making with a pro athlete is often very coach, and his son rolled his eyes. He wasn’t too happy about the early- complex.” morning wake-up calls.” In this case, everybody seems ready to move on, and now Tarasenko But Tarasenko is eager when the alarm clock goes off, motivated by the and the Blues are just waiting to find out if he’ll be taken by Seattle or fact that some don’t think he’ll be the same player again. After three whether the team will be dealing him after the expansion draft. surgeries on the same shoulder in 28 months, he has a chip on it now. Either way, Millett says he believes Tarasenko can return to an elite In April 2018, after Tarasenko was injured in the Blues’ regular-season level. finale, the club announced that team physicians performed reconstructive surgery on his shoulder. He rehabbed for five months, returned for the “I know Vlad is anxious to begin the upcoming season — feeling 100 start of the 2018-19 season and had a productive year, scoring 33 goals percent ready,” he said. “I work with many elite athletes, and Vlad is in the regular season and 11 during the Stanley Cup playoff run. totally focused on coming into this season stronger, fitter and more confident than ever. I believe he feels he has something to prove, and In October 2019, in the Blues’ 10th game of the regular season, now he will be healthy enough to do so.” Tarasenko reinjured the shoulder. As The Athletic reported in March, sources have said the second surgery, also performed by team The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 physicians, focused on his clavicle, not any ligament repair or stabilization. Tarasenko then returned to the Blues lineup in the Edmonton bubble in August 2020. But after just four playoff games, he was sent back to St. Louis for reevaluation, after which he sought a second opinion at Steadman. 1190593 Tampa Bay Lightning Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 07.21.2021

‘It was brutal’: Lightning’s Alex Killorn on Stanley Cup final injury An “unnecessary surgery” was the only chance he had of returning during the series against the Canadiens.

By Mari Faiello

When Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman lost his stick in the second period of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final, forward Alex Killorn knew he had to hand off his own to put his team in a better position to defend its net. But the absence of his stick left Killorn in a more vulnerable position, and there was nothing he could do to defend himself against Jeff Petry’s blast from the right point, which Killorn blocked with his left leg. He knew something wasn’t right immediately afterward. “Whenever you get a shot off the foot, it always hurts, it never feels good,” Killorn said on recent podcast with Spittin’ Chiclets. “So I keep playing and I’m like, no, it doesn’t feel great.” Spittin' Chiclets Episode 344: Featuring @Akillorn19 + @patmaroon - Killer's broken leg - 3 consecutive Cups - Lightning superstitions - Carey Price - Gabriel Landeskog ++ tons more Presented by @pinkwhitney Listen: https://t.co/XluRZthPse pic.twitter.com/dxHAYDsIfe — Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) July 20, 2021 Killorn got a shot of Toradol — an anti-inflammatory drug that decreases swelling and is used to moderate pain — after the period but couldn’t take a shift in the third. X-rays later showed a cracked fibula. General manager Julien BriseBois said last week Killorn’s leg was broken in two distinct pieces. Killorn said he had two surgeons visit him at his home the day after Game 1. They didn’t want to perform surgery but said inserting a rod into the leg was the only chance he’d have of returning to play in the series. That night, Killorn was sure he wasn’t going to go through with it. But then he had thoughts of the series going to a Game 7 and knew he couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t give himself at least a chance to play. And him on the bench recovering from said block pic.twitter.com/OJDDRkcbSO — 홼횊횛횒 홵횊횒횎횕횕횘 (@faiello_mari) June 29, 2021 Killorn missed the flight to Montreal for Game 3 due to surgery that morning and the rehab that followed. He wasn’t able to meet the team until the morning skate before Game 4. “It was an unnecessary surgery, but it needed to be done to play,” Killorn said. “So I could have been good in five or six weeks just resting it. “If Seattle’s listening,” said Killorn, who is among the players available to the Kraken in Wednesday night’s expansion draft, “my fibula’s broken.” Killorn was medically cleared to play once the rod was inserted in his fibula. He skated the morning of Game 4 and took pregame warmups but was unable to play in the game. He called trying to get back so quickly a “stupid” decision but said he wanted to be on the ice in case the team clinched the Cup that night. The only way Killorn could skate was if they numbed his leg, so he said it felt “really good” in the morning, leading him to think there was a chance. But when he got the shot of Toradol prior to the game, there was too much fluid from all of the numbing agent, causing more swelling. “It was tough for me, because I felt like I was playing some of the best hockey of my life,” Killorn said. “And then, in the Stanley Cup final against my hometown team with a lot of people watching, yeah it was brutal.” 1190594 Tampa Bay Lightning “You guys are so superstitious,” Killorn recalled Maroon telling teammates soon after his arrival. “In St. Louis, we didn’t do this. ... And he kept giving us crap.” Pat Maroon, Alex Killorn on expansion draft, superstitions, Lightning Killorn said every player has his own superstitions, but some are more locker room elaborate than others. When former Blue Jackets defenseman David Savard joined the team in April, he was warned about what he might find The forwards shared some of the more memorable moments from the in the bathroom. postseason on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast. “There’s certain guys that sing a song in the bathroom before games,” Killorn said. “There’s six guys doing a capella in there. It’s really weird.” By Mari Faiello Killorn said the singing started with Martin St. Louis and trickled down to Stamkos and others.

Maroon denied allegations that he is now the most superstitious player Lightning forward Pat Maroon sold himself out when he went on a St. on the team, saying that honor should go to Stamkos, Brayden Point or Louis radio station last week and admitted to dropping the Stanley Cup Victor Hedman. after the Lightning’s boat parade celebration. “If it makes my teammates better,” Maroon said, “I’m for it.” The damage wasn’t extensive, and the Cup went back to Montreal for repairs before making its way to New Jersey for Ross Colton’s day with it Maroon was nervous before Game 7 of Islanders series on Friday. Maroon hasn’t had many moments during his 10-year career when he’s Had the Cup not been damaged, though, Maroon, Alex Killorn and Ryan been anxious before a game. McDonagh were scheduled to fly to New York to film a segment for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Killorn said on Barstool Sports’ But the hours before Game 7 of the semifinal series against the Islanders Spittin’ Chiclets podcast. were among them. And now, it’s hands-off Cup talk, Maroon said on the podcast, released “I woke up from my nap pretty nervous,” Maroon said. “People forget we Tuesday. won on a PK (penalty-kill) goal. I mean, that game could have gone either way.” “From a PR standpoint, I got told I cannot talk about it,” he said. Maroon said the series was the best he has played in during the Still, there was plenty for Maroon and Killorn to discuss during the postseason and a fun one to watch, given the competitiveness between freewheeling hour-long discussion. Here are five highlights: the teams. Spittin' Chiclets Episode 344: Featuring @Akillorn19 + @patmaroon “I would say that was the most nervous I’ve been in a long time about a playoff series,” Maroon said. “I didn’t have any of those moments in the - Killer's broken leg past two years.” - 3 consecutive Cups To help ease anxiety in the locker room, Stamkos reminded teammates - Lightning superstitions that the Lightning have not lost back-to-back games at any point over the past two postseasons. Killorn said it’s the only time in his memory the - Carey Price record has been brought up in the room. - Gabriel Landeskog “Don’t worry, boys,” Killorn recalled Stamkos saying. “We never lose two in a row.” ++ tons more Maroon loved this ‘twinning’ moment from the boat parade Presented by @pinkwhitney Maroon had a will-never-forget kind of moment during the boat parade Listen: https://t.co/XluRZthPse pic.twitter.com/dxHAYDsIfe celebration when one fan along the Riverwalk caught his attention. — Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) July 20, 2021 Hanna Hill dressed as Maroon did when he took the stage at Raymond Killorn doesn’t want to leave Tampa James Stadium in September for the post-parade celebration, donning a white fedora, Stanley Cup scarf, shorts and hairy-chested onesie. Alex Killorn drives a jet ski as teammate Nikita Kucherov sprays champagne during the boat parade celebration. Pat Maroon approaches the podium during the Stanley Cup Champions Celebration in September at Raymond James Stadium. When Killorn considers the end of his career, he sees himself riding off on his Sea-Doo into Tampa’s sunset. Maroon and his wife, Francesa, pointed to her from their boat and immediately got a chuckle. Killorn said he wants to retire in Tampa when the time comes and doesn’t want to play anywhere else, including Seattle. “I was dying” Maroon said. “Me and McDonagh were dying laughing. We were, like, peeing ourselves. That was hysterical. We threw her a beer.” As one of three key forwards (including Yanni Gourde and Ondrej Palat) exposed to the Kraken for Wednesday’s expansion draft, Killorn — the I dressed up as Big Rig for the boat parade and got the best reaction longest-tenured player in the Lightning organization (he was drafted a from @patmaroon #gobolts @TBLightning pic.twitter.com/gBLeX6MJlT year before Steven Stamkos but did not play in the NHL until later) — — Hanna Hill (@HannaHillhockey) July 12, 2021 might not end up in Tampa next season. Maroon got a Toradol shot in the final series, but not for his spider bite “I talked with (general manger) Julien (BriseBois) yesterday,” Killorn said, “I know he had a tough decision on who he was going to protect. ... It McDonagh and Barclay Goodrow tried to talk to a team doctor about their seems there are three (of us) that (Seattle) is going to be looking at to broken hands during the Stanley Cup final, but Maroon thought his spider pick, and I think for myself, I’d be really unhappy if I left Tampa.” bite was a more pressing issue. “I’d be really unhappy if I left Tampa. I plan on retiring here. I really don’t Maroon pushed McDonagh aside and interrupted the conversation, want to go to Seattle.”@Akillorn19 gave his thoughts on being saying the bite had “blown up like a balloon” and he was freaking out. unprotected for the expansion draft. (Yes, Maroon still has the scar.)

: https://t.co/G6Iit3v3lK pic.twitter.com/9aHPydePdD Though he told people at the time he received a Toradol shot for the bite, Maroon said on the podcast that was not the real reason for the injection. — Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) July 20, 2021 “I did not get a Toradol because of that,” he said. “My knee and back The Bolts are one of the league’s most superstitious teams were hurting. But yeah, we did say I got it for the spider bite.” Maroon didn’t know what to think when he signed with the Lightning after Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 07.21.2021 winning the Cup with the Blues in 2018-19. 1190595 Toronto Maple Leafs

There’s something fishy if the Kraken take the Leafs’ Alex Kerfoot in the expansion draft

By Mark Zwolinski

The Seattle Kraken are about to fill their roster in the NHL’s expansion draft Wednesday, and they could be doing the Maple Leafs a financial favour in the process. If the Kraken select Alex Kerfoot, they will remove $3.5 million (U.S.) from Toronto’s salary commitments, and the Leafs desperately need the cap space. That is one of the angles involved for the Leafs when the Kraken take shape Wednesday night. Here’s a look at the leading candidates to be Seattle’s choice off the Leafs roster: Alex Kerfoot 2020: 56 games played, with eight goals and 23 points; posted 17 takeaways (eighth on the Leafs), and 30 giveaways (ninth); 118 total shot attempts in all situations. Why the Kraken might like him: Kerfoot is a seasoned forward who can play up and down the lineup, but essentially in the bottom nine. He can also play centre and wing, and kill penalties. Why they might pass on him: The 26-year-old has a $3.5-million (U.S.) cap hit for the next two seasons. He does not play above the value of that hit. What we expect: According to Twitter prognosticators — at least those that have watched a video of the Seattle Market guys throwing a fish — the Kraken are taking Kerfoot. You can’t argue with that. Jared McCann 2020: 43 games played, with 14 goals and 32 points, fifth in Penguins’ scoring. Averaged 14:07 ice time, and was second on the team with a 53.6 per cent Corsi rating. Alex Kerfoot scored 17 goals in the last two seasons with Toronto, half the total he had in two years with Colorado. Why the Kraken might like him: The latest Leaf is a better bang for the buck than Kerfoot — bigger, younger and cheaper. Why they might pass on him: There might be a side deal in place for Seattle to take Kerfoot, made before or after the Leafs traded for McCann. What we expect: He stays with the Leafs and fills the role vacated by Kerfoot. Travis Dermott 2020: 51 games played, two goals and six points; averaged 13:13 ice time, and was seventh on the team with 35 blocked shots. His 44 hits were 10th. Why the Kraken might like him: Dermott is a cost effective, young defenceman with four years of NHL experience. He just signed a two- year extension with an average annual value of $1.5 million. Why they might pass on him: The are plenty of good, veteran defenceman available in the expansion draft. The Leafs roster seems to be a place where the Kraken look at a forward. What we expect: Dermott stays with the Leafs. The long shot Wayne Simmonds’ value is undisputed; he’s a character player who stands up for his teammates. He comes in at $900,000 (U.S.) for the next two seasons and would be a solid, gritty sparkplug for a new franchise. And the fans would love him. Toronto Star LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190596 Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs are still talking to Zach Hyman but something will have to give — or someone will have to go — for the forward to return

By Mark Zwolinski

Is it bye-bye Zach Hyman? Or is there a way for the Maple Leafs to sign their checking dynamo to a long-term deal? Most critics and insiders maintained Tuesday, one day ahead of the Seattle Kraken expansion draft, that Hyman will explore free agency but two industry sources suggested the Leafs are still at the table in their negotiations with the Hyman camp. It appears to be a matter of how badly the Leafs want the 29-year-old left winger, who made Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner better players on the club’s top line. He would be difficult to replace. But the math to keep him will be difficult unless Leafs GM Kyle Dubas can shed at least one of the team’s seven contracts in excess of $5 million (U.S.). Hyman is the big story for the Leafs this week, as the league turns its focus to the expansion and entry drafts. The Leafs will lose a player to Seattle on Wednesday, likely forward Alex Kerfoot, and they don’t have a first-round pick in the entry draft, which starts Friday. As reported by the Star’s Kevin McGran, it is believed Hyman, a 29-year- old unrestricted free agent, is seeking an eight-year, $40-million deal from the Leafs. The structure of such a deal could also see more of the money front-loaded, though cap restraints will be a dominating factor in how the deal will be paid out. Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver are also rumoured to have significant interest. If the Leafs can somehow pull off a financial miracle and sign Hyman, it is expected a deal will not come until after the expansion and entry drafts. Hyman can officially enter free agency July 28. Leafs GM Kyle Dubas will have to be creative with the salary cap to restock a roster that bowed out in the first round of the playoffs for a fifth straight season. Toronto has just under $6.5 million of available cap space, according to CapFriendly.com, leaving little to no room to fit in Hyman and sign another four to five players. At the moment, the Leafs have $52.215 million committed next year to 11 forwards, including Kerfoot ($3.5 million) and the newly acquired Jarred McCann ($2.94 million), another candidate to be selected by Seattle. Toronto also has $20.019 million committed to six defenceman, and $1.65 million to Jack Campbell, the only goalie signed for next season. The cap will be $81.5 million in the 2021-22 season, the third straight year at that number, but teams are expecting it to increase by at least a million a year through the potential end of the current CBA in 2025-26 and will factor that into contract negotiations. When the CBA was signed in 2020, the cap rate of $81.5 million was to remain intact until hockey-related revenues surpassed $3.3 billion in a season. Increases after that would not rise more than one million dollars until the hockey-related revenues reached $4.8 billion. Once that level is reached, cap increases could transition to $2 million or more a season, based on the previous season’s revenues. The NHL had $5.09 billion in revenues in its last uninterrupted season, 2018-19. Hyman’s contract would fit better with a larger cap space, and the potential for that will increase if NHL arenas are fully opened to fans in the coming months, and with new TV deals by Turner Sports and ESPN kicking in this coming season. But the math won’t work for this season. If the Leafs want Hyman as part of their core group, they likely will have to remove someone else. Toronto Star LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190597 Toronto Maple Leafs Having Cody Eakin around will certainly help with bringing all the new players together, since he was part of Vegas’ expansion team. But even if the chemistry experiment doesn’t work, the best part about this group is that with the exception of Gourde, no one has a contract beyond the TRAIKOS: Price, Giordano and Gourde could be heading to Seattle in 2022-23 season. the expansion draft With that being said, don’t be surprised if Tarasenko gets flipped for an offer that Francis can’t refuse and that the team uses the money saved to take a run at Hyman or Landeskog. Michael Traikos DEFENCEMEN (Total salary: $12.45-million)

Mark Giordano, Calgary (1 year, $6.75 million) The Seattle Kraken could land a captain and former Norris Trophy winner in Mark Giordano during the NHL expansion draft on Wednesday. Dylan DeMelo, Winnipeg (3 years, $3 million) Article content Jake Bean, Carolina (RFA) A Hart Trophy winner in net, a Norris Trophy winner as captain, and a top Ryan Donato, San Jose (RFA) line that includes a player off each of the last three Stanley Cup-winning teams. Troy Stecher, Detroit (1 year, $1.7 million) If you thought the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural season was a one- Nikita Zadorov, Chicago (RFA) time fluke of the stars perfectly aligning, think again. Connor Clifton, Boston (2 years, $1 million) The Seattle Kraken are going to be very good. Kale Clague, Los Angeles (RFA) How good? Nick Merkley, New Jersey (RFA) Well, we’ll have to wait until Wednesday night’s expansion draft to see If money and term weren’t an issue, you’d have to imagine that Shea whom GM Ron Francis selects to play for the NHL’s 32nd team. But Weber and P.K. Subban would be calling Seattle home. But even without based on the players who are available, as well as what’s out there in those two, the Kraken’s defence could be their strength. free agency, don’t be surprised if they challenge the Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division. Giordano, who is two years removed from winning the Norris Trophy, is the obvious centrepiece. Though the 37-year-old’s offensive numbers This is a team that potentially could have Carey Price, Mark Giordano, have been declining in the past two years, he is still a No. 1 defenceman Vladimir Tarasenko and Yanni Gourde — and that’s without taking into and the kind of leader an expansion team needs. And if you pair him with account the various trades that might already be in the works. DeMelo, who needs a map to find the other team’s net, don’t be For all we know, Seattle could also end up with Zach Hyman, Dougie surprised if Giordano’s gets back to scoring 17 goals again. Hamilton and Gabriel Landeskog — not to mention the “misfit” types like The rest of the defence is about potential. Vegas’ William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault, who just needed an opportunity to show what they can do in the league. Bean is a player whom Francis drafted in the first round in 2016, but who never got a chance in Carolina. The same might be true of Clague and With $81.5-million to spend, here is a look at what Seattle’s roster could Merkley, as well as Donato. And while five of the defenceman are look like: restricted free agents who might end up getting considerable raises, FORWARDS (Total salary: $40.575-million) there still should be enough left in the kitty for Seattle to take a run at Hamilton in free agency. Calle Jarnkrok, LW, Nashville (1 year, $2 million) GOALTENDERS (Total Salary: $11.2-million) Yanni Gourde, C, Tampa Bay (4 years, $5.167 million) Carey Price, Montreal (5 years, $10.5 million) Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, St. Louis (2 years, $7.5 million) Chris Driedger, Florida (UFA) James van Riemsdyk, LW, Philadelphia (2 years, $7 million) Vitek Vanecek, Washington (1 year, $716,667) Alex Kerfoot, C, Toronto (2 years, $3.5 million) According to multiple reports, the Kraken apparently have a three-year, Joonas Donskoi, RW, Colorado (2 years, $3.9 million) $10.5-million contract in place for Driedger. But even with the 27-year-old locked up — and Vanecek waiting in the wings as a potential No. 1 down Zach Aston-Reece, LW, Pittsburgh (RFA) the road — it will be difficult for Seattle not to select Price, who happened Colin Blackwell, C/RW, NY Rangers (1 year, $725,000) to play junior hockey for the Tri-City Americans in nearby Kennewick, Wash. Evgenii Dadonov, RW, Ottawa (2 years, $5 million) This is a no-brainer. It’s like Vegas selecting Marc-Andre Fleury. Or Kieffer Bellows, LW, NY Islanders (RFA) Florida taking John Vanbiesbrouck in 1993. Cody Eakin, C, Buffalo (1 year, $2.25 million) Yeah, the salary is huge and the term is long for a goalie who will be 34 years old next month. But forget all that. Forget about his regular season Christian Fisher, RW, Arizona (1 year, $1 million) numbers, which have been average for some time now. Forget about the Kevin Stenlund, C/RW, Columbus (1 year, $1.05 million) injury that could have him missing most of the season. Jonah Gadjovich, LW, Vancouver (1 year, $783,333) Instead, remember what Price did to Toronto. And to Winnipeg. And to Vegas. Alexander Volkov, LW, Anaheim (1 year, $700,000) If Seattle hopes to win a Cup — or at least win a playoff round or two — Adam Mascherin, C/LW, Dallas (RFA) then they need a goalie who can stand on his head and win games that they shouldn’t win. He’s the X-factor. We all saw what he did for Montreal Tyler Benson, LW, Edmonton (RFA) in the playoffs. Not many goalies can singlehandedly lead a team into the final that had no business of being in the playoffs. Who knows, maybe he On paper, a top line of Vladimir Tarasenko, Yanni Gourde and Calle can do the same for the Kraken. Jarnkrok would be better than what Vegas had in Karlsson, Marchessault and Reilly Smith. But it’s the depth throughout the rest of the forward After all, they should have the roster to get it done. group that really sets Seattle apart. Toronto Sun LOADED: 07.21.2021 Donskoi and van Riemsdyk each scored 17 goals last season, while Dadonov has scored 25 or more goals in three of the past four years. There is some debate as to whether Toronto’s Jared McCann would be a better pick than Kerfoot, but a “leaked” video indicated that Seattle intends on selecting the older and more expensive of the two centres (for what it’s worth, we think Leafs defenceman Travis Dermott makes more sense). 1190598 Toronto Maple Leafs fish and ESPN NHL analyst Kevin Weekes suggests the Kraken will be taking Kerfoot), that will provide the Leafs with some improvement, their first tangible step in that regard in the off-season. No matter who departs Toronto to Seattle in expansion, it's on the Leafs Dubas will then turn his attention to trades and free agency as he tries to stars to get it right properly fill out his roster while hanging on to the pricey Big Four of Matthews, Marner, captain and Nylander.

Dubas, under the salary cap, has approximately $6.4-million US at his Terry Koshan disposal. That amount will grow once the Leafs lose a player to Seattle, and will come to just under $10 million if it’s Kerfoot who is selected.

