SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 06/20/19 1147487 Two former Jr. Ducks should hear names in NHL draft — 1147516 Blackhawks have decided on No. 3 pick — but they aren’t and Craig Johnson will be proud saying who 1147488 and the Ducks end 14-year relationship with 1147517 Chicago Blackhawks' Bowman confident draft will produce contract buyout strong player 1147489 Corey Perry gave the Ducks all he had – as well as his 1147518 2019 NHL Draft Profile: C Jack Hughes opponents 1147519 GM Stan Bowman: Blackhawks 'unlikely' to out of 1147490 Corey Perry era is over in Anaheim as Ducks buy out his No. 3 overall spot contract 1147520 2019 NHL Draft Profile: D Bowen Byram 1147491 ‘Hearing the words is like a jolt’: Corey Perry’s agent 1147521 Right guy, right time: How fell to the believes there’s a future after Ducks buyout Blackhawks the last time they picked No. 3 1147492 Who would belong on the Mount Rushmore of Los 1147522 Ranking the top Blackhawks prospects before the NHL Angeles sports? Draft 1147493 A to-do list for the Arizona Coyotes' new owner Alex 1147523 NHL draft: Avalanche could select center Kirby Dach at Meruelo No. 4 1147494 Arizona Coyotes purchase by approved by 1147524 Instead of a forward, could defenseman Bowen Byram be NHL Board of Governors the Avs’ answer at No. 4? Bruins 1147495 Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov wins the Hart Trophy 1147525 Negotiations continue with WBNS radio 1147496 Bruins’ Don Sweeney named NHL’s GM of the year; 1147526 Burning questions as the Blue Jackets head into a pivotal misses out on Selke and mysterious two-week stretch of the offseason 1147497 Flyers give Kevin Hayes a seven-year, $50 million deal 1147498 A look at NHL Draft prospects with local ties 1147499 Bruins’ Don Sweeney wins NHL GM of the Year; Patrice 1147527 Stars writer Matthew DeFranks explains his NHL awards Bergeron third in Selke voting ballot, including why Miro Heiskanen should have been a 1147500 Bruins know how to respond with defensive depth this 1147528 Stars goalie Ben Bishop finishes second in offseason voting 1147501 Are Bruins just one top-six power forward away from 1147529 20 years later: Remembering the Dallas Stars' Stanley greatness? Cup win, and the wild parties that followed 1147502 Bruins won't break up 2011 core: 'They've got some good 1147530 With Andrei Vasilevskiy and ‘big brother’ Ben Bishop vying hockey left' for Vezina, revisiting a defining decision 1147503 The pitfalls and potential of Bruins trading away David 1147531 How bonuses and a potential LTIR will impact the Stars Krejci this summer salary cap situation 1147504 's life and Masterton Award are a textbook 1147532 Steve Yzerman could accelerate Detroit Red Wings case of perseverance rebuild in NHL draft 1147505 Rasmus Dahlin third in Calder voting; Ryan O'Reilly wins 1147533 Tom Izzo, Kid Rock, Dylan Larkin in unique celebrity golf first career Selke event Mortgage Classic 1147506 How The News voted in the NHL Awards 1147534 Red Wings could have their pick from this magnificent 1147507 Sabres extend qualifying offers to Zemgus Girgensons, seven Johan Larsson 1147535 Exterior demolition progress on Joe Louis Arena visible in 1147508 Twenty years beyond No game: Where did you Downtown Detroit watch it? 1147536 Red Wings draft prospect: Cole Caufield small but prolific 1147509 Matthew Boldy, a skilled power forward who could help goal-scorer Sabres 1147537 Fedorov, Lidstrom, Vladdie and more: The story of the 1147510 20 years later, 'No Goal' still haunts Sabres and fans Red Wings’ legendary 1989 draft 1147511 A look at the Sabres’ best pick in each round through 49 drafts Oilers 1147538 have been money in the 6-to-10 NHL draft spot 1147512 Mr. Everything: Giordano becomes first Flames 1147539 Puljujarvi wants out but Holland won't be pushed into deal defenceman to win Norris Trophy 1147540 As Oilers look for new Koskinen partner, Cam Talbot is in 1147513 Q&A with Flames’ director of amateur scouting Tod Button limbo 1147514 First-round draft targets for the Calgary Flames 1147541 Edmonton Oilers' Darnell Nurse still recalls NHL Draft 1147515 Who stays, who goes: Decision time for Flames’ long list butterflies of restricted free agents 1147542 Mirtle and Willis: Are the Oilers and Maple Leafs good trading partners? 1147543 Lowetide: Are these Jesse Puljujarvi’s final days with the Edmonton Oilers? 1147544 Analyzing the early Edmonton Oilers’ 2019-20 depth chart 1147545 Aleksander Barkov becomes second Florida Panther to 1147573 NHL mock draft 2019: might be Flyers pick win Lady Byng trophy at No. 11 | Sam Donnellon 1147546 Florida Panthers to hold development camp at the end of 1147574 2019 NHL mock draft: Flyers could take Matthew Boldy at June, will be open to fans No. 11 | Sam Carchidi 1147575 It’s official: Kevin Hayes signs with Flyers; cap space dwindling 1147547 What can we expect from the Kings as offseason reaches 1147576 NHL draft: Flyers might turn to loaded U.S. team for their a critical ? first pick 1147548 PERRY BOUGHT OUT; LEIPSIC, RFA NEGOTIATIONS; 1147577 For Flyers GM and his assistant Brent DEV CAMP SCHEDULE; BLAKE Flahr, opposites attract 1147578 Pressure to produce will be on Hayes with Flyers 1147579 No gutting and wishes fulfilled, Chuck Fletcher has been 1147549 Wild's , dealing with trade rumors, wins King impressive with Flyers Clancy Memorial Trophy 1147580 2019 NHL draft profile: Could Cole Caufield drop to Flyers 1147550 Wild’s Jason Zucker wins King Clancy Memorial Trophy at No. 11? 1147551 Wild’s Jason Zucker receives King Clancy trophy for 1147581 Flyers sign Kevin Hayes to 7-year, $50 million contract humanitarian work 1147582 Flyers keep Kevin Hayes from free agency with seven- 1147552 A goalie at No. 12? Why Spencer Knight might be a fit for year, $50 million deal the Wild’s first pick 1147583 Breaking down the Flyers’ quickly shrinking cap flexibility after locking up Kevin Hayes, adding Justin Braun Canadiens 1147553 Canadiens' steals the show at NHL Awards 1147554 Stu Cowan: Canadiens won't get any immediate help from 1147584 Can Penguins reach their offseason goals without trading NHL Draft ? 1147555 Canadiens to host 2020 NHL Draft at the Bell Centre 1147585 5 names to remember at forward for the NHL Draft 1147556 Three Quebecers who might be on Canadiens' radar in 1147586 Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov tops Penguins’ Sidney first round draft Crosby in NHL MVP voting 1147587 First Call: Penguins rivals making moves; ‘He Hate Me’ is safe 1147557 Predators have mined gems in late rounds of NHL Draft 1147588 Analysis: What can Penguins expect with No. 21 pick? 1147558 If this feels like a critical offseason for the Predators, it’s 1147589 Blue Jackets has some advice for Jim Rutherford because it is 1147590 Who makes sense for the Penguins at No. 21? 1147559 NJ Devils release 2019-20 preseason schedule 1147591 NHL Awards tonight: Do Sharks have a chance? 1147560 Doubt him all you want, but Jack Hughes really is that 1147592 NHL awards: Sharks' Joe Thornton misses out on first good Masterton Trophy 1147561 NHL draft: Devils great Ken Daneyko is all-in on Jack 1147593 NHL awards: Sharks' Brent Burns finishes second in Hughes Norris Trophy voting 1147562 How the next few weeks could affect Nico Hischier’s 1147594 Corey Perry, Sharks nemesis, bought out by Ducks after contract negotiations with the Devils 14 seasons 1147595 Sharks free-agency decisions: Should defenseman Tim Islanders Heed stay or go? 1147563 Islanders’ Robin Lehner, Barry Trotz win big at NHL 1147596 Why Patrick Marleau reunion with Sharks actually wouldn't Awards be good idea 1147564 Islanders' Robin Lehner wins Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, Barry Trotz given Jack Adams Award at NHL St Louis Blues Awards 1147597 Blues updates: Shoulder injury for Tarasenko; surgery for 1147565 Islanders name former Maple Leafs assistant Jim Hiller as Kyrou assistant coach 1147598 Gordo: Blues' dream stayed alive thanks to Bouwmeester 1147566 Q&A: Barry Trotz, up for Coach of the Year, reflects on the 1147599 Blues' party rolls on in Las Vegas; Binnington and O'Reilly Islanders’ ‘buy-in’ and what’s to come up for NHL awards 1147600 Hochman: 'It was magical.' STL's Patrick Maroon and family added local touch to Blues parade 1147567 Flyers’ questionable Kevin Hayes signing continues trend 1147601 Blues begin preseason games on Sept. 16 1147568 Tale of the Tape: NHL top prospects Kaapo Kakko and 1147602 Bourne: For the Blues, Raptors and their fans, the effects Jack Hughes of winning it all can last a lifetime 1147569 How the Rangers could further involve analytics in the front office’s approach 1147603 Awards are great, but what’s ahead really matters for Senators Nikita Kucherov 1147570 Snapshots: General managers doing lots of talking 1147604 NHL Awards: Nikita Kucherov wins Hart Trophy as the heading into the draft league’s MVP 1147571 No shortage of talking as prepare for 1147605 NHL Awards: Andrei Vasilevskiy wins Vezina for best NHL draft weekend goalie 1147572 CROWDED CREASE: Senators sign Marcus 1147606 NHL Awards: How Diana C. Nearhos voted Hogberg to two-year deal 1147607 Why there’s optimism despite the slow pace in Brayden Point’s talks with Lightning 1147608 With Andrei Vasilevskiy and ‘big brother’ Ben Bishop vying for Vezina, revisiting a defining decision Maple Leafs Websites 1147609 Auston Matthews named NHL 20 video game cover 1147640 / LeBrun Notebook: Right-handed athlete defencemen on the move plus trade and free agency 1147610 NHL 20's cover boy Auston Matthews opens up about rumblings Game 7 loss to Bruins and his struggles 1147641 The Athletic / Pronman’s Mock Draft 2.0: How have trades 1147611 Marner contract, possible Leafs trades and the draft on impacted the 2019 NHL Draft? Dubas' plate this weekend 1147642 The Athletic / By the numbers: Evaluating the stacked crop 1147612 Q&A with Auston Matthews: ‘Everyone is pretty confident’ of restricted free agents and what they’re worth a Mitch Marner deal gets done 1147643 The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: Five lessons from the 1147613 Mirtle and Willis: Are the Oilers and Maple Leafs good 2018 offseason that could help teams in 2019 trading partners? 1147644 The Athletic / Brown: Five CHL sleeper prospects for the 1147614 ‘It’s a different type of grind’: Zach Hyman finds new 2019 NHL Draft motivation in challenging summer 1147645 The Athletic / NHL Scouts Poll 2019: Hughes vs. Kakko, blue-chip centres, small snipers and a first round goal Canucks 1147646 The Athletic / Execs unplugged: Behind the scenes on the 1147634 Playing NHL draft’s ‘what if?’ game usually drives NHL Draft floor Canucks’ fans crazy 1147647 .ca / Jesse Puljujarvi tells Oilers: 'Trade me or I’ll 1147635 Elias Pettersson wins Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the play in Europe' year 1147648 Sportsnet.ca / NHL Awards Takeaways: Price surprise 1147636 Edler deal with Canucks close? Maybe, but no one’s steals show, Kucherov cleans up commenting 1147649 Sportsnet.ca / NHL's Top 12 UFAs of 2019: Latest 1147637 Ben Kuzma: Canucks like most with history of draft home rumours, reports runs, strikeouts 1147650 Sportsnet.ca / 2019 NHL Mock Draft: Predicting a 1147638 Draftee Peyton Krebs checks skill, competitive, leadership turbulent first round draft boxes for Canucks 1147651 Sportsnet.ca / NHL rumour roundup: Canucks kicking tires 1147639 Finally in play? Trade Tanev Club called for this years ago on Sabres defencemen? 1147652 Sportsnet.ca / Kakko trails Hughes on odds for No. 1 pick ahead of NHL Draft 1147615 SLS Las Vegas owner Alex Meruelo gets big OK from 1147653 Sportsnet.ca / Anaheim Ducks buy out remainder of Corey NHL’s Bettman Perry's contract 1147616 Knights’ Mark Stone aced out by Ryan O’Reilly for Selke 1147654 Sportsnet.ca / NHL Draft Insider Roundtable: Which Trophy prospect do you find most intriguing? 1147617 NHL moves closer to expansion of video review policy 1147655 Sportsnet.ca / Canucks search for blue line help before 1147618 SLS Las Vegas’ Alex Meruelo approved as owner of draft as market heats up Arizona Coyotes 1147656 TSN.CA / Lehner cherishes Masterton nomination after 1147619 St. Louis Blues fans collect $150K in futures incredible comeback bets 1147657 USA TODAY / Carey Price reprises emotional moment 1147620 Golden Knights Fleury, Reaves win NHL Fan Choice with Anderson Whitehead at NHL Awards show Awards 1147658 USA TODAY / Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov is 1147621 Golden Knights shut out of NHL Awards; Las Vegas voted MVP of the NHL at awards show product Zucker nabs honor 1147659 USA TODAY / Flyers keep Kevin Hayes from free agency 1147622 Bettman: NHL board approves Coyotes sale, new arena with seven-year, $50 million deal needed 1147660 USA TODAY / NHL mock draft: Expect a heavy U.S. 1147623 LVSportsBiz.com Goes 1-on-1 With NHL Commissioner presence at the start of the first round Bettman Before NHL Awards Show Takes Over Mandalay Bay Event 1147630 A gem for the Jets at No. 20 1147631 More moves coming for Jets: Trouba deal just tip of 1147624 Follow the money: Salary cap could spawn NHL trade iceberg frenzy 1147632 Jets looking to restock the shelves: Trade back into first 1147625 5 things to know about the newest Capital Radko Gudas round provides opportunity 1147626 Free Agency Bracket: Brett Connolly vs. Brooks Orpik 1147633 Analyzing the Winnipeg Jets 2019-20 depth chart 1147627 Max Scherzer was adamant Tuesday he would pitch for the Nats Wednesday night 1147628 Looking back at the Capitals’ 2015 NHL Draft: There is a SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 lot riding on Ilya Samsonov 1147629 Capitals' National Anthem singer Caleb Green auditions on America's Got Talent 1147487 Anaheim Ducks all really skilled, and we all worked really hard. It was awesome growing up with those players.”

Craig Johnson, one of the players acquired by the Kings from St. Louis in Two former Jr. Ducks should hear names in NHL draft — and Craig the trade in 1996, doesn’t want credit for his players’ Johnson will be proud success. But the early impact he made on their careers is unmistakable. He was a firm but fair coach, according to York. Stricter at the rink than at home, Ryan said. By JACK HARRIS JUN 19, 2019 | 3:40 PM Johnson kept practices upbeat, pushing his players without crossing any lines. A common saying of his back then — “You get what you work for, not what you wish for” — summed up his philosophy well. Defenseman Cam York, who rose to prominence in the Jr. Ducks' hockey program, stands a good chance of being selected in the first round of the “What really stood out was his passion for it,” Niedermayer said. “And his NHL draft on Friday. (Rena Laverty) open-mindedness to all different ideas of how to become a better hockey player.” cast an uncertain eye at the first Jr. Ducks practices he watched Craig Johnson run. Those coaching ambitions took shape during Johnson’s last professional season in Salzburg, Austria, in 2007-08. Skating with his club’s under-17 Niedermayer and Johnson had nearly identical backgrounds. They rose squad while he waited for his work visa to go through, he saw kids half through the NHL at a similar pace, spending significant chunks of their his age flash fundamentals he never fully developed. careers in Southern California. They settled in the area after retiring, and had sons who played together on Johnson’s teams. So he picked the brains of his coaches, who came from Russia, Sweden and the Czech Republic. He took mental notes of their competitive small- Yet, Johnson had a nontraditional coaching style, putting an emphasis on ice drills, position-less skill development, and detailed skating and stick- individual skills, competition and controlled freedom for his players, ideas handling work. When he returned to the U.S., he implemented a similar that are common in the game today but ran counter to the old-school system with his Jr. Ducks teams. ethos Johnson and Niedermayer knew growing up. “It was more about letting the kids play more,” Johnson said. “Letting “All sorts of drills,” Niedermayer said with a laugh, having helped coach them figure out things on their own through trial-and-error, giving them some of Johnson’s teams over the years. “The amount of apparatuses more reps, putting them in situations where it’s tighter areas and making and different things he would throw on the ice at practice, it took us five them make plays. All those things that it takes to be a good hockey minutes to get stuff out there and five minutes to get it back off. Tires, player.” sticks, little nets and big nets, all sorts of different things, just to make obstacles, to force the kids to do different things.” Johnson helped the sport find a heartbeat in Southern California, pumping out ascendant players who could become the new bloodlines It turned out that Johnson, now the director of coaches for the Jr. Ducks for hockey’s continued organic growth. and a player development coach in the Kings organization, was just ahead of the curve. He fathered the Jr. Ducks’ program to prominence, I hope there’s a kid out there that’s watching me,” York said, “and he’s helping produce the two Southern California prospects expected to saying to himself, ‘One day I want to be in Cam’s shoes.’ I want to do become early picks in the NHL draft on Friday and Saturday. everything I can to possibly grow the game. I know what it was like when I first got started out there, to where it is now. It’s come a long way.” Johnson’s son, Ryan, could potentially be a second-round selection, the same round the elder Johnson went in 1990. Defenseman Cam York will LA Times: LOADED: 06.20.2019 likely be off the board much sooner, set to become the first California- born-and-raised first-rounder since 2010.

“I’ll see Cam being drafted, or Ryan being drafted, and I’ll think of them as the little fellas that were mites or squirts,” said Johnson, who coached six other Jr. Ducks players who are committed to NCAA programs, including Niedermayer’s son, Jackson. “You look back and see how much they’ve grown over the years, how much they’ve matured.”

York’s hockey career began on the makeshift roller rink his parents built in his Orange County backyard. Once he transitioned to the ice, “everybody would be a little bit in awe of what he would do,” Craig Johnson said.

At age 14, York, a defenseman, went to prestigious Minnesota prep academy Shattuck St. Mary’s and totaled more than 100 points in two seasons. From there, he starred for the U.S National Team Development Program, committed to a scholarship offer from Michigan, and flew up draft boards.

A late bloomer physically, Ryan’s path wasn’t as direct. Though the puck- moving defenseman helped the Jr. Ducks’ 16-and-under team reach the semifinals at Nationals and led his Santa Margarita Catholic High team to a national championship, he entered last season unsure of his draft prospects. But he recorded 33 points for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League, keying the team’s title run. Scouts finally started taking notice.

Ryan Johnson, the son of former Kings forward Craig Johnson, skates with the puck during a recent game with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL. Johnson is projected as an early-to-mid round draft pick in this week's NHL draft.

Ryan Johnson, the son of former Kings forward Craig Johnson, skates with the puck during a recent game with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL. Johnson is projected as an early-to-mid round draft pick in this week's NHL draft. (Ryan Johnson)

“We were able to push each other,” Ryan, who is committed to Minnesota, his father’s alma mater, said of his Jr. Ducks days. “We were 1147488 Anaheim Ducks

Corey Perry and the Ducks end 14-year relationship with contract buyout

By CURTIS ZUPKE JUN 19, 2019 | 2:55 PM

Ducks general manager Bob Murray could see the inevitable decision over Corey Perry unfold right in front of him.

Murray assumed coaching duties late last season, and it became uncomfortably known that the former franchise cornerstone winger no longer fit into the Ducks’ plans. Murray procrastinated as long as possible before he decided to buy out the final two years of Perry’s contract. The announcement Wednesday marked the end of an era as the Ducks parted ways with their only Hart Trophy winner and all-time leader in games played.

“This is one of the hardest things I’ve done,” Murray said. “It’s tough. This guy has epitomized what we have been for 14 years: Do whatever it takes to win, and that’s how we’ve been. Again, it’s a very tough call, but it became very apparent, at the end, to me, down on the bench that … this would just be very difficult, for Corey and for us, to have him here.”

The Ducks had until June 30 to buy out the 34-year-old Perry, who represented an $8.6 million salary cap hit in each of the next two seasons. Murray explored trades, off a short list of teams, but nothing materialized and a buyout became the realistic, albeit last-resort option, for a player once considered to be a premier power forward.

Murray said it became obvious that other teams were content to wait for the Ducks to buy out Perry and pursue him as a cheaper free-agent option. Murray worked with Perry’s representatives on a move elsewhere but ultimately “it wasn’t going to happen,” Murray said.

The Ducks will pay $2 million next season, $5 million in 2020-21 and $2 million annually through 2022-23. Perry was entering the final two seasons of an eight-year, $69 million extension signed under Murray in 2013. Murray acknowledged the buyout will impact the team financially, especially if the new salary cap isn’t as high as anticipated.

“You can’t go jumping into any long-term deals right now,” Murray said.

The Ducks needed to open a roster spot for a host of young forwards as the club re-invents itself under new coach Dallas Eakins. Perry’s game was largely based on an east-west style and cycling the puck down low, which does not jell with how the Ducks want to play. Perry has not reached 20 goals since 2016 and only played in 31 games last season because of a torn meniscus and ligament injury that required surgery on his right knee.

Beyond the logistics, though, the move was a major, symbolic shift for the franchise. Drafted with longtime linemate in 2003, Perry helped the Ducks win the 2007 Stanley Cup, and his 50-goal season propelled him to the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player in 2011. He is the second player in hockey history, with former teammate Scott Niedermayer, to win a Cup, an Olympic gold medal, World Championship, World Cup, and World Junior Championship title.

“We consider Corey’s career to date to be worthy, based on his accomplishments with the Ducks and his six separate team championships,” Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli said in a statement. “But we are most proud that winning a team championship at every level never changed who he is — a selfless and dedicated individual committed to enriching the lives of youth and those in need.”

The Ducks released a video tribute to Perry, a sentimental gesture for a player that antagonized opponents for so long with his agitation and anchor-like presence around the net. Murray expects to see Perry get back to that form soon in the NHL.

“I firmly believe he can be the cherry on the ice cream sundae that puts a team over the top, because of his competitiveness and his willingness to do whatever [it takes] to win,” Murray said. “We’re just not there. You have to let people grow into that. But I still think he can do it, and I’m hoping he does.”

LA Times: LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147489 Anaheim Ducks “As a goaltender, I would have hated him. He had that move where he would back out from the goal line and find some space, and then he’d fall on the goalie. That was the fun part for him.”

Corey Perry gave the Ducks all he had – as well as his opponents Whicker: Ducks get a new, forward-looking coach in Dallas Eakins. Will it Ducks buy out their four-time All-Star, who ranks at or near the top of matter? most franchise categories, including rankling rivals It’s finally official: Ducks have hired Dallas Eakins as their new coach

Ducks expected to name Dallas Eakins 10th coach in team history

By Mark Whicker “It was like a fumble in football,” O’Donnell said. “Things go on under that pile that nobody else knows about.”

Finally, those who doubted Corey Perry’s hockey future might be right. Perry was speared in the groin by Dominic Roussel of Dallas and he was roll-blocked in the back of his ailing knee by of Edmonton, It just took 14 seasons, four All-Star games and 372 goals. who then joined Anaheim. He and Kesler, then in Vancouver, were furious rivals. He and had their junior hockey wars, but They might not be right either. became roommates for a time. The Ducks bought out Perry’s contract Wednesday. He had lost a step “It was a quiet room,” Ryan once said. “I knew to leave him alone when while the NHL had gained two. He wasn’t a first-line player anymore. he was having a bad day.” Nobody inside the franchise could stomach watching him play on the fourth. For Perry, most days on ice were good ones. Murray thinks he has a few days left. Murray also said it was painfully hard to move Perry The quickest way to feel old is to watch Perry, 34, grow old, because he somewhere else. A host of drained defensemen could have told him that. always played like Ryan Getzlaf’s rambunctious little brother. They were born six days apart, and Perry kept going where he didn’t belong, Orange County Register: LOADED: 06.20.2019 emerging with a goal, a welt and a smirk. That was his personal hat trick.

“People didn’t realize he was such a big guy,” said Sean O’Donnell, who played with and against Perry and shared that Stanley Cup in 2007. “But he had that baby face and that little head. He’d go to the net and stay there no matter what you did to him, and he’d figure out a way to score and you never knew how he did it.

“You loved him as a teammate because he would do anything to win. You didn’t like him as an opponent because he was a pain in the butt.”

O’Donnell and , the Ducks’ TV analyst, believe Perry has a chapter or two left.

“I hope he goes somewhere and wins the Stanley Cup and goes into the Hall of Fame,” said Bob Murray, the general manager. “For some team, he could be the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae. We’re not there at this point.”

“It reminds me of (ex-Duck) Pat Maroon in St. Louis,” O’Donnell said. “He didn’t have a great deal of speed either, but he was tenacious and he knew how to play down low. That’s what the Blues needed.”

Twelve more games with the Ducks and Perry would have gotten to 1,000. He is their all-time leader in games and minutes, ranks third in assists and points, and second in goals and power-play goals.

He is 34 and wore teal-and-eggplant for the Mighty Ducks, once upon a time. He leaves Anaheim with two Olympic gold medals for , a World Championship, a Memorial Cup title for a truly frightening squad, and a World Junior crown.

In 2011, Perry won the Hart Trophy, hockey’s MVP, with a league- leading 50 goals, along with 29 points in the Ducks’ final 14 games. He was their trail guide into the .

Even in 2017, when the dropoff became a plunge, Perry struck three times in playoff overtimes. His most consequential goal was in double of Game 5 vs. Edmonton, the Komeback on Katella in which the Ducks trailed 3-0 with 3:16 left in the third period and still won.

All of this should equal retirement for Perry’s No. 10.

Perry and Getzlaf were drafted by ex-general manager Bryan Murray in 2003. Perry went 28th. The Kings had the previous two picks and chose and Jeff Tambellini. The Ducks got that pick from Dallas in exchange for second-round picks that became Wojtech Polak (no career points for the Stars) and B.J. Crombeen (seven).

Perry played that disrespect card for 14 years. It all came down to skating, which can be overcome. Uncoordinated hands cannot. The Ducks scored fewer goals than anyone else last season.

“He paid a high price for the way he scored,” Hayward said. “I can’t tell you how many times (play-by-play man) John Ahlers and I would watch him get knocked down and figure that, this time, he can’t get up. 1147490 Anaheim Ducks “On behalf of the entire Ducks organization, we want to thank Corey Perry for his tremendous contributions to the franchise,” team owners Henry and Susan Samueli said in a statement. “For many years, Corey Corey Perry era is over in Anaheim as Ducks buy out his contract has epitomized what it means to be a Duck, playing an aggressive, relentless game while being a compassionate and giving member of the Ducks GM Bob Murray attempted to trade the 34-year-old former Hart Orange County community.” Trophy winner, but couldn’t find a taker Orange County Register: LOADED: 06.20.2019

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

One door closed Wednesday in Duckdom and another swung wide open. General manager Bob Murray’s decision to buy out the final two years of Corey Perry’s contract ended one era in no uncertain terms, but it also signaled the beginning of a new one.

By parting ways with Perry, Murray gained salary-cap relief in the form of a $4 million savings and, most important, created a job opening at right wing when training camp begins in September. The Ducks’ roster will be younger, cheaper and faster heading into 2019-20, just as Murray intended.

“I know in my heart it was best,” Murray said during a conference call.

Perry became an unrestricted free agent, his future uncertain after attempts to trade him failed. He simply didn’t fit into Murray’s vision for the rebuilding Ducks, a team that fell from the NHL’s elite with a thud this past season, when it missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years.

“It’s one of the toughest things I’ve done,” Murray said. “It’s tough. The guy epitomized what we’ve been for the last 14 years. I procrastinated forever, but as we turn the corner with this team, it’s the best thing for us and for him.”

Perry’s departure creates a void at right wing that could be filled by one of a number of youngsters, including Ondrej Kase, Daniel Sprong or Troy Terry. Or perhaps one of the Ducks’ top picks in the NHL draft Friday and Saturday could assume the role.

There’s no shortage of possibilities.

“We’re turning the page,” Murray said. “You hope someone develops as Corey did.”

Perry played the most games in Ducks history (988) and also amassed the most penalty minutes (1,110). He ranks second on the franchise’s all- time list with 372 regular-season goals and 64 game-winners, and is third with 404 assists and 776 points.

He won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP after scoring a career-best 50 goals in 2010-11.

Many of Perry’s goals will live in Ducks lore for generations, especially the final strike in the Stanley Cup-clinching Game 5 victory over Ottawa in 2007, his helmet-less OT series clincher against Calgary in 2015 and his OT winner in the Comeback on Katella win over Edmonton in 2017.

His acts of subterfuge won’t be overlooked, either.

Who can forget Perry squirting water into the glove of an unsuspecting Jeff Carter during the Ducks-Kings series in 2014? Or the time he skated past and swiped the stick of Carolina’s Alexander Semin? Or the time he mocked Colorado coach Patrick Roy for his temper tantrum?

Perry was loved by his teammates and their fans and loathed by opponents and their fans.

His longtime linemate Ryan Getzlaf is now the last member of the Ducks’ championship team still on the roster, another sign that the past is in the past. Or soon will be, anyway. Getzlaf, the Ducks’ 34-year-old captain, has two seasons and $16.5 million left on his contract.

In time, Perry and Getzlaf could join former teammates Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Perry and Getzlaf are almost certain to have their Ducks uniform numbers retired beside those of Niedermayer, Selanne and .

In addition to his Stanley Cup victory with the Ducks, Perry also won gold medals with Canada at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. He is one of only eight players in hockey history to have won a Stanley Cup championship, an Olympic gold medal and the Hart Trophy. 1147491 Anaheim Ducks Translation: There was no taste for seeing Perry reduced to fourth-line status or press-box watching if he couldn’t be at his scoring and pestering form and if the kids were outproducing him.

‘Hearing the words is like a jolt’: Corey Perry’s agent believes there’s a So, Murray sought out Guy and Morris to help find a trade partner who future after Ducks buyout might be willing to take on $6 million in salary. Murray confirmed the Ducks were willing to retain the maximum 50 percent in any trade. There would, of course, be some back and forth as to the kind of assets each By Eric Stephens Jun 19, 2019 team would want. , Anaheim would have to give up something good to entice a team to take on a sizable cap hit, and get the

jump on other teams that might have interest in Corey Perry the player A few weeks ago, agent Pat Morris and his compadre at Newport Sports more than Corey Perry the big salary. Management, Mark Guy, met Corey Perry and his wife, Blakeny, for No deal could be made, either because teams were simply willing to let dinner in Toronto. The two don’t just represent their client and go over the Ducks proceed with the buyout and try to sign him as a free agent, or business. They’ve known Perry, the bonafide star right wing who once because there were only a few teams for which Perry would wave his full sat atop the NHL, since he was 15. It’s an association that dates to no-movement clause, or because Anaheim balked at the high price (i.e., Perry’s days with the Hockey League’s London Knights. first-round pick or top prospect) teams were asking for to sweeten the There have been many dinners over the years. But this one was about deal. Perry’s future – and how it was soon going to change in a dramatic Morris knew where this was headed. fashion. “How many times do you have a $8.625 cap hit (move) in today’s NHL?” “Once we got into the matter of fact and told him, he was not completely he said. surprised,” Morris told The Athletic on Wednesday. “But hearing the words is like a jolt.” And Murray knew too.

The Ducks announced a move on Wednesday that reverberated “As it went along, I got that sense big time,” the GM said. “Yes, I got the throughout the hockey world. Their association with Perry, at least as an sense. I wasn’t going to take back something that would have gotten in active player, is no more. The remaining two years of the eight-year, $69 the way of some of our kids. In that respect, I wasn’t going to do that. We million contract they agreed to in 2013 has been bought out. tried. And they were really helpful in that area. But it wasn’t going to happen.” Perry is a free agent for the first time in a 14-year NHL career spent solely in Anaheim. The Ducks are free of him, or at least his $8.625 Corey Perry’s salary-cap hit had become too pricey, considering his million salary cap hit. There is a cap price to pay for doing that, and the production. (Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today) Ducks will spread it over the next four years. But they decided it was worth paying. The Ducks will now pay $11 million to someone who no longer skates for them. There’s the $3 million signing bonus to take care of, and the other This wasn’t unexpected. But it is nonetheless a gut punch to all those $8 million will be spread out over the next four years. There are cap who thought Perry might be a one-team guy. Those who loved to see savings, but they’ll only be significant this season ($6 million in 2019-20, Perry antagonize the opposition and beat them on the scoreboard. Those $2 million in 2020-21). The Ducks must carry a $2 million cap hit because who saw him always be willing to take punishment around the net and of the buyout in 2021-22 and 2022-23. have no problem dishing out some of his own. Those who reveled when he delivered some of the signature moments in franchise history. But this is as much about Murray’s feeling that Perry’s presence – along with the fear that his production won’t return to top-six power forward On Wednesday, Perry’s prominent agent shared what the three men levels – will get in the way of the development of players like Ondrej talked about as they dined into that night. Kase, Troy Terry, Daniel Sprong and, perhaps, Kiefer Sherwood. The first three, in particular, need ice time because Jakob Silfverberg is a “You’ve grown up there,” Morris said. “You matured as a person in fixture following a career-high 24-goal season and a five-year contract Anaheim and that’s the only place you’ve known. You’ve grown up there. extension. Created relationships in hockey and outside of hockey. Played with great players. It’s emotional.” Murray repeatedly mentioned that it was time to “open that door” for the young players. But Perry leaves big shoes to fill, even if he was scoring Just 11 days ago, Ryan Getzlaf expressed that emotion to The Athletic 17 goals a season instead of 30 or 40 or 50. as we broke down the expected end of an era for the bookend stars. At that point, word of the Ducks’ decision to cut ties with Perry had first “Again, we’re turning the page,” Murray said. “Hopefully some young emerged in a report by our Pierre LeBrun. “I love that guy and have been people get into that situation that Corey was in. You hope somebody sort through everything with him in one way or another,” the Ducks’ captain of develops half as good as Corey did.” said. With the buyout done, the cellphones for Morris and Guy figure to start This was Bob Murray’s call. At 34, Perry hasn’t been the Ducks’ go-to burning up. The prospect of getting a former MVP, a gritty right wing with goal scorer for the last three seasons, the way he once was. Injuries, an extensive history of postseason battles, at a steep discount is now far along with wear and tear, have taken some toll. There is the question of more appetizing for teams. Perry will be a full year beyond the surgery whether Perry will fully recover from last September’s major surgery on a that limited him to just 31 games last season. right knee that’s long bothered him. And for Murray, two more years, with $15 million owed and a crowd of younger, cheaper players at right wing You could see a playoff team in need of a right-, tough-minded didn’t add up. forward — perhaps Montreal — enter the picture. Perry knows Carey Price and Shea Weber well from their Team Canada days. He could Upon returning from the Under-18 World Championships, Murray met provide an extra layer of leadership. And he would be much closer to his with Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli and laid out the options for just-purchased dream home in London, Ontario. Perry. He’d try to trade him first, but buying him out was the likely fallback. It’s something the Samuelis normally have a distaste for but Or Toronto. The Maple Leafs have a much tighter cap issue, as they Murray said, “They were fully supportive. They’re on the page with this. must sign Mitch Marner to a massive deal, but they’re in full win-now It’s hard for them.” mode. Or Buffalo. A new coach leading , Jeff Skinner and Rasmus Dahlin could be appealing. How about joining forces with “This is one of the hardest things I’ve done,” Murray said. “It’s tough. This Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat in Chicago? A guy epitomized what we have been for 14 years. He did whatever it takes reunion with in Minnesota? Because Perry missed more to win and that how we’ve been. It was a very tough call. But it became to than 100 days due to the knee issue, he is eligible to sign a one-year very apparent at the end to me – and down on the bench – that going deal with a low base salary but earn a lot more in individual and team forward as we turn the page here, that this would just be difficult for bonuses. And his camp could be willing to do that. Corey and for us to have him here.” Word is, there’s already plenty of interest across the league now. “One would anticipate when you have a player of Corey’s reputation and “From ownership and from Bob Murray’s point of view, a difficult history – short of his first season in his career and this one that just decision,” Morris said. “It’s difficult to do. You’re paying somebody a lot of happened because of the injury – he’s had over 15 goals every time he money not to play for you. A new direction for their franchise. That’s for stepped on the ice on a year-to-year basis,” Morris said. “Six times, he’s them to speak on the how’s and why’s. But in doing something that is had 30 goals. Two times he’s had 40 or more. He’s a competitor and he’s delicate and difficult, they did it in a classy manner. And did it a winner and he can help young players.” professionally.

Joe Thornton continues to flourish as he approaches 40. Justin Williams “Corey’s thankful for that. They kept it as quiet as possible.” remains very viable at 37. continues to play a role at 42. Morris doesn’t see why Perry can’t do the same as long as he is healthy. Murray thought the miles were piling up on Perry and couldn’t ignore the dollars paid out to him. He’s realistic about his team and came closest to “Corey’s smart,” Morris said. “Competitive. Feisty. He’s experienced. date to admitting the Ducks are very much in a rebuild. His hope is that He’s a winner. Every time you play, no matter how great you are, you’ve Perry goes to a contending team and puts another Cup on his resume. got something to prove. And he really has something to prove now. That As he put it, “the cherry on the ice cream sundae that puts a team over he’s better from injury. And that he’s still got a lot of NHL life left in him. the top that’s close.” Knowing him, I’d bet on Corey Perry every day.” “With Corey, it’s the intangibles,” Murray said. “It’s always been, and A new team is likely to bet on Corey Perry’s skills at age 34. (Perry always will be. It’s just the intangibles he brings. He’s had a great career. Nelson / USA Today) Look at his accomplishments. You can’t win much more than what he’s done.” Plain and simple, Corey Perry has left an everlasting footprint with the Ducks. A door closes on one era of the Ducks. Another one is about to swing open. No player has dressed in more of their games. Only one, the iconic Teemu Selanne, scored more goals in Anaheim than Perry with his 372. The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 Sixty-four of those goals were decisive in wins. And only two players – Selanne and Getzlaf – have scored more points than Perry’s 776.

That only scratches the surface of a glistening resume, which includes the Hart Trophy, the 50-goal explosion and the accompanying Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer in 2011. The Stanley Cup, hoisted with Getzlaf with both as 22-year-old burgeoning stars. The two Olympic gold medals also won with his longtime Canadian linemate. The gold also captured in the World Cup and IIHF world championships. A Memorial Cup championship. In hockey history, only Perry and former teammate Scott Niedermayer have won in all six realms.

Without question, Perry’s No. 10 eventually will hang in the Honda Center rafters, appropriately beside Getzlaf’s No. 15. The Ducks trumpeted all that the blond-haired rabble-rouser — beneath the choirboy exterior — meant with their statements after the stunning move was formally announced. An absolute steal as the No. 28 overall pick in a star-studded first round of the 2003 draft, Perry is a top-five player in franchise history, with a legacy as deep as the Pacific Ocean.

The Samuelis said the winger “epitomized what it means to be a Duck, playing an aggressive, relentless game while being a compassionate and giving member of the Orange County community.” Perry was a leading contributor with Getzlaf to the club’s “Learn to Play” program that introduced area youngsters to hockey and encouraged them to get involved. The two provided resources in way of equipment for those beginners.

“We consider Corey’s career to date to be Hockey Hall of Fame worthy, based on his accomplishments with the Ducks and his six separate team championships,” the Samuelis said. “But we are most proud that winning a team championship at every level never changed who he is — a selfless and dedicated individual committed to enriching the lives of youth and those in need.”

Before he spoke with reporters on a conference call, Murray said Perry, his wife Blakeny and their son, Griffin, “will always be part of the Ducks family.” He noted how the winger broke into the NHL just as the Samuelis took ownership of the franchise, ushering in a new era that Perry would define.

Cutting ties might have been prudent and perhaps even necessary. But this wasn’t a heartless gesture.

“It’s tough,” Murray said. “I talked to him a few times. This isn’t fun for anybody.”

Morris and Guy will be focused on helping Perry find the best fit as free agency beckons. But he lamented the winger not being able to play his 1,000th game with the Ducks. If healthy this past season, he could have achieved that mark by January. If Perry had returned to the Ducks, the possibility existed that he and Getzlaf could have hit the milestone on the same night. “That would have been a first, I’m sure,” the agent said, chuckling.

Naturally, that won’t happen. But Morris appreciated how Murray and the Ducks handled an uneasy decision about a franchise beacon. 1147492 Anaheim Ducks Bonsignore: What about both?

Dillman: It’s possible. I thought about that.

Who would belong on the Mount Rushmore of Los Angeles sports? Stephens: Between those two, I would argue Magic.

Bonsignore: I would too.

By Rich Hammond Jun 19, 2019 Dillman: Same here.

Hammond: I think maybe if you’re doing best player, if you’re just truly picking the best player, I’d say maybe Kobe. The extraordinary numbers include 23 professional championships, 23 college basketball and football championships, 174 Hall of Famers and Bonsignore: No. dozens of Olympic medalists and individual-sport champions. Hammond: Talent and championships? Los Angeles’ sporting history, from the 1888 Fighting Methodists of USC to current stars Clayton Kershaw and Todd Gurley, includes some of the Bonsignore: Magic got it from Day One. He stepped right out of college, world’s most-notable athletes. But who are the best? And how is “best” and he was winning championships right off the bat. even defined? Hammond: Kobe didn’t take long. But Magic is just — we were talking As part of the one-year anniversary of The Athletic Los Angeles, a panel about off-the-court stuff — everybody is so invested in Magic’s story. The of staffers — all either Southern California natives or longtime residents championships in the 80s, then he has to retire because of HIV, then he — convened to answer the question: Which four people belong on the comes back, and what a story that was. L.A. Sports Mount Rushmore? Stephens: That was something huge in the sports world.

Staff writers Vinny Bonsignore, Lisa Dillman and Eric Stephens, staff Dillman: Everyone remembers where they were that day (when Magic editor Rich Hammond and managing editor Joe Lago sorted it all out in a retired). You remember what you were doing and you were almost numb lengthy discussion that took a dramatic late turn. Here’s how the the whole day, and beyond that. conversation went. Lago: It was on my birthday. Not being a Lakers fan, I was even Rich Hammond: To start things off, I think we agree that we should have depressed. at least one Laker and at least one Dodger, and even that is very difficult. So maybe start with the Lakers? Hammond: I think that’s what sets him apart. With Kobe, I think it has evolved a little bit. Kobe, for a while, I don’t want to say he was aloof but Lisa Dillman: You could have a Lakers Mount Rushmore and it would be you kind of admired him from a distance. He didn’t let you get close. really hard to get the four. It would be a big battle, I think. Maybe I’m Magic was always like, “Wrap your arms around me.” wrong. Lago: You can’t deny Kobe’s greatness. He’s the closest thing to M.J. Vinny Bonsignore: Definitely. (Michael Jordan) I’ve ever seen.

Eric Stephens: The Lakers and the Dodgers, throughout the generations, Bonsignore: And he helped restore order because the Lakers were those are the two that you have to have one of each. floundering.

Hammond: So how do you do this? You’ve got Magic Johnson, who has Stephens: Put it this way: Who was Mr. Laker? been a transcendent figure for more than 35 years. You’ve got Kobe Bryant with five championships. You’ve got Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who Hammond: I think it’s Magic. also has UCLA ties and a great career there. You’ve got Jerry West … Bonsignore: It almost depends. For those of us who are old enough to Dillman: You’ve got The Logo, the NBA logo. And The Logo is not on my have seen both, I’d say Magic. But then there’s a whole couple of list, and I’m thinking, “Wow.” generations that have come since, and for them, it’s Kobe.

Stephens: I think Magic and Kobe are above the rest. Lago: I think Kobe slides into the fourth spot if we don’t have a strong enough fourth person. His candidacy is so strong to be the Laker Bonsignore: Above Kareem, too? representative. That No. 4 person really needs to beat out Kobe.

Stephens: Yeah. Dillman: And that’s going to be hard to do.

Dillman: Yeah. Magic just defines what they were and what they are. Hammond: We seem to be settled on Magic Johnson for our first face. He’s just transcendent. So let’s go to the Dodgers, which is no less difficult.

Stephens: Kobe represents more of this age, and I think you do you have Bonsignore: I think you can say one thing: Jackie Robinson was a to figure in this age, the last 10 or 15 years, with social media and all the Dodger, even though he wasn’t an L.A. Dodger. The thing is, is he advancements in communication. I think we have to figure some of that recognized as a Los Angeles icon? in. People in the last 10, 15, 20 years. Hammond: I think he still is, because the Dodgers have done such a Joe Lago: To me, Magic represents the golden age of the Lakers. That good job of celebrating him. They still honor him every year. They’ve was the pinnacle, the Showtime era. made him a part of their culture.

Stephens: He was the face. Stephens: Right. People wear “42” jerseys.

Lago: He was the face of the league, along with Larry Bird. That has to Hammond: There’s a statue of him outside Dodger , and he count for something. never played there.

Dillman: He helped spark the explosion of basketball here locally. Bonsignore: And when you dig into his time at UCLA and his Lago: And Magic has remained. I don’t know how much what they do off accomplishments in everything … the court should factor in, and maybe it does, but Magic being able to Lago: Four-sport star. invest so much in the inner-city communities, with all of his businesses and what he’s represented. He represented the city well, until he became Dillman: And he grew up in Pasadena. in charge of Lakers basketball operations. He is a great ambassador for Bonsignore: That’s as local as it gets. L.A. Everyone would say that. He’s still a favorite son, prince of the city, that level of status. Lago: He’s an American legend. How can he not be an L.A. legend?

Bonsignore: Kobe is pretty popular, too, Hammond: So how do you measure him against Vin Scully? Lago: Kobe is too, but he has his detractors. Dillman: This is where I’m the contrarian. I think without the players, the Stephens: You felt like you were meeting the pope. One last thing on Vin: broadcasters don’t exist. I think they are part of the game, but they’re not I think with all the different demographics over the years — Dodgers fans the game. And I think they’d be the first to tell you that. are a pretty good melting pot — you could be Hispanic and you connected. You could be white, black … Bonsignore: I think even Vin would argue against his inclusion. Dillman: Young, old. Dillman: He’s so modest. Then with Chick (Hearn) and Bob Miller, the same thing. Hammond: He was a uniter.

Lago: But that shouldn’t exclude him. Bonsignore: The players held him in great esteem because a lot of them grew up listening to him, too. Stephens: No, not at all. Lago: Are we putting Vin in that second spot? Dillman: My argument is that the Hockey Hall of Fame has a separate wing for media. A lot of people don’t understand that distinction. And the Stephens: I’d hate to bump Jackie. NBA has Hall of Famers from the media too, but they’re not players. There is a difference. Lago: I think Jackie is still in the mix, but maybe he’s just not in that No. 2 spot. When I think of L.A. sports, I think of the brands: Lakers, Dodgers, Stephens: Here’s my little counter to that. You’re right: Broadcasters are USC football, UCLA basketball. So I felt like, of course, the Mount separate. But there are broadcasters at different levels. Vin was (far Rushmore is going to have those four, but when you look at the above). Vin was (way above everyone), so I think that can factor into it. candidates for USC football and UCLA basketball … To me, it’s about a person you can connect with, a person you have stories of. I think it’s all of that. Who hasn’t connected with him? Bonsignore: O.J. took himself out of the running. You’ve got Kareem and John Wooden. Dillman: Is he bigger than Jackie Robinson or Sandy Koufax? Hammond: The college teams are a little weird because you have so Stephens: I know. It’s tough. much turnover. Even the most successful players are only there for three or four years. Bonsignore: I think he is bigger than Koufax. Dillman: It’s not of accomplishments. Stephens: Meaning-wise, Jackie, for sure. My son has a Vin Scully T- shirt. Stephens: Would you consider Wooden?

Dillman: I just wouldn’t put owners, general managers or coaches into it Hammond: I think you have to. either. I’m not just singling out the broadcasters. I’m being really narrow because it’s such a hard task. Stephens: If you’re going the college route, that’s honestly the only one who even approaches consideration. Hammond: I agree in general that nothing happens without the players, but I think Vin is so unique in that he brought a lot of people to the Hammond: He’s definitely on the short list. I just don’t know that he rises players, especially starting out when the team moved to L.A. He forged to some of the other names. It’s hard for me to pick someone from either such a connection to Los Angeles when there wasn’t one. one of those colleges.

Dillman: It’s like Ernie Harwell. I was in Detroit briefly and I didn’t know Lago: We’ve been talking about icons, so I think the others have to rise to much about the Tigers, and listening to him is what got me interested. that level.

Stephens: You go to Dodger games, and how often would you hear Dillman: What about Billie Jean King? people listening on their radios? Bonsignore: Serena Williams.

Dillman: Even now. My question is what are people going to say in five or Hammond: Right. Then I think we get into people who are from L.A. but 10 years? It’s obviously still really fresh in our minds. they played all around the world. Billie Jean King. Tiger Woods is from Lago: There’s some recency bias. Cypress.

Dillman: It’s something to consider. If 15 years, 20 years … Dillman: Venus and Serena Williams were 10 or 11 when they moved away. Lago: For Koufax, I know he was great, but I never saw him pitch. I can go look up his stats. I know he was always present in Vero Beach and Hammond: They didn’t play 50 games a year here, the way Magic did. kept his presence and connection to the club, to guys like Kershaw. They Stephens: They weren’t ever-present. know who he is. Hammond: Serena is one where, even though she didn’t spend that Stephens: He’s Dodger royalty and baseball royalty. much of her childhood here, it’s such a story.

Lago: Does he surpass Vin Scully that way? I get what Rich is trying to Lago: Exactly. The narrative that Nike has told over and over. This girl say. Vin just means more. The players come and go, but Vin was there from Compton and her sister. That has never left them. If anything, it’s for decades. chiseled in stone.

Bonsignore: He’s a part of our landscape, and he didn’t just do Dodgers. Hammond: Fifty years from now, when they tell her story … He did football and golf. When you think about Kirk Gibson’s home run, other than the home run, what do you think about? Lago: It’s not going to be that she was in Florida. It’s that she was playing on courts in Compton. Dillman: The call. I wonder, where do you think Laker fans would have put Chick in the equation, if this had been done closer to when he Bonsignore: And just tremendously dominant. passed? Dillman: Over a bunch of different eras, too. When she first started Bonsignore: He would be in the conversation. playing on the tour, Steffi Graf was still around a little bit. Steffi and Monica Seles were kind of at the end. And then Lindsay Davenport and Dillman: But not like this. Martina Hingis and Maria Sharapova, and now … Serena’s career has Bonsignore: He’s not Vin. been amazing. People kept saying that she was injured and wouldn’t last long. Lago: The beauty of Vin was his storytelling. The Dodgers could be losing, but it was still enjoyable because you were learning about things Lago: The dig against Serena and Venus — and Mary Carillo was vocal you would never even think about. about this — was that they didn’t take the game seriously when they first started out. Look at them now. Tennis chews people up and spits them Bonsignore: Even for us, when you would be covering games and eating out before they hit 30. dinner and Vin would come over to your table to say hello, it was like you were starstruck. Stephens: If we go into individuals sports — because people are so connected to teams — you have to be so transcendent and so tied in. Lago: Is Tiger considered L.A.? Bonsignore: If you take all those remaining names and ask people to pick a person who most identifies with L.A. sports, who would they pick? I’m Dillman: Yeah, Orange County. Western High. going to say Kobe.

Stephens: I don’t think so. Hammond: Have we left anyone out?

Hammond: When I think of Tiger Woods, he’s on the tee and they say, Dillman: Fernando Valenzuela. “From Windermere, Florida, Tiger Woods.” Lago: Cheryl Miller. Stephens: You don’t readily think, Tiger Woods from Cypress. Dillman: Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Dillman: That’s the interesting thing, because Tiger spent more of his early life in Southern California than the Williams sisters. Billie Jean is Hammond: Oscar de la Hoya. really good, too. Long Beach. What she did for women’s sports and the prize money on the tour. The tour would not be where it is today without Lago: But you’ve got to beat out Kobe, right? Billie Jean King. And she still advises the WNBA. She’s been advising Hammond: The toughest one to me, still, is Jackie Robinson. In terms of women’s hockey. For women’s tennis, they’d been playing in gyms, accomplishment, no question. putting up their own nets, painting the lines. Billie Jean and a bunch of women barnstormed the country. Stephens: In terms of significance, yeah.

Stephens: In a very simple way of saying it, I think Billie Jean is more Hammond: I mean, if you were doing an overall Sports Mount Rushmore, SoCal than Tiger. you would put Jackie Robinson it.

Hammond: How about Serena? Stephens: That’s a great point. It’s almost like he’s too transcendent for L.A. Stephens: That’s a tough one. (laughs) Bonsignore: To me, I think it’s, when you think of L.A. sports, who do you Bonsignore: The Williams sisters moved when they were super young. think of? It’s hard to argue against Kobe. We’ve been programmed to think they were these girls who came out of Compton. Dillman: Well, think about the Lakers without Kobe and what they would be, and think of the Kings without Gretzky. Lago: They moved from Michigan. Serena was born in Saginaw. Stephens: As huge and significant as Wayne is, you just have the hockey Dillman: I asked her about it once and she just laughed. “Oh, I don’t argument, comparatively speaking. remember it.” Dillman: Because basketball is so big. Lago: If it’s Billie Jean vs. Serena and we choose Billie Jean, everyone is going to wonder why. How did we come to that decision? Obviously we Stephens: Sadly, you have to bring that up. would have valid reasons, but on the surface, this could be one where Bonsignore: Kobe, when he escaped Shaquille O’Neal’s shadow a bit, people scratch their heads. that put him in a whole other category. Hammond: It’s a weird one because Billie Jean King has more of a direct Lago: I think you’re right. I was here to see how crazy it was when connection to Southern California than Serena, but I agree. If you’re Gretzky was with the Kings. It was rock-star status. It was insane. talking about the L.A. Sports Mount Rushmore, I don’t know that people see Billie Jean — for all her accomplishments — as being a really unique Dillman: You had President Reagan on the glass. Goldie Hawn. Kurt L.A. character. Maybe they shouldn’t see Serena that way because she Russell. only spent five years here, but they do. Lago: It was must-see TV. People were gathering and watching like it Dillman: If you talk to people older than us, they remember Billie Jean was a Lakers playoff run. That’s how crazy it was. playing in Long Beach. She went to Cal State L.A. while she was playing at Wimbledon. Bonsignore: And it was during a bad stretch for the Lakers, in the early 90s. Stephens: They’ve named several things after Billie Jean King. Several athletic facilities have been named after her. Hammond: The argument there is, he changed the Kings more than any other player changed their team. He changed the Kings more than Magic Dillman: I’ve played at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Long Beach. changed the Lakers. You walk in and you look up and you go, “Wow.” It hits you when you walk in the door, still. Lago: That’s true, because the Lakers had Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain. … So are we debating Jackie vs. Kobe? Lago: Maybe she makes the monuments at the foot of this Mount Rushmore. Dillman: Sandy was high on my list, too.

Dillman: I’m fine with having Serena on it. She’s been back here. She’s Stephens: In my opinion, Jackie over Sandy. lived here for different parts of her life. It hasn’t been all Florida. She’s Bonsignore: I think Jackie is more of a national figure. Kobe is more been here and has spent more time in L.A. than people know. And I think identifiable with Los Angeles. they do stuff that people just don’t hear about, with programs and tennis centers locally. I just think they don’t publicize it a lot. Lago: I think we’re saying Kobe’s accomplishments here were more tangible. You’ve seen them. You’ve experienced them. It’s not recency Lago: Serena does rise to the level of greatness. bias. It’s that he’s a five-time NBA champion with the Lakers, the most Stephens: No question. important franchise and sports entity in the city.

Hammond: So it seems like we’re in favor of adding Serena to Magic on Dillman: I think we have to choose Kobe. As we’ve been talking here, our Mount Rushmore. So we’ve got Magic and Serena, and then it you’ve convinced me. seemed like we were leaning toward Vin Scully. We’ve also talked about Lago: Does what happened in Colorado change anything? Kobe and Sandy Koufax and Jackie Robinson. The other name we haven’t talked about is Wayne Gretzky. If you’re going to pick a hockey Stephens: I’m trying to put myself in the position of the reader — and person, I think he’s the clear choice, and you’re talking about someone people will have different opinions — but no, I don’t think it does. who quite literally transformed the landscape of sports in L.A. Lago: He is polarizing though. Stephens: Teams exist because of him. Bonsignore: He elicits a response. Lago: There’s no San Jose Sharks without Gretzky coming to L.A. Stephens: Kobe represents the younger element, the more current Hammond: And on top of that, he’s the greatest player in league history. element. He’s obviously accomplished. I would argue Jackie, but I would understand choosing Kobe. Dillman: Jackie is transcendent. Billie Jean is almost like that, too. But I’d go with Kobe. You guys are so persuasive. You should be lawyers.

Stephens: With Jackie, it’s national, but you have to apply this to L.A. He’s also very much L.A.

Lago: I thought Wooden would have to be included, not just because of his success but because of his impact on so many players who went through UCLA. But then you guys brought up Kobe and I agree. But I also agree with Eric about Jackie. Because it’s weird that he would be on the national Mount Rushmore but not the L.A. one, even though he has ties to L.A.

Dillman: I bet there’s a lot of people who think he played for the L.A. Dodgers, but don’t know he didn’t. They just assume he did. It’s a hard call.

Stephens: Jackie literally changed an entire sport, and beyond.

Lago: He changed American sports.

Dillman: Forever.

Stephens: Pasadena. UCLA. Stadiums are named after him.

Bonsignore: Should we give ourselves an out by saying no broadcasters?

Dillman: Well …

Lago: Who’s the greatest Dodger ever?

Bonsignore: Jackie Robinson.

Hammond: If we don’t do Vin, people would …

Dillman: If we qualify it by saying only players, then that’s the standard. We just slide Jackie in.

Bonsignore: Vin, you’re out.

Lago: Can you imagine the uproar?

Dillman: C’mon, people aren’t going to be mad about Jackie.

Lago: And not including Vin?

Dillman: But if we say players only. It’s a players Mount Rushmore.

Bonsignore: We can have a Ford Frick wing.

Lago: With Chick, Bob Miller and Ralph Lawler.

Dillman: I think if we say players only, we get around it.

Stephens: I’m starting to buy that more.

Hammond: I think it makes sense, with the caveat that if we were doing non-players, Vin would be there. And you can throw Wooden in that part of the discussion too. If we were going to pick a broadcaster, we’d pick Vin Scully. If we were going to pick a coach, we’d pick John Wooden.

Bonsignore: I think people will understand.

Hammond: Poor Vin. This feels like “Game of Thrones.”

Bonsignore: As I plunge this into your heart.

Hammond: You will always be my broadcaster!

Dillman: I think we’ve kind of solved the problem.

Bonsignore: We always had that ace in our pocket.

With that, the panel (finally) settled on its four: Magic Johnson, Jackie Robinson, Serena Williams and Kobe Bryant.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147493 Arizona Coyotes touches include building “smart” concession areas to make sure there is an uninterrupted flow of food items and there is enough space and staffing to avoid lines at critical times — something existing stadiums A to-do list for the Arizona Coyotes' new owner Alex Meruelo would find difficult to retrofit. Also, they’ve put all the soft-drink machines in the concourse, so you pay for a cup and can get all the ice and product you want, speeding up the entire process.

Mark Faller, Arizona Republic Published 3:33 p.m. MT June 19, 2019 | The overarching idea, with these two examples and many others baked Updated 3:36 p.m. MT June 19, 2019 into the stadium’s DNA, is to happy customers who come back again and again. There will be an initial dip in concession revenue, but

there should be a quantum leap forward in customer satisfaction. Less Here’s an unsolicited to-do list for the new owner of the Arizona Coyotes time in lines. Reasonable costs. Seamless ability to use their smart (and welcome to the Valley of the Sun, Alex Meruelo — happy to discuss phones even when 70,000 people are present. And so forth. these points and just about anything else in person one day). All of the above — and a lot more that’s well-known now in stadium To-do item No. 1 — No, it’s not solve the arena issue. Yes, that’s design and operation circles — is mandatory going forward as new important, but by itself this is not the most pressing issue facing the team, facilities are planned. even though NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman famously said in 2017 It’s a short to-do list. Totally manageable, yes? “the Coyotes cannot and will not remain in Glendale.” Welcome aboard, Alex Meruelo. Puck’s in your end now. Actually, the top item on the list must be: Spend some money to get a playoff-caliber team on the ice. If nothing else has been proven in the Arizona Republic LOADED: 06.20.2019 team’s two-plus decades in the desert, it’s that there are a lot of hockey fans here and they are starved for a winner — and will support one in droves. I’m not saying it’s easy to turn around a hockey team overnight. Well, actually, maybe it is easier than we thought, as the St. Louis Blues’ last-place-to-Stanley-Cup-champs run suggests. Point is, the new owner has smart hockey people in his employ. Smart hockey people can move mountains with just a few resources. Give them those tools.

To-do item No. 2 — OK, the arena’s got to be next, right? Well, not so fast.

Before a single shovel of dirt is turned at a new arena site, before a single moving van shows up in Glendale, spend some time and money to absolutely understand the Valley market and the rapidly evolving habits of sports fans, so that a new arena is in the right place and is designed not just for, say, 2022 but for decades to come.

Are you a sports fan? Stay in the know. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

Many of the nation’s sports editors are in Atlanta this week for a national conference. We took in a ballgame at the Braves’ new stadium last night, and today we got a tour of the massive, state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

My takeaways: The Braves made a bold move building their new ballpark out of downtown and into a nearby suburb. This was considered controversial, even a travesty, when it was first announced six years ago. The Braves were accused of abandoning Atlanta, and maybe there is something to that. But the team, worried that Turner Field wouldn’t be viable in the short-term future, wanted more than just a new park. They wanted to create a experience bigger than baseball.

The result is a stadium that’s located at the intersection of two major interstate highways in the heart of where the Braves know most of their customers live. It is surrounded by apartment buildings and retail and office space and entertainment. Gary Stokan, president of the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl and former president of the Atlanta Sports Council, said in a piece on thedrum.com in 2016 that the goal for SunTrust Park “is a total holistic fan experience rather than just a baseball park.”

We can quibble about the location of a new Valley hockey palace, but clearly it needs to be built close to the known Coyotes fan base. And just as vital, it has to offer more than the 60 minutes of a hockey game. That’s something facing all our teams and facilities: how to compete for attention from people who can get a great experience at home on their 80-inch screens.

Which brings me to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. I won’t get into all the specs of this shiny, top-shelf building, but here’s one thing we learned on our tour: They designed the place to include approximately one zillion miles of fiber optic cable (I might be off a bit on the actual statistic) and also designed it to be flexible enough to make is easy to adapt to whatever technology comes down the pike in 10 or 15 years. As someone who’s basically given up trying to use social media while in the stands at Chase Field, I find this brilliant.

The stadium concessions have what is known as “street pricing,” meaning that the cost of a Chick-Fil-A sandwich in the stadium is the same as at a store. Same for every other menu item. Other related 1147494 Arizona Coyotes The Meruelo Group has no outside investors, which makes Meruelo the sole owner of his various companies.

OEL a finalist for Clancy award Arizona Coyotes purchase by Alex Meruelo approved by NHL Board of Governors Coyotes captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been named a finalist for the King Clancy trophy, awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant Richard Morin, Arizona Republic Published 1:46 p.m. MT June 19, 2019 | humanitarian contribution to his community. Updated 5:24 p.m. MT June 19, 2019 New York Rangers goaltender and Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker are the other finalists for the award. A winner will be revealed Wednesday night at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas. The NHL Board of Governors on Wednesday unanimously approved billionaire entrepreneur Alex Meruelo to purchase a majority share of the Ekman-Larsson has been consistently involved with the Boys & Girls Arizona Coyotes, team president and CEO Ahron Cohen confirmed in a Club in Scottsdale as well as anti-bullying campaigns, Hockey Fights statement. Cancer and Hockey Is For Everyone.

Cohen said he expected the sale to be finalized in July. The winner of the award receives $40,000 from the NHL to be donated to a charity of his choice. The other two finalists also receive $5,000 to Still, Wednesday's news is an affirmation from the NHL, which will allow donate. Meruelo to complete his purchase of the club. Meruelo’s focus will remain on securing a permanent future in Arizona for the franchise, according to Arizona Republic LOADED: 06.20.2019 league sources.

"The Board of Governors’ unanimous approval today represents a major milestone for the Coyotes organization, our great fans and, of course, for Mr. Alex Meruelo,” Cohen said in the statement. "As we move forward, our team will do everything we can to continue building the positive momentum and progress we have achieved on and off the ice.

"We are determined to make this summer a success as we head into the 2019-20 season. We will keep Our Pack updated on further milestones in this process."

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Assuming the deal is finalized, it is believed that Meruelo will be the first Latino majority owner in the NHL. Meruelo could unlock opportunities in a metro Phoenix market that has a Hispanic population of more than 42%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters in Las Vegas that Meruelo is "committed" to finding a new arena in Arizona, adding that Gila River Arena in Glendale "is not viable long-term."

In a statement to The Arizona Republic, the City of Glendale said the news of Meruelo's approved purchase was "exciting."

"As the first Latino owner of a major league sports franchise, Mr. Meruelo represents the wonderful diversity found in Glendale," the statement read. "An owner like Mr. Meruelo, with his business acumen, coming in at a time when the Coyotes just finished one of their most financially successful seasons, has us very excited for what the future holds for the franchise. We will continue to build on the relationship with the Coyotes and look forward to welcoming Mr. Meruelo to Glendale."

Jen Fifield contributed to this report.

Who is Alex Meruelo?

Meruelo, 55, is a son of Cuban immigrants with a history of buying undervalued assets and holding onto them.

Meruelo began his business career working for his father's tuxedo company before purchasing a failing California pizza restaurant. He rebranded it to cater to Latinos by offering toppings such as chorizo and jalapeños. The chain opened 12 locations and exceeded $10 million in sales within five years of Meruelo's takeover.

Alex Meruelo is set to become the majority owner of the Arizona Coyotes.

He was also involved in a bid to purchase the Atlanta Hawks in 2011, but the deal did not go through. Meruelo told the Los Angeles Times that the deal was too highly leveraged and that he was asked to pay more than originally asked.

It appears that the Coyotes would be Meruelo's first sports-related purchase since his terminated bid to buy the Hawks.

Meruelo is also the founder of Meruelo Group, which as a construction and real estate development firm with a number of other assets, including several in the American Southwest. 1147495 The 20-year-old Pettersson beat out St. Louis goalie Jordan Binnington and Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin for the award. Pettersson joins Pavel Bure (1992) as the only Calder winners in Canucks history.

Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov wins the Hart Trophy Pettersson provided an offensive jolt to the Canucks in his first North American season, scoring a goal on his first NHL shot and seamlessly adapting to the world’s best league. One year after Vancouver drafted Shirley Leung him with the fifth overall pick in 2017, Pettersson posted a rookie-best 28 goals and 38 assists.

Giordano got an appropriate reward for his remarkable performance 13 Calgary’s Mark Giordano won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top years into an NHL career spent entirely with the Flames. Giordano beat defenseman, earning the award for the first time at 35 years old. out two vaunted finalists: San Jose’s Brent Burns, who won it in 2017, Vancouver forward Elias Pettersson won the Calder Trophy given to the and Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman, who won it last year. league’s top rookie, and Ryan O’Reilly added his first Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward to the Blues’ Stanley Cup victory. The Calgary captain was instrumental in the Flames’ breakthrough season, leading the NHL with a plus-39 rating while regularly playing Barry Trotz of the won his second Jack Adams against opponents’ best lines. Giordano also scored a career-best 74 Award as the best coach while Boston’s Don Sweeney was named the points and played more than 24 minutes per game. league’s top general manager. Giordano is the fourth defenseman to win the Norris at 35 or older, Kucherov, who turned 26 on Monday, received 164 of 171 first-place joining Nicklas Lidstrom, Doug Harvey and Al MacInnis. votes in a runaway victory over two-time MVP of Pittsburgh, who finished second in the voting, and 2017 Hart winner THE WINNERS Connor McDavid of Edmonton. Kucherov, who posted the NHL’s highest- scoring individual season since 1996, also won the Lindsay Award as his Hart Trophy fellow players’ choice for the league’s most outstanding player. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay

A year after scoring 100 points, Kucherov emerged as perhaps the NHL’s Vezina Trophy most impressive scorer, putting up a career-best 41 goals and 87 assists for his powerhouse Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay

Kucherov tied Jaromir Jagr’s NHL record for assists by a wing, and he Norris Trophy surpassed ’s season record for points by a Russian- born player. Mark Giordano, Calgary

Tampa Bay also posted 128 standings points, the most by any team Selke Trophy since 1996 — but Kucherov regrets that he had little impact during the Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis Lightning’s stunning first-round playoff sweep by the Blue Jackets. Kucherov served a one-game suspension for a dangerous hit during the Jack Adams Award series, and he scored his only 2 points in playoffs. Barry Trotz, NY Islanders Trotz beat out Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper and St. Louis’ Craig Berube for Award the Adams trophy, which is based on regular-season performance. Trotz also won the award with Washington three years ago. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay

After winning the Stanley Cup and subsequently leaving the Capitals last Calder Trophy summer, Trotz engineered an impressive one-season turnaround for the Islanders. New York went 48-27-7 for a 23-point increase from 2018 and Elias Pettersson, Vancouver its best single-season total since 1983-84, even after losing John Lady Byng Trophy Tavares to Toronto. Aleksander Barkov, Florida Trotz took a moment after accepting the award to honor his goalie, Robin Lehner, who won the Masterton Trophy as the player exemplifying the King Clancy Memorial Trophy qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Lehner had an outstanding season after revealing during training camp Jason Zucker, Minnesota that he has struggled with addiction and bipolar disorder. He is the third Mark Messier Leadership Award player in Islanders history to win the award. Wayne Simmonds, Philadelphia ‘‘I’m not ashamed to say I’m mentally ill, but that doesn’t mean mentally weak,’’ Lehner said after accepting his award. Masterton Trophy

Wild forward Jason Zucker won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for Robin Lehner, NY Islanders leadership and humanitarian contributions to hockey. Zucker, who is from Las Vegas, has done extensive fund-raising for children’s causes in GM of the year Minnesota. Don Sweeney, Boston

Florida center Aleksander Barkov won his first Lady Byng Trophy as the Boston Globe LOADED: 06.20.2019 player best combining sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability. Philadelphia’s Wayne Simmonds won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.

Vasilevskiy beat out Dallas’ Ben Bishop and Lehner for the Vezina. The Russian goalie led the NHL with 39 victories for the powerhouse Lightning while posting a 2.40 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage in 53 games. He is the first Tampa Bay goalie to win the award.

O’Reilly bested Boston’s Patrice Bergeron, a four-time Selke winner and a finalist for the eighth consecutive year, and Vegas’ Mark Stone.

O’Reilly was the Blues’ top scorer with 77 points, including 28 goals in his first season in St. Louis. He also compiled a plus-22 rating and finished fourth in the NHL with 94 takeaways. 1147496 Boston Bruins The Bruins missed the postseason in Sweeney’s first year as GM, then were knocked out in Round 1 by the Senators in 2017. He replaced coach Claude Julien with Bruce Cassidy in February 2017, sparking the Bruins’ Don Sweeney named NHL’s GM of the year; Patrice Bergeron franchise turnaround, leading to what has been three straight postseason misses out on Selke appearances.

“I was afforded the opportunity to be in the [GM] chair,” said Sweeney. “We mapped it out in terms of where we thought we could get, and we Shirley Leung felt this was our time period, that we had to recommit to a draft-and- develop model. We made a very difficult decision on the coaching

change, and it allowed Bruce to implement some of the younger guys he “Well, 29 years I’ve been part of the ,” said felt comfortable [using]. But again, it comes back to the leadership group Sweeney, the ex-Harvard blue liner, as he accepted the award, “and this supporting those efforts — as well as the organization, Mr. Jacobs, was my first invitation. That probably means one of two things: I wasn’t Charlie, and Cam. When you go to ask for something they do everything good enough before, or I was too cheap to buy a ticket.” they possibly can.”

Patrice Bergeron, a finalist again for the Selke Trophy as the league’s Boston Globe LOADED: 06.20.2019 best defensive forward, came up short for a second straight season, the award going to Blues center Ryan O’Reilly. Bergeron, who has won a record four Selkes (tied with ex-Habs great ), has been a Selke finalist for a record eight consecutive seasons.

Sweeney, among the three GM finalists who were in attendance, was chosen ahead of Doug Armstrong, boss of the Cup champion Blues, who edged the Bruins in Game 7 just a week earlier, and Don Waddell, GM of the , who the Bruins swept, 4-0, in this year’s Cup semis.

Sweeney’s other most important maneuverings that impacted the 2018- 19 roster came last July 1 with three moves, including the signing of goalie Jaroslav Halak. The backup’s solid work positioned No. 1 Tuukka Rask to have a comfortable workload and be well rested for the grueling Cup run.

Sweeney also added budget bottom-six forwards Joakim Nordstrom and , both of whom chipped in with some timely goals and defensive grinding over the course of a season in which the Bruins finished with 107 points, ultimately giving them home-ice advantage through all four rounds of the playoffs.

“It’s incredibly humbling to be here,” said Sweeney. “It’s a recognition of my peers, to be perfectly honest with you. Congratulations to Don Waddell, and of course Doug Armstrong and the St. Louis Blues.”

Armstrong, who was general manager of the Dallas Stars (2002-07) in the fall of 2003, brought Sweeney to Dallas, where he finished out his 1,000-plus-game career with one last year on the Stars’ back line.

After returning to Boston in 2004 and working for two years in academic administration, Sweeney was one of Chiarelli’s first hires upon becoming the Boston GM. Nine years later, just weeks after Chiarelli was fired, Sweeney was promoted to the top job.

“I really believe this is an acknowledgment of the Boston Bruins organization,” said Sweeney. ‘’I was very fortunate that Mr. [Jeremy] Jacobs, Charlie [Jacobs], and Cam [Neely] . . . to give me this opportunity. And the incredible, devoted coaches and players — people I get a chance to work with every day — should share this as well.”

Sweeney also acknowledged his twin sons, Jared and Tyler, as inspirations.

“From the time they were born at 1 pound and 6 ounces,” said Sweeney, harkening back long ago to the anxious days of the twins’ birth. “But most importantly, to my beautiful wife — she has been the rock of our family. She has selflessly supported all of my career aspirations and I share this with her tonight as the special person she is.”

Sweeney’s wife, the former Christine Hough, is an ex- pairs figure skater who competed for Canada in the 1988 and ’92 Olympic Games.

“You’re just trying to find potential missing pieces,” Sweeney said after the ceremony, asked to reflect on the Coyle-Johansson acquisitions. “We’ve worked hard the last few years to kind of hone in on some areas that we felt we could fill some gaps. I can’t say enough about what Charlie and Marcus did for our hockey club, coming in and fitting in seamlessly.

“We went on a very good run, but we just fell a little bit short. That’s probably been the hardest things in the last six days, knowing what the players put on the line, having the opportunity to win . . . you are just so proud of ’em.” 1147497 Boston Bruins Former NFL running back Rod Smart has been found safe after missing for the last six days, police in Lancaster (S.C.) County said Tuesday night. Smart, who earned notoriety when he wore "He Hate Me" on the Flyers give Kevin Hayes a seven-year, $50 million deal back of his XFL jersey in 2001, "has been located and he is safe at this time." Smart, 42, played for the Eagles and Panthers during his five-year NFL career.

Shirley Leung MISCELLANY

USA Gymnastics revamps policy

The Philadelphia Flyers announced Wednesday that they have signed USA Gymnastics is overhauling its Safe Sport policy to provide better center Kevin Hayes to a seven-year, $50 million that is worth $7.14 protection for athletes and clearer guidelines for coaches, parents, million per season. Philadelphia acquired the negotiating rights to the trainers, and club owners on what constitutes abuse. The new policy Dorchester native and product from Winnipeg for a fifth- says all one-to-one interactions should be ‘‘observable and interruptible,’’ round pick during the Stanley Cup Final. The Jets got him from the New including massages, icing and taping, stretching and any other physical York Rangers at the trade deadline in February. Hayes becomes the contact. Other guidelines prohibit electronic and social media Flyers’ third-highest paid player behind captain and communication between a coach and an athlete without a second adult winger Jakub Voracek and should step in as their new No. 2 center being included in the exchange and banning personal gifts and other behind . Hayes is coming off a recording a career-high 55 ‘‘grooming’’ activities. Background checks for employees at member points last season, and has 92 goals and 137 assists in 381 career clubs will now fall with those required by the US Olympic games. Committee . . . Don Foberg of Plymouth Country Club made four birdies coming home and tied for medalist honors at a Amateur Ducks buy out ex-NHL MVP Perry qualifier at Indian Pond CC in Kingston. Foberg, 65, and co-medalist After 14 years with the team, the Ducks bought out former NHL MVP Joseph O’Malley of Harmon GC were among seven qualifiers from Indian Corey Perry’s contract. Perry is the franchise leader with 988 games Pond. The Mass. Amateur is July 15-19 at the Country Club in Brookline . played and won Anaheim’s only Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP in 2011. . . The New York Yankees released Danny Farquhar from Triple A, He is the third-leading scorer in team history with 776 points, and his 372 ending the reliever’s comeback more than a year after he collapsed in goals rank second while his 404 assists are third. Perry had two years the White Sox dugout due to a ruptured aneurysm and brain hemorrhage left on his deal with an annual salary cap hit of $8.625 million . . . Alex . . . Freshman Kumar Rocker pitched six innings, giving up two runs on Meruelo was approved as the new majority owner of the Coyotes during five hits and a walk while striking out six, and No. 2 seed Vanderbilt (56- the NHL's Board of Governors meeting . . . The Canadiens will host next 11) took a 6-3 victory over the No. 6 Mississippi State (52-14) in the year's draft, to be held June 26 and 27. It will be the 27th time the draft College World Series in Omaha, Neb. . . . Brian Klein hit the tie-breaking will be held in Montreal and first since 2009. home run for Texas Tech and the Red Raiders beat Florida State, 4-1, at the College World Series to close the 40-year coaching career of NCAA SOCCER all-time wins leader Mike Martin. His 2,029 wins are the most by any coach in any college sport . . . No. 7 Louisville (50-17) eliminated Auburn Revolution falter in US Open Cup (38-28) from the College World Series with a 5-3 win as the two teams Benji Michel scored his first professional goal in the first overtime, Tesho completed a game suspended by rain on Tuesday. Akindele doubled the lead five minutes later, and host Orlando City held Boston Globe LOADED: 06.20.2019 on for a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution in the Round of 16 at the US Open Cup. New England pulled to within a goal in the 117th minute when Justin Rennicks converted a header for his first Revolution goal. New England substitutes Juan Fernando Caicedo and Antonio Delamea both directed headers off target in the frantic final minutes, and an 87th-minute Matt Turner stop on Dillon Powers insured the game would reach extra time . . . UEFA rejected Paris Saint-Germain’s appeal of Neymar's three-match Champions League ban for "insulting match officials" after PSG was eliminated by Manchester United in March. PSG and Neymar have 10 days to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport . . . The Spanish soccer federation says national team coach Luis Enrique is stepping down for personal reasons and that assistant coach Roberto Moreno will take over.

Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner blocks an Orlando City shot during the second half.

TENNIS

Del Potro in doubt for Wimbledon

Juan Martin del Potro could be in doubt for Wimbledon after withdrawing from the Queen's Club grass-court event in London with a right knee injury. The 12th-ranked Del Potro beat Denis Shapovalov, 7-5, 6-4, in the first round but finished with pain and swelling in his knee after slipping near the net late in the second set. Wimbledon starts July 1. Sixth seed Milos Raonic returned from a back injury to fire 24 aces in a 6-3, 6-2 win over Marco Cecchinato . . . The first meeting of identical twins in WTA Tour history ended with an upset as 122nd-ranked Kristyna Pliskova beat third-ranked Karolina, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7), in the Birmingham (England) Classic first round. Second seed Ashleigh Barty won her first match since capturing her first major at the French Open, beating Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4, while Venus Williams, playing her second Wimbledon warm-up in 20 years, beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich, 6-3, 6-4.

Juan Martin Del Potro returns a shot in his first-round victory over Denis Shapovalov in London.

NFL

Police: “He Hate Me” found safe 1147498 Boston Bruins

A look at NHL Draft prospects with local ties

Shirley Leung

Henry Thrun, defenseman, 6-2, 190 — A native of Southborough, Thrun played two years at St. Mark’s followed by two more with the USNTDP. He has committed to play at Harvard in the fall.

Braden Doyle, defenseman, 6-0, 168 — The Lynnfield native played for Lawrence Academy last season and will suit up for the of the USHL in the fall. He is committed to join Boston University in 2020.

Other locals who could be selected

Ben Meehan, defenseman, 6-0, 163 — After playing the last three years at Dexter, the Walpole native will join Cedar Rapids in the USHL before enrolling at UMass Lowell in 2020.

Tyler Young, right wing, 6-1, 165 — Having played the last two seasons with Lawrence Academy, Young will play for the Wenatchee Wild in the British Columbia Hockey League before heading to Providence in 2020. The Lancaster native is the son of two-time Stanley Cup champion Scott Young.

Prospects from Mass. colleges

Marc Del Gaizo (right) was congratulated by Colin Felix after he scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Denver in the Frozen Four to send UMass to the national championship game.

Spencer Knight, goalie, 6-3, 198 — Ranked No. 1 among North American goalies, the Darien, Conn., native will head to Boston College in the fall after playing the last two seasons with the USNTDP.

Marc Del Gaizo, defenseman, 5-9, 170 — The Basking Ridge, N.J., native paired with Cale Makar as a freshman for UMass last season, and could be asked to take on a bigger role for the Minutemen after Makar’s departure. He scored the winning goal in overtime against Denver in the Frozen Four.

John Farinacci, center, 6-0, 185 — After putting up impressive numbers the last two seasons at Dexter, the native of Red Bank, N.J., is headed to Harvard in September.

Jayden Struble, defenseman, 6-0, 194 — The Cumberland, R.I., native played the last two seasons at St. Sebastian’s and will skate for the Victoria Grizzlies in the BCHL before joining Northeastern in 2020.

Robert Mastrosimone, right wing, 5-10, 171 — The East Islip, N.Y., native is headed to BU after playing the last two seasons with the Chicago Steel of the USHL.

Alex Vlasic, defenseman, 6-6, 200 — Another BU commit, he played the last two seasons for the US National Team Development Program.

Cade Webber, defenseman, 6-6, 194 — The Meadville, Pa., product brings size and played for The Rivers School the last three seasons. After heading to the Penticton Vees in the BCHL, he’ll join BU in the fall of 2020.

Boston Globe LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147499 Boston Bruins Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning won the as the league’s Most Valuable Player, and also the players’ vote for the Ted Lindsay Award. Lightning teammate Andrei Vasilevskiy won Bruins’ Don Sweeney wins NHL GM of the Year; Patrice Bergeron third the Vezina Trophy as top goaltender. in Selke voting Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson took the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year, beating out Blues goalie Jordan Binnington and Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Florida’s Aleksander Barkov came away By MARISA INGEMI with the Lady Byng Trophy.

Other award winners were: Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames (James Norris Memorial Trophy, top defenseman); Jason Zucker of the LAS VEGAS — There hardly is a consolation for how the Bruins season Minnesota Wild (King Clancy Trophy, humanitarian contribution to ended, but at least they can know the hockey world appreciated their hockey); Wayne Simmonds of the Nashville Predators (Mark Messier efforts. NHL Leadership Award); and Robin Lehner of the Islanders (Bill Bruins general manager Don Sweeney was named the NHL’s general Masterton Memorial Trophy, perserverance, sportsmanship and manager of the year at Wednesday night’s NHL Awards at the Mandalay dedication to hockey). Bay Events Center. Boston Herald LOADED: 06.20.2019 “I think this is a testament to the hard work of the organization,” Sweeney said. “You get support of people who work so hard every day, players who are so committed, you’re just trying to find potentially missing pieces. We’ve worked hard the last few years to kind of hone in on some areas we felt we could fill some gaps. I can’t say enough about what Charlie (Coyle) and Marcus (Johansson) did for our hockey club, coming in seamlessly. … We went on a very good run and fell just a little bit short. That’s been probably the hardest thing, the past six days.”

Patrice Bergeron, nominated for the Frank J. Selke Award for best defensive forward for the eighth time in his career, fell short as Blues center and winner Ryan O’Reilly took home the award for the first time. Bergeron finished third behind the Golden Knights’ Mark Stone, with 31 first-place votes and 809 points overall.

Brad Marchand also placed 16th in the Selke voting.

Sweeney built a Stanley Cup Final roster, making moves midseason to add Coyle and Johansson, and managed a team that underwent adversity with injuries all season. Depth was tested throughout, and the organization was utilized from the minors on up as several draft picks from Sweeney’s past drafts contributed. Overall, the Bruins lost 253 total man-games because of injury during the season, a challenge for the coaching staff and entire front office.

Sweeney drafted playoff contributors such as Brandon Carlo, Charlie McAvoy and Jake DeBrusk along with the offseason signing of Chris Wagner, who helped bolster the depth.

“It’s a privilege to be acknowledged by your peer group,” Sweeney said Tuesday before the Awards. “A lot of work goes in. Obviously we share the reflection of the organization overall, the support you get. It’s a little bit hard for us as the Boston Bruins to be fully on board and celebrating and such, but like I said, it’s a testament to the organization overall to be here.”

Sweeney was named on 26-of-41 ballots but it was Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell who finished with the most first-place votes with nine; Sweeney was tied with the Blues’ Doug Armstrong with eight first- place tallies.

The Bruins used 37 players, the most of any playoff team, as they dealt with several blows during the season. They had 21 different goal scorers in the playoffs, tied for the most in NHL history.

This was the first time Sweeney had been a finalist. The award was voted on by fellow general managers, NHL executives, print and broadcast media at the conclusion of the second round of the , according to the league.

Sweeney had been with the Bruins organization for nine years before he became general manager, a position he has held the last four seasons.

“We mapped it out in terms of where we thought we could get an opportunity, and felt that this was our time,” Sweeney said. “We knew we had to recommit to a draft-and-develop model. Made a very difficult decision in a coaching change, sort of infused a few of our players. It allowed Bruce (Cassidy) to implement some of the young guys. … It’s really a testament to the success that we had this year as an organization.”

The Bruins’ Bruce Cassidy was seventh in voting for the Jack Adams Trophy for the league’s top coach, which went to Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders. 1147500 Boston Bruins

Bruins know how to respond with defensive depth this offseason

By MARISA INGEMI

LAS VEGAS — There’s only so much to say about the Bruins’ list of walking wounded in 2018-19 to do it justice.

There were points during the season where the Bruins had multiple players in the lineup with limited if not zero NHL experience, and while that never came back to burn them, it’s a scenario they’d like to avoid in the future.

It’s impossible to predict how a season is going to go, especially with injuries, but the Bruins did lay down a perfect blueprint of how to handle such situations.

General manager Don Sweeney built an organization that could sustain those kind of outages, and with it, developed a team that has the depth to insert whoever into whatever situation.

“Hopefully you’re covering all the bases,” said Sweeney. “You have to be growing players, Connor Clifton is a good example as a player who stepped in when we dearly needed him. Kevan Miller going down, we missed him, Johnny Moore was injured. We tested them all, and throughout the course of the year, (Urho) Vaakanainen, (Jakub) Zboril, (Jeremy) Lauzon.”

The Bruins’ ultimate test came at the end of November when they had a road trip out to Arizona, Dallas, Colorado and Detroit and players dropped like flies.

First it was Zdeno Chara going down, followed by Patrice Bergeron mid- game in Dallas. The Bruins were already dressing a young Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson at forward, but the blueline was suffering the most hits.

They went into that contest with Vaakanainen already hurt as their depth option, John Moore, Charlie McAvo, and Brandon Carlo out of the lineup, projected seventh defenseman Matt Grzelcyk starting with eighth defender Steven Kampfer, Clifton and Zboril making joint debuts and just six games of experience for Lauzon.

It could have been a disaster. Instead, the Bruins allowed a single goal, an overtime 1-0 defeat where they took a point from Dallas. It was one of the first times the Bruins responded to a tough challenge thrown their way.

It was also eye-opening to Sweeney in terms of just how that team was going to have to be operated.

“When we rolled into Dallas I sat with Jimmy Nil up in the stands in the morning and we had six players between the two of us that had five combined NHL games,” he said. “That’s unheard of, but this day in age it’s paramount to have depth and players who can step in and assume roles and player minutes. Otherwise you can’t survive the regular season.”

Situations like that might not arise next season, but there’s already some things to monitor. Kevan Miller is still on crutches for breaking his kneecap twice, Chara has more procedures to be done on his elbow while his jaw recovers, and Moore just had shoulder surgery.

They have plenty of defensive depth, and they learned a lot about it in the past season, with players like Clifton and Kampfer arising even in playoff moments.

Vaakanainen should contend for the roster, and Lauzon might have an outside shot, too. Either way, the depth is there on the blueline.

There might be more added, too, during the offseason.

Sweeney and company just learned the importance of that, after all.

Boston Herald LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147501 Boston Bruins Maybe it will be bumping up to the right wing on one of the top two lines, or perhaps a younger, big-bodied Peter Cehlarik or Trent Frederic can bring some of that power forward game internally.

Are Bruins just one top-six power forward away from greatness? “Does Charlie Coyle move up in the right side? Again, putting Charlie in a consistent spot is I think when he plays his best hockey,” wondered Sweeney aloud. “He referenced that when he was in Minnesota, a By Joe Haggerty June 20, 2019 12:59 AM production role. He could slide up and play right wing if another player emerged from within.

“I could go through the guys. Trent Frederic would be the obvious [third- A little more than a year ago the Bruins fell in the second round of the line center candidate] if he inserts himself, Sean [Kuraly] plays up, maybe Stanley Cup playoffs in part because their forwards couldn’t fight through you move Charlie to the right. For right now, I think the balance of our the big, strong Tampa Bay defensemen corps in a five-game playoff group, what Coyle presents is mismatch is at times for other teams gives series. us balance.” The Perfection Line was held in check in 5-on-5 play and the Bruins Still, it was apparent this postseason as it was last postseason that the forwards really didn’t do much of anything offensively after the opening Bruins are in need of a power forward winger among their top-six game of the series. forwards. The Perfection Line is just a little too much undersized when This postseason, the B’s obviously pushed a lot further into the Stanley push comes to shove and spent too much time on the perimeter against Cup playoffs while making it all the way to the Cup Final. Some of that the Blues. was by the circumstance of the way the postseason played out with the What the Bruins could really use is a time machine to send 35-year-old early exits of many of the top seeds, of course, but some of it was also back 10 years to the player he was in his prime with the Boston’s ability to play different styles against Toronto, Columbus and Blues. That isn’t going to happen, so they need to go out and find the Carolina. next best thing, whatever that may be. Sweeney named NHL GM of the year Part of the problem seems to be that the Bruins aren’t identifying this as Still, the Bruins again sealed their fate when their forwards couldn’t do the biggest issue facing their forwards. Sure, Bruins President Cam enough 5-on-5 against a St. Louis Blues team that featured a massive, Neely said they want to get another top-six forward, but it sounds as if he committed D-corps that didn’t let the B’s anywhere near the front of the simply wants a player that’s going to shoot the puck with an itchy trigger net. Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand were banged up while finger. combining for exactly zero even-strength goals in the series and David “I mean, if they can skate,” said Neely with a smile when asked if the B’s Pastrnak was battling a crisis of confidence that saw him finish with a top-six needs a little more size and snarl. “You have to be able to skate team-worst minus-7 in the series. nowadays, as you know in this game. I thought that we could’ve put more Similarly, David Krejci, Jake DeBrusk and whoever was manning the pucks on the net to give their defensemen a turn, and look to where the right wing for the B’s second line didn’t do much damage either against pucks are as opposed to trying to beat guys one-on-one. the Blues back-enders. “I felt we should’ve shot the puck a little more to try to create, whether it’s The Bruins had great depth all-around among their forwards this rebound opportunities or at least get them scrambling around a little bit. postseason and that helped them make it to the final round of the Give [the Blues] credit. They played well. They kept us on the outside, postseason. Again, it seemed as if the Bruins were short in the size and but I felt like we passed on too many opportunities to put pucks on the strength department among their top-six forwards when it came to net- net and then see what we could’ve done from there.” front presence and getting to some of the rebounds left around the net by Certainly, that sounds like an indictment of Marchand and Pastrnak rookie goalie Jordan Binnington. passing up clean looks to shoot in the Stanley Cup Final. It also wasn’t a “It’s really a blend of your hockey club. We played sort of four different ringing endorsement of a search mission for the next great power teams throughout the playoffs, and we matched up pretty well in all of forward, but there’s no getting around it as the element that’s feels them," Bruins GM Don Sweeney said this week at his end-of-the-season missing when you look at the strengths and weaknesses among the B's press conference. "When you come down to the margins that you have of top six. losing a Game 7, I don’t know whether or not you necessarily say now A dynamic big body that can get to the front of the net, bang home loose did we score enough 5v5? No, but everybody would say that throughout pucks and win battles against big boy D-men was sorely lacking against our lineup, if we had just chipped in. To St. Louis’ credit, it wasn’t just the the Blues. defensemen that were doing that. They make it hard on you, the same way that Tampa did. It feels funny to have to make the case to a former player such as Neely that the Bruins are one top-six power forward away from greatness, but “We had more depth this year to be able to withstand some of those here we are with the Black and Gold after falling a little short in Game 7 things and take the matchups in other places in the lineup that I think of the Stanley Cup Final. helped our hockey club, and it showed. That’s why I think we went further. We gave ourselves a chance to win right until the very end. If Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 you’re telling me there’s a perfect player to solve some of those, what every team would be looking for, yeah. Yeah, I’ll put that guy right in there, but sometimes you just have to allow other players to get better in their own right. We have players that will hopefully continue to do that.”

There may not be a perfect player out there for the Bruins unless they start putting more of a premium on drafting the next great, young power forward. is an intriguing name that brings size, scoring and a little bit of nasty to the table. He's coming off 28 goals and 52 points for the Rangers this past season.

Top 25 NHL free agents this offseason

Former fourth overall pick Jesse Puljujarvi is 6-foot-4, 211 pounds and wants out of Edmonton so badly he’s willing to play in Europe this season if the Oilers don’t move him. Forwards and Michael Frolik will be mentioned in trade talks around July 1 and hard-hitting, nasty winger Michael Ferland, a free agent, might be exactly what the Bruins are looking for. 1147502 Boston Bruins

Bruins won't break up 2011 core: 'They've got some good hockey left'

By Joe Haggerty June 19, 2019 4:08 PM

If you are one of the futurist Bruins fans looking for the Bruins to get younger after falling short during this spring’s Stanley Cup Final, then you may be disappointed by the words from B’s management this week. If you are a fan of familiar faces on the Bruins roster and the past glory of the Black and Gold, then it was a little more encouraging.

While admitting that things are “winding down” for the Bruins core group that won the Cup eight years ago in 2011, Bruins President Cam Neely said he still believes that Zdeno Chara, David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and Tuukka Rask are capable of winning another Stanley Cup before riding off into the Boston sunset.

“When we hired Don [General Manager Don Sweeney] that was certainly a conversation about how to do we take this core that won in ‘11 and give them another opportunity to win while they’re still somewhat in their prime. We still look at it that way,” said Neely. “We know, you know, our players are now one year older, and we’re another year removed from winning in ’11.

“So we certainly have recognized what we have coming, what we need to have coming, and who – you know, we’re talking pretty big shoes to fill. We’re certainly aware of that, and we recognize that. We still think they’ve got some good hockey left in them, but we certainly know that it’s winding down, so to speak.”

Offseason decisions: Pitfalls & potential of trading Krejci

The “sunset” day may be coming a little sooner for some than others with 42-year-old Chara showing some signs of age this season while also showing he’s the ultimate warrior while playing through a fractured jaw in the Stanley Cup Final. Both Bergeron and Krejci will be 34 years old at some point next season, and even Marchand and Rask are on the wrong side of 30 years old at this point in their NHL careers.

It’s at the point in some of their careers where the status quo is going to be unreasonable to assume where injuries and lowered production could be a fact of life. More will be expected out of the younger generation of Bruins players, and workload management becomes a real issue for guys like Bergeron, Krejci and Chara in the twilight of their NHL careers.

It’s also unlikely that the pathway to the Stanley Cup Final is ever going to open up as wide as it did for the Bruins last season when all four top divisional seeds lost in the first round of the playoffs, and Tampa Bay, Washington and Pittsburgh all were out early in the postseason.

Still, the Bruins are clearly a playoff team in the Eastern Conference and it’s a tough sell to bust up an aging, proven nucleus that made it all the way to Game 7 of the Cup Final before falling woefully short against a group of first-timers in the St. Louis Blues. It all amounts to a difficult decision for guys like Neely and Sweeney this summer, but it sounds like their minds are already made up that the Bruins are going to push forward with the remaining core members of the 2011 Cup team intact.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147503 Boston Bruins “But that doesn’t mean we won’t find him between now and then. I think we’re good with the options we have. We’re bringing back a pretty damn good hockey club, and David [Krejci] is a part of that.”

The pitfalls and potential of Bruins trading away David Krejci this summer Furthermore, Bruins President Cam Neely mentioned one of the club’s big needs is to find a shoot-first, goal-scoring right winger to the second line that can finish off the plays that Krejci is creating with his play- By Joe Haggerty June 19, 2019 1:39 PM making ability.

“I think David Krejci can still drive the line,” said Neely. “He is such a great playmaker and we just need to find the right player to play with a If there is one key position on their roster where the Bruins are getting guy like David. older at a rapid pace, it would be the center position. More specifically top-6 centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci were both 33 years old “David likes to hang onto the puck and he wants to distribute the puck this season while putting up excellent regular season campaigns, and and you need to have someone willing to shoot the puck. For some Bergeron will actually turn 34 years old this summer ahead of his 16th reason nowadays there are more pass-first guys than there are shooters. NHL season. That’s hard for me to understand because I was a shooter and all my assists were rebounds.” As good as Bergeron and Krejci were during the regular season, however, both players were well below their standard during the Stanley Clearly, it sounds like the Bruins don’t yet feel like they are getting too Cup Final. Bergeron finished with one goal, four points and a minus-4 in long in the tooth down the middle when it comes to Bergeron and Krejci. the seven-game series while battling through a groin injury, and Krejci Both will be the top-6 centers for the Black and Gold again next season had just a pair of assists in the seven games against the St. Louis Blues. in their mid-30’s, but it remains to be seen if they will ever again be as productive, as healthy and as effective again as they were with strong It was a quiet end for a pair of centers that are the linchpin of Boston’s seasons this year. roster design, and it’s unfortunately part of the reason that the Bruins ended up falling to the Blues in seven games. It’s also borderline fantasy If they aren’t, this June’s trip to the Stanley Cup Final might be their last land to expect both Krejci and Bergeron to repeat last year’s success for a while until they can find some younger, high-end talent at the center given that both players are in now in their mid-30’s at a time when position. workloads are getting reduced and responsibilities abdicated. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 The top 25 free agents this NHL offseason>>>

Given all of that and the undeniable power of Father Time when it comes to NHL players after they hit the age of 30 years old, it would be fair to wonder if now is the right time to explore trading Krejci and his $7.25 million cap hit. Krejci is on the heels of a 20-goal, 73-point season that was his best and healthiest in years, and his potential trade value will never again be as high as this summer given his age and production.

The Bruins could get good value for Krejci in a trade with teams that need clear help at the center position, and they could get out from under the final two seasons of a contract that still sees Krejci as the highest paid forward on the Boston roster.

Adding an interesting wrinkle is the change in Krejci’s no-trade clause entering this season where he can now be dealt to 50 percent of the teams in the NHL after more of an iron-clad no-movement clause in previous seasons.

The real issue with trading Krejci at this point is the inability of the organization to find a suitable, productive replacement on the second line. Sure Charlie Coyle could be bumped up to second line center, but he’s proven to be more of an ideal fit as the third line guy with limits to his offensive ability. Talented youngsters like Jack Studnicka or Trent Frederic should be in Boston’s future plans at the center position, but it doesn’t feel like either of them is anywhere close to taking on top-6 center responsibilities right now for a playoff team and Stanley Cup hopeful.

That’s a real rub when it comes to discussing moving the aging No. 46 and his weighty contract.

So what do the Bruins think about all this?

The pros and cons of another year of David Backes>>>

Well, Don Sweeney made it clear in speaking to the media this week that Krejci is still in the future plans for the Bruins. It’s also clear that whether it’s David Pastrnak, moving Charlie Coyle to the wing, re-signing Marcus Johansson or promoting a young player like Anders Bjork to that spot, the Bruins are back to square one trying to find more of a permanent solution at right wing for Krejci for next season.

“In a perfect world we would identify a guy and plug him in there [on the second line] and David [Krejci] would return to 70 points, and the line would be prolific. We hope we have that internal option. He spoke to a couple guys that he had a chance to play with, so that might be the route we go. Or we look outside the organization,” said Sweeney. “That’s what we’re trying to identify to help us and balance us, and that’s what we’ll do. I don’t think I can sit here today and say we have the absolute perfect identity player 1147504 Buffalo Sabres and help that team win the way he did by playing so unbelievably, it was so amazing to see. He's been through so much and he definitely earned it. I'm so happy for him and I know a lot of guys who played with him are."

Robin Lehner's life and Masterton Award are a textbook case of Lehner said being a free agent is an unusual spot for him. If he doesn't perseverance re-sign with the Islanders, it's likely he'll get interest from Carolina, the team that eliminated the Isles in the second round of the playoffs. Hurricanes GM Don Waddell said here Tuesday he fears being unable to By Mike Harrington| Published Wed, Jun 19, 2019 re-sign goalies Petr Mrazek and Curtis McElhinney.

"You're always nervous. I'ts not fun going though this, especially a guy like me," Lehner said. "It's just the reality of things. Do I wish we had LAS VEGAS – It was just under 15 months ago when Robin Lehner had something done right now? Sure. But it's not. You've got to play the cards a panic attack during intermission of a Sabres game in KeyBank Center, you're dealt. I know the team knows where I stand. I hope something left the building before the final buzzer and finally admitted to his wife and works out. I don't care if it's long-term, short-term, whatever. I just want to the team that he needed help. be part of this team." Forget about the potential end of Lehner's hockey career, which was And while Lehner looks to secure his hockey future for the long term, he thrust into limbo when the Sabres walked away from his contract as a has to simply take life day by day. restricted free agent after the season. This was about life. "It's been a long journey since I left Buffalo, went to rehab and started Lehner's story has been widely reported all season. And if you want life taking steps to change my life," he said. "The perseverance is not giving lessons, you should have seen him here the last two days in the wrapup up, trusting the process, trusting all the things I need to do and the to the 2018-19 campaign. Lehner looks fit and trim, spoke proudly and support system I have from my wife to everyone else around me." confidently and completely belonged in a room full of the NHL's brightest stars. Buffalo News LOADED: 06.20.2019 After a tremendous first season with the New York Islanders, Lehner reaped his rewards Wednesday night at the NHL Awards Show. He shared the Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest team goals with teammate and finished third to Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy and Dallas' Ben Bishop in balloting for the Vezina as best goalie.

And in the most wholly appropriate vote, Lehner was a landslide winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance and dedication, as awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Then he just nailed his acceptance speech, continuing the call for mental health awareness.

Said Lehner in what easily rated as the sound bite of the night: "I'm not ashamed to say I'm mentally ill -- but that doesn't mean mentally weak."

Brave words to say in front of several thousand people in the Mandalay Bay Events Center as well as an international television audience.

"It's how I feel now," he said. "A lot of people, the majority of people, are ashamed of their flaws. At the end of the day, everyone deals with something. Different issues, different pockets. There's a lot of people with some type of mental issue who have a lot of success."

Wow. That's powerful stuff. Lehner has completed alcohol rehab and remains on medication to treat bipolar disorder. He revealed his story to the world in a chilling first-person account in September in the Athletic and putting together the season he did was all about perseverance.

Now Lehner has to potentially go through even more roadblocks. He's an unrestricted free agent and it remains to be seen if the Islanders will bring him back on a multi-year deal. Sobriety, of course, is a daily battle and teams have to weigh the risk.

"I've proven for one year that I'm sober," Lehner said here Tuesday. "The reality is maybe that's not that long. There's obviously a risk and reward still and it's business. Me coming out was maybe not the best business decision I made but I'll do it again. I've got to accept what I've done. I'm going to keep speaking on behalf of mental health and addiction. You can't change anything and not expect to have risk involved in it."

Lehner revealed here there's been no talks of substance to date with the Islanders less than a week before the free agent interview period begins.

"We haven't started anything," Lehner said. "It's been a long due diligence phase. I'm a special case. It's just the reality of things. Me coming out with the article, I knew there was a lot of risk to it. I'm fine with that. I have nothing to hide. I'm so confident with my future and sobriety, I have no doubt in the world. We'll see what happens."

There's no question a lot happened on the ice for Lehner this year. He went 25-13-5 for the Islanders this year with a 2.13 goals-against average and .930 save percentage. Last season in Buffalo? He was 14- 26-9, 3.01 and .908.

"It's incredible to see," said St. Louis center and former Buffalo teammate Ryan O'Reilly. "'Lenny' is a guy who obviously has gone through so much. To see him get the response that he did, to see him come back 1147505 Buffalo Sabres the fewest goals against, Kucherov won the Art Ross Trophy for the scoring title and Washington's Alex Ovechkin took the Rocket Richard Trophy for the most goals.

Rasmus Dahlin third in Calder voting; Ryan O'Reilly wins first career Buffalo News LOADED: 06.20.2019 Selke

By Mike Harrington| Published Wed, Jun 19, 2019

LAS VEGAS – Fellow Swede Elias Pettersson was the winner and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin finished in third place in balloting for the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year announced here Wednesday night.

Pettersson's victory was a landslide as he finished with 1,650 points and got 151 of 171 first-place votes from members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. St. Louis goalie Jordan Binnington was second with 1,072 points and 18 first-place votes.

Dahlin was third with 661 points. He had one first-place vote, 21 seconds, 66 thirds, 50 fourths and 24 fifths. Dahlin was left off nine ballots in voting by the PHWA.

"It's cool to have two Swedish guys doing well," Pettersson said at Mandalay Bay Events Center. "Obviously Rasmus is a great player, we all know that. Eighteen years old and playing in the NHL. I'm extremely happy for him, the way he played this year."

Dahlin, who attended the ceremony with his parents, spoke to reporters here on Tuesday. Players who do not win awards do not meet the media after the winners are announced.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner Ryan O'Reilly of St. Louis, the former Sabres center, won his first career Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward and finished second for the Lady Byng Trophy for gentlemanly conduct to Florida's Aleksander Barkov.

The Selke voting was the closest of the night. O'Reilly had 1,001 points and 48 first-place votes. Vegas' Mark Stone was second with 881 (42 firsts), Boston's Patrice Bergeron was third (809/31) and Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby was fourth (736/34). Bergeron is a four-time winner of the award.

"When I first saw him break into the league and saw him, that was someone I looked up to as someone I wanted to be," O'Reilly said. "You watch him throughout the years how he impacts the game in every sort of fashion, you learn from that."

O'Reilly, who won the Lady Byng in 2014 while with Colorado and was second last year while with the Sabres, also finished second this year with 713 points and 12 first-place votes. Barkov finished with 1,463 points/128 firsts. Sabres winger Jason Pominville got two first-place votes and finished 11th with 73 points.

Among other awards:

• Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov won his first Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, beating out Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, and also won the Ted Lindsay Award presented by the NHLPA to the league's most outstanding player. Kucherov beat out McDavid, who had won it the last two years, and South Buffalo native Patrick Kane of Chicago for that award.

• Calgary's Mark Giordano won the Norris Trophy (best defenseman) over San Jose's Brent Burns and Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman.

• Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy won the Vezina Trophy for top goalie over former Sabre Robin Lehner of the New York Islanders and Ben Bishop of Dallas.

• Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders was named Coach of the Year over St. Louis' Craig Berube and Tampa Bay's Jon Cooper.

• Nashville's Wayne Simmonds won the Mark Messier Leadership Award over Giordano and Carolina's Justin Williams.

• Minnesota's Jason Zucker took the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for humanitarian contributions to the community, beating out Arizona's Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers.

• In awards determined by stats at the end of the regular season, Lehner and Islanders teammates Thomas Greiss shared the Jennings Trophy for 1147506 Buffalo Sabres 1. Pettersson

2. Dahlin

How The News voted in the NHL Awards 3. Binnington

4. Heiskanen

By Mike Harrington| Published Wed, Jun 19, 2019 5. Tkachuk

•••

LAS VEGAS – Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship/gentlemanly conduct) voted for full transparency in balloting for the NHL Awards in 2018, with all votes for each award being publicly revealed after the conclusion of Mike Harrington the ceremony. 1. Aleksander Barkov (Florida)

Here are the ballots of the two voting members of The Buffalo News 2. Ryan O'Reilly (St. Louis) Sports Department for the awards that were handed out Wednesday in Mandalay Bay Events Center. Ballots were due prior to the first game of 3. Matt Duchene (Columbus) the Stanley Cup playoffs. 4. Sean Monahan (Calgary) Hart Trophy (MVP) 5. Jason Pominville (Buffalo) Mike Harrington Lance Lysowski 1. Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay) 1. O'Reilly 2. Patrick Kane (Chicago) 2. Barkov 3. (Calgary) 3. Patrice Bergeron (Boston) 4. Alex Ovechkin (Washington) 4. Monahan 5. Connor McDavid (Edmonton) 5. Kopitar Lance Lysowski ••• 1. Kucherov Selke Trophy (Defensive forward) 2. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh) Mike Harrington 3. Gaudreau 1. Mark Stone (Vegas) 4. P. Kane 2. O'Reilly 5. McDavid 3. Bergeron ••• 4. Mikael Backlund (Calgary) Norris Trophy (best defenseman) 5. Crosby Mike Harrington Lance Lysowski 1. Mark Giordano (Calgary) 1. Crosby 2. John Carlson (Washington) 2. Stone 3. Brent Burns (San Jose) 3. O'Reilly 4. Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay) 4. Bergeron 5. Morgan Rielly (Toronto) 5. Barkov Lance Lysowski Buffalo News LOADED: 06.20.2019 1. Giordano

2. Carlson

3. Hedman

4. Burns

5. Kris Letang, Pittsburgh

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Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)

Mike Harrington

1. Elias Pettersson (Vancouver)

2. Jordan Binnington (St. Louis)

3. Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo)

4. Miro Heiskanen (Dallas)

5. (Ottawa)

Lance Lysowski 1147507 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres extend qualifying offers to Zemgus Girgensons, Johan Larsson

By Lance Lysowski| Published Wed, Jun 19, 2019

New Sabres coach Ralph Krueger will likely have the opportunity to try to get more out of two forwards who have struggled to produce much offensively during their tenures in Buffalo.

Winger Zemgus Girgensons and center Johan Larsson, both restricted free agents, received qualifying offers from the Sabres, sources confirmed to The Buffalo News on Wednesday. The move prevents them from reaching unrestricted free agency July 1.

Girgensons, a 25-year-old who was drafted 14th overall in 2012, counted $1.6 million against the Sabres' salary cap last season, and he scored five goals among 18 points with a minus-11 rating in 72 games. He made his greatest contribution shorthanded, ranking second on the team in total penalty-kill ice time.

Girgensons, voted an All-Star in 2015, has scored 49 goals among 119 points in 420 career NHL games. He has not eclipsed seven goals or 18 points over the past four seasons.

Larsson, a second-round pick of Minnesota in 2010, has spent parts of seven seasons with the Sabres. He scored six goals among 14 points with a minus-8 rating in 73 games last season while also third on the team in shorthanded ice time. Larsson counted $1.475 million against the team's salary cap.

The offers come as somewhat of a surprise given Sabres General Manager Jason Botterill's plan to add depth scoring to a roster that relied heavily on Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart and Jeff Skinner last season.

A false report surfaced this offseason linking Girgensons to a team in the Kontinental Hockey League, and he has also reportedly been working out at the Pittsburgh Penguins' practice facility. The latter created some speculation that Girgensons' days in Buffalo were likely over. Larsson was also falsely rumored to be returning to Sweden.

If Girgensons and Larsson choose to accept the Sabres' offer, each will sign a one-year contract under the terms stated, or they can reject to try to sign an offer sheet elsewhere. Since both have been in the NHL for longer than four years they have the option of filing for salary arbitration to negotiate different terms with the Sabres, which would disqualify them from signing an offer sheet with another team.

Center Evan Rodrigues, goalie Linus Ullmark and defenseman Jake McCabe are the Sabres' other restricted free agents this offseason.

Buffalo News LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147508 Buffalo Sabres

Twenty years beyond No Goal game: Where did you watch it?

By Sean Kirst|Published Wed, Jun 19, 2019

Funny what comes back to you. Twenty years ago today, the Dallas Stars defeated the Buffalo Sabres, 2-1, in the legendary triple overtime sixth game of the Stanley Cup final. The game was decided only when one future Hall of Famer, , stuck a skate in the crease – against the rules at the time – and scored against another, Buffalo's Dominik Hasek, an epic figure in this city's sports history and one of the great goalies in the history of the game.

This all leads to a question. As I read a piece by The News' Mike Harrington on that incredible showdown and the tumult surrounding the ending, I found myself, in a flash out of nowhere, recalling where I was. I had gone out to a place called Kelley's for some wings in Syracuse, where the game abruptly turned into an all-out, this-is-unreal vigil for myself and a couple of other guys with Buffalo roots.

I recall the sense of awe at Hasek's otherworldly performance, how I left and hurried to my nearby home to catch the end before I slept, how I turned off the television within seconds of the deciding goal. I had too much admiration for Hasek to see it replayed countless times, and I had little kids who would be rolling bright and early, and it was not until the next day – in that era before dinging smartphones – that I learned the full scope of the debate.

Anyway, I remember, and I have no doubt it is the same for legions of Western New Yorkers. As Harrington wrote: "It was a day with temperatures in the high 80s. Awaiting the start shortly after 8 p.m., fans tailgated all day downtown, many on the surface lot in front of then- Marine Midland Arena that is now the site of Harborcenter. Another 10,000 watched the game on the Big Board down the street at then-Dunn Tire Park, home of the Bisons."

All that remains in the parking lot adjacent to the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, N.Y., Sunday, June 20, 1999, the morning after the Buffalo Sabres lost in the to the Dallas Stars, is a discarded souvenir fan with 'Go Sabres' printed on it and some extinguished grilling briquets from disappointed revelers. (Robert Kirkham/Buffalo News)

That piece and some subsequent conversation last night on Twitter touched off a cascade of similar memories. I thought about the spot slightly diagonal from a black-and-white TV of the house we rented in Dunkirk when I was a kid, the spot where I was standing when Bob Lanier hurt his knee against Villanova as the Bonnies were rolling in the 1970 NCAA tournament.

Or the second-from-the-end bar stool at Lee's Miniature Falls in Niagara Falls where I watched with my wife on one side and a truck-driving buddy named Tony Favero on the other when Scott Norwood's kick went wide right in Super Bowl XXV (Tony, a wonderful human being, died last year).

Or the tiny kitchen television 160 miles or so from here that my wife and I were afraid to walk away from during the great 1993 Bills comeback against the Oilers.

Or the couch on which I leaned forward with my 5-year-old in 2000, already calculating how this Bills team that was about to beat the Titans actually had a chance to win it all, even as Steve Christie ran forward for what seemed like an open-and-shut kickoff and, impossibly, it all came undone.

Those memories and countless others, for so many of us, are intertwined with our families, our loyalties, our sense of place. But I wander away from the question I had to begin with:

Twenty years ago today, where were you and who were you with when a great Stanley Cup sixth game between the Sabres and the Stars came down to that instant with Hasek and Hull?

Buffalo News LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147509 Buffalo Sabres Though Boldy's hands have always been his strength, he used his experience at NTDP to learn from his ultra-talented teammates, specifically Zegras, who is regarded by some analysts as the top Matthew Boldy, a skilled power forward who could help Sabres playmaker in this draft class.

"I think some of it’s kind of natural, just growing up when you’re so young, you don’t even realize it," Boldy, a Boston College commit, said. "But it’s By Lance Lysowski| Published Wed, Jun 19, 2019 something you kind of work on every day, fiddling with the after and before practice. I mean, you learn a lot from your teammates. Me and

Trevor Zegras do a lot with the puck, kind of just messing around a lot." This is part of a series of profiles on players who might be available for Buffalo News LOADED: 06.20.2019 the Buffalo Sabres with the seventh overall pick in the NHL draft on Friday.

For as long as Matthew Boldy can remember, he has always had "elite hands" on the ice.

The 18-year-old winger has modeled his game around Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, spending countless hours before and after practice stick- handling. He used that skill to fool the competition during his final season with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, a remarkable display that has him labeled as ranked as one of the top forwards available in this week's NHL draft.

Boldy is among the best wingers in a draft burgeoning with possible elite NHL centers and hasn't received the attention of some of his NTDP teammates. However, Boldy is the type of dynamic two-way player the Sabres could covet with the seventh overall pick Friday night in Vancouver.

"I love what Boldy can bring," Craig Button, TSN scouting director and former NHL general manager, said. "He's a big, strong, talented kid with a ton of skill. He'd be great for the Sabres. That said, I love all of those guys in the top 10. You can't go wrong if you're picking there."

Boldy could be the Sabres' fallback option if centers such as Trevor Zegras and Dylan Cozens are off the board, and the 6-foot-2-inch forward would hardly be a second-tier consolation prize. Boldy was ranked by NHL Central Scouting as the ninth-best North American skater in this class, a drop of three spots from where he was ranked in January.

While scouts have been captivated by 5-foot-7-inch winger Cole Caufield's elusiveness and ability to score goals, Boldy has been described as a new-age power forward, mixing elite skill with size to allow him to create space in the offensive zone.

That skill set produced 33 goals among 88 points in 64 games for NTDP, and he added three goals among 12 points in seven games at the Under- 18 world championship.

"I think being able to use your body and protect the puck and kind of be hard to play against, but doing that in a way that is still super skilled and kind of creative makes it a lot harder for the D to figure out what you’re going to do," Boldy said.

However, like his teammates at NTDP, Boldy was not an overnight success. He arrived at NTDP as a raw prospect who lacked the skating ability required to be one of the top players in his age group but the staff was hopeful that skill could be developed with time.

Boldy's growth spurt – he grew three inches and gained 30 pounds over a three-year span – did not negatively impact him on the ice. His stride wasn't awkward. Instead, Boldy slowly evolved into a well-rounded player who began to show he had the skill to play with talented teammates such as Jack Hughes, and Trevor Zegras.

Still, Boldy scored 29 goals among 76 points in 61 games with the NTDP Under-17 team in 2017-18.

"Matt's skating kept improving during his time with us," John Wroblewski, Boldy's coach this past season, said. "He's a power forward with a scoring touch."

The NTDP is USA Hockey's top development program that begins scouting players as young as 14 and selects a team of the country's best Under-17 prospects. Sabres captain Jack Eichel is among the impressive list of alumni who developed into top draft picks at the program's facility in Plymouth, Mich.

Prospects at the scouting combine detailed to reporters how practices are typically more intense than games, with teammates competing against each other daily. This process, Boldy said, is what prepared them for this next step. 1147510 Buffalo Sabres As the Stars celebrated, referees Terry Gregson and Bill McCreary waited at the scorer’s window for a ruling from the video judge, which came within a couple of minutes.

20 years later, 'No Goal' still haunts Sabres and fans The goal was good, they signaled, even though goals had been waved off all that season if an attacking player had so much as a skate lace in the crease. Sabres’ coach Lindy Ruff screamed for a further look, but it Leo Roth Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 12:26 PM EDT was to no avail. Jun 19, 2019 The cup was paraded onto the ice. The game was over. There would be no continuation of play. No possible Game 7 back in Dallas. No Stanley Cup for Buffalo. As the Buffalo Sabres and Dallas Stars played Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals at HSBC Arena, and kept playing and playing and playing, Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals between Buffalo and Dallas, a triple reporters ripped up leads and editors ripped out hair. overtime thriller that ended at 1:30 am, finished too late to make Sunday's newspaper and the coverage waited until Monday, June 21, The game started on Saturday, June 19, 1999, and ended at 1:30 a.m. 1999. Sunday, June 20, too late to make newspaper deadlines. Archives But that Monday, right there with Payne Stewart winning his second U.S. Open at Pinehurst with a headline that read “A putt to remember,” other “It created a controversy that will rage in the minds of western New headlines recapped a hockey game to remember for Democrat and Yorkers forever,'' my prescient sidekick Sal wrote in those wee hours, "or Chronicle readers. at least until the Bills or Sabres can finally deliver a title.’’

With one skate in the crease, Dallas Stars right wing Brett Hull (22) We’re still waiting. shoots the Stanley Cup-winning goal past the sprawling Buffalo Sabres goalie Dominik Hasek (39) in the third overtime period of Game 6 of the When I look back on that game two decades later, I marvel how the Stanley Cup Finals in Buffalo, NY, early Sunday morning June 20, 1999. players, officials, fans and media got through it. And how NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and supervisor of officials Bryan Lewis got Gene Puskar, No-GRN out of the building.

And the news wasn’t good. Mostly though I remember one of the greatest hockey games ever played. One that exposed the soul of the game and the vagaries of rules “Buffalo becomes master of the heartbreaker,” announced the headline and instant replay that came to dominate and spoil things in every sport above Sal Maiorana’s game story. in the ensuing years. “Buffalo and losing seem to go hand-in-hand,” said the bold print above Six periods — the equivalent of two games — will leave an impression on my column. you. And of course, so did the surreal post-game atmosphere in the “Either way you look at it, in-the-crease rule stinks,” offered former bowels of the arena at 2 a.m., where nobody was quite sure what had colleague Bob Matthews. happened, only that the Stars were now smoking cigars and covered in Champagne. Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of “No Goal,’’ two words that came to stand for a happening, that came to stand beside “Wide Right’’ “What’s done is done,’’ said Dallas veteran Guy Carbonneau, 39. “I’m in the Sports Hall of Fame of Heartache. sorry about it, and I’m sure (the Sabres) are going to be upset. But for me, the season is over, the cup is on our side, and that’s all that After 5 ½ hours, 104 shots and more plot twists than an Alfred Hitchcock matters.’’ thriller, coach Ken Hitchcock’s Stars won the second-longest game in Stanley Cup finals history, 2-1 in triple overtime, on a controversial goal The fact Hull’s foot was in the crease before the puck was indisputable. by Brett Hull that eliminated the underdog Sabres in six games. But Lewis explained afterward that Hull — who played the puck from his Giving Dallas its first and only NHL championship. Denying Buffalo its foot to his stick — had possession of the puck, so he had a right to be in first. the crease, just so long as he wasn’t interfering with the goaltender, which Hull wasn’t. It was later learned that a league memo dated March Dallas. Of all cities. 15 clarified that a player could have a skate in the crease if he was in control of the puck. Just a half-dozen years earlier, the won back-to-back Super Bowls against Buffalo. Now the Stars had snatched away a A series to remember: Press pass from 1999 Stanley Cup final. Stanley Cup, too. And Ruff and the players? They reacted as if completely in the dark. In January 1991 it was Scott Norwood’s famous missed field goal in Super Bowl XXV against the that marked the beginning “You saw the replay, everybody saw the replay,'' Ruff said. "That is the of four consecutive NFL title game losses for the Bills. worst nightmare right there. A man in the crease, the puck is definitely out of the crease. You can’t explain that one to me.’’ “Now the decade ends the way it began,’’ I scribbled as that thrilling Sabres’ playoff run came to a sudden end. “With bartenders and After watching the replay in the dressing room, Hasek was about to go psychiatrists doing a banner business throughout the region. With an back onto the ice because he was certain the goal would be reversed. appreciation rally for the Bridesmaids from Buffalo on the steps of City “You play for two months and the video judge didn’t do his job,'' he said. Hall, rather than a championship parade.’’ "I don’t know what he was doing; he must have been sleeping.’’ All because of what came to be known as “Skategate.’’ At that hour, anything was possible. Brett Hull's skate was in the crease Sabres tough guy Rob Ray, who didn’t suit up for Game 6, has his own Dallas Stars Brett Hull hoists the Stanley Cup after the Stars defeated the theory all these years later. The NHL had to interpret Hull was in control Buffalo Sabres 2-1 in triple overtime in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals of the puck — a very liberal interpretation at that — because it was in Buffalo, N.Y., early Sunday, June 20,1999. Hull wasn't about to impossible to regain control of the game. apologize for his disputed skate-in-the-crease winning goal. “It was so late, so the second the goal went in, everyone upstairs had Ryan Remiorz, No-GRN their stuff packed and they were gone and the doors blew open and there were 500 people on the ice," Ray said recently. “Even if you did say, ‘It Hull scored on Dominik Hasek at 14:51 of the third OT on a rebound wasn’t a goal’ all of that would’ve had to get back in order. It was almost when his left foot was clearly in the crease, in defiance — at least most like, ‘Hum, what do we do?' ’’ everyone thought — of NHL crease rules to protect being enforced at the time. 'Tainted' end to great season The Sabres-Stars series was marked by plenty of gamesmanship by both the Stanley Cup final in six games. The game began June 19, 1999 and sides. Here the Sabres Miroslav Satan, left, and Curtis Brown get rid of a ended in the wee hours of June 20 homemade Stanley Cup tossed into the Buffalo bench by a Dallas fan as coach Lindy Ruff looks on during the third period of Game 5 in Dallas on Gene Puskar, No-GRN June 17, 1999. Ruff and his Dallas counterpart Ken Hitchcock kept the In the aftermath of “No Goal,’’ nothing was ever the same for the Sabres, media entertained. or for that matter, Brett Hull and the Stars.

Ryan Remiorz, No-GRN Sabres owner was indicted three years later on bank and For the Sabres, replaying that ’99 playoff run is bittersweet. securities fraud and went to prison with Rochester billionaire stepping in to save the team from bankruptcy. Other than eventual six-time Vezina Trophy winner Hasek and 40-goal scorer Miroslav Satan, Buffalo was a team short of superstars but long After years of retooling, Ruff led the Sabres to back-to-back conference on hard workers and coached by Ruff in his second season behind the finals in 2006 and ’07, but was fired in 2013. He was promptly hired by — bench. The team had a losing record after Christmas, but its 91 points you guessed it — Dallas and eventually replaced by — you guessed it — were good for fifth place in the Eastern Conference, and the postseason Ken Hitchcock. produced the kind of magic that’s been hard to come by ever since. Satan won a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2009. Peca moved on to The Sabres needed only 15 games to get by Ottawa, Boston and Toronto the Islanders and then into coaching youth hockey with the Buffalo Junior to make their second Stanley Cup final, and first in 24 years, where they Sabres. Ray moved into the broadcast booth. Patrick finished his 17-year would face the Stars, a star-studded team led by Mike Modano, Joe NHL career with Buffalo and then became an assistant coach for Ruff. Nieuwendyk, , Sergei Zubov, , Hull and Ed , who was recalled to Buffalo after the Rochester Belfour in goal. Dallas was the President’s Trophy winner with 114 points Americans were eliminated in the finals by Providence, in the regular season and sped by Edmonton, St. Louis and Colorado (in played a regular shift for the Sabres in Games 4, 5 and 6 and gave them seven) to make the final round. a lift. He’d go on to coach the Amerks and become their career leader in The Stars allowed the fewest goals in the league, the Sabres the second victories. fewest. On cue, goals were harder to come by than tickets. And the indomitable Dominator?

Game 5 in Dallas, a 2-0 Stars win that put Buffalo on the brink of Hasek, who was 30-18-4 that 1998-99 season with a sparkling 1.87 goals elimination, was particularly hard-fought, with a war of words breaking against average and .937 save percentage, would play just two more out between Ruff and Hitchcock and Sabres captain calling seasons in Buffalo before winning two Stanley Cup rings with Detroit. Dallas “probably the dirtiest team we’ve ever faced.’’ As for Dallas, Modano, Nieuwendyk, Belfour and Hull went on to join The Democrat and Chronicle from June 21, 1999. Game 6 of the Stanley Hasek in the Hockey Hall of Fame, which shows what kind of team the Cup final turned a long night into morning and ultimately, more heartache Stars had. for western New York sports fans as the Buffalo Sabres lost 2-1 to the Dallas Stars who won the series in six games. Scoring the title-clinching goal was the highlight of Hull’s career, but for years he was left to answer questions about its tainted nature. Archive "They changed the rule to say if you have control in the crease, you can That set the stage for Game 6 at HSBC, where 18,595 fans packed the score the goal, and that’s exactly what it was,'' Hull said before his Hall building and an additional 12,000 filled nearby Dunn Tire Park to watch of Fame induction in 2009. "But nobody knows that. You can tell people on a big screen. that a million times and they just will not listen.”

Buffalo dominated early but Belfour shined and a fluke goal by Lehtinen Not in Buffalo anyway. at 8:09 gave Dallas a 1-0 first-period lead. In the second period, the Sabres got the equalizer when Stu Barnes rifled a 25-foot shot over Truth be told, if the skate was on the other foot, the Sabres would’ve Belfour’s blocker with 1:39 left. taken the win and gone into Game 7 offering no apologies. A year later, the NHL tweaked the crease rule into a “no harm, no foul’’ standard for With 10 saves, Hasek was brilliant in the third period and after Joe entering the blue paint. Juneau and Satan just missed on quality chances for Buffalo, the game went into overtime. “You’re still bitter about it because of the situation,’’ Ray said. “It’s one thing if you lose a game, but when you lose it in the way we did, it takes a After a cautious first extra session, play was wide open in the second OT, little longer to get over because you don’t know what could’ve been.’’ each team desperate to end it, which Buffalo defenseman James Patrick nearly did when he rang a slap shot off the crossbar with 2:16 left. It’s a Wide Right? No Goal? Some things, time just can’t heal. shot that still rings in the ears of Sabres’ fans. Democrat and Chronicle LOADED: 06.20.2019 The teams played on, until Hull ended it, mercifully perhaps, in the third OT.