With that cash, Dubas will be in the hunt for a goaltender, at least two Forward Alexander Kerfoot is one of the Maple Leafs players the Seattle forwards and a depth defenceman. In other words, guys who can play, Kraken could select in the NHL expansion draft on Wednesday. but won’t necessarily be the main cogs in a long playoff run. Finally, the end of the consternation, the handwringing, the flat-out worry Again, it won’t really matter who the Leafs lose on Wednesday. in Leafs Nation is upon us. For the Leafs to take the next biggest step, their best players have to be After days — weeks — of wondering, we’re going to learn Wednesday the difference-makers in the playoffs. night which player the Maple Leafs lose to the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League’s latest expansion draft. Until that happens, the Cup will be won elsewhere. Will it be forward Alex Kerfoot? The recently acquired Jared McCann? Toronto Sun LOADED: 07.21.2021 Defenceman Travis Dermott, who at the age of 24 likely has his best hockey ahead of him? How about a darkhorse such as Pierre Engvall or Adam Brooks? In the end, will it really matter which Toronto player that Kraken general manager Ron Francis deems as the best fit for his club? Will the player the Leafs lose derail any hope of playoff success next spring? Not a chance. Post-season triumphs have to have roots in the star players the Leafs have on their roster now. We hearken back to what Leafs coach said on May 30, as it was true then, is true today and always will be in professional sports. The day before the Leafs and Montreal Canadiens met in Game 7 in the opening round, Keefe was asked whether the Leafs needed their best players, also known as Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, to be difference-makers for the Leafs to win and advance. “Yes, of course,” Keefe said. “Those guys need to be difference-makers for us.” Keefe added that the rest of the club, including himself, would have to do its part as well. We know what happened the following night — the Leafs lost 3-1, the lone Toronto goal coming from William Nylander with less than two minutes remaining and Montreal up 3-0. Matthews assisted, giving him a mediocre five points in the series. Marner didn’t assist, and he finished the series with four assists. Neither of the Leafs’ handsomely paid stars were a difference in the elimination game, nor have they been in recent Leafs trips to the post- season. Until that changes, until Matthews and Marner take it upon themselves to be the players Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas thought they were when he gave them massive contracts before anything substantial had been accomplished team-wise, the Leafs aren’t going to stand much of a chance of winning a round or two, never mind four and the Stanley Cup. What has to be taken into consideration is the Leafs in 2021-22 won’t be trying to take the next steps in a vacuum. They’re going to have competition in that regard. Remember what Nathan MacKinnon said when the Colorado Avalanche was eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights? “I’m going into my ninth year and I haven’t won s—,” MacKinnon said. “I’m definitely motivated.” In the Vegas series that followed, captain didn’t have a point in six games for the Golden Knights against the Montreal Canadiens. Afterward, Stone said he took responsibility for his team’s failure and looked forward to trying to help build the team to becoming a Cup winner, not just a contender. Teams that have had more playoff success than the Leafs, are more than just a club that can’t get past the first round — the Avs and Knights spring to mind — are going to be just as determined, if not more than Toronto, to finally get it right. And how about the Tampa Bay Lightning, which has won back-to-back Cups while being led by its two best players, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point? If the Leafs get through the expansion draft having been able to keep their hands on McCann (and a published video from Seattle involving a 1190599 Toronto Maple Leafs first game on the left side could really complement the Leafs’ shoot-first centres on the top two lines. Schwartz brings a very strong two-way game, too, which could help replace Hyman at even strength and that should mesh well with coach Keefe’s style. “He backchecks like his life Maple Leafs free agent targets Part 2: Ranking the 44 UFA forwards who depends on it,” our Blues writer Jeremy Rutherford says. make sense for Toronto 2. Gabriel Landeskog

Here’s one name we weren’t even going to include on our list that By Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle Jul 20, 2021 suddenly feels much more likely to get to free agency. The biggest question with Landeskog isn’t fit or talent, however. It’s what will he cost? It’s not hard to envision the Avs captain commanding a huge dollar figure However the expansion draft plays out on Wednesday, the Maple Leafs over a long term given what he’s done the past few seasons on a are going to need help up front. powerhouse Colorado team, including close to a point a game over the last three years. Landeskog is an elite two-way player, excellent on the Zach Hyman is unlikely to return, and all indications are that Alex power play and a terrific passer. He’s also able to face top lines night Galchenyuk, Nick Foligno, Joe Thornton and Riley Nash will join him on after night. But if his contract is going to be in the $50 million range over the free agent market. the long term, is that really something the Leafs can even think about accommodating? The Seattle Kraken, meanwhile, are expected to select one of Jared McCann or Alexander Kerfoot off the Leafs’ available list, leaving Toronto 3. Taylor Hall with multiple vacancies in their top three lines. In April, we outlined the reasons the Leafs should acquire Hall ahead of That means GM Kyle Dubas will have a crucial shopping window when the trade deadline. The on-ice rationale stands: Hall would bring an extra unrestricted free agency opens on July 28. kick to their top six at playoff time — more playmaking and speed alongside the Core Four and insurance in case one of those stars gets But what do the Leafs want and need? And what viable options are hurt. Slide Hall onto the left side of Tavares and William Nylander and available? you’ve got one heck of a second line. He’s more support for the power To answer that question, we compiled a long list of UFA forwards — for play, too. The real question with Hall: Is he willing to take less – much the top and bottom six — and then scored those forwards on a variety of less, potentially – to chase a Stanley Cup in Toronto? If it’s a healthy categories in order to come up with what we’re calling the Mirtle Forward enough haircut, the Leafs may have to consider it. Algorithm™. (Well, Jonas called it that, and now we’re stuck with it.) 4. Zach Hyman The results comprise our UFA forward rankings. If he wants full market value, the Leafs aren’t going to be the team that (One name you won’t see here: Alex Ovechkin. He’ll be going back to pays it — nor should they be. They know what makes Hyman valuable. Washington. But we were liberal in including everyone else of note, even But he is 29, plays a tenacious style that lends itself to injury (he’s players who may opt to return to their former team. We also included missed significant time in each of the last three seasons) and would be a former Leafs to show how they stack up.) risky bet on a long-term contract. For a hometown discount rate (a $4 million cap hit), Hyman’s return would be more palatable for the Leafs These are the five categories we evaluated all 44* UFA forwards on: given his contributions. But why, he might wonder, should he be the lone core piece to take less? And he could well hit the $6-million-a-season Offence: A measure of how much offence the player projects to provide. mark elsewhere. Defence: Here, we judge the forward’s defensive value. 5. Kyle Palmieri Fit: How well does the player fit the Leafs’ needs? If he’s a centre, for Palmieri is a solid fit for what the Leafs need. He has a deadly shot, he’s instance, is he the kind of centre that head coach Sheldon Keefe requires good on the power play and can play both wings while bringing a sound behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares? two-way game. He had a tough year production-wise split between the Devils and Islanders last season, but his solid postseason makes that Upside: How good can the forward be? An aging player will likely score look like a one-year blip — one that might keep his asking price down. lower than one with star potential. What’s unclear is how interested he is in coming to Toronto — or Canada Cap impact: What kind of contract is the forward likely to fetch? How in general — given those teams were believed to be on his no-trade much term? How many cap dollars? clause previously. *- it was 45 until Barclay Goodrow left the group 6. Phillip Danault Top-six options We almost didn’t include Danault here, as it was expected he’d return to Montreal, but that situation seems to be fracturing a little of late. Danault The Leafs will need at least one winger here to replace Hyman and join showcased his shutdown ability against the Matthews line in the first Matthews and Mitch Marner on the top line. And if McCann or Kerfoot is round and would be an interesting candidate to anchor a shutdown unit pegged to centre the third line, the Leafs will require another top-six for the Leafs, who need an upgrade at 3C. But can they afford to spend winger to play with John Tavares. the kind of money — at least $4.5 million a season — it will take to get someone like Danault? An interesting idea, anyway: If you can’t beat ‘em, There’s realistically only money for one high-priced UFA addition this sign ‘em? (And he’s not the only Hab on our list.) offseason, however. 7. David Krejci Here are the top 11 candidates. Krejci has said he can’t see himself playing anywhere but Boston. But 1 Dubas should call his agent and inquire if Krejci has a change of heart. Matthews Would David Krejci really trade sides in the Bruins-Leafs rivalry? (Bob Marner DeChiara / USA Today) 2 Long the No. 2 to ’s No. 1 with the Bruins, Krejci would slot in nicely as the Leafs’ sage No. 3 down the middle. Stick him with McCann Ilya Mikheyev and one of the other wingers on this list and the Leafs would boast a very formidable third unit. Krejci would take some heat off Tavares Tavares and Matthews and offer the Leafs valuable insurance at centre Nylander in case of injury. He still has game left, at age 35, producing nearly a point per game (44 in 51) last season. 1. Jaden Schwartz 8. Tomas Tatar Schwartz may not have the name recognition of some of the other names on this part of the list, but he is likely to command a little less on the open The numbers tell us he’s a legit top-six winger. Tatar, for instance, ranks market, in term and dollars, which could make him very attractive to the just inside the top 60 NHL forwards in scoring (149 points) over the past Leafs, who need to make their $10 million in cap space stretch as far as three seasons and has scored at least 20 goals six times in his 10-year possible. Schwartz had some injury issues this past season but nothing NHL career. It’s just hard to get around the fact that year after year, his chronic and he’s only 29. And while he’s not much of a shooter, his pass- teams — including Montreal this past summer — have chosen not to even play him in the playoffs. That’s a bit of a red flag, no? But maybe Even at 35, Paul Stastny is one of the best depth options available in this there’s a buy-low opportunity here. UFA class. (Perry Nelson / USA Today) 9. Mikael Granlund Bottom-six options A player the Leafs have liked for a while. Granlund had a strong finish to The Leafs also likely need at least one – and maybe even two – more the season and is a favourite of Predators coach , so we middle-six forwards. wouldn’t be shocked to see him return to Nashville. (In fact, go ahead and bet on that.) The asking price here could be an issue, too. But if Ideally, one is a centre who can stabilize the third line, allowing Keefe to Granlund’s number starts with a four, and the term isn’t unwieldy, he keep McCann or Kerfoot on the wing if he so chooses. A winger who’s makes a lot of sense for the Leafs given his versatility — he can play all good enough to play on all three lines, as the situation dictates, would three forward positions — and strong two-way game. Don’t expect a also be of great help to the Leafs coach. whole lot from him on special teams, though. 3 10. Mike Hoffman Mikheyev He can still score, producing at a 27-goal pace last season in St. Louis. Kerfoot Like any team, the Leafs could use an extra bit of scoring fuel in the playoffs, including on the power play where Hoffman can make it rain. 4 NHL PPG leaders -- Last three seasons Engvall 1 Spezza Leon Draisaitl Simmonds 47 Robertson 2 Brooks David Pastrnak These 33 players are the top choices available further down the UFA depth chart. 43 1. Paul Stastny 3 Stastny will turn 36 in December and has already played more than Alex Ovechkin 1,000 NHL games. Do the Leafs really need another aging player up 40 front? In this case, yes — with the caveat that Stastny would need to be willing to sign a reasonable, short-term deal. We believe Stastny can 4 check the third-line centre box and even slide up and play with either Matthews or Tavares, if needed. He’s smart, experienced, solid Steven Stamkos defensively, an ace in the faceoff circle and still kicking offensively — 39 with 13 goals and 29 points for the Jets last year, which equates to a 43- point pace in a full season. 5 2. Nick Bonino Mika Zibanejad After Stastny, we really like Bonino as an option at 3C if Kerfoot is 36 claimed in the expansion draft. Bonino, 33, brings a solid two-way game and is good on the penalty kill. One red flag: His metrics sagged 6 noticeably in Minnesota this past year, which could either be an age- related decline or poor linemates-related decline. Probably not a great Mike Hoffman idea to go big on term but there’s upside here still given his experience 35 and ability. 7 3. Blake Coleman Auston Matthews Coleman stands to become one of the golden boys in this free-agent class after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning. In all 34 probability, his contract is going to be outrageous and price out the Leafs. Still, at the right number, he’s what they need: A pain in the ass to play 8 against who excels at both ends at even strength and can put the puck in Brayden Point the net 20-odd times a year. 34 Blake Coleman likes to score goals, man. (Douglas DeFelice / USA Today) 9 4. Corey Perry Mikko Rantanen We were really surprised to see Perry end up this high on the list of depth 33 forwards, but that’s a reflection of two factors: There’s really not that many high-end depth options available and Perry’s stock is on the rise in 10 a big way after a strong season (and postseason) in Montreal. The Nathan MacKinnon biggest issue with Perry is he’s 36 years old and fits the mould of the Simmonds and Thornton types the Leafs brought in during last year’s 32 ultimately unsuccessful campaign. That said, he appears to have more game than those two, is another local, likely to come cheap, and his Alex DeBrincat results in sheltered minutes were pretty impressive. On a league- 32 minimum deal, why not? 5. Alex Galchenyuk It took a PTO for Hoffman to get a contract last offseason. If the market is similarly cool this time around … maybe? Buyer beware of his defensive The Leafs rebuilt Galchenyuk’s game last season, but an important shortcomings, however. question remains as to whether he can be trusted in a playoff series. Last 11. Brandon Saad season would suggest not. Why bother then? Well, the Leafs know, for all his defensive deficiencies, that Galchenyuk fits, offensively anyway, Saad is at the bottom of our list primarily because he’s likely going to cost on their second line. He should also come cheap. It was only February more than he’s worth to the Leafs. But he’s a good finisher and has when every team in the league let him pass through waivers untouched. plenty of experience on strong teams, first with Chicago and then All sources are quiet at this point on the likelihood of him returning to Colorado. More of a complementary winger than someone you want to Toronto, however. We read that as indicating it’s unlikely. break the bank on, however. He could end up quite overpaid on July 28. 6. Michael Bunting Zajac’s best days are obviously behind him. Yet, he showed this past spring that he could still make himself useful. Islanders coach Barry Trotz Bunting is a local, for one thing: He hails from Scarborough. He also gave the most challenging playoffs assignments to the line of Zajac, spent two seasons with the Soo Greyhounds playing for — and adoring Palmieri and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. With the proper help around him, — Keefe. And you can guess who drafted Bunting can’t you? That’s right: Zajac could conceivably play a similar role on a depth line for Keefe. He’ll Dubas, the former Sault Ste. Marie GM. Bunting is the type of high-IQ be 37 by next spring, however, so like others on this list, the likelihood of player Dubas is fond of, with the requisite skill and bite (he’s a Brad decline has to be considered. He only makes sense on a cheap contract. Marchand disciple) to fit into a middle six. 15. Tyler Bozak He’s a bit of a wild card, though, having played in only 26 NHL games. And while his counting stats — 11 goals, 14 points — leap off the page, Once the longest-serving player on the Leafs, Bozak feels like only a keep the shooting percentage in mind: 25.6 percent. But it’s possible fallback option at centre if other candidates fall through. Bozak is 35, but that, combined with his history with the Leafs coach and GM keeps his his smarts continue to give him a little pop offensively (17 points in 31 asking price low, making him a worthwhile gamble. games last year). He could be a helpful connector on the power play. Then again, Bozak has clearly declined from what he was in Toronto, 7. Brock McGinn when he was a 3C, and what the Leafs really require is a more reliable He’s in the Connor Brown mould, with a bit less to offer offensively. Like defensive option in the middle at that spot. Bozak graded out low in terms Brown, though, McGinn is one of those players that fans and coaches of the “Fit” category in our analysis. alike (including Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour) adore for their hustle 16. Marcus Johansson and tenacity. McGinn is 27 and would be a useful worker bee for Keefe to drop onto any of his top three lines. He spent a good chunk of last Johansson is a bit of a tough player to forecast as it’s hard to know what season with Sebastian Aho, and there’s reason to think he could play a the demand for his services will be like. On a short, low-dollar deal, he Hyman-like role with Matthews or Tavares. McGinn is dependable could be very effective, as he showed signs of still being a solid depth defensively, a top-notch penalty killer and likely comes much cheaper forward for the Wild last season when healthy. He’s bounced around a lot than someone like Coleman. since his Washington years and his 50-point days are done, but there might be some value here in the right role and for the right price. But will 8. Zach Parise he command more than a depth salary as a UFA? A redemption project? Sure. But it was only two seasons ago that Parise 17. Ryan Getzlaf scored 25 goals while playing 17 minutes a night. Even last year in Minnesota, Parise’s five-on-five production rate remained steady from Another member of the old-guy brigade. At 36, Getzlaf is obviously earlier years. It was the power-play numbers that fell off a cliff — from 18 nearing the end of a terrific career, but you can’t rule out a renaissance in points in 2019-20 to just two points last season, with declining a better environment than what’s gone on in Anaheim the past few years. opportunity. Drop him onto Tavares’ left wing, give him a role on the man It sounds like he’s going to return, and the Ducks are the likely advantage and maybe the Leafs can squeeze whatever juice is left in the destination, but maybe he surprises people and listens to suitors like the orange. Parise will turn 37 next week, though, so the terms of the deal Leafs? Getzlaf has slowed down but remains a smart player with the are vital to making this work. puck and could produce in a more sheltered role than he has had the past few years. The concern would be this is Thornton Redux, even if 9. Nick Foligno Getzlaf is quite a bit younger. A reunion makes sense if Foligno is willing to come for cheap with hopes NHL Active Scoring Leaders (Career) of chasing the Cup again and redeeming the trade that went awry last season. Foligno fits now for the same reasons he did then. He can move 1 around the lineup, he’s trustworthy in his own zone, a brute force on the forecheck, a wily penalty killer and experienced leader. Foligno will be 34 Joe Thornton in October, however, and there are signs of obvious decline. So there’s 1529 risk here. Consider this one unlikely. 2 10. Matt Calvert Sidney Crosby A helpful bottom-six winger for today’s game who gave Colorado around 14 dependable minutes per game the past three seasons, with modest 1325 offensive production (until last season, which saw him play only 18 games because of injury) and strong underlying numbers. Calvert isn’t all 3 that big — 5-foot-11, 186 pounds — but he’ll play hard and can hold his Alex Ovechkin own even if he’s buried in the defensive zone. For a low price, he makes some sense. 1320 11. Derek Ryan 4 The Leafs had their eye on Ryan as a depth centre three years ago but Patrick Marleau moved on after landing Tavares on the opening day of free agency. Now he’s UFA again — and likely to be very cheap after some tough seasons 1197 in Calgary. 5 Derek Ryan would give the Leafs another option in the middle. (Sergei Belski / USA Today) Evgeni Malkin Ryan’s still a very strong defensive player, can play centre and kill 1104 penalties well and it’s possible he bounces back in the offence 6 department with a bit more help from his linemates. On a short-term, low- AAV contract, he could be a fit for a team that needs more centres Patrick Kane throughout the lineup like Toronto. 1088 12. Mathieu Perreault 7 Not a sexy name by any means, given he has been on the decline in Winnipeg the past two seasons. But Perreault might be another decent Eric Staal buy-low option for the bottom six. He remains a strong defensive player 1034 who is good in puck battles and can play up and down the lineup, although a third-line wing slot, at most, is the best home for him at this 8 point. He was a regular 40-point producer before injuries limited his effectiveness, putting into question how much he has left at age 33. Anze Kopitar 13. Barclay Goodrow 1000 On the verge of signing a long-term deal with the Rangers. 9 14. Travis Zajac Ryan Getzlaf 982 As illustrated above, there are a lot of UFA forwards available this year. Sorting through all of the options and producing a ranking that made 10 sense was not easy. Nicklas Backstrom But we wanted to add a level of exactness to the process by thoroughly 980 evaluating the candidates rather than simply using one or two statistical measures. 18. Mattias Janmark Each forward was scored out of 10 in the five main categories. Those Another member of the not-at-all-sexy club. His play with Vegas in the categories were then weighted based on their projected impact — with playoffs, however, opened some eyes as to his versatility and ability to offence and defence combining for the largest share — and every score boost a third line. He’s a strong skater and a competitor, too. It appears was averaged between the two writers. unlikely he’s going to be able to duplicate the 19 goals he had with Dallas four years ago, however. But he would serve as an upgrade over some For cap impact, a higher score indicates that it’s expected they will cost of the Leafs’ third-line incumbents like Pierre Engvall. less, in term and AAV. These measures were the result of extensive reporting and analysis over the past several weeks. 19. Joel Armia The result of all of these calculations is indicated in the final score out of Another player who turned a solid postseason into some more name 10. recognition around the league. He brings size, an underrated shot and some versatility, including an ability to help on the penalty kill. For the The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 right price, he also makes sense as an upgrade over some of the Leafs’ other options on the third line. 20. Alexander Wennberg Wennberg wouldn’t really solve any problems for the Leafs. He’s a centre, yes, but probably not the kind of centre the Leafs need on their third line and not much better, if at all, than either Kerfoot or McCann. Wennberg did score 17 goals last season, playing a bunch with Jonathan Huberdeau and shooting a career-high 21 percent. 21. Bobby Ryan One of the feel-good stories of the season. Ryan is 34 but would likely sign cheap and has enough ability — on the power play and as a goal scorer — that he can still contribute on a depth line. He may not have the versatility required to play on the third line, however, and the Leafs are already well-stocked with fourth line types. The Leafs may want more versatility than Bobby Ryan can offer at this point. (Sam Navarro / USA Today) 22. Vinnie Hinostroza A pesky water bug for the bottom six who could kill penalties, hold his own defensively and maybe even chip in a few goals. (He scored 16 with the Coyotes a few seasons back.) The Leafs need more of an upgrade on the wing than Hinostroza, but it’s likely competition will be fierce for players higher on this list. They could be left digging through the bargain bin for some of the names toward the end of this list. 23. Nikita Gusev Gusev’s skill puts him in the conversation for one of the Leafs’ open forward slots. He’s very small, though, at 5-foot-9 and 163 pounds, a liability defensively and has only one productive NHL season to this point (13 goals and 44 points in 2019-20). He might be too much of a gamble for the Leafs in such a pivotal season. 24. Casey Cizikas Cizikas feels likely to return to the Islanders and makes a lot for a depth centre who doesn’t provide a lot of offence (his cap hit was $3.35 million on his previous contract and he’ll likely command in that realm again). A good role player, but he scored poorly under “Fit” and “Upside” in our ranking given the Leafs’ needs. Honourable mentions 25. Tyler Ennis 26. Derek Stepan 27. Derick Brassard 28. Riley Nash 29. Joe Thornton 30. Frederick Gaudreau 31. Ryan Dzingel 32. Tomas Nosek 33. Mikhail Grigorenko 34. Erik Haula How we built the ranking 1190600 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights announce 2021-22 preseason schedule

By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal

The Golden Knights started filling in dates on their 2021-22 calendar Tuesday. They’ll add a lot more Thursday. The Knights revealed their preseason schedule Tuesday and said their rookie camp and training camp will begin a week apart on Sept. 15 and 22, respectively. The team will get its full regular-season schedule Thursday when the NHL reveals it during ESPN’s 3 p.m. “SportsCenter.” The league should also unveil when the Knights are hosting the 2022 All- Star Game at T-Mobile Arena. Before that, the team will open its preseason schedule Sept. 26 against San Jose and finish it Oct. 9 against the Sharks. The Knights will also play the Los Angeles Kings at Salt Lake City’s Vivint Arena (home of the NBA’s Utah Jazz) on Sept. 30. Six of the team’s seven preseason games will be televised on KTNV-13. Team TV play-by-play voice Dave Goucher and analyst Shane Hnidy will have the call. Broadcast details for the Knights’ final preseason game will be announced later. All games will also be available on the radio at Fox Sports Las Vegas 98.9 FM/1340 AM with Dan D’Uva on play-by-play and Gary Lawless providing analysis. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190601 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights announce preseason schedule

By Justin Emerson

The Golden Knights return to game action in just over two months. Vegas announced its seven-game preseason schedule today, which will begin with a Sept. 26 game against the San Jose Sharks at T-Mobile Arena. Rookie camp opens Sept. 15, and full-squad camp opens Sept. 22. Vegas will play the Los Angeles Kings on Sept. 30 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City as part of the Kings’ Frozen Fury preseason promotion, an event held in Las Vegas before the Golden Knights’ inception. The first six preseason games will be aired locally on KTNV Channel 13. The broadcast information for the Oct. 9 preseason finale will be announced later. All games will be aired on the radio in Las Vegas at Fox Sports 1340 AM and 98.9 FM. The full 2021-22 regular season schedule will be released as part of a televised event at 3 p.m. Thursday on ESPN. Here is the preseason schedule: Sept 26 — vs. San Jose Sharks, 7 p.m. Sept 28 — vs. Colorado Avalanche, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — vs. Los Angeles Kings at Salt Lake City, 6 p.m. Oct. 1 — vs. Los Angeles Kings, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 — at Colorado Avalanche, 6 p.m. Oct. 7 — vs. Arizona Coyotes, 7 p.m. Oct. 9 — at San Jose Sharks, 5 p.m. LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190602 Vegas Golden Knights But the most exciting and encouraging flashes of Patrick’s young career have come in transition. He flies up the ice and has soft hands to catch tough passes at high speeds. He shows the ability to think the game at those speeds as well, with a great finishing ability around the net. What are the Golden Knights getting in Nolan Patrick? A talented skater Patrick’s backhand shot is particularly impressive. He elevates it nearly and scorer in need of a confidence boost as well as his shot on the forehand, allowing him to lift it over the goalie’s blocker with accuracy.