Some of the game-ending statistics were mind-numbing. A total of 15 players logged 50 shifts or more, led by Modano with 61 shifts for a total of 46 minutes and 12 seconds of ice time. Zubov played 54:09 for Dallas, Alexei Zhitnik 46:05 for Buffalo.

Belfour made 53 saves. Hasek had 48.

Many were left to wonder had Buffalo prevailed what a Game 7 would’ve been like. If an older Dallas roster could’ve closed the deal against Hasek and a gutsy Sabres team?

“We had nothing left,” Nieuwendyk, the playoff MVP, said. “Thank God it’s over.”

Three days later in front of City Hall on a sunny, 80-degree day, 20,000 Sabres fans gathered to cheer their heroes and comfort them. Ruff chanted “No goal’’ and the crowd responded in kind, including a fan holding a sign "We were cheated, not defeated.''

The fallout

Buffalo Sabres center Stu Barnes tied Game 6 in the second period 1-1. The game remained tied four nearly four more periods until Brett Hull's famous skate-in-the-crease tally at 14:51 of the third OT, handing Dallas 1147511 Buffalo Sabres Though Sheppard lasted just three seasons in Buffalo – he was traded to the Rangers for $1 – he had the top career of the third-round picks.

Fourth round A look at the Sabres’ best pick in each round through 49 drafts Candidates: Gilles Hamel (1979), (1980), Daren Puppa (1983), Keith Carney (1988), Matthew Barnaby (1992), Jan Hejda (2003) By John Vogl Jun 19, 2019 and Marcus Foligno (2009).

Puppa was a dependable backup goalie, lasting 15 seasons in the NHL. Carney had similar longevity, skating in 1,018 games over 16 years. Gilbert Perreault, Phil Housley or Dave Andreychuk? Jason Pominville, Craig Ramsay or Danny Gare? Ryan Miller or Alex Mogilny? Pick: The list of the NHL’s most notorious agitators includes Barnaby. He’d talk, fight and talk some more — and that was just with his It’s easy to find the bright spots in Buffalo’s draft history. It’s not as simple teammates. Opponents received double the torment. He’d cross the line to find the best player from each round. a little too often, but he made a lasting impact.

Through the Sabres’ opening 49 drafts, they’ve hit on players from the Fifth round top of the first round to the middle of Round 12. Our goal was to go round-by-round and pick one player as best in class. Some rounds had Candidates: Don Edwards (1975), Alan Haworth (1979), Alex Mogilny plenty of contenders. A few were easy. and Rob Ray (1988), Ken Sutton (1989), Steve Shields (1991), Yuri Khmylev (1992), Ryan Miller (1999) and Nathan Gerbe (2005). Let’s get to it. The Sabres have had good luck in the fifth round, plucking a fair share of First round gems. Edwards combined with Bob Sauve to win the Vezina Trophy. Shields is part of Sabres lore for leaving the crease and dropping the Candidates: Gilbert Perreault (1970), Rick Martin (1971), gloves during the playoffs against Philadelphia. (1972), Mike Ramsey (1979), Phil Housley and Dave Andreychuk (1982), Tom Barrasso (1983), Calle Johansson (1985), Pierre Turgeon (1987), No one dropped the gloves more than Ray, who carried the fans through (1990), Thomas Vanek (2003), Jack Eichel (2015) and the team’s lean years with his chest-baring toughness. Rasmus Dahlin (2018). But it’s a two-man race between Mogilny and Miller. No Buffalo player Ramsey, Johansson, Turgeon, May and Vanek have all skated in more has ever had a single season like Mogilny, who scored 76 times in 1992- than 1,000 games. Barrasso is one of the best U.S. goalies in history. 93. He’s a borderline candidate for the Hockey Hall of Fame and may yet Martin has his number retired and is in the Sabres’ Hall of Fame with make the cut. Miller is the best Buffalo goalie not named Dominik Hasek. Schoenfeld. After helping the team reach back-to-back conference finals in 2006 and 2007, Miller served as the face of the franchise for the next seven But three guys are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, so it comes down to seasons. Perreault, Housley and Andreychuk. Andreychuk leads the group in games (1,639), goals (640) and points (1,338). Housley leads in assists Pick: This is the toughest of any round. Both deserve the spot. From (894) and is fourth all-time in scoring among defensemen (1,232 points). 1990 to 2003, Mogilny ranked sixth in the NHL with 438 goals. From 2005 to 2017, Miller ranked fourth in the league with 352 wins and won a Pick: Perreault. The Original Sabre spent his entire 17-year career in Vezina. Given how much the Sabres relied on Miller, he gets the slight Buffalo, putting up 512 goals and 1,326 points in 1,191 games. The way nod. he skated made owner cry with admiration. Perreault’s longevity and folk status put him on top. Sixth round

Second round Candidates: Peter McNab (1972), Joe Reekie (1985), Sean O’Donnell and Brian Holzinger (1991), Brian Campbell (1997), Ales Kotalik (1998) Candidates: Craig Ramsay (1971), Danny Gare (1974), Tony McKegney and Paul Byron (2007). (1978), Lindy Ruff (1979), John Tucker (1983), Benoit Hogue (1985), Curtis Brown (1994), (1997) and Derek Roy and Jason Reekie carved out a 902-game career. O’Donnell played zero games for Pominville (2001). Buffalo and 1,224 for the Kings, Wild, Devils, Bruins, Coyotes, Ducks, Flyers and Blackhawks. Campbell is one of the more popular players in Ramsay was Buffalo’s best two-way threat, a steady scorer who could Sabres history, an offensive defenseman who delivered the hit by which defend. McKegney was a trailblazer as one of the NHL’s first black all other hits are judged. players. Pominville will enter the team’s Hall of Fame one day. He ranks eighth in points (521) and games played (733) and scored the most Pick: McNab was just scratching the surface during his opening two electrifying playoff goal in Sabres history. seasons, scoring 22 and then 24 goals for the Sabres. But Buffalo signed Boston free agent Andre Savard in 1976, and the Bruins got McNab as Pick: Gare was a hit from the moment he arrived. He scored 18 seconds compensation. He immediately became beloved in Boston, scoring at into his opening shift and never looked back. The fiery winger joins least 35 goals in six straight seasons, including two over 40. Martin as the only Sabres to top 50 goals twice, including 56 in 1979-80, which ranks second in team history. He recorded 267 goals and 500 Seventh round points in 503 games, and he also racked up 100 penalty minutes a year with a desire to drop the gloves. Candidates: Christian Ruuttu (1983), Darcy Wakaluk (1984), Mike Hartman (1986), Shane Hnidy (1994), Paul Gaustad (2000) and Nathan Third round Paetsch (2003).

Candidates: Bill Hajt (1971), Ray Sheppard (1984), (1986), Gaustad worked his way into a long NHL career, anchoring the fourth line Maxim Afinogenov (1997), Clarke MacArthur (2003) and Andrej Sekera for the Sabres and Predators for 11 seasons. (2004). Pick: Ruuttu didn’t last as long as Gaustad (727 games to 621), but he Hajt was the consummate defensive defenseman, earning a spot in the was better. After arriving from Finland in 1986, Ruuttu put 22 goals and Sabres’ Hall of Fame with a steady 14-year career. Afinogenov was 65 points as a rookie, then topped it with 26 goals and 71 points during exhilarating, a dipsy-doodler who moved fans to the edge of their seat his sophomore season. when he got the puck on a rush. Eighth round Pick: Sheppard burst into the organization with 38 goals as a rookie, which might have been enough for the Calder Trophy if Joe Nieuwendyk Candidates: Randy Cunneyworth (1980), Derek Plante (1989) and hadn’t scored 51. Sheppard was a straight-up sniper who set a career Dennis Wideman (2002). mark with 52 goals and topped 30 five times. From 1987 to 1999, Wideman never played for Buffalo but skated in 815 games for the Blues, Sheppard’s goals per game of .45 ranked 18th in the NHL, tied with Bruins, Panthers, Capitals and Flames. Plante scored off Ron Tugnutt’s , , Turgeon and Andreychuk. glove in overtime to push the Sabres into the second round in 1997. Pick: Cunneyworth was stuck in Rochester during his first four seasons, getting called up for just 20 games in Buffalo. But after moving to Pittsburgh, he became an NHL fixture for the next 14 seasons. He scored 35 goals for the Penguins in 1987-88.

Ninth round

Candidates: Wade Flaherty (1988) and Donald Audette (1989).

Pick: Audette wins in a landslide. The diminutive French Canadian played parts of 15 seasons in the NHL, scoring 31 goals as a rookie and topping 20 four more times in Buffalo.

10th round

Pick: Derek Smith (1974) is the only candidate and a two-time 20-goal scorer.

11th round

Candidates: Taro Tsujimoto (1974), Uwe Krupp (1983) and Scott Nichol (1993).

Tsujimoto never played a game for Buffalo – because he didn’t exist. Tired of the tedious draft, the legendary conjured him out of thin air as a forward from the Tokyo Katanas. Nichol had a 662-game career, though only three games were for Buffalo.

Pick: Krupp was an imposing 6-foot-6 defenseman from Germany who scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal for Colorado in 1996.

12th round

Pick: Ken Baumgartner (1985) was another productive pick who never set foot in Buffalo. He spent a dozen seasons in the NHL, playing in 696 games.

He also makes a list with a lot of impressive names.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147512 Calgary Flames game average. Giordano scored a league-leading four short-handed goals among defenceman and had 21 power-play points. He finished fifth among blueliners with 221 shots on net.

Mr. Everything: Giordano becomes first Flames defenceman to win The Toronto native was two points away from doubling his point total Norris Trophy from last season, going from 38 points (13 goals and 25 assists) to 74 points (17 goals and 57 assists).

Kristen Anderson, Postmedia Telling, also, was his league leading plus-minus — 39.

And while his team finished first in the Western Conference during the regular season but was ousted in the first round of playoff by the The Calgary Flames have known this for a long time. Colorado Avalanche, it was by no fault of Giordano’s. In fact, he finished ninth in Hart Trophy voting. Wednesday’s news on the stage at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas confirmed it. “Getting up there, it was pretty nerve-wracking, talking in front of everyone,” said Giordano of his acceptance speech in which he also But receiving the ultimate recognition as the best defenceman in the thanked the Flames organization. “But it was a pretty cool experience, National Hockey League — the 2019 Norris Trophy — took years of and I was looking down and the family was right there. You could see the relentless determination and a dog-on-a-bone-like desire to be the best. emotion on (their faces). Undrafted in the . “It was pretty cool.” Undrafted in the National Hockey League. At the awards, he was joined by his wife, Lauren, his sister, his brother- Previously underrated, Mark Giordano became the first rearguard in in-law and his parents. Giordano was also up for the Mark Messier Flames’ franchise history to capture the award. In an overwhelming Leadership Award on Wednesday, a testament to his contributions in the fashion, too. He received 96 per cent of first-place votes (165-of-171) and Calgary community along with Lauren. was voted a first-team all star. All of the recognition is well-deserved. At 35-years-old. But his contributions to the Flames extend far beyond statistics. “I feel young,” he said, a vision in a wine-coloured three-piece suit, to “In the locker room, I sit right next to him and everybody listens up and wrap up his acceptance speech. “I feel fresh.” stops talking when he says something,” Flames forward Matthew A statement, of course, his 20-something teammates found hilarious. Tkachuk had said at the season’s end. “The way he’s able to get a grasp a room, the way he’s able to relate to everybody … it’s very, very “I ended it on that note, and the boys back at home let me hear about it,” impressive.” chuckled Giordano afterwards, calling via cellphone from the red carpet. “I’ve been getting texts from Chucky and Benny and all the young guys. So impressive that, in ’s mind, there is only one way to They’ve been sending me ‘young and fresh’ texts.” quantify what Giordano does.

Age is just a number, anyway. “Everything, you know?” said the Flames blueliner who follows the captain out in the rotation in the team’s second pairing. “I’ve been saying Plus, at 35 and winning the Norris Trophy, Giordano joined some for a long time, he’s the best defenceman in the game. He’s gotta be the impressive company. best leader. He’s a heckuva person, on and off the ice. You guys see it all year what he does on the ice. In practices. In games. The season he The last time a 35-year-old blueliner captured the award was Nicklas had, that’s crazy. He just means that much to our group, our team, this Lidstrom in 2005-06 — and the Detroit Red Wings legend won it three organization, the city … more times after that. Al MacInnis also won it at age 35 in 1998-99 with the St. Louis Blues. To find another 35-year-old-plus winner before that, “He’s Mr. Everything for us.” you’d have to look back to 1961-62 when seven-time winner Doug Harvey captured it as a member of the New York Rangers. He was 37. In actuality, Mr. Everything — and, now, Mr. 2019 Norris Trophy winner — has been the front-runner for accolade for most of the 2018-19 Heck … Giordano doesn’t feel a day over the big 3-0. campaign. Giordano led mid-season votes by the Professional Hockey Writers Association which was a pretty decent perception of how he’s “Since I’ve been 30, I’ve felt the same. I’ve felt good,” he said. “I think I viewed league-wide. have a lot of energy and have a lot left to give. I’m looking forward to next year already.” The final tallies on Wednesday confirmed it.

Giordano’s 833 regular-season games ranks second in the Flames’ “If you were to have asked me at the start of the season, if I were to be record books for all-time games played. one of the nominees, I probably would have said ‘no,’” Giordano said earlier in the week. “I mean, there are so many great defenceman. If you He is also just the fifth blueliner in league history to log a 60-point season look at our league, especially with the Norris, it’s one of the hardest at age 35, joining Ray Bourque, Lidstrom, MacInnis and Sergei Zubov as things to get nominated for because there are so many quality the other members of that exclusive club. defencemen on every team. I don’t know. It’s kind of … I still look at This is a guy who was cut from the Phoenix Coyotes rookie camp and those guys. Sidney Crosby. Connor McDavid. I still look at them as guys had originally planned to go to university before the Flames called. that are in a league of their own, right? So to be at the awards and to be nominated for an award alongside them, it’s cool, to be honest.” “You gain confidence as you get older and you believe in yourself more. But the ups and downs I’ve gone through and where I am now … it’s On Wednesday, Giordano beat out fellow nominees Brent Burns, who pretty cool,” Giordano said. “Pretty cool, for real. I’m with a lot of friends won the Norris in 2017 and is the heartbeat of the San Jose Sharks, and and family (at the NHL Awards). It means a lot that everyone’s here, Victor Hedman, the Tampa Bay Lightning rearguard who won it last year. everyone that helped me a long the way. I’ve had lots of thoughts about Also up for the Mark Messier award was Wayne Simmonds, who split guys I’ve played with and teammates I’ve played with over the years. time between the Nashville Predators and the Philadelphia Flyers, and “They played a role in this as well.” Carolina Hurricanes captain Justin Williams, with Simmonds winning the award. The definition of the Norris Trophy states that the award is given to the defenceman voted to have demonstrated the “greatest all-around ability AROUND THE RED CARPET at the position throughout the season.” Flames centre Sean Monahan finished third in Lady Byng voting which The Flames captain did that — and then some — in 2018-19. ultimately went to Ryan O’Reilly of the St. Louis Blues …. New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz won the Jack Adams Award, but, Finishing fifth in team scoring this season, a career year, he also was interestingly, Flames bench boss Bill Peters finished fourth in voting and second in scoring among NHL defencemen and had a 0.95 points per- was only bested by St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube — who was also a finalist for the Jack Adams — by one point … Flames LW Johnny Gaudreau finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting as NHL MVP.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147513 Calgary Flames resources to do the job the best way you can — and that goes to ownership seeing the value in amateur scouting, and especially in a cap world how important it is. They put the resources in to make sure we Q&A with Flames’ director of amateur scouting Tod Button have the areas covered that we need covered.”

Q: You have been the Flames’ director of amateur scouting since 2006. What is the value of experience in your role? How does your approach to Wes Gilbertson the NHL Draft change or evolve when you’ve been at it for as long as you have?

Button: “Well, I think in this business, you have to use all kinds of The Calgary Flames roster last season included as many as a dozen of different resources. In 2006, we didn’t have as much access to video as their own draft picks — from marquee men like Mikael Backlund, Johnny we have. So now, we have access to video and we can see a lot of Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and to rookies such as things more clearly. We can go back and watch games in junior or Rasmus Andersson, Dillon Dube, Andrew Mangiapane and Juuso highlights on YouTube that we never saw before, so we have that going Valimaki. for us. We have more analytics. Although it’s not perfect at the amateur The common thread between all of them? Tod Button was there to level, there are more and more data points being generated and more welcome them to the organization on draft day. and more information being generated, so you have that. Technology helps, when you can share stuff immediately with a scout, even a text Button has been the Flames’ director of amateur scouting since 2006, message saying, ‘Hey, I just got a note to watch this player tonight’ or ‘I working under several general managers during that span. He will a busy just got a note that something happened and he is playing.’ man this weekend at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver, but chatted with Postmedia prior to the trip to share some his thoughts and experiences “The other thing for me, and I tell young scouts this all the time when they … get in the game, is you’re going to make mistakes and you can’t be afraid to make mistakes. I think it was David Conte, the longtime New Jersey Q: It’s old hat for you but for someone who has never experienced the Devils scout, he had the line: ‘You’ve never scouted until you’ve made a buzz on the NHL Draft floor, can you describe what it is like? million-dollar mistake.’ That was back in the day when first-rounders got a million bucks. The thing with me, though, that I always preach to these Button: “I’m trying to think of the right way to put it. Obviously, for us, it’s young guys is you have to go through a cycle of three or four or five exciting. It’s our day, right? It’s our weekend. It’s what we’ve done all this years to really be able to see what your mistakes were. You don’t want to work for, all those games, driving all over the place, flying, travelling, all make mistakes in those first five years, but you can look back. So for that stuff we do over the course of the year … This is the culmination of Patrick Lachance, who wanted to draft Dmitry Zavgorodniy (in the it. So for us, when you hit the floor, you’re like, ‘OK, this is it. All this work seventh round) last year … He’s had experience. We hired him out of the you’ve done, now it’s the next step.’ ” Charlottetown system, and he was running their draft for them and now Q: With the unpredictability of draft weekend and with a bunch of scouts he’s moved up a level, but it’s going to take him five years to know the banging on the table for specific prospects they really like, what’s the key other guys. We know Zavgo, but what about the other guys that he liked for a team to be prepared for all that? What’s the recipe to being ready or he didn’t like? It takes that, I call it a cycle because it’s like five years for how everything unfolds? from the time a guy is 18 to 23 to say, ‘Oh jeez, I get it now. I see that it now.’ The next time, you won’t make that same mistake or hopefully you Button: “The banging on the table is done at the meetings and during the won’t.” year on our conference calls. So when we get to the floor, we’re ready to go. We have our charts. We have everything we need to make our Q: Looking specifically at this year, what would you say are the strengths decisions. We like to be ahead, so when we’re 20 picks out or 30 picks of the 2019 NHL Draft class? out, we’re sort of narrowing it down. As it gets later in the draft, say we’ve Button: “I think it’s forward-heavy early, then there are a ton of taken four defencemen already and you have three picks left, then Tre defencemen and then there’s a good mix after that. Now, when I say (general manager Brad Treliving) might say ‘Hey, let’s get some wingers’ forward-heavy early, it wouldn’t surprise me if nine of the top-10 were or ‘Let’s get a centre. Who’s the best centre available? Are these guys all forwards this year. And then I think maybe you might have 60% or 70% similar or is there a separating quality between some of these?’ So there of the next 15 guys being defencemen. And after that, I think it’s wide- are conversations at the table, but we have our players in order already open — forwards, defencemen, and then there are some good goalies in in different charts. there. The goalie situation should be interesting — to see, first of all, if “The other part that comes into play, except for the seventh-rounders is, any go in the first round. And maybe one or two go in the first round, and ‘Which guy here might fall a little bit? If there’s a choice of three, is there then traditionally when goalies get picked early, there’s a run on them one we can get with the next round’s pick? Or will this guy be gone?’ You early in the second round. It’s a fairly deep goalie class this year, so I try to have a feel for that, and sometimes you’re wrong. It doesn’t always think you’re going to see some goalies go off the board. Between Nos. work out the way we want, but you’re always prepared. We go through all 20-40, I think you are going to see a bunch of them.” the scenarios.” Q: We wanted to ask you specifically about goalies. What is the unique Q: We watched so many draft picks play important roles at the challenge of drafting at that position? Saddledome this past season. What’s been the key to the recent success Button: “There are a lot of unique challenges. Trust me, we get for the Flames at the draft table? everybody involved in it. We get our goalie coaches involved in it — they Button: “Stability in our staff is key. We’ve had the same group of key watch games, they go out and watch camps and stuff. So it is really a scouts for seven, eight, nine years. That goes back to 2010 and Fred group effort. If I had the magic formula, obviously we would only have to Parker, who is one of my assistants, he came on in 2010. And then Jim pick one and you have to have them for 10 years and then you pick Cummins and Rob Sumner in 2011, Bobby Hagelin in 2011. So when another one. I think the challenges of the position mentally are so unique you get those core group of guys working together for that long a period that they’re really hard to judge, and we talk about it all the time with Matt and you have a clear and concise plan that is put out by the general Brown — our sports psychologist — and our staff. You know, a 17- or 18- manager Brad Treliving — he’s been here for five years now — that’s year-old, their brains don’t fully develop until they’re 24 or 25. If you’re a significant. Because you’re not always changing your criteria, you’re not winger and you make bad pass, the red light doesn’t go on and always looking for different things. We tweak things. We try to do things everybody isn’t saying, ‘You suck! You suck!’ It’s not the same for the better. We try to get an advantage in different areas whether it’s forward or defenceman as it is for a goalie. So the challenges for me are psychological, testing or whatever the case may be. But our core values, trying to figure out mentally how we can evaluate the goalie at 17, what at least, are all the same, and that is key. he’s going to be like 25. With goalies, the physical projection is tough too because they have to add quickness and power laterally. “When you have that stability and you bring new people into the fold, it’s so much easier for them. It’s like a player, right? If you’re a rookie and “You keep trying to get better at it and you keep putting resources into it. you come into a veteran lineup, it’s so much easier to adapt because you You search out any different way you can do it l, and I don’t think there’s have good leaders and you have good leadership. Obviously, you need really a goalie whisperer out there, per se. But we’re looking for it. We to have good scouts, which I think we do, but the whole stability process still have Jon Gillies, who is still young — he’s not even 25 yet — and from management down to our scouting staff is important. And also the Tyler Parsons just finished his first year of pro. So I think when you talk about young goalies, you need to have a way longer outlook on it than you do a regular player. That might be three years of pro or four years of pro … And I think that maturity mentally is way tougher for a goalie to judge than it is for a player, just because their mistakes are magnified and you hear it. You cover sports, you watch sports, any sport, golf, basketball, soccer — confidence is a huge thing, right? I’ve been a Raptors fan for a while, but I’m watching Danny Green and one night, he can’t miss a three-pointer and then the next night, he misses six in a row. How can the same guy do that? Confidence is a huge thing, and it has to be harder for a goalie to be confident all the time, just because your mistakes are magnified.”

Q: Regardless of position and even skill, what is the most important trait that you’re looking for? What’s the one characteristic that is going to jump out about a prospect?

Button: “Desire. Will. Competitiveness. The desire to get better, the desire to do the right thing, the desire to train … All that. Just the will to be a hockey player, to be an NHL hockey player. People don’t realize how weeded out players get because they like hockey but they’re not willing to make all the sacrifices. It’s a hard thing to get to the get to the NHL. There are a lot of sacrifices made and people don’t always understand what those sacrifices are. It doesn’t matter the position, you need to have desire to get better. You need to have the desire to train. You need to have the desire to eat right. You need to have the desire to say, ‘Hey, I can’t go out to this party because I have a practice tomorrow or I have to train.’ These are the 600 or 700 best players in the world, so there’s definitely a sacrifice to get there. I just look at a guy like Mark Giordano, his desire to be a player got him to where he was, right? You can’t break Mark Giordano down and say he’s the prettiest this or the prettiest that or the most elegant skater or whatever. But those insides, you can say those are elegant. It’s unbelievable. Compete, desire … That transcends every position. You can’t play any position without those.”

Q: One more … Every scout must have a favourite draft story. Do you have one you could share with us?

Button: “I have quite a few. I say that because when you draft a kid and you see the smile on his face or you phone a kid who is not there and you hear the excitement in his voice, you feel good about it, right? It’s such a feel-good moment. I remember when Todd Hlushko was drafted by the Washington Capitals — he was at BC Place in 1990. There were a lot more rounds, and he sat through it all. He was up there in the stands, and I believe Barry Trotz was a scout on that staff and they looked up and they saw Todd Hlushko, and they picked him. He ended up being a Flames player and I still talk to Todd — he works for Mannheim in Germany. But he was and 11th– or 12th-round pick sitting up there through that whole draft in a suit. That’s probably one of my favourites because if you know Todd, he’s an unbelievable person. Just the scouts at that Washington table going, ‘Jeez, this guys hung in there the whole time … ’ And they liked him, but I don’t think that would happen today just because there are not as many rounds. And that’s the flip-side of it is when the draft ends and you look up and you see the kids that are in the stands that didn’t get picked. That is heartbreaking for me.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147514 Calgary Flames eligible player in that league (Connor McMicheal). His 51 goals were the fourth most, period. His 320 shots on net led draft-eligible players by 100 and his primary points percentage of 1.18 per game was higher than First-round draft targets for the Calgary Flames many prospects total points rate.

Despite the eye-popping results, Kaliyev appears as a second rounder on some lists. An elite goal scorer and point producer, there are By Kent Wilson Jun 19, 2019 nevertheless doubts about every other aspect of his game. At 6-foot-2 and 190-pounds, Kaliyev at least has NHL size. Everything else –

including effort, defensive performance, and skating – are frequently The Flames enter the 2019 Draft with just five picks in their possession, flagged in scouting reports. and only one in the first 90 choices (26th overall). Calgary is also running Whatever his faults, it would be difficult for the Flames to pass on Kaliyev short on notable prospects, with guys like Rasmus Andersson, Matthew if he somehow manages to fall to Calgary. While the organization is Tkachuk, Andrew Mangiapane, and Juuso Valimaki graduating (or likely stuffed to the gills with quality left wingers, the list of guys who scored 50- graduating next year) to the NHL. plus goals as a 17-year-old is awfully short (and mostly filled with stars). Which means Brad Treliving and the team’s braintrust is going to be Spencer Knight, G extra motivated to get a player at 26 overall. Unless something changes, the club’ scouts will only get one legit chance to snag a high-quality USNTDP prospect on Friday night. .913 SV% We’ve already looked at the organization’s draft habits recently. Now let’s check out who the team may be targeting in the first round. The following On the one hand, the Flames organization is notoriously awful at picking is the first part of a two-part series and is presented in no particular order. and developing goaltenders. On the other hand, the franchise is in desperate need of a long-term solution in net, with both Jon Gillies and Bobby Brink, RW Tyler Parsons trending downward. Spencer Knight is ranked as the top North American puck stopper by the NHL’s central scouting bureau and NHLe**: 35 it’s widely assumed he’ll be the first goalie to go off the board in the draft. USHL Knight is not only tall at 6-foot-3, but he’s a tremendous puck handler, A Bobby Brink pick would fall right into the Flames wheelhouse. Not only something the Flames clearly value given how much they lauded Mike do they desperately need offensive talent on the right side, they have Smith’s puck handling ability. made a habit of finding value with smaller picks (see: Johnny Gaudreau, WELP, THE FLAMES ARE GOING TO DRAFT SPENCER KNIGHT. Andrew Mangiapane, and Dillon Dube). At 5-foot-7 and 168-pounds, HTTPS://T.CO/Q51IHAA266 Brink is much smaller than the average NHLer, which is the primary reason he might last to the Flames in the first round. His diminutive size — KENT WILSON (@KENT_WILSON) APRIL 27, 2019 plus a reported awkward skating stride may spook many teams, especially after “heavy hockey” helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup. Knight’s clean stopping style, noteworthy athleticism, and strong fundamentals have marked him as a top NHL prospect for awhile, Brink’s results are all well above board. He was second among all draft enough for some scouts to overlook his merely good results with the U.S. eligible USHL players in total points with 68, and, like Gaudreau did in his National Team Development Program this past season. draft year, led his team in points despite being one of the youngest guys on the club. The only two USHL players with a higher point-per-game If Calgary had two picks in the first round this year they may be more pace were Jack Hughes and Alex Turcotte, both of whom will likely be tempted to go with a goalie at 26. That said, they may be very tempted if picked in the top five. all of their top-rated skaters have already been taken and Knight falls within range. Brink wasn’t just young for his team. He’s also on the younger side for the draft thanks to a July, 2001 birthday. Which means he was about two Moritz Seider, RD months shy of being eligible for the 2020 draft instead. A younger guy 2g-4a-6pts in 29 games scoring at a well above average rate is always a positive sign. DEL Scouts tend to rave about Brink’s notable skill level and high hockey IQ to explain his excellent production. Coaches and teammates also talk The Flames are pretty rich in young defenders, but Moritz Seider sliding glowingly about his compete level and will to win. to the mid-20’s may convince them to add him to the fold. Seider is big (6-foot-4 and 210 pounds), strong, smart, and first appeared in the top There are a few reasons the Flames may not pick Brink at the draft. The German men’s league at just 16 years of age. As general rule of thumb, first, obviously, is that he might not last until the 26th pick. Brink’s prospects who can play regularly in a men’s league at 17 or younger tend projections are all over the map according to the various scouting to be pretty good bets. magazines and outfits, with Bob McKenzie’s consolidated list ranking him smack on at 26. Alex DeBrincat is about the same size as Brink and had The DEL’s rookie of the year was also a difference maker at the D1-A even better results in his draft year, and he lasted until the second round. world junior tournament for Germany, scoring an impressive seven points That said, teams may have learned from DeBrincat (and Gaudreau a few in five games from the blue line against his peers. On top of that, years earlier) and won’t let Brink slip through their fingers. everything about his game is spoken about in glowing terms by scouts – his skating is above average, he boasts a capable transition game, has Even if he makes it to the lower half of the first round, the Flames may be good offensive instincts and a quality point shot. In many ways, he hesitant to select Brink due to his size. With Gaudreau, Mangiapane, and sounds a lot like Juuso Valimaki. Dube all in the fold – and with the team potentially sensitive about size after their first-round loss – the decision makers may prioritize size a bit Seider is ranked sixth amongst European skaters by central scouting, so more than otherwise. it’s possible but unlikely that he’ll be around when the Flames take the podium. Calgary has also never drafted from Germany under Treliving **(NHLe is NHL equivalence, a method of normalized each prospect’s (or, indeed, any European league outside of the Nordic countries), so he production to a full NHL season, relative to the league they played in. may not be on the team’s radar. Some leagues don’t have NHLe rates, in which case the player’s counting stats will be listed). Brett Leason, RW

Arthur Kaliyev, LW NHLe: 40

NHLe: 38 WHL

OHL If Brett Leason had scored 36 goals and 89 points for the two years ago, he would have been a sure-fire top-10 pick. By most numbers, Arthur Kaliyev is a top-10 prospect in the 2019 draft. Instead, it took the 6-foot-4, 200-pound winger until his overage season He scored 102 points in the OHL, 30 more than the second best draft- to put up notable numbers. Which is why he had been passed over in two the organization already has, so they may be tempted to choose a successive drafts despite his projectable frame. forward if they have to flip a coin.

The player’s big step forward in offensive output came through an The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 offseason of hard work that improved his conditioning and skating speed, putting him back on the map for NHL scouts. For the Flames’ part, they may be tempted by the fact that Leason is not only big but right-handed. At 20, he’s also closer to making an impact at the pro level, assuming he can continue to develop, of course.

And there’s the rub. A lot of 20-year-old junior players put up big numbers, simply because they are bigger and more physically developed than many of their opponents. Few of them ever go on to be worthwhile NHLers though. For context, Leason’s 89 points were sixth-most among the WHLers who were 20 or younger this season, and his 1.62 points- per-game pace was fifth. Of the guys ahead of him in terms of PPG, only league-leader Cody Glass (1.87) is a blue-chip prospect currently. In fact, third-placed left-winger Tristan Langan is also 20, scored 113 points (1.69 PPG) in 67 games and is also undrafted and unsigned.

As a result, Leason’s 40-plus NHL equivalency would project him as a future star in a 17-18-year-old season, but at 20 its predictive power is substantially subdued. That means he’d be a much more worthwhile gamble in the third round, but for a team with only one pick in the top-90, Leason seems far riskier.

Nathan Legare, RW

NHLe: 32

QMJHL

Only one player younger than 18 outscored Nathan Legare in the QMJHL this past season — and it was projected 2020 first overall pick, Alex Lafreniere. Legare’s 45 goals were the most among draft eligibles in the Quebec league and he was second on his team in scoring behind the much older Ivan Chekhovich. On top of all that, he’s a right-hander with size (6-foot, 205 pounds).

Interestingly, Legare is often projected to go in the second round or later. Central Scouting ranked him 54th in North America, while other outfits sometimes project him even lower than that. A relatively unknown prospect previously, Legare landed on the top line for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in 2018-19, with many assuming he was a beneficiary of quality linemates and circumstances. Legare is also not a great skater, with most reports describing him as average at best, and seems to be the main mark against him.

Otherwise, there are notes about above average strength and intensity, making Legare a force along the boards and in front of the net. The one lingering question mark is if his skating can improve enough for him to get the job done in the NHL.

The Flames need size and scoring on the right side up front, so they may be tempted to pick Legare, despite the consensus rankings. Also because they don’t (currently) have a second rounder with which they could try to grab him with as well.

Tobias Björnfot, LD

11g-11a-22pts in 39 games

SuperElit / SHL

The 6-foot, 200-pound left-handed defender has been around the elite Swedish hockey scene for a long time. He captained their national team to a gold medal at the world U18 tournament and at the , where they won silver.

This past season, Tobias Bjornfot mostly played for Djurgardens’ junior team at the SuperElit level but also appeared in seven games at the pro (SHL) level. With 11 goals and 22 points in 39 games, Bjornfot is recognized as a two-way defender with his primary strength being his skating. Scouts note that Bjornfot boasts above average acceleration, speed, and edge work. His capable stick handling and puck movement also make him an asset in the offensive zone, despite a below average point shot. That said, there’s a question of how high his offensive ceiling will be at the NHL level.

The Flames have had good fortune with picking Swedish defencemen (such Rasmus Andersson and Oliver Kylington) recently and Bjornfot is ranked seventh amongst European skaters by CSS (just behind Moritz Seider), so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them scoop him at 26 if he is still around. That said, Bjornfot is also more of the same in terms of what 1147515 Calgary Flames However, complicating matters was Bouma’s NHL resume had become extensive enough that he now had arbitration rights and with that option at his disposal, he took it, shifting negotiations into the hearing room Who stays, who goes: Decision time for Flames’ long list of restricted free where Bouma asked for a deal at $2.5 million per year and the team agents countered with an offer of $1.5 million.

At the mercy of the arbitrator’s decision and wary of which way that might go, Treliving weighed the variables at hand and before a binding decision By Darren Haynes Jun 19, 2019 could be made, he offered the forward a three-year deal at $2.2 million pe season, which Bouma accepted.

Everyone knows what came next. After that 16-goal season, Bouma only Top of mind ahead of the NHL draft are the decisions coming up this mustered eight goals over the next three seasons combined, eventually weekend around which young prospects will be selected to join the exiting the NHL. First stop, AHL. Next stop, Switzerland. Calgary Flames. Ever since, we’ve seen Treliving approach arbitration-eligible players with But those aren’t the only decisions going on right now. Shortly after all an abundance of caution, because as a general rule, GMs vehemently those new faces join the organization on Friday and Saturday, a bunch of dislike the arbitration process. Preparation for it involves a lot of time and familiar faces will depart. effort, it’s inconvenient with the hearing dates scheduled between mid- Tuesday, June 25, is the deadline for Calgary to extend qualifying offers July and early August, when general managers would rather be at their to 13 pending restricted free agents, whose contracts are about to expire: summer cottage, plus there’s apprehension whenever a player’s salary is left to someone else to determine. LW Matthew Tkachuk (2016 first-rounder) Since being burned by Bouma, examples of arbitration-eligible players LW Andrew Mangiapane (2015 sixth-rounder) that Treliving has chosen not to qualify include Joe Colborne and Alex Chiasson. C Sam Bennett (2014 first-rounder) Colborne was the most surprising decision, yet it played out just as G Mason McDonald (2014 second-rounder) Treliving anticipated, or more so, feared. G David Rittich (free agent signing) To refresh your memory, going into the 2015-16 season, Colborne had C Alan Quine (free agent signing) scored 19 goals in 160 career games. Then, capitalizing on his plum assignment of playing alongside Backlund, Colborne’s offence spiked to RW Spencer Foo (free agent signing) 19 goals and 44 points, which ranked him sixth on the team in scoring. An RFA at season’s end, surely he was a lock to be qualified, right? Not LW Ryan Lomberg (free agent signing) this time. D Josh Healey (free agent signing) Treliving cut bait and Colborne became a free agent. Colborne signed a RW Curtis Lazar (acquired via trade) two-year, $5 million deal with Colorado where he began the 2016-17 season with a bang in the form of a hat trick. But then he scored only LW Kerby Rychel (acquired via trade) once in his next 61 games. He ended up in the AHL the next season and D Rinat Valiev (acquired via trade) hasn’t played since due to concussions issues.

LW Brett Pollock (acquired via trade) Potential 2019 Candidate – C Alan Quine

To help us get a better sense of who will stay and who will go, I looked Sam Bennett and David Rittich are among the arbitration-eligible this back at how general manager Brad Treliving has approached RFAs over year, but both players are key parts of the team so there is no doubt that his first five summers as Flames general manager and I identified eight they will each be qualified. There also aren’t any glaring one-hit wonder trends to how he likes to operate. examples this season like Bouma or Colborne.

Of course, this stuff isn’t carved in stone. You can bet that Treliving That said, of the other arbitration-eligible players — Quine, Foo, Rychel, himself, will admit to some lessons learned over that time and an ongoing Lazar, Lomberg, Healey, Valiev — it’s Quine, who best fits the evolution in his approach. When you do any job for the first time, it’s a description of a player, whose arbitration rights could work against him learning opportunity. As you gain experience, you learn how to do things being qualified. better and also how not to do things. Quine, 26, is minor league depth. He’s appeared in 97 NHL regular 1. Once bitten, twice shy season games and another 10 playoff games, but in this organization, he’s merely a call-up option only, not a guy who would make the NHL On June 30, the contract for Lance Bouma finally comes off the books. roster. But how might an arbitrator view his situation? He did score three For the former Flame, who hasn’t played for Calgary since 2017, it closes goals and five points in 13 games with the Flames. That’s not bad. He the book on what ended up being a case study in the perils of qualifying sniped 19 goals and racked up 52 points in 41 AHL games, which is his arbitration-eligible depth forwards coming off a breakout season. most prolific AHL season yet. Might an arbitrator view him as a guy that should be in the NHL and award him an NHL salary a few hundred In 2013-14, playing mostly beside and David Jones, Bouma thousand greater than what Calgary is prepared to pay? Maybe, and it’s established himself as a useful, crash-and-bang, energy player for the for this reason I doubt Quine is qualified, despite him being a serviceable Flames. In his first full NHL season the left winger scored five goals and depth player and useful veteran for coach Cail MacLean in Stockton. 15 points in 78 games. It came with Bouma on a one-year deal after he had accepted his qualifying offer the previous summer, 2. Settle in, this may take a while

Now he needed a new deal and that negotiation would take place with For core players that excel during their entry-level contracts, long-term Treliving, who had just arrived in the organization from Arizona. In a deals for their second contract are often long, drawn-out negotiations. negotiation that stretched into mid-August, Bouma settled for a team- Without arbitration rights to apply pressure on the team, the player simply friendly one-year, $775,000 deal, Treliving essentially telling him to do it has fewer cards to play in terms of negotiation tactics. again and then we’ll talk. One of the tactics a player does have at their disposal is to hold out and Sure enough, the next season, head coach Bob Hartley put him on a line hope the team eventually caves. In this game of chicken, the team is with RFA-whisperer Mikael Backlund and after scoring just six goals in basically doing the same. The player says you can’t win without me. The his first 121 career games, Bouma broke out to the tune of 16 goals and team is saying oh yeah? Just watch us, you’re not as indispensable as 34 points, while also establishing himself as one of the team’s go-to you think. penalty killers. Now there have been exceptions — Dougie Hamilton signed less than a An RFA again that summer, it seemed like a no-brainer to qualify him, week after being acquired from the Boston Bruins. Elias Lindholm was given the numbers he just posted and with the Flames coming off their inked just over three weeks after being acquired by Carolina. But the first trip to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2004. more common scenario is a longer negotiation and there are factors that increase from his $650,000 NHL salary, thus a bump to $715,000. contribute to that. However, per the CBA, the team isn’t obligated to offer anything more in terms of an AHL salary than the $80,000 he earned last year. One factor is waiting for the market to be established. As other similar players sign deals, the salary range tends to narrow as there are Given the logjam on the left side of Mark Giordano, Noah Hanifin, Juuso comparable deals. But someone needs to go first and as a player, you Valimaki and Oliver Kylington, if Valiev envisions himself in a similar don’t want that to be you. situation for 2019-20 of spending most of the season in the AHL, you could see him rejecting that qualifying offer and negotiating a higher AHL Also, the longer the deal, the more complicated it is. At what point do no- salary. That could come at the expense of a slightly lower NHL salary, trade clauses kick in? How many years of unrestricted free agency are perhaps the club reduces that to $700,000, which is the new league bought out and what is the cost of those years? minimum for 2019-20. That’s a nominal difference, but it’s the bump in While Lindholm got done relatively quickly, he was also coming off a pay for working in Stockton that would be the key bargaining point for bridge deal. Noah Hanifin, acquired at the same time as Lindholm and Valiev. also an RFA, was coming off his entry-level contract. His six-year deal Rychel is another example. Rychel, who got into two games with Calgary didn’t get done until Aug. 30. Also coming off their entry levels, Sean last season, is a good insurance policy and solid AHLer, but the odds of Monahan’s seven-year deal three years ago didn’t get signed until Aug. the left winger making the NHL team are remote. While his arbitration 19. It dragged out even longer for Johnny Gaudreau, whose six-year deal rights might work against him even getting a qualifying offer, should he wasn’t inked until Oct. 10, just two days before the season opener. get qualified, he’s another guy you can envision rejecting the $761,000 Potential 2019 Candidate – LW Matthew Tkachuk NHL qualifying offer, looking for a bump from the $100,000 he made in AHL salary last year. A plausible outcome could be a two-way deal for There is little doubt that this is the summer that the $6.75M annual $700,000 in the NHL or $150,000 in the AHL. average value made by both Mark Giordano and Gaudreau, the team’s so-called “internal cap” is finally surpassed. The questions are by how 4. Pedigree and Hype Have an Expiry Date much and when will Tkachuk’s new deal get done? In the summer of 2015, Treliving offered qualifying offers to 12 of the Regarding the latter, expect it to take a while. The RFA class this club’s 15 restricted free agents. That was a big number that arguably summer is a rich one that features Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen, Patrik included some courtesy qualifications of guys who were long shots at Laine, , Brock Boeser, Brayden Point, Charlie McAvoy and best. Turner Elson, Bryce van Brabant and Max Reinhart are three that on and on and on. It’s going to make for a very interesting summer, but come to mind. also a long one. Tkachuk’s deal will get done, but it may not be until But the organization is deeper now, making for less obligation to extend September, or even October. second and third chances to players, who in their first chance with the 3. Less money equals more money organization have shown that they are unlikely to ever reach that next level. Being offered a qualifying offer is one thing, but it’s no certainty that players will accept it by the July 15 deadline when qualifying offers The other consideration to remember is that there is a 50 contract limit expire. That’s obviously the case with higher profile players like Tkachuk, for an NHL team, so they can’t just sign everyone. Consider that since Bennett and Rittich, who will be seeking significant raises over what the mid-March, Treliving has already signed four free agents, who will be qualifying offer will be, but it can be the case with the fringe players, too, entering their first season with the organization. First, he inked CIAU star who often will reject a qualifying offer and end up agreeing to a contract centre Luke Philp. Next, a by-product of the club’s bigger scouting for a reduced NHL salary. presence in Europe, he recently inked two Russians — goaltender Artyom Zagidulin, Russian defenceman Alexander Yelesin — as well as We’ve seen that in the past with Tyler Wotherspoon. Take the summer of Swedish blueliner Carl-Johan Lerby. 2016 for instance, when he was coming out of his entry-level contract. He rejected his two-way qualifying offer that would have been for an NHL With the Flames looking more heavily at Europe now when procuring salary of around $875,000 in the NHL, and instead negotiated a deal with players, looking for free agents in their early 20s to roll the dice on, it will an NHL salary of $625,000. This may leave you scratching your head, necessitate abandoning experiments in North America quicker. Emile but in this instance, what he gained in those contract talks that extended Poirier and Hunter Smith are examples of a past first- and second- into mid-August was a bump in his AHL salary from $70,000 to $125,000. rounders, who never fetched a qualifying offer. The only regret Sure enough, despite how it looked on the surface, it ended up being a afterwards was in how high they were drafted. raise as he spent nearly that entire season in the AHL, where he made Potential 2019 Candidate: RW Curtis Lazar, G Mason McDonald, D Josh considerably more than the previous season. Healey

The other variable to consider for players not yet established in the NHL, Lazar was a first-round pick, selected 17th overall by Ottawa in 2013. He is that lower NHL salaries can increase their chances of a recall. For cap- was acquired from the Senators for a second-round pick. The Flames crunched teams, and Calgary is expected to be tight to the cap again this thought they had themselves a guy who they could get his career back season, it’s not unprecedented for a player’s NHL salary to influence who on track. Now 24 and coming off a season in which he played just one gets recalled. When a team is running that tight to the cap where literally NHL game, spending the rest of the season in the AHL, it seems unlikely every dollar matters, a $700,000 player could get a call-up over a guy that is going to happen. Sure, he enjoyed a solid season in Stockton with making $950,000. It’s happened before and it will happen again. So if 20 goals and 41 points in 57 games, but it appears time for Calgary to you’re a player, accepting less can make you more attractive for a call-up move on. Lazar being arbitration-eligible will further hurt his cause in and when you’re trying to break into the NHL and establish yourself, terms of getting qualified. opportunity is everything. McDonald was the first goaltender taken in the 2014 NHL Draft, Other current or former Flames, who have gone down a similar path controversially selected two picks ahead of Thatcher Demko, who most recently in terms of agreeing to a smaller NHL salary, but greater AHL draft pundits had ranked as the No. 1 goaltender in that draft class. pay include Paul Byron, Brett Kulak and Garnet Hathaway. Considering Based on that pedigree alone, there was a time where the extending of a all have since established themselves as NHL players, chalk it up as qualifying offer was a bygone conclusion. But that’s not the case any short-term pain that was well worth the long-term gain. longer. McDonald has spent all three of his pro seasons in the ECHL and Potential 2019 candidates: D Rinat Valiev, LW Kerby Rychel while that league for a goalie isn’t necessarily a death sentence, spending three seasons in that league isn’t good, regardless of The Flames got Valiev from Montreal in exchange for Brett Kulak. The circumstances. With his inability to ascend to the AHL, one wonders if Russian defenceman, who turned 24 in May, was called up by Calgary time hasn’t run out for the Halifax native. twice during the regular season due to uncertain injury situations with the big club, but he did not get into an NHL game either time. Undrafted, Healey became a sought-after free agent after finishing his four years at Ohio State. But has he shown enough promise on the ice to Next, let’s assume there’s interest in bringing him back for at least one warrant another look? He’s a nice depth option for Stockton, a physical more season, especially in light of how Kulak has blossomed in Montreal, presence and good teammate, but turning 25 in July and as a left- just signing a three-year, $5.5 million deal with the Canadiens. A two-way shooting defenceman, the club may not see enough potential there, qualifying offer for Valiev, per CapFriendly, would be a 110 percent especially with a guy like Lerby in the system now, who is three years Arnold and Nick Shore. With all of them, some eyebrows were raised younger. when they were not qualified, yet a few seasons later, there’s no remorse to be had. 5. Prove you are what you say you are Potential 2019 Candidate: LW Ryan Lomberg, LW Brett Pollock There comes a time where players need new contracts, yet you’re not sure what they are just yet. Maybe in a different era, a no-fear, scrappy guy like Lomberg could contribute enough to be a depth player in the NHL. But seems unlikely Micheal Ferland was that a couple times over his time as a Flame. A guy, with this team and this league at this time. who felt he deserved more, but the team wasn’t as willing when it came to big money and/or big term. As contract talks dragged on and training Same thing for Pollock, who came over from Dallas in the Kris Russell camp approached, he ultimately ended up settling for team-friendly deal. A big body, who has never has lived up to the hype of being a deals. second-round pick. After one season in the ECHL, he spent the last two in the AHL, but only scoring three times last season in 53 games. We saw that happen with Bouma, too, as noted above. That breakthrough season was met by a challenge to do it again. 8. We’ll qualify you, just in case

Potential 2019 Candidate: LW Andrew Mangiapane Lastly there are those players, who are heading elsewhere to continue their hockey career, who you qualify anyway, just to retain their rights, It took a while for things to click, but once he got going, Mangiapane was because why not. a real effective player for the Flames. By the end of the season, he was a fixture in the NHL lineup. But that’s how the season ended, it began with Calgary did this with Linden Vey and Chad Billins, who were heading to him in the minors and at the end of the day, his NHL resume is still a Russia to play in the KHL. They also qualified David Wolf, even though work in progress with eight goals and 13 points in 54 career games. he was returning to Germany.

Coming out of his entry-level deal and with little leverage, expect a one- By doing so with group 2 RFAs, you retain the rights to that player, who or two-year deal for Mangiapane, which will give him an opportunity to remains on your reserve list as an unsigned free agent until the year in establish what he is in the NHL. The AAV will be for greater than the which they turn 27. In most cases, these players are gone for good, but qualifying offer, but not a lot more, he just hasn’t logged enough miles on hey, you never know. his NHL odometer yet. Candidate: RW Spencer Foo 6. Lock-in value while you can It has been reported that Foo, after two seasons in the AHL, has signed The most recent example of this is Lindholm. When he was acquired as in the KHL to play for the Beijing-based Kunlun Red Star, with an eye on part of the blockbuster trade with Carolina last summer, the GM liked the playing in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Whether Calgary sees it as player, the new coach coming over from the Hurricanes, also liked the worthwhile qualifying him anyway, we’ll see. If they did, qualifying him player, the club thought there was a lot more ability there than had been would enable them to keep the 25-year-old’s rights for another two years. on display in the NHL so far and seeing it as an opportunity, Treliving got But it may not even be worthwhile. him locked for six years at an AAV of $4.85 million. By this time next week, we will know for sure who remains part of the Turns out that length of commitment, which surprised many a year ago Flames organization, but revisiting this year’s list of 13, the only four when it happened, is a deal the Flames will now be reaping the rewards sure-bets are Tkachuk, Bennett, Rittich and Mangiapane. I’d list Valiev as of for the next five seasons. possible and Foo as a possibility, too, although situation — as noted — is more of a moot point. While it was only for half of that length, the Flames got similar value when they inked Mikael Backlund to a three-year deal in June 2015. A As for the rest, chances are their time is done, replaced by the promise of restricted free agent at the time, having Backlund at $3.575 million AAV the next wave of prospects entering the organization after being drafted for his age 26, 27 and 28 seasons ended up tremendous value for this weekend. Calgary. It’s the circle of life for an NHL player. It’s all about finding the right situation in which you think you know what a player is about to become and locking him up for several years at a The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 reduced salary, before he ascends to that level.

Potential 2019 Candidate: G David Rittich, LW Sam Bennett

Is Rittich capable of being this club’s starter for the next few seasons? Nobody knows that for sure, which is why he could get another short deal. Unless, that is, Calgary gambles and takes a chance at securing value in the long term by signing the 26-year-old Czech to a three- or four-year deal with a salary commensurate to being part of a 1a/1b tandem, as was the case last year, while hoping he ends up shouldering the No. 1 duties instead.

Same goes for Bennett. He doesn’t have the gaudy offensive totals or first-line role that will fetch him a lucrative deal like Gaudreau and Monahan, but there are always those alluring glimpses of what he can be, with his impact in the playoffs the most recent example. He’s another candidate to potentially fetch a longer deal if the club sees a chance to lock him up at a figure they’re comfortable with that could pay off in the long run.

7. If in doubt, you’re out

Then there are those guys, who simply don’t pan out.

There comes a point where you’ve seen players enough to know that they don’t have what it takes to get to that next level and stay there. There isn’t any one attribute that is enough of a difference maker that it can separate them and get that player to the NHL. Wotherspoon was like that. Morgan Klimchuk is another guy, who eventually Calgary moved on from, who was like that. Same thing with Hunter Shinkaruk.

Others on the list of guys that Calgary did not qualify, despite showing glimpses at times were Josh Jooris, Kenny Agostino, Joni Ortio, Bill 1147516 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks have decided on No. 3 pick — but they aren’t saying who

Ben Pope

For months, the first two picks in the NHL Draft have been obvious.

Now, the Blackhawks’ No. 3 overall selection seems to be determined, too. But who it is remains just as much of a public mystery as it has always been.

General manager Stan Bowman was characteristically cryptic in a conference call Wednesday night, but it wasn’t hard to put two and two together.

“We’re not going to be cramming last minute — we’re going to be very comfortable with the guy we pick when we get to Friday night,” he said.

And when asked what will primarily be discussed at the last scouting staff meetings on Thursday and Friday: “It’s more just fine-tuning the list. We have more than just one pick in the draft. We’re looking at players we think will be around in the second round.”

It’s true, the Hawks will have five more picks to make Saturday after their big-money decision Friday, including the No. 43 overall selection and two picks in the fourth round. When it comes to those later picks, Bowman said he’s looking for “one, two or several scouts pounding the table, saying, ‘I want this guy.’ ”

But those are of far lesser importance than the third overall choice, who could grow into a Jonathan Toews-caliber franchise cornerstone or crumble into an infamous missed opportunity.

Center Alex Turcotte and defenseman Bowen Byram have been the perceived dual favorites for weeks, and to see another prospect wriggle into a Hawks jersey on the Vancouver stage would be very surprising. Trevor Zegras and Kirby Dach can’t be entirely forgotten, though.

Bowman went over the same refrains Wednesday that he has repeated for months — “the best projection to be an impact player” and “we’re not ruled by position” might as well be engraved on the United Center facade at this point.

This time, however, he did so seemingly aware of which hopeful future Hawks star he was silently referencing.

Defensive targets dwindling

The merits of Olli Maatta notwithstanding, the Hawks’ decision to act early to acquire the former Penguins defenseman has looked wiser by the day.

An already-slim list of available blue-liners this summer has shrunk even more as several of the biggest names found homes this week.

Erik Karlsson re-signed with the Sharks, Braydon Coburn reupped with the Lightning and Alex Edler is reportedly deep into negotiations for a new deal with the Canucks. On the trade front, San Jose escaped from its Karlsson-created cap abyss by sending Justin Braun to the Flyers, and the Rangers landed from the Jets.

“It was important for us to be able to do that [trade],’’ Bowman said, ‘‘knowing that we have something, that we have improved our team. We’re looking to do more of that.”

Although quality top-four D-men such as Justin Faulk (Hurricanes), Nikita Zaitsev (Maple Leafs) and Colin Miller (Golden Knights) could yet be dealt, the list of pending unrestricted free-agent defensemen is now pitiful: Jake Gardiner, Tyler Myers and Anton Stralman are the headliners, applying that term generously.

Bowman said he’ll get a better gauge of the free-agent market next week, when teams are allowed to talk with pending UFAs and their agents. For now, he’s focused on trade avenues.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147517 Chicago Blackhawks One thing Bowman isn't likely to do is trade the pick.

"If someone made an appealing offer, then we'd have to consider it, but that hasn't happened yet," Bowman said. "It's happened before, but it's Chicago Blackhawks' Bowman confident draft will produce strong player pretty rare. It's not out of the realm (of possibility), but it's unlikely to happen."

John Dietz After Friday's first round, which will be televised live on NBCSN at 7 p.m., the Hawks have five picks during Rounds 2-7 on Saturday. The first is No. 43 in the second round.

Assuming nothing crazy happens, Stan Bowman knows who the Chicago Daily Herald Times LOADED: 06.20.2019 Blackhawks will choose with the third pick of the NHL draft Friday.

He wasn't about to announce a name during a conference call with reporters Wednesday, but the Hawks' general manager should be leaning toward one of two players:

• Dynamic, do-it-all center Alex Turcotte, who hails from Island Lake, Illinois, and idolized Jonathan Toews growing up.

• Or Bowen Byram, a surefire, top-pairing D-man who could quarterback a team's top power-play unit for 10-15 years.

Almost everyone assumes that Jack Hughes will go to New Jersey at No. 1 and Kappo Kakko will go to the Rangers at No. 2. Bowman said it's nice that only a select few know whom the Hawks will select, then may have slightly tipped his hand with these comments:

"We've spent a lot of time getting to know all of these players, and they're different," Bowman said. "Several of them play the same position, but they approach it differently. So although a cluster of them may look the same on paper, they approach the game differently and they have different skills.

"So we've spent a lot of time getting to know what's really happening when they're on the ice. And part of it is looking at the underlying information, part of it is your feel about what kind of player they are and then what kind of player they'll become. …

"These are great kids. The one thing I've learned in the last couple months in getting to know each one of them is they're all fantastic players and they're all going to have great NHL careers. We're choosing between great options, and that puts us in a really good position."

That would make it seem like the Hawks are taking a center -- and Turcotte is rated by most as the top one available at No. 3.

Still, it's fair to wonder -- despite the fact Henri Jokiharju, Adam Boqvist and Nicolas Beaudin already are in the system -- if the right choice may be Byram. Here we have a 6-foot, 193-pound left-shot D-man who scored 26 goals in 67 games last season and was named MVP of the WHL playoffs.

According to thedraftanalyst.com, Byram "owns a devastating slap shot that is accurate, creates rebounds and requires little backswing to achieve significant velocity."

The report went on to say Byram isn't afraid to get down and dirty, and that he plays with plenty of emotion. These are qualities coach Jeremy Colliton is looking to add to a team that has had a tendency to play soft the last two seasons.

"We're going to draft the player we think has the best projection to be an impact player," Bowman said. "We're not ruled by position on that. So the guy that we believe is going to have the biggest impact (as he develops) into an NHL player, that's who we're going to take."

So who will it be?

Many believe Turcotte will develop into a slam-dunk No. 1 center down the road. Toews, of course, was taken third overall in 2006 when the draft also was held in Vancouver. The parrelles are striking and we all know how much Bowman -- and most GMs -- value top-six centermen.

So that might just be enough to tip the scales to Turcotte.

Let's pause here to recognize that there are a few other avenues the Hawks might take. To ignore talented youngsters such as Dylan Cozens, Trevor Zegras or 72-goal scorer Cole Caufield would not be smart. (And, yes, Caufield scored those 72 goals in one season for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program).

But to pass up on Turcotte or Byram might mean the Hawks are trying to outsmart themselves. 1147518 Chicago Blackhawks

2019 NHL Draft Profile: C Jack Hughes

By Charlie Roumeliotis June 20, 2019 1:00 AM

From June 10-20, Charlie Roumeliotis will profile one top prospect per day — 11 total — leading up to the 2019 NHL Draft as the Blackhawks prepare to pick third overall.

Jack Hughes

Position: Center

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 170 pounds

Shoots: Left

Scouting report from NHL.com draft expert Adam Kimelman:

The most talented player in the draft should be the first one selected. The 18-year-old has a package of skating, passing, vision and hockey sense that's reminiscent of Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane."

NHL player comparable: Connor McDavid/Patrick Kane

Fit for Blackhawks:

Listen, we know. Hughes isn't going to be on the board at No. 3. But let's dream just for one minute because when the Blackhawks jumped into the top-three on lottery night, the thought crept into everyone's minds.

Hughes is one of the most talented players to ever come out of the United States National Development Program, and is the most pro-ready out of any prospect in this year's draft. He could step onto an NHL team tomorrow and play in a top-six role seamlessly.

Stylistically, Hughes' game is reminiscent of McDavid and Kane: A playmaker, goal scorer, smooth skater, unreal vision, high hockey IQ. He is the complete package. And just wait until he adds some muscle to his frame under the care of an NHL organization.

If the Blackhawks landed the No. 1 overall pick, their center depth for the next 7-8 years could've consisted of Hughes, Dylan Strome and Jonathan Toews. Alright, now back to reality.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147519 Chicago Blackhawks

GM Stan Bowman: Blackhawks 'unlikely' to trade out of No. 3 overall spot

By Charlie Roumeliotis June 19, 2019 6:45 PM

The 2019 NHL Draft is 48 hours away from now and the Blackhawks are slated to pick third overall for the first time since 2006 when they took Jonathan Toews. Coincidentally, that draft happened to be in Vancouver.

The Blackhawks are sitting in a unique spot this time around.

The consensus is that Jack Hughes and Kappo Kakko will go first and second overall, respectively, which essentially puts the Blackhawks in a position where they have the first overall pick in a different draft. There's a large group of players to choose from and there doesn't appear to be much separation amongst them.

So would the Blackhawks consider trading out of the No. 3 spot if a team wants to make the jump and the Blackhawks feel good about their player being on the board a few picks back?

"That’s a tough question to answer because it's not like we have a magic formula that we’re waiting for some to call and offer us," GM Stan Bowman said on Wednesday during his pre-draft conference call. "If somebody made a really appealing offer then we’d have to consider it, but that hasn’t happened yet. If it does, then as a group we’ll talk about it. That’s one of those things where a team has to want to put together a really appealing package to move up. It’s happened before, pretty rare though. So I wouldn't say it's out of the realm, but it’s unlikely to happen."

All signs point to the Blackhawks keeping their pick at No. 3, as expected. And it sounds like they already know who it's going to be, which isn't surprising considering the Blackhawks have done extensive research on the prospects — both on and off the ice — for months now.

The Blackhawks staff met on Wednesday a group, they'll meet again on Thursday, and then one more time on Friday before the draft to finalize their list. At this point, it's more about ironing out the later rounds.

"It’s more just fine-tuning the list," Bowman said. "We have more than just one pick in the draft. We’re looking at players we think are going to be around in the second round, and then we don’t have a third-round pick right now so there’s a bit of a gap there between our 43rd and then the two picks in the fourth round. So we have to look at that and determine which players we’re going to target for those rounds. I wouldn’t say there’s anything new that's being discovered at this time of year.

"We’re not going to be cramming last minute. I think we’re going to be very comfortable with the guy we pick when we get to Friday night."

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2019 NHL Draft Profile: D Bowen Byram

By Charlie Roumeliotis June 19, 2019 10:00 AM

From June 10-20, Charlie Roumeliotis will profile one top prospect per day — 11 total — leading up to the 2019 NHL Draft as the Blackhawks prepare to pick third overall.

Bowen Byram

Position: Defenseman

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 193 pounds

Shoots: Left

Scouting report from Blackhawks vice president of amateur scouting Mark Kelley:

"He's had an outstanding year. Second half of the year he's really been outstanding. He really kind of drew a lot of attention to himself. Well- deserved. He's a dynamic player and he affects the outcome of a game."

Byram describes his own game:

On Duncan Keith comparisons: "I would say that’s pretty accurate. He’s a really energetic guy, good on both sides of the puck, kills penalties, runs the power play. That’s kind of how I’d describe myself, for sure. That’s definitely a fair comparison."

NHL player comparable: Duncan Keith

Fit for Blackhawks:

The Blackhawks have used their last three first-round picks on defensemen, but positional needs aren't a priority when you're drafting this high — although, in the grand scheme of things, it's a pressing need despite the overflow of defensemen in the pipeline. TSN's Craig Button has said multiple times on the Hawks Talk Podcast that Byram is a future No. 1 defenseman in the NHL, and he would immediately become the top prospect in the organization.

Byram, known for his swagger and two-way game, has drawn comparisons to and Keith, both of whom have won a Norris Trophy — Keith has two. More importantly, Doughty and Keith also have their names on the Stanley Cup multiple times and were both driving forces during those title runs. These are the types of defensemen you win championships with.

Byram set records in the as a 17-year-old, and he could probably step into the pros immediately. But that's asking a lot for a defenseman, so he'd be more likely to become an everyday NHL player starting in 2020-21.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147521 Chicago Blackhawks anonymous questionnaire, and it said 29 teams would have taken Erik Johnson.”

The one that wouldn’t? Tallon said it’s him. Right guy, right time: How Jonathan Toews fell to the Blackhawks the last time they picked No. 3 “And somebody’s memory might have changed since then,” Kekalainen added drily.

Indeed, time can smear the misty water colors of memory into something By Mark Lazerus Jun 19, 2019 indistinguishable, but Tallon insisted Toews was always his guy, from early on in the process.

Imagine a lineup with Sidney Crosby centering the first line, Evgeni “If we were picking first, I would have taken Toews,” he said. Malkin centering the second line and Jonathan Toews centering the third Kekalainen laughed. line. Difficult as it may be, picture Toews in black and gold, the devastating finisher in an unrivaled 1-2-3 combination down the middle, “You should talk to some other Blackhawks guys, too,” he said. “But and the ultimate bumslayer, dominating overmatched opponents while Dale’s a great man, so I’m not going to dispute his memory.” the shutdown guys try to corral the top two lines. Bowman backed his old boss up, saying, “I don’t know that it was a really It could have happened. It probably should have happened. One person, difficult decision; Jonathan was our guy.” Denis Savard, then merely an in particular, fully expected it to happen in the run-up to the 2006 NHL assistant coach with the Blackhawks, was on the outside of the draft Draft. process, but distinctly remembered hearing Tallon say over and over that they got “the best player.” “I thought I was going to Pittsburgh,” Toews said. But another team executive who didn’t want to rehash the 2006 draft Now imagine the Blackhawks with Jordan Staal as their No. 1 center. Or publicly simply chortled and said, “Dale’s full of shit.” Nicklas Backstrom. Or with Phil Kessel flanking Patrick Kane on the top line. With a different captain, a different role model, a different steadying Regardless, the Blues were taking Johnson. Every mock draft said so. voice in the room. Every GM knew so. The real drama was what the Penguins would do at No. 2. Tallon had his scouts lurking in hotel lobbies at the draft and the Do they win three Stanley Cups? Do they win one? Do they still awaken World Championship, hoping to overhear something useful. Tallon, a a long-dormant hockey town? former scout himself, called up his buddies around the league and “For me, it’s the wrong question,” said Blackhawks general manager Stan pumped them for intel. He floated trade proposals to St. Louis and Bowman, then a member of former GM ’s staff. “Because the Pittsburgh to try to get a read on them. question has an underlying supposition that there is one guy, and only “You’re always trying to dig for information,” he said. “That’s what our one guy. That’s the wrong question to have. There isn’t one guy. These scouts do — eyes open, ears open, mouths shut. We were hoping we are all good players. It’s not like those guys are slouches. They won would find out who Pittsburgh was taking. We had a good idea (what St. Stanley Cups, too.” Louis would do), but you just never know until that afternoon.”

Sure, that’s true. In fact, the 2006 draft was front-loaded with high-end Compounding the drama was an overhaul of the Penguins front office. talent. The top seven players all have played at least 700 NHL games. Longtime GM Craig Patrick was fired on April 20, and his replacement, Bryan Little went 12th. Claude Giroux went 22nd. Kessel has won two Ray Shero, wasn’t hired until May 25, just four weeks before the draft. Cups. Staal won a Cup. So did Backstrom. Patrick was pretty hands-off when it came to the draft, leaving his scouts But being a good player is one thing. Being the right player is another. in charge. Shero was anything but. That made things awfully interesting And could you envision anyone other than Toews turning out to be the for Mark Kelley, who was in his last year on the Penguins’ scouting staff perfect guy at the perfect time? before joining Tallon in Chicago the following season.

The 2006 draft was a defining moment in Blackhawks history. You can Shero steered the Penguins toward Staal. trace the franchise’s golden age back to that night. It also happened to “We all had lists and ideas and what have you, but Ray had his ideas,” be the last time the Blackhawks picked third overall. It also happened to Kelley said. “Everyone was looking at probably the same five players, be in Vancouver. and the consensus was that Johnson was going to go No. 1. But Toews Will history repeat itself Friday night at Rogers Arena? The Blackhawks was very much in the picture for us, for sure.” can only hope. Toews was the wild card, though. Staal was bigger, and more NHL- The way Dale Tallon tells it — the way he always tells it — is that he ready. Kessel was more explosive. Backstrom was a better skater. And didn’t sleep well in his Vancouver hotel room the night of June 23, 2006. they all had better numbers than Toews, who still managed an Visions of Jonathan Toews pulling on a Penguins sweater — or heaven impressive 22 goals and 17 assists in 42 games as a freshman at North forfend, a friggin’ Blues sweater — on the stage at what was then called Dakota. General Motors Place haunted him, keeping him up all night. But there was just something about Toews. And Tallon wasn’t the only Man, it was all so much easier the following year, when the Blackhawks one who saw it. Bowman saw it on the ice at North Dakota’s palatial rink, had the No. 1 pick and settled on Patrick Kane weeks before the draft. in how well-rounded his game was at such a young age, and in the strength and force of will with which he played. Kelley saw it in interviews “I can’t believe he was still there,” Tallon deadpanned. with Toews, that uncommon maturity that would allow him to handle the captaincy at age 20. Hell, Savard saw it back when he was coaching This time was different. The Blackhawks were sitting at No. 3, and against a 10-year-old Toews at the annual Brick Invitational tournament uncertainty abounded. Who would go with the top two picks? The sniper in a shopping mall in Edmonton, the confidence and poise with the puck Kessel, whose stock had fallen a bit over the course of the season? Erik that only the very best have at any age. Johnson, the prototype No. 1 defenseman? The hulking Staal, a dynamite two-way center who posted 68 points in 68 games in the OHL? Kekalainen, meanwhile, saw it in Toews’ homework. Smooth center Backstrom, who put up nearly a point a game in the notoriously low-scoring Swedish League? “We had some kind of psych test for the players to do,” Kekalainen said. “They had to do it online and return it. His came back first — by far. It Or Toews, who took the unusual (especially at the time) route of playing was like, ‘Whoa, that guy is serious and prepared and gets things done college hockey at age 17, where it’s tougher to take over and put up the right away.’ He was obviously a very driven athlete, serious about getting eye-popping numbers the junior guys do? better. And those are the qualities that everybody’s looking for in a player — how bad do you want it? It’s not about when you’re going to get “It was a good draft, for sure,” said Jarmo Kekalainen, then the architect picked, even if it’s first or second or third or fourth. It’s about what you’re of the Blues’ draft, now the Blue Jackets general manager. “Probably a going to do after it. And that’s where he’s done right with his career — year before the draft, everybody said Kessel would be No. 1. But then after, not before.” some other guys emerged. It was very unpredictable. But it was pretty much a consensus at No. 1. Somebody did research on it, an You hear the word “freakish” thrown around a lot by hockey people. A “You do the best you can,” Kekalainen said. “And you arrive at your player has freakish strength, freakish conditioning, freakish speed. In his decision based on the work you put in all year. Then you live with the own way, Toews was freakish, too. decision you make. That’s the only pressure that I would put on myself — to be prepared as possible to make the decision. I did amateur scouting “There’s a reason we named him captain (almost) right away,” Tallon for 15 years, so I know it’s not an exact science. Sometimes you hit, said. “He was very mature beyond his years. He had a great family, great sometimes you miss. As long as you don’t miss for lack of preparation, I parents, and all the information we got from North Dakota and think it’s acceptable. There’s not one scout in the NHL who hasn’t made everywhere else was all positive. There was never anything negative a bad mistake. If you had everybody show their lists afterward, oh boy. about him at all. Never. And that doesn’t happen. There’s always But those mistakes never get shown, because sometimes you get lucky something. It’s unusual to come across a guy like that, that doesn’t have with the picks you don’t make.” any flaws at all. Think back to when you were 17. God, think back to when I was drafted, and I was drafted at 19. He was mature beyond his Tallon, on the other hand, got lucky with the picks someone else made. years.” What was he feeling when he heard Staal’s name called in Vancouver? Toews knew the Blackhawks were high on him, and he was high on them, too. Years later, a picture circulated of Toews and his brother in “Elation, really,” he said. “We were excited, because that meant Toews Blackhawks jerseys as little boys in Winnipeg. But he thought Pittsburgh came to us. That was the player we wanted.” wanted him, too. So when Shero called Staal’s name, Toews had his And, as it turned out, the player they needed. own moment of uncertainty. It didn’t last long, as Tallon quickly snatched him up (and put him in an “06” jersey that was noticeably a couple sizes The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 too big).

And while Toews went back to North Dakota for one more season, he had the sense he was getting in on the ground floor of something special.

“When I got drafted, a lot of people told me how close this organization was to a revival, to the city of Chicago being turned on as a real hockey city once again, which it hadn’t been for a long time,” he said. “I wasn’t always sure what that meant. But when I went to the World Championship the year after my draft, and played in Moscow for Team Canada, all those guys I was thrilled to play with — (Shane) Doan, (Rick) Nash — all told me Chicago was going to be an incredible place to play when they finally had a good team, and raved about the city. So I had an inkling good things were around the corner.”

The Blackhawks had gotten the No. 3 pick wrong before. Just two years earlier, in fact. In what proved to be a much shallower draft, the Blackhawks — with Tallon an assistant GM under Bob Pulford — picked 6-3 defenseman Cam Barker at No. 3, right after Alex Ovechkin and Malkin, and right before Andrew Ladd and .

Barker took a couple of years to become an NHL regular, struggled to make an impact, and was dealt to Minnesota for Nick Leddy and Kim Johnson at the 2010 trade deadline (a deal that still occasionally causes Wild fans to break out in hives). Barker hasn’t played in North America since the 2013 season, and while playing in 310 NHL games is no small feat, as far as No. 3 picks go he was an undeniable bust.

It’s a reminder of how much of a crapshoot the draft can be beyond the one or two so-called generational talents at the top of some years.

“He was the best defenseman in the draft,” Tallon said. “He was highly regarded as an underage. He was a man-child. And there was a need for our team at the time. It just didn’t turn out like we thought it would. Dealing with 17, 18-year-old kids, you just never know.”

Staal was hardly a bust, of course. He potted 29 goals as an 18-year-old rookie, and helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 2009 (a year after losing in the Final to Detroit). He has played 893 NHL games, and is a five-time 20-goal scorer. He’s had a very good career.

But he was never the linchpin of a team. Never the face of a franchise. Six years into his career, he was traded to Carolina for the rather underwhelming package of , Brian Dumolin and the No. 8 pick in 2012, which turned out to be Derrick Pouliot.

Jonathan Toews returned to North Dakota for one season after being drafted by the Blackhawks, scoring 18 goals in 34 games. (Courtesy of North Dakota)

Johnson wasn’t a bust, either. He cracked the Blues lineup after one year at the University of Minnesota. He’s played 717 NHL games. He’s a perfectly decent, reliable NHL defenseman. But he never became the true No. 1 he was projected to be. He was never a difference-maker. At the 2011 trade deadline, he was dealt to Colorado (along with a first- round pick!) for Kevin Shattenkirk, Chris Stewart and a second-rounder.

He’s had a fine career, but nothing like the three No. 1 picks before him (Marc-Andre Fleury, Ovechkin and Crosby) or the four after him (Kane, , and Taylor Hall). Johnson told a team spokesman a couple of years ago that he was done talking about the 2006 draft, which had often been used in hindsight to (perhaps unfairly) malign him. 1147522 Chicago Blackhawks 25. Kevin Lankinen, Rockford IceHogs (AHL)

Goalie, 24 years old, signed as a free agent

Ranking the top Blackhawks prospects before the NHL Draft 6-foot-2, 185 pounds

Overview: Lankinen didn’t show it consistently in his first pro season in North America, but he has a chance to be an NHL goalie eventually. His By Scott Powers Jun 19, 2019 performance leading Finland to gold at the World Championship showed what he can do. He was one of the best goalies in Finland before coming over and needed some time to adapt. The Blackhawks are about to reshape their prospect pool as they welcome new players in Friday’s NHL Draft. Notable stats: Lankinen allowed two goals or fewer in 10 of his 19 games with the IceHogs. He allowed more than three goals twice. But before they do, let’s take a final look at their current prospects and rank them organizationally. We’re including players who aren’t full-time Quotable: “I still think there’s more there,” Blackhawks goaltender NHL players yet and are likely to be with the organization next season. developmental coach Peter Aubry said. “I think his body control, his edge Otherwise, the rankings are based partially on what players have already work, really he kept things simple where he was able to be stable and not done, their potential, age and so on. transition as much. I think he’s still going to take another step with that too.” Below are the final rankings of the 2018-19 season. We’ll have a new set of rankings after the draft later this offseason. When he could play in the NHL: Lankinen will likely be the No. 1 goalie with the IceHogs next season. He could earn his first call-up from there. 27. Reese Johnson, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Required reading: Lankinen dominant at the Worlds Center/winger, 20 years old, signed as a free agent 24. MacKenzie Entwistle, (OHL) Right-handed shot, 6-foot-1, 192 pounds Winger, 19 years old, acquired from the Arizona Coyotes Overview: Johnson’s greatest skill is winning faceoffs. There aren’t public stats available on that, but he’s dominant in that area. Considering the Right-handed shot, 6-foot-4, 181 pounds Blackhawks haven’t been great at the dots in recent years, it made sense Overview: The Blackhawks don’t have a lot of big forwards in their to find someone who was. Johnson will have to prove he’s capable in the pipeline, but Entwistle is one. He has size and a consistent overall game. other parts of the game to earn an NHL call-up, but he has a shot. He’s He was a key addition to the Guelph Storm this past season and helped considered a bottom-6 option who can win draws, be defensively reliable them win the OHL championship. Not everyone is sold on his NHL and embrace his role. He played with winger Brandon Hagel on the Red potential, but there are paths for him. Deer Rebels this season before joining the IceHogs late. Notable stat: Entwistle had 15 goals in 29 games with the Hamilton Notable stat: Johnson was on the ice for 49 goals for and 39 goals Bulldogs and 15 goals in 28 games with the Storm. against in 5-on-5 play in the WHL, according to prospect-stats.com. Quotable: “He’s not a guy who is ever going to wow you and doesn’t Quotable: “Obviously he’s a great faceoff player,” IceHogs coach Derek really have any top-end quality,” The Athletic’s Corey Pronman said. King said. “You wonder, everybody talks, you get the little scouting report “He’s a dependable forward who at the OHL level was reliable at both on these kids. Coming in, everybody tells you he’s great on the draws ends. He can lay a hit, kill a penalty, make the odd nice pass, and get the and he’s a great team guy and leader on the bench, vocal. You’re like, puck into the offensive zone. He doesn’t lack skill and speed, but both ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’ve heard that before.’ And then he came into our are average at best and he won’t be a scorer in the pros.” league, in the AHL, and was winning draws left and right. He was our best faceoff guy. It’s true, on the bench, he’s talkative. It was like he had When he could play in the NHL: Entwistle might be a few years away. already been there for a couple of years the way he was talking. I just like He’s expected to start next season with the IceHogs. everything about his game. He just works. You can tell he’s been coached by one of the Sutters because that’s the way they play. They’re 23. Luke Johnson, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) consistently going and just non-stop.” Center, 24 years old, drafted fifth round in 2015

When he could play in the NHL: He’s expected to need some time in the Right-handed shot, 5-foot-11, 198 pounds AHL. Overview: Johnson played more NHL games (15) than a lot of IceHogs Jacob Nilsson was named the Rockford IceHogs’ MVP last season. players last season. He was fine in the NHL. He wasn’t a liability, but he (Scott Powers / The Athletic) also didn’t do much to create offense, not scoring any goals and posting 26. Jacob Nilsson, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) one assist in the NHL. In the AHL, he was one of the IceHogs’ top players, but he won’t get those types of chances in the NHL. He’ll be a Center, 25 years old, signed as a free agent role player, but he needs to find ways to do more with less ice time.

Left-handed shot, 5-foot-10, 180 pounds Notable stat: Johnson was second to Dylan Sikura with 0.42 points per game in 5-on-5 play with the IceHogs, according to prospect-stats.com. Overview: Nilsson doesn’t have as high a ceiling as some of the players on this list, but he’s reliable. He adjusted well in his first pro season in Quotable: “There’s an example of Luke, who I’m a huge fan of, I think North America and was steady for much of the IceHogs season, leading there’s more to his game that he hasn’t really shown,” IceHogs coach to a few NHL games. He may not be a full-time NHL player, but he could Derek King said. “I think he’s skilled enough to bring some offense. Up get opportunities there. He’ll likely be a veteran for the IceHogs next there, I think he’s a good fit like that third- or fourth-line guy who brings season. some energy. With us, he kind of plays a different role because we didn’t have a lot of offense. I think sometimes that hurts a player like him kind Notable stat: In his best month, Nilsson had nine points in 10 games in of gets away from his game and tends to be a little more offensive than February. he should be, and that kind of hurts him a little bit. I think he did a great Quotable: “I thought he was great,” IceHogs coach Derek King said. “He job for us.” was one of our best forwards for consistent-wise for the whole season. When he could play in the NHL: He’ll likely start this season again in He’s a good two-way player whether he’s at center or at wing. He’s Rockford and have to earn his way back to Chicago. responsible. Obviously, he lacks a little bit of the size, but he’s pretty good with his stick. He’s strong on pucks and what have you. I really 22. Tim Soderlund, Skelleftea (SHL) enjoyed having him, and he was a great fit for us. He was really helpful around the locker room.” Winger, 21 years old, drafted fourth round in 2017

When he could play in the NHL: Nilsson got two games in the NHL last Left-handed shot, 5-foot-9, 163 pounds season. He’ll probably get another look this season. Overview: Soderlund could skyrocket up this list…or not. His Sweden he had a rough year. He produced two points in his first 12 college career was OK. He was a bottom-6 player and had moments of brilliance games and then missed the rest of the season due to an injury. The with his speed and skill. The Blackhawks are hopeful the comparisons to Blackhawks are still hopeful Wise will become a solid prospect, but he Viktor Arvidsson come to life when Soderlund hits the North American has to remain healthy. ice. They believe his game could be much more impactful here. Quotable: “The talent is there with Wise,” The Athletic’s Corey Pronman Notable stat: Soderlund’s best stretch of the season came in January said. “He’s an excellent stick handler and passer who can make lot of when he had six points in five games. He had 14 points in 48 games for plays inside the offensive zone. The issues with him are his size and his the season. average skating. … I liked him with the NTDP and hope this season was just a write off, but it was not encouraging.” Quotable: “I think the best hockey he played was at the World Juniors a couple years ago when it was at Buffalo on an NHL sheet,” Blackhawks When he could play in the NHL: Wise is probably at least a few years director of player development Mark Eaton said. “Some of things that I from the NHL. He could turn pro after this season, but that seems like a saw this past year over in Sweden were that when he’s over there he longshot right now. tries to play more of a Swedish game. That’s not a knock at all on the Swedish game, but a lot of times that’s more of a skill game. You know 18. Brandon Hagel, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) making plays and thinking through in the game. Whereas I think for him Winger, 20 years old, drafted first round in 2017 with his speed, his attributes, that’s not the kind of player he should be playing to be to be most successful and get the most out of himself. I Left-handed shot, 6-foot-1, 174 pounds think being over in North America, having things happen quicker, is going Overview: The Blackhawks thought so highly of Hagel that they were to benefit him. Defensemen not having as much room to escape, and willing to burn the first year of his contract while he played in the WHL he’ll be able to get in on them quicker and be effective on the forecheck this season. Hagel was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the sixth round in better than he was in Sweden. Not saying he wasn’t in Sweden. I think 2016 and wasn’t signed, but he excelled as an overage player in the his assets will relate better to the North American game.” WHL and caught the attention of NHL teams. He tied for fourth in the When he could play in the NHL: He’s expected to start with the IceHogs. league with 102 points. The Blackhawks like that he has some offense in From there, it’ll be up to him. He could flourish and get a look sooner his game, but they especially like the way he plays nonstop. He’s than later. projected as a bottom-6 forward.

21. Andrei Altybarmakyan, (KHL) Notable stat: Hagel led the WHL with 0.52 goals per game in 5-on-5 play, according to prospect-stats.com. Winger, 20 yeas old, drafted third round in 2017 Quotable: “I think it’s really his style of play,” Blackhawks general Left-handed shot, 5-foot-11, 183 pounds manager Stan Bowman said. “He’s got a lot of points this year, but what I Overview: Altybarmakyan was noticeable in some ways when he was in like about him, what we like about him, is he’s not just like a pure sniper North America for the World Junior Championship, but he’s yet to really or goal scorer. Most of the goals he’s scored is because he’s involved in to do much in the KHL. Being traded from SKA to Sochi did allow him to the play. He’s a very active player. He’s like a busy player. He’s always in get more ice time. He’ll be expected to take a big step next season. motion. He forechecks, backchecks. He’s got a quick stick. And he’s able to hold onto the puck, cycle the puck.” Notable stat: He had two goals in 52 regular-season games and two goals in five playoff games. When he could play in the NHL: Hagel has a chance to make the team next season as a bottom-6 winger. The Blackhawks have a few players Quotable: “Alty is a very good skater who competes well, but he’s small with similar traits that could push for a spot. and while he has some skill, he’s not a driver of offense,” The Athletic’s Corey Pronman said. Required reading: Hagel’s prospect breakdown

When he could play in the NHL: Altybarmakyan’s agent has said he’s 17. Niklas Nordgren, HIFK () open to signing with the Blackhawks after next KHL season. Winger, 19 years old, drafted third round in 2018

20. Max Shalunov, CSKA (KHL) Right-handed shot, 5-foot-9, 190 pounds

Winger/center, 26 years old, drafted fourth round in 2011 Overview: Nordgren was also affected by injuries, missing a few Left-handed shot, 6-foot-4, 216 pounds stretches during the season and splitting his time between Finland’s under-20 league and top division. When he was on the ice, he showed Overview: Shalunov has dropped from these rankings over the last few why the Blackhawks were so high on him. He’s a pure offensive player. years. He could still be an NHL player for the Blackhawks – probably He had 10 goals and 26 points in 28 games over the course of the even today — but he’s coming off a so-so KHL season and there are still season. If he can stay healthy, he could be one of their top prospects questions about whether he’ll ever sign. over the next season.

Notable stat: Shalunov had 10 points in 20 games to help CSKA to the Notable stat: Nordgren averaged 0.48 points per game in Finland’s top KHL title. division.

Quotable: “He’s a big guy with a great shot,” Shalunov’s teammate and Quotable: “The Blackhawks forward prospect I’m still high on that may be former Blackhawks goalie prospect Lars Johansson said. “He plays big under the radar is Nordgren,” The Athletic’s Corey Pronman said. “He’s and strong on the puck. He can really beat the goalie one-on-one. I think very talented. He has high-end skill and vision. I think he would have that’s what sticks out for him. I feel like when he gets a chance it’s 50/50 been on the World Junior Championship team if he didn’t get hurt. His if it’s a goal or not, even in practices. He’s a heavy guy, like a big guy, issues are he’s small and average skating.” and strong on the puck with a great shot. Like offensively, he’s really good.” When he could play in the NHL: Nordgren could be a candidate to sign with the Blackhawks after next season if he performs well. Then he’ll When he could play in the NHL: The expectation is the 2020-21 season probably need some time in the AHL. after his KHL contract expires. 16. Philipp Kurashev, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Required reading: We meet again, Shalunov Center, 19 years old, drafted fourth round in 2018 19. Jake Wise, Boston University (NCAA) Left-handed shot, 6-foot, 192 pounds Center, 19 years old, drafted third round in 2018 Overview: Kurashev was one of the bigger prospect surprises this Left-handed shot, 5-foot-10, 190 pounds season. He showed he had some skill at development camp, but no one could have expected the season he had. He scored 65 points in 59 Overview: Outside of the defensemen, Wise had the most buzz in the games in the QMJHL and was one of the more offensive players at the Blackhawks’ 2018 draft. There were some experts who believed he was World Junior Championship. He certainly accelerated his timetable with a steal. He shined at the Blackhawks development camp, but after that the Blackhawks and was given an entry-level contract. He could be someone the Blackhawks try at center and wing. He has offensive Winger, 23 years old, signed as a free agent instincts and a good frame on him. It’ll be interesting to see how his game evolves. Left-handed shot, 5-foot-11, 188 pounds

Notable stat: Kurashev was on the ice for 49 goals for and 35 against in Overview: I penciled Highmore into a bottom-6 spot to start last season. I 5-on-5 play, according to prospect-stats.com. thought he was one of the Blackhawks’ better prospects during the 2017- 18 season and was capable of becoming an NHL regular. He’s reliable Quotable: “He’s a quiet kid,” IceHogs coach Derek King said. “He’s just away from the puck and is relentless. He didn’t show much of it during got to get comfortable with us and get comfortable with his teammates. his NHL stint, but he has some offense in his game. Highmore didn’t But he’s got a lot of upside to him. The kid can play hockey. He’s got a lot make the NHL roster out of camp and then suffered a shoulder injury that of skill. He’s a thick kid too. He’s strong. I think next year coming in he’ll impacted almost his entire season. He may need some time to get going just get better and better as he gets more comfortable with his next season, but he’s still someone who could push for an NHL spot. surroundings.” Notable stat: Highmore played just 12 games, but his numbers were When he could play in the NHL: Kurashev may need a season with the trending positively. He had nine points. IceHogs to develop and get comfortable with the pro game. He doesn’t turn 20 until October, so there’s no need to rush him. Quotable: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns a few heads at camp his year,” IceHogs coach Derek King said. “Perfect bottom-six guy with 15. Evan Barratt, Penn State (NCAA) energy, he’s a good hockey player. He’s smart. He can skate. He’s not afraid to go to the gray areas. Just depends on who’s coming to camp Center, 20 years old, drafted third round in 2017 and if they make any signings or that, but I think my personal opinion is Left-handed shot, 6-foot, 190 pounds for him to start with us, get his game back or get a feel of playing hockey game and then go from there. He’ll play in the NHL at some point. If it’s Overview: Barratt raised his profile last season and probably would have for the Hawks or someone else, I think he’ll be an NHL hockey player.” turned pro if he hadn’t required surgery. He was drafted for his defensive play and reliability, and at Penn State he showed he can produce, too. When he could play in the NHL: Highmore probably starts next season Barratt was among the nation’s top offensive players. That probably with the IceHogs. If he can return to form, he should get a call-up at won’t translate to the NHL, but it doesn’t hurt. He’s projected to be a top- some point. 9 center. The Blackhawks will look for him to continue that consistency 12. Alexandre Fortin, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) next season as a junior. Winger, 22 years old, signed as a free agent Notable stat: Barratt finished fourth in college hockey with 1.34 points per game. Left-handed shot, 6-foot, 184 pounds

Quotable: “I always liked his skill set,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Overview: Fortin was a bit of a forgotten prospect last season. He spent Bowman said in December. “He was always more of a feisty player. His two months with the Blackhawks and played 24 NHL games, but got sent offensive game is unreal right now. He’s got more points now than he did down to Rockford in December and wasn’t given another chance. Fortin’s all of last year. He had a pretty good freshman year. I think he’s the guy game is a about speed, and he’s had more success with that in the NHL that’s really taken the next step. You’re always hoping one or two guys than in the AHL. Playing with more skilled players seems to help him too. are doing something like that. That’s fun.” In Rockford, he had six goals and six assists in 47 games last season. Fortin will probably only get another NHL opportunity if he can prove to When he could play in the NHL: Barratt is a candidate to turn pro after his be a more reliable all-around player. That may still come around. college season and burn the first year of his entry-level contract. That would allow him to play in the NHL at the end of next season. Notable stat: Fortin led the Blackhawks with 34.05 scoring chances for per 60 minutes in 5-on-5 play this season, according to Natural Stat Required reading: Barratt surprising himself with special season Trick.

14. Anton Wedin, Timra IK (SHL) Quotable: “Sometimes these kids, they maybe get a taste too early,” Winger, 26 years old, signed as a free agent IceHogs coach Derek King said. “Sometimes that hurts them. I think the next step whether he’s up there or with us is to … If he’s going to be with Left-handed shot, 5-foot-11, 194 pounds us, he has to take the next step of being a dominant player on the ice, not just a couple games there and a couple games off, the consistency of Overview: The Blackhawks found a couple players in Europe this being an elite hockey player, which I believe he can. I think if he’s up offseason who could fit into their NHL lineup. Wedin finally got a chance there he’s got to work on his game being consistent and steady.” to play in Sweden’s top division last season after spending much of his career in the second division. He was up for the challenge and thrived in When he could play in the NHL: The Blackhawks are lining up a variety the SHL, scoring 14 goals and 13 assists in 32 games. The Blackhawks of speedy wingers as options for the bottom of their lineup. Fortin could like his speed and versatility. He could fill a spot down the lineup. How be in that mix out of camp. quickly he can adapt to the North American game and schedule are questions. Required reading: Breaking down Fortin’s NHL game

Notable stat: Wedin produced points in 21 of 32 games in the SHL this 11. Artur Kayumov, Lokomotiv (KHL) season. Winger, 21 years old, drafted second round in 2016

Quotable: “Anton Wedin, I had a chance to see play,” Blackhawks Left-handed shot, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds general manager Stan Bowman said. “I liked the versatility in his game. He’s got a real strength to his game, and when I say that, I mean he’s not Overview: The Blackhawks don’t have a whole lot of top-6 potential in a tall guy, but he’s pretty strong, big, hard to knock off the puck, quick their pipeline right now. Kayumov is one of the few possibilities. His hands and he’s got a great work ethic. So he can play on a scoring line numbers aren’t overly impressive in the KHL, but they’re respectable at or he can play on a different line where they would have to be more of a his age and he has shown improvement from season to season. He’s defensive role. I think he’s got the versatility to his game. Bit of a later has a versatile skillset and can produce. He’ll be one to watch next bloomer, so he’s kind of worked his way up slowly and he got to the point season to see if he can be a more consistent scorer in the KHL. last season where he was able to put it all together and have offensive success as well as the two-way game. So I think he’s got some strengths Notable stat: Kayumov tied for 12th in points among KHL players under to his game. For that reason, he can play a couple different roles for us the age of 22. next season. He’s played both right wing, left wing. He can move around Quotable: “He’s coming along good too,” Blackhawks director of the lineup.” European scouting Mats Hallin said. “That’s an interesting guy to watch When he could play in the NHL: Wedin will have a strong shot at making too. He has the skill and the talent to be a forward in the NHL.” the Blackhawks out of training camp. When he could play in the NHL: Kayumov has another year left on his Required reading: Wedin chooses to sign with Blackhawks KHL contract. His agent has mentioned he’s open to signing and coming over to North America after the season. So, he could play in the NHL in 13. Matthew Highmore, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) 2020-21 at the earliest. He’ll turn 22 in February, so he could still be succeed in the NHL just because he’s a smaller defenseman. The young coming over. Blackhawks will look for him to take another step next season.

10. Chad Krys, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Notable stat: Carlsson led IceHogs defensemen with 21 points in 5-on-5 play. That included six goals and eight primary assists, according to Defenseman, 21 years, drafted second round in 2016 prospect-stats.com.

Left-handed shot, 5-foot-11, 185 pounds Quotable: “I think, for him, it’s just getting consistent in terms with his Overview: Krys is the first of seven defensemen in the top 10. Just a few decisions with the puck, his battle level and making sure he’s always years ago, Krys was one of the Blackhawks’ higher defenseman picks, engaged,” IceHogs assistant coach Anders Sorensen said. “I think that’s but that obviously changed in 2017 and 2018. Krys didn’t thrive and one thing he learned this year, because of the way the schedule is here, develop as quickly as the Blackhawks probably anticipated in college, but you don’t have times or games where you can kind of take off. You have he’s still young and there’s still plenty to like about his game. A few to be on your toes more. I think for him, too, keep developing the people think he’s going to be a better pro defenseman than he was in defensive part of his game as far as stick positioning and getting out college. The Blackhawks liked what they saw at the end of the season there and getting to guys quicker, kill plays defensively quicker.” with the IceHogs. His skating and offensive ability remain his best When he could play in the NHL: Carlsson could earn his first call-up next qualities. It’ll be about proving he can do everything else as a season. It’ll likely depend on who the Blackhawks have coming in or out. defenseman. Nicolas Beaudin was drafted in the first round in 2018. (Scott Powers / Notable stat: Krys had nine of his 20 points on the season in his final six The Athletic) games with Boston University. 7. Nicolas Beaudin, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) Quotable: “I was excited to see him,” IceHogs assistant coach Anders Sorensen said. “I think he’s one of those kids, he’ll be a better pro than Defenseman, 19 years old, drafted first round in 2018 he was in college because I think he skates well. He reminds me a little bit of a Nick Leddy, where he can wipe the puck out of his zone and do a Left-handed shot, 5-foot-11, 168 pounds lot of good things when the puck is on his stick. Because he can do those Overview: Beaudin has a lot of tools you want in a defenseman. He things, he can jump into plays and lead rushes, too. I think he’s going to thinks the game at a high level. He makes the right play. He’s unselfish. be a good player. For him, it’s just keep working on the defensive part of He keeps it simple. He doesn’t have the high-end skill that some of the his game, keep using his stick, keeping using his feet to get there and other defensemen have, but it may not matter. His performance and on- using his angles the right way. I like him. ice numbers were elite in the QMJHL. If he can continue that in the AHL When he could play in the NHL: It’s hard to say right now. He’s expected and NHL, the Blackhawks will have another piece to the puzzle. His size to start next season with the IceHogs. From there, it’ll be interesting to will be questioned until he proves it’s not an issue. He has shown see where he goes. progress defensively, too. He has signed an entry-level contract and is expected to be somewhere at the pro level next season. Required reading: Can Krys still prove he’s a top prospect Notable stat: Beaudin was on the ice for 74 goals for and 27 against for a 9. Dennis Gilbert, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) 73.27 goals-for percentage in 5-on-5 play, according to prospect- stats.com. Defenseman, 22 years old, drafted third round in 2015 Quotable: “He made some good strides as well,” Blackhawks director of Left-handed shot, 6-foot-2, 216 pounds player development Mark Eaton said. “He was a goal shy of going to a Overview: What Gilbert has going for him compared to a lot of the Game 7 in the conference semifinals. He was a big part of that team. I Blackhawks’ defenseman prospects are his size and physicality. You was impressed with his two-way game. He’s a smart player, good with don’t make the NHL just based on size, and Gilbert progressed in some the puck, smooth. Again, I talked to him recently, you look at his play other important areas last season. It’s why he got called up and made his from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, the progression NHL debut late in the season. If he can keep improving in those areas was there, and that’s what you want to see.” and maintain what he does best, he can fight for a future spot in the NHL When he could play in the NHL: Beaudin is expected to begin next lineup. season with the IceHogs. He could very well earn a call-up during the Notable stat: Gilbert didn’t score a goal in his first 38 games this season season. It’ll depend on his development and what’s going on in Chicago. and then scored five in his final 25 games. Required reading: How Beaudin stacks up against other defensive Quotable: “I thought he took big steps forward, especially with his prospects decision-making with the puck,” IceHogs assistant coach Anders 6. Collin Delia, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Sorensen said. “Because his instinct is to be aggressive and go out, I think you figure out when to do that and when to kind of control the Goalie, 24 years old, signed as a free agent forwards’ feet and not just be running around. I thought he made real good strides. I think it showed in his game as well. His offense started to 6-foot-2, 208 pounds show through a little bit. I think he has some offense in his game. I’m not Overview: The goalie position can be so unpredictable. Delia is a great sure that’s going to be a path to the NHL, but it’s nice to see he can example of someone who developed later and turned himself into an contribute a little bit and he has that. Obviously, he makes a good first NHL goalie. He’s not a finished product, but he again took strides this pass and plays that style. I think he can be really good.” past season and showed enough for the Blackhawks to believe he can When he could play in the NHL: The Blackhawks got to see Gilbert in probably be their No. 2 in the NHL. He was close to unbeatable early on that game last season, and he held his own. He may not start up in the after being recalled last season. The consistency of his game wasn’t NHL this season, but he’s put himself in a position to get more NHL there over time, and there are lessons to be learned from that. Overall, looks. though, the Blackhawks have to like where he’s heading.

8. Lucas Carlsson, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Notable stat: Delia stopped 407-of-440 shots for a .925 save percentage in 5-on-5 play, according to Natural Stat Trick. He led the Blackhawks in Defenseman, 21 years old, drafted fourth round in 2016 5-on-5 save percentage and was tied for 23rd in the league among goalies with a minimum of 600 minutes of ice time. Left-handed shot, 6-foot, 189 pounds Quotable: “I think he’s a smart guy; he’s going to take this summer and Overview: Carlsson made a pretty smooth transition to North America reflect,” Blackhawks goalie developmental coach Peter Aubry said. “I after playing in Sweden. He may have been the IceHogs’ most consistent can’t help but think that will allow him to springboard again. And again, defenseman last season. He skates well and can get the puck out of the his past behavior has shown that. Not that it’s always an indication of defensive zone smoothly. He stepped into a larger role on the power play future behavior, but he’s always been a guy who has been able to take during the season and contributed. His pro experience in the SHL helped something, learn from it, readjust and then go forward again.” him go up against older players. He may need the right partner to When he could play in the NHL: Delia is expected to be ’s Overview: Yes, Sikura has to score at the NHL level at some point to be backup next season. Delia signed a three-year, $3 million extension a full-time NHL player. I’m pretty sure he will. It’s not as if he wasn’t during this past season. creating chances in the NHL or he wasn’t producing in the AHL. He did both. What should be encouraging about Sikura’s rookie season is how Required reading: Delia changes goalie fundamentals much his game grew throughout the season. During his last stint with the 5. Dominik Kubalik, Ambri-Piotta (NLA) Blackhawks, he was a different player. He was aggressive on the forecheck, tracking down players on the backcheck and making a Winger, 23 years old, acquired from the Los Angeles Kings difference away from the puck. I get some people have already made their minds up about Sikura, but I still think he could be a top-9 player for Left-handed shot, 6-foot-2, 179 pounds the Blackhawks. And because he’s made strides defensively, you could Overview: It’s unknown why Kubalik didn’t want to sign with the Kings, honestly load up a third or fourth line with players like him, David Kampf but that decision looks to be huge for the Blackhawks. He’s not a sure and Drake Caggiula and get some balance offensively and defensively. thing, but there are a lot of reasons to be optimistic Kubalik can step into Notable stat: Sikura was on the ice for 24 goals for and 18 against in 5- the NHL and contribute right away. It wouldn’t be surprising if he on-5 play in the AHL, according to prospect-stats.com, and 16 goals for produced 40-plus points next season. The assumption was he’d get a and 13 against in the NHL, according to Natural Stat Trick. look alongside his old OHL teammate Dominik Kahun, but that changed with Kahun being traded. But Kubalik could be placed anywhere in the Quotable: “Looking at some of our young players that are getting ready to lineup and complement a line. He can skate. He’s got some size. He has take on a bigger role, you can look at guys like Dylan Sikura,” a high-end shot and good vision. Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. “He didn’t have the offensive success at the NHL level, but I liked the way he played when Notable stat: Kubalik is one of five players under the age of 24 to he was with us last year in Chicago. It felt like his game was real effective average more than 1.1 points in the NLA in the last decade. The others other than the production part. Then when he was in Rockford, I really were John Tavares, Tyler Seguin, Auston Matthews and Damien liked the way he was able to score down there. So I think he’s not far Brunner. from being a guy and he’s got sort of a similar skill set that Dominik Quotable: “I think Dominik Kubalik had a really strong season last year,” (Kahun) has.” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. “He led the league in When he could play in the NHL: Sikura got a few tastes of the NHL last Switzerland in scoring and then he had a very strong tournament in season, but he still had to make a few trips back to Rockford. He should Slovakia, World Championship. I think he had as many points as Patrick be ready for a permanent place in the NHL this season. Kane did in that tournament. He’s shown he can score goals. He’s a bigger guy, he’s probably about 6-2, 200 pounds, very good skater, great Required reading: Sikura starting to show the player he can be shot. The ability to put the puck in the net. So I think he’s probably more of a sniper than some of the other guys.” 2. Adam Boqvist, London Knights (OHL)

When he could play in the NHL: Kubalik is expected to begin next season Defenseman, 18 years old, drafted first round in 2018 in the NHL. He does have a clause in his contract where he can return to Right-handed shot, 6-foot, 181 pounds Europe if he’s not in the NHL to begin the season. Overview: Boqvist is the real deal with the puck. Pronman recently More reading: Why Kubalik could be an underrated offseason addition ranked him the 31st best draft prospect in the last five years. His offense 4. Ian Mitchell, Denver (NCAA) as a defenseman is elite. But the other parts of his game need work. His defensive awareness and size are detriments to his overall game right Defenseman, 20 years old, drafted second round in 2017 now. They’re correctable issues, but there may have to be some patience with his development. There’s the possibility of him returning to the OHL Right-handed shot, 5-foot-11, 173 pounds next season. Another option is sending him to Rockford, not worrying so Overview: Mitchell surprised a lot of people, probably the Blackhawks much about him playing a lot of games and focusing on certain parts of too, by deciding to return to Denver for next season. Right now, he’s a his game. Maybe he plays in the World Junior Championship again next more polished defenseman than a lot of prospects in the Blackhawks’ season. What he’s able to do this offseason will dictate the Blackhawks’ pipeline. There’s no doubt he could handle himself in the AHL and decision. Players, especially young ones, can take massive steps in the possibly in the NHL as well. He skates well. He has good offensive offseason. instincts. His defensive game has gotten better. He mentioned wanting to Notable stat: After scoring one goal in his first 15 OHL games, Boqvist be dominant consistently before making the jump. That’s fair, but he’s not scored 29 over his last 50 games. that far off. With him going back to school, he and the Blackhawks will want him to be one of the elite college hockey players next season. Quotable: “I think the off-ice part of it, the strength, the conditioning,” Blackhawks director of player development Mark Eaton said of what’s Notable stat: Denver was 12-2-4 when Mitchell produced a point this important this offseason. “He’s still growing. He’s still filling into his body. season. It’s important to be doing the right things, be committed to the off-ice Quotable: “He’s a player who identifies his weaknesses and really wants aspect, start to prepare himself to realize he’s not going to be just playing to work on them,” Denver coach David Carle said. “I think his defensive against 16-, 17-, 18-, 19-year-olds for 70 games next season. He’s going play this year is much better than last year, and he’s earned the right to to play against men who are already filled out and strong, and it’s a grind. play in those situations and our team needs him too. He’s done a really So he needs to be able to mainly physically prepare for him that and also nice job with it. I think as he continues to progress in his career it’s going the mental preparation as well that whatever league he’s playing in, it’s to be using his brain, his feet and stick more than anything. He’s just not going to be against men. He’s got to prepare himself for that.” blessed with a 6-foot-2 frame as some players are. I think there’s more When he could play in the NHL: Boqvist will likely be an impact player for room for guys like him in the National Hockey League. We have no doubt the Blackhawks at some point, but it isn’t likely to be next season. Having he’s going to be there.” Erik Gustafsson allows the Blackhawks to be patient. When he could play in the NHL: Mitchell is lining himself up to sign with Required reading: Why Boqvist might not be ready for the NHL next the Blackhawks in the spring, burn the first year of his entry-level contract season and play in the NHL immediately. How far Denver goes in the playoffs could affect that. If not late next season, Mitchell should have a chance to 1. Henri Jokiharju, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) earn an NHL spot out of camp for the 2020-21 season. Defenseman, 20 years old, drafted first round in 2017 Required reading: Mitchell explains his decision to return to college Right-handed shot, 6-foot, 193 pounds 3. Dylan Sikura, Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Overview: There are a lot of hot takes delivered around the NHL Draft, Winger, 24 years old, drafted sixth round in 2014 and one of them is that the Blackhawks don’t have a young top-pairing defenseman now. I’m not sure that’s true. That doesn’t mean they Left-handed shot, 5-foot-11, 166 pounds shouldn’t draft Bowen Byram, but it’s way too early to write Jokiharju off. I believe he has that high-end potential. Here’s a young defenseman – he turned 20 on Monday – that has already played 38 NHL games, a lot of them on the top pairing, and then helped Finland to golds in the World Junior Championship and World Championship in the same season. While it’s arguable the Blackhawks would have benefited if Jokiharju had remained in the NHL last season, he’ll probably be a better player in the long run because of his time with the IceHogs. He was a priority in Rockford, and assistant coach Anders Sorensen worked a lot with him on and off the ice. One of their objectives was to get him defending better while working on his angles and stick use. Add in another offseason of work in Finland, and Jokiharju could be ready to take an even bigger step next season.

Notable stat: Jokiharju was on the ice for 27 goals for and 21 against in 5-on-5 play with the IceHogs, according to prospect-stats.com.

Quotable: “I try to just get back in shape in the summer, so they have no chance to send me down here,” Jokiharju said after the season. “Not too many defensemen play (at) 19 years old in the NHL, so I think I’m pretty happy with it, but, of course, can’t be too happy because I play half of the year over here. So I just want to be consistent, show them next year I’m going to stay there.”

When he could play in the NHL: The question now is when Jokiharju sticks. My guess is he makes it out of camp and doesn’t look back.

Required reading: Will Jokiharju stick with the Blackhawks next season?

Honorable mention

Victor Ejdsell, forward, 24 years old: Ejdsell may never be heard from again with the Blackhawks after deciding to return to Sweden. They’ll likely keep his rights just in case.

Joshua Ess, defenseman, 20 years old: Ess is worth keeping an eye on at Wisconsin.

Parker Foo, forward, 20 years old: Foo is worth keeping an eye on at Union.

Jakub Galvas, defenseman, 20 years old: The Blackhawks have a lot of young defensemen on the way. Galvas could put himself in that conversation with a strong season in Finland next year. He has some tools.

Alexis Gravel, goalie, 19 years old: Gravel impressed the Blackhawks with his play in the QMJHL this past season. He still has to improve, but he has a chance.

Mikael Hakkarainen, forward, 20 years old: Hakkarainen accelerated his timetable by leaving college during his freshman year. The Blackhawks decided to sign him despite that. He could need some patience as he makes the jump from the USHL to the AHL.

Blake Hillman, defenseman, 23 years old: Hillman went through his share of expected ups and down during his first pro season.

Anthony Louis, forward, 24 years old: Louis had a disappointing second AHL season after leading the IceHogs in points his first year. If he returns, he’ll need to produce.

Ivan Nalimov, goalie, 24 years old: Nalimov can be deemed a real prospect if he ever comes to North America. The Blackhawks are supposedly deciding whether to sign him.

Joni Tuulola, defenseman, 23 years old: Tuulola was another IceHogs defenseman who experienced some adversity in his first pro season in North America.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147523 Colorado Avalanche RW Vasily Podkolzin, 6-1, 196. Neva St. Petersburg (Russia Tier 2 pro league). A left-shooting right winger, he has captained his international teams since age 16.

NHL draft: Avalanche could select center Kirby Dach at No. 4 C Dylan Cozens, 6-3, 183, Lethbridge (WHL). A longshot to go to the Avs Dach and two others are considered the draft’s top centers after Jack at No 4 because the team has the first four ranked ahead of him. Hughes — Mike Chambers, The Denver Post

Denver Post: LOADED: 06.20.2019 By MIKE CHAMBERS |PUBLISHED: June 19, 2019

In Friday’s first round of the NHL draft, the Avalanche is expected to look for an elite center and could be in a position to select the best available center not named Jack Hughes.

Hughes, from Orlando, is expected to go to the New Jersey Devils with the first pick, but Colorado — if it doesn’t choose top-ranked defenseman Bowen Byram at No. 4 — will have the ability choose between similar- style centers Kirby Dach and Dylan Cozens of Canada and U.S.-born Alex Turcotte.

Dach is ranked No. 3 among North American skaters by Central Scouting. Turcotte is No. 4 and Cozens No. 5.

“All these three kids have it — they all have the compete, that upwards speed,” Avalanche director of amateur scouting Alan Hepple said. “There is going to be a development curve, little things they’re going to have to improve here and there to play at the National Hockey League level. But we like them — we like them all.”

Dach, who plays major-junior for the Blades, could become the best of the bunch because of his size. He is 6-foot-4, 198 pounds.

“A guy who can control the puck maybe on the power play, can control the puck around the wall,” Hepple said of Dach. “He’d have to get his man-strength (but) he’s already at that good size.”

Turcotte, 5-11, 186 pounds, played last season for the U.S. National Development Program’s 18-under team. He’s committed to joining the University of Wisconsin this fall. “A little bit smaller but still a kid who is very tenacious,” Hepple said. “Great hockey sense, great skill.”

Cozens might be the furthest away from playing in the NHL among the three. He’s 6-3, 183 pounds and is bound to return to his major-junior team in Lethbridge, Alberta, next season.

“Skates well, has some skill — a guy that sees the ice very well,” Hepple said. “He will have to get stronger, but they all do.”

Hepple said the Avs will likely select the best available player at No. 4, regardless of position. So they might choose Byram if the draft’s top defenseman doesn’t go to Chicago at No. 3. The New York Rangers are expected to select Finish winger Kaapo Kakko at No. 2.

Colorado might also go with a winger at No. 4, and American Cole Caufield is perceived as the draft’s best natural goal-scorer. Just 5-7, 163 pounds, Caufield scored 72 goals for the USNDP 18-U team last season, breaking the record of 55 by Auston Matthews in 2014-15. Matthews became the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft.

Caufield is poised to join Turcotte as a Wisconsin Badger this fall. They both could potentially begin their NHL careers after their freshman season.

FORWARD THINKING

If the Avalanche selects a forward with the No. 4 pick in Friday’s first round of the NHL draft, that player will likely be one of the following five:

C Kirby Dach, 6-4, 198, Saskatoon (WHL). The right-shot scorer had 25 goals and 73 points in 62 games last season. Terrific size, long reach, and soft hands.

C Alex Turcotte, 5-11, 186, U.S. 18-under team. The Illinois native is among six players from the 18-under All-American team that could go in the first round Friday. The highly competitive two-way forward probably prefers to go No. 3 to his favorite team, the Blackhawks.

RW Cole Caufield, 5-7, 163, U.S. 18U. His 18U program-record 72 goals came in 64 games last season and his 126 goals in 123 career games with the USNDP also is a record. 1147524 Colorado Avalanche The ability to play heavy minutes against top competition coupled with offensive tendencies is further enhanced by the fact Dyck said Byram was possibly the Giants’ most well-conditioned player.

Instead of a forward, could defenseman Bowen Byram be the Avs’ “He takes a lot of pride in not only how he does (defensively) but how our answer at No. 4? team was too,” Dyck said. “We had the third-best goals against in the league this year. He played by far the most minutes and anchored our back end.” By Ryan S. Clark Jun 19, 2019 Now here’s where it can get interesting but also potentially cumbersome when trying to assess how Byram fits into the landscape should the Avalanche select him with the fourth pick Friday night. Any number of outcomes could happen when it comes to what general manager and the Colorado Avalanche end up doing with the Drafting Byram means the Avalanche have four puck-moving fourth pick. defensemen in Samuel Girard, Cale Makar and Conor Timmins with the idea that all four of them provide tremendous promise and are still young. Finding consistent secondary scoring, after all, is one of the final hurdles Girard turned 21 in May and already has more than 150 games of NHL the Avalanche must clear in order to become a legitimate Stanley Cup experience. Makar, who starred for the Avs in the playoffs, turns 21 in contender. And they could address that concern by choosing someone October. Timmins, who used last season to recover from a concussion, from the much-vaunted class of forwards who project as elite-level does not turn 21 until September. prospects. The prospect of them together could potentially give the Avalanche what Or they could go in another direction by drafting Bowen Byram. might be one of the most offensively productive defenses throughout the The Vancouver Giants star defenseman is considered to be the top NHL in the years to come. player at his position and the fourth-best prospect in the draft, according “You can never have too many good defensemen. Somebody is going to to The Athletic’s Corey Pronman. Avalanche amateur scouting director be fortunate to draft Bowen,” said Saskatoon Blades coach Mitch Love, a Alan Hepple describes Byram as the “new-age” defenseman who member of the staff that had Byram for the Hlinka possesses intelligence, puck-moving ability and the skill every NHL Gretzky Cup last year. “He’s a left-handed shot defenseman who can franchise is seeking. play with pace. He’s a driver of offense from the back end. Has a ton of “Everyone talks about 200-foot players and when you are talking about personality. Confident. That’s what you want in a young kid today. defensemen, guys are good at transitioning the puck and defending their “That’s what you get with Bowen Byram. The ability to make plays in the own zone and even getting through to the neutral zone,” Giants coach offensive game is elite. … He was a pleasure to work with and he is Michael Dyck said. “Once you hit the blue line, I think a lot of going to be a very good NHL defenseman.” defensemen maybe lose their creativity and not make plays at the net. It could also provide the organization with a contingency plan in the event “I think Bo cannot only play defense in all three zones but he can create they either do not re-sign Tyson Barrie or risk losing him in 2021 during offense in all three zones.” the Seattle expansion draft. Byram was already a top prospect whose stock soared throughout the Pursuing this particular outcome also means the Avalanche believe they season. He went from scoring six goals and 27 points in 60 games in his can either draft a high-end forward with the 16th pick or at another spot in first full season to exploding for 26 goals and 45 assists for 71 points in the draft. Or they could add secondary scoring during free agency. Or 67 games. Then there are the performances he turned in during the they feel J.T. Compher, Tyson Jost and Alexander Kerfoot are on the Western Hockey League playoffs. verge of being consistent offensive options. Much of the Giants’ run to the WHL final was powered by Byram’s efforts. And there would be another question to answer: When would be the He finished with eight goals and 18 assists for a league-high 26 points as soonest Byram could reach the NHL? a 17-year-old who turned 18 earlier this month. “I think he has the skill and I think he has the poise and composure to Dyck said Byram also led the team in minutes. He estimated Byram play at the next level. No question,” Dyck said. “Physically? It depends averaged more than 25 minutes a game and that he broke the 30-minute upon where the team that draws him would have him slotted or if in their mark on a number of occasions. plans they had him playing big minutes. I guess the question is: “For a 17-year-old defenseman to lead the playoffs in scoring is almost Physically could he handle it?” unheard of,” Dyck said. “Again, he played a lot of big, big minutes for us. Byram is listed at 6 feet, 192 pounds and there is a thought he could use A lot of heavy minutes and was a big part of our success on the power one more year in the WHL before transitioning to the NHL where older, play. He was also scoring some big goals in 5-on-5 and was playing stronger competition awaits. against the other team’s top forwards and doing it at different levels. “You put him up against a guy like Nathan MacKinnon rather than some “He killed penalties as well. There were not too many situations when we of the elite players in our league and there is going to be a difference,” did not have him on the ice.” Dyck said. “But, at the same time, he is able to prove a lot of people Exactly what is it that makes Byram “dangerous offensively” in Dyck’s wrong on what he can accomplish. He is going to be a damn good NHL mind? He is a technically-gifted skater who uses that ability and player. … We are big Bowen Byram fans and would love to see him combines it with his quickness. From there, it allows him to operate within prosper and if he can play in the NHL right away, that’s great. a few areas. Dyck said Byram is good at evaluating and judging the gap “But if that’s not the case, we would love to have him back for one more he has on defenders whenever he has possession. year.” Byram can use his speed to expose a defensive scheme if there is a tight The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 gap. Or if an opponent is playing loose, he can draw them in before making his next move.

“He can beat you 1-on-1 and challenge people,” Dyck said. “The ability to distribute and see the ice and he can lead the rush. … He has a number of different threats to his game.”

Dyck said Bowen’s progression as a defender stems from consistently shadowing an opponent’s top six forwards over the course of an entire game. The Giants were able to place Byram in those situations knowing he could instantly play a role in creating or forcing a turnover that immediately becomes an odd-man rush. 1147525 Columbus Blue Jackets

Negotiations continue with WBNS radio

Brian Hedger

The sale of Dispatch Broadcast Group’s former television and radio stations last week came as a surprise to many, but it has not affected negotiations to keep WBNS-FM (97.1 The Fan) as the Blue Jackets’ flagship radio station.

Talks have continued without delay following the sale to TEGNA, Inc. for $535 million, which included WBNS-TV (Channel 10) and an NBC-TV affiliate in Indianapolis. A new deal to carry Blue Jackets games could be reached relatively soon, said WBNS vice president and general manager Todd Markiewicz.

“The sales had no impact on our ability to do business on a normal basis, and it won’t have an impact on delaying the contractual agreement between the (station and team),” Markiewicz told The Dispatch. “We are faithfully renegotiating that contract right now. We’re in the midst of it, and I think both parties are confident that we’ll come to an agreement here in the next few weeks.”

The station has been the Jackets’ flagship since the team’s inception in 2000-01, which Markiewicz said is a valued relationship both ways.

“We’ve been there since the start,” he said. “They’re a very important partner to us, and we want to make sure that continues.”

The Blue Jackets have a similar stance, according to a statement issued Wednesday by Marc Gregory, the team’s vice president of digital marketing and media.

“Talks are continuing, and we expect that 97.1 The Fan will continue to be our radio partner for years to come,” Gregory said.

Ohio State sporting events, including football, are also broadcast by 97.1 FM, and when both teams are playing the Blue Jackets are carried by WWCD-FM (102.5). That deal has also expired, and a Blue Jackets spokesman said Gregory’s statement extends to that situation, as well. Randy Malloy, owner of WWCD-FM, could not be reached for comment.

Trade pays off

David Clarkson’s $5.25 million salary-cap hit has officially become a problem for the Vegas Golden Knights.

It hasn’t been an issue the past two years, after Vegas agreed to accept the final three years of Clarkson’s seven-year, $36.75 million deal in a trade with the Blue Jackets, but it is now.

The Golden Knights are trying to trade Clarkson’s contract to a team with cap space to burn, suddenly feeling cap-crunched with a projected salary figure of $83.1 million amid recent reports saying the cap’s upper limit — which could be announced soon — might be less than $82 million next season.

Vegas has used long-term injured reserve the past two years to stash the cap hit for Clarkson, who no longer plays because of chronic back issues, but they don’t want to do it again. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, are flush with cap space, currently projected to have about $30 million to sign restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents or players acquired in potential trades.

Eliminating Clarkson’s cap hit wasn’t heralded much at the time, but that move by Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen looks like a wise decision now — after being raked over the coals for allowing the Golden Knights to take center William Karlsson in the 2017 expansion draft.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147526 Columbus Blue Jackets Panthers GM Dale Tallon, per The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, indicated he has no interest in paying a second-round pick premium to the Blue Jackets to make that happen. Meanwhile, Kekalainen has made it known Burning questions as the Blue Jackets head into a pivotal and mysterious he won’t accept a measly seventh-round pick for providing such a service two-week stretch of the offseason to his two former players and the Panthers.

(Boy, this sure sounds like they’re talking, doesn’t it?)

By Aaron Portzline Jun 19, 2019 If you’re the Panthers, you have to factor in the following if Bobrovsky and Panarin reach July 1:

The New York Rangers are going to make a huge play for Panarin, likely COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s hard to remember a Blue Jackets offseason starting when the free-agent visitation window opens Sunday. that held as much uncertainty as this one. The Jackets could be decimated by the departure of several free agents, but they also have The New York Islanders are seen as a potential landing spot for $30 million-plus to spend in the marketplace. They could pull off an NHL Bobrovsky. rarity, a sign-and-trade, to recoup draft picks. They could part ways with You’re the Florida Panthers. You haven’t made the playoffs in three two former first-round draft picks, oft-injured defenseman Ryan Murray seasons and haven’t won a playoff series since reaching the Eastern and oft-demoted forward Sonny Milano. They could have the fewest draft Conference finals under coach Doug MacLean in 1996. This has to work. picks of any team in recent draft history, or they could trade to acquire some picks this weekend in Vancouver. If a sign-and-trade is going to happen, it’ll almost certainly be next week or in the days leading up to July 1. That means any draft pick the Blue They could make a lot of noise between now and the first week of July, or Jackets acquire will likely be for the 2020 draft. they could make barely a peep. Could one of the big UFAs circle back? Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is in Las Vegas through Wednesday for the NHL board of governors’ meeting, his first This is far-fetched, but it’s being whispered about in more than a few meeting with the league’s powerbrokers since he landed a seat at the places. Yes, it’s overwhelmingly likely that Bobrovsky, Panarin and table following John Davidson’s departure to the New York Rangers. Duchene will all depart this summer. But if any of the three has an even remote chance of re-signing with the Blue Jackets, most think it would be The conversations, according to several GMs, have been as robust this … summer as any in recent memory, and the talks will continue this weekend at the NHL Draft in Vancouver. … wait for it …

Here are some questions to confront as the Blue Jackets plunge into a Bobrovsky. pivotal two- or three-week stretch of the offseason: No kidding. The guy at the center of most of last season’s drama-rama in Can they keep Matt Duchene? the Blue Jackets’ dressing room could circle back with the Blue Jackets, some believe, if free agency doesn’t bear as much fruit as he’s Most Blue Jackets fans are prepared for goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky expecting. and left winger Artemi Panarin to bolt as free agents July 1. But there’s been hope among the masses that Matt Duchene, the big trade deadline The Blue Jackets put an eight-year, $72 million contract together for acquisition, might remain in Columbus. Bobrovsky months ago, but it’s uncertain whether that deal is still on the table should there be a change of heart. That seems increasingly unlikely, and it’s not entirely Duchene’s call, either. If that’s by far the best offer he gets, the hockey world could be in for a surprise. Buffalo re-signed Jeff Skinner for eight years and $72 million, or a $9 million salary cap hit. Philadelphia traded for the rights to Kevin Hayes, Why might the money not be there? The salary cap could be $82 then signed him to a seven-year, $50 million deal, or a $7.14 million cap million, per reports, or about $1 million less than some have anticipated. hit. I know it sounds crazy. But it shouldn’t be ruled out. Will Duchene make $9 million now? $10 million? More? What is Ryan Murray’s value? The Blue Jackets might not be convinced that Duchene is worth that price, especially since signing him would also cost them a first-round The Blackhawks were reportedly interested in Blue Jackets defenseman draft pick (per their conditional deal with Ottawa at the deadline). Ryan Murray before Chicago swung a trade last week with Pittsburgh: forward Dominik Kahun and a fifth-round pick for defenseman Olli But the Blue Jackets must ask themselves this, too: What’s the cost for Maatta. not having two top-six-worthy centers on the roster? Maatta and Murray were both 2012 draft picks and both have long injury If Duchene signs elsewhere, his words throughout the spring about how histories, though they’ve been good, productive players when they’re much he enjoyed Columbus, how much he loved the organization and healthy. how much he embraced the fan base will be dismissed by some as empty or phony. The Blackhawks-Penguins deal probably gives the Blue Jackets a good idea what they can get for Murray in return, although Maatta is a two-time But that’s not fair, really. All of those things can be true even if he signs Stanley Cup winner with Pittsburgh. somewhere else, right? It doesn’t mean he didn’t enjoy his time with the Blue Jackets. Murray missed the final 26 games of the regular season and all 10 games of the playoffs for the Blue Jackets. He’s played in less than two- Sign-and-trade far-fetched? thirds of the Blue Jackets’ games (320 out of 492) since he was drafted.

The Florida Panthers are said to have staked their summer on getting He’s also a restricted free agent July 1 and eligible to be an unrestricted Bobrovsky and Panarin as free agents. Perhaps that was part of the pitch free agent next summer. that lured coach Joel Quenneville to Sunrise, too. What is Sonny Milano’s value? But how cut-and-dried is this deal? Sonny Milano is out of options, which means he either has to make the The Blue Jackets would love it if the Panthers have even a little bit of Blue Jackets’ roster out of training camp or clear waivers to be sent back uncertainty about their ability to land their two big fish, just enough to to AHL Cleveland. make them want to eliminate all risk and agree to a sign-and-trade with Columbus. His trade value has plummeted after a long 2018-19 season in which he played eight games in Columbus (1-0-1) and only 27 games in Cleveland It’s the only way Panarin or Bobrovsky can get eight-year contracts, after (11-13-24) because of a variety of injuries. He was better in the Calder all. Cup playoffs, but the book is out on Milano. The Blue Jackets can argue his 14-goal 2017-18 season is proof he’s able to produce at the NHL level, but Kekalainen’s fellow GMs will want to know why he barely sniffed the big leagues all of last season.

Also, why would a team give up anything now for Milano if it can claim him on waivers (for free) in the fall?

Kekalainen has said Milano has to play for Columbus this season, that the Jackets have to give him consistent playing time and let him work out the kinks.

But even with the mass defection of UFA forwards, it’s hard to find a spot in the top six, which is where Milano needs to play. He’s not a bottom-six player.

With veterans Josh Anderson, Cam Atkinson, Oliver Bjorkstrand and , and promising youngster Alexandre Texier, ahead of him on the depth chart, it’s hard to see a spot for Milano above the third or fourth lines.

The best way to acquire a high draft pick?

The Blue Jackets don’t have a pick this weekend until the third round, No. 81 overall. It’s doubtful that Murray or Milano or Alexander Wennberg could land a pick in the top two rounds.

So how can Kekalainen get his scouts off his backside?

The best bet might be for the Blue Jackets to take on another team’s undesirable contract in exchange for a draft pick. It’s putting to use all the cap space the Jackets will have when the UFAs come off the books.

Vegas is hard up against the cap and would love to trade David Clarkson back to the Blue Jackets. The Jackets gave Vegas a first-round pick to take Clarkson and his $5.25 million cap hit off their hands two summers ago, as they prepared to clear space for Bobrovsky and Panarin.

The Jackets can’t expect a first-round pick back for Clarkson now because he has only one year remaining on his deal. Vegas has paid the biggest part of the ticket. But the Golden Knights have a second-round pick and three third-round picks.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147527 Dallas Stars in shot attempt share and eighth in scoring chance share). His impact at both ends is very apparent.

Johnny Gaudreau's presence on the Flames mitigated Giordano's Stars writer Matthew DeFranks explains his NHL awards ballot, including impact, but I still found his case to be a more compelling one than why Miro Heiskanen should have been a Calder finalist Nathan MacKinnon, Mitch Marner, Alex Ovechkin and John Tavares. Plus, defensemen don't get recognized enough when it comes to Hart balloting and their impact on the game overall. Matthew DeFranks Norris Trophy (the defenseman who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position)

The NHL gave out their awards on Tuesday night, and I had the honor of 1. Mark Giordano, Calgary voting on six of the awards as a member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association: Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke, Lady Byng and 2. Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Masterton. 3. Morgan Rielly, Toronto

The PHWA began releasing voter-by-voter ballots last season and will 4. Brent Burns, San Jose again this season. My ballot will be publically accessible (as are last year's), but wanted to provide a bit of an explanation on why I voted the 5. John Carlson, Washington way I did to make the process a bit more transparent. I don't expect agreements on everything, but that's okay, the discussion is part of what Also considered: Mattias Ekholm, Nashville; Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay; makes the sport fun. Jared Spurgeon, Minnesota.