This goal from Patrick’s rookie season shows his soft hands to collect By Jesse Granger Jul 20, 2021 and immediately settle a saucer pass at full speed, and his poise and composure to finish the play with a nice deke to the forehand and accurate shot glove-high over the goalie. These are all incredibly high- The Golden Knights acquired Nolan Patrick from the Philadelphia Flyers end skills that show his potential as an offensive weapon. on Saturday in a three-team trade that sent Cody Glass to the Nashville Predators. It was a swap of 2017 first-round selections, and that’s not This past season, those glimpses were few and far between. Patrick’s where the similarities end. Both players were drafted with high expected goals per 60 minutes fell from 0.73 in 2018-19 to 0.47 in 2020- expectations and perceived offensive upside after prolific junior careers. 21. His scoring chances, high-danger chances and rebounds created They’ve struggled early in their professional careers, both with production were all nearly cut in half, and Patrick often was criticized for playing too and injuries, and each seeks a fresh start on a new team. passively, without purpose. His struggles were bad enough that the Flyers opted to move on from him at only 22 years old, but Fletcher was “I was obviously really excited when I heard the news,” Patrick said of the positive after the departure. trade. “It wasn’t the year I wanted to have in Philly last year, and I think a fresh start was the best thing for me.” “I still believe in Patty,” Fletcher said. “Last year, I thought, was a step forward for him in terms of his health and getting back on the ice. I think Patrick, the No. 2 overall pick in 2017, once dominated the Western the production will come and the confidence will come as he continues in Hockey League and totaled 92 goals and 113 assists in 163 games with his career.” the Brandon Wheat Kings while playing under general manager and coach Kelly McCrimmon. The former Wheat Kings boss is now Vegas’ Perhaps being reunited with McCrimmon will unlock Patrick’s potential in general manager and is reunited with his former captain, who is looking Vegas. Clearly, McCrimmon believes so, because despite Glass’ for a turnaround after totaling only four goals and five assists in 52 struggles in the NHL, he was only 66 games into his career, so it’s a risk games last season. to move on from him so early in favor of Patrick. “Nolan is a player that I personally know real well, but we’ve stayed “I’m comfortable, confident, and know this player well from having current on (him) through our pro scouting staff, monitoring Nolan’s play coached him, watched him as an NHL player,” McCrimmon said. “You as a pro,” McCrimmon said after the trade. marry that insight with what our scouts see and what our projections are for the player, and that’s what it took for us to be comfortable to make Patrick’s NHL career began relatively well, with 30 points in his rookie this move.” season as a 19-year-old in 2017-18. He flashed the exceptional hands that made him a highly sought-after prospect and he became a regular McCrimmon’s experience with Patrick came at the junior level, where he contributor on the Flyers’ power play. Patrick scored eight of his 13 goals was undeniably an offensive superstar. He averaged 1.26 points per that season at even strength, and most of them came around the game in Brandon, including a 102-point season in 2015-16. opposing crease, as he buried second-chance opportunities and Brett Howden – whom the Golden Knights acquired in a separate trade deflected shots past goaltenders. on Saturday – remembers playing against Patrick in the WHL. Howden Patrick’s second NHL season went similarly. He had 31 points in 72 and Patrick played together as kids and faced off quite a few times in games and was a legitimate second-line center on a playoff team. The junior hockey. back half of that season was the best he’s looked as a professional. His “I’ve seen a lot of him, and a lot of goals and a lot of plays when I’m on play wasn’t quite at the level one hopes from a high draft pick, but it was the other team, so it’s going to be nice to have him on our side,” Howden very encouraging. said. “He’s a really special, dynamic player, so for Vegas to get him as “Watching him play those two seasons, you saw a young player with a lot well is obviously huge for the team.” of talent that really appeared to be on track,” McCrimmon said. “Each of But generating that type of offense in junior hockey is entirely different those two years, his second half was significantly better than his first half. than doing it in the NHL. It will be up to McCrimmon and coach Pete He earned more responsibility as it went along.” DeBoer to elevate Patrick’s game. When he plays more of a north-south Considering his age, Patrick appeared to be on course to become a top- game and uses his size and speed to attack the net, he has the skills to six forward in the NHL. Then he missed the entire 2019-20 season with be a dangerous weapon. If he plays that game more regularly, he could recurring migraine issues following a concussion that ended his 2018-19 be a huge addition to the Golden Knights’ center depth. There are plenty campaign. of enticing lineup options, including playing Patrick between star wingers Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty on the top line, or on a young but “Obviously, injuries are part of the game, and my concussion was talented third line with Alex Tuch and Nic Roy. obviously a tough one keeping me out that long,” Patrick said. “It was a pretty scary time, but I’m happy to be healthy now.” But that game was invisible for nearly the entirety of the 2020-21 season, and there’s no guarantee he will find that gear. The Flyers kept Patrick on Patrick went 653 days between NHL games during his recovery and the power-play unit for nearly the entire season despite little production in hasn’t been the same player on the ice since returning. He had only nine hopes of sparking his offense, but it never happened. In win-now mode, points last season and was on the ice for only 12 goals at even strength, the Golden Knights aren’t in the best position to develop young players. compared to 38 goals against. That much was obvious by watching the way Glass was handled. If young players don’t produce, they are replaced in the lineup by players “Nolan has been through a lot of adversity,” Flyers general manager who will, all in the name of winning now. There’s nothing wrong with that Chuck Fletcher said. “Certainly, a lot of things have been out of his approach for a team hoping to contend for a Stanley Cup, but it’s enough control. He’s dealt with some things that you don’t wish on anybody. I still reason to cause some concern over how Patrick could develop in Vegas. think he has his career ahead of him.” If Glass struggled in this environment, it’s certainly possible Patrick will Patrick is still a good skater, especially for his size at 6-foot-2, 198 as well. pounds, but he hasn’t played with the same assertiveness or confidence If Patrick can regain his tenaciousness in front of the net and use his that brought him success early in his NHL career. As stated above, many large frame, it will go a long way toward helping him carve out a of Patrick’s goals as a rookie came by fighting for position down low and consistent role in the Vegas lineup. Unlike Glass, Patrick could have the winning stick battles to flip pucks into the net. power to play down the lineup, opening up more options for DeBoer. Patrick served as the Flyers’ net-front presence on the power play for Patrick said he’s more determined than ever to improve and believes this most of his rookie season, registering five goals and three assists with summer will play a big role in that. the man advantage. His eyes track the puck well through traffic, and he “I’ve had a lot of my offseason training limited due to injuries the last showed an uncanny ability to find loose pucks and bury them for goals. couple years, so I’m just excited to have the full summer training,” Patrick He also did a good job of keeping his stick along the ice for backdoor said. “I’m extremely motivated after the season I had, looking for a one-timers, and seemed to understand when to screen the goalie and bounce-back year, so I’ve been doing everything I can to get myself when to drift to the backdoor. Vegas’ power play is obviously in need of ready for the first day.” improvement, so that’s certainly something they could try. Confidence is vital in the NHL, especially for young players. It was obvious that Glass didn’t play with the confidence he needed to with the puck, and that the coaching staff lost confidence in him. Patrick’s relationship with McCrimmon could be a needed boost to his confidence. “My phone call was pretty short with (McCrimmon) when he notified me that I was coming to Vegas,” Patrick said. “He obviously knows my game and knows what I’m capable of. For me, I’m just coming to do whatever I can to help the team win and keep improving throughout the summer.” All signs point to the Golden Knights putting Patrick in a position to succeed. They have talent on the wing that will allow him to skate alongside talented linemates. If they’re able to uncover the potential that made him a No. 2 overall pick, it would completely change the outlook of the center position. “He’s a player that I believe in,” McCrimmon said. “I believe in his upside and I know what his level of talent is. He has great size and is a really good two-way player. He’s been an offensive player his entire life, but we feel that he really understands the game well defensively and is a guy who brings real good two-way play to our team.” The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190603 Winnipeg Jets ANAHEIM: D Haydn Fleury, 25 (US$1.3 million): Fleury was the seventh- overall pick in the 2014 draft and the second defenceman taken after first-overall pick Aaron Ekblad. All he really needs is an increased opportunity, which he should get in spades with Seattle. Also considered: Tantalizing expansion-draft options when Seattle gets Kraken D Jacob Larsson, F Alexander Volkov. ARIZONA: F Christian Fischer, 24 (US$1 million): After scoring 15 goals in his rookie season, Fischer seems to have regressed a bit in the desert. Mike McIntyre Perhaps a change of scenery will benefit the versatile, two-way winger. Also considered: F Tyler Pitlick, F Michael Bunting. I won't go so far as to suggest they'll follow the impressive lead of the BOSTON: D Connor Clifton, 26 (US$1 million): A team-friendly contract Vegas Golden Knights and make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final in that runs for two more years, the ability to play both sides and a steady, their inaugural year, but I'm already convinced the Seattle Kraken are reliable defender makes him the best of the Bruins bunch. Also going to be a competitive bunch right out of the gate — even if they don't considered: D Jeremy Lauzon, F Nick Ritchie. yet have a single player on their roster. BUFFALO: G , 31 (US$725,000): The pickings are slim That will all change Wednesday as the expansion draft is held in prime from the sad-sack Sabres, so I'll go with the cheap journeyman and time. General manager Ron Francis and his staff have no shortage of pending unrestricted free agent to provide some additional depth in net. tantalizing options at their disposal, including former league MVPs, Also considered: D Colin Miller, D William Borgen. perennial all stars, future Hall of Famers and top draft choices and prized CALGARY: D Mark Giordano, 37 (US$6.75 million): Yes, age is a prospects who have yet to pan out. concern, but Calgary's captain, a veteran of 949 career regular-season Turns out US US$650 million can buy you an instant contender, at least games, still has some gas left in the tank and just one year left on his in theory. contract. He's the perfect guy to bring in for a first-year team to provide a quality combination of on-ice skill and off-ice leadership and intangibles. Mike McIntyre's Kraken Also considered: D Oliver Kylington, F Glenn Gawdin. Click to Expand CAROLINA: D Jake Bean, 23 (RFA): Reunited, and I suspect it will feel pretty good for Francis. He picked Bean 13th overall in the 2016 draft Forwards: and will likely welcome him with open arms. He's a restricted free agent Van Riemsdyk - Gourde - Bailey who made US$833,000 last year, with one goal and 11 assists in 42 games. Also considered: F Nino Niederreiter, F Morgan Geekie. Zucker - McCann - Donskoi CHICAGO: D Nikita Zadorov, 26 (RFA): Another former first-rounder Namestnikov - Jarnkrok - Appleton (16th overall, 2013) who is a powerful force with his 6-6, 235 pound frame. Not a ton of offence there, with only 83 points (23 goals, 60 Khaira - Tierney - Fischer assists) in 411 career games. He needs a new deal this summer after making US$3.2 million last year. Also considered: G Malcolm Subban, F Wagner - Gambrell - Blackwell Adam Gaudette. Defence: COLORADO: F Joonas Donskoi, 29 (US$3.9 million): Consistent Giordano - Dunn offensive producer (17 goals, 14 assists in 51 games with the Avalanche last year) who will slide right into Seattle's middle-six. He's signed for two Butcher - Zadorov more seasons. Also considered: F J.T. Compher, F Vladislav Kamenev. Dillon - Clifton COLUMBUS: D Gabriel Carlsson, 24 (US$725,000). As tempting as it might be to select Max Domi, I'll go with the big Swede who was the Kulak - Fleury 29th-overall pick in 2015 but has played just 37 NHL games so far. Also Bean - Honka considered: F Max Domi, F Kevin Stenlund. Carlsson DALLAS: D Julius Honka, 25 (RFA): An intriguing player picked 14th overall in 2014 who has fallen out favour with the Stars, playing most of Goal: the past two years overseas. Has all the tools, but needs a new home, in addition to a new contract. Also considered: F Tanner Kero, F Adam Driedger Mascherin. Holtby DETROIT: F Vladislav Namestnikov, 28 (US$2 million): Can play all three Kahkonen forward positions and showed huge potential when he put up 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 64 games with Tampa Bay in 2017-18. Also Tokarski considered: D Troy Stecher, D Christian Djoos. A total of 325 players are off-limits, based on being protected by their EDMONTON: F Jujhar Khaira, 26 (RFA): A big, bruising forward who will current clubs, but that leaves more than 650 others ripe for the picking. become an instant fan favourite and add some sandpaper to Seattle. By the time the dust settles, 30 will have a new hockey home, with every Needs a new deal this summer after making US$1.2 million last year. organization except Vegas losing one player. (The US$500 million Also considered: F Tyler Benson, G Alex Stalock. expansion fee paid by the Golden Knights in 2017 gave them a free pass on this roster raid). FLORIDA: G Chris Driedger, 27 (UFA): OK, this one is cheating a bit, since there are reports a contract extension for the pending unrestricted Seattle must select a minimum of 14 forwards, nine defencemen and free agent has already been worked out, but the Winnipeg product is the three goaltenders. As long as 20 of them are under contract for next obvious play here, ready to get out from under the (costly) shadow of season and make a combined salary somewhere between US$48.9 Sergei Bobrovsky after a breakout campaign in which he went 14-6-3 million and US$81.5 million, they're good to go. with a 2.07 goals-against-average and .927 save-percentage. He should provide some instant stability in net. Also considered: F Lucas Wallmark, Expect a few twists and turns in the form of side deals, just as we saw F Frank Vatrano. with Vegas four years ago. History shows many of those backfired, with nervous GMs actually making bad situations worse. There's also little LOS ANGELES: F Austin Wagner, 24 (US$1.133 million): Another chance the Kraken actually hold on to all 30 players they pick. Expect banger-and-crasher who can provide some good energy and physicality some to be flipped to other teams in the ensuing days in exchange for at an affordable price, with two more years left on his deal. Also prospects and draft choices as they attempt to build a farm system on the considered: F Brendan Lemieux, D Kale Clague. fly, in addition to creating spots and salary for free agents they may wish to pursue. MINNESOTA: G Kaapo Kahkonen, 24 (US$725,000): Frankly, it's a surprise he's available, with the Wild electing to protect veteran Cam Sure, we could wait a bit longer to see how it all shakes out, but what fun Talbot instead, but their loss will be Seattle's gain. After shining bright in would that be? There's no time like the present to peer into the future, so the AHL for two seasons, Kahkonen had a solid NHL rookie campaign I've dusted off the crystal ball and tried to predict what the NHL's 32nd last year, going 16-8-0 with a 2.88 GAA and .902 save percentage. Also franchise is going to look like. considered: D Carson Soucy, F Victor Rask. MONTREAL: D Brett Kulak, 27 (US$1.85 million): Although Seattle is free agency — assuming they don't re-up with their current club — said to be taking a long look at Carey Price, his huge salary and starting next Wednesday without wasting their expansion pick on them. uncertain injury status would scare me away. Kulak is a safe, sensible selection. Also considered: F Jonathan Drouin, D Cale Fleury. I have no doubt the above group could hit the ice tomorrow and hold their own on any given night, especially in a weak Pacific Division where only NASHVILLE: F Calle Jarnkrok, 29 (US$2 million): He's a proven scorer Vegas, and perhaps Edmonton, really stand out. Vancouver, Calgary, and point producer who can play up and down the lineup. Also Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Jose are all in various stages of considered: F Colton Sissons, F Yakov Trenin. rebuilding right now. And considering a minimum of three (and maximum of five) from the division will make the playoffs, Seattle is poised to make NEW JERSEY: D Will Butcher, 26 (US$3.733 million): Slick puck-mover some noise. and power play specialist who will help drive offence from the back-end. Also considered: F Nick Merkley, F Andreas Johnsson. Release the Kraken! NEW YORK ISLANDERS: F Josh Bailey, 31 (US$5 million): Had a solid Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 07.21.2021 regular-season and terrific playoffs for the Islanders. Signed for three more years. Also considered: F Jordan Eberle, F Kieffer Bellows. NEW YORK RANGERS: F Colin Blackwell, 28 (US$725,000): He took the longer road to the NHL after four years of college hockey at Harvard and plenty of AHL seasoning, but Blackwell had a breakthrough 2021 season with 12 goals and 10 assists in 47 games. Also considered: F Julien Gauthier, F Ty Ronning. OTTAWA: F Chris Tierney, 27 (US$3.5 million): Responsible, bottom-six centre who can chip in some offence and will be a UFA after next season. Also considered: F Evgenii Dadonov, G Joey Daccord. PHILADELPHIA: F James van Riemsdyk, 32 (US$7 million): He doesn't come cheap, with two years left on his deal, but he's a first-line forward who can help fill the net. Also considered: D Shayne Gostisbehere, D Robert Hagg. PITTSBURGH: F Jason Zucker, 29 (US$5.5 million): A former 30-goal scorer (33 actually, in 2017-18 with Minnesota) who would land in the top six and provide plenty of offence. Also considered: F Brandon Tanev, F Zach Aston-Reese. SAN JOSE: F Dylan Gambrell, 24 (US$700,000): A homecoming for the Washington state product (Bonney Lake), who could compete for work on the fourth-line. The Sharks don't have a whole lot available, so I'd consider him the best of a sorry lot, with a story that would be easy to sell to local hockey fans. Also considered: F Ryan Donato, F Matt Nieto. ST. LOUIS: D Vince Dunn, 24 (RFA): As tempting as it will be to select Vladimir Tarasenko, his iffy recent injury history and hefty salary would have me steering clear. That opens the door for Dunn, a heady two-way blue-liner who needs a new contract. Had 20 points (6 goals, 14 assists) in 43 games last year while making US$1.875 million. Also considered: F Vladimir Tarasenko, F Samuel Blais. TAMPA BAY: F Yanni Gourde, 29 (US$5.166 million): Of all the enticing players available from the cash-strapped Stanley Cup champs, Gourde stands out. He can do it all, from scoring to checking to special teams. He's signed for another four seasons. Also considered: F Alex Killorn, F Ondrej Palat. TORONTO: F Jared McCann, 25 (US$2.94 million): The 24th-overall pick in the 2014 draft is coming off a career year, with 14 goals and 18 assists in 43 games with Pittsburgh. He's a terrific play-driver and a big body who would fit right into a top six role with Seattle. Also considered: Travis Dermott, F Alexander Kerfoot. VANCOUVER: G Braden Holtby, 31 (US$4.3 million): I'm not sure there's much game left for the former Stanley Cup champ, but he should settle into a veteran understudy role with Driedger and mentor to Kahkonen for the one year remaining on his deal. Also considered: F Kole Lind, F Jayce Hawryluk. WASHINGTON: D Brenden Dillon, 30 (US$3.9 million): A big, strong presence on the blue-line who is a penalty killing specialist and will provide a physical element to ensure the Kraken don't get pushed around. Also considered: G Vitek Vanecek, D Justin Schultz. WINNIPEG: F Mason Appleton, 25 (US$900,000): I know many figure Dylan DeMelo is the popular choice, but I don't see it that way given the number of other quality defencemen available. Appleton is younger (by three years), cheaper (by more than US$2 million) and has considerable upside the Kraken should be excited about. Also considered: D Dylan DeMelo, G Mikhail Berdin. Add it all up and I selected 15 forwards, 11 defencemen and four goalies. Of those, 24 are under contract for next season, with a combined cap hit of approximately US$65 million. The other six need new deals. In other words, this would be a perfectly legal lineup. For those wondering why big names such as Alex Ovechkin and Gabe Landeskog aren't on my list, I steered clear of every UFA with the exception of Driedger (given what we already know about a done deal), since Seattle has the same right as every other club to try to sign them in 1190604 Winnipeg Jets The Golden Knights then wasted their Winnipeg expansion draft pick on unrestricted free agent Chris Thorburn, who signed with another team.

The Jets have the 18th overall pick this year but it would be foolish to Already thin on the right side of blue-line, things will get worse for Jets if part with it. The Jets need to start re-stocking a prospect pool that has Kraken takes DeMelo been growing thinner in recent years. It’s possible the Jets could package a lower pick and a player like Niku, who has good potential and offensive upside but has been unable to earn Ted Wyman regular playing time in Winnipeg, to get the Kraken to lay off certain players.