Voting took place between the end of the regular season and the start of As touched on a bit above, Giordano was the best all-around the playoffs. Here is my ballot, with reasoning behind my selections. defenseman in the league this season, and he did so on a team that had the best record in the Western Conference and against the opposition's Hart Trophy (the player judged to be the most valuable to his team) best lines. His place at the top of my ballot was a pretty secure one. From there, it was a bit fluid because there were so many defensemen 1. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay that deserved to be included.

2. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh I landed on Kris Letang as my runner-up despite him missing 17 games 3. Brad Marchand, Boston this season because of how effective he was when he was on the ice. There were 124 defensemen who played at least 1,000 minutes at 5-on-5 4. Mark Stone, Ottawa/Vegas and Letang was arguably the best at driving play, according to relative possession stats (the difference between when he was on and off the 5. Mark Giordano, Calgary ice). Here's where he ranked. Also considered (alphabetical order): Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary; Patrick Relative shot attempt share: 7.12% (first) Kane, Chicago; Connor McDavid, Edmonton; Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado; Mitch Marner, Toronto; Alex Ovechkin, Washington; John Relative shot on goal share: 8.72% (first) Tavares, Toronto. Relative scoring chance share: 5.66% (fifth) Let's address something: Connor McDavid is the best player in the world. He deserved to win the Ted Lindsay Award as voted by the players and Relative expected goal share: 4.92% (sixth) deserved to be named the first-team center on the All-Star teams. He is a Relative goal share: 11.48% (fifth) transcendent talent and the Oilers would be far worse off without him on the team or the ice. But so much value is tied up in making the playoffs, The Penguins were so much better with Letang on the ice, and that and the most valuable player in the league shouldn't play on the seventh- should be recognized even if he did only play 65 games and only worst team in the league. It's also how I voted last year when McDavid reached 56 points. wasn't one of my five Hart votes, but my first-team center. After that, you could definitely make the argument that I should have Kucherov as the winner is pretty straightforward. He had 128 points switched Rielly and Burns and it'd be a pretty good one. Burns led all (most in 23 years), 87 assists (most in 12 years) on a team that racked defensemen with 83 points this season and Rielly was third with 72 up 128 points (most in 23 years). It was a historic regular season for points. Their even-strength offensive and defensive profiles are similar, Tampa Bay and Kucherov was the biggest part of it -- even if Steven but Rielly didn't have the luxury of sharing a blue line with Stamkos and Brayden Point each topped 90 points on their own. and Marc-Edouard Vlasic, meaning he drew most team's top lines.

Crosby (35-65-100) and Marchand (36-64-100) had almost identical Calder Trophy (the player selected as the most proficient in his first year totals, but Crosby brought more production at even-strength and of competition) defensively, which I'll address in a bit. 1. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Stone and Giordano might be the outliers here, and were probably left off a lot of Hart ballots. Girodano was the runaway winner for the Norris 2. Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Trophy, and I voted for Stone atop my Selke ballot. Both players bring all- 3. Miro Heiskanen, Dallas around games that impact seasons more than just scoring and good things happen when both players are on the ice. And Stone had 73 4. Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo points; Giordano, 74. 5. Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Is Stone on my ballot if he doesn't get traded to Vegas? Probably not, Also considered: Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay; Carter Hart, Philadelphia; and perhaps that's not fair. But the Golden Knights were 11-5-2 with him Andrei Svechnikov, Carolina. during a playoff push and he was somehow exceptional on the league- worst Senators. According to HockeyViz, Stone's impact was astounding Elias Pettersson had 66 points in 71 games and did so with incredible with both the Senators and Golden Knights. Vegas' offense was 38 creativity and a style that made Vancouver as exciting a lottery team out percent better than the league average with Stone on the ice. Ottawa's there. Jordan Binnington was a huge part of the Blues' turnaround this offense was 25 percent better than the league average with him, and its season and he led the league in goals against average, and instantly defense was 14 percent better. Add in that he's one of the best play changed the trajectory of St. Louis' season. drivers in the league, and it made for a compelling case down the ballot. With that in mind, let's look at Miro Heiskanen and Rasmus Dahlin. Girodano's case is similar, albeit at a different position. Giordano was a top-pair defenseman who played on the top power play unit and led the First, it's pretty much a shame that any mention of Heiskanen or Dahlin is Flames in shorthanded time on ice. Not that plus-minus is a flawless stat, met by a chorus of voices on the other side saying that Dahlin or but he led the league at plus-39 and is a great play driver otherwise (fifth Heiskanen is better. I am looking forward to the next decade of watching Heiskanen and Dahlin (and Cale Makar and Thomas Chabot and Charlie That leaves ultimate winner Ryan O'Reilly as the biggest omission on my McAvoy) lead the next wave of talented, young defensemen. ballot. He's perennially in the discussion because he's the league's best faceoff man, responsible in the defensive zone and had 94 takeaways But this year, Heiskanen had the better season. this season. To me, where O'Reilly's candidacy fell short was that the While Dahlin had 11 more points than Heiskanen, only half of his 44 numbers showed the defensive-minded Blues were barely affected by points came at 5-on-5, matching Heiskanen's 22 points at 5-on-5. The him on the defensive end. underlying numbers also point to Heiskanen as having a bigger individual Per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 with O'Reilly on the ice, the Blues allowed ... offensive impact at 5-on-5. Heiskanen had more shot attempts (286 to 222), shots on goal (149 to 123), scoring chances (94 to 58), high-danger ... 0.37 fewer shot attempts. chances (18 to 12), expected goals (6.69 to 4.81), primary points (14 to 10) and goals (8 to 4). ... 0.32 more shots on goal.

Some of the disparity is due to Heiskanen leading all rookies with 23:07 ... 0.34 fewer scoring chances. of ice time per game, compared to Dahlin's 21:09. But even converting ... 0.71 more high-danger scoring chances. the underlying numbers to a per 60 minutes basis, Heiskanen still leads Dahlin in every category listed. That's not enough of a tangible impact to pass the five I voted for, though it was tempting to include him. Being productive on the power play is certainly important and Dahlin was excellent there. But part of the reason Heiskanen didn't get those minutes Lady Byng Trophy (the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of was because of the presence of John Klingberg and Esa Lindell on the sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard power play units. Dahlin figured greatly in the Sabres power play of playing ability) because the only other defenseman with at least 20 points was Rasmus 1. Aleksander Barkov, Florida Ristolainen. Dahlin seized that opportunity. 2. Morgan Rielly, Toronto Heiskanen also received more defensive minutes. Heiskanen's zone starts were pretty even (51.9 percent in the offensive zone) and Dahlin 3. Sean Monahan, Calgary was slightly more sheltered from his own zone (57.4 percent in the offensive zone). Heiskanen was the Stars third-most used defensemen 4. Ryan O'Reilly, St. Louis on the penalty kill by playing 113:25 shorthanded. Dahlin averaged nine 5. Samuel Girard, Colorado seconds per game on the PK. Also considered: Evgenii Dadonov, Florida; Auston Matthews, Toronto; Add in that Heiskanen was the only All-Star on a playoff-bound team and Markus Nutivaara, Columbus; Teuvo Teravainen, Carolina. the argument leans his way this season. I cannot see any argument for anyone other than Barkov. He drew 35 Tkachuk was second among rookies in both goals (22) and points (45) penalties this season and was called for only four, all while posting an and would have earned a better fate in a season that didn't include incredible 96 points to place him in the league's top 10 scorers. Barkov is Binnington, Heiskanen and Dahlin. a perennial contender for the award because of his strong defensive Selke Trophy (the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of game and propensity to not get called for stick fouls. This season, he was the game) called for tripping twice, holding once and hooking once. But that doesn't get to my favorite Barkov stat of the season. 1. Mark Stone, Ottawa/Vegas By the time Barkov was called for his second penalty of the season (on 2. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh March 7!), he already had 29 goals and 41 assists.

3. Sean Couturier, Philadelphia After that, it was narrowing down that group above based on the position they play and the overall season they had. As defensemen, Rielly and 4. Patrice Bergeron, Boston Girard are placed in more perilous situations more often in addition to the 5. Aleksander Barkov, Florida added ice time defensemen receive. Even with those added hurdles, Rielly only racked up 14 penalty minutes while posting 72 points and Also considered: Logan Couture, San Jose; Ryan O'Reilly, St. Louis. playing 23 minutes a game. Girard's six penalty minutes is awfully As much as the Selke is defined as the best defensive forward, it's impressive -- and why he's included -- but his performance falls in a evolved to mean the best two-way forward. You can't win the award different tier than Barkov, Rielly, Sean Monahan (82 points, 12 PIMs) and without scoring, and all five players here certainly did. Ryan O'Reilly (77 points 12 PIMs).

As mentioned earlier, Stone had a dramatic impact on both ends of the Dallas Morning News LOADED: 06.20.2019 ice when he was on the ice, regardless of whether that was with Ottawa or Vegas. Plus, Stone led the NHL with 122 takeaways. The big drawback on Stone is that he's not a center. The award has typically gone to centers because they have more responsibility in the defensive zone and take faceoffs. But Stone's impact -- and the fact that his team allowed fewer 6.72 shot attempts per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play with him on the ice, a league-best -- can mitigate that fact.

Crosby's inclusion here, and at No. 2, may be a bit of a surprise because he's never finished higher than seventh in Selke voting. But when he was on the ice at 5-on-5, the Penguins allowed 5.52 fewer shots on goal per 60 minutes. That's the best in the league among forwards, and nearly two shots better than the next closest (Ryan Getzlaf at 3.54). It's tough to give Crosby full marks for the Selke because he doesn't kill penalties (averaged 34 seconds per game) and started more than 57% of his shifts in the offensive zone, but at 5-on-5, he was the best at suppressing shots in the league and won 55.4% of his faceoffs.

Sean Couturier was my pick last year for the Selke and had another great season. In talking to players, Patrice Bergeron is always among one of the toughest forwards to play against. Aleksander Barkov remains elite on the defensive end (second with 100 takeaways), and his underlying numbers had to have been affected by Florida's poor defense and goaltending. 1147528 Dallas Stars -- Defenseman John Klingberg finished 21st for the Lady Byng Trophy, given to "the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard Stars goalie Ben Bishop finishes second in Vezina Trophy voting of playing ability." Center Tyler Seguin was 26th. Voting was done by the PHWA.

-- General manager Jim Nill finished ninth for the GM of the Year. He By , Sports Reporter Contact Matthew DeFranks on Twitter: received one second-place vote and three third-place votes. Voting was @MDeFranks done by GMs and a panel of NHL executives, print and broadcast media at the conclusion of the second round of the playoffs.

-- Defenseman Esa Lindell finished tied for 18th for the Norris Trophy, The trophy case remains bare for Ben Bishop. given to the league's best defenseman. He received one fifth-place vote. The Stars goaltender missed out on another Vezina Trophy on Tuesday Voting was done by the PHWA. night despite leading the league in save percentage, as Lightning -- Forward Radek Faksa finished tied for 24th for the Selke Trophy, given goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy won the award for the first time in his to the best defensive forward. He received one fourth-place vote. Voting career. was done by the PHWA. The Vezina Trophy is given to the league’s best goaltender and voting by -- Klingberg and Lindell each received one third-place vote for the All- the NHL’s general managers is done before the postseason. Star teams. Voting was done by the PHWA. Bishop finished second and received just two first-place votes. Of the 31 -- Heiskanen was named to the All-Rookie team, alongside Buffalo's general managers, seven left Bishop entirely off their ballot of three Rasmus Dahlin. goaltenders. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 06.20.2019 Marc-Andre Fleury (Vegas) was the only other goalie to receive a first- place vote after starting 61 games and posting eight , but he finished fourth. Islanders goalie Robin Lehner finished third, and Jordan Binnington (St. Louis) and Darcy Kuemper (Arizona) tied for fifth place.

Bishop has been named a finalist three times, but has not won the Vezina. He joins Roberto Luongo and as the only goalies in NHL history with three top-three finishes but zero wins. The Stars still have never won the award, and Bishop’s second-place finish tied for best finish in franchise history.

Bishop also finished tied for 19th for the Hart Trophy, given to the league's most valuable player, and was named a second-team All-Star behind Vasilevskiy. The PHWA votes on the Hart and the All-Star teams.

This season was Bishop’s best opportunity to win the award. He posted a career-best .934 save percentage and was second in the league with a 1.98 goals against average. His seven shutouts were a career high and he set a Stars franchise record with a streak lasting 233:04.

It wasn’t just traditional goaltending stats that pointed to Bishop as a potential Vezina winner. According to Moneypuck, his save percentage was .623 higher than expected based on the shot quality he faced, fourth-best in the league. According to Natural Stat Trick, Bishop had a .878 save percentage on high-danger shots at 5-on-5, second-best in the league. According to Hockey-Reference, Bishop saved 32.24 goals above average, most in the NHL.

The biggest drawback? The number of games Bishop played.

Bishop -- and fellow finalist Robin Lehner of the Islanders -- played only 46 games this season. Across four separate incidents, Bishop missed 17 games due to injury. Anton Khudobin was arguably the league’s best backup goalie, which also allowed Jim Montgomery to rest Bishop more. No Vezina winner had played as few games in three decades.

While Vasilevskiy only played in seven more games than Bishop, he led the league with 39 wins and posted six shutouts. His .925 save percentage was a career high, and his 2.40 GAA was a career low (in a full season).

Bishop, 32, serves as the Stars best reason to be a Stanley Cup contender. He was the team’s best player this season and as long as he’s performing at a high level, the team stands a chance of advancing in the playoffs. While the postseason didn’t factor into voting, Bishop nearly carried the Stars to the Western Conference Final by making 52 saves in Game 7 of a double-overtime, second-round loss to the eventual champion Blues.

Bishop still has four years remaining on his contract that carries a $4.917 million cap hit.

Here are other Stars who received votes on awards:

-- Defenseman Miro Heiskanen finished fourth for the Calder Trophy, given to the league's best rookie. He received one first-place vote and was left off 38 of the 171 ballots. Voting was done by the PHWA. 1147529 Dallas Stars 6/19/99 - Stanley Cup Finals, Game 6 - The Stars' Guy Carbonneau takes a drink of champaigne from the Stanley Cup in the locker room after the third OT of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Marine Midland 20 years later: Remembering the Dallas Stars' Stanley Cup win, and the Arena in Buffalo. wild parties that followed DELUCA, Louis/Digital Image

6/19/99 - Stanley Cup Finals, Game 6 - The Stars' Guy Carbonneau Matthew DeFranks takes a drink of champaigne from the Stanley Cup in the locker room after the third OT of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo.

Editor's note: This story was originally published April 7, 2019. With it Party like it's 1999 now being the 20th anniversary of the Dallas Stars' 1999 Stanley Cup win, we are bringing this back for your reading pleasure. When the Stars returned to Dallas after Game 6, they headed directly to the Omni in Las Colinas. It was there where breakfast was set up, and In Vail, the expectations were set. their families would meet them. From that point, it was a wild four or five days -- or a crazy two weeks, depending on who you ask. Of course, the It was in Vail that the Stars opened training camp for the 1998-99 Stanley Cup was present. season, coming off a Presidents' Trophy and a Western Conference finals exit the season prior. The team was already brimming with talent "For two weeks after the season, we had it with us for every night," before adding Hall of Famer Brett Hull in free agency. Modano said. "By the time that they left, most of us didn't really need our day with the Cup because we just had 14 days with it. We were tapped There was Mike Modano, arguably the best American to ever play out. hockey. There was Ed Belfour, the two-time Vezina Trophy winner as the league's best goalie. There was Joe Nieuwendyk, the perennial 30-goal "It was just mayhem. We had three-quarters of the guys that were a little scorer and future Conn Smythe winner. bit older, some of them had won it and knew that this was probably the last time they were going to play in a Final or win a Stanley Cup. It was Add in the physicality of captain Derian Hatcher, the power-play wizardry just [wild] for them, because they knew that this was probably it. So of of Sergei Zubov, the defensive precision of Jere Lehtinen and role course we tagged along, which made it even worse." players such as Darryl Sydor and , and the Stars were built like a championship team. Said Langenbrunner: "I was more a part of the group than I probably should have been." "I think we all felt at training that we had the team to win," Modano said. "And we felt that at camp in September that we would probably regret it By June, the Stars had figured out Dallas' nightlife. They knew which forever if we didn't win this year. We had every piece that you can places were lively on which nights, and they hopped around from imagine. We put it together, we made trades, free agents. We had every downtown to Uptown, Fort Worth and Arlington. piece imaginable that you would need to win. We all felt like this is a Cup year or bust for us." There was also the infamous party at Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul's house that is noteworthy not only for the dent in the Stanley Cup but also In total, the Stars had four future Hall of Famers and blitzed the NHL for a the late start to the championship parade the next day. league-leading 114 points that season. They won the Jennings Trophy as the league's stingiest defense, but also ranked second in total power-play "If you saw the guys on our team and hung with them drinking-wise, goals. these guys were pros," Modano said. "They were champion drinkers. These guys, some of us had never seen anything like it. Most of them did "I don't know if that team gets as much respect as they've deserved," it throughout the season, and they still showed up to play, and they said Jim Lites, then the team president and now its CEO. "When you look played the same way every night. I was like 'Man, if I did that, I'd be back at it, it was really loaded." crushed for a week.' I'd be unfunctional."

As the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Stanley Cup win approaches, The The Capitals garnered attention last summer for their Stanley Cup Dallas Morning News spoke to players, management and coach Ken celebration, with lasting Images of happily sloshing Hitchcock to rehash memories from the franchise's only championship. around in Washington D.C. fountains or T.J. Oshie drinking beers through his T-shirt. In the past, scenes like that had gone unseen. One final moment But with the arrival and popularity of social media such as Instagram, During the euphoria of the Stanley Cup championship, the Stars took a Twitter and Facebook, Washington's celebration was a public one. So moment to pause in the visiting dressing room in Buffalo. how did the Stars in 1999 compare? "I can't remember if it was Carbo [Guy Carbonneau] or Keaner [Mike "It would have been 100 times worse," Modano said. "It would have been Keane], one of them basically got everyone out of the locker room except some major damage control, PR wise, if they had social media like they for the players and the staff," Jamie Langerbrunner said. "We sat around did today." in a circle and just hung out. Guys that had been through it before knew that this was kind of the last moment we could have just the team. That "I'm very glad, as we all are [there was no social media]," Langenbrunner really stood out for me is all of us spending that last time together, said. "There are some things we wouldn't want to see again." hanging out in the locker room just talking. I don't know if it was 15 minutes or a half hour. It wasn't a long time, but it was that last little time "Times are different," Hatcher said. "Technology is obviously a good together. thing, but sometimes it's not a good thing. You have to be more careful nowadays, that's all I'll say." "Just sat there and enjoyed each other and acknowledged what we've been through. We did it. You had Mo crying. You had Carbo and Hully Circus ringleader [Brett Hull] puffing on cigars. It was one of those times when it was just Keane arrived in Dallas in March of 1998, part of a trade that also the group, and that feeling of accomplishment of what we set out to do brought Brian Skrudland to the Stars. For Keane, it was another place to from the beginning." add to his two Stanley Cups and a blank canvas for his trademark After that moment, the whole group -- just the group -- wouldn't be pranks. together again. Families were back in Dallas. Guys returned home, According to members of the 1998-99 team, Keane was the steady spreading out across the continent for the summer. And then the roster influence on the Stars. He was the player who could reel in the top-end changed, even if the core group of talent remained. players and elevate the bottom guys. He provided levity when needed, Craig Ludwig retired. Pat Verbeek signed in Detroit, Dave Reid in and performance when required. Colorado. Roman Turek was traded to St. Louis. "When guys were mad, Keaner would be there to help," Brent Severyn "It was obviously a special time, but that went by pretty quick, too," said. "When guys needed a lift, Keaner was there to help. On all levels, Hatcher said. "After the game, there's a lot going on, and it all went by top line all the way to the bottom guys. He made me feel, as a stiff, part pretty quick." of it." And then there were Keane's jokes, although the exact season when "I remember flying up the day of the game with Mr. [Tom] Hicks," Lites each incident occurred has been blurred over two decades. said. "I remember being on the plane and thinking 'Oh gosh. This is going to be tough.'" Langenbrunner: "Back then, we used to land at the airport in Dallas and then drive to Valley Ranch where our cars were parked, and we took a The Avalanche were led by dynamic scorers in Joe Sakic and Peter bus over. In that time, we would be singing to Hitch or once in a while Forsberg and were backstopped by the legendary Patrick Roy. They'd from the game to the airport. It was probably Skrudland or Keaner that won the Stanley Cup three years prior and would do so again two years started that. Ask Keaner about the songs because he was leading that. later. And they had a chance to eliminate the Stars, and even led 1-0 at Once in a while it was 'For Ken's a Jolly Good Fellow' or once in a while the end of the first period. it's 'If You're Happy and You Know It' but it'd be something like that." Lehtinen tied the score in the second period. In the third, Langenbrunner Modano: "One of the young kids put packing popcorn in his [Keane's] car scored twice and Richard Matvichuk chipped in one more. The Stars because he had a sunroof [open]. So Mike was determined to get him finished the series the next game back in Dallas behind two goals from back. This kid was usually at the rink early, so Mike took his car and Keane. drove it to the strip mall about 2 miles down the road from the practice center and parked at an angle in two handicapped parking spots. And left "We're down going into Game 6 in Colorado," Langenbrunner said. "You a note on the windshield saying 'F the handicapped.' don't win in Colorado in the late '90s, you just didn't do it. We go in and win Game 6, come back home and win Game 7. There was just a feeling "And then he went on to put all of his equipment in a hockey bag and put within the group that we weren't going to be denied." it on one of those levers for figure skaters to practice their twirls and jumps, and hung it from the middle of the rink in the practice center. He In the face had to jimmy the bag down and get on the ice. He got that bag down and The moment all Stars fans remember goes a little bit differently for dressed and on the ice in less than 10 minutes. We thought for sure this captain Derian Hatcher. When Brett Hull scored the game-winning goal in kid's not going to make it. And then the police showed up because they the third overtime in Buffalo to win the Cup, Hatcher was on the bench. tracked the car back to Mike Kennedy. They wondered what the deal was with the car." "The most vivid memory is when Brett Hull scored the goal," Hatcher said. "Jumping over the boards, got hit by a stick by Rich Matvichuk, Langenbrunner: "The power would always go out when the storms would probably cut me open for a couple stitches. I knew it hit me but it didn't come through Valley Ranch. Whenever it was thundering when we came matter. There are some pictures where I'm bleeding, coming out of my to practice, he would tape a flashlight on the top of his helmet so he eyebrow. Scoring the goal and jumping over the boards, I remember that could turn on the light." pretty well."

Severyn: "All the lines would get changed up all the time, so he got one Dallas Morning News LOADED: 06.20.2019 of those Bingo ball things. We would roll the Bingo balls out and different numbers would come out. Just stupid stuff like that that he would do on a daily basis."

Langenbrunner: "We're in LA, and he put on a tracksuit and a fake mustache, and he went out on the ice and ran practice as Hitch."

Almost unseen

For Hitchcock, it happened on accident. Hitchcock hadn't rewatched the Stanley Cup finals against the Sabres. He didn't review Games 1 through 5, and he certainly didn't watch the Cup-clinching Game 6.

The series was the pinnacle of Hitchcock's career, one that lifted the Stars to their only championship and one that places Hitchcock is a group of just eight active coaches to win a Stanley Cup. Only he didn't want to relive it.

"I didn't want to ruin the feeling," Hitchcock said. "If I watched it again, I would start critiquing it."

Hitchcock rewatched the 2000 Stanley Cup finals loss to New Jersey and the 1998 Western Conference finals loss to Detroit. But not the win over Buffalo.

Hitchcock had no desire to dull the jubilation of winning a championship with a third-person view from across the ice. Brett Hull's game-winning goal in the third overtime or Ed Belfour's 53 saves or Jere Lehtinen's first- period goal weren't experienced again.

Then, a few years ago, NHL Network aired a replay of Game 6, and Hitchcock watched it for the first time.

To Hitchcock, the Stanley Cup was the natural progression for the Stars in that era. They won the Presidents' Trophy as the best regular-season team the season before and did so again in 1999. The run -- and Hitchcock's subsequent aversion to the series -- underscore his emotions while coaching, when the expectations were high to deliver results.

"Winning was a relief," Hitchcock said. "Losing was like hell."

6/19/99 - Stanley Cup Finals, Game 6 - Ken Hitchcock hugs Shawn Chambers after Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo.

The other Game 6

While the Game 6 victory over Buffalo is the most notable one because the Stars returned to Dallas with the Stanley Cup, it may not have been the most daunting Game 6 the team faced. In the Western Conference finals against Colorado, the Stars faced a 3-2 series deficit and had to win an elimination game in Denver. 1147530 Dallas Stars People saw that potential. “I remember we bet on him sliding that year because we could have taken him at 10.”

But Vasilevskiy, then still a teenager, needed time to develop. And With Andrei Vasilevskiy and ‘big brother’ Ben Bishop vying for Vezina, Tampa Bay needed a goalie. So former GM Steve Yzerman went and revisiting a defining decision acquired Bishop from the Ottawa Senators at the deadline in the 2012-13 season, trading promising rookie Cory Conacher (who is now in the Lightning system). By Joe Smith Jun 19, 2019 Bishop, having been in a battle for playing time in St. Louis, finally got his shot to earn his No. 1 job. And Bishop delivered in leading the Lightning to the Stanley Cup Final in just his second year as Tampa Bay’s starter. LAS VEGAS — There was family all around Ben Bishop Tuesday But by then, Vasilevskiy had been called up as his backup. afternoon, the eve of the NHL Awards. Bishop had heard the hype about Vasilevskiy. He knew how everyone While Bishop, 32, was holding court with media a ballroom at the Encore felt about him. But as competitive as Bishop is, he was welcoming with At Wynn resort, the Stars goaltender’s parents — Ben and Cindy — were the kid who would probably end up taking his job. chilling in the plush outdoor pool. Bishop’s 1-year-old son, Ben, who is already into soccer, was with his mom, Andrea. Bishop felt he was just paying it forward, having been helped by Blues veterans Manny Legace. and Ty Conklin. Bishop was once But just across the ballroom was someone Bishop has called his “little the hype prospect, the third-rounder and hometown kid. They had shown brother”: Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. him the way and, as Bishop said, “You don’t forget that.” For a few years, they shared the net with Tampa Bay. On Wednesday “The first time I came into the league, guys older than me took care of night, they will share the stage as Vezina Trophy finalists, along with the me,” Bishop said. “(Vasilevskiy) was really young when he came over. Islanders’ Robin Lehner. It’s crazy how he could barely speak English then and now he’s Their paths were intertwined, with Vasilevskiy, 24, owing a lot to Bishop, completely adapted to the culture and everything. He’s just a great guy who groomed the young Russian to take his job. and a great talent. Not only did I teach him some things, but he taught me also.” “He was my teacher,” Vasilevskiy said. Tampa Bay goalie Ben Bishop (30) is congratulated by goalie Andrei “Maybe I taught him too many secrets — if he wins,” Bishop said, Vasilevskiy (88) in 2016 after the Lightning beat the Red Wings. (Kim laughing. Klement / USA Today)

When the Lightning traded Bishop, arguably the greatest goalie in Bishop joked that Vasilevskiy knew more English early on than the kid let franchise history, on Feb. 26, 2017, there were many reasons. The salary on but would laugh at all the emojis Vasilevskiy would use in text cap crunch for one, with Bishop due a new deal that summer. messages. Former Lightning backup , a fellow Russian, Vasilevskiy, the touted prospect, was eight years younger but ready to was a big help in Vasilevskiy’s rookie year adjusting to the transition to take over and — they hoped — lead the Lightning to future Cups. Tampa North American life, the language. But on the ice, Vasilevskiy would learn Bay would likely do the same thing 99 out of 100 times. But with Bishop a lot by watching Bishop work in practice, prepare between starts, and — taking the Stars to Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals and most importantly — handle himself mentally under pressure. carrying a $4.9 million AAV the next four seasons, it’s a decision worth re-visiting. Vasilevskiy is due a mega-deal from his $3.5 million AAV as “We were like one little goalie team,” Vasilevskiy once said. “He was my an RFA next summer. coach.”

Vasilevskiy is deserving of his own accolades, boasting a rare blend of Bishop saw the potential in Vasilevskiy from the start — his relentless size, athleticism and determination. But Bishop helped pave the way, work ethic, his athleticism. He just needed to get more comfortable. As before getting out of the way. much as Bishop helped, he credited Vasilevskiy for accepting it.

“A lot of guys would have just cut the kid out,” said Lighting goalie coach “One of the big things I don’t know if everyone understands — he was Frantz Jean. “But it was the opposite. Bish’ kind of groomed him. He willing to learn,” Bishop said. “When you can be set in your ways became a mentor for him. When Vasy had tough nights, he was right because you’ve been successful, he was open to learning new things. He behind him, saying, ‘Don’t worry. Let’s get on the ice with Frantz and was absorbing information and take it in bits and pieces. work on that.’ “I’d just tell him stuff and he’d be receptive. He wouldn’t shun you off, ‘It was a huge impact.” he’d be, ‘OK, OK.’ He’d absorb it and use it. It helped he had that open mind. That’s the way I’d do it.” Best goalie prospect With Bishop considered one of the best in the league in terms of playing The Lightning had been looking for an elusive No. 1 goalie for nearly a the puck, Vasilevskiy took notice, making a point to practice the craft decade, ever since their only Cup-winning goalie Nikolai Khabibulin left every summer in his Ottawa-based workouts. for Chicago in free agency following the 2005 NHL lockout. There was the trade for Marc Denis, drafting of Riku Helenius. Who can forget the “From when he first came in to what he does now, he’s one of the better Antero Niitymaki and Anders Lindback days or Kari Ramo? Cagey guys in the league at it,” Bishop said. “Just one of those guys that if he veteran lifted the Lightning to Game 7 of the 2011 sees something, he works on it and tries to perfect it.” Eastern Conference Final on his last legs, but that was just patching a First playoff start hole. When Bishop suffered a groin injury in the 2015 Stanley Cup final, it was Then came the 2012 NHL Draft, and one of the best goalie prospects in he who broke the news to Vasilevskiy that he’d get his first career playoff decades was available. Vasilevskiy, who drew comparisons to Russian start. legend , was there for the taking. But goalies, especially Russian ones, weren’t typically taken in the first round. The Lightning Bishop, who lifted the Lightning to the final with shutouts in Game 5 and went with defenseman Slater Koekkoek at 10, plucking Vasilevskiy with 7 against the Rangers in the Eastern Conference final, went over their second pick. scouting reports he had on shooters. The same thing happened the following year when Bishop went down with an ankle injury in Game 1 of Tampa Bay, with two picks in the first round that year (No. 10 and No. the conference final against Pittsburgh. It ended up being the last playoff 19), had a decision to make. game Bishop would start for Tampa Bay. “We kind of bet on (Vasilevskiy) sliding,” GM Julien BriseBois said. “We That summer, Bishop thought he was close to being traded to Calgary at had him way higher on our list than (No. 17). Kudos to our scouts. I think the 2016 NHL Draft, something that wore on him the last time he was at throughout the hockey world, people knew he was a special prospect and the NHL Awards. But the deal was nixed, with the Flames instead going he had the potential to maybe be the best goalie in the world. He had with Brian Elliott. That limbo led to a bit of an awkward season with accomplished a lot, had size and athleticism. He had a great work ethic. Bishop and Vasilevskiy as 1A and 1B. Tampa Bay had a tough call to make. They were in danger of missing the The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 playoffs and were facing a cap crunch, with some performance bonuses that would potentially carry over and hurt the next year’s budget. Bishop was due to be a free agent. At some point, you have to hand the net over to the protégé.

“We had to move some money out,” BriseBois said. “We knew we weren’t going to be able to have both Vasy and Ben Bishop beyond that season. So we had to move ‘Bish’ at the time because we decided Vasy was the goaltender for the future.”

BriseBois said the Lightning explored the goalie market leading up to the 2017 deadline. BriseBois called it a “niche market,” and at that time there was a very small list of teams that wanted a goalie and could absorb Bishop’s cap hit. With the Kings’ dealing with injuries down the stretch, the Lightning finally found a partner, swapping Bishop for backup goalie Peter Budaj and defense prospect Erik Cernak, who turned into a gem on the shutdown pair.

It was a bittersweet move for everyone. For Vasilevskiy, ho got his “dream” job but lost his mentor. For Bishop, who called Tampa his “second home.” That’s where he grew up as an NHL player, where he and his wife, Andrea, met and got married (at the Vinoy in St. Pete). Bishop had hoped to sign an extension with the Lightning, who might have been able to get him for the similar six-year, $4.9 AAV pact he got that summer of 2017.

It was the last year of Vasilevskiy’s entry-level deal, and he signed a three-year extension with a $3.5 million AAV that July.

“There’s always the ‘what-if’,” Bishop said. “For me, I’ve been in enough places where it’s easy not to look too far back. I enjoyed my time in Tampa, some of my best friends in hockey are there, and I continue to keep touch with a lot of them. It’s a great city, great team, great organization. I’ll always love Tampa, will always be a really close part of my heart. Had some good times.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t take that next step.”

Keeping in touch

Bishop and Vasilevsky have remained in touch since, checking in with text messages and voicemails.

Bishop had joined Vasilevskiy in a special club, becoming a first-time father last year with the birth of Ben. Bishop has marveled watching Vasilevskiy’s rise, and his spectacular saves like his behind-the-back snag of Anze Kopitar’s shot in 2018.

“Usually I’ll see one of his insane saves and say, ‘I told you so,'” Bishop joked. “I’m not surprised because I’ve seen it before.”

When Vasilevksiy broke Bishop’s record for career shutouts in mid- February (now at 18), he said it meant a lot because of the man who set it. This is Bishop’s third Vezina nomination, having finished third in 2014, second in 2016, both with Tampa Bay. The fact Vasilevskiy, a finalist for the second straight year, is now one of the best in the world is no surprise to Bishop.

ANDREI VASILEVSKIY ON PASSING MENTOR BEN BISHOP ON #TBLIGHTNING CAREER FRANCHISE SHUTOUT RECORD AT 18: “BISH IS AN UNBELIEVABLE GOALIE AND I’M VERY PROUD TO BE NO. 1 NOW IN SHUTOUTS IN FRANCHISE HISTORY.”

— JOE SMITH (@JOESMITHTB) FEBRUARY 17, 2019

“I could see it coming when he first came into the league,” Bishop said. “His work ethic is second to none. He’s got that drive. He’s got the skill set. He’s going to be one of the best in the world for the next 10 to 15 years.

“I’m just happy for him.”

Jean believes that, even though Bishop hasn’t been with Tampa Bay the last couple of seasons, he left a lingering influence on Vasilevskiy.

“As a young goalie, you come into an NHL dressing room and it’s a huge impact who is the goalie at that time,” Jean said. “As a No. 1 in the organization, if you get a guy that doesn’t have the right mindset, the right flair, the right competitive level, it can have a long-term impact on the younger guy coming in.

“That’s the standard he sees. Some guys will settle for that standard. To Bishop’s credit, he was outstanding grooming ‘Vasy’. He never saw him as a threat. Always saw himself as a mentor.” 1147531 Dallas Stars If the Stars were $1 million over the cap with Hanzal, they could send a player to the AHL for opening day and then recall them the next day after Hanzal is placed on LTIR. The problem is that once you invoke LTIR, cap How bonuses and a potential LTIR will impact the Stars salary cap hits of recalled players are viewed as their full potential annual value – situation potential bonuses included – rather than their salary-based annual value.

This actually happened last season when the Stars weren’t able to call up Denis Gurianov in one instance with LTIR in use. Gurianov’s cap hit, By Sean Shapiro Jun 19, 2019 based on his salary, is $894,166. But the full potential value cap hit was $1,644,166 since he has performance bonuses in his deal. There simply

wasn’t enough space to recall the Russian at $1.64 million. There’s a reason NHL teams have someone dedicated to managing the A player like Joel L’Esperance doesn’t have any performance bonuses in salary cap on a daily basis. his deal, so his salary and face value cap hit are the same at $722,500. It’s complicated. It’s messy. Various rules make a seemingly simple He is also waiver-exempt, so he’s the type of player the Stars could number more chaotic. As invaluable as a tool as CapFriendly is for fans ideally “paper” to the minors if they are planning on using LTIR right and reporters, it can also lead to a false sense of certainty that the away. number on the page truly represents the cap space available. Hintz is also an option for a paper transaction, but if done in an LTIR The implementation of Long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and bonuses scenario his cap hit would jump from $811,667 to $925,000. cause greater confusion. This was better explained to The Athletic this What does this all mean? week by Stars assistant general manager Mark Janko, who is responsible for managing the Stars’ salary cap. How can NHL teams like Hanzal’s injury and potential LTIR status provide flexibility, but it’s not the Stars utilize those tools to manipulate their cap situation? And how really $4.75 million worth that Dallas could use on free agents in the will they impact this offseason? offseason. It could, however, provide the Stars cushion to offer another $1 million or so to an unrestricted free agent. Dallas could also open up Last year, the Stars used LTIR to make a big splash. By placing Marc more cap space using a buyout or making a trade. Methot and on LTIR, the Stars had the in-season cap space to make deadline deals for and Ben Lovejoy, The best use of LTIR is as weaponized cap space during the season. It’s moves that eventually took them over the salary cap. Those moves have effectively an insurance policy the Stars can cash in on and make a a spillover effect on next season’s cap, as Dallas will have $932,500 in bigger splash with an in-season trade. performance bonus overages that will carry over from last season. At this moment the Stars have a projected $12,390,001 of room to work Performance bonuses are paid out against the cap at the end of the with, per the aforementioned CapFriendly. That number will likely be season. If those bonuses fit under the cap with your current expenditure, closer to $10 million after bonuses are added in and restricted free the books are closed on that season. If the bonus doesn’t fit under the agents like Jason Dickinson are signed. If you are playing along at home, cap, there is an overage that comes out of that team’s cap for the that leaves roughly $9.5 million to go out and sign two more unrestricted following season. free agents, which Stars GM Jim Nill acknowledged yesterday.

Should Miro Heiskanen make the NHL All-Rookie team later this week, That doesn’t mean the Stars can’t dream bigger, and it won’t stop them as is widely expected, he’ll hit his fourth Schedule A bonus and officially from looking at higher-priced options. But making sure the ledger comes end the 2018-19 season with $850,000 in performance bonuses. Roope in at a legal number could take some other finagling and movement. Hintz also hit a games-played bonus worth $82,5000 to reach that aforementioned $932,5000 figure. The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019

So when the NHL salary cap is officially announced for the 2019-20 season – and it is believed to be $83 million – the Stars’ salary cap figure will actually be $932,500 less since they are still paying their debts on the 2018-19 season.

This a lesson in what it means to have a player like Heiskanen on the roster for the next two seasons.

Heiskanen’s salary is $894,166 for 2019-20 and 2020-21, but his cap hit could be as high as $3,394,166 if he hits all of his Schedule A and Schedule B bonuses.

Heiskanen’s Schedule A bonuses are maxed out at $850,000 per season, and he hit that mark this season. Schedule B only comes into play with major awards like the Norris Trophy or the Conn Smythe. While Heiskanen hitting a schedule B would likely mean very good things for the Stars, they realistically only have to worry about Schedule A while Heiskanen is still on his entry-level contract. The Stars also need to plan as if Heiskanen could cost an extra $850,000 against the cap in each of the next two seasons.

This also connects to LTIR, which has been a hot-button topic for discussion among Stars fans on social media and in the comment sections.

As reported on Tuesday, Martin Hanzal’s NHL career is likely over. Hanzal is slated to make $4.75 million in the final year of his three-year contract this season, so the Stars would theoretically get that much cap space if they put the forward on LTIR, right?

Well, it’s a little bit complicated.

For starters, the Stars will have to be under the cap on the first day of the NHL season without Hanzal on LTIR, so spending over the projected $83 million in the summer is possible but would require some cap gymnastics to smooth things over.

And cap gymnastics aren’t easy. Even the simplest maneuvers get more complicated when you are dealing with LTIR. 1147532 Detroit Red Wings with first-rounders. The Wings are still waiting to see what they have in Svechnikov, Cholowski, Rasmussen, Veleno and Zadina.

But “there are kids coming,” Yzerman said, and now he has his first shot Steve Yzerman could accelerate Detroit Red Wings rebuild in NHL draft at imprinting the rebuild.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 06.20.2019 Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press Published 7:10 a.m. ET June 19, 2019 | Updated 8:55 a.m. ET June 19, 2019

Even before he knows the identity of their first-round pick, Steve Yzerman sounds excited about how the prospect can help the team.

The Detroit Red Wings are in rebuild mode, and the next chance to add assets comes this weekend as they hold 10 picks at the 2019 NHL entry draft.

There will be a highly regarded forward available at sixth overall, the second straight year the Wings have picked at that spot. Whomever they draft – options are likely to include Cole Caufield, Dylan Cozens, Kirby Dach, Vasili Podkolzin and Trevor Zegras – he’ll join a stable of prospects headlined by recent first-round picks in Filip Zadina, Joe Veleno, Michael Rasmussen, Dennis Cholowski and Evgeny Svechnikov.

The hope is they shape the rebuild alongside headliners Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou and Tyler Bertuzzi.

Forward Trevor Zegras of the USNTDP.

“The attitude is, we’re all trying to be a part of getting the Red Wings back into Stanley Cups and becoming a good team,” general manager Steve Yzerman said at a June 13 media session. “I want them to all push each other. They’re all in it together. Are they competing for jobs? I don’t necessarily look at it that way. I want them to push each other and all be a part of making us a good hockey team.

“But I think the competition is good. Nobody is getting handed a position on the Red Wings. Nobody. I don’t care if you’re a first-round pick or a free-agent signing. You have to earn your spot and if players have that attitude – they come in and they will work hard and push themselves. The most competitive kids, whether they’re on the team at the start of the season or not, in the big picture, we want them competing for spots because the most competitive kids are going to make our team better.”

More: How Wings hit the mother lode at NHL draft 30 years ago

The Wings have had rotten luck at three straight draft lotteries, bumped back every time. This year they finished in the standings fourth from the bottom (and so will pick at that position starting with Round 2) but dropped two spots as the New York Rangers moved from sixth to second and the Chicago Blackhawks from 12th to third.

Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko are projected to be the first two selections, and Alex Turcotte and Bowen Byram are likely to be gone by sixth, too.

Jack Hughes, projected to go No. 1 overall in the NHL draft, had 48 points in 24 games for the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Cozens and Dach are both big centers (6-foot-3 and 6-4, respectively) with playmaking and scoring talent. Cozens is the better skater, and could fit as a winger, too. Caufield may be the best scorer available outside the top two, coming off a 72-goal performance last season with the U.S. National Team Development Program in Plymouth. He oozes confidence. Zegras is one of the most creative prospects in the draft, a guy who can produce offense in tight spaces. Podkolzin plays with a through-the-roof compete level.

The Wings have four picks between Rounds 2 and 3 (35th, 54th, 60th and 66th) and could use one on a goaltender. Spencer Knight, another NTDP product, is a projected first-rounder, but Mads Sogaard or Hunter Jones could be available to the Wings.

“Certainly there are some guys in the draft that we have some interest in,” Yzerman said.

Defenseman Lassi Thomson, a right-handed shot who excels at moving the puck, could be available at 35th. John Beecher, a 6-3, 212-pound center and another NTDP alum, is an elite skater with an offensive upside. Albin Grewe is a physical skater who likes to pester opponents.

This is Yzerman’s first big task since taking over on April 19. He cautioned getting prospects from the draft table to the NHL is hard, even 1147533 Detroit Red Wings

Tom Izzo, Kid Rock, Dylan Larkin in unique celebrity golf event Mortgage Classic

Greg Levinsky, Detroit Free Press Published 2:11 p.m. ET June 18, 2019

Three teams of celebrities and golfers are scheduled to compete in the AREA 313 Celebrity Challenge as part of the Rocket Mortgage Classic PGA Tour event in Detroit.

The three-hole stretch is scheduled for 3-5 p.m. June 25 on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes at the Detroit Golf Club. Each four-person team is led by a PGA star

Team Rickie

Rickie Fowler, Golf Channel host Blair O'Neal, music superstar Kid Rock, Red Wings forward

Team Bubba

Bubba Watson, long-drive champion Troy Mullins, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, Red Wings goalie

Team DJ

Dustin Johnson, golfer/model Paige Spiranac, Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin, Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis

Are you ready for the AREA 313 Celebrity Challenge supported by the @ChildrensFndn? We now have THREE teams participating on Tuesday. Team Rickie, Team DJ, and Team Bubba will go head-to-head.

Check out the full teams in the thread below ḏ pic.twitter.com/58Q941L7dF

— Rocket Mortgage Classic (@RocketClassic) June 17, 2019

AREA 313 includes the 555-yard par-5 14th, the 160-yard par-3 15th and the 446-yard par-4 16th hole.

Play will be a scramble style to see who can be the first team to register scores of 3 (eagle), 1 (ace) and 3 (birdie).

More: Sounds like Tiger Woods won't play in Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit

Tickets for the event are $10, and kids 15 and under are free with a ticketed adult. Active duty and retired military will get complimentary tickets.

The Rocket Mortgage Classic, the first PA Tour event in Michigan in 10 years and the first ever in Detroit, will be June 27-30 at the Detroit Golf Club.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147534 Detroit Red Wings Cozens had 50 assists and 84 points last season and plays with a bit of an edge. He’s the prototypical big center (6-3, 185) that teams love to build around.

Red Wings could have their pick from this magnificent seven ►Kirby Dach, C, Saskatoon (WHL): One good source of scouting regarding both Dylan Cozens and Dach, interestingly, is Bowen Byram, who played against both big centers in the WHL. Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News Published 4:56 p.m. ET June 19, 2019 “They’re two great guys and players, good in their own ways,” Byram said. “Coz is a big guy who uses his body well to get to the net, and when he’s there, he has the hands to put the puck in the back of the net. Detroit – There’s little doubt about the first two players. “Kirby is a finesse guy, really soft hands, and really smart. I really think Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko, likely in that order, will go to the New both of them, where they end up, can make a huge impact right away.” Jersey Devils and New York Rangers, respectively, in the first round of Friday’s NHL Draft. On knock against Dach has been that at times he’s too much of a pass- first guy, but with his playmaking ability, that’s not much of a criticism. At It’s from the third pick all the way down that has everyone guessing. 6-4 and 198 pounds, scouts believe Dach will add muscle to his frame. Bowen Byram Vasili Podkolzin The Red Wings have the No. 6 pick, and there’s a wide range of ►Vasili Podkolzin, RW, SKA (Russia): Podkolzin was considered a lock speculation about who they’ll select – including, possibly, trading out of to be picked among the top five early in the season, but no so much the position to secure more picks. anymore. With the Vancouver Canucks, who are hosting the draft, eager to move While some scouts still view Podkolzin as a top-six forward, others aren’t higher from their current No. 10 spot, the Wings have been rumored to as sure, as one knock on him is that he can be a puck hog at times. be one team the Canucks are calling often about a trade. Another red flag could be Podkolzin’s contractual commitment to pay in That remains to be seen. Russia’s KHL for two more seasons. But with the Wings in a rebuild, and If the Wings stay at No. 6, because of the wealth of apparent talent in the maybe capable of waiting two years, Steve Yzerman could decide to wait top of this draft, they are confident they’ll get a player who’ll help them in on a 6-1, 190-pound polished power forward? the near future. ►Alex Turcotte, C, U.S. Development Team: Turcotte is projected to be “We’re going to get a good prospect, yes,” said Red Wings general picked somewhere between three and five, but like Filip Zadina last year, manager Steve Yzerman. “I would say I got maybe a group of six or you never know. seven (possible selections). Pretty certain two players are going to be Turcotte is the son of former NHL’er Alfie Turcotte, and has the two-way gone 1-2. From that third pick to the 12th or 15th pick, if you ask 31 capabilities that have drawn comparisons to Chicago Blackhawks star teams, it could be a very different order. Jonathan Toews. “There’s a group there we think No. 6 is going to come out of. We’ll be Turcotte has great hockey instincts and is considered a fierce competitor excited about any of those kids.” – a common refrain from teammates and opponents at last month’s Now, narrowing the list down to about six or seven prospects is difficult. scouting combine. There’s a lengthy list of talented forwards, particularly game-breaking “He has an ability to read the play and execute plays,” said Dan Marr, centers who appear to be capable of being important pieces of their NHL central scouting director. “He just as a real good understanding of organizations. the game. But everything about him, his speed, skill set, there’s a bit of With that in mind, here are seven prospects, in alphabetical order, who deceptiveness there, and all that is hard to defend against.” could be available when the Red Wings pick sixth: ►Trevor Zegras, C/W, U.S. Development Program: As good as Jack ►Bowen Byram, D, Vancouver (WHL): Filip Zadina fell into the Wings’ Hughes is, many scouts believe Zegras has similar skills and project lap at No. 6 last year when no one expected him to drop. There’s only a Zegras as a future NHL star. slim chance Byram will fall to sixth, but the Wings would be thrilled if he “It’s great, that’s kind of where the league is going,” said Zegras of the did. high-caliber centers in this draft. “Fast and skilled, and you have to play “They should run to the stage (to pick Byram),” said Craig Button, TSN both ends of the ice now. When you look at Patrice Bergeron (Boston draft analyst, regarding the Wings. Bruins star), that’s a great example of that.

Byram is considered the best defenseman in this draft, a player Button “You have to be able to play both ends of the ice.” compares to Chicago’s Duncan Keith. Byram (6-1, 190) sees the ice well, NHL Draft is an elite skater, can transport the puck well and has some . When: First round Friday, rounds 2-7 Saturday Cole Caufield Where: Rogers Arena, Vancouver ►Cole Caufield, C/W, U.S. Development Program: Never mind the fact that Caufield is only 5-7. He is prolific goal-scorer – he had 72 goals this TV: 8 Friday on NBCSN, 1 Saturday NHL Network past season – and may have the best shot in this draft class. Red Wings: Ten picks — First round (No. 6), three in second round (Nos. Size isn’t as much of a concern anymore in the NHL. A player with 35, 54 and 60), third round (No. 66), fourth round (No. 97), two in fifth Caufield’s speed, skating ability and hockey know-how can thrive these round (Nos. 128, 143), sixth round (No. 159) and seventh round (No. days – and Caufield likely will. 190).

“Caufield has an excellent scoring IQ and arrives at the right places at Detroit News LOADED: 06.20.2019 the right times,” Button said. “He’s the best pure goal scorer in this draft.”

►Dylan Cozens, C/W, Lethbridge (WHL): Cozens is from the Yukon Territory, where a lot of hockey is played outside but not many kids make it to the NHL.

“Growing up there, it always seemed a like a little bit of a far-fetched dream,” Cozens said. “Now that the draft is coming up, it’s a bit surreal. It’s my story and I love to share my story because I’m so proud to represent it.” 1147535 Detroit Red Wings

Exterior demolition progress on Joe Louis Arena visible in Downtown Detroit

By Benjamin Raven

Demolition work on the exterior of Joe Louis Arena in Downtown Detroit is officially underway as crews have been spotted removing paneling from the nostalgia-inducing building.

Back in early March, officials in charge of the demolition project alluded to a “gradual process” with exterior work set to start in the summer.

The demolition of the former home of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings is expected to be complete by the end of this year or early next year.

Related: State issues Detroit $10M loan to help with Joe Louis Arena demolition

Donna Rice, the senior project manager for the Detroit Building Authority, tells the Detroit News that work on the exterior paneling started last week and will last for the “next couple of months.” Rice also said that once this work is complete, only the roof, trusses to the roof, steel columns and lower bowl will remain standing.

Video from our chopper of the Joe Louis Arena demolition progress. First they're talking off exterior panels for 2-3 months, then the roof, then columns, then the lower seating bowl, then they'll decide where to go from there. Ah, the memories. @FOX2News pic.twitter.com/lX81WQ7oKW

— Kellie Rowe (@kellierowe) June 18, 2019

Michigan’s Strategic Fund issued a $10 million loan to the city of Detroit to help with the demolition project late last year. In announcing the loan, the state agency added that it sees the “potential for $150 million of private investment on the site within the next five years.”

The city’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority also had $13 million in local and school tax capture approved to help alleviate conditions and prepare the spot on the Detroit River for redevelopment.

The Detroit Free Press reports that the city is responsible for the demolition under a deal with Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. The New York-based creditor will receive future ownership and development rights at the Joe’s site thanks to the big losses it took during Detroit’s bankruptcy ordeal in 2013-2014.

The NHL’s Detroit Red Wings played at Joe Louis Arena from 1979 to 2017, winning four Stanley Cup championships in the process in making Detroit “Hockeytown.” Joe Louis Arena, a big, gray windowless structure situated along the Detroit River, held nearly 20,000 fans and hosted the Detroit Red Wings during their 25-year playoff run from 1991-2016.

Related: Most memorable WWE moments at Joe Louis Arena through the years

The last public event held at the arena was a non-televised WWE show that featured the likes of John Cena (in a “Detroit Street Fight”), Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles, among more.

It was also the location of numerous concerts, entertainment wrestling events and the 1980 Republican National Convention that nominated former President Ronald Reagan.

Michigan Live LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147536 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings draft prospect: Cole Caufield small but prolific goal-scorer

By Ansar Khan

(Another in a series looking at potential selections for the Detroit Red Wings with the No. 6 pick Friday at the draft)

Cole Caufield

Position: Right wing

Height/Weight: 5-7/163

Shoots: Right

2018-19 team: U.S. National Team Development Program Under-18

2018-19 stats: 64 games, 72 goals, 28 assists, 100 points, 39 penalty minutes.

Why Red Wings would be interested: They could use a sniper like this, a pure goal-scorer who set many records for the USNTDP.

NHL Central Scouting ranking: No. 8 among North American skaters.

Notable: Caufield was one of two players to reach 100 points for the USNTDP’s Under-18 team – joining Jack Hughes (112 points). … His 72 goals broke the program record previously held by Auston Matthews (55 in 2014-15). … Caufield has record 126 goals and 180 points in 123 games total with USNTDP, breaking Phil Kessel’s mark of 104 career goals. … Has committed to Wisconsin, where he likely will play alongside his brother, Brock, a forward.

Red Line Report says: Tiny sniper is just a goal-scoring machine -- the best Team USA has ever produced, breaking Phil Kessel’s career record. Way undersized but has the explosive skating burst and deadly touch around the net to score at will. Accelerates to top speed in just a few slashing strides and gets low to the ice as he makes tight, crisp turns to gain separation. Unbelievable offensive instincts and knack for getting to quiet ice. And for a kid so small, scores all his goals within 30 feet of the net, so he doesn’t mind traffic. Has a non-stop attacking mindset. Lightning release -- the puck comes off his stick in a flash and never misses his target. Looks one way then rips shots the other way, often catching goalies cheating to the wrong side. Has repeatedly imposed his brain over brawn against top competition.

Dobber Hockey says: Hyper-skilled but undersized winger brings all the offensive tools you can handle. Set the USNTDP goal-scoring record while converting on over a goal-per-game. Finds the soft areas of the ice and needs very little time to exploit them. Effectively changes the angle on his release to deceive netminders. The best pure goal scorer in his class.

Summary: Is size really an issue in today’s NHL, with its premium on skating? It hasn’t been for Chicago’s Alex DeBrincat (5-7, 165) and Columbus’ Cam Atkinsson (5-8, 179), 40-goal scorers to whom Caufield has been likened. But the Red Wings would really have to be enamored with Caufield’s goal-scoring ability, confident it will translate to the NHL, to pass on whichever of these highly rated centers is available -- Dylan Cozens, Alex Turcotte, Kirby Dach and Trevor Zegras.

Michigan Live LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147537 Detroit Red Wings which meant he had to be taken in the first three rounds of the draft or he wouldn’t be eligible for selection due to the draft rules of the time.

But the Red Wings also didn’t want to take any chances. They hardly Fedorov, Lidstrom, Vladdie and more: The story of the Red Wings’ spoke of him. legendary 1989 draft It was so tight-lipped, in fact, that at one point Smith remembers getting a call from agent asking if he knew this kid in Sweden named Max Bultman Jun 19, 2019 Lidstrom.

“And I said, ‘No, no, I don’t know any Lidstrom,’” Smith recalled.

Christer Rockstrom was a skills coach in Sweden when he first met Neil “And he goes, ‘Are you sure, Neil? You don’t know this guy named Smith. Lidstrom?’”

It was the mid-1980s, and not many of the older NHL scouts were “No, I don’t think I do, Donny,” Smith replied. particularly eager to travel into Europe at the time. But Smith, the “Come on, Neil,” Meehan said. assistant general manager for the Red Wings, was young and didn’t mind it. It was on one such trip that he met Rockstrom, who helped him get to “OK, well, you better not fucking tell anybody else about him,” Smith said. a couple of games and talked some hockey with him. Smith went about “This is our guy. And you better not fucking be shopping him around. his business and then went back to the United States, but a couple days Promise me you won’t shop him around.’” later Rockstrom got a call asking if he might want to do any work as a scout for Smith and the Red Wings. If Lidstrom was a relatively hidden gem in 1989, then Sergei Fedorov was very much in the open. Rockstrom was hesitant. He preferred the idea of doing on-ice individual skill work and wasn’t totally sure what being a scout was “all about.” But A line of Fedorov, Alexander Mogilny and Pavel Bure dominated the Smith convinced him to give it a try helping out. It was, after all, not a 1989 World Junior Championship in Anchorage, Alaska, each finishing huge commitment. among the tournament’s top six in scoring and leading the Soviet Union to a championship. “It was part-part-part-time the first year,” Rockstrom recalled. “More of a friendly, ‘do a friend a favor’ type thing.” “That line was dancing,” Holland recalled. “Mogilny, Fedorov and Bure. High skill, high speed.” But soon, that picked up into true part-time work, and then it escalated into a job that had Rockstrom traveling not just into nearby Finland, but The only issue was, as Soviet players, there was no guarantee that using also Russia and Czechoslovakia — then communist areas from which a high draft pick on one of them would ever yield anything. Buffalo had drafting players was a risk when it came to actually signing them. waited until the fifth round, for example, to select Mogilny the year before.

The Red Wings had already shown an inclination for drafting Europeans “You were still debating when and if you could ever get them out to play — they took five in the 1984 draft — and that didn’t make them unique. over here, so there was always that unknown,” Smith said. “You felt like it But they were part of a relatively small group of teams whose scouts was getting closer, but you really had no way of knowing that political were investing in Europe. climate. And so you were taking a chance when you used valuable picks to pick guys in Czechoslovakia or in Russia.” “If anybody had full-time scouts in Europe, they had one,” recalled Ken Holland, then a WHL scout for the Red Wings. “They didn’t have multiple. What certainly did not hurt the case to take Fedorov, though, was an They had one.” endorsement from the Red Wings’ current star.

The reasons for disparities in scouting were simple enough. Some of the Steve Yzerman had played in the World Championships that spring in European countries’ political situations were such that you risked wasting Sweden, and just as Fedorov had done in Alaska, the Russian pivot a draft pick if the player never came over. There were pervasive ideas produced. Yzerman, playing for Team Canada, got to see it up close in a about whether you could win with a certain number of Europeans on the 4-3 loss. team. And for scouts based in the United States or Canada, traveling “Steve happened to mention to (then-general manager Jim Devellano) overseas could be a pain and the tournaments weren’t always pleasant that he played against the Russians and the Russians had a fabulous to attend. young center iceman,” Holland recalled. “And Jimmy D says, ‘What’s his “There was a lot of hesitation on the more conservative, older guys in the name?’ He says, ‘Sergei Fedorov.'” league, and I just wanted to get us an advantage because I thought that You’re kidding. if we just kept taking Canadians and college players, we’re just going to be the same as everybody else,” recalled Smith, who was in charge of “Now it clicks in Jimmy D’s head: Neil Smith and his people have told me Detroit’s scouting department at the time. “It’s going to take us forever.” about this fabulous young hockey player by the name of Sergei Fedorov. And now Steve Yzerman’s played head-to-head against him — in one In 1989, though, the proverbial stars were starting to align for Detroit to game, not a bunch of games, but one game — … and Jimmy says to make a big play in that regard. Steve, ‘How good is he?’”

Rockstrom had seen a young defenseman named Nicklas Lidstrom Oh, he’s real good. playing for Vasteras in Sweden, and even though he had played six games in the European Junior championships the year before, he was By the time draft night rolled around, the first round played out as the flying under the radar on Central Scouting’s list. Red Wings had hoped.

Lidstrom had played 20 games in the SHL and 15 more in the They really liked a center from the Western Hockey League by the name Allsvenskan that season, amassing a total of just one goal and six of , and when their pick at No. 11 came around, Detroit assists. Not eye-popping numbers by any means. But Rockstrom liked quickly scooped him up. his hockey sense, and saw enough in the player to tell Smith about him. The league was smaller back then, so Detroit’s second pick came at No. When Smith made his next trip to Europe, he came to check him out. 32, where they snapped up a defenseman named Bob Boughner. The two watched Lidstrom, took him out for dinner, and Smith came “Not a lot of offense but he had some character,” Holland recalled of away convinced he would be a special player. Boughner at the time. “He could fight in an era when the ability for your “When I saw him play — I didn’t know him as well as Christer — but team to have fisticuffs was important. He was going to provide some that’s where you have to have great trust in your scouts and be able to sandpaper, some grit, kill some penalties.” know that they’re seeing what you would see,” Smith recalled. “And Round 3, the last place Detroit could take Lidstrom based on his age and Christer and I were very much in sync in those years.” games played, came around and they happily nabbed a player who Because he wasn’t prominent, the Red Wings were able to rest would go on to win the Norris Trophy seven times over a 20-year NHL somewhat assured that other teams wouldn’t be hard after Lidstrom. He career. was also finishing his age-18 season (although he was 19 on draft day), Then it was time for Round 4, and a final decision on whether to reach Rockstrom, the man on the ground, defers his share of credit in that draft into the Soviet Union, as Buffalo had done the year before in the fifth to Smith, “because that’s what the chief scout does. He puts his name, round. reputation and work on the line. Because if it doesn’t turn out, you’re gonna hear about it.” “Philosophically: Let’s just use a pick, let’s be prepared to waste a pick,” Holland recalled of the management team’s decision. “And let’s tuck a But the broader point, 30 years later, is that a class like this comes guy who is a great talent. Let’s tuck him away.” together because of so many different inputs. Holland, who went on to serve as Detroit GM for two decades, might have literally named every They picked Fedorov, and the rest is history. Fedorov debuted in the single person in the Red Wings front office at the time as he ran through 1990-91 season, went on to headline the famous Russian Five and was how the class came together. inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015. The pick couldn’t have worked out any better. That’s the nature of drafting: pushing and pulling, uncertainty and resolution. On that night, thanks to a bit of luck and the predilections of a And yet, the draft was still rolling. Round 5 came around, and the bygone era, it all came together. scouting staff was considering going back to the well in Russia. Pavel Bure, the third member of that dazzling Soviet line, still hadn’t been “Those players now — the Lidstroms and the Fedorovs and the selected. Konstantinovs — they’re probably going in the top 10,” Holland said. “All of them.” As Holland recalls it, they got far enough down that path that Detroit even checked with the NHL to see if Bure was an eligible pick in that round, Smith departed soon after to become the Rangers GM, eventually hiring based on the age- and games-played rules. The league, however, said Rockstrom to come with him, and Holland worked his way to eventually he was not. So, instead of risking an ineligible pick, they drafted Shawn becoming Detroit’s longtime general manager. And the lessons of that McCosh out of Niagara Falls. draft were among the formative experiences that shaped his thinking as he progressed in his career. By the time the Red Wings got back on the clock in Round 6, the Vancouver Canucks had already pounced on Bure, eventually able to “It’s when do you listen to Christer Rockstrom? When do you listen to prove what the Red Wings thought they knew as well: Bure was, in fact, your Western scout?” Holland said. “The chief scout just can’t see eligible, based on some additional games he had played that weren’t everything. He goes out and sees lots at the top, but you’ve gotta count being properly counted. on your people. And you’ve got people pushing and pulling and tugging.”

Three picks after Bure’s selection, Detroit was on the clock again, and As the day ended, the management team could not have known they this time it was scout Billy Dea pulling a winner out of the late rounds. He were leaving with the greatest draft in hockey history. In fact, no one took Dallas Drake from Northern Michigan University, a forward who knew whether they would ever even see two of the three Europeans who would go on to play more than 1,000 NHL games and score 477 points. made that class what it was.

Had the draft ended there, it would have included two Hall of Famers, “We now had two Russians, and they said, ‘OK, it’s up to you, get and two more players who had played 1,000 games: By any definition, a going,’” recalled then-CEO Jim Lites, who would go on to orchestrate the grand slam of a draft. defections of Fedorov and Konstantinov, chronicled in “The Russian Five” book and documentary. But in the 11th round, Detroit decided to reach back into the Soviet Union one final time. But while an entirely different odyssey still was ahead, what the Red Wings’ management team had done that day was set in motion the Rockstrom and Smith had been at the World Juniors in Piestany, pieces from which history could be made. They had given themselves a Czechoslovakia, in 1987 when a bench-clearing brawl had broken out chance. between the Soviet Union and Canada. And right in the mix was a defenseman named Vladimir Konstantinov. From there, the rest was up to the players. And 30 years later, those players have made it into the greatest single-team draft class in hockey While it would be naïve to suggest the Red Wings liked Konstantinov just history. for that fight, it certainly couldn’t have hurt the overall picture of toughness that was coming together around the defenseman. “You can be an NHL coach, open the door, and put Nicklas Lidstrom on the ice and tell him, ‘Do whatever you want to do. Win the game for me,’” “Just very competitive,” Rockstrom recalled. “Smart, effective, hard- Rockstrom said. “He’s that good. So he makes everybody around him nosed. You win with people like him. He competes. He can play the look smart. Even his teammates. And the same goes for Fedorov. Those game. He skates. He does everything hard.” are elite hockey players.

So they picked him, and after two more selections in Round 12, the draft “They make everybody around them look smarter.” was over. The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 Leaving the draft that day, Smith recalls thinking they had done well in getting Sillinger. He was just OK with the Boughner pick but really excited about getting the green light on Lidstrom and Fedorov.

But no one on Detroit’s staff could have imagined what would follow.

Sillinger went on to play 1,000 NHL games (although the vast majority of them for teams other than Detroit) and score more points than all but four of the players taken after him — two of whom were Lidstrom and Fedorov. Boughner never did develop a ton of offense, but he played 630 games, and, true to the scouting report, amassed nearly 1,400 penalty minutes (although, again, he spent the bulk of his career in other organizations). Konstantinov played six seasons for the Red Wings before the tragic limo accident after their 1997 Stanley Cup run ended his career.

Lidstrom and Fedorov, meanwhile, were Hall of Famers — picks that defined the course of the franchise for a generation.

“Every scout leaves the draft happy,” Rockstrom said. “… But I would lie if I said I (knew) we had this and this, and that and that. No. Three good (European) prospects, let’s see where we’re going to go.”

“Had I ever known or guessed that Lidstrom and Fedorov would have ended up being as good as they were — I mean, obviously I would have taken them even higher,” Smith echoed. 1147538 Edmonton Oilers Meh. This wasn’t a great draft year (Chris Phillips went first overall, and after that, there weren’t a lot of head turners in the Top 10). J.P. Dumont went third and Ruslan Salei went ninth. Of the top 10 picks, Devereaux is Edmonton Oilers have been money in the 6-to-10 NHL draft spot fourth in career points with 179 in 627 games. He spent only three seasons in Edmonton before moving on to Detroit, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2002. In a mediocre draft class, they came out OK with this one. ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI Updated: June 20, 2019 2007: 6th overall — Sam Gagner

You can’t rave about a sixth overall pick when Logan Couture went three There was a big sigh of disappointment when the Oilers somehow didn’t picks later, but Gagner was a good return on the 2007 investment. He’s win the draft lottery this year, kind of like if they told everyone in at 802 career games and counting (481 of them in his first tour of duty Edmonton that Christmas wasn’t coming. with the Oilers). He finished third, fifth, second, third and second in team The lottery had become an annual tradition in Edmonton, a gift grab that scoring in his first five years and set the franchise record with eight points served as the centrepiece of almost all of their rebuilds. in one game. Then the lottery picks started kicking in and he became expendable. All in all, a solid selection. But don’t fret about missing out for the fourth year in a row and drafting eighth, Oilers fans. Historically, the six-to-10 spot has been money for 2009: 10th overall — Magnus Paajarvi this team. Nope. This was a curious pick from the moment they made it. You call up They actually have a better winning percentage there than they have in his history as a player and Paajarvi NEVER put up any points anywhere the top five, where they swung and missed on (fourth he ever played. So 10th overall seemed a bit high. But in Edmonton’s in 1994), Nail Yakupov (first in 2012) and possibly Jesse Puljujarvi (fourth defence, after a wickedly strong top seven (John Tavares, Victor in 2016) in seven trips to the stage. Hedman, Matt Duchene, , Brayden Schenn, Oliver Ekman- Larsson and Nazem Kadri), things tailed off in a hurry. Nice guy, but you This will be the 11th time in their history the Oilers will be drafting in the have to file this one under “miss.” six-to-10 spot, and if their previous 10 selections are any indication, there’s a very good chance they’re getting someone very good. 2013: 7th overall — Darnell Nurse

1980: 6th overall — This was an incredibly deep draft with Nathan MacKinnon, Aleksander Barkov, , Seth Jones, Elias Lindholm, Sean Monahan, Sandwiched in between Darren Veitch at No. 5 and Rick Lanz at No. 7 Nurse, and Bo Horvat making up the top nine. was a smooth-skating defenceman coming off a 71-point season with the Ristolainen was still there at seven, but Nurse has been a good player in . There were concerns about the defensive side of his the early stages of his career and has improved every year he’s been in game and some early growing pains, but Coffey would become one of the league. It looks like there is still plenty of unexplored upside that he’s the cornerstones on the greatest team of all time. His stay in Edmonton tapping into. was cut short by a contract dispute, but he won three Stanley Cup rings here and went on to become the second highest scoring defenceman in 2018: 10th overall — Evan Bouchard league history. Nice pick. It’s too early to tell how his career will turn out, but if his last year of junior 1981: 8th overall — is any indication (OHL defenceman of the year and eight points in 10 playoff games with the Bakersfield Condors) he is on the right track. Not a lot of teams draft Hall of Famers outside the top five in back-to- back seasons, but the Oilers were a drafting dynasty long before they Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 06.20.2019 were a Stanley Cup dynasty. This was a gutsy pick, and obviously more than just a hunch, given that Edmonton already had a very strong young goalie in Andy Moog. But they were right. Fuhr was the backbone of Edmonton’s dynasty, winning 74 of 111 playoff games to secure his place as one of the clutch goalies of all time.

1993: 7th overall —

The Oilers did very well with Arnott, whose 938 career points are second only to Paul Kariya in the entire draft class. Unfortunately, most of those points came elsewhere as an immature Arnott and a fan base that always seemed focused on his faults were like Oiler and water. He needed a change of scenery after four-and-a-half years and was gone. He played another 14 years and won a Stanley Cup with the Devils. Arnott was dealt for Bill Guerin, who worked out very well in Edmonton.

1994: 6th overall —

Two picks after wasting the fourth overall pick on Bonsignore (three career NHL goals), the Oilers totally redeemed themselves by taking a shaggy-haired kid from Banff who used to be their stick boy. Smyth ended his career with 326 more points than any other player taken in ’94’s first round. His work ethic, determination, hustle and love for the Oilers made him one of the most beloved players of all time. It remains a crime that his number isn’t hanging from the rafters in Rogers Place.

1995: 6th overall —

D’oh! OK, they can’t all be gems. It’s just too bad this remains one of the biggest, and costliest, draft mistakes in franchise history. Instead of picking , like 15,000 chanting fans in Northlands Coliseum were urging him to do, Glen Sather went with the speedy Steve Kelly. Doan delivered grit, leadership, character and 972 points over his 21- year year career and would have been exactly the franchise needed on just about every level. Kelly had one goal in 27 career games with Edmonton.

1996: 6th overall — 1147539 Edmonton Oilers If Puljujarvi, rehabbing from double hip surgery, wants out, is there an obvious trade fit there? Obviously, Winnipeg and Carolina come to mind as possible destinations in trades because he played with Patrik Laine Puljujarvi wants out but Holland won't be pushed into deal and Sebastian Aho in junior but the ‘Canes have little to give up at forward and the Jets might take Puljujarvi but only in a package.

Nobody’s coming to Holland Friday, either, and saying, “We’ll give you Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal the ninth overall pick for Puljjuarvi.” Ain’t gonna happen.

PERRY AVAILABLE

If Jesse Puljujarvi wants out, it’ll be on Ken Holland’s timeline. Would the Oilers be interested in nemisis/winger Corey Perry, just bought out by Anaheim, for say one year? Maybe, but only for cheap money in “Has he asked for a trade? I think he would prefer to be traded,”said the the $1-million to $1.5-million range. And, they also have fellow RW Alex Edmonton Oilers’ general manager, who is absolutely not giving him Chiasson to sign, who, incidentally is also represented by agent Pat away to get him out of his hair because he would be selling basement Morris. low, just as he was in Detroit as GM with Andreas Athanasiou, who made noises of a change of scenery in 2017 but Holland worked things out with The Oilers definitely want to get faster and Perry, while a terrific player in the forward. his prime, is slowing down at 34. He had six goals in 31 games last season after returning from knee surgery. But, for bargain money? “He wanted a trade and I signed him to two more contracts,” said Maybe. Holland. Perry will get $2.625 million next year as his buyout figure, then $6.25 In his heart of hearts Holland would like to see Puljujarvi signed this million , then $2 million and $2 million. summer, coming to camp in the fall and starting on the third line with a playmaking centre to get the 21-year-old the puck. Embrace being in the This ’n that: The Oilers development camp will run from June 24-27 at NHL first, then show the coach Dave Tippett you deserve more. the Downtown Community Rink … Leafs’ Connor Brown still seems the most logical role-player add because they laid the groundwork last Will that happen? Maybe not. February. Brown could be a third-line $2-million winger. This would have Puljujarvi’s agent Markus Lehto told Finnish countryman/writer Tommi to be dollars-in, dollars-out though with Matt Benning ($1.9 million), the Seppala, “It doesn’t make sense to go back to where we were last under-appreciated third-pairing D, perhaps moving … Sharks Joonas season, it’s not good for either side. Discussions about parting ways Donskoi (UFA) is also in play but had one goal in his last 46 games … have been going on for weeks. Jesse needs a fresh start, nothing against Former Oilers assistant coach Manny Viveiros is in running for assistant’s the Oilers.” job with Ottawa.

Nothing against Edmonton? Well, then who? Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 06.20.2019

The Oilers went to the 2016 draft feeling defenceman Mikhail Sergachev was their guy with their first pick, maybe even moving back from No. 4 to still get him. But when they found out Columbus at No. 3 wasn’t taking the Finn, they changed gears. With 37 points in 139 games, he’s even short of Nail Yakupov’s early Oiler days, but Holland is not making a deal just to make a deal where he’d get killed, taking a draft pick or just another failed first-round selection like, say, Dallas’s Valeri Nichushkin.

Holland is from the Glen Sather school. The former Oilers GM would tell a disgruntled player he wasn’t trading him until a month or so into the following season. If the player worked hard and produced, the price would go up.

There is no market for Puljujarvi right now.

He was fantastic as a world junior but he has 17 NHL goals. His hockey IQ has been questioned and also he hasn’t learned or wanted to use his big frame along the boards like, say, Mikko Rantanen, holding people off. He has to learn to be an NHL pro.

For sure, the Oilers are culpable in his stalled career because they probably should have told him to stay another year in Finland after the ’16 draft, playing against men but in a more comfortable setting, rather than just giving him a spot in their lineup because he was the No. 4 pick. They messed up big time, but Puljujarvi has to look in the mirror. It’s 75- 25 on the player to play better and get top-six work.

The Blues did the right thing with Robert Thomas in 2017, drafting him in the first round and sending him back to junior but when he made the NHL club this season, he was on their third line. In the playoffs, with all his skill, he was digging into the corners, working the cycle, showing flashes with Tyler Bozek and Patrick Maroon.

Thomas is a top-six player in waiting. But not yet.

Maybe the same with Puljujarvi.

“What you want to do as a player is go to the rink every day and know that your jersey is hanging up and you’ll play that night,” said Holland. “You’ll play and you’ll figure out a role and eventually what you want is to work yourself up the ladder and be more important. It’s a process. Just because you were drafted high, doesn’t mean you’re handed anything.”

“But he is six-foot-four, he is 21 years old and fourth in his draft class. There’s lots of examples of players who have gone on at 22 or 23 to maybe not be star players but useful players,” said Holland. 1147540 Edmonton Oilers Jordan Binnington the Blues guy. Not sure if his former coach Ken Hitchcock, now an Oilers advisor, likes him or not.

DACH LIKELIEST PICK As Oilers look for new Koskinen partner, Cam Talbot is in limbo Take this to the bank: At No. 8, the Oilers will take Fort Saskatchewan centre Kirby Dach if he’s still there at their slot. If not, they’ll choose Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal between centre Trevor Zegras, off to Boston U, who has the passing ability of Elias Pettersson, left-winger Matthew Boldy (going to Boston College), who some scouts say plays like Mark Stone, centre Dylan Cozens, who many scouts feel will be an NHL winger, not a pivot, or the With free agency less than two weeks away, Cam Talbot is twisting in the long-shot Swedish defenceman Philip Broberg, even if they have a bunch wind. of defence prospects. Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher says he’s still considering the This ’n that: Only role player who consistently makes sense for Oilers is unrestricted free agent Talbot to be mentor/backup for local boy Carter Leafs’ Connor Brown, who could be a third-line $2 million winger with one Hart but the more likely scenario for the former Edmonton Oilers starter is year left on his Leafs’ deal. This would have to be a dollars-in, dollars-out he waits to see who calls between the NHL draft and July 1. trade though, with Matt Benning ($1.9 million), the under-appreciated Talbot, who turns 32 July 5, definitely wants to be a No. 1 somewhere or, third-pairing D, perhaps targetted by Toronto … Much talk of Sharks at worst, a 1a. Maybe Carolina calls, Maybe the Islanders can’t sign Joonas Donskoi (UFA) also being in play after making $1.9 million last Robin Lehner. year but he had one goal in his last 46 games … Still no word on whether Jim Playfair and Mark Lamb are Dave Tippet’s new assistants … Connor Is it so farfetched to think new Oilers GM Ken Holland would at least McDavid’s junior coach Kris Knoblauch lost out for the Columbus farm think of bringing Talbot back if the price was right? Say in the $2.5 million team head job in Cleveland to Mike Eaves … Hearing Los Angeles head range on a short-term deal, or has that ship totally sailed? coach Todd McLellan would have hired his other Oilers assistant Manny Viveiros, but there’s only room for two assistants for budgetary reasons. The Hurricanes, Islanders and Columbus, too, are all possibilities for Viveiros is very much in running for an assistant’s job in Ottawa, though. Talbot. I’m sure Talbot is looking around to see if there’s a contending No surprise Trent Yawney, who’ll look after L.A.’s defence, is joining team that might feel he can still be a starter. He’s of an age where there’s McLellan again … If Oilers are calling around on Kris Russell, he has a only so much time to do that,” said an NHL executive looking at the cap hit of $4 million the next two seasons but only $6.5 million in actual goalie picture. salary/signing bonus. Maybe the Blue Jackets would be No. 1 with Sergei Bobrovsky leaving, Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 06.20.2019 although for now their public posture is they’re happy with Joonas Korpisalo and the just-signed Latvian Elvis Merzlikins.

Here’s the variables here: The contract has to be less than $3 mil because they’re watching their pennies. Do Oilers bring in a goalie for more than one year if they feel Shane Starrett will be ready after another season in Bakersfield? How many games do they want Koskinen’s partner to play? Thirty? 35? 25?

They are not bringing in a caddy for Koskinen. They want somebody to push him.

Here’s the names out there, some a reach.

• James Reimer. Probably too expensive. This would have to be a trade and Reimer’s Florida contract, which, with two years left at $3.4 million a season, makes this a no-go unless they could move Brandon Manning’s $2.25 million for next season. They would have to take on Reimer’s contract for a second year — no good — but maybe they could retrieve that third-round 2019 pick they gave the Panthers for Alex Petrovic. Reimer, 31, didn’t have a good 2018-2019 with a 3.09 avg and .900 save percentage.

• . He’s a UFA in Colorado but he would cost as much as Koskinen. Too rich for the Oilers’ blood.

• Brian Elliott. If the Flyers do decide to bring back Talbot and not Elliott, then he would be an alternative but he’s 34 and he’s coming off a season when he had hip issues. He only played 26 games with a 2.96 avg and .907 save percentage.

• Curtis McElhinney. The Carolina tender split the duties with Petr Mrazek last year and got them through the Islanders second-round series when Mrazek injured his groin. He had his best NHL season with a 2.58 avg., .912 save percentage in 33 games. Problem here is he’s 36 and he may well be looking for a two-year contract, coming off a very good season.

• Mike Smith. The Calgary goalie played for new Oilers coach Dave Tippett in Arizona so there’s that, but he is 37 and there’s lots of miles on his chassis. That said, he was outstanding for the Flames in the playoffs, playing ahead of David Rittich, even with his 1-4 record. On a one-year contract, he would be a good fit here, plus he wouldn’t have to move his family far.

• Petr Mrazek. Played for Holland in Detroit. But his season in Carolina may push his UFA price over $3 million. He’s perfect 1 and 1a goalie, but at what price?

• Jake Allen. Again, he would cost too much in a trade, $4.3 million a year for the next two seasons unless Manning is part of the trade. He’s the youngest, 29 in August, and is obviously not the starter anymore with 1147541 Edmonton Oilers “And you’re also trying to take someone’s job, and that’s never an easy thing to do, especially at 18 years old.”

That’s why these players are always reminded that putting on the ball Edmonton Oilers' Darnell Nurse still recalls NHL Draft butterflies cap and sweater and shaking hands with the GM doesn’t mean they’ve made it, only that somebody is going to give them a chance. Being drafted by an NHL team and playing for an NHL team are worlds apart. Robert Tychkowski “If you’re picked high there are going to be a lot of expectations,” he said. “But you have to put it all on the back burner and play because, no matter what number you are or where you were drafted, it doesn’t matter They might look calm and poised on the outside, but take it from if you don’t put in the work and prepare yourself to get to the next level.” someone who’s been there: All those kids waiting for their names to be called on NHL Draft day are a nervous wreck on the inside. Hockey Hall of Fame writer Jim Matheson talks to host Craig Ellingson about the potential of a Milan Lucic-for-Loui Eriksson deal between the Beneath the nice suit and pleasant smile is a fireworks display of nerves Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks, about where forward and emotion. Jesse Puljujarvi stands with the Oilers as the NHL Draft — a.k.a. NHL Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse remembers being in one of GMs trading convention — approaches, and about who/what the Oilers those seats for the 2013 draft in New Jersey, waiting and wondering might target with the eighth overall pick in the June 21-22 draft. (agonizing, actually) over when he’d be picked and where he’d be going. Nurse had 16 interviews spread out over two days at the NHL Draft and “There are a lot of butterflies,” said Nurse, who’s now four seasons into admits that while the psychological poking and prodding was something his NHL career. “You sit there waiting for that moment when they say, he prepared for, it was still a daunting experience. ‘We are proud to select …’ It seems like it takes 30 seconds for them to “I had a couple of friends who’d been through it so I was pretty well actually say the name. It kind of feels like you’re in a movie when you’re prepared for it,” said Nurse. “But there were a lot of questions. Some of sitting there in the moment. the interviews were easy; some were hard. “But when your name is called and you’re picked to a team, there is a “Every team basically knows you as a player, they’ve all watched your huge sense of relief. For me, it was a huge relief when I was chosen by games and it’s easy to pull tape, so they have a really good Edmonton and a lot of excitement for what was coming next.” understanding of who you are as a player. Nurse, who went seventh overall, knows from hindsight that the actual “When you sit down in those meetings, it’s more about getting to know draft is little more than ceremonial and has no impact on whether a kid you as a person, what you do off the ice, what your preparation is like, will ever play in the league, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t what motivates you to play hockey. It’s a look into who you are as a thoroughly enjoy the ceremony. person.” “You realize all the hard work you’ve put in is going to lead to a life- Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 06.20.2019 changing event,” he said. “The draft is a way to appreciate and celebrate all of the hard work you’ve put in to get to that point.

“I was fortunate to have all of my family around and able to enjoy it with them, show my appreciation for all of the sacrifices they made for me.”

The build-up starts long before the selection process, though. It creeps into the back of their minds when their draft year begins and hits high gear at the NHL combine.

No matter how hard they try to ignore them, each set of draft rankings ramps up the anticipation.

“The information is so accessible these days that it’s hard not to follow what’s happening,” said Nurse. “And even if you’re not following it, somebody is telling you about it. The lists come out throughout the season and people will always be talking to you about it. There is always knowledge.”

With the NHL being such a vast landscape, the mystery of draft day — not knowing where he’s going to end up — is what impacts a player most.

The destinations range from major metropolitan centres in the U.S. and small markets in Canada to sun-baked cities on the beach and non- tradition franchises where hockey is third or fourth on the sporting- attention food chain. There are contenders and perennial losers. There are places close to home and places on the other side of the continent. All a player can do is sit and wait to see where he’s going.

“That’s the uncertainty. It’s stressful in a sense that you don’t know what’s coming next or where you’re going to play, but at the same time, you have to be excited about the opportunity,” said Nurse.

“There are sunny markets with great weather and there are cold markets that are really good hockey towns. There are benefits to every city. Just to have the opportunity to be a part of an organization is a privilege you can’t take for granted.”

Training camp in the fall is when the magnitude of what’s happening hits home. It gets real in a hurry when you go from being one of the best players in your draft class to being an 18-year-old rookie struggling to keep up with the best in the world.

“You’re playing against men. You have no idea until you’ve played against men who are trying to put food on the table,” said Nurse. “It’s not what you expect it to be, it’s a lot tougher. 1147542 Edmonton Oilers near the end of his contract, they have prospects on the way, and if they can do something like move Darnell Nurse to the right side there’s suddenly a scenario where dealing Larsson for forward help makes some Mirtle and Willis: Are the Oilers and Maple Leafs good trading partners? sense.

Mirtle: OK now maybe we’re getting somewhere. The end of the contract scenario is just fine by Toronto as a bridge to when some of their kids By James Mirtle and Jonathan Willis Jun 19, 2019 might be ready to step in and doesn’t commit them to anything long term.

I’m going to make this more of a blockbuster:

Trade speculation between the Oilers and Maple Leafs goes back at Leafs: Kapanen + Zaitsev + a draft pick or prospect least as far as the trade deadline, and for good reason. Is there a big deal the two teams can agree on that makes sense for both sides? Our Oilers: Larsson + Manning James Mirtle and Jonathan Willis sat down to discuss the possibility. Who says no there?

James Mirtle: OK so, I look at the Leafs needs, in terms of what they Willis: That’s a tough one. Larsson obviously wasn’t worth Taylor Hall … need to accomplish this offseason, and I look at the Oilers, and it feels is Kasperi Kapanen too much of a tip of the scales in the other direction? like there’s a fit there. But can we negotiate a deal that makes sense for Given that he’s 22, coming off a 20-goal season and under long-term both sides? What would that look like? team control, I think that’s something Edmonton would have to think I’m going to put Nikita Zaitsev out there and back away slowly … about

Jonathan Willis: I’ve always found the thought of a Zaitsev-to-Edmonton The other possibility here is that Edmonton doesn’t think as much of the deal interesting, because on the surface he doesn’t really fit what they idea of moving one of their left-shot D to the right side. Detroit did it a need. As much as they could use a second-pair RD, it’s so far down the bunch under Ken Holland, which is part of why I think it’s a realistic idea, list of priorities that I would have to think it’s a deal made in the pursuit of but in the event that they steadfastly refuse to deal Larsson, I can something the Oilers want much more: a scoring forward. imagine a scenario much like the one that kept coming up at the deadline – something built around Brown for Benning. Of which, of course, Toronto has several, though perhaps none so ideally suited to the Oilers as Kasperi Kapanen. Mirtle: And that deal is fine on both ends for sure. But it’s not nearly sexy enough to dedicate an entire story to – hence we’re digging deeper here Mirtle: Right – and I think that’s why perhaps there’s a fit there. The Leafs Young Willis. do have pieces to give on the wing, specifically right wing, and I think in the right situation they’d give those up. What’s it going to take to get Puljujarvi included?

If the offer is something like Zaitsev, Connor Brown and, say, a second- Willis: Not that much, I wouldn’t think. Puljujarvi clearly wants out of round pick, what does that earn from the Oilers? If you’re the GM, is Edmonton, and even with a new coach and new GM it wouldn’t be a there any scenario where that interests you? shock if there was some agreement on that point. Put it this way: if he was in the draft this year, I don’t think Edmonton takes him before the Willis: To some degree. The Oilers have a bunch of third line-ish right second round. wings, but they need so many forwards, as well as help on the PK, that Brown’s an interesting piece. I don’t know that he’s interesting enough to Mirtle: You have the Leafs attention … I’m sure Kyle Dubas would love to serve as the lynchpin of a Zaitsev trade, because as I see it a) he’s the take on a reclamation project like that. So there’s some additional value kind of talent Edmonton can probably get in free agency and b) Zaitsev’s there. probably overpaid by $1 million per year on a deal that’s two years too At the end of the day, how likely do you think it is that the Leafs and long. The second-round pick makes it interesting, but if I’m talking to Oilers find some common ground on something bigger than a Brown for Toronto and Zaitsev’s coming back I need a piece that’s hard to land Benning deal in the next few weeks? otherwise. Willis: I think the odds of a deal going down with any given team are The X-factor there of course is that the market may rate Zaitsev more always under 50 percent, unless there’s some compelling reason for highly than I do. But if he’s the albatross, the sweetener needs to be those two clubs to deal with each other. Toronto will have other options something bigger than Brown. as it looks to open up cap space, Edmonton has other options as it looks Mirtle: Right – well that’s the thing. Maybe there *isn’t* a fit for Zaitsev at to upgrade its forwards, and the deal we discussed requires sacrifices on all there, if they’re rating him correctly. What if Toronto also took back a both ends. Maybe one chance in five? They are good fits for each other. poor contract, like Manning’s? But there is one player that Edmonton would definitely be intrigued by we I’m putting Garret Sparks into the deal, too, by the way. haven’t discussed: Nazem Kadri. How interested is Toronto in moving him, and is there any way they do it without getting a centre back? Willis: That’s more interesting because it helps ease the cap crunch this year. Edmonton has some space but so many needs that they have to be Mirtle: Well, they’d likely have to go get a centre elsewhere. But that’s a careful where they spend it. As for Sparks, the question there is whether good avenue to investigate – if they can get Larsson, and get rid of Edmonton understands what it has in Koskinen – he shouldn’t enter next Zaitsev, I can see Kadri being part of a conversation that makes sense. season as the team’s starter if they can help it. Clearing cap space is imperative for Toronto, and it’s one advantage Edmonton can use as leverage in these talks. If you’re bringing Sparks in, it’s a Koskinen/Sparks tandem, and I think the word for that is ‘yuck.’ I don’t think Kadri’s untouchable. They’ll just need an alternative plan for who is their 3C, and I don’t think it’ll be Nylander. Mirtle: I can see a scenario where Toronto can take back bad money, if it’s not overly onerous. They could buy out Manning’s deal and still come Willis: And the problem for the Oilers is that outside of Larsson they out ahead on cap space. probably don’t have the centrepiece Toronto needs to make a deal attractive. If Larsson’s on the table I’d have to think Kapanen takes What does a deal look like if Zaitsev isn’t involved? The Leafs would precedence over Kadri or someone like Andreas Johnsson given his age. desperately like to add someone like Larsson, but is there any scenario where that makes sense for the Oilers? Even if a Kapanen is in play? Do Mirtle: I’m not sure we really solved anything here. But it’s intriguing the they have enough on the back end to subtract a major piece to fix what idea of two Canadian teams, that have both been through ground-up ails them up front? rebuilds and are rivals of sorts, doing a big deal like this that potentially makes both teams better. Willis: I was going to bring up Larsson, because to me Zaitsev coming back actually makes the most sense as an adjunct to a Larsson-for- This is going to be a fascinating next couple of weeks for both franchises. forward scenario. Willis: It is that. Even if we don’t see a trade between these two teams, I very much doubt Edmonton wants to move Larsson given that their we might see the kinds of deal we’ve just discussed from both the Oilers next-best right-shot defenceman is Matt Benning. But he’s also coming and Leafs, just with other partners: Edmonton adding forwards, Toronto shedding money and shoring up the right side of its blueline. The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147543 Edmonton Oilers A team looking to acquire Puljujarvi might reach out to his former coaches in an attempt to get some kind of read on the player and how he digests information and instruction. Todd McLellan, not exactly known as Lowetide: Are these Jesse Puljujarvi’s final days with the Edmonton a coach who routinely tears a strip off his players publicly, had some Oilers? words with a hint of frustration in them about the young Finn:

“Jesse’s had some moments where he’s played really well and he’s still learning and some other moments where he’s got caught doing some By Allan Mitchell Jun 19, 2019 things that affect the team at the other end or maybe the teammates coming onto the ice. We’ve talked, and talked and talked to him about it

and he’ll just have to keep working at it.” In the first game of his NHL career, Jesse Puljujarvi received the puck in The numbers in 2018-19 under two coaches are also a worry. Puljujarvi the neutral zone and quickly sent it to the back wall behind goalie Brian did show some progress under Ken Hitchcock, but not nearly enough to Elliott of the Calgary Flames. The big Finn swooped to the net front (left suggest his NHL future is clear. side), then began tracking the puck (trailing the play by two strides) as the Flames began moving it up the left side. A quick, unexpected It isn’t pretty. Things like confidence and role shouldn’t have a massive turnover landed the puck within Puljujarvi’s impressive reach. In the wink impact, but in the case of Puljujarvi it’s reasonable to suggest the yo-yo of an eye, he corralled the puck, sent a quick, awkward attempt at the seasons between lines one and four (and between Edmonton and net, and cashed goal number six for the Oilers on a very offensive night. Bakersfield) conspired against any kind of progress.

Fans loved him from the start, but that moment was a career highlight for How much of this is on the player and how much on the team? I’ve been player and fans. The question we have to ask entering draft weekend: Is consistent in hammering the organization for things like communication that all there is? Have we seen the last of Jesse Puljujarvi in an and adapting to lifestyle, but there’s also an expectation that the player Edmonton Oilers uniform? has to improve areas of weakness.

The positives Does it matter? At this point, it appears the die is cast.

Puljujarvi, like Nail Yakupov before him, is wildly popular with Oilers fans. The future His openness to the public, his ‘gentle giant’ personality and warm smile have endeared him to the locals. That’s good, but doesn’t mean a damn Puljujarvi has a lot of fans in Edmonton. Today’s news will probably get thing when the puck isn’t going in the right direction. JP’s game is almost some negative reaction towards the player on social media, but the solely dependent on confidence: When he has it, the living is easy. When majority will blame the team. Puljujarvi is the latest (and hopefully the he doesn’t, the big smile is lost in a sky full of rain clouds. last) in a rather long line of high picks who haven’t found their way with the Oilers. It’s one reason for the many years of struggle. There is one game stat where Puljujarvi has flourished in his three seasons: When Connor McDavid is his centre. PULJUJÄRVI’S AGENT MARKUS LEHTO:

2016-17 with McDavid: 0-4-4 in 84:01 (2.86 5-on-5 points per 60) ”IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE TO GO BACK WHERE WE WERE LAST SEASON, IT’S NOT GOOD FOR EITHER SIDE. DISCUSSIONS ABOUT 2017-18 with McDavid: 5-3-8 in 256:57 (1.87 5-on-5 points per 60) PARTING WAYS HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR WEEKS ALREADY. JESSE NEEDS A FRESH START AND IT’S NOTHING AGAINST THE 2018-19 with McDavid: 1-1-2 in 66:46 (1.80 5-on-5 points per 60) OILERS”. #NHLFI In the year he played a substantial amount with McDavid, Puljujarvi’s — TOMMI SEPPÄLÄ (@TOMMISEPPALA) JUNE 19, 2019 numbers were quite respectable. He played 177 minutes on a line with 97 and Milan Lucic, the trio outscoring opponents 8-4 and winning the Puljujarvi and his agent timed the news for maximum effect and may possession battle (55 percent) via Corsica. It’s important, because any hope to embarrass the organization into solving the issue quickly. Ken team looking for a sign of NHL success does in fact have something Holland would do well to slow-play the story, to insist on something close resembling a template — Puljujarvi has shown signs of being a to full value, and have things roll out over the summer and into the fall. complementary offensive winger playing with a top-end, generational It’s possible the player signs in Europe and spends the season there. centre. The problem? He’s just asked out of the one city that houses a There’s also a chance Puljujarvi gets frustrated and fires his agent, top-end, generational centre and there aren’t 31 McDavids in the NHL. seeking a new opportunity.

The negatives Oilers fans have a right to expect new management to get the best deal possible, even if that means waiting until next summer. Jesse Puljuajrvi Until Wednesday, one could have mentioned that the player hadn’t asked has no real power over the situation, beyond not attending camp or to be traded recently — but even that mild boast went up . committing to a European team. Edmonton isn’t close to a championship, JESSE PULJUJARVI HAS MADE IT CLEAR TO THE EDMONTON so replacing JP with a veteran free agent is a simple short-term solution. OILERS HE WANTS TO BE TRADED. HE WANTS A FRESH START The alternative? Edmonton receives something close to full value. I think TO HIS YOUNG NHL CAREER. IT’S BELIEVED THE OILERS ARE the Winnipeg Jets (), St. Louis (Jordan Kyrou), New York WILLING TO ACCOMMODATE, BUT WON’T GIVE HIM AWAY AND Rangers (Brett Howden), Minnesota (Joel Eriksson Ek) and Carolina INTEND ON BEING PATIENT IN FINDING A RIGHT FIT. Hurricanes (Julien Gauthier) might represent a talent pool Holland finds — (@DARRENDREGER) JUNE 19, 2019 inviting for a trade. Some of those names hold far more current value than Puljujarvi but that isn’t Holland’s problem. He can ask for fair value, There had been some hope that the Puljujarvi side would reconsider its and if none is offered, he can wait. That’s the play here. position (original stated in February, via Ryan Rishaug of TSN) on moving out of Edmonton and into a new NHL situation. The Dreger tweet Gauthier is the one outlier, having spent his pro career (so far) in the and followup suggests a crossroads has been reached and the rest of minors. He increased his AHL goal total from 16 to 27 season over the story is going to be painful for Oilers fans. season, and Sarah Civian of The Athletic suggests “Gauthier looked more comfortable playing at a quick pro pace this season.” He might be a Nail Yakupov, Justin Schultz and other youngsters have been sent away, candidate for Edmonton in a trade involving Puljujarvi. with the return wildly disappointing in each case. As an example, do you know the player Edmonton used on the draft pick acquired for Yakupov? Draft weekend Schultz? If I told you one of those two men got traded for the draft pick Oilers fans should expect Ken Holland to take charge of the situation, to that was used on Cameron Crotty, could you name the Oilers player be aggressive and have a specific value in mind when talking about a dealt? Most of the time, the team trading a fine young prospect who trade with Puljujarvi. We should not see a repeat of the 2011 draft, when struggles under this kind of scenario is dealing for distant bells and James Duthie asked an increasingly agitated Steve Tambellini about a ultimate long shots. Ryan Smyth trade that hovered over draft day; rather, it’s likely the The coaches organization will put the story aside early in the proceedings and address the issue after the free-agent window opens in July. If the team signs a couple of right wingers in free agency, even mid-level, that might force Puljujarvi’s hand.

The Oilers must get real value for Jesse Puljujarvi. The date of the trade is unimportant, but the return is vital. Expect Ken Holland to proceed accordingly.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147544 Edmonton Oilers he eventually clears waivers in the fall, that player and his salary can be buried in the AHL for either no cost (Cave) or little penalty (Brodziak – $125,000) against the cap.

Analyzing the early Edmonton Oilers’ 2019-20 depth chart Moving out Lucic’s $6-million salary for this year (and the next three after that) would be a major coup for Holland. Of course, that’s easier said than done; Lucic’s production hasn’t been close to being in line with his By Daniel Nugent-Bowman Jun 19, 2019 salary for at least two seasons and he has a no-movement clause. There are plenty of internal options to replace what Lucic brings to the fourth

line at less than one-sixth of the cost. This is a look at the Oilers’ depth chart heading into what’s still the Defencemen infancy of Ken Holland’s first offseason as GM. As you can see below, the Oilers could have more than $9 million in available space (if the cap Left defence Right defence space for next season increases to $83 million). That amount is far from being set in stone, though. Oscar Klefbom ($4.167M) Adam Larsson ($4.167M)

While restricted free agents Tobias Rieder and Ty Rattie aren’t expected Darnell Nurse ($3.2M) Kris Russell ($4M) to be issued qualifying offers, Jujhar Khaira and Jesse Puljujarvi still Andrej Sekera ($5.5M) Matt Benning ($1.9M) need to be accounted for either in the form of re-signing or trade. If retained, they’ll both command modest raises, which will slightly eat into Brandon Manning ($2.25M) Joel Persson ($1M) the cap. Vying for spots: Evan Bouchard ($894,167), Dmitri Samorukov The good news with this projection is it must include high-priced players ($825,000), William Lagesson ($741,666), Caleb Jones ($720,000), on multi-year deals such as Milan Lucic, Andrej Sekera and Kris Russell. Ethan Bear ($720,000) Cap savings could follow if any of them are dealt in the coming days or weeks, which would allow Holland to reinvest some money elsewhere. Unrestricted free agents: Alex Petrovic, Kevin Gravel The cap hit of Brandon Manning’s last contract year will almost certainly Notes: On paper, the Oilers are set on defence. That’s on paper. be lessened either when if he clears waivers and is demoted in the fall or is bought out by month’s end. A remodelling of the blueline would be useful since the Oilers were sixth- last in goals against in 2018-19. Oscar Klefbom and Darnell Nurse are Only those present on the depth chart and under contract are in the near locks to return, but all bets are off after that. salary total here. It’s a total of 18 players: nine forwards, eight defencemen and one goaltender. Adam Larsson was the subject of trade speculation in February and could be a piece to acquire a forward. Like Larsson, Russell and Sekera Forwards have two years remaining on their contracts. But they’re on the wrong Left wing Centre Right wing side of 30 and their salaries are too hefty in relation to their skills. It’ll be tough to deal them because they also have no-trade protection; Russell Leon Draisaitl ($8.5M) Connor McDavid ($12.5M) Zack has a 10-team trade list and Sekera can veto a deal to half the teams in Kassian ($1.95M) the NHL. Ridding their contracts would be a huge benefit. It’s hard to imagine another team trading for Manning, but the Oilers can save Joakim Nygard ($925K) Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ($6M) Open $1.025 million if he clears waivers and is sent to Bakersfield in the fall. A spot buyout saves the Oilers $1,333,333 next season but costs them Jujhar Khaira (RFA) Colby Cave ($675K) Jesse Puljujarvi (RFA) $667,777 in 2020-21.

Milan Lucic ($6M) Kyle Brodziak ($1.15M) Sam Gagner Revising a Matt Benning trade to the Maple Leafs for Connor Brown ($3.15M) would not only help up front but could clear room for all the prospects closing in on NHL jobs. With a $1-million contract, Joel Persson has an Vying for spots: Cooper Marody ($925,000), Kailer Yamamoto inside track on one of the spots. However, he’s waivers exempt, so he ($894,166), Tyler Benson ($808,333), Brad Malone ($700,000), Joseph can be sent down to the AHL in the fall. Of the regular Condors Gambardella ($700,000), Patrick Russell ($700,000), Josh Currie defencemen, William Lagesson could be the most NHL-ready, whereas ($687,500) Caleb Jones has the most upside and appeared in 17 games with the Oilers in 2018-19. Unrestricted free agents: Alex Chiasson Evan Bouchard started this past season in Edmonton and was the OHL’s Notes: The Oilers need a lot of help up front. That’s no secret. Basically, defenceman of the year. He and fellow junior standout Dmitri Samorukov the only place they’re set is perhaps the most important spot on a roster: are highly regarded but will probably need some seasoning in two top centres. There, they have arguably the game’s best player Bakersfield. (Connor McDavid), the only 50-goal, 100-point NHLer of this past season (Leon Draisaitl) and a 26-year-old coming off a career-high 69-point Goalies campaign (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins). Mikko Koskinen ($4.5M) The rest of the forward ranks is a complete mess. Open spot The Oilers are paper thin on the wings. The expectation is one of Draisaitl or Nugent-Hopkins – likely the former – will continue to be Vying for spots: None shuffled to the left side with McDavid to create more offence and secure Unrestricted free agents: Anthony Stolarz more ice time. Aside from those three, Zack Kassian is the only returning forward to hit double digits in the goal department. He scored 15 thanks Notes: Peter Chiarelli’s last move in January – with the backing of his to riding shotgun with McDavid and Draisaitl late in the year. (Chiasson scouts, colleagues and Bob Nicholson – was to overpay Mikko Koskinen. netted a career-best 22 goals, but his production fell off drastically in the While Holland probably wishes he wasn’t saddled with that contract now, second half. He’ll only be back on a cheap deal.) there’s almost certainly no turning back.

Kassian isn’t a true first-line winger. In fact, none of the three potential As a result, Holland said he wants to find a netminder capable of playing returnees are prototypical top-sixers. So, the Oilers could use at least two at least 30 games to partner with his incumbent. That won’t be Anthony scoring flanks – especially one for Nugent-Hopkins, who’s been bogged Stolarz, who finished this past season riding the pine in Edmonton. Nor down by underwhelming linemates. One internal option could be AHL all- will it be Shane Starrett, who made the AHL’s all-rookie team. rookie team member Tyler Benson. He had 66 points in 68 games and only turned 21 in March. Holland expects to find his 1B goalie on the free agent market. In a perfect scenario, he spends no more than half of what he’s paying Holland has repeatedly spoken about his desire to improve the bottom Koskinen on his second netminder. six. Paramount in the overhaul is a new third-line centre to replace one of Colby Cave or Kyle Brodziak. If one of Cave or Brodziak isn’t traded and He should have several options there: Semyon Varlamov, Mike Smith, Cam Talbot, Cam Ward, Brian Elliott, Michal Neuvirth, Ryan Miller, Robin Lehner, Petr Mrazek, Keith Kincaid and Curtis McElhinney.

Of course, some of those options are better fits than others.

Total cap hit: $73.2 million

Available cap space: $9.8 million (if the ceiling gets to $83 million)**

Estimated RFA costs: $2.5 million

* Not listed but included in cap hit total: Benoit Pouliot’s buyout of $1,333,333 and Eric Gryba’s buyout of $300,000.

** Some of this cap space will be eaten up by roster hopefuls making the team, re-signings and outside signings.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147545 Florida Panthers

Aleksander Barkov becomes second Florida Panther to win Lady Byng trophy

SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL |JUN 19, 2019 | 8:45 PM

The Florida Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov was awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on Wednesday night at the NHL annual awards show in Las Vegas.

The trophy is given to “the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability”.

Barkov, 23, led the Panthers with a franchise-record 96 points (35 goals and 61 assists), surpassing Pavel Bure (94, 1999-00).

The 6-foot-3 forward, addressing the Las Vegas crowd, joked: “We have more fans from Finland than from Florida here.

“I want to thank the Florida Panthers organization, management, owners, everybody who believed in me from day one," Barkov added. "Of course, my teammates. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible. Of course, most importantly, my family. My parents, my brother and my girlfriend, Julia. So, thank you very much.”

Barkov is the first Finn to win the award since Edmonton Oilers future Hall of Famer Jari Kurri in 1985.

Finishing 10th in point-scoring, Barkov set career highs in games, goals, assists, points, power-play goals (13), power-play points (31), faceoff win percentage (53.69), shooting percentage (17.0) and takeaways (100).

“The Florida Panthers organization is incredibly proud of Aleksander,” said Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Dale Tallon. “It’s a tremendous honor to win the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, and we’re gratified that Aleksander’s exemplary character, sportsmanship and high standard of playing ability has been recognized in this manner."

Barkov is only the fourth Finnish-born NHL player to reach the 90-point mark in a season, joining Kurri, Teemu Selanne and former Panther Olli Jokinen.

Defenseman Brian Campbell had been the only Panther to have won the Byng (2011-12).

Barkov won the award over Sean Monahan (Calgary Flames) and Ryan O’Reilly (St. Louis Blues).

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147546 Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers to hold development camp at the end of June, will be open to fans

By CHRISTIAN SIMMONS

Fans will be able to check out the Florida Panthers’ new players for free at the team’s development camp this summer.

The camp, which runs from June 27 to June 30, gives the team a chance to work with its younger players and evaluate its talent through on-ice and off-ice workouts.

Fans can be there through the whole process. Every practice, which will be held at the Florida Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs, will be open to the public.

Here are the times that fans can catch a practice session:

Thursday, June 27

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Red Squad: 1:55 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Blue Squad: 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Friday, June 28

Blue Squad: 8:40 a.m. to 10:25 a.m.

Red Squad: 10:40 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.

Saturday, June 29

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Red Squad: 8:40 a.m. to 10:25 a.m.

Blue Squad: 10:40 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.

Sunday, June 30

Red/Blue Squad Scrimmage: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The NHL draft will take place this Friday and Saturday. The Panthers have the 13th, 52nd, 69th, 104th, 106th, 114th, 137th, 169th and 199th picks.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147547 Los Angeles Kings strength entries. Whatever you were working on, it wasn’t so much ‘do it,’ but it was why you were doing it and how are you going to accomplish that. He was terrific in that aspect.

What can we expect from the Kings as offseason reaches a critical point? “Coaching techniques and style has evolved with play over the years but that allowed you to buy into it.”

By Lisa Dillman Jun 19, 2019 The interview took place before the Kings officially announced the hiring of Trent Yawney as assistant coach on Tuesday. Yawney had been with McLellan this past season with the Edmonton Oilers and previously helped mold the Ducks’ young defensive corps for four seasons as an Welcome to the first edition of cleaning out the hockey notebook, shaking assistant. out every last quote and bit of insight and quick-hit info from the Kings before heading to the NHL Draft in Vancouver. “Yawns was great to me,” said Ducks defenseman via text message. “He pushed me to be a better defender and tried to help me Included are takeaways from my recent conversations with Kings general round out my game in my own end. He pushed me hard and expected a manager and Kings director of scouting Mark Yannetti. lot but was always fair and showed a lot of belief, which I’m thankful for.” The Kings already have crossed one item off their to-do list, buying out It is a big addition for the Kings, who earlier lost goaltending development the contract of defenseman on Saturday when the window guru Dusty Imoo to the KHL. The Kings will need to replace Imoo – not for such moves opened. They are also working on re-signing restricted an easy task, by any means. free agents Adrian Kempe, Cal Petersen, Alex Iafallo, Michael Amadio and Brendan Leipsic. Internally, they also will be looking for another assistant coach with the . David Bell is no longer with the team and a new assistant In quick succession comes the draft on Friday and Saturday, will be announced at a later date, according to the Reign. development camp in El Segundo next week and the so-called free-agent frenzy on July 1. Gabe Vilardi

For what it’s worth, it is sounding like frenzy won’t be the best word to Think about it: Nearly 11 months ago, Team Canada announced that describe the atmosphere in the Kings’ offices that day. prospect Gabe Vilardi would not play in the high-profile World Junior Summer Showcase in Kamloops, British Columbia. How about Free Agency Sanity? An issue with his back had surfaced. Blake spoke, briefly, about free agency with The Athletic this week in addition to a few other topics. This put the Kings in wait-and-see mode and Blake used some of those words when asked by The Athletic about Vilardi for what felt like the NHL Draft 100th time since last July. In a recent conversation with Yannetti, I supplied five names to him of top Blake said that there was no update on Vilardi’s medical situation and prospects and he spoke about their attributes. A lot of time was spent on confirmed that Vilardi has not been skating, adding: “He’s got to get highly regarded forward Kirby Dach of the Saskatoon Blades, but that’s healthy before getting on with that stuff. There’s no real update.” because Yannetti’s comparisons of Dach to Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf were worth examining further. Vilardi has played in four games – all with the AHL’s Ontario Reign this past season – since the Kings took him with the No. 11 pick in the 2017 We pretty much ran out of time so I wasn’t able to expand my list beyond draft. five players. The next player on my list was skilled center Trevor Zegras from USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. Understandably, there are countless questions about Vilardi’s future. Most can’t be answered … even by someone with a medical degree. Late in the season, Blake saw quite a bit of defenseman Bowen Byram of Backs are that unpredictable. the Vancouver Giants and Dach. And he is obviously familiar with Zegras. But if the last 11 months have felt long to Kings management and fans, that time must feel like an eon to Vilardi. “I think he’s got good vision, good playmaker” Blake said. “He’s bounced around from center to wing at different times. Terrific team there – lots of Yannetti’s View high-end skill. He fit right in.” Talking with Yannetti is a lot like having a chat with former Kings general Free Agency manager Dean Lombardi. The major difference, however, is Yannetti doesn’t sprinkle his conversation with Derek Jeter and Larry Bird Blake’s thoughts echoed some of the sentiments of Kings president Luc references. Robitaille, who said in a recent interview with The Athletic that he would be surprised if the Kings went “shopping in the big market.” One of the topics in my recent interview with Yannetti involved the recent NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo. “I don’t think we’re in a position to be adding much,” Blake said. “Whether that’s a philosophy or not, I’m not sure. We’ve got a full roster right now “I always find combines, if you learn something big enough, good or bad and that’s where we’re at.” that has a huge effect on your work, someone in the organization hasn’t not done their job,” Yannetti said. “You will never have all the information. Of note, this conversation took place before the Philadelphia Flyers That is not possible. But you should know these players before we go to signed Kevin Hayes to a seven-year, $50 million contract. the combine. Again, Blake noted that the Kings will have eight to 10 new professionals “We talk to them at the combine. We’re asking the right questions. You in the pipeline. have 20 minutes at the combine – you don’t have time to fish. Are there “These kids are young and they take time. Where they fit into the system some surprises at the combine? Yes. and how they grow and how we develop them is key from now on,” he “Are things guys saying at the combine affecting their positions on the said. list? Absolutely. I think it affects it in a much smaller way – moves a guy Todd McLellan up a couple spaces, a guy back a couple spaces. It’s rarely something that is unexpected. This might be familiar territory but Blake played for McLellan in San Jose, the final two seasons of Blake’s long and distinguished NHL career, from “In our history, we moved one guy up in a macro way – where he moved 2008-2010. McLellan, the Kings’ new head coach, was hired two months up quite a bit – and it was a mistake.” ago. How much can they find out about a prospect when players are far more For Blake, what stood out about McLellan’s coaching style? polished and poised? In other words, how can you get an unfiltered view? “For me, a lot of it was the explanation why we do things,” Blake said. “He was really detailed – whether it was power-play entries or even- It’s about asking the right question. “Polished is not necessarily bad,” Yannetti said. “Polished can mean politician, where you’ve got have that disingenuous thing, or the clichés. But polished can mean the kid is driven.

“John Tavares is one of the most polished kids I’ve ever talked to. The first time I talked to John Tavares, I knew he was a difference-maker. I knew he was a leader. He was groomed for it. Of course he’s going to be polished, he was groomed for it since he was 12 years old.

“There was no negative at all about that that. I’m like, ‘Oh my God, you are bringing this kid into an organization, you are bringing a pro.’ You can bring this 16-year-old kid into the organization right now. He knows what he needs to do.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147548 Los Angeles Kings So, teams that spend to the cap are facing a crunch, which theoretically should enhance parity in a parity-rich league. (CapFriendly’s league-wide cap space chart is here, and whoa, Vegas.) On one hand, perhaps that PERRY BOUGHT OUT; LEIPSIC, RFA NEGOTIATIONS; DEV CAMP nudges the Kings towards the middle; on the other, perhaps it’s not in SCHEDULE; BLAKE their best interests to finish in the middle of the pack. Perhaps it is. There should be some really interesting movement around the league this week.

JON ROSENJUNE 19, 2019 — Development camp, ho! Via the LA Kings:

The LA Kings will host the team’s annual Development Camp at Toyota Sports Center next week. On-ice workouts are scheduled to begin on CONTRACTS AND FINANCESSCHEDULES Tuesday, June 25, and conclude on Friday, June 28. The format has Insiders. A fine Wednesday to you and yours. Notes: changed, and rather than break the prospects up into groups of forwards, defensemen and goalies, they’ll be assigned to either Team Black or — Happy trails, Corey Perry. A first-ballot Freeway Faceoff Hall of Team White. The SoCalGas In The Pipeline Scrimmage takes place at Famer, Perry was bought out by Anaheim and will become an 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27. Season Ticket Members will receive (or unrestricted free agent on July 1. One of 29 members of the Triple Gold have received) an email to RSVP to secure their free tickets in advance. Club – welcome to the club, – Perry’s Olympic gold, Remaining seats are also free and will be available on a first-come, first- World Championship gold and Stanley Cup place him in rare company, served basis. as does his 2011 Hart Trophy. Over 73 career games against Los Angeles, the 34-year-old amassed 24 goals and 47 points as a Duck. Development Camp Schedule and Media Availability (Subject to change – all times approximate) Let’s not wax too poetic about Corey Perry. But with 988 career games played, the decision to end his Anaheim tenure 12 games before a major Tuesday, June 25 milestone must have been excruciating for GM Bob Murray. 9:15 a.m. – Team Black Practice “This is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my 44 10:45 a.m. – Black vs. White Scrimmage years in the NHL,” Murray said in a statement. “Corey gave everything to this franchise for 14 years, never giving an inch to his competitors. While 11:45 a.m. – Team White Practice his scoring touch is undeniable, his will to win became his greatest attribute.” Wednesday, June 26

Bob Murray reiterated how difficult a decision it was to buy out Perry but 9:15 a.m. – Team White Practice he said they had to "open a door" for other players. A trade was explored 10:45 a.m. – Black vs. White Scrimmage but nothing materialized; Murray wasn't interested in taking back money. 11:45 a.m. – Team Black Practice — Curtis Zupke (@curtiszupke) June 19, 2019 Thursday, June 27 Who was the last player whose gamesmanship and antics drove Kings fans into such fits? Theo Fleury? I remember Craig Muni nearly starting a 9:15 a.m. – Team Black Practice riot at the Forum in 1991. Help me out here. 11:45 a.m. – Team White Practice Where’s the puck? (via Debora Robinson/NHLI) 6 p.m. – SoCalGas In The Pipeline Scrimmage* — Meanwhile, Kings. Executive Vice President, Hockey Operations and Legal Affairs Jeff Solomon is busy these days communicating with Friday, June 28 restricted free agents, and that includes Brendan Leipsic. The two sides 8:30 a.m. – Black vs. White Scrimmage have spoken recently, and asked whether the team intends to sign Leipsic, General Manager Rob Blake responded, “If we can, yeah.” The Development Camp roster – which will be released once finalized – Leipsic indicated he’d like to return near the end of the 2018-19 season, will include players in the Kings system, players who have been drafted sharing, “I’ve been in a lot of places, but I love it here in L.A.” (including many from this week’s 2019 NHL Draft) but not signed by the Kings, and other non-roster camp invites. Leipsic netted five goals and 18 points in 45 games as a King and has 13 goals and 48 points in 126 NHL games. RFAs must be tendered The first on-ice session for the Kings 2019 NHL Training Camp is qualifying offers by 2:00 p.m. Tuesday for teams to retain their rights. September 12 at Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo. Without a qualifying offer, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent. Rob Blake, on the RFAs: Michael Amadio, Adrian Kempe, Matt Roy, Cal Petersen, Alex Solly’s on all of them. We’ll get to work on all of those. There are our Lintuniemi, Daniel Brickley, Sheldon Rempal, Nikita Scherbak, Matheson RFA’s and we’ve got eight or ten new pros, not including those RFA’s, so Iacopelli and Pavel Jenys are RFAs, though Scherbak is signing with that’s why it’s a busy summer. We’re introducing all these new pros to KHL-Omsk and Iacopelli and Jenys aren’t expected to be qualified. our organization. We want to get these restricted free agents signed. Lintuniemi, selected in the second round in 2014, is another player We’ve got [to get] the coaching staff in order here and get that in order in whose qualification is not certain. Ontario also. — The salary cap appears to be staying flat (and may stay flat): Blake, on whether Blake Lizotte could push for a spot this season: Of course, NHL teams were provided the potential cap range at the We saw the roster near the end of the year and it’s going to be very board of governors meeting in December. The board meets again today similar to that and then like I said, we’ve got these new pros, but these in Vegas and there's a GMs meeting tomorrow in Vancouver, so it's not guys are young. They take time and I’m not going to rush it and force being kept secret. them to the NHL. The only three that have never played in the American Front offices are bracing for a cap under $82M. League are Doughty, Kopitar and I think Clifford maybe didn’t play early, he’s just gone down at a certain time for conditioning. — Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 19, 2019 Blake, on young players who could help on defense: It’s murky how this will affect the Kings, who intend to spend below the cap in 2019-20. I’d heard L.A. would like to stay somewhere around that Clague had a real good season last year and I think has $77-79-million or $78-80-million range. (I guess that would make it “$77- done a really good job with him. Unfortunately, he broke his foot at the to-80-million.”) They don’t envision themselves as contenders and know end of the year. He would’ve been coming up to play games. That part of it’s going to take some time for The Plan or what-have-you to return them it for sure, Matty Roy came up and never came out of a game after that, to where they want to be, and Rob Blake said potentially “eight-to-ten Sean Walker, with his aspects. Those are the internal things that are young players” will play for the team this season. “Young players” aren’t going to help this team. expensive. LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147549 Minnesota Wild In the week since the Stanley Cup was handed out, five swaps were made — highlighting the greater depth in the trade market than the free- agent pool.

Wild's Jason Zucker, dealing with trade rumors, wins King Clancy “If I can improve this team by talking to other teams and we see a fit,” Memorial Trophy Fenton said, “then I’m going to go ahead and do something like that.”

He accepted an award as a member of a Wild, but how much longer will In the meantime, the spotlight will remain on Zucker. that remain the case? He received a $40,000 donation for winning the King Clancy, which honors the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune JUNE 20, 2019 the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.

The Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Studio opened March 25, Jason Zucker walked onto the stage, wrapped his fingers around the featuring a theater and state-of-the-art broadcast equipment, and it King Clancy Memorial Trophy and rattled off a list of thank yous. hosted children and staff Wednesday to watch Zucker at the awards show. He also mentioned Tucker Helstrom, acknowledging the bond that sparked a fundraiser to create the Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and New York Studio at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist were the other finalists. Minneapolis. The two met at the hospital while Helstrom was battling brain cancer before he died in 2016. And it’s Zucker’s work with the hospital that has helped put the sport in perspective for him while so much uncertainty lingers. Since its inception, the campaign has raised more than $1.2 million. “This is stuff that makes a huge difference in people’s lives, and we hope “Obviously, this is all about Tucker and him inspiring us,” Zucker said. we’re enriching the kids’ lives in the hospital and the community,” said Zucker, who’s spent his entire NHL career with the Wild. “This means a Zucker spearheaded this effort and accepted the recognition for it whole heck of a lot to me and my family and everybody involved. It’s Wednesday evening in Las Vegas at the NHL Awards as a member of been fun to share it with everybody, but it does — it puts hockey in a the Wild. really small category.” But his affiliation could be changing soon. Star Tribune LOADED: 06.20.2019 Jason Zucker said the late Tucker Helstrom was a big inspiration in starting the Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Studio.

A fixture in the rumor mill in recent years who was nearly moved out twice in the past four months, the winger still looks like the Wild’s top trade candidate when the hockey world descends on Vancouver this weekend for the draft — an opportunity to reshape the team’s roster instead of just stockpiling its pipeline.

“It’s just something for us that is part of the business,” Zucker said. “It’s just the way it goes.”

Last year’s draft in Dallas had a similar vibe for the Wild; Paul Fenton had been named general manager the previous month, and huddling with every team’s brass in the same arena for back-to-back days seemed like the perfect backdrop for him to start remaking the team he inherited.

Those changes, however, never materialized.

Instead, the draft was the start of a patient retooling undertaken by Fenton that lasted into the second half of last season. But different circumstances could make this weekend a more active one for the Wild.

Already, the team has tried to trade Zucker at least twice. A deal with the Flames at the trade deadline was broached but never executed, and just last month the Wild and Penguins were in talks to send Zucker and center Victor Rask to Pittsburgh in exchange for right winger Phil Kessel and defenseman Jack Johnson, a source confirmed.

That transaction fizzled when Kessel, a Wisconsin native and former Gopher, nixed it; he has a modified no-trade clause.

“I’m just focusing on my training and [getting] better and making sure that all the things I felt I didn’t do very well this year I’m getting better at and continuing to grow my game every year,” said Zucker, whose goal production dropped to 21 last season after he scored a career-high 33 in 2017-18.

After these botched trades, it not only seems clear the Wild is willing to cut ties with Zucker not even a year after he signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract, but that a divorce is inevitable. And there could be urgency to reach that resolution.

On July 1, Zucker has a modified no-trade clause that activates that prohibits him from being traded to 10 teams of his choosing — limiting Fenton’s maneuverability.

Fenton could also be motivated to work out a deal at the draft if he’s coveting picks in return, a haul that would give the Wild more flexibility this summer. That might come in handy when exploring other deals since trades could be the more desirable tool this offseason for teams looking to reshuffle their look. 1147550 Minnesota Wild

Wild’s Jason Zucker wins King Clancy Memorial Trophy

By Dane Mizutani

Jason Zucker has never cared about the accolades when it comes to his community service work. He does it simply because he feels like it’s the right thing to do.

Still, he was honored at the NHL Awards Show on Wednesday night at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, winning the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, an award given annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.

“I was more nervous there than I’ve ever been playing in a hockey game,” Zucker joked. “It was a lot of fun. It was fun to be able to share it with my family.”

It’s the second year in a row Zucker was named a finalist for the award. He has put most of his focus into the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.

He and his wife Carly launched the #GIVE16 campaign a couple of years ago, and it has raised nearly $1.5 million. That helped fund the Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Studio, a state-of-the-art space located in the lobby of the hospital designed to provide young patients with an escape.

His work in the Twin Cities became more focused after he built a special bond with Tucker Helstrom, a young cancer patient. Helstrom died on July 2, 2016, and since then, Zucker has been doing everything in his power to keep his memory alive.

“It really put things in perspective for me,” Zucker said. “As much as this sport is a big part of my life, in a lot of ways, that showed me that it’s also a very, very small part of my life in the grand scheme of things.”

As for how he builds on this positive momentum?

“I don’t know yet,” Zucker said. “That’s what we’ve got to figure out. We are excited to figure that out and keep moving forward. We are just getting started. We have a lot of years ahead of us. We are looking forward to keeping it going.”

Pioneer Press LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147551 Minnesota Wild — Carly would stay in the state even if he’s traded, due to family reasons.

“We’re only getting started,” he said. “This is only Year 2 of this. We have Wild’s Jason Zucker receives King Clancy trophy for humanitarian work a lot of years ahead of us with a lot of great things in the works that will be a lot of fun.”

By Zack Pierce Zucker does plan to always have an annual event in town, and the #GIVE16 campaign and his relationship with Rudolph, the Vikings tight end, and the hospital will always exist, he says.

After all the nights on the ice under the pressure of the NHL stage, it was Added Carly in an interview with Russo earlier this week, “We’ll never, an award-show stage that made Jason Zucker sweat. ever stop doing that because Minnesota will always be a home for us.”

The Wild forward received the NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy on The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 Wednesday, given to the player who best exemplifies “leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community,” after a year that saw him raise more than $1 million for a local hospital in Minneapolis.

But the trip up to the stage for his acceptance speech tested his nerves.

“I was more nervous there than playing hockey my whole life, I think,” Zucker said.

He received the honor after a year that saw the completion of the Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Studio at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Through the ongoing #GIVE16 campaign — named after his jersey number to encourage donations in denominations of 16 — he and wife Carly have raised nearly $1.5 million.

“It’s the Minnesota community in general,” Zucker said after receiving the honor. “They pull you in and they hold you tight and make sure you feel a part of the community in every way. That’s what Carly and I have felt from Day 1 with this campaign and with #GIVE16 in general.”

Along with the King Clancy trophy, Zucker received a $40,000 donation from the NHL for his charity. Fellow finalists Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Arizona Coyotes and Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers each received $5,000 for charities of their choosing.

Carly and Jason Zucker

The philanthropic push traces back to a meeting Zucker had with an 8- year-old boy named Tucker Helstrom, who passed away in 2016 of a rare form of bone cancer. The two met during a team visit to the same University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital at which the Zuckers would later build the broadcast studio.

Jason and Carly, a KFAN contributor, organized a number of fundraisers to create “Team Tucker’s Locker” inside the Kyle Rudolph End Zone at the hospital.

So inspired, they then launched the #GIVE16 campaign in an effort to build the studio inside the hospital.

Zucker was able to speak to Tucker’s mom, Dana Anderson-Helstrom, before Wednesday night’s ceremony.

“This is all about Tucker and him inspiring us to do all these things, so it was great to talk to her today,” Zucker said. “We definitely had Tucker on our minds, and he was at the forefront of all of this.”

Among other things this past season, the Zuckers had a night during which 16 suites were purchased and donated to patients and staff at the hospital. Jason Zucker also donated $1,600 per goal he scored and co- designed 16 hats for purchase that were unveiled prior to the final 16 games of the season.

The honor comes at a strange time for Zucker and the Wild. He was nearly traded during the season to Calgary, then again last month to Pittsburgh. Both trades fell through, and now he is once again a subject of trade rumors this week at the NHL Draft. In a long interview with The Athletic’s Michael Russo this week, Zucker even quipped about the possibility of being traded before the King Clancy announcement.

But, Zucker insisted Wednesday, the charity work makes the hockey drama seem insignificant by comparison.