All that will play out Wednesday night, when Seattle picks one player We now know the Winnipeg Jets have chosen to protect promising each from 30 teams (Vegas is exempt) and then tries to build a roster second-year blue-liner Logan Stanley over steady veteran defenceman that will rival the elite one put together by the Golden Knights Dylan DeMelo for Wednesday’s Seattle Kraken expansion draft. management team in 2018. That certainly doesn’t mean the Jets would be happy to see DeMelo go. Whichever player they get from the Jets is not going to make or break DeMelo, 28, is far from flashy but he’s a very dependable right-shot their future, but it certainly could put a crimp in Winnipeg’s plans. defenceman who has gets good reviews from the analytics crowd and Especially if it’s DeMelo. has a team-friendly, $3 million-a-year contract for three more years. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 07.21.2021 He’s also a player with a conscience, who speaks his mind on many important non-hockey subjects and he’s a man with a family who chose to sign a four-year contract and stay in Winnipeg. He would play a big role with the Jets, and in the community, if he sticks around. Of course, that’s no longer in the hands of the Jets, unless general manager can make some kind of deal to get Seattle GM Ron Francis to stay away from DeMelo. It would not make a lot of sense for it to be much because there’s a good chance Seattle would prefer to take winger Mason Appleton anyway. Appleton had 12 goals and 25 points in 56 games last year and is an attractive 25-year-old player for the Kraken as they build a roster for their first season. But losing DeMelo would be more costly for the Jets, who are very thin on the right side of their blue-line. Once a major strength, when they had Dustin Byfuglien, Jacob Trouba and Tyler Myers, the Jets only have one right-shooting, NHL-ready defenceman under contract for next season at this point, and that’s DeMelo. Neal Pionk, who was protected for the expansion draft, is a restricted free agent who is expected to re-sign and Tucker Poolman is an unrestricted free agent. Also protected were left-shooting defencemen Josh Morrissey, and Stanley. The Jets top defence prospects — Ville Heinola and Dylan Samberg — are also left shots, as are hangers-on Sami Niku and Nathan Beaulieu. Even veterans Derek Forbort and Jordie Benn, both unrestricted free agents who may or may not be back, are left shots. If the Jets lose DeMelo, there will be an even greater onus on Cheveldayoff to improve that right side through free agency, which opens on July 28. We’ve seen in the past that it’s a tall order. Cheveldayoff hasn’t been able to entice any top-end defencemen to Winnipeg in past forays into free agency and it won’t be easy this time. He needed to improve the defence last off-season and didn’t get the job done. In the end, it was the team’s weakest position and it cost them during the season and eventually in their playoff loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Even if Seattle doesn’t take DeMelo — there a lot of good options for the expansion team on defence — Cheveldayoff is going to have to target a big, minute-munching defenceman for the right-side of the Jets’ blue-line in free agency. If DeMelo is gone, he may well have to target two right-shooting defencemen in order to improve the team on paper. Appleton has been a serviceable player for the Jets and he has gotten better every year. He played a strong role on the Jets checking line, alongside Adam Lowry and Andrew Copp, for most of last season and saw time on the power play and penalty kill. He may well turn out to be a solid player for the Kraken and the Jets will miss him, but his loss will be easier to swallow than losing DeMelo. Of course, it’s not impossible the Jets will figure out a way to keep both players. When the Vegas Golden Knights joined the NHL in 2018, Cheveldayoff traded the 13th overall pick in the NHL Draft for the 24th overall pick in order to hold on to unprotected defenceman Toby Enstrom. 1190605 Winnipeg Jets

Jets release six-game pre-season schedule, starting with home game against Senators Sept. 26

Ted Wyman

The Winnipeg Jets will play six pre-season games ahead of the 2021-22 NHL season, starting with a home game against the Ottawa Senators on Sept. 26. The Jets will also host the Edmonton Oilers at on Sept. 29, and the Calgary Flames on Oct. 6. They’ll play at Edmonton on Oct. 2, at Vancouver on Oct. 3 and at Calgary on Oct. 8. These will be the first pre-season games for the Jets since September of 2019. There were no pre-season games played ahead of the 2020-21 season, which started several months late because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though nothing is official at this point, it’s believed the Jets will be allowed to have fans — most likely those that are fully vaccinated — back in the seats for the first time since March of 2020, when the pandemic began. The Jets did have 500 fully vaccinated front-line health care workers in the stands for a pair of playoff games in 2021, but games were not accessible to the general public. The Jets will return to the Central Division this coming season after playing in the North (all-Canadian) Division in 2021. Winnipeg went 30- 23-3 in the regular season and finished third in the Canadian Division. The Jets swept the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs but then were swept themselves by the Montreal Canadiens — eventual Cup finalists — in the second round. The full NHL schedule is expected to be released this week. JETS PRESEASON SCHEDULE Sunday, Sept. 26 — Winnipeg vs. Ottawa, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29 — Winnipeg vs. Edmonton, 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 — Winnipeg at Edmonton, 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3 — Winnipeg at Vancouver, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6 — Calgary at Winnipeg, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8 — Winnipeg at Calgary, 8 p.m. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 07.21.2021 1190606 Winnipeg Jets Ates: Here’s an opportunity for us to evaluate Wheeler’s instincts in the long term. Both he and Pronman love Sillinger’s offensive tools but Wheeler in particular admires the way Sillinger can muscle his way to scoring chances, bulldogging his way to dangerous areas with a A Winnipeg Jets guide to the first round of the NHL Draft: Who could fall combination of strength and deft touch. Both prospects experts love to them? Who should they want? Sillinger’s shot from in close and his ability to find seams as a playmaker, projecting a top six role in his future.

The NHL bloodlines are certainly there, with Mike Sillinger for a dad and By Murat Ates Jul 20, 2021 two hockey playing older brothers, Owen and Lukas, for tutelage. The family grew up as part of the Islanders organization, learning to skate with the help of Rick DiPietro and Mike Comrie, but Cole is poised to Winnipeg is not flush with picks heading into the 2021 Draft, nor is the surpass his family members. Pronman has him ranked 18th but Wheeler Jets’ prospect pool the envy of the NHL as it was as recently as 2018. puts him ninth and thinks he could be the steal of this draft. One note: Pronman leaves room for the left-shooting Sillinger to have success Still, this weekend’s entry draft provides all kinds of opportunity. playing the wing instead of down the middle. We all remember Kevin Cheveldayoff’s sprint to the podium to announce Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago-USHL, 5-foot-10 Cole Perfetti’s name last October, delighted that the board had broken just right for the top-five talent to reach Winnipeg at No. 10. Jets scouts Wheeler: “The 57 goals in 59 games (in the USHL regular season and did well to take Ville Heinola at No. 20 in 2019, while David Gustafsson playoffs) are one thing … But his game is also about detail, his — Winnipeg’s first pick, at No. 60, in 2018 — remains an intriguing centre forechecking presence, and his knack for getting to the right place at the with middle-six NHL upside. right time.” Few parts of hockey are more fun than dreaming of the glory that could Pronman: “He’s a strong skater, not elite for a small guy, but good be. enough to be an NHL player. He’s able to create controlled entries with his speed and skill, and make tough plays to his teammates on the For Jets fans, owning just four picks — 18, 50, 82, and 146 — means move.” that joy will have to come from an impressive first-round selection like Perfetti, a late round gem like Connor Hellebuyck was in 2012, or Ates: Matthew Coronato was the USHL Forward of the Year this season perhaps even a pre-draft trade. Seattle expansion looms large this week after leading the league in regular-season and playoff goals. He’s also off and Winnipeg’s ongoing quest for a right-handed defenceman to play to Harvard this fall, where 2018 Jets seventh-rounder Austin Wong with Josh Morrissey looms large along with it. Behind those urgent played in 2019-20 and will presumably play again. concerns is Andrew Copp’s uncertain future; as we sit today, everything is possible for Copp including a long-term contract or a trade in the At 5-foot-10, Coronato’s size will deter some Jets fans but he’s renowned absence of one. for his forechecking presence and tenaciousness. In addition to scoring an incredible number of goals, he killed penalties for Chicago and Any of these moves could impact Winnipeg’s four draft picks. projects to be able to play on both special teams in the NHL. The one move I don’t expect the Jets to make is one that involves its Jesper Wallstedt, G, Lulea-SHL, 6-foot-3 first-round pick. Winnipeg will make that selection, looking to follow Heinola and Perfetti with another gem. The Jets will make the 18th pick Wheeler: “I had nitpicks about recent first-round goalies Spencer Knight on Friday evening, although Arizona’s void first-round pick, due to the and Iaroslav Askarov that I just don’t really have about Wallstedt.” Coyotes’ violation of draft combine regulations in 2019-20, means Pronman: “He makes the right read at a remarkably high frequency, with Winnipeg will make the 17th selection. little unnecessary movement in net. Wallstedt can make a tough save Who will be available when it’s the Jets’ turn to pick? when he needs to and has some lateral quickness, but it often seems like he doesn’t have to adjust his technique much on a given save, especially And who should Winnipeg take? when the puck is in the high-percentage areas.” Our analysis here includes insight from The Athletic’s prospect experts Ates: Between Sweden’s Jesper Wallstedt and the WHL’s Sebastian Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman, plus my own thoughts, a number or Cossa, we might see two goalies go in the first round this season — and two, and some insight gleaned from talking to folks around the NHL. deservedly so, from what the scouting reports say. Wallstedt has started in 22 games for Lulea in Sweden’s top men’s league this season, posting Chaz Lucius, C, U.S. NTDP-USHL, 6-foot-1 a .907 save percentage and earning praise for his compact, efficient Wheeler: “He’s one of the best goal scorers in the draft.” movement and his calm approach to shots from dangerous areas. Projecting goalies takes a bit of witchcraft but we appear to be looking at Pronman: “Lucius is one of the most purely skilled players in the draft, a future NHL starting goaltender here. with elite one-on-one skills and the ability to make defenders miss.” Just don’t expect Winnipeg to take him. The Jets have hit on multiple Ates: To include Chaz Lucius on this list is a little ambitious, given that late-round goalies — Connor Hellebuyck in the fifth round of 2012 chief Lucius is ranked seventh by Pronman and eighth by Wheeler. among them, but Mikhail Berdin (sixth round, 2016) and Arvid Holm (sixth round, 2017) also worthy of celebration. With Hellebuyck starring for the Still, I’ve seen enough mock drafts from enough well-connected people Jets, Berdin a potential future backup, and Holm’s two consecutive that drop into the middle of the first round to present him as an option seasons of excellence in the SHL generating excitement, Winnipeg will here. (Pronman has an excellent track record of predicting teams’ picks likely go back to the late-round well for any goaltending picks it makes and sent him to the Rangers, two spots before Winnipeg, right here.) this year. Of course, the only late-round pick Winnipeg has is in the fifth. Maybe the most superstitious Jets fans will appreciate those There was also Perfetti’s fall, as we mentioned earlier. Hellebuyckian vibes. So let’s allow a little excitement. Why? Lucius goes to the most Fabian Lysell, RW, Lulea-SHL, 5-foot-11 dangeorus areas of the ice and, through a combination of determination and guile, he makes goals happen. Sometimes he scores them himself, Wheeler: “If you were to create a highlight pack for each of the draft’s top using his deceptive shot to beat goalies through any amount of traffic, forwards, Lysell’s would probably be the most impressive.” and sometimes he makes plays for his teammates that other players don’t see. Pronman and Wheeler both see Lucius as a top-six NHL Pronman: “On his best shift, Lysell is using his skill and speed to get scorer who can make hay on the power play and, if a player like that falls, around guys and take pucks to the net, or making tremendous plays with Winnipeg would be obliged to snap him up. pace to his teammates. His physical effort comes and goes off the puck, but with the puck he plays with courage.” Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls-USHL, six-feet Ates: Pronman warns us that Lysell’s individual dominance wanes every Wheeler: “He’s got some of the best hands in the draft and he’s strong once in a while, suggesting that there is some frustration in watching over pucks. So he can beat defenders one-on-one without ever getting Lysell’s effort level fluctuate. Similarly, his size and dazzling, all-offence touched and then when they do bump him, he’s able to shed past and resume may seem redundant if you’re a Jets fan sizing up Winnipeg’s maintain control too.” highest scoring wingers. But Lysell can flat out play, dancing around defenders at top speed or finding changes of pace to make plays his Pronman: “Sillinger is a smart player, who can make seam passes opponents don’t expect. He certainly skates like a modern NHL player consistently and make creative plays due to his great hands and and the variety of ways he attacks the offensive zone are a delight to offensive IQ.” watch (seriously; listen to Wheeler. Look up highlights.) How do you decide which players with Lysell’s scouting report miss out Wheeler: “He’s inventive. He’s a light, fluid skater who changes directions on the NHL and which ones become Kyle Connor? in an instant and beats defenders off of cuts. And his ability as a marksman really can’t be overstated.” ONE PLAYER I EXPECT TO SLIP ON DRAFT DAY IS FABIAN LYSELL. Pronman: “Rosen has impressive speed and is able to make a lot of his THE BUZZ AROUND HIM IS NOT GREAT THESE DAYS. skilled plays through defenders and to teammates while on the move. His AND JUST WATCH A TEAM LIKE CAROLINA OR TAMPA GRAB HIM game has a lot of pace to it, which should translate to higher levels.” LATE ON DAY 1 AND TURN HIM INTO A SERIOUS PLAYER. Ates: Isak Rosen is projected to go in the back half of the first round, — /CAM ROBINSON/ (@HOCKEY_ROBINSON) JULY 15, 2021 meaning Winnipeg may get to size up the undersized Swedish speedster. Rosen has scored at will throughout his junior career but has Sebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton-WHL, 6-foot-6 yet to demonstrate that he can do it against bigger, stronger players in his brief stints in the SHL. Wheeler: “His size, positioning (he does a really good job holding his outside edges to be patient on shots) and reflexes help him block and Zachary Bolduc, C, Rimouski-QMJHL, 6-foot-1 grab a lot of pucks, but it’s his ability to bounce back into his stance or change directions with passes that separates him.” Wheeler: “I think Bolduc has been a little miscast as a scorer. He’s confident attacking off the flank to the slot, and he gets his wrister off in a Pronman: “I love his selective aggressiveness with his positioning, and hurry (though it’s not overpowering), but I think he sees the ice at an how he takes away angles with his size as well as how well he uses his advanced level and plays with good speed as well.” stick to break up a lot of plays.” Pronman: “He doesn’t have the hard, long-range shot, but Bolduc has Ates: Sebastian Cossa is a towering goaltender whose .941 save shown he can score goals and do so by capitalizing on his chances in the percentage led all WHL starters in this shortened season. Goaltending slot and net areas.” may mystify me but scouts like him, Wheeler likes his edges, and Wheeler likes his selective aggressiveness. Cossa may be long gone by Ates: Zachary Bolduc lit it up for a dominant Rimouski team in 2019-20, the time the Jets pick but, once again, don’t expect Winnipeg to take a scoring 30 goals and earning QMJHL Rookie of the Year honours. A goaltender in the first round of this draft. rebuilding Rimouski didn’t offer up as much dominance for Bolduc in 2020-21, but Wheeler likes the 6-foot-1 centre’s point per game Brennan Othmann, LW, Flint-OHL, six-feet sophomore season (10 goals and 29 points in 27 games) for how well he created offence essentially by himself. The big question for both of our Wheeler: “There’s legitimate high-end skill to his game, including prospect experts is Bolduc’s ceiling. Can he become a top-six NHL impressive touch with the puck, a goal scorer’s touch in the way he scorer based on his 30-goal debut in the Q? Or will Bolduc be limited to masks his release with his footwork (it’s an accurate, deceptive shot more of a secondary role? He doesn’t appear to be the kind of centre more than a hard one), and heady spatial awareness inside the offensive who dominates but his intelligence and ability to exploit the opportunities zone.” he’s given impress scouts. Pronman: “He has very quick hands to make plays in small areas and Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan-QMJHL, six-feet beat defenders. He sees the ice well, showing the ability to create offense with his vision. His shot can beat goalies from range and is his Wheeler: “Bourgault’s game doesn’t leap off the ice at you but he’s main weapon.” dangerous in a variety of ways, with a deceptive release that comes off of his blade early in his shooting motion and stance to surprise goalies (off Ates: There is a enough sandpaper in Othmann’s game to make him of either foot or from awkward postures, too) and good playmaking noticeable even when he’s not scoring, although both Wheeler and instincts inside the offensive zone.” Pronman like the way he shoots enough to project scoring into his NHL career. Pronman: “He’s confident, attempting to make difficult dekes and passes and executing at a solid frequency. At higher levels he projects to play on 17 goals and 33 points in 55 games as a 17 year old for Flint in 2019-20 a power play.” was supposed to be Othmann’s springboard into a dominant OHL draft year but the pandemic sent him overseas instead. It’s tough to read too Ates: Xavier Bourgault has put up big numbers in the QMJHL over the much into his 16-point, 34-game performance in Switzerland’s secondary past two seasons, scoring 115 points in his last 97 games. In the junior men’s league but it’s worth noting that projected top-10 pick Mason ranks, he’s a star scorer, second only to Dallas Stars 2020 first-rounder McTavish scored nine goals in just 13 games. Mavrik Bourque on his team. He doesn’t dominate quite enough to project a top-line NHL future or for scouts to be absolutely certain his That said, Othmann’s six points in seven games for Team Canada at the future is at centre as opposed to left wing. While the late first round run U18 tournament came on some standout plays and hint that he can excel on centres may be an opportunity for the Jets to bolster their depth, I against his peers. If he can score like he did for his country, while hitting suspect Bourgault comes off the board sometime after Winnipeg’s pick. like he does wherever he plays, he’s going to be a fun player to watch. Carson Lambos, LHD, Winnipeg-WHL, 6-foot-1 Fedor Svechkov, C, Togliatti-VHL, six-feet Wheeler: “He’s athletic, he’s confident on the attack, he puts himself in a Wheeler: “I don’t like his stride … He’s also not a particularly dynamic lot of transition sequences, he’s sturdy in engagements, his point shot offensive presence. He’s not scary when he’s out there. What he is, pops, and he’s a heady playmaker who is capable of beating the first though, is one of the most complete hockey players in the draft.” layer of pressure to make something happen.” Pronman: “Svechkov can create for his teammates and shows half-wall Pronman: “Lambos has good speed and excellent edges, and is able to playmaking ability to go with the plays he can make at pace. Off the pivot quickly and escape pressure at a high level while staying with fast puck, he’s physical, responsible defensively and killed penalties at the forwards defensively. Lambos is hard to play against and regularly VHL level.” punishes opponents physically.” Ates: From Othmann who didn’t dominate Switzerland’s secondary pro Ates: Carson Lambos gets rave reviews for his ability to attack the league, we go to Svechkov who was a complete player in Russia’s offensive zone from any angle, whether it’s off the rush or by walking the second-tier men’s league (VHL) and a dominant junior in the MHL. His line and finding seams into dangerous areas of the ice. He plays big scouting reports remind me of Winnipeg’s David Gustafsson — a player minutes on the power play, at even strength, and on the penalty kill for who can be trusted with any role and whose offence may be a little bit Winnipeg in the WHL and, while a health issue interrupted his 2021 undersold. Pronman sees a middle-six center whose attention to detail season, all reports are that Lambos is back on track to take the next step and terrific positioning create value whether or not his scoring prowess in his career. My sense is that, as Pronman alludes to in his report, follows him to the next level. Lambos’ offensive skills sometimes overshadow his very real ability to control games in his own zone as well. Yes, the Jets are defence-rich in I can’t help but think this is a player type that Winnipeg could use more terms of prospects but Lambos is an intriguing long-term top-four option of, especially as Adam Lowry and Andrew Copp age out in the coming who has grown up right in Winnipeg’s backyard. years, but there may be more dynamic offensive players on the board when Winnipeg makes its pick. Corson Ceulemans, RHD, Brooks-AJHL, 6-foot-2 Then you look at his 10 points in seven games at the U18 worlds. I may Wheeler: “He’s right-handed. He’s big, and sturdy, and athletic and he be getting fooled by small sample sizes here but give me Selke IQ and uses his heaviness to play a rugged style against the rush and in his own the ability to score and I think the Jets should be all kinds of intrigued. zone along the wall … A bet on Ceulemans is a bet on his raw pro tools.” Isak Rosen, RW, Leksands-SHL, 5-foot-11 Pronman: “Ceulemans is a complete defenseman as a 6-foot-2, right- shot blueliner who is mobile, hard to play against and has offensive ability. At the AJHL level, he showed great one-on-one skill and the ability to move the puck.” Ates: Corson Ceulemans will be coveted for his ability to control the game as a right-handed defenceman who plays up to his size, using aggression and physicality at both ends of the ice. Wheeler warns Ceulemans is a little bit error prone, else he’d be projected much higher than the middle of the first round, while Pronman wonders if his AJHL offence will come with him to the next levels. That said, both evaluators agree that Ceulemans’ toolkit is good enough to imagine a top-four career in the NHL. If only Winnipeg had the best case, fully matured version of this player right now, no? Daniil Chayka, LHD, CSKA-KHL, 6-foot-3 Wheeler: “He’s a long defender whose active stick breaks up a lot of plays in the neutral zone and is comfortable enough with the puck at the offensive-zone blue line that the Russians have used him on power-play units when he has played with his age group” Pronman: “The offense in his game will never be flashy other than his hard point shot, and while I think he’s smart and quick enough to play well at faster paces, his subpar world juniors wasn’t inspiring. With his size and feet, he’ll make enough stops to justify not having a ton of offense.” Ates: Daniil Chayka divides Pronman and Wheeler, providing us with the opportunity for intrigue. Whereas Pronman and most scouting reports have Chayka as a late first-round pick, admiring his size and his ability to use his reach to shut down opposing forwards, Wheeler ranks him 49th. Why? Chayka did impress Wheeler in his MHL and KHL viewings but his underwhelming world juniors peformance (which included a benching), combined with a lacklustre debut in the VHL (Russia’s second tier pro league) left him wanting. The big questions are whether or not Chayka’s puck skills warrant the rave reviews he’s gotten, while Wheeler also wonders if Chayka plays with too long of a stick for his six-foot-three frame. On the positive side of the ledger, Chayka is a very good skater who can make a good first pass. There is nothing spectacular in his game but those attributes alone, combined with Chayka’s size, have value in today’s NHL. The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190607 Vancouver Canucks ponder long and hard about the potential opportunity cost of adding a goalie who is already in his mid-30s.

If Price is snapped up by Seattle, would the Habs become a trade Will Canucks pay a Price? Kraken expansion pick could set off some possibility for Holtby, whether he’s selected as well by the Kraken or dominoes remains in Vancouver? Canadiens star goalie could play the most significant part in the fallout And if Prices goes … over the Seattle Kraken’s decisions at the draft, which goes at 5 p.m. PT If Price does become a Kraken, that would open up a $10.5-million cap Wednesday gap for the Habs.

And that brings us back to the question of Bergevin considering an offer Patrick Johnston sheet for Canucks centre Elias Pettersson. The Canadiens GM did it before, in 2019 to budding Carolina Hurricanes star Sebastian Aho, compelling the Hurricanes to match the offer and keep their top centre. On the surface, the Vancouver Canucks’ expansion draft scenarios seem Bergevin is in an interesting position. His team reached the Stanley Cup pretty straightforward. Final but was overpowered by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Habs need a true No. 1 centre, and Pettersson is clearly that. But you dig a little, and you realize there are a bunch of potential dominoes that could be knocked over, and they mostly lead back to Plus Bergevin could have the aforementioned massive cap space, Carey Price. enough for him to structure a deal in such a way that would allow for him to pitch a salary that the Canucks, who have significant cap issues, After speaking with an assortment of observers around the National would have great difficulty matching. Hockey League, here is how things could play out based on what happens in Wednesday’s Seattle Kraken expansion draft selections. That said, an offer that averages more than $10.276 million per season would see four first-round picks moving from Montreal to Vancouver were The obvious choices the Canucks not to match. There are three likely alternatives from the Canucks’ list: The general The best case and the worst case feeling is the Kraken will most likely select Braden Holtby off the Canucks’ list. While it’s a difficult scenario, the best case for the Canucks would see Holtby drafted by the Kraken. Thatcher Demko is ready to play the bulk But there’s also thought about the upside that Kole Lind brings to the of the schedule next season and with the AHL farm team now down the table — if he finds his way, he could prove to be handy and pesky fourth- road in Abbotsford, there would be ways to get Mike DiPietro a few NHL line winger — might entice the Kraken. starts to further his development while finding a low-cost veteran goalie Or maybe Zack MacEwen, who struggled in 2020-21 but who does have to play the bulk of backup starts. the size, skill and attitude to be a handy 13th forward, could be snagged. The worst case would be him not being selected, since that would keep What about Holtby? the Canucks in a salary cap bind. That said, they could yet find a trading partner, so it’s not that bad. The Braden Holtby who backstopped the Washington Capitals to a Stanley Cup in 2017-18 and won the Vezina in 2015-16 is no more. The OVERTIME — The Canucks announced Tuesday they’ll hold their 2021 Canucks had hoped that he might rediscover some of his previous form training camp at the , Sept. 23 to 25, as well as playing under the coaching of Ian Clark. seven pre-season games, including one in Abbotsford Sept. 27 and a trio at on Oct. 3, 5 and 9. That didn’t quite happen. There were glimpses of Holtby’s old self this past season — think of his performance in the first two games back from Vancouver Province: LOADED: 07.21.2021 the Canucks’ COVID-19 break — but the overall picture underwhelmed. His .889 save percentage this past season was the worst of his career. He’s only got one year left on his contract. Would the Kraken take a look at him, knowing there’s little risk? Or might they flip him to a team that really needs a goalie in the short term, like the Boston Bruins, who have no healthy veteran goalies at the moment, having walked away from Jaro Halák and with out until the new year following hip surgery. Either way, Seattle has sniffed around the veteran goalie. The Price factor Saturday’s surprise out of Montreal that the Canadiens were going to leave their star netminder unprotected was an earthquake. All along the assumption had been that Montreal would leave Jake Allen exposed. Because of his affordable cap hit and generally steady play, Allen surely would have been snapped up by Seattle had he been, so the thinking was that maybe Habs GM Marc Bergevin would be able to make a side deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis that would leave Allen untouched. No one had really considered what ended up playing out. Price, it seems, asked to be left exposed, an intriguing move on his part. Sources suggest that while he’s not desperate to leave Montreal, nonetheless he’s open to a change in scenery if it’s Seattle. His wife is from Kennewick, Wash., where he played junior hockey for the Tri-City Americans. Price is originally from Anahim Lake, though he played his minor hockey about 320 kilometres to the east in Williams Lake. His off-season home is in Kelowna and he and his family spent much of 2020 with his wife’s family in southeastern Washington state. He carries a big price tag — not only are there five years left on his contract, averaging $10.5 million per season, he’s due an $11-million signing bonus in September — so Francis and his staff will have to 1190608 Vancouver Canucks McTavish was tested on several levels last season. The first was finding a place to play and getting there, measuring up against professionals in Switzerland and then meeting expectations at the Under-18 worlds. Canucks, pre-NHL Entry Draft: Multi-tasking Mason McTavish’s game “It was obviously a crazy year and hopefully it (COVID-19) doesn’t has heavy hints of Horvat happen again, but it was a very cool experience for me to go back to where I was born in Switzerland and play professional hockey at such a ‘I love to get to the dirty areas to score goals. I’m not one to shy away young age,” said McTavish. “It really helped me get prepared for the U- from playoff-style hockey,’ says top centre prospect. ‘Just watching the 18s. I would redo that again.” NHL playoffs, those big-bodied guys really pay off’ But maybe not the travel hassles.

“I was in the Montreal airport in mid-November and was supposed to get Ben Kuzma over there (Switzerland) then, but they wouldn’t let me into the county with COVID-related stuff,” recalled McTavish. “We went back home and I also needed a work visa to get over there and I had to be 18 to get that. Mason McTavish is hard to corner on and off the ice. “So, right on my January 30th birthday, I got my visa and the next day I The highly-regarded Ontario Hockey League centre was playing late- way on a plane and in the next couple of days, I was playing a game. It night family chauffeur earlier this week in Ottawa amid a myriad of asks was pretty competitive. They’re older men and they don’t take days off in advance of Friday’s National Hockey League Entry Draft. and take it way more seriously. I learned a lot from those guys.” The only way to connect with the hard-driving and hard-shooting McTavish’s ability to effectively transition from wing to centre also speaks prospect, whose strong two-way and productive game has been to a complete and improving game. He’s not a burner, and there aren’t compared to Bo Horvat, was for the gregarious McTavish to put his many speedy skaters among top 2021 prospects, but maintaining his cellphone on speaker, keep his eyes on the road and keep everybody stride will further aid his playmaking ability. He’s a safe bet to play in the entertained. NHL and become a first-line producer of at least 25 goals annually. McTavish’s methodical multi-tasking skills were impressive, but they go “He’s not suddenly a fantastic skater, but I saw a noticeable improvement to another level on the ice. right from my first viewing of this season,” said HockeyProspect.com scout Mark Edwards. “After seeing that, it was easy to move him up our Adaptability, performance and leadership have vaulted the bull-like list (No. 6) and he backed it up with some outstanding performances.” centre from an 11th-to-14th ranking at midseason to as high as fourth this week on various draft boards. The Vancouver Canucks, who hold the Vancouver Province: LOADED: 07.21.2021 ninth overall selection Friday, are obviously attracted to the old-school McTavish because the 6-foot, 198-pound bowling ball can run up the score by running hot and hard to the net. The Canucks like him, but will he still be there? Probably not, but you never know. The consensus is that after the dynamic University of Michigan duo of defenceman Owen Power and winger Matthew Beniers become the first two selections, respectively, the next six picks are interchangeable. And if roster need trumps the customary best-available-player drafting mantra, then the drama could build. As for McTavish, there’s a lot to like. “For me, it’s getting to the net and kind of taking care of my own end first with a two-way responsibility,” he said. “I love to get to the dirty areas to score goals. I’m not one to shy away from playoff-style hockey. Just watching the NHL playoffs, those big-bodied guys really pay off. “I love to compete against anybody and I don’t really back down from anyone. I’m a super competitive person and my brother (Darian) and dad (former NHL and international player Dale) play a little bit of a factor in that. We’d always compete in everything. “I just want to be hard to play against and you don’t want them to say: ‘Oh, he was easy to play against.’ Or, ‘He was fun to play against.’ I don’t like to make it easy on guys.” Kind of sounds like Horvat. “He works really hard and takes pride in his two-way ability,” McTavish said of the Canucks’ captain. “A terrific player and I have a lot of work to do, but hopefully I can have a similar career to that. Definitely somebody to look up to.” McTavish was at his best in the Under-18 world championship tournament in May at Frisco, Texas. He had 11 points (5-6) in seven games for gold-medal winning Canada to cement his first-round draft status. After 42 points in (29-13) in 57 games with the Peterborough Petes in 2019-20, followed by the COVID-19 suspension of OHL games, he was loaned to Olten EHC of the second division Swiss league and responded with 11 points (9-2) in 13 outings. “He’s a big, strong kid and protects the puck well and has a real good release on his shot,” said Canucks general manager Jim Benning. “He’s got the physical skills to take the puck to the net and looked like one of the leaders of that Canadian team. He has a lot of good things going for him. “We’re looking for character people and we want them to be good players, but we also want them to have the right values and habits.” 1190609 Vancouver Canucks

Abbotsford to host 2021 Vancouver Canucks training camp The Canucks also confirmed a seven-game pre-season schedule.

Patrick Johnston

The Vancouver Canucks are already taking full advantage of their new secondary base in the Fraser Valley. Just under a month after they made their deal to base their AHL team at the Abbotsford Centre official and less and than a week after they confirmed their relocated AHL team would be known as the Abbotsford Canucks, the NHL team confirmed Tuesday they are hosting their 2021 training camp in the Fraser Valley city. The team also confirmed a seven-game pre-season schedule. The Canucks will base themselves at the Abbotsford Centre for three days in late September, from Sept. 23 to 25, before beginning their pre- season schedule Sept. 26 in Spokane, Wash., against the expansion team Seattle Kraken. They’ll return to Abbotsford Sept. 27 to play the Calgary Flames at the Abbotsford Centre — the second full pre-season in a row they’ve played in Abbotsford, following a game in 2019 against the Ottawa Senators — before making a hop over the Rockies to face the Flames in Calgary Oct. 1. The Abbotsford home game will be the third time in the last four years the Canucks have played an exhibition game in another B.C. city, as they hosted the Flames in Victoria to open their 2018 pre-season schedule. The Canucks will return to Vancouver for two home games at Rogers Arena, Oct. 3 vs. Seattle and Oct. 5 vs. the Winnipeg Jets, before finishing their exhibition schedule with a series against the Edmonton Oilers, Oct. 7 in the Alberta capital and then Oct. 9 back at Rogers Arena. The team hopes to be able to host fans both in Abbotsford and at Rogers Arena. If the NHL follows its pattern from past seasons, the NHL regular season will kick off the following Wednesday, though it’s not yet known when the Canucks will open the 2021-22 NHL season. In facing Seattle on Sept. 27, the Canucks will mark the third time in their history that they’ve played in an expansion opponent’s inaugural pre- season game, as they welcomed the San Jose Sharks into action in 1991 and more recently the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017. The Canucks confirmed last month that, unfortunately, despite previous hopes to revive the Young Stars Classic in Penticton in September, the prospects tournament will not take place this season. The team hopes the popular event, which was last played in September 2018, will be able to return in 2022. 2021-22 CANUCKS PRE-SEASON GAME SCHEDULE (all times PT) Sunday, Sept. 26 at 6:00 PM at Seattle (Spokane) Monday, Sept. 27 at 7:00 PM vs. Calgary (Abbotsford) Friday, Oct. 1 at 7:00 PM at Calgary Sunday, Oct. 3 at 4:00 PM vs. Winnipeg Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 7:00 PM vs. Seattle Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7:00 PM at Edmonton Saturday, Oct. 9 at 6:00 PM vs. Edmonton Vancouver Province: LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190610 Vancouver Canucks example of it in the last highlight reel end-to-end rush, but here’s another on the rebound. Notice how much elevation he gets on the puck in such a tight space. Canucks draft options at No. 9: Why Kent Johnson would be a slam dunk Video courtesy of Prospect Film Room pick, which defender could fall and more Of course, Johnson isn’t without his flaws or risks. Otherwise, he’d be going No. 1. By Harman Dayal Jul 20, 2021 For starters, while he was a centre in the BCHL, he was shifted to the wing in the NCAA, and that’s where he projects in the NHL. A big reason for that is his wiry frame that lacks strength; he’s listed at just 165 pounds despite being 6-foot-1. I’m a firm believer that you should swing for the fences when drafting in the top 10. There’s also the matter of his straight-line skating, which lacks explosiveness. Some scouts look at the combination of his frame and the You can find a middle-of-the-lineup third-line centre, middle-six winger or lacking top gear in his skating and wonder whether he’ll be able to steady No. 4-5 defenceman on the trade or free-agency market. But what translate his offensive toolkit at the highest level. Others are confident you can’t externally source with ease is elite, top-of-the-lineup talent. So that he can overcome it, insisting that he’s elusive and has never relied that’s precisely what teams should be aiming for every time they step on top-end skating to create scoring chances. onto the podium with a lottery pick. “We’ve had some guys that question his skating, but I don’t,” one NHL That ambitious philosophy tracks with two of the Canucks’ biggest first- scout said in The Athletic’s scouts poll. “For me, he’s not a burner, but for round successes of the Jim Benning era, Elias Pettersson and Quinn him, it’s deception, control of the puck. He makes time and space all over Hughes. Both had question marks surrounding their size and how they’d the ice. He makes others around him better, he’s dangerous all the time. handle the physical rigours of NHL hockey, but Vancouver bet on their I think the sky’s the limit with him.” unique skill sets and uber-high ceilings, and the rest is history. The other yellow flag is that Johnson does have a tendency to try to do In an examination of some of the Canucks’ potential draft options at No. too much. His creativity and knack for holding on to the puck can be a 9, one name stands above the rest if the club wants to target pure blessing for offence, but in other situations, he forgoes the simple play upside: Kent Johnson. The University of Michigan forward is expected to when it’s sometimes the right one. This concern is something that time go toward the tail end of the top 10 and offers numerous traits that should and good development should be able to iron out given how smart a make him an attractive candidate for Vancouver’s pick. player Johnson is. Johnson’s best assets are how he processes the game with his brain and There’s definitely risk with Johnson’s projection for some of the reasons how he executes tight maneuvers with his exceptional hands. He loves to mentioned, but he’s one of the rare players in this draft class who have hang on to the puck, absorb pressure with a very high panic threshold, the ceiling to be a dynamic first-line talent. I’d bet on that skill level at No. then dish out to his teammates with the space he’s created. The level of 9, especially when one considers how obsessive he is at working on his finesse and offensive creativity that Johnson boasts is frankly game. Johnson’s massive upside, coupled with his character and drive, incomparable with every other forward in this draft class. is worth the roll of the dice for the Canucks if he’s available to them. First, let’s highlight his excellent vision and how it powers his creativity. Which defender could fall to the Canucks? The best playmakers in hockey have an innate sense of where their teammates are and can go against the grain with their passes. It’s what There are nine skaters — Owen Power, Matthew Beniers, William makes them unpredictable — a tendency that consistently stands out Eklund, Dylan Guenther, Simon Edvinsson, Brandt Clarke, Luke Hughes, with Johnson. Check out this power-play clip in which he wins a loose Mason MacTavish and Kent Johnson — shaping up to form the top tier puck, then instinctively wheels it around onto his backhand to fire a no- heading into the draft. The Canucks, who are situated at No. 9, will have look pass into the slot and kick-start a gorgeous tic-tac-toe goal. a shot at whoever remains. This means their first-round selection should be relatively straightforward: Just take whoever drops. Johnson won’t make the first play that opens up to him, as most players do. He’s scanning for the most dangerous option on the ice. This is what Johnson is one of the likelier names to be available. MacTavish would sets him apart. He’s unafraid to hang on to the puck for long stretches to normally be expected to go around where Vancouver’s slotted to pick, execute the play he sees developing two or three steps ahead. but his stock has surged to the point that he may very well come off the board earlier than anticipated. Perhaps a surprise forward like Eklund In transition, he’s very comfortable carrying the puck to lead zone exits drops. and offensive zone entries. Johnson doesn’t need a ton of open ice to create offence. He’s able to leverage his hockey sense and hands to On the back end, there isn’t a whole lot of consensus beyond Power, the make plays through layers of traffic at top speeds. Below is a play that favourite to go No. 1. Three defencemen — Hughes, Clarke and exemplifies his patience and vision. Johnson begins the zone entry in a Edvinsson — project to go in the top 10. non-threatening two-on-three situation. Johnson recognizes that he needs to wait for support, so he brakes and slows down his pace to allow Which one of the three might fall to Vancouver? It could honestly be any support to arrive. Then, when he identifies Owen Power jumping up as of them because the draft is wide open after Power, but some are less the trailer, he pulls off a drag move to create separation and sauces a likely to slip than others. perfect pass into the high slot. Bob McKenzie’s annual ranking at TSN, which polls NHL scouts, has The brain is his processor that identifies dangerous seams and spawns historically been the most accurate at predicting draft orders. It’s his creativity, and the hands allow him to make the shifty maneuvers to fascinating to note that Edvinsson rose all the way to being the No. 3 actually execute those plays. This dynamic offensive package powered prospect in McKenzie’s final ranking. He’s a late riser and might go Johnson to 27 points in 26 games as a freshman in the NCAA. On some earlier than expected. That might not be a bad thing for the Canucks. occasions, it led to moments of magic like this. While Edvinsson has robust physical tools with his size and skating, the NHL scouts we’ve spoken with have concerns about his hockey sense, “It’s hard for me to give an honest assessment of the other players, but I skill level and overall ceiling. would have a hard time believing there’s anybody more skilled offensively than Kent Johnson in this draft,” University of Michigan Clarke and Hughes slid to seventh and eighth in McKenzie’s ranking, associate coach Bill Muckalt told colleague Scott Wheeler. which is much closer to where the Canucks pick. One league source insisted, however, that he believes Hughes will be gone before the ninth “The shit he does offensively, you only see it once every four or five pick and that it’s Clarke who’s more likely to be there for Vancouver. years. But he’s physically the least mature of our freshmen as far as our strength, and he’s playing against guys some nights that are 7 to 8 years Hughes’ status will be very interesting to watch. Maybe he doesn’t fall all older, so it makes it difficult on him. the way to No. 9, but would Vancouver be tempted to trade up a spot or two to take him if he slips to No. 7 or 8? New Jersey’s decision at No. 4 “But he does highlight-reel stuff. Where (Matt) Beniers has this motor that could be the big tell on Hughes. is just 200 feet, Kent is more artistic and creative and more high-risk. But he’s going to be like an (Elias) Pettersson or a (Patrick) Kane. … Kent’s It isn’t surprising that Clarke is emerging as something of a wild card elusive. He’s special. He’s really slippery. And if we let him on the ice for because he’s been one of the most polarizing prospects in the top 10. 10 hours a day, he’d be on the ice for 10 hours a day.” The ones who believe in him are extremely bullish on his ceiling — one NHL scout we polled in June had him rated as the top defenceman in the Johnson isn’t the natural goal-scoring type — he’s definitely more of a class, ahead of Power. That kind of favourable view isn’t too surprising setup man — but he does own a deadly backhander. We saw one considering his top-notch hockey sense and offensive ability. But that optimism is countered by a healthy number of skeptics who share concerns about not just Clarke’s skating but also whether his unique style of play can effectively translate to the NHL. Many fans look at Clarke’s handedness and figure he’d be the perfect fit for the Canucks, but when you break his game down, he really isn’t the cleanest stylistic fit for Vancouver’s blue line. Clarke plays an aggressive, unorthodox rover style. He’s a clear offensive defenceman, and some believe he needs to run a power play to be worth a top-10 selection. That, of course, isn’t the ideal stylistic complement if one projects Quinn Hughes and Jack Rathbone as two rover-style offensive defencemen in Vancouver’s future top four who can already run the power play. This doesn’t mean, however, that the Canucks should pass on Clarke, because he’ll probably be the best player available if he falls to No. 9. He’s an electric talent with a really high ceiling, and there’s no need for the Canucks to overthink their way out of drafting a right-handed defenceman with Clarke’s potential. It’s just worth keeping in mind that he isn’t the perfect fit many will assume him to be when looking at his handedness. Will someone take a goalie and introduce multiple options for the Canucks? We mentioned in the last section that there’s a consistent group of nine skaters who are being sorted into a top tier by many in the industry. The one scenario that could throw a wrench into this is if someone ahead of the Canucks grabs a goalie. Would Detroit at No. 6 or San Jose at No. 7, for example, be interested in Jesper Wallstedt or Sebastian Cossa? This would give the Canucks not one but two potential players to select from that first tier of nine skaters. Maybe that’d mean Vancouver can make its own choice between, say, Clarke and Johnson instead of taking the leftover. Then, all of a sudden, the Canucks would have multiple options without having to go off the board. It’d be interesting to see how Vancouver would handle a potential decision between a forward and a defenceman. Personally, I see enough question marks in each of Edvinsson, Hughes and Clarke’s games that I’d probably see a forward like Johnson or MacTavish as the best player available over the three defencemen. The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190611 Websites titles since 2014, so if the every-other-year cadence holds, the next version should come in 2022.

While known for console games, Electronic Arts’ core business strategy The Athletic / EA Sports has new titles coming amid sustained demand in recent years has been to expand its modest mobile game offerings. for next-gen consoles and games Over the past several months, it has spent billions of dollars to acquire game developers.