“We hope that we’re enriching the kids’ lives in the hospital and in the community,” Zucker said. “This means a whole heck of a lot to me and my family and everybody involved. It puts hockey in a really small category.”

Whether Zucker is traded or not, he doesn’t expect the philanthropic efforts to slow down. And his tie to the Minnesota community will persist 1147552 Minnesota Wild “Like, thumbing through the list of first-round goalies, there’s not a lot of stars. But there are a lot of the Mark Visentins of the world, who Phoenix took in the first round in 2010. He’s not exactly a household name.”

A goalie at No. 12? Why Spencer Knight might be a fit for the Wild’s first In other words, you better be convinced the goalie is something special. pick TSN draft expert Craig Button, who began his NHL managerial career with the in the 1980s, knows how much the Wild By Michael Russo Jun 19, 2019 could use a true scorer or future center.

He was asked if he would risk passing up a forward to take a goalie if he were Fenton. The one thing Paul Fenton has been clear about in recent weeks is that when the Minnesota Wild are put on the clock during the first round of the “The first thing I look at is, ‘OK, who’s the goalie?’” Button said during a NHL Draft Friday night, the first name remaining on the Wild’s draft list is phone interview with The Athletic. “I think Spencer Knight is a No. 1 the name he will utter from that stage inside Rogers Arena in Vancouver. goaltender in the National Hockey League. I have no doubt about it. I think you start to look at the abilities, the talents of Spencer Knight, what “No matter the position,” the Wild general manager has stressed over he’s done, and clearly … you’re always projecting. and over … and over again. “But you project a defenseman, you project centers and wingers, so why That means, as much as the Wild could use a blue-chip center or a high- would you not project a goalie? Everyone needs a No. 1 goalie last time I scoring forward or a top-pair defenseman in the pipeline, if somebody like looked.” goaltender Spencer Knight was atop the Wild’s list when it comes down to the 12th overall pick, Fenton wouldn’t be afraid to choose Knight with Embedded video his 2019 first-rounder. Stars n’ Stripes Hockey

Now, this may seem far-fetched to Wild fans craving a forward, but the @StarsStripesHKY Wild do like the USA Hockey product and future Boston College goalie a lot and they also need to at some point come up with a long-term solution Spencer Knight keeps Team  within one late in the 2nd period with in goal with 33-year-old Devan Dubnyk’s contract two years from some nice work in net. expiring. Off a Jack Hughes turnover, Knight gets some help from the cross bar, Many scouts consider Knight the best goalie prospect in the draft since before flashing the leather on Mikael Hakkarainen. #NTDP. Carey Price was taken fifth overall by the in 2005. The Athletic’s Corey Pronman featured Knight in March and analyzed the 5 debate of taking a goalie in the first round. 12:16 PM - Nov 1, 2018 For years, teams have been hesitant taking goaltenders in the first round, See Stars n’ Stripes Hockey's other Tweets let alone in the top-15. Twitter Ads info and privacy If Knight goes in the top-18, he would be the highest-drafted goalie since the Dallas Stars took Jack Campbell 11th overall in 2010. In 33 games with the U.S. National U18 team last season, Knight had a 2.36 goals-against average and .913 save percentage. He was especially Embedded video sharp at the U18 World Championship in Sweden in April, posting a 1.51 New Jersey Devils goals-against average and a .936 save percentage in six games as the U.S. team took bronze. ✔ “Goalies take some time,” Button said. “I understand that some of them @NJDevils take some time, and not everybody’s on the same timeline. But that’s also true of defensemen and forwards as well. I just think that if you’re Top-ranked goaltender Spencer Knight talks about being compared to looking at Devan Dubnyk, how many more years is he signed for? Carey Price and playing alongside Jack Hughes. “Two. Think about it, it’s like the perfect sequence now. You grab the 143 goalie, you put him in an incubator. Let him grow, let him develop, and 10:51 AM - Jun 1, 2019 now you’ve got your goalie in two or more years. To me, you shouldn’t be drafting a goalie for today. You shouldn’t be drafting any player for 19 people are talking about this today.”

Twitter Ads info and privacy True, Dudley agrees, but his biggest concern with drafting goalies is there are so many unknown factors about the progression path when The reason is goaltending is such a crapshoot, not to mention there’s you’re scouting them as a teenager. usually a long-term development path. “My concern always is goaltenders often times mature at a different rate Take Campbell: Every goalie is different, but he was drafted nine years than everybody else,” Dudley said. “They get into their 20s and all of a ago and last season his 31 games with the Los Angeles Kings marked sudden they’re out of this world. You didn’t see that at 17. It’s hard the first time he has played more than five games in an NHL season. enough to rate normal players, but you talk about a goaltender, some kid He’s now 27 years old. that’s 6-1 and 152 pounds and two years later at 19 he’s 6-3 and 200 pounds and he’s a much quicker and powerful athlete with more Some first-rounders the Stars passed up on to take the goalie Campbell? coordination. Cam Fowler, Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarasenko, Nick Bjugstad, Kevin Hayes, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Charlie Coyle and Brock Nelson. “Goaltending for me is the one thing I consider nowhere near an exact science. And that’s a concern when you’re drafting a goaltender that may Rick Dudley, the senior vice president of hockey operations for the be six years down the road before he’s a full-time NHL goaltender. It’s Carolina Hurricanes, has run the draft table or been a top scout for just such a difficult process even if you’re certain he’s a sure-thing several teams along his managerial and scouting career with Ottawa, NHLer.” Tampa Bay, Florida, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto and Montreal. Do the Wild have a “Goalie of the Future” in the pipeline? He has never taken a goalie in the first round. Perhaps. We just don’t know yet. “It just scares the bejesus out of me because there’s so much evidence that you can find the Pekka Rinnes (eighth round in 2004) and Jonathan Kaapo Kahkonen had a strong start to his rookie AHL season, so much Quicks (third round in 2005) of the world later on, and as much as there so that he landed in the All-Star Game. But like a lot of young goalies, are guys like Carey Price and Roberto Luongo (fourth overall in 1997), especially those that come over from Europe and aren’t accustomed to there are many more examples the other way,” Dudley told The Athletic. the North American pro workload, he started to struggle and finished with a .908 save percentage and 2.78 goals-against average in 39 games in On an aside, similarly, just because the Wild have yet to be able to sign Iowa. prospect Kirill Kaprizov since drafting him in the fifth round in 2015, Fenton says that wouldn’t scare him off if Russian forward Vasili He ultimately had to take a backseat to veteran Andrew Hammond, Podkolzin was available at No. 12 if he was on top of the Wild’s draft list. who’s an unrestricted free agent, in the Calder Cup playoffs. “If he were available at that point, then we’d certainly have a decision to The Wild do expect Kahkonen to be better after having such an important make,” Fenton said. “I’ve taken a Russian in the first round in (Alex) development year under his belt. Radulov before. Certainly, when the time comes, if Kaprizov is able to Mat Robson signed with the Wild after the conclusion of the Gophers’ come over here and play (in 2020-21), it would be great to have season, the latest step in the effort to restock the franchise’s goalie somebody that he could be comfortable with. I’d have no problem with cupboards. (Dan Mick / for The Athletic) that.”

Mat Robson signed with the Wild out of the University of Minnesota in But back to goalies. From 1990-2013, of the 43 goalies taken in the first March. Fenton and amateur scout Brian Hunter scouted Robson round, 53.4 percent have played more than 100 games. Since 1963, of extensively and love the kid’s calm demeanor in net. the 64 goalies taken in the first round, only 34 have played more than 95 games and only 28 have won more than 92 NHL games. After burning the first year of his two-year contract to practice with the Wild’s main club down the stretch, Robson will get his first taste of pro The Wild have drafted 13 goalies in history, none since 2015 and nobody hockey next season in Iowa. higher than at 38th overall in 2002.

He went 21-17-5 in two years with the Gophers with a .924 save Of those 13 goalies, the only ones to have played more than 26 NHL percentage and 2.57 goals-against average. He backstopped the games are Harding (151), Darcy Kuemper (186 games, 161st overall in Penticton Vees to the 2017 BCHL Fred Page Cup as a BCHL First-Team 2009) and Anton Khudobin (188, 206th overall in 2004). All-Star. So, not unlike a positional skater, goalies can be risks.

But how good will he be? Button doesn’t think Knight is.

That’s to be determined. “Spencer to me fits every criteria for a No. 1 goalie,” Button said. “From The only other goalie currently in the Minnesota pipeline is 6-foot-6 the athleticism to the IQ, the hockey sense, the smarts, the competitive Déreck Baribeau, 20, an undrafted player the Wild signed out of the spirit, the mobility, the size. The calm, the poise. Some goaltenders are a Quebec League in 2017. The Wild haven’t decided yet whether they’ll little bit more emotional, but Spencer is just … he’s played a ton of turn him pro or return him to Baie-Comeau Drakkar for his final year of games as a 16- and 17-year-old, and it’s made him calm and confident. junior eligibility. “He knows how to use his size. He gets out, he closes down the net. Now, at the time he signed the now-23-year-old Robson, Fenton noted That’s because he reads the play so exceptionally well. He understands that he was almost like an “extra draft pick” for the Wild. what play is unfolding, he understands where the threats are, and then he makes it look easy at times because he’s so bloody smart. In other words, Fenton indicated that acquiring Robson “gives us an opportunity now to take another swing at something else maybe in the “I love goaltenders who are defiant. It’s like, ‘Beat me, go ahead, give me draft.” your best. I’m here. What are you going to do? What are you going to do? Make me uncomfortable because you’ll have to make a hell of a That would seem to indicate he’d look at forward or defense at 12th move.’ I love that about him. He’s got the defiance that says, ‘I’m going to overall. beat you. Good luck beating me.’”

But, you can never have too many bullets in the goaltending chamber. Embedded video

Just look at the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues who had their Minnesota Wild season saved by their supposed fourth-string goalie, Jordan Binnington. And if the Wild drafted Knight and lucked out by seeing two or three of ✔ the other goalies develop into studs, that would give the Wild GM one @mnwild heck of a trade chip in the future. "To be able to build your future through the draft is the most fun." — GM “Well, you’re right, I am an asset guy,” Fenton said last week. “I don’t Paul Fenton have a problem at all taking the best player that is available. And if it is a goalie, that’s exactly the way that I think you look at stuff. We all look to More ahead of this weekend's #NHLDraft  build our cupboards and to build our assets, and that’s what I would be looking to do.” 49

But, Fenton said, “you better be right. And I’ve drafted a goalie in the first 4:15 PM - Jun 18, 2019 round before and been wrong.” 18 people are talking about this Fenton is referring to Chet Pickard, whom he drafted 18th overall in 2008 when he was running the Nashville Predators’ draft. Twitter Ads info and privacy

Of the 52 goalies taken in the first round between 1963 and 2008, One team that could very well be looking at drafting Knight is directly according to hockey-reference.com, Pickard is the only one that has behind Minnesota. The Florida Panthers need to build up their goalie never played an NHL game. He played fewer than 50 AHL games and prospect pool and they pick 13th overall. now plays in Europe. “Look, I get why teams are scared to take goalies,” Button said. “They But one reason why Fenton didn’t want to pass up Pickard is that he was need more development time and a lot of times GMs don’t have that kind still bothered he didn’t draft Tuukka Rask in 2005. Fenton said the of time. Coaches certainly don’t. You start to think about the time it takes Predators decided to play it safe and not pick the goalie with the 18th them to develop. You factor in all those factors and you start to say, ‘OK, overall pick. They took Ryan Parent instead, and the defenseman only maybe we’ll hold off ‘til the middle rounds,’ where so many goalies have played 106 NHL games and none for Nashville. been found in the past.

“Rask turned out to be a star (after the drafted him “I get it. I get it. But if you’re a team that needs a goaltender, this is the and traded him to the Boston Bruins), and it’s something I’ve regretted,” year to get him in the first round. If you’re sure that’s the best pick for Fenton said. “It’s just the nature of the beast. I think what I’ve learned your team, then you’ve got to go back and say, ‘Hey, we believe in over time is that you take the best player that is available and I still feel ourselves, and we believe in our projection.’ Then you go from there no Rask was the best player available to us in 2005.” matter the criticism you may get in the short-term.”

So, in other words, if Knight is next on the Wild’s list of available players But, Button reiterates, he also knows the Wild really need an influx of skill at No. 12 on Friday, Fenton says he wouldn’t hesitate taking him. inside their prospect pool. At 12, he expects a number of skilled forwards and defensemen to still be on the board.

There’s Podkolzin, whom he calls a bulldog and somebody who could potentially help Kaprizov feel more comfortable assuming the Wild sign him next year.

There’s center Peyton Krebs, who just tore his Achilles’ tendon training. Button says that shouldn’t make any team shy away from a guy he compares to Conn Smythe winner Ryan O’Reilly.

“I mean, obviously you’ve got to get the medical report,” Button said. “I don’t want to act like I’m a doctor, but based on what I know, it’s no big deal, it’ll heal, he’ll be fine and it has no long-term consequences. It’s not like you need him in your lineup at the beginning of October.”

Others he expects to be there?

Center Alex Newhook, center Arthur Kaliyev and defenseman Victor Soderstrom.

“Spencer Knight or not, at No. 12, Minnesota will have their choice of some high-end No. 1 centers, scoring wingers or top defensemen,” Button said. “It’s a good group at that part of the draft.”

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147553 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens' Carey Price steals the show at NHL Awards

STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE

VANCOUVER — The Canadiens didn’t win any trophies at the NHL Awards Wednesday night in Las Vegas, but goalie Carey Price ended up stealing the show.

While the NHL paid tribute to its fans during the televised show, 11-year- old Anderson Whitehead was brought on stage to join Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Camille Kostek, who was an awards presenter. An online video of Anderson meeting Price went viral this past season. Anderson, who is from Brantford, Ont., is a huge Canadiens fan and Price is his favourite player. Anderson’s mother, Laura McKay, always wanted her son to meet the goalie, but wasn’t able to arrange it before she died last November at age 44 from cancer. After her death, the family found a way for Anderson to meet Price following a Canadiens morning skate before a game in Toronto on Feb. 23. The 11-year-old was brought to tears as Price took off his mask and gloves and then gave the sobbing boy a warm hug after the skate. The Montreal Gazette published a story about the meeting in early March after Anderson’s aunt, Tammy Whitehead, posted the video on her Facebook page and it went viral.

After Anderson was brought on the Las Vegas stage Wednesday night, Kostek pointed him in the direction of a giant screen for a surprise message from Price.

What a moment. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/u5nFdAt5Kw— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) June 20, 2019

“Hey, Anderson, hope you’re enjoying Vegas,” Price said in the video. “I just wanted to say that your mother was a special person and sharing that moment with you is something that I’ll always remember for the rest of my life. It was very special to me.

“But hold on … hold on,” Price said as he waved a hand at the camera and disappeared from the video screen.

“Where’s he going?” Kostek said to Anderson. “He didn’t finish his message.”

A couple of seconds later, Price appeared on stage and a stunned Anderson started to sob again. Price brought with him one of his Canadiens jerseys and gave the boy another warm hug.

This is everything — this young fan, Anderson, met his idol @CP0031, after his mother passed away due to cancer. She had promised him that she would do everything in her power to help the two meet and it happened. This right here is hockey. #OurGreatGame

( FB/ Tammy Whitehead) pic.twitter.com/ww6jLM2yoF— NHL (@NHL) March 1, 2019

“Everything’s all right. OK, bud. Everything’s OK,” Price said as he held the boy. “Everything’s OK, everything’s great. All right, buddy.

“How about a round of applause for the young man here?” Price then said to the audience.

The Las Vegas crowd responded with a standing ovation.

“So, I have two things for you,” Price then told Anderson. “One is this jersey, and the second is a question: Do you want to go to the All-Star Game next year?”

“Yes,” Anderson responded.

“Well, hopefully I’ll see you there next year, OK, buddy? Sound good?”

Sounds fantastic.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147554 Montreal Canadiens contract. Bergevin and Timmins will meet with the media Thursday afternoon in Vancouver.

The Canadiens have 10 picks at Friday’s draft after having 11 last year. Stu Cowan: Canadiens won't get any immediate help from NHL Draft The 21 picks over the two drafts are the most of any NHL team. Timmins The heat should be on GM to do something as Montreal and his scouting team arrived in Vancouver Tuesday to put the finishing faces the prospect of missing the playoffs for the third straight year. touches on their draft board after watching prospects throughout the season, at the NHL Combine and two other combines the Canadiens held in Europe and Montreal.

STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: June 19, 2019 “The most important pieces of information that we gather (are) regarding personality,” Timmins said in one of the Twitter videos. “During the

season we send out a personality assessment form to all the prospects VANCOUVER — Not surprisingly, the Canadiens aren’t expecting the that we are keying in on and scouting during the season. We have Dr. player they select with the No. 15 overall pick at Friday’s NHL Draft at (David) Scott (a sports psychologist) who works with us. He analyzes all Rogers Arena (8 p.m., SN, TVA Sports) to play with them next season. the data that we gather from those questionnaires and he attends the NHL Combine with us and asks specific questions regarding the results “When you pick right at the top of the draft, usually you get to select from that he’s gathered from the information from the personality players that may contribute to your team immediately, like last year assessments. We put a lot of stock into that, specifically special areas (Jesperi) Kotkaniemi contributed to our team the season right after we such as character, competitiveness, confidence. Areas like that that drafted him (third overall),” Canadiens assistant GM Trevor Timmins said young players, young prospects need in order to have the will and the in a series of Twitter videos the team posted on Wednesday. “Picking drive to put the effort in to get better. To do the work to get better as 15th overall, we don’t expect this player to play next year — maybe not hockey players.” even the year after. So we’re not addressing an immediate need. If we have an immediate need, then Marc Bergevin will go outside the It’s Bergevin who needs to do the work to make the Canadiens better organization looking to make a trade or sign a free agent.” next season — at least good enough to get in the playoffs. As the GM likes to say: after that, anything can happen. Bergevin should be a busy man leading up to the draft and the July 1 free-agent sweepstakes. While the Canadiens made an impressive 27- Montreal Gazette LOADED: 06.20.2019 point improvement in the standings this season, they still missed the playoffs for the second straight season and the third time in the last four years.

Only twice in Canadiens history have they failed to make the playoffs three straight years — the last time in 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-01. GM Réjean Houle and coach were both fired 20 games into the 2000-01 season after a 5-13-2 start, replaced by André Savard and , respectively. The only other time the Canadiens missed the playoffs three years in a row was 1919-20, 1920-21 and 1921-22. The NHL was five years old in 1921-22 with only four teams — the Ottawa Senators, Toronto St. Patricks, Canadiens and Hamilton Tigers — playing a 24-game regular season with the top two then playing for the O’Brien Cup. The St. Patricks beat the Senators 5-4 in the two- game, total-goals final. NHL teams started competing for the Stanley Cup in 1926.

The Canadiens’ two immediate needs heading into next season are an experienced left-handed defenceman to play on the top pairing with Shea Weber — who turns 34 on Aug. 14 — and a forward who can produce top-level offence on a team that hasn’t had a player in the top 10 in NHL scoring since Mats Naslund finished eighth in 1985-86, and had the second-worst power play in the league this season. Max Domi led the Canadiens this season with 28-44-72 totals, but ranked 47th on the NHL scoring list.

Final #NHLDraft preparations are underway. 

Here’s what the Habs were up to on Tuesday evening in Vancouver.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/ARb1fnkvOm— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 19, 2019

The Canadiens aren’t going to get the key guys they need now at the draft, unless they make a trade Friday. Among the eligible free agents July 1 are high-scoring forwards Artemi Panarin and Matt Duchene, along with left-handed defencemen Jake Gardiner and Alexander Edler. The Philadelphia Flyers didn’t help Bergevin on Tuesday when they re- signed forward Kevin Hayes to a seven-year, US$50-million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $7.142 million. Hayes, 27, has never had more than 25 goals or 54 points in his five NHL seasons.

When goalie Carey Price, who turns 32 on Aug. 16, was asked after this season what he would say to convince free agents to join the Canadiens, he responded: “I would tell them that, obviously, my window is growing smaller and I really want to win … more than ever. So I think that should be a pretty good indication of how bad we want to win here.” https://t.co/l4iLrJplgl pic.twitter.com/RvQDvbhE0X— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 19, 2019

Nobody wants the Canadiens to win more than their fans, and Bergevin — who has said in the past he doesn’t believe in windows of opportunity — has to be feeling some heat despite having three years left on his 1147555 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens to host 2020 NHL Draft at the Bell Centre

"Montreal is the city where the Draft has been held more times than anywhere else," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.

MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: June 19, 2019

The Canadiens announced on Wednesday that Montreal will host the NHL Draft on June 26 and 27, 2020.

“We are very pleased to have been chosen by the League to host this prestigious event,” said France Margaret Bélanger, Canadiens executive vice-president (commercial and corporate affairs). “This sign of confidence in our organization and our fans from League management demonstrates that Montreal is, and remains, a top NHL city. For many young hockey players, living this moment at the Bell Centre in Montreal will be an extraordinary experience,” added Ms. Bélanger.

In a news release, the team said securing the 2020 NHL Draft in Montreal was a collaborative effort with Tourisme Montréal and that the Canadiens remain one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. A 2015 KPMG study showed that more than 55 per cent of fans who attended a Canadiens game came from outside Montreal.

“To think that the NHL Draft started in 1963 as a small gathering at a hotel ballroom in Montreal, makes it all the more exciting to announce that the 2020 edition of the Draft is coming back to its original city, Montreal, in a far grander fashion,” said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

“The NHL Draft has grown into a spectacle befitting our next generation of stars who will walk across the big stage to the next phase of their hockey careers. Montreal is the city where the Draft has been held more times than anywhere else. What a wonderful place for a great celebration of hockey and the players who will shine in our League for years to come.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147556 Montreal Canadiens

Three Quebecers who might be on Canadiens' radar in first round draft

The last time the Canadiens drafted a Quebecer in the first round was 2009.

PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: June 19, 2019

Why didn’t you draft a player from Quebec?

That’s a question the Canadiens have become accustomed to hearing after the NHL draft.

The last time the Canadiens drafted a Quebecer in the first round was 2009. The draft was held in Montreal as part of the team’s centennial celebration and there was some pressure to select Harvard-bound Louis Leblanc with the 18th overall pick. Leblanc never lived up to the expectations. He retired from hockey at age 25 after collecting five goals and five assists in 50 games with the Canadiens. The good news for Leblanc is that he will mark the 10th anniversary of his draft by picking up his Harvard degree.

Since the Canadiens struck out with Leblanc, they have drafted only six players from Quebec and most of the selections have been late-round picks. The one exception is goaltender Zachary Fucale, who was selected in the second round in 2013. He was once touted as the goaltender of the future, but he has spent more time in the ECHL than in the AHL and the Canadiens cut him loose last summer.

Charles Hudon, a fifth-rounder in 2012, has 13 goals and 26 assists in 110 games with the Canadiens, but his stock went down last season. He turned down a qualifying offer from the Canadiens this week and, while Montreal retains his NHL rights, there are reports that he’ll seek employment in the KHL.

While the Canadiens haven’t shown a lot of respect for the homegrown talent, there are three forwards from the QMJHL who could be on Canadiens’ radar when they make their first-round selection Friday in Vancouver.

RAPHAEL LAVOIE: Topping the list is Lavoie, a right winger from the . The Montreal native is a 6-foot-4, 198-pounder who is a classic power forward. He is a highly skilled forward who is a deceptively strong skater, but there have been questions about his consistency.

Lavoie had 32 goals and 73 points in 62 regular-season games and he stepped up his performance during the playoffs as Halifax went to the Memorial Cup final before losing to Rouyn-Noranda. Lavoie was the leading goal-scorer in the QMJHL playoffs with 20 goals and had 32 points in 23 games. He was awarded the Mike Bossy Trophy, which goes to the outstanding pro prospect in the QMJHL.

SAMUEL POULIN: Is the Sherbrooke forward a top-six power forward or a third-line plugger with a good work ethic? Poulin has a good pedigree but, while his father, Patrick, was drafted ninth overall by the in 1991, he never produced the numbers expected of a top draft choice. But Poulin père, whose career ended after four and a half seasons in Montreal, did play 634 NHL games and collected 101 goals and 134 assists as a bottom-six centre.

Samuel Poulin has good size at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds and he is strong on his skates although his first step could be quicker, a problem that has plagued another Canadiens first-rounder, Michael McCarron. Poulin has a quick release and drives hard to the net. He led Sherbrooke with 29 goals and 76 points in 67 games and added 14 points in 10 playoff games.

JAKOB PELLETIER: He has speed, his compete level is elite and he has a good shot, which allowed him to score 39 goals during an 89-point season with the . Pelletier needs all those attributes to succeed at the next level because at 5-foot-9 and 161 pounds, he’s small. The Canadiens have shown a willingness to overlook a lack of size, and players like Max Domi, Brendan Gallagher, Tomas Tatar and Paul Byron have succeeded in Montreal. The question is whether the Canadiens want or need another small forward?

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147557 Nashville Predators summer. Rinne tabbed Josi the Predators' "best player." The 29-year-old has 274 points (70 goals, 204 assists) during the past five regular seasons, tied for third with the Lightning's Victor Hedman among Predators have mined gems in late rounds of NHL Draft defensemen. His 0.7 points per game put him sixth. His 25 power-play goals are fourth, and he has 15 game-winning goals during that span.

Honorable mentions Paul Skrbina, Nashville Tennessean Published 5:00 a.m. CT June 19, 2019 Martin Erat, F

Seventh round, 191st overall in 1999; 163 goals, 318 assists in 11 seasons with the Predators. Predators goalie won the Vezina Trophy at the 2018 NHL Awards. Patric Hornqvist, F

Misses are more common than hits when it comes to the NHL Draft. Seventh round, 230th overall in 2005; 106 goals, 110 assists in 363 games for the Predators. The only general manager the Predators ever have known, David Poile, has had his share of both since the team's first draft in 1998, when he Juuse Saros, G took seven players, the first of which was with the Fourth round, 99th overall in 2013; 38-24-12, .920 save percentage, 2.49 second overall pick. goals-against average for Rinne's likely successor.

This, of course, doesn't include the 1998 expansion draft, when Nashville Tennessean LOADED: 06.20.2019 selected one unprotected player from each team.

One hundred and five of the Predators' entry-draft picks never played a game in the NHL. Just 74 have played in the league, including five who played one game.

Scott Hartnell, who was picked sixth overall in 2000, has the most career games played (1,249), goals (327), points (707) and penalty minutes (1,809) of any Predators draft choice.

The biggest steals, though, have been big, starting with goalie Pekka Rinne, who was chosen with the 258th overall pick in 2004.

Before this year's draft begins Friday in Vancouver, here is a look back at the five biggest draft steals by the Predators.

Pekka Rinne, G

The list doesn't begin and end with Rinne, but he is an appropriate beginning. Rinne was selected in the eighth round in 2004, with the 258th overall pick, and was Poile's first home run with the Predators. Rinne is the franchise leader in every important statistical category. Twenty-nine goalies were chosen ahead of Rinne and only three after him. He has more than 100 more victories than any other goalie taken in the same draft that saw Alexander Ovechkin and go Nos. 1-2 to the Capitals and Penguins, respectively. Rinne, who won the Vezina Trophy in 2017-18 and twice was runner-up for the award, was Nicklas Backstrom's backup in the Finnish League before he was selected.

Viktor Arvidsson, F

After being passed over in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 drafts, Arvidsson fell to the Predators in 2014, when they picked him 112th overall in the fourth round. He was considered undersized at 5-foot-9, 180 pounds. He has topped the 30-goal mark twice, including last season when he scored 34 to set a single-season franchise record despite missing 24 games because of injury. He solidified himself as a top-line forward who is not afraid of contact despite his size.

Mattias Ekholm, D

The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder has established himself as a top-four defenseman and one of the Predators' most valuable commodities at the position, up there with Roman Josi and P.K. Subban. That wasn't the projection when he was picked 102nd overall in the fourth round in 2009. He shattered his career high in points (44) and assists (36) this season by nine each. As reliable as they come, his two-way ability has elevated him far beyond his bottom-four projection as a prospect.

Shea Weber, D

Yes, he was chosen in the second round, 49th overall, in 2003 when the draft was held in Nashville. He also was the Predators' captain when he was traded to the Canadiens for P.K. Subban after playing 11 seasons for Nashville. He had 166 goals and 277 assists in 763 games with the Predators. He had 28 points in 59 career postseason games while making six All-Star Game appearances with them, too.

Roman Josi, D

Another second-rounder (38th overall in 2008), another captain. Josi hasn't been shy about wanting to stay with the Predators and probably will sign a contract extension with a hefty raise attached to it this 1147558 Nashville Predators Kyle Turris, who might be on the move in the next few weeks, has amassed his share of detractors, and trading him with five years left on his contract would amount to a salary dump. Even if the Predators were If this feels like a critical offseason for the Predators, it’s because it is to use the savings to replace Turris with a better center, he would go down as one of Poile’s biggest missteps.

For whatever it’s worth, Poile expressed confidence in Turris’ ability to By Adam Vingan Jun 19, 2019 rebound from his injury-plagued, 23-point season.

“I don’t think we want to reinvent Kyle and his game, and I don’t think by what Kyle says that he thinks he needs to reinvent his game,” Poile said. The disappointment still lingers two months later. “That’s really what the million-dollar question is: What’s it going to take? It’s been that long since a dejected David Poile, in the wake of the Is it a linemate that he’s playing with? Is it getting off to a good start? Is it Predators’ early exit from the playoffs, promised change. not having an injury? Is it playing a different position on the power play? It could be one or two things. It just could’ve been a bad year. … All I “I believed we had good reason to give this group another opportunity,” know is it’s there. There’s no reason why Kyle shouldn’t be able to be Poile said April 24. “However, our first-round loss in six games to Dallas, one of the better forwards in the National Hockey League.” who was the better team, shows that we have some areas that we need to address.” Roman Josi’s contract extension looms large over everything the Predators do this summer, as it will need to be factored into the As the playoffs moved on without the Predators, we passed the time by Predators’ roster decisions. Erik Karlsson re-signing with the San Jose discussing what steps they could take to fix things. Poile has been having Sharks on Monday for $11.5 million per season is certain to creep into those same conversations, which have already started to ramp up negotiations between the Predators and Josi’s representatives, who have around the NHL now that the offseason is in full swing. been in regular contact with each other and are scheduled to meet during the draft. “Internally, there’s a few things that we’d like to do a little bit differently,” Poile said last week. “You’re always open to making a change that can Josi, who turned 29 earlier this month, has previously said he will do his improve your team. There’s going to be some changes (across the part to keep the Predators’ core together, but how much of a hometown league). There’s going to be some trades. If we can improve our club, I’m discount should he be expected to take after making $4 million per all for that. I don’t think that we need to really revamp our whole team or season for seven years? At this point, anything under $9 million can be have any type of a rebuild. But I do think that one or two changes might considered below market value. be the right thing to do this year.” (Also, with Karlsson and Jacob Trouba off the market, high-end CHEVELDAYOFF: "THIS IS PROBABLY AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME defensemen are now even more of a precious commodity. The Predators OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GENERAL MANAGERS."  have plenty of those if an intriguing offer presents itself.)

— FRANK SERAVALLI (@FRANK_SERAVALLI) JUNE 18, 2019 And we haven’t even gotten to the drafting part of the draft. The Predators hold the No. 24 selection in the first round and seven total INTERESTING TRADE MARKET OBSERVATION FROM DOUG (Nos. 75, 109, 117, 148, 179 and 210). Their farm system, thinned by WILSON DURING HIS CALL TODAY: "THERE’S BEEN MORE win-now moves over the past few years, is lacking in impact prospects, CONVERSATION AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GMS IN THE so it’s important for the Predators to start the process of restocking their LAST MONTH THAN MAYBE EVER SINCE I’VE BEEN A GM." cupboard by hitting on their picks this weekend.

— CRAIG CUSTANCE (@CRAIGCUSTANCE) JUNE 17, 2019 “It’s a thin system,” Corey Pronman said. “The first-round picks remain If this feels like a critical offseason for the Predators, it’s because it is. In good prospects, and there are some other names that remain interesting. fact, it’s possible that this is the most critical offseason in franchise But there hasn’t been a guy from their recent late-round picks who has history. emerged as a true top prospect. There are some players with the (AHL) right now who could provide depth, but there isn’t a It’s not often that is said about a 100-point division winner one year lot of impact potential outside of Eeli Tolvanen and Dante Fabbro.” removed from earning the Presidents’ Trophy, but for long stretches of this past season, the Predators didn’t look the part of a legitimate Stanley In short, the next few weeks could have a significant impact on the Cup contender. Predators’ short- and long-term outlooks. Expectedly, Poile’s view of the situation was more tempered. “It was a frustrating season in a lot of ways in terms of getting consistency and playing the way we wanted to,” Poile said. “To a man, “I would say that, if anything, we probably need to stay focused on the we felt we had a team that could compete with the best teams in the present and not look too far in the future,” he said. league and thus have a chance to compete for a Cup.” The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 Poile is right that wholesale changes aren’t necessary, but the “one or two changes” he referred to have the potential to be big based on the Predators’ salary-cap situation. With $7.1 million in projected space at the moment, Poile will have to do some serious maneuvering to make improvements to the roster. (Elliotte Friedman listed the Predators among the “most aggressive teams” in trade talks ahead of the draft.)

MULTIPLE TEAMS I’VE SPOKEN TO ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS CAP FORECAST. MANY FEAR THAT WHEN THE NHL AND NHLPA SETTLE ON AN UPPER LIMIT THIS WEEK, IT WILL BE LESS THAN $82M FOR NEXT SEASON, OR AN INCREASE OF ONLY SLIGHTLY MORE THAN $2M. HTTPS://T.CO/KZIHYDOZSD

— BOB MCKENZIE (@TSNBOBMCKENZIE) JUNE 18, 2019

Poile is shrewd enough to navigate this tricky situation; his longevity and standing as the winningest general manager in league history have earned him the benefit of the doubt in most cases. It should be noted, though, that his recent track record in terms of trades isn’t great. The Ryan Hartman trade, which cost the Predators a first-round pick in 2018, was a bust, as was the Wayne Simmonds deal, which involved sending Hartman away after one year. Mikael Granlund’s Predators career didn’t get off to a rousing start. 1147559 New Jersey Devils

NJ Devils release 2019-20 preseason schedule

Abbey Mastracco, NHL writer Published 2:13 p.m. ET June 18, 2019 | Updated 2:30 p.m. ET June 18, 2019

The Devils will play seven games ahead of the start of the 2019-2020 season, announcing their preseason slate Tuesday afternoon.

Much like in past years, opponents dominate the schedule. The Devils will play five games against the Rangers, Islanders and Blue Jackets, two games against the Boston Bruins and one split- squad tilt against the Montreal Canadiens and Bruins.

The first home game will be one of those split-squad games. The Devils will host the Bruins on Sept. 16 at Prudential Center while the other half of the team heads up to Quebec.

The Devils will then play back-to-back games against the Rangers, one at home and one at Madison Square Garden, and one against the Islanders at home before going on the road for the final two games of training camp.

The club has yet to announce dates for training camp.

NJ Devils complete preseason schedule

Monday, Sept. 16 vs. Boston Bruins (Split-squad, Prudential Center, 7 p.m., ET)

Monday, Sept. 16 at Montreal Canadiens (Split-squad, Bell Centre, 7:00 p.m., ET)

Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Rangers (Madison Square Garden, 7 p.m., ET)

Friday, Sept. 20 vs. Rangers (Prudential Center, 7 p.m., ET)

Saturday, Sept. 21 vs. Islanders (Prudential Center, at 7 p.m., ET)

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Boston Bruins (TD Garden, 7:00 p.m., ET)

Friday, Sept. 27 at Columbus Blue Jackets (Nationwide Arena, 7:00 p.m., ET)

Bergen Record LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147560 New Jersey Devils Kane had some glowing words about his young protege — “I think he does a lot of things better than me” — and when that comment was brought to Hughes’ attention, Hughes showed a humility that was not Doubt him all you want, but Jack Hughes really is that good without a streak of confidence.

“I think he’s full of crap,” Hughes said at the NHL combine in Buffalo in late May. “That’s a guy that’s got three [Stanley] Cups, Art Rosses, Hart By Brett Cyrgalis June 19, 2019 | 11:08PM Trophies, Conn Smtyhes. You name it, he’s got it. Almost to hear your name out of his mouth is humbling.”

But it seems like by the end of this week, it’s going to be Hughes’ name Dig all you want, but the dirt that comes up on Jack Hughes is clean. likely coming out of the mouth of Devils general manager Ray Shero, The 18-year-old American center who is expected to go No. 1 to the who has the enviable situation of choosing between Hughes and big- Devils in the first round of the NHL draft Friday in Vancouver has been bodied Finnish winger Kaapo Kakko as the top-overall selection. defined by his poise in the spotlight. He has been considered the most Some might be concerned about Hughes’ size — he says he’s 5-foot-11, talented player in this draft class for almost two years, and in that time, while he’s listed an inch shorter, and weighs in around 170 pounds. But he has dealt with countless media requests and countless opposing for the people who have seen him play a lot and project these types of defenders wanting to get the best of him. He has dealt with lauding prospects into a league that has dramatically shifted to be focused on pundits and spiteful skeptics alike. speed and skill, the lack of size does not seem to be a deterrent. OK, so he has a sneaker collection. OK, so he likes to play golf and relax “The NHL clubs, they don’t look at size anymore,” Marr said. “They look with his friends. Other than that? Well, there’s a reason he’s considered at good players, the best players, what they bring to the table. Scouting the best hockey player to come through the draft since Auston Matthews has changed in that way, too. You don’t pick apart a player and look at in 2016. what they don’t do well, because that can be [from] coaching. You look at “There is so much confidence,” his coach at the U.S. Developmental what they bring to the table, what they do well. Program, John Wroblewski, told The Post. “There’s not a room that he “With the level that these kids are competing at, and they can deliver, steps into where he isn’t comfortable.” chances are they can deliver when they get to the National Hockey Wroblewski had a relationship with the Hughes family from having League.” coached Jack’s older brother, Quinn, prior to Quinn being selected No. 7- Wroblewski also remembered that when Hughes first took the ice for overall by the Canucks last year. And Quinn never once questioned that games with the developmental program, the opposition “had this massive this moment would come. bull’s-eye on him.” But Hughes darted and slashed in and out of traffic, “No kid doesn’t think he isn’t going to live out his dream, but for me, I creating scoring opportunities and potting more than a few goals himself. always thought he was going to be in this position because he was If he happened to go through a slump, he would make a slight change in always the best player,” Quinn told The Post over the phone from atop a practice. If he was getting frustrated with all the media requests, he mountain in Vancouver on Wednesday night. “I always thought he would would make a slight adjustment to his schedule to find time for his be where he is right now.” obligations and to make sure he relaxed.

The Hughes are a big hockey family. The father, Jim, had been an “That bodes so well for him,” Wroblewski said, “that he’s able to make assistant coach for the Bruins and a director of player development for these micro-adjustments without changing who he really is.” the Maple Leafs before recently being hired to work for the agency, CAA. At 18, Hughes has all the attributes of a pro. That’s why he is so highly And the mother, Ellen, played on the women’s silver-medal winning thought of, why he is likely going to be the top pick, and why he has the hockey team in the 1992 World Championships. Quinn reiterated how chance to excel in the NHL. Jack was competitive in everything, from golf to tennis. “I’m telling you this: He’s going to be a superstar as a center-ice man in So Wroblewski made a special house call and made a video presentation that league,” Wroblewski said. “It’s going to break a mold, and there is to convince Jack to attend the program. When Jack then showed up for going to be a generation of kids that want to be Jack Hughes.” orientation the following summer, he was walking through the parking lot with some new teammates. He saw Wroblewski, whose nicknamed is New York Post LOADED: 06.20.2019 “Robo,” and called over to him.

“Hey, Robo, how you doing?” Wroblewski remembered Hughes saying. That required a quick talking to, but one that came with a caveat.

“I walked up to him and said, ‘Jack, I’m not your buddy, I’m your coach,’ and I said it with a straight face,” Wroblewski said. “But as I walked away, I was chuckling to myself and had a smile on face because it just shows you what kind of confidence the kid had.

“It wasn’t disrespectful, but he knew what he was. He knew what he was destined for.”

In July 2017, Hughes was invited to a prestigious skills camp in Toronto with some of the NHL’s elite talent. The league’s director of central scouting, Dan Marr, was there to observe. To say he was impressed would be an understatement.

“The best three players on the ice were Taylor Hall, Connor McDavid and John Tavares. The next best player was Jack Hughes,” Marr said. “It was a series of skill drills they were doing that involved skating and quickness, speed, execution, precision. Right away, you could see [Hughes] already has a NHL shot, for example. He’s got that talent. He belongs in that group.”

That was reinforced in May when Hughes went with Team USA to the World Championships in Slovakia, playing against the best men in the world (who were not in the late stages of the NHL playoffs). He said he learned the most from being around some of his idols, most notably Patrick Kane — the diminutive American, just like Hughes, who went No. 1 to the Blackhawks and has carved out one of the best careers in league history. 1147561 New Jersey Devils

NHL draft: Devils great Ken Daneyko is all-in on Jack Hughes

By Michael Blinn June 19, 2019 | 9:25PM

Ken Daneyko is willing to say it — even if Devils GM Ray Shero isn’t just yet.

The rugged Devils defenseman turned MSG analyst knows who he’d pick if he were on stage at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Friday, making the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.

“It’s Jack Hughes, without question,” he told The Post this week. “When you hear he’s the best skater since Connor McDavid, when you hear a lot about how he makes players better around him, that’s a big thing.”

The 18-year-old Hughes, long tabbed as the top prospect in this year’s draft, had to fend off a year-long push from Finnish power forward Kaapo Kakko, who will likely be the Rangers’ consolation prize at No. 2. Kakko’s performance at the World Championship in Slovakia last month showed tantalizing skill and goal-scoring ability that will surely make the Devils’ cross-Hudson rivals happy, but the limited glimpses of Hughes at the tournament made Daneyko a believer.

“From watching him against the best team in the World Championships — I don’t care if they didn’t win, [it was] Russia — when he got in because of injuries to [Dylan] Larkin and everybody, he was the best player on the ice,” he said. “That’s all I need to see. Against Team Russia, he was dominant. Two assists, and could have been involved in eight goals.”

Listening to rave reviews from Hughes’ Team USA teammate Patrick Kane, one of Daneyko’s favorite players, only makes the choice that much more clear-cut.

Despite his assuredness, Daneyko knows he’s not the one making a franchise-altering pick, and Shero plans to once again leave everyone waiting until the last possible moment, as he did in 2017 when he took home Nico Hischier with the No. 1 pick over Nolan Patrick.

The Devils GM, though, knows it’s different this time around.

“I think we’re in a much better spot than we were in ’17, with our younger players and certainly our cap space and things like that,” he said on the phone from Vancouver. “While you’re here you have to take advantage of it, obviously.”

It will be a busy weekend for Shero and his scouts, as they try to turn the franchise into more than a perennial playoff contender — Shero has used the draft to bring in young, skilled players and after a busy trade deadline this season, he’ll make room for more this weekend.

“We have 10 picks overall, three picks in the second round, two in the third,” he said. “It’s a big draft for us, what we do with those picks is going to be important.”

New York Post LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147562 New Jersey Devils the megastars — Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, Connor McDavid — signed monster contracts at 20 or 21 years old. Most of the best young players slotted in below $7 million per season, depending on How the next few weeks could affect Nico Hischier’s contract the term. Hall’s second contract, after going No. 1 to Edmonton in 2010, negotiations with the Devils was for $6 million per over seven years.

Draisatil scored 50 goals this past season, but he was not at that level after the 2016-17 season. He’s not even the face of the franchise — By Corey Masisak Jun 19, 2019 that’s McDavid, whose second contract came in at $12.5 million per season. After Draisaitl signed, Jack Eichel, the pick after McDavid in

2015, signed for eight years and $80 million. The next few days for Devils fans are going to be a celebratory The Maple Leafs survived a protracted negotiation with William Nylander countdown until the club adds another potential franchise player with the and were able to sign him to a deal worth just less than $7 million per No. 1 selection Friday night at the 2019 NHL Draft. season, and he’s the fourth-best forward on the team. The RFA deals The next few weeks or even months are going to be a nervous coming in over the next month, that are likely to push past $7-8 million, countdown until there is some long-term clarity on one of the two could reset the market for RFAs in coming years, like Hischier. franchise players already on the roster. Star left wing Taylor Hall has one “It definitely seems to be a trend in that sense,” Roy said. “But the league year remaining on his contract and can become an unrestricted free changes so much from year-to-year, it’s hard to tell. Right now we’ve got agent on July 1, 2020. the labor uncertainty, but then there’s also the TV contracts coming up. I That second franchise player already in New Jersey also needs a new think the league is in a healthy state at this point. Gambling is creeping contract. Nico Hischier can become a restricted free agent on the same in, and that’s going to affect revenues. We’re in a weird place, because day Hall could hit the open market. you want to try and project what’s coming and you don’t want to miss. If you look at the cap since the last CBA, it’s gone up pretty steadily each Hischier’s situation is different than Hall’s because the Devils have the year, at around five percent. Well, if we get a new TV deal in two years ability to match any contract offered by another team should Hischier and the cap gets a 15 percent pop? You want to factor that in. reach next July without a new deal. But the Devils are going to want to sign Hischier to a long-term contract likely well in advance of that looming “There’s a lot of different factors that go into the decision, but for us the deadline. player drives the boat. Our job is to bring him all of the information and make sure it is thorough and easy to understand. But if the guy says, ‘I New Jersey is flush with salary cap space this summer, even if the ceiling want to sign for this much and this amount of years,’ he’s the boss.” ends up being a little short of the $83 million that had previously been reported. That won’t be the case next offseason if the Devils lock up So, let’s look at some recent second contracts and projected upcoming Hischier and are able to sign Hall. ones to help inform us on what Hischier can expect.

“I know Nico was ecstatic when he got to Jersey as the first overall (pick), First, Hischier isn’t the only high-profile player approaching RFA status in and I think his career is progressing well,” Hischier’s agent, Alain Roy, the summer of 2020. Any of these players could sign extensions as soon said. “At this point, it’s all a matter of what’s going to happen from here. I as July 1, and if any do sign quickly, it will add another piece to the think we’re all waiting with anticipation to see what moves Ray is going to puzzle of where Hischier’s contract might fit. make. *TOI/G is the player’s time on ice per game this past season; the rest are “Nico has already worn a letter a couple times this year. He’s slowly career totals. turning into a leader. I think it feels good for him to be in New Jersey.” Dubois and Keller are probably the two players most similar to Hischier. Roy said the two sides have not had any formal talks about a new Strome is a little older, but had a similar pedigree before the draft and contract for Hischier yet. That could change with one phone call, or one had a breakout season (51 points in 58 games) after he was traded to meeting during draft weekend, but it seems that Shero and the Devils will Chicago. Barzal looks like he could be the most expensive of the bunch, focus on potential external additions to the roster before turning their but he’s also the only one negotiating with Lou Lamoriello. attention to Hall and Hischier after the draft, the trade frenzy and the Here are the top players who will be RFAs in 12 days if they don’t sign a furious first days of free agency. new contract before then, with Hischier for comparison’s sake. Projected What moves the Devils make could affect Hischier’s next contract just contract figures are courtesy of Evolving-Hockey. (It is worth noting that like Hall’s. It’s not unreasonable to think Hischier will be more willing to Matt Cane was once considered the leading expert in the online analytics sign a longer contract if he’s convinced the club is going to win community on these matters. Now, he works for the Devils in their consistently. analytics department.)

What moves other clubs make are also going to have an impact on *TOI/G is the player’s time on ice per game this past season; the rest are Hischier. There are an incredible number of elite young players who can career totals. become restricted free agents this July 1. The list includes centers This list helps illustrate that when a player signs his contract matters. Brayden Point and Sebastien Aho and a bevy of talented wings like Each of those players was eligible to sign a new contract on July 1, 2018. Patrik Laine, Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantenen, Mattew Tkachuk, Brock Waiting, and playing out (in most cases) their third full NHL season, is Boeser, Timo Meier and Kyle Connor. going to benefit them in the end. “I think this summer is going to be a big summer to help determine (the Here’s what the players above did this past season: market for Hischier),” Roy said. “There are certainly some big names out there. There’s probably 10 or 12 guys who are going to affect that post- Marner — 26 goals and 94 points ELC market. That’s probably going to shape some of the market.” Point — 41 and 92 Roy referred to the ELC, or an entry-level contract, which is typically standard. The second contract, however, has become a flash point in the Rantanen — 31 and 84 evolving economics of the NHL. In the past, teams have tried to keep the Aho — 30 and 83 costs down on second contracts, in part because hockey culture historically has expected young players to become stars before they can Tkachuk — 34 and 77 get paid like one. Connor — 34 and 66 More and more players are producing at an elite level in the first few years of their careers. Teams are also starting to realize the old model of Meier — 30 and 66 waiting until a player is in his late 20s or early 30s to write him a big Those were all career seasons. Boeser (26 goals, 56 points) had a check can often lead to paying for past performance, and a lot of regret. similar season to the one before. Laine (30 goals, 50 points) was the only The tipping point came when Leon Draisaitl signed a second contract guy in the group whose production dipped. worth $8.5 million per season with the Oilers in 2017. Before that, only If the Devils do improve the roster around Hall and Hischier, it’s easy to The NHL’s current TV contract in the United States with NBC also envision a breakout year for Hischier. Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko expires after the 2021-22 campaign. A more lucrative deal would provide should bolster the team’s scoring depth immediately. more salary cap room to spend on players. Some players could seek shorter deals with the hope of being able to land an even bigger one Having Hall healthy for a full year would also give Hischier’s production a once a new TV deal is reached. boost. Hischier had 23 points in 30 games last year — a 62-point pace over 82 games — before Hall was removed from the lineup. He had 24 Together, these upcoming negotiations could play an important role in points in 39 games after that. which direction player contracts go.

He could bet on himself and wait. Or, it’s possible the Devils see a For now, the Devils and Hischier’s camp are in standby mode. During breakout offensive season in his near future and that’s reflected in the what should be wild few weeks in the NHL, Hischier will be watching negotiating process. closely on multiple fronts.

The Devils will control Hischier’s rights for four more seasons after 2019- The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 20. A four-year contract would run through the rest of his RFA-eligible seasons. Due to his age and his potential, every season beyond four in the next contract is worth more to him because it’s a time when he could test the unrestricted free agent market.

Generally, a five-year deal “buys” one year of unrestricted free agency, a six-year deal “buys” two and so forth. The maximum contract length for Hischier would be eight years with the Devils, or seven years if he signed an offer sheet with another franchise.

“I really think the AAV (average annual value) is going to determine the term,” Roy said. “It’s going to be like that for a lot of these guys.”

What about before this summer? Here’s a look at some elite, young forwards drafted in this decade who have excelled before signing a second contract.

*TOI/G is the player’s time on ice in the season before signing.

The stats above reflect the players’ numbers at the time they signed their second contract.

Here’s another aspect to consider — the percentage of the salary cap each contract took up at the time of signing. Hall’s second contract, for example, started when the ceiling was $60 million, so his deal was 10 percent of the cap.

For several years after Hall’s deal, players like him signed for about the same amount of money even though their deals were actually taking up a smaller percentage of the cap as it rose each year. The ceiling is going to be in excess of $80 million next season.

Here are those contracts again, but with the percentage of the cap at the time of signing and when they were signed.

Hall and Seguin both signed their contracts before the final season of their ELCs began (and just before a lockout). Reinhart and Kucherov both signed “bridge” deals, which can help clubs save cap space in the short term (in Tampa Bay’s case) or give the team more time to evaluate before committing to a long-term deal (in Buffalo’s case).

That type of deal can be risky and doesn’t seem a likely route for Hischier and the Devils.

Barkov’s situation shows how critical timing can be. The center signed his deal in the middle of the season, then proceeded to go on a tear to finish the year and hasn’t really let up. He has 255 points in his 250 career games since the contract was signed. Had he waited until he finished that season, the total value of his deal would probably be a few million dollars higher.

Given the incremental increases in the salary cap, let’s say it goes up to around $82 million next season and around $85 million the following year. Leaving Matthews and McDavid out of it, the three forwards who went No. 1 overall before them (MacKinnon, Nugent-Hopkins and Hall) signed second contracts that each ate up an average of 9.32 percent of the cap.

If the cap were set at $85 million, 9.32 percent would be a deal that pays $7.922 million per year. It is easy to envision a scenario in which the Devils might go that high for an eight-year deal, but Hischier’s camp would likely counter with something similar over five or six years. Given the comparables and the rising costs of second contracts, it won’t be a surprise if Hischier’s deal ends up with an AAV higher than all of the players below Draisaitl on the last two charts.

Roy mentioned labor uncertainty, and while the current CBA doesn’t expire until after the 2021-22 season, the NHL and NHLPA both have the ability to opt out this offseason and make 2019-20 the last year of the current agreement. 1147563 New York Islanders

Islanders’ Robin Lehner, Barry Trotz win big at NHL Awards

By Brett Cyrgalis June 19, 2019 | 11:32PM

Before this past season, not a lot of people expected Robin Lehner to be in Las Vegas this week for the NHL Awards ceremony. But that’s where the Islanders goalie was, winning the Masterton Trophy for the “player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ,” while finishing as the third finalist for the Vezina Trophy. That award, to the NHL’s top goaltender, was won by the Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy with the Stars’ Ben Bishop second.

Lehner was a shoo-in for the Masterton. After having fought his way back from mental illness and substance abuse, the 27-year-old finished second in the league in save percentage (.930, the best in Islanders history) and third in goals-against average (2.13).

Accepting the Masterton, Lehner gave an emotional speech following a season of being open about his struggles.

“I’m not ashamed to say I’m mentally ill,” Lehner said on stage, “but that doesn’t mean I’m mentally weak.”

Lehner also shared the William Jennings Award with fellow Isles goalie Thomas Greiss for backstopping the team that allowed the fewest goals on the season. Coming off a one-year deal as a low-risk reclamation project, Lehner made it clear he would like to stay with the Islanders rather than reach unrestricted free agency on July 1.

“I hope something works out,” he told reporters. “I don’t want to be anywhere else, but if that has to happen, it happens. It’s not going to be from my side. I love my team. I have the mindset that this is still my team and I’m going to have it until the day I’m not on this team.”

Islanders first-year coach Barry Trotz won the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year. Trotz became the sixth coach in history to win it with at least two different teams, having taken it home with the 2016 Capitals.

“I’ve always said it’s a team award,” Trotz said before the votes showed he thoroughly beat out Blues’ Stanley Cup-winning coach Craig Berube and the Lightning’s Presidents’ Cup-winning coach Jon Cooper for the trophy. “I get an opportunity to represent the Islanders and my staff and the players.”

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist was a finalist for the King Clancy Award, given to the “player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community.” The Wild’s Jason Zucker took the prize.

The big winner on the night was the Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov, who won the Art Ross Trophy as the leading scorer, the Ted Lindsay Award as the best player as voted on by the players, and the Hart Trophy as the MVP as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The Canucks’ Elias Pettersson won the Calder Trophy (rookie); the Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov won the Lady Byng (sportsmanship); the Bruins’ Don Sweeney won GM of the year; the Flames’ Mark Giordano won the Norris (best defenseman); and the Blues’ Ryan O’Reilly won the Selke (best defensive forward).

It was announced the 2020 draft will be held in Montreal.

New York Post LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147564 New York Islanders The Bruins’ Don Sweeney was named the general manager of the year. Lamoriello finished fifth in the voting.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 06.20.2019 Islanders' Robin Lehner wins Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, Barry Trotz given Jack Adams Award at NHL Awards

Robin Lehner of the Islanders accepts the Bill

By Andrew Gross

Robin Lehner has never shied away from his troubled past.

The Islanders goalie, who battled alcohol and pill addiction but has now been sober for more than a year while also undergoing medical treatment for mental-health issues, won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance and dedication at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday night.

And Barry Trotz, whom Lehner thanked in his acceptance speech for “thinking about the human first, I’ve got to respect that,” won the Jack Adams Award as the top coach. He also won the award with the Capitals in 2016.

Lehner indicated he wanted his example to help others.

“I took that first step and it’s been life changing for me,” said Lehner, of going through rehab last offseason. “Got to keep pushing, end the stigma. I’m not ashamed to say I’m mentally ill. But that doesn’t mean mentally weak.”

Lehner was also a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the top goalie that was won by the Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Lehner and Thomas Greiss also shared the Jennings Trophy, given to the goalies who have played at least 25 games for the team that allowed the fewest goals in the regular season.

Lehner, who signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Islanders and is an impending unrestricted free agent after going 25-13-5 with a 2.13 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage, acknowledged to the media in Las Vegas his continued sobriety is a factor in his contract negotiations. The free- agent market opens on July 1.

He joins Ed Westfall (1977) and Mark Fitzpatrick (1992) as the only Islanders to win the Masterton, which is voted upon by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

“Wow, thank you,” Lehner said. “Everybody who voted for me. My fantastic wife who stuck this out with me. I want to thank the New York Islanders’ organization.”

Trotz, after guiding the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018, spearheaded a defensive turnaround in his first season with the Islanders. They had a 23-point improvement in the standings in going 48-27-7 and finishing second in the Metropolitan Division as they made the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They swept the Penguins in the first round before being swept by the Hurricanes.

Head coach Barry Trotz of the New York Head coach Barry Trotz of the New York

“I’d like to thank the New York Islanders’ organization for giving me a chance, especially Lou Lamoriello,” Trotz said. “This is a team award, you have to understand that. You can’t have the success without the buy- in from the players.”

Hall of Famer Al Arbour (1979) is the only other Islanders coach to have won the award, which is voted upon by the NHL Broadcasters’ Association.

Other award winners:

The Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov (41 goals, 87 assists) won the Hart Trophy as the MVP as voted on by the PHWA and the Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player, as voted on by the players.

The Flames’ Mark Giordano won the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman with 165 of the 171 first-place votes.

The Canucks’ Elias Pettersson (28 goals, 38 assists) earned 151 of the 171 first-place votes for the Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year. 1147565 New York Islanders

Islanders name former Maple Leafs assistant Jim Hiller as assistant coach

By Andrew Gross

VANCOUVER – The Islanders added to their coaching staff on Wednesday, though it’s unclear whether that addition means there will be a corresponding subtraction.

The team announced Jim Hiller has joined Barry Trotz’s staff as an assistant coach after four seasons as a Maple Leafs assistant. He ran the power play under both in Toronto and for the Red Wings. He also worked under Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello with the Maple Leafs.

The power play was Scott Gomez’s responsibility last season, Trotz’ first with the Islanders. But the Islanders’ man advantage ranked 29th in the 31-team NHL at 14.5 percent (33-for-227). The Maple Leafs, with more potent power-play personnel, including former Islanders captain John Tavares, were eighth in the league at 21.8 percent (46-for-211).

The Islanders’ press release on Hiller’s hiring noted specifically he was being “added” to Trotz’s staff and did not specify any other coaching changes.

Associate coach Lane Lambert interviewed for the Ducks’ head coaching job that went to Dallas Eakins. Lambert, who followed Trotz from the Capitals, will remain with the Islanders.

Hiller, 50, played 63 NHL games as a right wing for the Kings, Red Wings and Rangers, then had a lengthy career as a junior hockey coach in the Western Hockey League.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147566 New York Islanders You nearly saw Lane Lambert move on to the Ducks as a head coach, but he ends up by your side again. Is it comforting to have your right- hand man back for another year?

Q&A: Barry Trotz, up for Coach of the Year, reflects on the Islanders’ It is. I really felt confident he was going to get that job. Out of all the ‘buy-in’ and what’s to come candidates, I thought he was the most ready, the guy who would have the biggest impact there. So I am pleasantly surprised to have him back for another year, but I expect it to be the only year. I really do. Every year By Arthur Staple Jun 19, 2019 he’s with us it’ll be a bonus. He’s one of the real good young coaches in the league — I don’t know if you can consider him young, but he’s the

most ready. Like, Mike Sullivan was as an associate coach. I don’t Islanders coach Barry Trotz is up for the Jack Adams award as the top expect Lane to be with us very long. coach in the NHL on Wednesday night. If he wins, it’ll be his second With Lambert back, do you expect any assignments to change among trophy, having won the Adams with the Caps in 2016. your coaches? He chatted with The Athletic just before media day in Las Vegas on We’ve talked about that, we’re not through with that. We have coaches Tuesday afternoon on a number of Islanders topics. association meetings and all that, the draft, and we didn’t have What would winning the Jack Adams mean to you? everything quite set because we didn’t know the situation with Anaheim until recently. That will be what we’ll look at in the next couple days when It’s a validation of a team. The coaches’ award is about a staff, about I meet with Lou (Lamoriello). your coaches, your players, the buy-in. You don’t have success in this league unless you’ve got some order to your group, some belief in your You mentioned wanting to see more from your offense. Your power play group and a buy-in with your group. I said we wanted to change things wasn’t good in the regular season, but it was actually good in the culturally in the way we played and how we do things. We needed their playoffs, especially against Carolina. Is that more what you want to see? buy-in to have success. I told them we could have success, even with all We moved the puck a lot quicker. We had everything funneling towards the changes from last summer and they reciprocated by having that buy- the net. A guy would get a pass and instead of falling off or looking for in. Our team was very close and very easy. They came to work and another pass, his first instinct was get it, take a step, look to attack and if played the right way, had accountability and pride in what they did every it isn’t there, move it. That was more of the stuff we were looking for day. during the regular season. I think it had a pretty good start in the regular That’s culture. That’s understanding a role and taking pride in it, making season and then it hit a couple dry spells. sure you know what’s expected of you and what your teammates expect. And then also, 5-on-5 play offensively is important, too. We learned to When you don’t have those expectations or that accountability to each defend, obviously. Towards the last half of the season, our defense were other, you don’t have success because you don’t have the trust of the getting more involved in the offense. Just looking for a balance. One of guy next to you. Each guy bought in, each guy gave everything they the strengths for us is going to be our back end — guys like Nick Leddy, have. Then you can have success. Devon Toews, Ryan Pulock. Even Scotty Mayfield and Adam Pelech You saw it in the playoffs. St. Louis is a great example of it — there isn’t being able to contribute at the right time. Before I felt they were going (up a big star in that lineup, but they have a lot of good players. Their in the play) just to go, trying to create offense, where later in the year and defense is in the upper echelon, they got very good-to-elite goaltending playoffs, it was more systematic in terms of going. Recognizing certain and the depth of their group came through for them. Lots of really good situations a little bit better. players but not an Ovechkin or a Crosby in that group. A lot of next-level How much did Toews impact what you were able to do offensively once guys. he came up? We’re just about at the one-year anniversary of you joining the Islanders. He gave us an element we didn’t have a lot of. We had Pulock, we had Between that and seeing the Stanley Cup awarded, does it take you back Leddy that are natural skaters, they can get up the ice pretty well. When to that crazy June last year? you add Toews, you had one of those guys on each pair. Just like you I have. A lot of good memories watching St. Louis go through it — getting want players to have defined roles, when you’re Mayfield, playing with more of a kick watching the postgame celebration. You see what it does Toews, you probably know your partner’s the one who’s going to jump for the city, the players. Those are all good memories. And you realize into the play, so it locks him back a bit more. Same with Pelech, same how hard it was, too. with Johnny Boychuk. It naturally falls into those roles.

We’re also six weeks or so out from the end of the Islanders season. So it gave each pair a bit more of a defined role when Toews came up. What’s your offseason like in terms of assessing last season and And he grew as a player. As much as he grew with his confidence, his preparing for what’s to come? defensive game grew as well. He was a threat. He can get up ice, join the attack, he can lead the attack. We started building a culture from a standpoint of getting guys to understand the importance of relying on each other to have success as a You’ve talked about making the culture change and how well your team group. Realize we’re a pretty effective group, realize that we’re a close- adapted to it. How do you keep that moving forward when you may lose knit group and understand we can build on our game. We know how to or gain a few key contributors, both on and off the ice, as we get through defend; that won’t be easy to duplicate, but I think the next evolution of free agency? our game is a little more on the offensive side. You do see the growth. If your core, key people know exactly what is expected of them, what’s I’ve gone over our team, training camp — I know what I’m going to do required, hold them to a certain standard. I always say, if you’re able to and I’ve gotten that done, even before July 1 when the team could coach your top 7-8 guys correctly and have good communication, they’ll change a bit. And then I’ll go over it again in a couple weeks and tweak it. bring the whole group with them. So a new guy coming in to a team is Usually what I do in the summer is I try to look for improvements in our going to ask a key player, “How do we do things?” The core guys train team, in different areas of our game, where we had success and where the new guys. It’s my job to make sure that core understands precisely we failed. Documenting those so we’re on top of that. Areas I thought what’s expected, why we do things. That’s the communication part. we’d be good in and we weren’t and areas I thought we’d be horrible in When you break down last season, are there specific areas you can point and we were better. to and say, “This is where we need more offense?” Is it analytical data? And what I’ll do from now until training camp is rewatch all our playoff Structural changes? games. What you need to do is take a step back after it’s over and then Last year we got offense from pretty much our whole lineup — 17 goals see it again, because you see which guys have taken that step. They from (Valtteri) Filppula, 20 from Casey (Cizikas). You don’t know how it’s usually take that step through playoff performance. They don’t take that going to play out every year. Analytically, there are certain things we can step in the regular season as noticeably as it is in the playoffs. I know do, structural things, situational play, that will give us a chance to and feel that certain guys have taken steps and I want to confirm it by produce. watching them again. Honestly, we might not score more; the goal is to get offense from throughout the lineup and defend, just like last year. Last year, we said we can be in every game and we have a chance to win every game if we correct the defensive part. And we really didn’t fall off. We knocked off over 100 goals from the year before and we only scored (38) fewer goals. Still a plus-60 from the year before.