Here are the acquisitions: By Bill Shea Jul 20, 2021 • EA paid $1.2 billion in February for British game developer Codemasters Software Company Ltd., which took over the Formula One racing game series in 2009 from EA (which launched the game in 2000). EA Sports unquestionably dominates the sports video game market, having sold hundreds of millions of its FIFA and Madden and other • It paid $2.4 billion in April for San Francisco-based game maker Glu franchises over the decades. Mobile, which makes the MLB Tap Sports franchise and claims 45 million downloads. The pandemic accelerated video-game play and sales of games and consoles globally, and the Electronic Arts sports division was among the • In May, EA paid an undisclosed amount for Canadian game developer industry’s major beneficiaries. Metalhead Software, maker of the arcade-style “Super Mega Baseball” since 2014 — which means Electronic Arts has a baseball game for the While the COVID-19 crisis continues, global mass vaccination efforts first time since “MVP 07: NCAA Baseball” in 2007. It last had a licensed have helped return a sense of normalcy. People are going back to their MLB game in 2005. jobs and traveling again — but they’re also still buying and playing video games and systems at a record pace. • In June, EA bought mobile studio Playdemic, maker of Golf Clash, from Warner Media for $1.4 billion in cash. EA Sports has signaled that it expects the video game-playing (and buying) trend to continue. Buying mobile game developers is a catch-up strategy for Electronic Arts, one that existed before the pandemic. “We’ve had an unprecedented year,” Andrea Hopelain, the company’s senior vice president of global brand management, said in a call this “As a company, our acquisitions and those type of choices weren’t driven week with The Athletic as part of the company’s media promotion for its by the pandemic,” Hopelain said. “Our strategy hasn’t fundamentally EA Play Live summer showcase on Thursday. changed.” She said 230 million players have engaged with EA Sports games and While game sales are important for EA’s bottom line, live services content over the past year, and that number is expected to grow in generate most of the company’s money. What are live services? All the coming years. Helping drive that engagement is the FIFA soccer content and perks sold to players within games along with subscriptions, franchise that Hopelain said had 100 million players last year, including esports, advertising, etc. 20 million in the Ultimate Team mode, representing 180 percent growth in matches. “We’ve continued to focus on our live services, connecting fans to the real world of sports,” Hopelain said. EA Sports also has seen year-over-year user growth with its NHL and UFC game titles, she said. Game sales revenue for Electronic Arts as a whole — not just EA Sports — actually fell last year as revenue overall went up. For the company’s “We had success across the portfolio,” Hopelain said. “We’ve seen a ton fiscal year that ended March 31, EA reported $5.63 billion in net revenue: of growth and are not seeing that slow.” $1.6 billion in game sales and more than $4 billion in live services. Some of the forecasted user growth will come with the pending release of The year before, net revenue was $5.54 billion: $1.9 billion in game sales the company’s two bread-and-butter titles: Madden 22 hits store shelves and $3.65 billion in live services. on Aug. 20, and FIFA 22 arrives Oct. 1. Without getting too deeply into the nuances of annual report financials, These latest iterations boast new features such as the more realistic EA’s $6.19 billion in total revenue last year was the most in company “hypermotion” technology intended to make all of the players in the pitch history and $640 million more than expected, said Blake Jorgensen, EA’s in a FIFA match visually perform more realistically — and with embedded CFO and COO, on the fourth-quarter earnings call in May. machine learning to write new motion-capture animations as the game progresses, Hopelain said. Of that, $4.6 billion was live services. And in Madden 22, the fresh selling points include unique NFL stadium “To give some perspective, that $4.6 billion is equivalent to the sale of attributes that affect momentum, AI-driven next-gen stats and fan- around 130 million copies of console games. Digital represents 62 requested advanced scouting in franchise mode, she said. percent of our full game units sold in fiscal 2021 for consoles, up 13 percentage points from last year,” Jorgensen said, per a transcript of the Will those new features drive new sales? Time will tell, but both games call. have large, devoted followings. FIFA has reportedly sold more than 325 million copies since its 1993 launch, while Madden is at more than 130 A major chunk of that came outside of the sports division, primarily from million units moved since its 1988 debut. the Apex Legends franchise that’s a first-person shooter/battle royale game. EA got $600 million from that game last year, well beyond the The EA Sports title many gamers are keen for is the resurrected college prediction of up to $400 million. football game, which the company announced in February would return, but it didn’t provide a timeframe or details. The company hasn’t said Total U.S. video game and game content sales in the second quarter this much since, even with the college NIL rights developments, so fans of year totaled $12.56 billion, up from $12.32 billion in 2020 and $8.44 the game are left to speculate. billion in 2019, per data from industry analysts The NPD Group. Hopelain had little to offer except that that EA development team “is EA Sports and other game developers are hampered by the pandemic’s working hard on building a great game” and the company is “steadfast effect on production and retail delivery of the newest game consoles. and committed to deliver the most authentic college football game we Last year, the industry’s primary rivals released the so-called Gen 5 can deliver.” machines just before the holidays, but they struggled to meet demand because of how the pandemic slowed manufacturing and global shipping. An update on the game’s development should happen “soon,” she said, without defining “soon.” While the manufactures rarely release data, estimates are that Sony has sold 9.75 million PlayStation 5 units and Microsoft has sold 5.82 million Also in the development pipeline is a new PGA Tour game scheduled to Xbox Series X/S consoles. arrive in spring 2022. It will be EA Sports’ first golf game since 2015 and will be the first golf game to include all four major championships. The By contrast, global sales of the PlayStation 2 released in 2000 topped Masters will be on the cover. Tiger Woods, who was the face of EA’s golf 157 million units, while the Xbox 360 that debuted in 2005 sold more than franchise from 1998 to 2013, partnered in March with rival game maker 85 million worldwide. 2K for a new golf game franchise. When asked about the console delays and the effect on game sales, Two other notable EA Sports titles — NHL and UFC — were last Hopelain deferred to the manufacturers. released within a couple of days of each other in October 2020. Hopelain “We continue to focus on building for the best available technology said there will be news soon on the next NHL game, but there is “no possible, which includes the Gen 5 consoles,” she said. groundwork” yet on the next UFC game. EA has published four UFC Mat Piscatella, the top video game industry analyst at The NPD Group, said that console hardware sales were up 45 percent in the first half of 2021 compared with the same period last year (which was far less affected by the pandemic). The PS5 is the clear sales champion, but Xbox isn’t doing badly. The PS5’s first eight months of retail sales are the best for any console in history over the same amount of time, Piscatella said, while June Xbox sales were the best in that game system since the brand’s 2001 launch. “Hardware sales continue to rock and roll,” he said via email. “What started as a boost from pandemic-related changes to consumer behavior has transitioned into next generation ramp. However, manufacturers are still not able to satiate consumer demand due to the component shortages impacting everything from laptops to cars, along with logistics challenges.” Here are the video game hardware sales in the second quarter, per NPD: 2019: $541 million 2020: $842 million 2021: $941 million Clearly, gamers buy consoles when new systems are available, and console supply eventually will meet demand. The video game industry is healthy overall. “It appears the video game market attracted more players last year, and incentivized players to play for more hours, and it is likely that the market is holding onto that audience and increased play, at least so far,” Piscatella said. The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190612 Websites The Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, who own Mailloux’s rights, released the following statement Friday: “The London Knights became aware of a situation involving Logan Mailloux that occurred when he was loaned from the team and playing in Sweden during the The Athletic / Woman victimized by NHL prospect in Sweden: ‘All I pandemic. It is our understanding that the situation has been resolved in wanted was a heartfelt apology’ Sweden and the player has apologized. Team staff are working with Logan, ensuring that he is accessing the supports that are in place to help him better understand his actions, the ramifications of his actions By Katie Strang and Corey Pronman Jul 20, 2021 and ensuring that this does not happen again. The team and the (Ontario Hockey) League will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

Daily Faceoff reported that team owner Mark Hunter “has endorsed (Editor’s note: One hour after this story was published, Logan Mailloux Mailloux’s talent and character to NHL teams.” announced that he was renouncing himself from the 2021 NHL Draft. “The NHL Draft should be one of the most exciting landmark moments of OHL Commissioner David Branch, when reached via email, responded: a player’s career, and given the circumstances I don’t feel I have “The League is aware of the troubling incident involving Logan Mailloux demonstrated strong enough maturity or character to earn that privilege that occurred when he was on loan and playing in Sweden. In terms of in the 2021 Draft,” Mailloux wrote in a statement.) the coming season, we are in touch with the London Knights and we will continue to keep a close eye on the situation.” The woman who was victimized by NHL Draft prospect Logan Mailloux, who had a photo of her performing a sex act taken without her consent Several scouts and front office personnel have related the discussion and circulated by Mailloux among some teammates, said she hasn’t over whether to draft Mailloux to the deliberations related to Mitchell forgiven Mailloux because she doesn’t believe he has shown remorse for Miller, a 2020 selection of the Arizona Coyotes. Miller was convicted in what he did. juvenile court of bullying and abusing a Black developmentally disabled classmate (including the use of racial slurs). Miller, who was 13 at the “I do not think that Logan has understood the seriousness of his time, also forced the classmate to eat a piece of candy that had been in a behavior,” said the woman in an email. urinal. The incident happened on Nov. 7, 2020, shortly after Mailloux arrived to Teams that asked Miller about the incident before the draft felt he did not play for SK Lejon in the northern Swedish town of Skelleftea. In show the appropriate level of remorse or take responsibility for what he December, he was issued a summary fine, akin to a conviction in did. Still, the Arizona Coyotes selected Miller 111th overall. That proved Swedish court, for “Kränkande fotografering” (offensive photography to be a catastrophe for the organization and sparked months of internal constituting an invasion of privacy) and “Förtal” (defamation). finger-pointing and external blowback. Arizona renounced Miller’s rights, and the NHLPA and NHL reached an agreement last year to grant The woman said she asked that Mailloux send her a sincere apology in Arizona’s request to remove Miller from its reserve list. Miller did not play written form because she did not want to meet with him in person. She anywhere last season; he attended camp with one USHL team last said she received “a text that was no longer than three sentences.” month. “All I wanted was a heartfelt apology for his behavior,” the woman wrote “Hopefully some teams have learned their lesson,” one scout said. to The Athletic. The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 The woman felt that Mailloux’s subsequent attempts to apologize were done at the behest of team officials and the court. SK Lejon’s hockey director, Lars Westermark, has not responded to calls and text messages when asked for comment about how the club handled the situation (Westermark was also, at the time, the chief of area police). Dylan Liptrap, one of Mailloux’s agents, referred back to Mailloux’s original statement on the matter when asked for comment. In a later text exchange, Liptrap offered to provide context on the situation but stipulated that the information could only be used off the record and couldn’t be shared with anyone. Informed that The Athletic was looking for on-the-record information only, Liptrap wrote ”sounds like the motivation here is very clear.” He added that he wanted to provide off- the-record context before “the angry cancel culture mob gets (Mailloux) in its grasp.” In a Daily Faceoff report, Mailloux was quoted as telling Swedish police investigators that he believed the woman wanted to “ruin his life.” Multiple sources told The Athletic that in interviews with some NHL teams, Mailloux has portrayed the woman as vindictive. “Logan says that I want to ruin his career. I have never said that. All I have wanted is to get justice for the actions he has taken against me,” the woman wrote. “If his actions ruin his career, it’s up to him. It’s not my fault.” The Daily Faceoff report included this from Mailloux: “Personally, this is a huge mistake I’ve made. A stupid, childish mistake … I was selfish. I want the victim and her family to know how sincerely sorry I am and how remorseful I am. I know now how it can affect their family. I regret doing it, but there is nothing I can do about that now. I hope they can forgive me one day.” The Athletic has identified at least 11 teams that have dropped Mailloux’s name from their draft board despite his considerable talent. Other teams have expressed reservations about selecting the 18-year-old Mailloux despite the fact that he is ranked as the 23rd North American skater by NHL’s Central Scouting Service. TSN’s Bob McKenzie, in his annual pre- draft rankings list based on a survey of 10 NHL scouts, listed him at No. 35. Some organizations have not ruled out drafting Mailloux. Some front offices have deferred that decision to ownership. According to the Daily Faceoff report, one team said they would consider picking him in “the right spot,” while another was conducting a risk assessment on drafting Mailloux. 1190613 Websites The Blackhawks are still very much in rebuilding mode, and with nearly all of their primary prospects graduating to the NHL last season, they can ill-afford to sacrifice the No. 12 pick in a win-now move. That said, if they go after Seth Jones on the trade market, they might have no choice. - The Athletic / Will any NHL team trade their first-round draft pick? Mark Lazerus The Blackhawks are still largely focused on building their talent pool back. They need as many top-15 picks as they can get. -Scott Powers By The Athletic NHL Staff Jul 20, 2021 Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche are in win-now mode. Joe Sakic won’t make any rash One of the topics that is always fun to debate ahead of the NHL Draft is decisions, but if he sees an opportunity to upgrade at a position of need, whether a team will use their first-round pick to make a blockbuster trade. he’ll be unafraid to pounce. The team tries to build through the draft, Will we see the Rangers or Blackhawks send away their picks as part of though, so the offer would have to be right. -Peter Baugh a package for Jack Eichel? Are the Flyers going to gamble with the No. Los Angeles Kings 14 pick to upgrade their current roster? Will any of the six teams without a first-round pick look to get back in the mix? The Kings have a lot of prospects in the pipeline and are looking to add NHL-ready players. -Lisa Dillman If you ask The Athletic’s Corey Pronman, he will tell you no one ever trades their first-round pick at this point. And, yes, he’s right. It almost Montreal Canadiens never happens. But it does happen occasionally, and we are ready for the possibility. So we asked every NHL writer to answer how likely it is The Canadiens have stockpiled draft picks for three years now and that the team they cover will trade their first-round pick. suddenly find themselves at the bottom of the first round of this draft. If they can upgrade the current roster by flipping that first-round pick, they (Editor’s note: Tier names were edited by a skeptical prospects writer.) surely will not hesitate. -Arpon Basu That pick is gone (but not really) St. Louis Blues New York Rangers Blues Doug Armstrong has not shied away from dealing first-rounders in the past to improve his team. He sent two of them to Philadelphia in 2017 The Rangers have stockpiled prospects for four years running and need to get Brayden Schenn. With the Blues in win-now mode, he might strike to fill some holes toward the late stages of their rebuild. A first-rounder is again, but with the team’s prospect pool in need of some replenishing, a always a great asset in pre-draft deals. And at No. 16, they won’t get a case could be made for keeping the pick. -Jeremy Rutherford player who can help anytime soon. -Rick Carpiniello Vegas Golden Knights There’s a really good chance they consider a trade (but not really) The Golden Knights have very little cap space to work with, so I could Columbus Blue Jackets certainly see them dealing picks this offseason to help open some room. They have three of them. The No. 5 pick is not likely to go anywhere, I don’t feel anything is obvious, but there’s certainly a possibility, unless they trade it as part of a package to move up in the draft order. I especially with how aggressive Vegas has been over the last couple suspect they’ll be aggressive with No. 25 and No. 32, not to acquire offseasons. -Jesse Granger veteran NHL players, but to accommodate other moves. -Aaron Portzline GM says he’s listening (but he’s really not) Carolina Hurricanes Boston Bruins The Canes could package their late first-round pick into a deal for more The Bruins have traded two of their last four first-round picks. They need scoring up front. They don’t have a top 10 pick and they are trying to win high-end talent. -Fluto Shinzawa now. But this is an organization that always strives for homegrown talent, so it’s not a guarantee. -Sara Civian Detroit Red Wings Minnesota Wild Don’t expect Detroit to deal the No. 6 selection, but with two picks in the first round, the Red Wings are at least in position to listen on No. 23 if the They have two, so they could package both to move up or use one in a right young player becomes available via trade. Most likely, though, trade, perhaps to dictate which player Seattle takes in the expansion they’ll sit tight and pick at both spots. -Max Bultman draft. -Michael Russo Edmonton Oilers Philadelphia Flyers There are a couple scenarios where Oilers GM Ken Holland could trade The Flyers want to be aggressive this summer, and their first-round pick the first-round pick: for a talented player (top-six forward) with term or to (No. 14) is one of their key trade chips, particularly when it comes to move down in the draft. Acquiring a star player would almost certainly potentially adding a top-pair defenseman. It’s not a certainty that they’ll require more than just the pick and the Oilers don’t have many assets move the pick — and they certainly won’t give it away — but they’re they’re willing to trade that other teams would likely want. The Oilers absolutely open to doing so, and that combined with their desire to make aren’t scheduled to select again until the fourth round, so sliding back a big moves means it’s fairly likely the pick gets dealt. -Charlie O’Connor few spots from No. 20 and getting another pick is possible. Out of the first They are listening (but it won’t happen) round? Probably not. -Daniel Nugent-Bowman Anaheim Ducks Nashville Predators With someone like Eichel on the market at his age and talent level along The Predators appeared headed for a reset after years of with him already signed to a long-term contract, it makes sense for the disappointment. They have traded enough first-round picks in chasing Ducks to take a serious look at him. They badly need an offensive star. the Stanley Cup over the past several seasons, and now is not the time Eichel is someone they could pair with Trevor Zegras to have a dynamic to do so. -Adam Vingan one-two punch atop the center chart. The herniated disc in his neck and New Jersey Devils possible surgery to correct it is a big issue. But if the Ducks are convinced that the 24-year-old is going to be healthy with or without the The Devils have two first-round picks. While the first one (No. 4) is surgery, I think they’d definitely put the No. 3 pick in a package to get unlikely to move, the second (No. 29) could help New Jersey land a him. -Eric Stephens player who can help expedite the end of the rebuilding project faster than any draft prospect at that slot could. -Corey Masisak Calgary Flames Ottawa Senators After graduating so many players out of their farm system to the NHL the last few years (like Dillon Dube, Andrew Mangiapane and Rasmus I’d still list this as highly unlikely that Ottawa moves the No. 10 pick. They Andersson), the Flames would do well to continue to add top-end talent are still in the final stages of their rebuild and adding another valuable through the draft. However, GM Brad Treliving could have his hand in young asset seems like a smarter route than trading the pick for many pots this summer as he looks to right the ship. And the first-round immediate help. -Ian Mendes pick could be a strong trade chip for the right player. -Hailey Salvian Seattle Kraken Chicago Blackhawks Kraken GM Ron Francis has said they are not against trading their first- Tampa Bay Lightning round pick. But it would take something substantial in order for them to part with the No. 2 selection. -Ryan S. Clark The Lightning traded their pick to Columbus to land David Savard at the deadline. But there’s a chance they can acquire one by dealing one of Vancouver Canucks their veteran forwards before the draft in an effort to clear cap space. - Joe Smith The Canucks didn’t make a pick until the third round in 2020, and just don’t have enough in the system to deal the No. 9 pick, unless the return Washington Capitals is absolutely mammoth (young, cost-controlled, star-level player). Additionally, the Canucks are among a group of teams that do like the The Caps dealt their pick to Detroit along with Jakub Vrana and Richard top end of the 2021 class. They think they’ll get a player at No. 9, so it Panik in the deal that brought Anthony Mantha to D.C. But that doesn’t will take a lot to get them to sacrifice that opportunity. -Thomas Drance mean GM Brian MacLellan won’t look to acquire one. The Caps find themselves in a weird spot these days. As long as Alex Ovechkin, The timing of a move to trade Vancouver’s first-round pick feels off. The Nicklas Backstrom and company (and the rest of a star-studded but Canucks didn’t draft until Round 3 in 2020, they appear to like this year’s aging core) remain on the roster, MacLellan must attempt to prop open amateur class and there are logistical challenges cap-wise if they want to the window. When MacLellan peers through it, however, he can see a move the No. 9 pick for an expensive, high-end player. -Harman Dayal rebuild in the not-too-far distance. -Tarik El-Bashir No, seriously, no one trades their first-round pick The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 Buffalo Sabres With two last-place finishes in the past four years — and three in five possibly on the way — the Sabres need all the talent they can acquire. Turning down this year’s best prospect is not the ideal way to rebuild. The No. 1 pick has a chance to be a cornerstone who finally (finally!) helps turn the franchise around. When the draft starts, it will be the Sabres who start it. -John Vogl Dallas Stars At the 2021 trade deadline, general manager Jim Nill spoke about the high priority he placed on this year’s draft picks after he traded away many in recent years. Nill’s approach is to build a team that has a chance for success in the present but also resources for the future and the Stars’ system can use some replenishing. -Saad Yousuf Florida Panthers Florida GM Bill Zito is walking the line between pushing this Panthers team into contention and ensuring this long-suffering franchise is in the hunt every year. In short, the mantra in South Florida is win now and win often, so that means holding on to first-round picks. -Scott Burnside San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson made it clear before the trade deadline that the Sharks’ first-round pick was off the table in any trade talks, and now that it’s come in at No. 7, that’s especially true. The Sharks haven’t picked this high since 2003, and their system could desperately use another high-end prospect. If Wilson’s planned “reset” has any chance at succeeding, their 2021 first-round pick will probably have to contribute sooner than later, too. -Kevin Kurz Winnipeg Jets Winnipeg has dealt futures in the name of winning now since the 2017 expansion draft and its pipeline is commensurately depleted. “Draft and develop” is back on for the Jets, who will look to add picks as opposed to give them up. -Murat Ates Don’t have a first-round pick Six teams do not have a pick in the top 32, but would one of them consider trading for a high draft pick? Arizona Coyotes The Coyotes, of course, had their first-round pick stripped by the NHL for breaking scouting combine rules. Could GM Bill Armstrong, in his first formal draft at the helm, try to move up? Maybe but doubtful. -Scott Burnside New York Islanders Are you familiar with Lou Lamoriello? -Arthur Staple Pittsburgh Penguins It’s unlikely that GM Ron Hextall will make a move to get them into that position because they remain in win-now mode. -Josh Yohe Toronto Maple Leafs The Leafs dealt their first-round pick for Nick Foligno, and while it’s more immediate help they require, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the front office look to add a top pick back to the cupboard somehow. I wouldn’t call it likely though. -Jonas Siegel The Leafs have so few picks to work with that trading up into the first round is going to prove difficult. -James Mirtle 1190614 Websites “I didn’t know he was gonna be 6-foot-6,” Mucha laughed. “I mean, his mom and dad aren’t that big.

“But I think back to when he was 13 years old, and we worked on lots of The Athletic / Sebastian Cossa’s rare size, athleticism, consistency make movement. And he kept growing and we just kept working at it and now him a top NHL Draft goaltending prospect he moves excellently. He moves better than some guys that are 6-foot-1. So I’m proud of the kid for buying in and putting in all the work.”

Cossa’s combined skill and athleticism have been a large part of what By Hailey Salvian Jul 20, 2021 has made him such an intriguing draft prospect. He’s a big body, who can cover a lot of the net with his frame. But he also moves very well for someone his size. Brad Lauer had a plan in place. Heading into his second season behind As one NHL evaluator told The Athletic’s Corey Pronman: “You don’t find the Edmonton Oil Kings’ bench, Lauer knew he’d have a young, up-and- a lot of 6-foot-6 guys with his athleticism.” coming goalie on his roster. “I think people are caught off guard that a 6-foot-6 goalie does move as The plan was to play him between 17 to 23 games that season to ease well as he does,” Mucha said. “And that’s a huge part of his game.” the transition from midget hockey to the Western Hockey League. And while that size is arguably his No. 1 strength, people will tell you He’d play every third game or so, backing up the team’s 20-year-old Cossa is much more than just that. starter Todd Scott. Then, as a sophomore in 2020-21, he would be ready to step into a bigger role. At 18, he already has a pro-like presence with a calm and confident demeanour — something Cossa says he models after Price. He’s very Sebastian Cossa, one of this year’s top draft-eligible prospects, had other smart at reading plays, with strong positional play and anticipation. He plans. also has quick and efficient lateral crease movement and plays a hybrid “He was getting the third game on the third night or the game coming off butterfly style. He battles hard for pucks and has great net coverage. the road with travel. So he wasn’t getting easy games, but he still played “He definitely doesn’t rely on his size to make saves,” Mucha said. “I very well,” Lauer said. “And the more we played him, the better he got.” think he’s a really good positional goalie, I think he understands the Two months into the season, a 17-year-old Cossa had taken the starter’s game well and he puts himself in good spots. And he has that second crease. In 33 games that season, Cossa posted a 21-6-3 record while gear where he has saves that he can make that other goalies might setting an Oil Kings franchise record for the most wins (21) and shutouts struggle with.” (4) by a rookie. Cossa’s second gear was on display during a 10-1 win against the His 2.23 goals-against average ranked fourth leaguewide among goalies Winnipeg Ice his rookie season. It’s just one of many highlights that who played at least 1,500 minutes (the baseline the WHL uses in its comes to mind for Lauer. leaderboard) while his .921 save percentage ranked fifth. He played the “Obviously there’s been some saves that you’re like ‘there’s not just second-most games out of any first-year goalie and led all rookies in anyone who can make those types of saves during the game,'” Lauer shutouts. said. “That wasn’t how we drew it up, that’s for sure,” said Oil Kings goalie “It’s showing he’s athletic to stay in that save, but it also shows that he coach Kurtis Mucha. “We had a plan. But the good thing about that is the doesn’t quit,” he added. “He might have been beat but he’s still going to goalposts can always move right? try and save it, however he can.” “He just forced our hand to keep playing him. And that’s what you want Cossa’s athletic toolkit is impressive. And so too is his body of work, with any goalie, to make it hard for the coaching staff not to put them despite that his two WHL seasons to date were impacted by COVID-19. back in. And it got to the point where we just started rolling with him.” With the exception of the very start of his WHL career, Cossa’s career Keeping Cossa’s workload in mind, the Oil Kings acquired Beck Warm, a has been marked with consistency. 20-year old goalie from Tri-City, to mentor Cossa and take some of the To go back, in his first regular-season start with Edmonton, Cossa posted starts off his plate. a 40-save shutout. In his very next game, against Regina, he let in three “We have a 68-game schedule with a lot of travel, and that’s a lot of goals on 11 shots and got pulled after the first period. hockey for him as a 17-year-old, and that was the reason why we went “It was a learning experience for him to have the success of a shutout in out and got another veteran goalie,” Lauer explained. “Those two Winnipeg, but then to back it up the next night in Regina and he wasn’t complemented each other very, very well the back half of our season. able to do it,” Lauer said. “But that is one of the areas of the game where And I think the work ethic that Beck Warm brought, the way he carried I thought that now when he has a really good game, like he did last himself on and off the ice, his practice habits all that kind of rubbed off on season, he’d back it up the next night. Cossa.” “Success is great, but we talk about it all the time like, can you do it again The WHL’s 2019-20 regular season and postseason were ultimately both on another back-to-back night or two nights later? And he did it, and he’s cancelled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cutting Cossa’s been doing it and that was one area where he’s really really improved.” rookie campaign short. But his foundation in the league was solidly set. Cossa would follow up a strong rookie season with an impressive Indeed, Cossa has been doing it for some time, first in minor hockey in sophomore season where he went 17-1-1 and posted the best goals- Fort , and now with the Oil Kings. In his six seasons at the against average (1.57) and save percentage (.941) in the WHL. minor and major junior levels, Cossa has never had a save percentage below .915, with the exception of a two-game stint for Team Canada Although it was only 19 games, the 2020-21 season quickly elevated his White for the U17 world championship. draft stock. Now, Cossa is the top-ranked North American goalie by NHL Central Scouting and projected to be one of two goalies selected in the In 52 WHL games over the last two seasons, Cossa has a 38-7-4 record, first round of the 2021 NHL Draft on Friday. He could even become the a 1.98 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage. He only lost first goalie to be taken in the top 10 since Carey Price (No. 5) in 2005. two straight starts once over that span. “He‘s got all the traits to be a good starting goalie in the NHL for a really And while his rookie stats set franchise records for the Oil Kings, Cossa’s long time,” said Mucha. “And I don’t know if there’s a whole lot of things massive numbers in 2020-21 were among the best in WHL single-season that will get in his way.” history. Mucha, a former WHL and Canadian university goalie, has been working His .941 save percentage is currently the third-best for a single season in with Cossa since the Oil Kings netminder was 13 years old and playing WHL history while his 1.57 goals-against average ranks fourth. Both are AAA hockey with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers. At the time, Cossa Oil Kings franchise records, which had been previously held by was 6-foot-1, which is a good size for a young goalie, but definitely not Pittsburgh netminder Tristan Jarry. the stature that he has now at 6-foot-6, 210 pounds as listed by NHL Central Scouting. Combine all that, and Cossa has the looks of a No. 1 goalie in the NHL. That said, one common critique with Cossa is that his numbers may be The growth spurt didn’t come right away. Rather, he grew an inch or two inflated because he’s played behind a very strong Oil Kings team. The every year, leading to some awkward phases as Cossa tried to catch up last two years, for example, the team has been led by 2020 first-round to his body. Mucha acknowledged he was surprised by the growth, but pick Jake Neighbours and Dylan Guenther — one of 2021’s top that their training ultimately helped give Cossa his strong athletic toolkit. prospects — among other strong players. “Is there a good team in front of him? For sure,” Lauer said. “But this team makes mistakes too and he’s there to bail us out, and he’s one of those exceptional players on our team.” “This isn’t just luck what we’re seeing,” he added. “This is going to happen as he matures. And as he gets older and develops more, I can only see his game getting better and better every year.” Cossa is one of two high-end goalies projected to be taken in the first round. Jesper Wallstedt, the top-ranked European goalie by NHL Central Scouting, represents Cossa’s biggest competition in the race to be the first goalie selected Friday. Wallstedt, 18, likely has the higher pedigree between the two. He is a rare first-year draft-eligible player to excel in the SHL against men. He had a strong start with Lulea, but fell off in the back half of the season, allowing 13 goals on the 70 shots he faced across his final four appearances (a .814 save percentage). However, his body of work from the junior, pro and international levels is quite solid. Wallstedt was 14 when he became the youngest player since Victor Hedman to play in Sweden’s top junior league. He played for Sweden at the 2021 world juniors and won gold at the 2019 U18 worlds. Still, there is a real debate between the two goalies. Some scouts like Wallstedt’s technical game and that he appears to be more developed as a pro-ready goalie while others believe Cossa has a higher ceiling. “I think Jesper’s pedigree is better right now because he’s playing against men in one of the best leagues in the world,” said one source. “But I think Cossa’s ceiling is higher. I really do. But fast forward five years and we’ll see.” In his final draft rankings last month, Pronman slotted Cossa (10th) ahead of Wallstedt (11th). And in his most recent mock draft, he had Cossa going 10th to the Senators, while noting, “As time has gone on in this draft process, more scouts have seemed to lean toward Cossa as the No. 1 netminder.” “He wants to go first goalie so bad this draft,” Mucha said. “He’s driven to be the best … I think he’s got all the traits to be a good starting goalie in the NHL for a really long time. And I don’t know if there’s a whole lot of things that will get in his way.” According to Pronman, Cossa projects as a quality NHL starting goaltender with the potential to become an upper-echelon goalie. All that said, goalies are among the most tricky prospects to predict. Since 2005, there have been 16 goalies selected in the first round. Some, like Price and Andrei Vasilevskiy, have gone on to have excellent NHL careers. Others, like and Riku Helenius, haven’t really panned out. So using a first-round selection — let alone one potentially in the top 10 — is a difficult decision. Cossa, still only 18, is going to take some time to develop. He’ll need to adjust to the pace of play at the professional level. First (likely) in the AHL, and ultimately in the NHL. But his coaches believe Cossa has the hockey IQ and the drive to make that adjustment, hopefully, as seamless as his transition to the WHL two years ago. “Goalies are always a bit of a risk but when you hit your goalie in the first round and you get the right one, you have no issues in the net for 10 to 15 years and as an organization that is really nice to have,” Mucha said. “And I think he’s going to be that good.” The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190615 Websites coaches Boys U18 Prep and was the hockey director and a head coach at the Burnaby Winter Club at the time. “And he looked like someone’s little brother, but he just had the puck the whole time. The Athletic / Why you’ve never seen anyone like NHL draft-eligible “After the skate, I asked our players what they thought. And they were center Kent Johnson like ‘Oh my god, he’s so good.’ So I asked my assistant coach and he just looked at me and said, ‘Are you dense?’ I called him the next day and said, ‘You’re on the team.'” By Thomas Drance Jul 20, 2021 From unheralded beginnings, Johnson was on his way. Younger than most of his teammates, Johnson led his U18 Burnaby Winter Club team in scoring in his first season and was recruited by Kent Johnson always knew he could do this. It’s the hockey world that Tambellini — the former Vancouver Canucks forward who was about to had to catch up. take on his first head coaching job with Trail. The Port Moody, B.C., native is the singular offensive craftsman of the “He was my first call when I got the Trail job,” Tambellini recalled of 2021 NHL Draft. He’s sure to hear his name called among the top 10, but recruiting Johnson. there are teams that regard him as the highest upside offensive talent in the class. A first-round pick himself, Tambellini had a bit of an advantage in scouting Johnson. Both Tambellini and Johnson hail from the Vancouver Five years ago, though, Johnson was a diminutive depth player, toiling suburb of Port Moody, and they’d skated together briefly during a pro away in bantam at the North Shore Winter Club. He stood under five feet. session trialling Power X Pro gear. In an industry prone to overvaluing size, he was easy to overlook. “My friend said, ‘He’s a kid from Burnaby do you mind if he comes out?'” What Johnson lacked in stature, he never lacked in confidence. It’s just Tambellini recalled with a laugh. “He came out and crushed it in the gear, that, at the time, his goals were a bit more “realistic,” as he put it. even as all these pros are struggling to get through the sessions in the “I really had to be smart,” Johnson said. “I had to be skilled. new equipment.” “There’s a time when Johnny Gaudreau was my favourite player when I The ties were obvious, and the two quickly formed a bond and a level of was younger there, because I really thought I’d probably take a path like trust. him — be a late-round pick or go undrafted, go to college for three to four “He gave me a lot of good opportunity but didn’t hand anything to me,” years and just always be proving people wrong, because I thought I’d be Johnson said of Tambellini’s coaching. “Then transitioning into the a much smaller player. So I knew I had to play smart.” second year, he put me in a great spot, brought in great guys, I had great “There was definitely a time I didn’t believe I could be a first-round pick,” linemates and we played a style that was good for me. He gets a lot of Johnson added. “When I was younger even, you know, other people credit. dream of going first overall and I guess I was just a little bit different. I “We still talk. After this year in Michigan, we discussed my year and what guess a bit more realistic. I dreamed more about being the last pick of I needed to improve on going forward. He’s become an important person the seventh round. I believed I could make it to the NHL, I still do, but I in my life.” didn’t know I’d have a chance to make it happen this quickly.” “He’s probably one of the most dedicated athletes to his craft that I’ve Kent Johnson (Courtesy of the Johnson family) ever seen,” Tambellini said of Johnson’s game. “He’s a worker. He’s on It’s a testament to Johnson’s singular drive that his belief in himself, and the ice at all times — when you let him — he just wants to get better. He his future in a sport that is his obsession, never wavered. wants to work on his skating, he wants to work on his puckhandling, he wants to work on his passing. He always believes he can be better and Undersized among his age group, even as he led his teams in scoring at he always believes he can take his game to the next level. every level, Johnson was selected 208th by Everett at the WHL draft in 2017. He’s still never represented Team Canada at any level. He wasn’t “I’ve never seen a kid do that with the detail that he brings to his training. even invited to the U20 2021 summer selection camp, despite You start multiplying that day by day over a number of years, then mix in widespread industry buzz by that point that he’d be a probable first-round his frame, his body makeup, which allows him to do things that most pick. players really can’t do with his flexibility and you see a guy doing stuff on the ice that you really don’t see. His skill set is different from “He’s never been a fast tracker, no one has ever put him in that area, like everybody’s.” he’s going to project into this kind of player so let’s invite him to the national team, to the U18 team, to the world junior camp,” said Tampa (BCHL) Bay Lightning pro scout Jeff Tambellini, who recruited Johnson and First off, though, they talked about the backcheck. coached him for two seasons with the BCHL’s Trail Smoke Eaters. “He’s never been given the benefit of the doubt, he’s had to earn everything.” This is a very “Inside Vancouver” hockey tale, but Tambellini’s signature moment from his time with the Canucks was a crucial backcheck to break “He’s going to go from never having worn a Canadian jersey to maybe up a Martin Erat breakaway during the club’s run to the 2011 Stanley being a top 10 pick,” Tambellini continued. “That’s crazy to think about Cup Final. Among Canucks fans, it’s a sequence known simply as “The because usually there’s four or five opportunities you have to be on one Backcheck.” of those teams and at every stage, no one ever put him among that group of players — until later this month, when he gets to the NHL Draft.” Johnson — who paid close attention to the Canucks as a kid — was well aware of the play, even as his new BCHL teammates weren’t. Johnson’s story is as distinct as his skill set. In his mid-teens, he underwent a growth spurt and now possesses a prototypical NHL gate at “I remember I got to Trail and we were talking with the guys about Jeff’s 6-foot-1, with a 167-pound frame that projects to fill out as he develops. playing career, and I said ‘Yeah, I remember Jeff had this unreal backcheck’ and the guys didn’t really believe it,” Johnson recalled. “It was gradual and I had a stick in my hand basically every day, so I never really lost my coordination,” Johnson said of growing so “I remember someone said, ‘What do you mean? A backcheck that’s that dramatically. “Ironically the way I see the game, it’s probably a bit good?’ So I said ‘Search it up, I think it was that good.’ So we search up different, but growing up, getting taller, I didn’t have to change the way I ‘Jeff Tambellini backcheck’ on YouTube. Guys are like ‘No way play.” something comes up’ and yeah, it comes up. First result. We were laughing, the guys thought that was pretty funny. Very cool.” “I noticed that it made a few things better for me,” Johnson added. “I’ve got more reach, and I’m definitely able to lean on guys a bit more … I still (CBC) have a lot of respect and time for smaller players, though. I always think the smaller guys get underrated. I still don’t understand it sometimes.” “When I took the job I came in the first time, and the kids had the backcheck on the screen in the lounge,” Tambellini recalled. “In today’s He changed junior programs, jumping from the North Shore Winter Club world, the first thing your players do is they Google you. They’ll find out over to the Burnaby Winter Club — the program that developed New what you’ve done and they watch it. The coach does the research on the York Islanders star Mat Barzal — where he quickly led his team in players, the players do their research on the coach. scoring and caught the attention of the wider Vancouver hockey community. “I never thought that would be the clip people would use.” “We had him to a skate to see what he looked like with our group,” Johnson was dynamic in the BCHL as a 16-year-old, finishing second on recalled Maco Balkovec, the executive director at Rink Kelowna who the 2018-19 Smoke Eaters in scoring and levelling up in the postseason. Though he’d go to another level the next season — scoring over 100 “He just wants to get better at the things he wants to get better at. Like to points in 52 games and leading all BCHL players in scoring by 30 points have a weapon like his backhand, just go look at the goal he scored this — it was midway through his first BCHL season that Johnson catapulted year when he came down the wing on the backhand,” Balkovec himself onto NHL radars. continued, referencing a goal Johnson scored in his freshman year that was highlighted on ESPN’s SportsCenter. “He came to the BCHL showcase when every NHL scout and every college team was there,” Tambellini recalled. “We’re playing midday (Big Ten Network) games out in Chilliwack, and he set up two goals by going behind the net and doing a behind-the-back move to set up empty-net goals. He did it in “He went all the way back into the zone to get the puck and if you watch back-to-back games. at the start of the clip you’ll see him put his hands out, which is a little thing we taught, present your hands if you want the puck. He was 10 feet “At that point, he was still an uncommitted player and when we finished from that D-man and he’s like ‘Give me the puck’ then he went coast-to- the second game, I’ve never seen so many college scouts try to just get coast and did the backhand shelf goal. Just classic Kent. the opportunity to talk to him for five minutes. There was mayhem coming down right outside the dressing room. I’m not sure there was anyone “Very few players can do stuff like that. Kent has that swagger, ‘Give me even left up in the stands. They were all trying to talk to Kent.” the puck, I’m going to go score.’ And what makes him really special is that he can do it.” (BCHL) The Athletic LOADED: 07.21.2021 Johnson would ultimately end up in Michigan, recruited in part by Wolverines assistant coach and former Canucks forward Bill Muckalt. In his final draft-eligible season, Johnson formed a dynamic line with fellow 2021 top draft prospect Matthew Beniers. Although Berniers and Johnson ostensibly played on Michigan’s fourth line, both players nonetheless managed to go point per game. The scale of Johnson’s accomplishment as a freshman in Michigan shouldn’t go understated. Players that score at a comparable rate in the NCAA (He had nine goals and 18 assists in 26 games) in their draft- eligible seasons and are a similar height, age and pedigree universally go onto lengthy NHL careers, with some of Johnson’s most notable statistical comparables including high-end NHL players like Jonathan Toews, Phil Kessel and Colin Wilson. Of course, apples to apples statistical comparisons are difficult, particularly following this past hockey season which was challenging and different for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was crazy, but the biggest thing is we felt lucky we got to play and play our 26 games,” Johnson said. “Every night was really special with those guys” It was also an education. “I thought what I was doing in terms of training was working pretty well, but when I got to Michigan the thing I thought was holding me down from being a top pick was my skating and my strength,” Johnson said. “Playing in college, I can tell, if I can get a little bit faster with my straight- line speed and get a little bit stronger, I can do more damage.” The 18-year-old has spent this summer working out consistently during the week, and has begun training with skating coach Barb Aidelbaum, a Vancouver-based instructor who has worked with NHL players from Pavel Bure to Dan Hamhuis and Shea Theodore. “There’s already been some things technically that she’s helped me clean up, make some new habits in my skating that have really helped me,” Johnson said. This constant evolution is at the core of Johnson’s approach to the game. “The number one thing about Kent is he knows what his strengths are,” Balkovec said. “But he also knows what his weaknesses are and he attacks those weaknesses. He will adapt what he’s doing.” Balkovec and Johnson both tell a story about the work they put in on Johnson’s shooting during his 15-year-old season — “my shot was kind of a muffin,” Johnson joked while recalling the story — before working on it to the point that it became a strength of Johnson’s game at both the BCHL level and in the NCAA. “He worked incredibly hard on his shot, learning to load his hands, learning to use the flex in the blade and the flex in the shaft,” Balkovec said. “Really learning how to shoot. He wasn’t a strong kid back then, but he didn’t have to be. It’s about leverage. It’s just about learning the physics and taking advantage of the technology that we have today. And he worked tirelessly on it.” Those that know Johnson and have worked with him insist that it’s that effort, the obsession, the dedication to his craft, that really makes him special and sets him apart. Even in the summer, away from the ice, he spends hours in his backyard shooting pucks or in his basement stickhandling. “I’m obsessed with hockey, and I’m obsessed with getting better at it,” said Johnson. “He constantly shares video with me of him working on things and we go through it and critique it,” said Balkovec. “Who else does that? Who else is sharing video with their old coach, just to work on skills? 1190616 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Kraken targeting some free agents, Price decision comes down to the wire

Elliotte Friedman

Welcome to 2021, where a fish tells us who's Kraken. (It was a rehearsal, but it also may have been one of the best promo ideas in recent memory.) We’re less than 24 hours from unveiling Seattle’s expansion picks, and here’s what’s out there: • It’s strikingly quiet. Those who worked through the 2017 Vegas expansion say that process was “much louder” than this one. There’s been much less communication with other teams from Seattle than there was from the Golden Knights. Does that mean Seattle has fewer trades planned? We’ll see. But, they’ve definitely not been as active across the league. • They’ve targeted some free agents. What’s going to be interesting is if that means those players are going to be Seattle’s selection from other NHL teams, or the Kraken are going to know they have a deal “in the drawer,” and take a second player from certain clubs. Two teams to watch for — Florida and St. Louis. The Kraken are locked-in on Panthers goalie Chris Driedger. Do they also add someone like Frank Vatrano, or is Driedger the pick? They’re also interested in Jaden Schwartz. If they’re convinced they’ve got something, do they add Schwartz now, or take Vince Dunn and add the winger later? No confirmation on this, but a couple teams think the Kraken like Blake Coleman, too. • On Carey Price: boy, this is so close to call. They’ve done their deep dive and know everything there is to know. The Canadiens seem to think it’s possible they lose a defenceman (Cale Fleury, Brett Kulak) instead. What a wild story this turned into. At the very least, the Kraken wanted Montreal to sweat and if they’d pay to keep Price. • One NHL player offered to bet Monday night that Mark Giordano would be Seattle’s first captain. I didn’t take it. Elsewhere: • The momentum is gaining with Boston and Taylor Hall. Word is Hall wants to stay and the Bruins want to keep him. Nothing is done until it’s done, but there’s a path. • Mentioned the other day about the possibility of Patrik Laine playing for his $7.5 million qualifying offer in 2021-22. That process is begun. The only hurdle might be if there’s any chance the Blue Jackets move him. • Looking forward to tomorrow. Should be fun. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.21.2021 1190617 Websites setter — a player whose penalty killing, shot blocking and selfless, professional play is loaded with intangibles. Depending on the relative age of the Kraken defence, Francis may value a player of Russell’s ilk in the short-term, with an eye to move him at the deadline to a contender Sportsnet.ca / Will Kraken look to Oilers for depth, prospects or surprise seeking some depth on its blue line. with UFA deal? 31 Thoughts: The Podcast

Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey Mark Specto July 20, 2021, 12:49 PM world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what they think about it.

Salary cap outlook EDMONTON — The misconception about an expansion draft is that the Seattle Kraken will start alphabetically with the Anaheim Ducks’ list and The big UFA remaining for Edmonton to sign is defenceman Adam make their picks in order all the way through to the Winnipeg Jets. Larsson. Or, perhaps, Tyson Barrie. In reality, Seattle will make the juicy decisions — Carey Price, Nino Holland and Larsson’s agent J.P. Barrie have spoken on a regular basis Niederreiter, Mark Giordano — first, then round out their roster off of the over the past two months. Various contract scenarios have been borne of less sexy lists that remain. The latter best describes the Edmonton those talks, and it is my understanding that a four-year deal with an AAV Oilers, whose list of non-UFAs will not provide the Kraken with an in the range of $3.9 million awaits Larsson, to be signed after the impactful player or a huge boost in jersey sales. expansion window closes. The Oilers' best available players are unrestricted free agents like Adam You never know. Things change. But we can see no reason why Larsson Larsson, Tyson Barrie and Alex Chiasson. The players under contract would leave a team that is ready to pay market value, with good term, being offered by Edmonton are fourth-liners like Devin Shore and Jujhar where he wears an "A" and has become entrenched in the leadership Khaira, unproven prospects like Tyler Benson and Cooper Marody, or a group. He may decide on a fresh start — we’d be surprised — and that depth, veteran defenceman like Kris Russell. would take the Oilers to Barrie, another right-shot defenceman who will go to market the moment the Oilers sign Larsson. The Kraken may surprise in the next 48 hours and ink a guy like Barrie as their Edmonton component. If not, however, you can bet the Alex Chiasson is also a UFA, and will be a second-week signing for discussion regarding the Oilers’ list will wait for late in Seattle general someone. A depth right winger who will likely see his $2.15-million AAV manager Ron Francis’ selection process. cut down by 40-50 per cent. If the Oilers buy out James Neal, we could see them having some interest in bringing Chiasson back, a solid veteran And while his counterpart, Oilers GM Ken Holland, may approach Francis who works nicely down low on the power play. to select a player from elsewhere and trade him to Edmonton, Holland won’t be making any deals to dissuade Francis from selecting a certain Last and surely not least, Holland’s top priority is to bring in a left winger player off the Oilers’ list. Edmonton just doesn’t have to expose the level for McDavid. He’s all over Zach Hyman, but will have irons in the fire in of player who would require such manipulation. case Hyman doesn’t work out. Here’s a look at Edmonton’s list and some thoughts about which member Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.21.2021 of their current roster might wear the Kraken uniform on opening night in Seattle: Protected list Forwards: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jesse Puljujarvi, Kailer Yamamoto, Josh Archibald, Zack Kassian. Defence: Darnell Nurse, , Duncan Keith. Goalie: Stuart Skinner. Possible Seattle targets Jujhar Khaira A big (6-4, 212 pounds) centre/left wing, Khaira brings size and speed to your fourth line. He typifies the kind of player Seattle will be selecting from this Edmonton roster. If they accrue lots of size on their top-three lines, then the Kraken will likely pass on Khaira. If they feel they need to beef up a bit with their last few picks, he’s likely their best bet here. He’s a five-goal, 15-point player and a smart Indo-Canadian out of (relatively) nearby Surrey, B.C. An intriguing player, Khaira has never quite satisfied expectations in Edmonton. A fresh start in Seattle would favour him. Tyler Benson A skilled second-round pick who has played out his time in the American League, Benson is expected to get a very real shot at third-line left wing in Edmonton this coming season. After 156 AHL games (107 assists, 141 points), Benson has nothing left to prove as a playmaking winger — in the minors. What he does have to prove is that he can skate well enough to create the same space at the NHL level that he did in the minors, so his skills can shine at that level as well. That will be the question they’re asking in the Kraken war room this week: Can Benson skate well enough to help us? Kris Russell This is the kind of player the Kraken would take if they assess that there just aren’t enough intangibles among the other available names on Edmonton’s list. Russell, 34, is nearing the end of an 881-game NHL career. He’s making $1.25 million for one year only. Russell is a culture 1190618 Websites 31 Thoughts: The Podcast Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey

world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what Sportsnet.ca / Can Canucks coax Kraken into taking Holtby's contract off they think about it. their hands? F Matthew Highmore Kraken exercising caution surrounding Carey Price situation So unimpressive is the list of Canucks available to the Kraken – Chris Johnston joined Sportsnet Central to discuss whether or not Carey Vancouver benefitted by having 2020 Calder Trophy runner-up Quinn Price will be selected by the Kraken, and other players that were left Hughes exempt – that we’re including the fourth-liner Highmore among unprotected by their club teams that could be of interest to Seattle. Vancouver’s top-three expansion candidates. Acquired from Chicago in April when the Canucks gave up on centre Adam Gaudette, who was left unprotected by the Blackhawks, Highmore, Iain MacIntyre 25, showed better than most of the players who auditioned for Vancouver late in the season. He contributed five points in 18 games for the Canucks, displaying speed and a degree of consistency while proving he The first thing on Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning’s can kill penalties. NHL careers have been built with less. summer agenda was take advantage of space on his expansion list to Salary Cap Outlook leverage a bargain acquisition from a team with protection issues. Check. As GM Benning said Saturday, the trade for Dickinson is just the first of Now, about those other five or six things Benning and hockey operations several upgrades management hopes to make this summer. The team need to achieve to strengthen and refresh the Canucks’ lineup amid the needs another top-six winger and at least two defencemen. And they economic recession the flat-capped National Hockey League is enduring. may need more blue-liners than that as the Canucks are taking offers on Versatile Dallas Stars forward Jason Dickinson was a good get on Nate Schmidt, while Alex Edler’s agent, Mark Stowe, went on television Saturday, as the Canucks spent only a third-round draft pick to fill their in B.C. last week to say his client, a career Canuck, plans to explore biggest need of the off-season: a robust, mobile, defensive-minded unrestricted free agency on July 28. So there’s a lot of work to do in centre to anchor what needs to be an upgraded third line. Vancouver, and most of it is predicated on Benning offloading some contracts to create cap space to pay for his lineup improvements. But the Seattle expansion draft provides the Canucks further opportunities. Can they coax the Kraken to take a significant contract off This is why the Holtby situation is important, and why the Canucks are their hands? And among all those attractive players made available to considering moving Schmidt before next season so his $5.95-million cap Seattle by other teams, is there one or two Benning can reserve by charge can be redeployed. It’s why Benning is expected to buy out at making a claim-and-trade deal with Kraken GM Ron Francis? least Jake Virtanen and his $2.55-million hit, and why the Canucks continue to search for an exit ramp on Loui Eriksson, whose six-year, Excitement this week about possibilities extend in the Pacific Northwest $36-million contract has one season remaining – likely in the minors. The beyond Seattle. deal for Dickinson was just the start of things. Protected list: Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.21.2021 Forwards Elias Pettersson, Bo Horvat, JT Miller, Brock Boeser, Tanner Pearson, Tyler Motte, Jason Dickinson. Defencemen Nate Schmidt, Tyler Myers, Olli Juolevi. Goalie Thatcher Demko Possible Seattle targets F Kole Lind Saturday’s pre-roster freeze acquisition of Dickinson, who will be a bargain if the 26-year-old meets projections as the Canucks’ new third- line centre, dislodged Lind from Vancouver’s protected list. The 22-year-old is the best “prospect” made available by the Canucks. After excellent progress in the American Hockey League during his second pro season in 2019-20, the 2017 second-round pick started 2021 with five goals and eight points in eight games for the before a promotion to the NHL in which Lind failed to register a point in seven games. But he made a promising move to centre from right wing in the AHL, and has enough pedigree as a scorer to be a tradeable asset for Seattle even if Lind’s NHL future is far from guaranteed. G Braden Holtby The most intriguing potential Kraken draftee is Holtby, the former Vezina Trophy and Stanley Cup winner who scuffled through his first season with the Canucks (.889 save percentage) while decisively losing the starting job to Thatcher Demko. After two straight sub-NHL-standard seasons, the former Washington Capital would seem hard to move since he has a year remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $4.3 million after signing in Vancouver last October. But the Holtby name still carries street cred around the NHL, and several teams beyond Seattle have expressed interest in the accomplished goalie who is still only 31 years old and is widely – and justly – regarded for his professionalism and leadership. The Kraken and Canucks have discussed a sweetener for Seattle if it absorbs Holtby’s cap hit, but the sides have disagreed to this point on how much sugar should be added. The interest from other teams, if legitimate, is important because it would make Holtby transferrable as an asset even if the Kraken don’t see him as a player in Seattle. 1190619 Websites competitions, Tierney is dependable, has good hockey sense and can kill penalties. Tierney is only under contract for one more season with a cap hit of $3.5 million. With Ottawa, Tierney slipped down the depth chart this past season and missed a ton of scoring chances while producing six Sportsnet.ca / Senators hope Kraken choose Dadonov over Daccord in goals and 19 points. Tierney’s faceoff work really tailed off, which didn’t expansion draft curry any favour with the coaching staff. Tierney won just 45.5 per cent of his draws, and only 42 per cent on the road. In 2019-20, Tierney had been an above-average face-off performer at 51.18 per cent. Wayne Scanlan July 20, 2021, 9:23 AM Salary cap outlook With a projected cap hit of just $53 million, the Senators have the luxury By the nature of their rebuild, the Ottawa Senators were never going to of cap space, at least for now. That will change when contracts are be as vulnerable as the veteran NHL clubs making their protected lists for handed out to RFA forwards Tkachuk, Batherson, goaltender the Seattle expansion draft. Gustavsson and defenceman this summer — and even more so down the road as Norris, Stützle and others grow into big contracts. Some of Ottawa’s best and brightest players didn’t have to be protected Senators owner has said publicly that Ottawa needs a because they are in their first two professional seasons. For example, skilled scoring forward and a shutdown defenceman, either via free forwards like Josh Norris and Tim Stützle and defenceman Jacob agency or trade. The Senators are rumoured to have interest in centre Bernard-Docker were automatically protected. Ryan Strome of the New York Rangers. Strome, 28, has one year left on his deal at $5M, but his cap hit is lower than that, at $4.5 million. Strome And yet, there remain some intriguing names on the Senators' list of is on the Rangers’ protected list. available players, from goaltenders Matt Murray and Joey Daccord to winger Evgenii Dadonov, who was brought in from the Florida Panthers Will the Senators sign any of their own unrestricted free agents? The last season to boost Ottawa’s power play (Determination: Fail). pickings are slim. There’s a remote possibility that one of the UFA Journeyman defenceman Josh Brown is another possibility. wingers Ryan Dzingel or Artem Anisimov, could be re-signed, if they are unable to sign new contracts elsewhere and return to Ottawa on Protected list inexpensive contracts. Both players were a decent fit here. Anisimov Forwards never complained about being a healthy scratch and Dzingel has been humbled by his NHL travels and seemed to appreciate what he had in Drake Batherson, Connor Brown, Logan Brown, Nick Paul, Brady Ottawa — in two separate stints here. I don’t see Ottawa touching a new Tkachuk, Auston Watson, Colin White. contract with UFA forward Derek Stepan. Defence All in all, expect a busy summer for the Senators, weighing free agent possibilities, signing their own key RFA players Tkachuk and Batherson Thomas Chabot, Victor Mete, Nikita Zaitsev. and looking to make trades to improve their roster for the here and now. Goaltender Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.21.2021 Filip Gustavson. Possible Seattle targets G Joey Daccord My hunch is that the Senators really hope the Kraken take a pass on goaltender Daccord for one of the other Ottawa players available, but the Senators felt compelled to protect Gustavson, 23, who played so well last season when injuries hit Murray and his backup Marcus Hogberg. It might have been Daccord’s net to lose if the 24-year-old out of Arizona State had not suffered a high ankle sprain in mid-March, which kept him out for the rest of the season. Daccord, a real battler with a ton of personality, is loved by his teammates and would be a good depth addition for Seattle. Daccord comes dirt cheap with an AAV of $750,000 over the next two years. He would earn $300,000 in the minors in 2021- 22. His final contract year is guaranteed at $800,000. Murray is also available but his difficult start to last season combined with a $6.25M cap hit for the next three seasons will likely keep him in Ottawa, at least for now. F Evgenii Dadonov Last October, when Ottawa signed the free-agent winger to a three-year contract at a $5 million AAV, no one imagined he would be made available to the Kraken in July. But there are a few reasons it made sense for the Senators to leave the 32-year-old "Daddy" off their protected list. For one, Dadonov, a three-time 25-goal scorer with the Panthers, produced 11 power goals in his last Florida season, 2019-20. With Ottawa, Dadonov didn’t score a single power-play goal and had just one assist with the man advantage. Overall, Dadonov had 13 goals and 20 points — tied for seventh in Senators scoring with defensive winger Nick Paul. That has to go down as a major disappointment, although no one had any concerns with Dadonov’s effort or attitude. The Senators are pursuing more scoring via free agency and trade and can probably find better value than Dadonov’s two-years remaining at $5 million. Seattle assistant coach Paul McFarland was with Dadonov in Florida and could influence the Kraken decision one way or the other. 31 Thoughts: The Podcast Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what they think about it. F Chris Tierney If Seattle is looking for a proven, steady-Eddie type of veteran centre, then Tierney, 27, could be a fit. While he won’t win any fastest-skater 1190620 Websites Swedish hockey prospect Simon Edvinsson: "I like to watch how Hedman and Heiskanen play the game" https://t.co/A2pSCMxqKP

— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) July 12, 2021 TSN.CA / Top prospect Edvinsson on admiring Hedman, adapting to What was the experience like playing against men in the SHL last smaller ice season? In an interview with TSN, Simon Edvinsson spoke about his NHL role "It's really fun to play when it goes fast. It was unbelievable to play with models and what he learned from playing on a smaller surface at the such good players and learn from that and really compare to them and IIHF U18 World Championship. develop my game from that. It was hard, but it was fun."

What did you learn? By Mark Masters "Just to always be ready for everything. Like, it always happens, something, maybe a turnover and you have to be alert with your feet and your head always. Anything can happen, so that's the thing I take with Simon Edvinsson has embraced mixed martial arts as he works his way me the most." toward the National Hockey League. Simon Edvinsson #2021NHLDraft with his first professional point, an "It was two years ago and my dad said, 'Let's go and try something new,' assist on Frölunda's second goal of the night. and I said, 'Okay, why not?'" recalled the 6-foot-4, 198-pound pic.twitter.com/VwfYKmHhPV defenceman, who played 10 games for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League last season. "So, we tried mixed martial arts and I said, 'Wow, — Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) December 28, 2020 this is good for my long body to just have control of everything.' I feel like What did you take from the IIHF U18 World Championship in Texas the more you do it the more control you have on your body." where Sweden won a bronze medal? Edvinsson also enjoys watching the fights. "You don't always need to play that final pass and [beat] the last guy. "I've always been a fan of Conor McGregor," the 18-year-old lefty said You can make the simple pass and play it simple and let the game come with a laugh. "He's just cool. He's a cool guy." to you, so that's a big step. I learned from that tournament – just to jump in when you see there's an opening and really take the play simply." Although Edvinsson's personality is quite different than the 'Notorious' McGregor. What's it like playing on the smaller surface? "I'm more laid-back than he is ... I'm more calm and maybe humble. He's "My long stick is pretty nice to have on a small rink. Just to be a tall pretty aggressive." defenceman and play on the smaller rink is good. When the play goes faster you can beat maybe one or two guys with one pass and make one That humble nature is evident when Edvinsson is asked about coming in [move] to create an odd-man rush. It's really fun to play on a small rink." third on TSN's final list of draft prospects compiled by Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie. Sweden struggled in the first game, a blowout against Team Canada, but you seemed to fight to the end that night. What were you thinking in that "Of course, it's fun," said Edvinsson, who also played 14 games each moment? with Frolunda's junior team and Vasteras in Sweden's second division last season. "I was thinking that this is the level we need to be at to really have a chance to get a trophy and to win the gold. I was just thinking to never "The draft is something that you have a goal to reach, but it's still a long give up and just to try to play my game, even if we allowed four goals or way to go to be a really good player. After the draft I want to improve with five goals ... just keep playing." whichever team is taking me and show them I'm going to do everything for the team." A mad scramble makes it 3-0 Sweden! pic.twitter.com/TcGDzXPqaR In an interview with TSN, Edvinsson spoke about his NHL role models — TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 6, 2021 and what he learned from playing on a smaller surface at the IIHF U18 Your dad is a police officer. Did he teach you discipline? World Championship. "Yeah, of course. Always be respectful and humble, so I take that from The following is an edited transcript of the interview. him. And never give up." How would you describe your style? Your mom is a personal trainer. How has she helped you? "Pretty calm player that sees the ice [well] with good passes and good "With mobility and putting everything together. And just to train extra and skating." to have that chance to train a little bit more." This sequence from Simon Edvinsson (2021) defending the rush is What have you been focusing on this summer? fantastic. "A lot. To be stronger with my body and to feel like I have every muscle Forces the rush out wide, seals the wall and finishes his check, and activated and to get a better shot. Just getting better with everything." has the wherewithal to knock the loose puck away from the supporting attacker to turn play the other way. pic.twitter.com/MKr5sO8tbL How do you work on getting a better shot? — Nick Richard (@_NickRichard) December 5, 2020 "A lot of shots [every] day." Do you have an NHL player you see as a role model? What's your favourite shot? "I have a lot of role models. I try to learn from Victor Hedman, Miro "The silent shot or a really hard slap shot." Heiskanen and Cale Makar. I try to take things from a lot of players who are really good at what they do. That's my thinking." What's a silent shot? What do you take from Hedman? "When the goalie doesn't see the shot coming. I really like to do those shots." "He's a big guy, like me, and he uses his stick really good and makes smart decisions while always being aggressive and strong. So, just What will keep you out of the World Junior Summer Showcase in taking his game style of how he plays and skates. Everything that he Michigan? does on the ice, I can do also." "I got a hit to my shoulder. It's a muscle contusion. It's nothing bad. I'll What about Heiskanen? just recover for a few days and be ready for when we start SHL. Of course, in my mind I was already over to play, but the doctor says it's "He's a great skater and really comfortable with the puck and can make smarter to be at home and recover and be ready when the season starts. good passes and maybe [beat] one guy and deliver a good pass, so It was his decision, but nothing bad.” that's one thing. And how he moves on the blueline. Makar and Quinn Hughes, they also have terrific movement on the blueline, so I try and TSN.CA LOADED: 07.21.2021 watch all I can from them to learn." 1190621 Websites researchers at Brown University canvassed 6,950 orthopedic surgeons and nonsurgical doctors. Of the 1,110 respondents, 49 per cent said they used Toradol in the treatment of athletes, primarily at the collegiate and professional levels. TSN.CA / Athletic therapists get funding for study of Toradol, painkillers Two point nine per cent of respondents said they had administered The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) and a pain Toradol to athlete patients who later experienced bleeding complications. management researcher in Montreal have received funding to study the One point nine per cent said they had athlete patients who suffered use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in amateur and kidney complications after using the anti-inflammatory. The study didn't professional sports. detail the number of those patients with adverse reactions to Toradol and wasn't designed to allow respondents to elaborate on the severity of the health complications. By Rick Westhead Seventy-nine per cent of respondents said they used Toradol to treat collegiate athletes, compared to 42.9 per cent at the professional level and 15 per cent at the high school level. The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) and a pain management researcher in Montreal have received funding to study the Some doctors in the survey said they don’t administer Toradol to their use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in amateur and own athletes but are willing to perform the injections on a visiting team professional sports. athlete if requested by the player and team staff. Dr. Geoff Dover, an associate professor of health, kinesiology and Dover said he also hopes to begin a trial that would include up to 75 applied physiology at Concordia University in Montreal, and CATA have athletes and 75 control members to explore whether athletes tend to received $80,000 in grant money from Mitacs, a national not-for-profit have a higher pain tolerance than the general public. organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada. Dover also plans to research the phenomena known as “pain CATA president Tyler Quennell said the research grant application was catastrophizing,” which refers to how some people perceive and fear pain filed in response to TSN’s documentary feature The Problem of Pain, and the brain’s role in responding to pain and injury recovery. which aired in September 2020 on That’s Hockey. Researchers will explore whether improving an athlete’s mental health can reduce pain. “While we as athletic therapists do not prescribe medication, we are responsible for the health and rehabilitation of all athletes including those In June, the NFL and NFL Players Association said they would provide who have been prescribed medication,” Quennell wrote in a CATA $1 million in funding for up to five research projects that would explore newsletter that will be distributed to members on Wednesday. “Although pain management and cannabinoids. a robust curriculum is currently available to athletic therapists across the Dover said there are no plans to include cannabinoids in his research country, few requirements about pain and pain medication education because it isn’t his area of expertise. currently exist. This potential gap was brought to light last year in the documentary ‘The Problem of Pain.’” TSN.CA LOADED: 07.21.2021 CATA has 2,000 members in Canada, some of whom work in professional sports leagues such as the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League, and with junior players in the . The association is self-regulating, and its discipline committee has the power to investigate members for inappropriate activity and fine and/or suspend their certification. Some head athletic therapists who work for NHL teams are members of CATA, including Ottawa’s Domenic Nicoletta, Edmonton’s T.D. Forss, Toronto's Paul Ayotte, Winnipeg's Rob Milette, Montreal's Graham Rynbend, and Vancouver’s Jon Sanderson. In The Problem of Pain, former National Hockey League players Ryan Kesler, Kyle Quincey, and Zenon Konopka discussed their concerns that players are not being advised about the potential long-term risks of taking anti-inflammatories such as Toradol, a prescription painkiller that is not supposed to be taken for more than five days. Kesler, Quincey, and Konopka, as well as other active players, told TSN in interviews that they have taken Toradol for months at a time without being advised by NHL trainers or doctors about the potential long-term health risks. Kesler has been diagnosed with colitis and Crohn’s disease and said doctors have told him his condition was most likely triggered by his Toradol use. “What most athletic therapists fail to realize is the prevalence of [anti- inflammatory] use,” Quennell wrote in his release. Dover said research would include establishing a focus group made up of researchers, athletic therapists, and athletes that will explore the most up-to-date science about the use of pain medication. “Pain is one of the most important things we can treat as athletic therapists,” Dover said in an interview. “This grant will fund research that will determine what aspects of pain and pain medication every student athletic therapist will learn about while studying. We will also make a continuing education course to ensure current athletic therapists have the most up to date evidence-based information.” The Mitacs funding will also pay for an examination of past published medical studies about how anti-inflammatories are used to treat various sports injuries. Quennell wrote in his release that there are few recent studies on the subject. "An update on this topic is critical," he wrote. In a study published in July 2012 in the medical journal Sports Heath that was purported to be the largest survey of the use of Toradol in athletes, 1190622 Websites

USA TODAY / NHL prospect Logan Mailloux withdraws from 2021 draft after criminal conviction in Sweden

Emily Adams

NHL draft prospect Logan Mailloux withdrew his name from consideration for the 2021 draft that starts July 23 via a statement posted on Twitter on Tuesday morning. The announcement came after it was revealed that Mailloux was criminally convicted in Sweden last year for sharing an explicit photo of a woman performing a sex act without her consent. While playing for SK Lejon, a professional hockey team in Sweden, Mailloux took the photo and circulated it among several teammates. In December, he was issued a summary fine for offensive photography constituting an invasion of privacy and defamation. Mailloux, who is currently 18, was a minor at the time. The Daily Faceoff first reported the news of the incident. “Being drafted into the NHL is an honor and a privilege that no one takes lightly," Mailloux wrote in his statement on social media. "The NHL Draft should be one of the most exciting landmark moments in a player’s career, and given the circumstances, I don’t feel I have demonstrated strong enough maturity or character to earn that privilege in the 2021 Draft.” EXPANSION: Seattle Kraken expansion draft: Here's who could be going to NHL's 32nd team PROSPECT: Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop becomes first openly gay player in NHL history The Athletic reported that at least 11 NHL teams had removed Mailloux from their draft boards because of the conviction prior to his request to withdraw from consideration, and the Daily Faceoff said 26 of 32 NHL teams asked him about the incident. Mailloux said in his statement that he will play the upcoming hockey season with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League in order to give NHL teams the chance to "reassess [his] character" before the 2022 draft. Because the NHL draft no longer requires players to opt in to be eligible, a team could theoretically still choose to select Mailloux. If he does go undrafted, he would remain eligible for the 2022 draft. He is one of the only players ever to publicly ask not to be drafted. "If I were to ever have the honor of being selected, I would want a fanbase to be proud to welcome me to their organization. I know it will take time for society to build back the trust that I have lost," Mailloux wrote in his statement. USA TODAY LOADED: 07.21.2021