So you may try to score more, but the goal is to win more. And we were able to do that. Finding the balance is important. I can make us score more, but we’d probably give up a lot more, too, by doing that. We’ve got to find that balance, and it might be as simple as getting 20 extra goals on the power play. If we’d been able to be closer to what that offense and that power play was the year before and still give up 100 less goals, then you’re not thinking, “This team needs to score more.”

Is it just a matter of hoping your veteran bottom-six guys can keep this up or do you need to see some steps forward from your prospects?

Absolutely. We need more from the (Michael) Dal Colles, the (Josh) Ho- Sangs, the (Otto) Koivulas, the young guys coming up. We have (Oliver) Wahlstrom and (Kieffer) Bellows, we don’t really know what they’re going to bring yet, whether they’ll be in the minors or on the NHL team. If one of those guys comes up and gives you 15 goals, another comes up and gives you 10-12 and they’re playing a legitimate role, you all of a sudden have those more natural scorers and you can be just fine.

I think one of the reasons we did have great success with the bottom six was that their roles were quite defined. We were a four-line team and everybody had a role. With top-heavy teams, the bottom six don’t try to score. So when you need a goal from them, you don’t get it. Our bottom six scored all year. They believed they could contribute.

You want those guys to feel like they’re part of the overall plan. In Washington, our bottom six didn’t get the attention the big guys got, but they had legit minutes. And you look at that playoff run, obviously Ovechkin and Backstrom and Kuznetsov made huge contributions. But when we needed a big goal, we got it from guys like Smith-Pelly. Like Lars Eller. Because they’d been in those roles all season and they knew they could push us over the top.

St. Louis got big goals from Pat Maroon. From Alex Steen. Their bottom six was huge and they got great performances from their top guys. So you need everyone.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147567 New York Rangers

Flyers’ questionable Kevin Hayes signing continues trend

By Justin Tasch June 19, 2019 | 12:08pm

The Flyers have been one of the most aggressive NHL teams this offseason, and that continues with their big-money pact with former Ranger Kevin Hayes.

The two sides have agreed on a surprising seven-year, $50 million contract, according to TSN, reuniting Hayes with former Rangers coach Alain Vigneault in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future. The move is considered an overpayment by some as Hayes finished last season with 55 points in 71 games, and has never recorded more than 60 points in a season. It’s the latest in a line of moves by the Flyers to get themselves back into Stanley Cup contention.

It started in April with the hiring of Vigneault, who sat out for a season after being fired by the Rangers following the 2017-18 season.

They took a slight risk earlier this month in trading a fifth-round pick to Winnipeg to acquire Hayes in order to get exclusive negotiating rights before the former Rangers center was scheduled to hit free agency. Hayes played the first four seasons of his career with Vigneault behind the Rangers’ bench. He was then traded to Winnipeg this past season for a package including and a first-round pick — the No. 20 overall selection the Rangers sent back to the Jets this week to acquire star defenseman Jacob Trouba.

Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher then made a big trade by bringing in defenseman Matt Niskanen from the Capitals for Radko Gudas. He made another trade Tuesday designed on improving the blue line, acquiring Justin Braun from the Sharks for a 2019 second-round pick and a 2020 third-round pick.

After some rocky moments with Vigneault earlier in his career, Hayes took a big leap the last couple of seasons and developed into a reliable matchup center. Now the two will look to bring one of the Rangers’ rivals back to prominence.

New York Post LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147568 New York Rangers Hughes: He’s not big (though he claims to be 5-11, rather than his listed 5-10) and, other than the World Championships, he hasn’t played against pros. Assuming he makes the NHL this season, he’d be the first player to Tale of the Tape: NHL top prospects Kaapo Kakko and Jack Hughes go directly from the NTDP to the NHL. So he’d be making a big jump.

Kakko: While he’s played against pros in Finland, he did it on the bigger European ice surface, so he’ll have to adjust to NHL rinks. The narrower By Colin Stephenson surface changes shooting angles and means tighter spaces and more contact.

Scout's take When Devils general manager Ray Shero steps to the podium in Vancouver on Friday to make the first pick in the NHL draft, most expect Hughes: “I went to a camp in July in Toronto, and the best three players him to select American Jack Hughes, the presumptive top choice. Kaapo were Taylor Hall, Connor McDavid and John Tavares,’’ said Dan Marr, Kakko, the Finnish winger who lit up the World Championships last the director of NHL’s Central Scouting says. “The next best player was month and who starred while playing in the top professional league in Jack Hughes. It was a series of skill drills they were doing that involved Finland, likely will be taken next by the Rangers, who hold the No. 2 pick. skating, quickness, speed, execution, precision, and right away, you could see he already has an NHL shot, for example. So he’s got that But the Devils have been here before, just two years ago, when they had talent that he belongs in that group.’’ the first pick in the 2017 draft. And Shero surprised more than a few people then, when he chose Swiss center Nico Hischier instead of Nolan Kakko: “Right now, Kakko has gotten the status. He’s a little more Patrick. Hischier seems to have worked out for the Devils so far. Is there physically developed, and that dictates the type of game he’s capable of a chance Shero and the Devils could surprise again, and this time take playing, the situations he can be used in, the results that he gets, and Kakko instead of Hughes? It’s definitely not impossible. skill levels, smarts, skating,’’ Marr said. “You go down the boxes to check off, he has those.’’ Let’s take a look at Hughes and Kakko. Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 06.20.2019 Tale of the Tape

Hughes

Age: 18

Height: 5-10

Weight: 171

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

2018-19: Played for the U.S. National Team Development Program. Hughes scored 112 points (34 goals, 78 assists) in 50 games for the NTDP this season, and ended his career with a program-record 228 points, shattering the old mark of 189 set by Clayton Keller. Slowed by injury, he still helped the U.S. to the silver medal in the World Junior Championships, losing to Kakko and Finland in the gold medal game. He also led the U.S. to the bronze medal in the World U18 Championships. He had a goal and two assists in the third-place game against Canada and set a career World U18 scoring record. Hughes was also a member of the U.S. team for the World Championships.

Kakko

Age: 18

Height: 6-2

Weight: 194

Position: Right wing

Shoots: Left

2018-19: Played for TPS (Liiga) in Finland’s top professional league. Kakko excelled among seasoned pros with 22 goals in 45 games, a Finnish record for an under-18 player. In January, he scored the game- winning goal for Finland in the gold medal game at the World Junior Championships. Finland beat Hughes and the U.S. in a head-to-head matchup. In May, he scored a team-best six goals for Finland, which surprised everyone by winning the World Championships with a roster light on NHL players.

Strengths

Hughes: His skating stands out, and his vision and ability to make plays is obvious based on the number of assists he had (78 in 50 games for the NTDP). Also, don’t sleep on his shot. It’s NHL-caliber already.

Kakko: Has a fully grown body and elite hands that can handle the puck in tight spaces and find ways to finish around the net. Has the hockey IQ to see openings on the ice as they develop and fill them. Uses his size well to work the boards.

Weaknesses 1147569 New York Rangers systems are considered to be an essential bridge between publicly available data and camera-based tracking information. And there are some organizations with little analytical insight, if at all.

How the Rangers could further involve analytics in the front office’s With Sullivan on staff, the Rangers don’t appear to be trailing the approach analytics movement as some of those teams do, but they do have room to grow in this area — which they can do by learning from other departments around the league. By Shayna Goldman Jun 19, 2019 “When thinking about an optimal analytics organization within the hockey operations team, it’s best to start with thinking about what you’re trying to achieve, then build out the team from there,” one NHL analyst explained. The rebuilding Rangers came into the 2019 offseason with a lengthy checklist. From how to proceed at the draft and with their contract “Hockey has an increasingly vast amount of data to work with and one of extensions to potential buyouts, trades, and free agent signings, the front the key goals of an analytics organization is to find meaningful insights in office has its work cut out for it a year after a fairly quiet summer in 2018. that data to drive better decision making,” the analyst continued.

The biggest item to cross off was also the one that held influence over What steps does that require? In order to work with that data, teams are those below it – finding Glen Sather’s successor for team president. The starting to invest in those with backgrounds in data science, coding, and Rangers were able to cross off that first step with the hiring of John databases. Along with those data scientists who can give a team a Davidson. Davidson quickly added another task to the team’s docket: ‘statistical edge,’ analysts are needed to study and contextualize the data integrating analytics and data into their decision-making process. to provide insights. The key is translating complex concepts to hockey operations in a way that can be understood, so it can actually be utilized. Analytics aren’t foreign to Davidson. The Columbus Blue Jackets have a To make that data more digestible, the analyst noted how some teams department led by assistant general manager Josh Flynn. Though Flynn have invested in data visualizations. was brought in by former general manager Scott Howson prior to Davidson’s arrival in Columbus, Davidson and general manager Jarmo To the average eye, this information can appear as a jumble of Kekäläinen supported the growth of the department. The Athletic’s Alison meaningless numbers. But with a skilled communicator within an Lukan detailed how involved analytics are in the Blue Jackets’ process in analytics team, it can become clear that it represents how Artemi Panarin a three part series in November 2017 that focused on the front office’s has consistently been an elite puck mover who helps his team maintain approach and how it influences the coaches and players. possession of the puck. That skill helps generate quality chances, which is why they are expected to outscore their opponent while he’s on the ice. To have a successful analytics department, the buy-in has to start at the top and requires incorporating that perspective into all decision-making, That analyst may want to take it a step further and specifically isolate not just when it’s convenient. In this case, the top is Davidson, who is Panarin’s impact. That’s where data visualizations can come in, like this looking to add another tool to the Rangers’ analysis. one from HockeyViz to break down the information in a way that it can be easily absorbed. There weren’t many indications that the Rangers were particularly analytically inclined over the years. Sather had a more traditional “Trying to figure out how to effectively communicate data findings to the approach. Former head coach Alain Vigneault cited the use of a rest of the hockey operations team is arguably the most challenging “sophisticated stat package,” but his actions and the team’s results aspect for an analytics organization to overcome. This is why it’s so conflicted the idea that analytics were a part of his outlook. important that the data leaders have effective communication skills so they can speak the same language as the rest of the organization, While the Rangers declined to comment for this story, we can see that because you can have the most important data in the league, but if you they have Jim Sullivan listed as their “Director of Player Care & can not communicate that effectively then you’ve already lost,” the same Development/Analytics and Hockey Technology,” which is a starting analyst said. “When working optimally, a hockey operations team point. And current head coach David Quinn has shown his openness includes best in class traditional scouts and best in class analytics towards analytics, as he worked with Kathryn Yates to expand his working together as a high performing [unit] that communicates methodologies while at Boston University. effectively with each other and has a high degree of mutual respect and And now with Davidson, the Rangers are doing more than just trust.” interchanging personnel, which started with Sather and Rangers senior Another analyst, one who leads a team’s analytics effort, also stressed vice president Jim Schoenfeld stepping down. They’re adapting their the importance of finding a way to communicate this information. mindset and approach to how hockey analysis is evolving. “You want people on your team who can speak every language – people What exactly does building a department entail? who know how to prepare interactive tools that let the decision-makers First, it helps to look at which teams have invested in an analytics get a feel for the data, and people who have played the game at a high division in their front office. level and have the attendant experience with systems needed to reliably translate data into video analysis that coaches and players can readily Some teams have outright committed from the top, like the Toronto access. Maple Leafs, led by general manager Kyle Dubas. Along with Dubas is Darryl Metcalf, who founded the advanced statistical resource “In this day and age, you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting someone ExtraSkater, and a number of analysts who have been added over the who works in data analysis, but to ‘move the needle’ it’s important to find years. those that both can understand and speak about both hockey and data.”

Along with Metcalf, other publicly established analytics creators and To get those with a more traditional perspective to buy-in, it means writers joined front offices. War on Ice co-founders Andrew Thomas and finding a way to communicate the results found from that data in a way Sam Ventura each went on to work with NHL teams; Thomas with that decision-makers can see how it helps them. Minnesota and Ventura with Pittsburgh. Tim Barnes, creator of Time on “If you communicate information well, people will remember what you Ice, was initially hired as an analytics consultant for the Washington say, especially when it is counter to their intuition. And then if your Capitals. Sunny Mehta, both a professional poker player and analytical perspective regularly pans out, they will notice,” the analyst explained. blogger, was hired by the New Jersey Devils. Eric Tulsky, who wrote for a number of platforms, joined the Carolina Hurricanes. Kevin Kan of Another analyst echoed to The Athletic how imperative it is for a team to DataRink joined Tulsky and the Hurricanes soon after. buy-in.

Since the ‘analytical revolution’ in 2014, the landscape has shifted. Some “The most important thing, by far, is organizational buy-in from the top have minimized their departments while others have reinvented their down. A team with strong buy-in and one analyst will make better departments and further invested. decisions than a team with limited buy-in and an army of analysts.”

Based on publicly available information, we can put together a list that There are a number of capable analysts and resources available to gives us a glimpse of the current analytical landscape. Some teams teams, but there’s more than just finding resources — it’s about actually without in-house analysts do work with outside companies such as integrating them into the organizational structure. Knowledge and HockeyData, Sportlogiq, and ICEBERG for their statistical data. Those insights are only an asset if a team can correctly utilize them. “In the near future, more smart teams will adopt a hybrid management structure, where the president of hockey operations has substantial hockey experience and the GM is quantitatively-minded. Short of that, smart teams should look to hire or promote people with quantitative backgrounds to the assistant GM level,” the analyst continued.

Ultimately, for the ideal analytics department, quality should be above quantity since a top-five department can be created with few people. It starts with a buy-in at the top and the addition of someone at the assistant general manager level with someone who is experienced and data-oriented to manage the department — both by contributing innovative ideas and acting as a liaison between the analytics division and hockey operations. The department should also feature database engineers as well as one or two data scientists.

“Most teams face a difficult tradeoff between allocating their analytics budget dollars to additional analysts vs. additional data sources,” one of the analysts we spoke to explained. The good news for New York is that budgeting is the least of their problems.

Those data sources, another analyst explained, must include “databases from the event-level up” that can be queried for all of their needs, both at the NHL level and below to the AHL and junior level. At minimum, those analysts should “be able to do basic statistical inference and prediction to answer a plain set of problems” and have some level of presentation.

To build an analytics department in New York, Davidson has to identify qualified analysts and commit to embracing this aspect of hockey analysis. From there, it has to trickle down to the rest of the front office, from Jeff Gorton to Quinn, to all in between.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147570 Ottawa Senators Canucks general manager Jim Benning is trying to be active with the draft taking place in his city. While the club was reportedly closing in on a three-year extension with defenceman Alex Edler, 33, Benning’s still Snapshots: General managers doing lots of talking heading into the draft trying to get more help defensively. The word is Benning has been talking to teams about improving his blueline and is trying to find the right fit through the trade market … The NHL draft will be held in Montreal in 2020 and it’s the 27th time in league history the annual crapshoot will Bruce Garrioch take place in the home of hockey. “To think that the NHL draft started in 1963 as a small gathering at a hotel ballroom in Montreal, makes it all the more exciting to announce that the 2020 edition of the draft is coming VANCOUVER — A lot of teams are playing the waiting game with the back to its original city, Montreal, in a far grander fashion,” NHL NHL draft set for this weekend at the Rogers Arena. Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “The NHL draft has grown into a spectacle befitting our next generation of stars who will walk While general managers will gather here at a downtown hotel at 6 p.m. across the big stage to the next phase of their hockey careers.” There’s EST for their annual meeting during the draft and there has been no no better stage than Montreal for the draft. shortage of trade talks since teams started arriving here, the deals will likely have to wait until the salary cap number for next season is set — and that won’t happen until Saturday. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 06.20.2019 The speculation is the cap will be in the $81.5- to $82-million range and that’s going to cause difficultly for a lot of GMs. If that happens, that could lead to several trades by teams that are trying to dump money so they can make room for the restricted free agents they have to get signed this summer.

The Vegas Golden Knights already have $83 million committed in salary next season, while the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators are also in difficult positions unless they can make moves. Though teams wanted to know the number going into the draft, waiting until the weekend means deals may have to wait until next week.

“There’s been a lot of talk,” a league executive said Wednesday. “But there’s a lot of moving parts with the salary cap situation.”

OFF THE GLASS

A guy that may want to make a splash this weekend is new Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland. He signed a five-year deal to take over the role last month and hasn’t made any major changes since being brought on board by Bob Nicholson. Holland wants to put his stamp on this team after the club missed the playoffs last spring and don’t be surprised if he attempts to make a big change or two in the coming days or before training camp opens in September. As TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Wednesday, the Oilers have to decide what to do with forward Jesse Puljujarvi because he wants out, but that’s hardly going to be a blockbuster when it does happen. The word among league executives is Holland wants to do a bigger deal to let everybody know the organization is headed in a different direction … If anybody wants to make a deal they may want to pick up the phone and call Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford because the word here is he’d like to make a move or two. The club fell short in the playoffs and the Penguins are trying to maximize success with all the high-end talent the club has.

AROUND THE BOARDS

The biggest debate taking place in the lobbies of the hotels where NHL teams are situated for the draft is this: Will Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner get an offer sheet as a restricted free agent on July 1 or not? It’s a great debate and many believe there’s a good chance that it could happen. If Marner does get an offer sheet, the Leafs will have to match it, but it puts the organization and the player in awkward position if that actually happens. Marner grew up in Toronto and wants to be part of the solution with the Leafs, but he also wants what he’s worth, and rightfully so. Many believe he has to be in the range of the $11.6-million-year- extension that centre Auston Matthews recently signed. Yes, the Leafs will match, but what message does that send to the player if he has to go get the money elsewhere? This is going to be a scenario worth following … The Anaheim Ducks bought out the contract of former league MVP Corey Perry on Wednesday which means he’ll be able to shop himself around as a UFA on July 1. He had two years left on his deal with a salary cap hit of $8.625 million. Perry, 34, was drafted by the Ducks in 2003 and GM Bob Murray indicated this wasn’t an easy decision for the club to make. “This was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my 44 years in the NHL,” Murray said. “Corey gave everything to this franchise for 14 years, never giving an inch to his competitors. While his scoring touch was undeniable, his will to win was his greatest attribute.” There will be no shortage of interest in Perry when the talking period for unrestricted free agents opens Monday.

THE LAST WORDS 1147571 Ottawa Senators Harpur, 24, still has upside potential and there were times last season where he got the job done, but the Senators want to make room for some other players who better fit the mould of what they want on the blueline.

No shortage of talking as Ottawa Senators prepare for NHL draft The club would also like to move veteran winger Mikkel Boedker, who weekend has one year with a cap hit of $4 million left on his contract and $3 million in salary, and there is mild interest from a couple of teams.

Bruce Garrioch Deals involving players on the Ottawa roster may have to wait, though, because general managers are waiting to find out what the salary cap will be next season, and that number is not going to be finalized until Saturday. VANCOUVER — Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion spent Wednesday huddled with the club’s scouting staff at their downtown hotel Dorion indicated Monday he may be willing to take on other teams’ making last-minute preparations for this weekend’s NHL draft at Rogers problem contracts, but not unless he gets something in return that’s Arena. going to help the club down the road, such as a first-round pick or a high- end prospect. Of course he had to step out of the sessions to take the odd phone call because there’s no shortage of trade chatter taking place as the clock There’s a lot of moving parts for the Senators at the moment and, ticks toward the weekend. perhaps, there are moves that will be made in the next few days.

After arriving in Vancouver on Tuesday, Dorion has spent plenty of time working the phones to try to determine whether he can move up in Round 1 Friday night and to see if there’s any possibility of getting some Ottawa Sun LOADED: 06.20.2019 immediate help for the club’s roster next season.

While it’s doubtful the Senators will budge from the No. 19 selection they currently hold in the first round, there have been many discussions among general managers regarding picks, and, as always, those talks will continue right up until the draft gets underway at 8 p.m. EST and teams start to see how everything is going to unfold.

The Senators are content to stay at No. 19 unless they get a sense a player they covet may be taken by somebody else. If that’s the case, Dorion and chief scout Trent Mann will discuss making a move because the club has no shortage of draft picks, but that would likely be a last- minute decision based on scenarios being talked about now.

Dorion told reporters during an availability Monday at the Canadian Tire Centre that there’s no clear direction to the route this first round is going to take and it’s hard to predict what might happen after the first two picks.

“It’s a very volatile draft,” Dorion said. “Everybody knows who’s going to go No. 1 (Jack Hughes) and No. 2 (Kaapo Kakko). Our scouts have a grouping of No. 3 to No. 9, and then from No. 9 to No. 19 there could be a lot of volatility. That tells us that we could end up with a really good player.

“That opens the door to moving up, maybe staying in our spot, and with us having pick No. 32 and No. 44 and having numerous picks in the next two drafts — we’ve got three seconds next year with ours, Columbus and Dallas, and (they will have) three seconds in 2021 with ours, Columbus and (San Jose).

“When you have that number of second-rounders, and a lot of players are coming out of the second round, it really gives us the opportunity to do a lot of good things for this organization.”

Should the Senators hold onto the No. 19 selection, and it certainly appears at this point that they will, then there will be a long list of candidates to choose from, according to Dorion, Mann and the staff.

“We have a lot of names,” Dorion added. “Our scouts are really high on about 18 guys and … we know we’re going to get one of those 18.”

As for the current roster, that remains a work in progress for the Senators.

The club is trying to sign restricted free agents Cody Ceci, Colin White, Christian Wolanin, Jack Rodewald and Nick Paul. If the club isn’t able to get a long-term deal done with Ceci, then the possibility exists he’ll be traded, but more discussions with his agent J.P. Barry are planned this week while the two sides are in Vancouver.

Since Ceci has rights to arbitration and he’ll file if there isn’t a deal in place, that situation could go into the summer if the two sides can’t find common ground. The 25-year-old had a cap hit of $4.3 million last season in a deal he was awarded in arbitration and it’s doubtful either side wants to got that route again.

Once Wolanin is signed, and it’s believed the two sides are inching closer to a deal, then there’s a strong possibility that defenceman Ben Harpur could be moved. The 6-6 blueliner has a one-year deal for next season at $725,000 and there’s simply no room for him if you look at the club’s depth chart. 1147572 Ottawa Senators

CROWDED CREASE: Senators sign goaltender Marcus Hogberg to two- year deal

Bruce Garrioch

VANCOUVER — The Ottawa Senators will have no shortage of goaltenders to choose from heading into training camp in September.

Nobody can accuse of the Senators of not having depth in the net after the club signed Belleville goalie Marcus Hogberg to a two-year deal Wednesday that will pay him $125,000 in the AHL and $700,000 in the NHL next season. The second year of the deal is a one-way contract worth $700,000.

The decision to sign the 24-year-old Hogberg is no surprise because general manager Pierre Dorion told reporters Monday he expected to have a deal in place by the end of the week with the restricted free agent netminder and he had a standout year with Belleville by posting a 21-7-4 record in 39 games.

Of course, this will raise plenty of questions. The Senators already have Craig Anderson, Anders Nilsson and on NHL contracts. The club also has prospects Filip Gustavsson, Joey Daccord and Hogberg in the system. There isn’t room for everybody, but the expectation is there will be changes down the road.

Some will speculate Anderson could be moved but it’s doubtful there’s any interest in the veteran netminder, who has one year left with a cap hit of $4.75 million.

The expectation is Hogberg, who suited up for four games with Ottawa last season when Anderson was out with an injury, and Gustavsson will be the starters in Belleville next season.

Nilsson, who was scheduled to become a unrestricted free agent on July 1, signed a two-year, $5.2 million deal with the club last month. He is expected to push the 38-year-old Anderson for playing time and Condon is coming off hip surgery that forced him to miss most of last season, but he has one year left at a cap hit of $2.4 million.

The Senators were hoping Condon could see action in Belleville at the end of last season, but the club was in a battle for the final playoff spot and the organization didn’t want to take the risk. He will be the odd man out but the Senators will have to show teams during the pre-season that he is healthy and has returned to form.

It would make sense for the Senators to try to create a market for Condon and to wait to see what happens during the regular season. A team could find itself in injury trouble and may want an experienced backup. It happened to a couple of teams last season and history usually repeats itself in this case.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147573 Philadelphia Flyers With good hands as well as smarts and creativity, he should go just before the Flyers can nab him.

11. Flyers NHL mock draft 2019: Alex Newhook might be Flyers pick at No. 11 | Sam Donnellon Alex Newhook (5-11, 190) C, Victoria (BCHL)

The center is a powerful skater with quick feet, and that makes him elusive. by Sam Donnellon 12. Minnesota Sam Donnellon | @samdonnellon | [email protected] Peyton Krebs (5-11, 181), C, Kootenay (WHL)

If the Flyers had not gone through all they have with Samuel Morin (also The NHL draft will be held Friday (first round) and Saturday (rounds 2-7) picked 11th), they might have grabbed Krebs, who has played well in all in Vancouver. Who will the Flyers take at No. 11? situations and would have been close to NHL-ready – until he tore his Here is Sam Donnellon’s mock draft. Achilles tendon this month.

1. New Jersey 13. Florida

Jack Hughes (5-foot-10, 168), C, U.S. National Development Program Vasili Podkolzin (6-1, 190), RW, SKA St. Petersburg (Russia 2)

A sharp skater with a high hockey IQ, the natural centerman plays at a A power forward with a big motor, Podkolzin would go higher if not for a high pace and has been projected at the top of this list for two years. KHL contract that takes him through 2021, and that he has vowed to honor. 2. New York Rangers 14. Arizona Kaapo Kakko (6-2, 190), RW, TPS (Finland) Arthur Kaliyev (6-2, 190) LW, Hamilton (OHL) Playing against men as a 17-year-old, Kakko has shown NHL-level skill, tenacity, and the ability to drive the net: Imagine when he grows into his Kaliyev posted 50 goals and 100 points, yet some scouts cooled on him body. based on his intensity level. Imagine if he ever gets intense.

3. Chicago 15. Montreal

Alex Turcotte (5-11, 185), C, USNTDP) Philip Broberg (6-2, 203), D, AIK (Sweden)

He does everything well – skates, shoots, passes, competes hard, plays He has size and skating ability. fast – and has an NHL pedigree (Alfie Turcotte). 16. Colorado

4. Colorado Spencer Knight (6-3, 198), G, USNTDP

Bowen Byram (6-1, 192) D, Vancouver (WHL) In the past the Avalanche have tried to fill the goalie position with middle- The puck-controlling defenseman has a knack for interrupting plays and round picks. Not this time. initiating rushes. 17. Vegas

5. Los Angeles Victor Soderstrom (5-11, 176) D, Brynas (Sweden)

Trevor Zegras (6-0, 168) C, USNTDP He is a good puck mover who has already played with the big boys and He’s not the best skater but is a creative playmaker with good hands and would need less development time for the peaking-now Knights. is great on the power play. 18. Dallas

6. Detroit Moritz Seider (6-4, 198) D, Mannheim (Germany)

Kirby Dach (6-4, 198), C, Sakatoon (WHL) The righthanded shooter has size, skating ability, and skills, and may not The big center is smart and creative. He could improve on his last this long. acceleration and physicality. 19. Ottawa (from Columbus)

7. Buffalo Ryan Suzuki (6-0, 181), C, Barrie (OHL)

Cole Caulfield (5-7, 163), RW, USNTDP The center is a smart two-way player with good playmaking skills and He’s just a pure scoring machine whose only weakness may be his size. speed. Can you say "Johnny Hockey’’? 20. Winnipeg (from Rangers)

8. Edmonton Raphael Lavoie (6-4, 196), RW, Halifax (QMJHL)

Dylan Cozens (6-3, 185), C, Lethbridge (WHL) The big right-handed shot is a 32-goal scorer with a huge upside.

With his size, speed, and developing skills, he could possibly go higher 21. Pittsburgh than this. Thomas Harley (6-3, 183), D, Mississauga (OHL) 9. Anaheim He skates well and handles the puck well, and is rising fast in scouts’ Cam York (5-11, 172), D, USNTDP views.

The defenseman led the U.S. team’s defense with 65 points in 63 games 22. Los Angeles (from Toronto) and added 33 points in 28 USHL games. Nicholas Robertson (5-9, 168), LW, Peterborough (OHL) Matthew Boldy might be off the board by the time the Flyers draft. He has a great shot and is a hard worker, but he is a few years away. AP 23. New York Islanders Matthew Boldy might be off the board by the time the Flyers draft. Philip Tomasino (6-0, 181), C, Niagara (OHL) 10. Vancouver

Matthew Boldy (6-2, 187), LW, USNTDP He is highly skilled and young, at 17. He fits a need for an organization thin in center prospects.

24. Nashville

Lassi Thomson (6-0, 186), D, Kelowna (WHL)

The physical, puck-moving Finn with a strong shot from the point moved to North America to get used to the game – and was runner-up rookie of the year in the WHL.

» READ MORE: Kevin Hayes signs with Flyers; cap space dwindling

25. Washington

Ville Heinola (5-11, 176), D, Lukko (Finland)

A 17-year-old left-handed shot who prefers playing the right side, he played in the top-tier men’s league and on two Finnish teams competing in world tournaments.

26. Calgary

Bobby Brink (5-10, 165), RW, Sioux City (USHL)

What he may lack in skating ability, he makes up for with quick decision- making. He was the USHL’s forward of the year with 35 goals and 33 assists in 43 games.

27. Tampa Bay

Matthew Robertson (6-3, 200), D, Edmonton (WHL)

The defenseman checks a lot of boxes: big, mobile, smart, and strong along the boards.

28. Carolina

Nils Hoglander (5-9, 185), LW, Rogle (Sweden)

The Swede is fast, smart, and a good puck-handler, and he plays with a physical edge that belies his size.

29. Anaheim (from San Jose via Buffalo)

Brayden Tracey (6-0, 176), LW, Moose Jaw (WHL)

With 11 game-winning goals, he has climbed up most draft charts thanks to a nose for the puck (81 points) and passing ability.

30. Boston

Alex Vlasic (6-5, 198), D, USNTDP

A little rough, but he has good wheels for a 6-5 defenseman. Zdeno Chara isn’t getting any younger.

31. Buffalo (from St. Louis)

Samuel Poulin (6-1, 207), LW, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)

A left-handed shot who has played both wings, he scored 29 goals and had 47 assists over 67 games.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147574 Philadelphia Flyers Matthew Boldy (6-2, 187), LW, USNTDP

Headed to Boston College, he has a big shot and is a quality playmaker and a strong down-low threat. 2019 NHL mock draft: Flyers could take Matthew Boldy at No. 11 | Sam Carchidi 12. Minnesota

Vasili Podkolzin (6-1, 190), RW, SKA-NevaSt. Petersburg (Russia 2) by Sam Carchidi Once regarded as the draft’s third-best player, he has slipped a bit, but he combines physicality and skill and is a solid pick.

13. Florida The NHL draft will be held Friday (first round) and Saturday (rounds 2-7) in Vancouver. The Flyers have the 11th pick. Spencer Knight (6-3, 198), G. USNTDP

Who will they take? Here is Sam Carchidi’s mock draft: By far the best goaltender in the draft, the Boston College recruit has poise, confidence, and talent and will one day be a Florida cornerstone. 1. New Jersey 14. Arizona Jack Hughes (5-foot-10, 168), C, U.S. National Team Development Program Alex Newhook (5-11, 190), C, Victoria (BCHL)

The Devils got lucky in the lottery draft and will select a player who has Another Boston College recruit, Newhook has a high hockey IQ, along been called a “smaller version of Connor McDavid.” with good speed and excellent hands.

2. New York Rangers 15. Montreal

Kaapo Kakko (6-2, 190), RW, TPS (Finland) Raphael Lavoie (6-4, 198), RW/C, Halifax (QMJHL)

In a lot of years, he would have been the No. 1 overall pick, so he’s If there were any doubts about him, the Montreal native erased them in certainly much more than a consolation prize. the playoffs with 20 goals in 23 games.

3. Chicago » READ MORE: High-scoring winger Raphael Lavoie among prospects who intrigue the Flyers Bowen Byram (6-1, 192), D, Vancouver (WHL) 16. Colorado The Blackhawks may opt for a local kid, center Alex Turcotte, but shame on them if they bypass a true No. 1 defenseman. Victor Soderstrom (5-11, 176), D, Brynas (Sweden)

4. Colorado (from Ottawa) A player on the Flyers’ radar, the highly competitive Soderstrom is a swift skater and quality puck-mover who is a steal at No. 16. Alex Turcotte (5-11, 194), C, USNTDP 17. Vegas He has had problems staying healthy, but he is one of the most gifted two-way centers in the draft. Ryan Suzuki (6-0, 181), C, Barrie (OHL)

5. Los Angeles A cerebral player who is a strong skater and playmaker, he always seems to be in the right spots. Dylan Cozens (6-3, 185), C, Lethbridge (WHL) 18. Dallas No, this isn’t the Phillies prospect with the same name, but a physical center with all the attributes an NHL team desires. Cam York (5-11, 172), D, USNTDP

6. Detroit The Michigan-bound York is quick and has great offensive upside, but his size may be a detriment in defending against bigger forwards. Kirby Dach (6-4, 198), C, Saskatoon (WHL) 19. Ottawa (from Columbus) Dach has size, speed, and skating ability and should blossom into a No. 1 center. Arthur Kaliyev (6-2, 190), RW-LW, Hamilton (OHL)

7. Buffalo Another Michigan recruit, he had 51 goals and 102 points in 67 games last season and is one of the draft’s best pure scorers. Trevor Zegras (6-0, 168), C, USNTDP 20. Winnipeg (from Rangers) A playmaker with a lethal shot, Zegras is one of eight players from the U.S. National Team Development Program who could go in the first Thomas Harley (6-3, 183), D, Mississauga (OHL) round. The Syracuse, N.Y., native was a dominant defender and chipped in with 8. Edmonton 58 points in 68 games.

Phillip Broberg (6-3, 203), D, AIK (Sweden) » MIKE SIELSKI: Can the Flyers do what the Blues and Bruins did? It’ll take more than rehiring Craig Berube. He’s got the size, skating ability, and hockey acumen to be a top-flight defender. 21. Pittsburgh

9. Anaheim Ville Heinola (5-11, 176), D, Lukko (Finland)

Peyton Krebs (5-11, 181), C, Kootenay (WHL) The smooth-skating Finn has great hockey sense and performed well in Finland’s premier league. He recently had surgery to repair a partially torn Achilles tendon, but it shouldn’t be a major stumbling block for such a gifted, hardworking 22. Los Angeles (from Toronto) player. Moritz Seider (6-4, 198), D, Manheim (Germany) 10. Vancouver An intriguing prospect because of his size and right-handed shot, he was Cole Caufield (5-7, 163), RW, USNTDP named rookie of the year in Germany’s top league.

His size is no longer viewed as a shortcoming and, quite simply, he is the 23. New York Islanders best pure scorer in the draft. Philip Tomasino (6-0, 181), C, Niagara (OHL) 11. Flyers A relentless player who had 34 goals in 67 games, the 17-year-old Tomasino is one of the youngest players in the draft..

24. Nashville

Samuel Poulin (6-1, 207), LW, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)

A prototypical power forward with good speed, Poulin could blossom into a future second-line NHL player.

25. Washington

Connor McMichael (6-0, 170), C, London (OHL)

He plays with quickness and smarts, traits that helped him collect 36 goals and 72 points in 67 games.

26. Calgary

Bobby Brink (5-10, 165), RW, Sioux City (USHL)

The Flames have had pretty good success with another small player (Johnny Gaudreau), so Brink’s size won’t scare them.

27. Tampa Bay

Ryan Johnson (6-0, 161), D, Sioux City (USHL)

A terrific skater and puck-mover, the University of Minnesota recruit is also a strong defender, but he needs to add some muscle.

28. Carolina

Brett Leason (6-4, 2010) C-RW, Prince Albert (WHL)

The late-blooming Leason, 20, had 89 points (36 goals, 53 assists) in 55 games

29. Anaheim (from San Jose via Buffalo)

Matthew Robertson (6-3, 200), D, Edmonton (WHL)

A good skater with a long reach, Robertson went from minus-18 to plus- 18 in one season.

30. Boston

Alex Vlasic (6-5, 198), D, USNTDP

He won’t provide much offense, but the cousin of San Jose defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic has a stellar defensive game.

31. Buffalo (from St. Louis)

Tobias Bjornfot (6-0, 203), D, Djurgarden (Sweden)

He is a solid all-around defender who captained Sweden’s title team in the under-18 World Championships.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147575 Philadelphia Flyers “We’re a deeper group, but we have a lot of work to do in training camp,” Fletcher said about how the new coaching staff must implement its systems with a new-look team.

It’s official: Kevin Hayes signs with Flyers; cap space dwindling As for making more trades or signing free agents, Fletcher said he would continue to explore deals. But his focus for the next couple of days is on the draft, which will be held Friday and Saturday in Vancouver, and by Sam Carchidi talking to agents who represent the five key restricted free agents.

“We have some work ahead of us with the RFAs,” said Fletcher, who hinted that Laughton could be a contender for a third-line winger spot, “... The Flyers’ badly kept secret is out: They officially signed center Kevin but I think we’re in a good position in what we have to deal with.” Hayes to a seven-year, $50 million contract. Fletcher said that including a second-round pick (41st overall) in the General manager Chuck Fletcher confirmed the deal Wednesday. It Braun trade was not difficult because the Flyers still have their first-round carries a $7.14 million annual cap hit, making Hayes the team’s third- selection (11th overall) and two relatively early picks in the third round. highest-paid player, behind Claude Giroux ($8.28 million) and Jake Voracek ($8.25 million). “And probably as importantly as anything, we’ve kept all our prospects," Fletcher said, "and our staff has worked hard the last few years to “He plays a smart two-way game and is just entering the prime of his acquire some top picks and some top kids and we’ve been able to keep career,” Fletcher said. “Kevin will add size and speed to our lineup. ... We all those assets. We’re still as deep as any franchise with respect to like his 200-foot game. We think he really rounds out our forward group quantity and quality of prospects.” and will give our coaching staff lots of options going forward."

The 6-foot-5, 216-pound Hayes is expected to be the Flyers’ second-line center, pushing Nolan Patrick (13 goals, 31 points last season) down to Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 06.20.2019 the third unit.

Hayes said that it was a “no-brainer” to sign with the Flyers and that having his former New York Rangers coach, Alain Vigneault, direct the team made his decision easier.

“Playing under AV for four years, I mean, we had a great relationship on and off the ice,” said Hayes, who had a career-high 25 goals for Vigneault’s Rangers in 2017-18. “He demands hard work, and if you play correctly he kind of lets you play freely offensively. That was a huge factor in the decision.”

The Massachusetts native said the Flyers were at the top of the list for how he fit on the team.

“Ultimately, me and my agent wanted to go to a great city, a team that can win and a team that can kind of go for the Stanley Cup,” Hayes said. “And the Flyers are one of those teams, we think.”

Hayes, 27, had a combined 19 goals and a career-high 55 points in 71 games last season for the Rangers and Winnipeg Jets. The Flyers acquired his rights earlier this month by sending a fifth-round draft pick to Winnipeg, hoping to sign Hayes before he became an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Fletcher confirmed Hayes has a no-movement clause in the first three years of the deal, which protects him from (among other things) being exposed to Seattle in the 2021 expansion draft. After the first three years, he has a no-trade list that includes 12 teams.

It’s been a whirlwind week for Fletcher. He signed Hayes, acquired veteran defensemen Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun, and bought out defenseman Andrew MacDonald.

“We’re stronger, we’re deeper, and we filled a lot of the holes we identified coming into the summer,” said Fletcher, whose team was 29th in the NHL in goals-allowed (3.41 per game) and 18th in goals scored (2.94 per game) last season.

Hayes, a former Boston College star, is expected to be used on the power play and penalty kill.

“If that’s going to help the team win, obviously I’d love to do it,” he said. “Whatever they need me to do.”

The Flyers have $60.1 million earmarked for just 16 players, and the cap is expected to be at around $82 million. They still want to sign five restricted free agents — , Travis Sanheim, , , and Ryan Hartman — along with a backup goalie.

By adding Hayes, Niskanen ($5.75 million), and Braun ($3.8 million) and retaining $1.01 million toward Radko Gudas’ traded contract, the Flyers, provided they don’t make any more trades, won’t have much money to spend in the free-agent market when you factor in the restricted free agents they are expected to sign.

Acquiring Niskanen and Braun “shows they’re in a win-now mentality,” Hayes said. “Those guys are established players. Niskanen has a Cup. They’re only going to help the team.” 1147576 Philadelphia Flyers

NHL draft: Flyers might turn to loaded U.S. team for their first pick

by Sam Carchidi

When the first round of the NHL draft is held Friday night at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena, there probably won’t be a “USA … USA … USA” chant.

But it would certainly be appropriate.

There are expected to be seven or eight players taken from the United States National Team Development Program in the opening round, including Jack Hughes, the dynamic center favored to be chosen No. 1 overall by the New Jersey Devils.

“It’s a pretty unique draft class from this group,” said Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr, who will head the organization’s draft contingent in Vancouver. “I think it’s cyclical, but it also tells you that program is really producing players. They’ve come together and had a lot of success this year, a lot of blowout wins.

"The other unique thing is where these kids are coming from. You have kids coming from California now, and in the last couple years, you’ve got kids from Arizona and all these places, which should be exciting for U.S.A. hockey.”

The Flyers select No. 11 overall, and they would love a chance to choose one of the three U.S. centers. It is highly unlikely, however, that Hughes, Alex Turcotte, or Trevor Zegras will be available at that pick.

Finnish right winger Kaapo Kaako, who has been compared to Colorado’s high-scoring Mikko Rantanen, is expected to go No. 2 to the New York Rangers.

Turcotte, who grew up in Illinois, is projected as the next member of the USNTDP to be chosen. The Chicago Blackhawks, who have the No. 3 overall pick, will probably pick Turcotte or British Columbia native Bowen Byram, the draft’s top defenseman.

USNTDP players who could go in the first round besides Hughes, Turcotte, and Zegras: left winger Matthew Boldy, right winger Cole Caufield, goalie Spencer Knight, and defensemen Cam York and Alex Vlasic, who is the cousin of San Jose defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

The U.S. U-18 team has never had more than three first-round selections. That record is expected to be thrashed, probably in the first 10 picks. Maybe even sooner.

Based on the probability of where they will be selected, Caufield and Boldy might be available for the Flyers. The 5-foot-7, 163-pound Caufield, arguably the best pure scorer in the draft, is more of a long shot to slip to No. 11.

Flahr, who used to head Minnesota’s scouting department before joining his former Wild boss, GM Chuck Fletcher, with the Flyers, is enamored with both players.

Flahr said that Caufield “has a lot of intangibles that should allow him to play as a small player,” and that Boldy “played maybe a little bit less of a role because of the depth of that team, but he’s a talented guy who we certainly like and other teams do as well.”

There is also a chance the Flyers will trade their No. 1 pick to get a proven winger, though that now seems unlikely because that would leave the organization without a selection until the third round. The Flyers dealt their second-round pick (No. 41 overall), which is expected to be a quality player in this deep draft, as part of Tuesday’s trade for 32-year-old San Jose defenseman Justin Braun.

Breakaways

A year ago, the Flyers drafted eight players: five Americans and three Swedes. It was the first time in franchise history they didn’t select a Canadian-born player. … The Flyers have eight picks in this year’s draft: one in the first round, two in the third, one in the fourth, and two in both the sixth and seventh rounds.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147577 Philadelphia Flyers "There’s lots of arguments,’’ said Fletcher. "But we both enjoy a good debate. I think that’s why we get along so well. We’re not the same person, that’s for sure.

For Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher and his assistant Brent Flahr, opposites "I need somebody like that. To help remind me of what we’re trying to do attract and stay on the right path.’’

"We kind of work well together. He gets amped up. I’m fairly calm for the by Sam Donnellon most part. I can help him settle down, come back to earth. But we have similar philosophies in what we like in players and what we like in a team.

With trades for two veteran top-four defensemen this week that cost cap AKIRA SUWA space and draft picks, that philosophy appears to differ greatly from the one employed by Hextall. But Hextall had intimated several times that his As the plane emerged from the clouds, Brent Flahr, then a young man process might undergo a similar acceleration once he felt the status of from beautiful Vancouver Island, looked below at what appeared to be a the team and the farm system warranted it. lunar landscape. He had been told that Princeton University would be a beautiful place for him to continue his hockey career, but this scene, of Adding the 6-foot-2 Braun and 6-1 Matt Niskanen to a defense group that the factories and refineries that surround Newark Airport, was something might next season include three players over 6-4 (Travis Sanheim, Phil out of a Bruce Springsteen song. Myers, Samuel Morin) is a window into how Flahr and Fletcher view the success of the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. Literally. "I think it’s a trend,’’ Flahr said. "You can’t have the big, bad Flyers quite "I thought, `What did I get myself into?' ’’ said Flahr, the Flyers’ assistant anymore. … But you look at St. Louis winning. They’re a big, strong GM who will be team’s point man for this Friday’s NHL draft. team. I think a lot of things worked out for the Blues. Goaltending. But to The answer, he has learned over the next 20-odd years, is a long and have size. … There was just no space. It was really hard to operate. I unlikely course through the various levels of professional hockey, a think they wore Boston down.’ journey that took him from his playing days as a defenseman at "Things do change, and it’s cyclical. And it’s a copycat league, too. Princeton to his first job in the ticket offices of the Florida Panthers, to Chicago was winning with smaller, mobile guys, and you wanted to be jobs as a video coordinator, scout, contract reviewer, negotiator, and for them. Now it’s back to the bigger guys.’’ the last decade, as an assistant general manager in the NHL.

It has taken him to a range of unlike landing spots: Fort Lauderdale, San Antonio, Anaheim, Ottawa, Omaha, Minneapolis and now, since Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 06.20.2019 December, here in Philadelphia.

The common thread that weaves through this narrative is Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher. He was in Panthers’ front office when Flahr pretty much forced his way in with an exhausting and exhaustive willingness to do any job in it.

And Fletcher has sought his counsel and companionship – sometimes unsuccessfully – each time he has changed jobs.

"It’s not just that I trust him,’’ Fletcher was saying this week. "I trust him to tell me whether I’m doing things the right way or not. He’s a straight shooter. He’s extremely honest. Which I think you need. You don’t want people around you who tell you what you want to hear. You want people surrounding you who have an idea of what they think is right and wrong as well.

"He’s somebody I can trust to give me a straight answer.’’

As he did during much of Fletcher’s nine-year tenure as the Minnesota Wild’s general manager, Flahr will oversee the NHL draft for the Flyers beginning Friday night -- in, of all places, Vancouver. The Flyers have the 11th overall pick, but due to Tuesday’s trade for San Jose defenseman Justin Braun, their next pick will not be until the third round, the 65th overall.

The Flyers pick again seven spots later and still own eight picks in the seven-round draft. And while Flahr was mostly scouting during what can best be described as a lame-duck half season in Minnesota (as assistant GM to new boss Paul Fenton), he has said repeatedly that he will lean heavily on the Flyers’ scouting department that has mostly remained in place during the change in GMs from to Fletcher.

Flahr was hired soon after – a move that took literally no one in the NHL by surprise. The relationship between Fletcher and Flahr goes back to those days with the Panthers in the mid-1990s. As Bryan Murray’s assistant GM, Fletcher played a role in springing Flahr from the ticket office to coach Terry Murray’s video room.

"I took a big pay cut, too,’’ Flahr said, laughing.

From there his jobs multiplied and intensified. Everything from compiling contract comparisons to organizing training camp and scouting -- his true passion.

As Fletcher said, Flahr is no yes man. And he’s no clone. The two are political opposites, and the temperaments aren’t exactly the same, either. 1147578 Philadelphia Flyers Yet the changing Rangers shipped him to Winnipeg in a trade deadline rental deal earlier this year in which the Jets gave up Brendan Lemieux, a 2019 first-round draft pick and a conditional fourth-round pick.

Pressure to produce will be on Hayes with Flyers Hayes responded by scoring five goals and 13 points in 20 games for the Jets after the trade, plus only two goals and one assist in six playoff games in the Jets' disappointing first-round ouster. By Rob Parent [email protected] @ReluctantSE It would soon become clear that Hayes would likely pursue free agency on Twitter over the summer. That's when the Flyers stepped in and cut their deal.

"It obviously showed that they wanted me," Hayes said. "I think it was good fit for both sides, what I bring to the table and what they had to Considering the size of the number the Flyers signed Kevin Hayes to offer. It was an easy decision, ultimately. Wednesday, he'll have to bring much more than numbers to the table this season in order to make Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher as "As an athlete, July 1 and free agency is an intriguing idea. When I sat "happy" as he said he was in the press release announcing the deal. down with my agent, we thought about what kind of team I would want to go to and where I would fit in the organization and the team. The Flyers "We are very happy to sign Kevin to a long-term contract," Fletcher had were at the top of the list." said via a statement early Wednesday. "He plays a smart, two-way game and is just entering the prime of his career. Kevin will add size and skill to Now the pressure will be on for Hayes to produce. Only once in his NHL our lineup." career has he scored more than 20 goals (25 during 2017-18 with the Rangers), but he did have a career high 54 points last season combined Hayes has added a seven-year, $49.98 million payroll bulk for the Flyers, with the Rangers and the Jets. who had traded a 2019 fifth-round draft pick on June 3 for his expiring rights. Doing so, of course, put the negotiating advantage in the player's With the Flyers, Hayes will be expected to produce more, since he will court, and Hayes and his representatives made full use of that likely center the second line with the possible likes of Jake Voracek and advantage. on his wings.

Per the tracking website Spotrac.com, Hayes currently is the 19th- "Certainly we're a deeper group right now, a more talented group," highest ranked center in the game by cap hit, with an average annual Fletcher said. "But we have a lot of work ahead of us." salary of $7.14 million, putting him ahead of people like Toronto's William Nylander and Boston's Patrice Bergeron. Hayes said he'd garnered positive vibes from Fletcher's acquisitions in recent days of Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun as right-hand shots on To Fletcher, however, the commitment will prove to be more than defense. worthwhile. "It just shows that they’re in a win-now mentality," Hayes said. "Those "He checks a lot of boxes we were looking for," Fletcher said in a guys are established players. Niskanen has a Cup. They’re only going to conference call later Wednesday. "We like his size, we like his skill, we help the team. I think with the three moves they made in the last couple like his 200-foot game. We like his age, he's just entering the prime of his weeks, it just shows the team and the organization that they want to win career. And he plays a premium position at center." right now."

Payroll aside, Hayes has a lot going for him. A native of Dorchester, Mass., he can use his 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame to full advantage. He has bloodlines, too, as older brother Jimmy has played for four NHL Delaware County Times LOADED: 06.20.2019 teams and is currently with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre Penguins, and the Hayes brothers are cousins with longtime NHL players and Tom Fitzgerald, along with Tkachuk's NHL sons Matthew and Brady.

All in the Boston-burbs family.

"Yeah, I am a pretty big family guy," Hayes said. "I have three sisters and a brother. Both my parents live in Boston. It’s nice that they are just a train ride away. My dad will be at a lot of these games for sure, being close to home."

From a veteran signing perspective, Hayes is certainly an attractive option. He's only 27. He was a first-round pick (24th overall) of Chicago in 2010, and became a Hobey Baker Award finalist with Boston College in 2014, his team losing in the NCAA semifinals that year to Shayne Gostisbehere's Union College.

Hayes was then unable to reach a contract agreement with the Hawks and was declared an unrestricted free agent, going on to sign in Aug. 2014 with the New York Rangers, who the previous year had hired now- pending Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault.

"You never know when you acquire a player, whether it's through trade or free agency, how that player is going to fit with a coach," Fletcher said. "There's always some uncertainty and there are times when things don't work out. ... But I think in this case Alain is very comfortable with Kevin as a player and obviously Kevin is comfortable with that relationship, as well. I think that will speed up the learning curve and help Kevin hit the ground running with the Flyers."

"He demands hard work," Hayes added about Vigneault. "If you play the correct way, he kind of lets you play freely offensively. That was a huge factor in the decision. Being comfortable with him made the decision a lot easier."

In parts of five seasons mostly under Vigneault, Hayes scored 87 goals and totaled 216 points in 361 games with New York. He also showed a real ability as a shutdown center. 1147579 Philadelphia Flyers "We're a deeper group right now, a more talented group. But we have a lot of work ahead of us. We have a new coaching staff coming in and we'll have an opportunity in training camp to put the pieces together and No gutting and wishes fulfilled, Chuck Fletcher has been impressive with push forward." Flyers Fletcher will now focus on this weekend's draft and his restricted free agents. It's only June 19, though. Don't rule out some moves ahead.

By Jordan Hall "Obviously we'll continue to speak with teams and see what opportunities may be out in the trade market," Fletcher said. June 19, 2019 10:00 PM On April 18, the GM was adamant about the Flyers' picture.

"It's not like you have to gut this thing," Fletcher said. "We have cap With all of Chuck Fletcher's wheeling and dealing over the past six days, space, we have picks. two results stand out in particular. "We're set up where we should have an opportunity to get better quickly." Firstly, the general manager has done what was asked of him. He was brought on board by president Paul Holmgren and So far, the Flyers look better. It took less than a week and little was chairman and CEO Dave Scott to make things happen now, not later. gutted. Back in late November, early December, both Holmgren and Scott believed the Flyers had all the resources to be further along in their process toward contending for a Stanley Cup. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019

They wanted action.

In a span of six days before the NHL entry draft has even arrived, Fletcher parted ways with Radko Gudas and Andrew MacDonald, added experienced veterans Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun, and signed Kevin Hayes, a top-six forward entering "the prime of his career," as the GM put it Wednesday.

Secondly, the process suffered no casualties. Fletcher didn't injudiciously disassemble the work done before him. The Flyers didn't lose a prospect from their impressive pool or sacrifice a young foundation piece to get better.

They had 10 picks in the 2019 draft and upwards of $30 million in cap space. It's been more than time to augment what's in place, so Fletcher took his resources and went to work. The Flyers lost three picks (one in 2020) and cap space.

It's how you get better.

"Speaking with the group, that's always been the intention," Fletcher said. "The past few years, the staff has worked hard to acquire as many young assets as possible and rebuild the foundation of the club. At the right time, the idea has always been to more aggressively add veteran pieces. We feel we've done that now."

Down the middle — where the Flyers wanted to be deeper and tougher to play against — the team looks much improved. From first-line center to third-line center, the Flyers boast 26-year-old Sean Couturier fresh off back-to-back 30-goal, 40-assist seasons, 27-year-old Hayes coming off a career-high 55 points split between two teams, and 2017 No. 2 overall pick Nolan Patrick, a two-way guy only 20 years old.

On defense, the Flyers now have three righty-shot blueliners to potentially complement a trio of 22-year-old Ivan Provorov, 23-year-old Travis Sanheim and 26-year-old Shayne Gostisbehere. Niskanen is a Stanley Cup champion, Braun has played 84 playoff games and the Flyers are "bullish" on Philippe Myers, a 22-year-old who was rated as a top-50 prospect last season by NHL Network.

"When you combine our signing of [Hayes] with acquiring the two veteran right-shot defensemen that we did in the past week, we just think as a group, we're stronger, we're deeper and we filled a lot of the holes that we identified coming into the summer," Fletcher said.

On paper, it looks good — especially with how it was done.

"As importantly as anything, we've kept all of our prospects," Fletcher said. "Our staff has worked hard the last few years to acquire some top picks, some top kids, and we've been able to keep all of those assets. We're still as deep as any franchise with respect to quality and quantity of prospects, and we certainly anticipate adding to that this weekend.

"We knew we were going to have to give up some assets going forward to acquire some pieces that we felt we needed. We kept our first-round pick, which should be a great asset for our franchise — it's a strong draft and we have the 11th selection, so we anticipate drafting a very good player there. We still have two third-rounders, both of which are early in the round. 1147580 Philadelphia Flyers

2019 NHL draft profile: Could Cole Caufield drop to Flyers at No. 11?

By Jordan Hall

June 19, 2019 3:15 PM

Who might general manager Chuck Fletcher, assistant general manager Brent Flahr and the Flyers take at No. 11 overall in the 2019 NHL draft? Let's dive into our first-round mock draft. By Jordan Hall

The 2019 NHL entry draft is Friday and Saturday in Vancouver, British Columbia. General manager Chuck Fletcher, assistant general manager Brent Flahr and the Flyers hold the 11th overall pick and eight selections in total.

"This draft's a little unique," Flahr said last week. "Especially in the top 15, there are a number of different types of players, which is interesting — some power wingers, some smaller scoring wingers, some centermen, there's a number of D, a goaltender.

"We've identified probably five or six guys that we think have a chance to be there at 11 and probably some of the other teams in front of us will dictate that. But we're really confident we're going to get a good player."

This week, we are breaking down options for the Flyers at No. 11.

Cole Caufield

Position: Right winger

Height: 5-foot-7

Weight: 162

Shoots: Right

Team: USNTDP

Scouting report

The electric, diminutive winger has climbed draft boards after erupting for 72 goals and 100 points in 64 games this season with the U.S. national U-18 team. His 72 markers set a single-season USNTDP record, which was previously held by 2016 No. 1 overall pick Auston Matthews (55).

Caufield has a big-time shot and an incredible sense for how to score.

"He's as advertised," Flahr said. "He's undersized, but he's a pure goal- scorer, he's a competitive kid. He's got a lot of the intangibles that should allow him to play as a small player. One thing he does is score and scores consistently against all competition."

The Wisconsin commit is the fourth-ranked player in the draft by TSN's Craig Button, while TSN's Bob McKenzie has Caufield at No. 9.

It's difficult to tell when Caufield will hear his name called. His size might scare clubs and he played on a supremely talented team that could see seven prospects drafted in the first round, featuring consensus No. 1 overall pick Jack Hughes.

"Some teams won't draft him because of his size and others aren't worried about it," Flahr said.

"There's a grouping of the guys, his own teammates, that could go in any range there. Would I be surprised if he's there? No. Would I be surprised if he went before us? No."

If Caufield falls to the Flyers at No. 11, he'd be a no-brainer choice. It would be difficult to find a higher-value pick at that point and the Flyers won't mind his small stature; they could use some more pure goal- scoring wingers in the system.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147581 Philadelphia Flyers Flyers and why Fletcher was brought on board — to utilize his resources and make things happen.

It's June 19 and Fletcher is far from done. Stay tuned. Flyers sign Kevin Hayes to 7-year, $50 million contract

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 By Jordan Hall

June 19, 2019 2:25 PM

Kevin Hayes isn't going anywhere.

General manager Chuck Fletcher delivered on his strategy of acquiring the impending unrestricted free agent to jump ahead in negotiations by signing Hayes on Wednesday to a seven-year, $50 million deal ($7.14 million AAV).

"We are very happy to sign Kevin to a long-term contract," Fletcher said in a release by the team. "He plays a smart, two-way game and is just entering the prime of his career. Kevin will add size and skill to our lineup."

Kevin Hayes will wear No. 13.

Other #Flyers to rock No. 13:

Dave Michayluk

Claude Lapointe

Daniel Carcillo

Glen Metropolit

Pavel Kubina

Roman Lyubimov

The Flyers traded for Hayes' rights on June 3, sending a 2019 fifth-round pick to the Jets. By June 23, Hayes would have been able to speak with other clubs. By July 1, he would have become an unrestricted free agent.

The Flyers avoided those possibilities by locking up the 27-year-old from Dorchester, Massachusetts, a 6-foot-5, 216-pound forward who the Flyers believe will make them tougher to play against down the middle. The contract has a no-movement clause for the first three years and a modified no-movement clause for the final four, according to a report by Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

It's a lot of money and a lot of years, but the Flyers had around $30 million in cap space and the projection is Hayes' prime years are ahead.

Hayes is coming off a career year of 55 points (19 goals, 36 assists) after scoring a personal-best 25 goals in 2017-18. What made him even more attractive to the Flyers were his versatility and smarts. He can play center or winger, on the penalty kill and power play, and is a responsible forward who suited up under Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault from 2014-18 in New York.

In 2017-18, when Hayes netted his career high in goals, he was second on the Rangers in shorthanded ice time.

At Fletcher's end-of-the-season press conference after the Flyers missed the playoffs for the fourth time in the last seven years, the GM lamented bad on-ice habits for why the club was so maddeningly inconsistent.

"It's not just systems," Fletcher said. "It's puck management, game management, being in the right spot, holding onto the puck offensively, making more plays offensively, retrieving pucks and winning battles. There's a whole host of things that go into it.

"We have some bad habits right now — flying into the zone before we have possession of the puck, not getting in shooting lanes, not keeping the third guy high, turning pucks over in the neutral zone when there's no time and space to make a play, and just recognizing things. It's mindset, but you need the mindset to embrace the habits."

The Flyers believe Hayes, a career plus-28, is the type of player to push that movement forward. The move also makes the Flyers considerably deeper, potentially opening up 20-year-old center Nolan Patrick's game (see story).

This offseason, Fletcher has added Hayes, Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun. He has taken on money but that was part of the draw with the 1147582 Philadelphia Flyers Courier-Post LOADED: 06.20.2019

Flyers keep Kevin Hayes from free agency with seven-year, $50 million deal

Dave Isaac, NHL writer

Published 2:22 p.m. ET June 19, 2019

Kevin Hayes had five goals and 13 points in 20 games with the Winnipeg Jets this season after a trade deadline deal with the New York Rangers.

The trade was a gamble because the Flyers didn’t really know if anything would come to fruition and maybe the draft pick they gave up, teenager whose life will change Saturday afternoon, will become a real player. To Winnipeg went a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft and the Flyers got about three weeks of negotiating time with pending free agent center Kevin Hayes.

They almost ran out of runway and certainly paid a premium to ensure they didn’t. General manager Chuck Fletcher needed 16 days to make sure Hayes didn’t get to free agency, or at least this Sunday when other teams could start negotiating with him.

Wednesday morning the Flyers signed Hayes to a seven-year, $50 million contract.

"We are very happy to sign Kevin to a long term contract," Fletcher said in a press release. "He plays a smart, two-way game and is just entering the prime of his career. Kevin will add size and skill to our line-up."

Hayes, 27, will likely be the Flyers’ second-line center next season, making them very strong down the middle.

At least for now.

Sean Couturier is the definitive No. 1 at center and 20-year-old Nolan Patrick and pending restricted free agent Scott Laughton are also shoo ins for the roster. If the Flyers decide that adding Hayes gives them a surplus, perhaps one of Patrick or Laughton become available for a trade down the road.

In signing Hayes, the Flyers get a big center (6-foot-4, 216 pounds) who plays very well defensively and scored a career-high 25 goals in the 2017-18 season with the New York Rangers under Alain Vigneault, who is now the Flyers’ bench boss. Hayes, a Dorchester, Massachusetts native, had 19 goals and a career-high 55 points this season between 51 games for the Rangers and 20 for the Jets, but never seemed fully comfortable after moving to Winnipeg at the trade deadline.

Hayes’ signing marks the latest move in what has been a busy week for Fletcher. Friday, Fletcher traded Radko Gudas to Washington for Matt Niskanen, Saturday he started the process of buying out Andrew MacDonald’s final year on his contract and Tuesday afternoon he traded two picks to San Jose for Sharks defenseman Justin Braun. Hayes’ play in his own end lends to the theme Fletcher seems to be going for.

“I do think the biggest concern we still have is we gave up 3.4 goals per game,” Fletcher said at the end of the Flyers’ season. “We gave up more than 80 goals than the New York Islanders. Over a goal a game more than the New York Islanders. I think we were 29th in goals-against. You have no chance of making the playoffs if you give up that many goals.”

Even as a forward, Hayes should be able to help in that regard. He was on the right side of the shot-attempt battle this season in 71 games between the Rangers and Winnipeg Jets at plus-26. In Philadelphia, he’ll also be expected to score with some talented wingers. Claude Giroux, James van Riemsdyk, Travis Konecny and Jake Voracek are all wingers who played mostly on the top two lines this season.

Hayes’ $7.14 million salary-cap hit takes a chunk out of Fletcher’s wallet and he still has plenty more to spend. He’ll need a goalie to play in tandem with Carter Hart and to re-sign RFAs Konecny, Travis Sanheim, Justin Bailey, Ryan Hartman and top defenseman Ivan Provorov.

After signing Hayes, there’s $22.86 million of cap space left, according to CapFriendly.com, based on a projected ceiling of $83 million. The official cap for next season should be announced this week.

1147583 Philadelphia Flyers like the Flyers, every little bit matters. The final number will be announced later this week.

Here’s one way to look at it. Back in 2017, the Flyers signed Brian Elliott Breaking down the Flyers’ quickly shrinking cap flexibility after locking up to function as a tandem netminder, handing him a cap hit of $2.75 million Kevin Hayes, adding Justin Braun — or 3.67 percent of the cap ceiling at the time. With an $82 million cap ceiling, that’s about a $3.0 million cap hit for a comparable netminder at present, which would put Philadelphia at an $80.061 cap commitment. By Charlie O'Connor That’s just $1.939 million below the cap ceiling.

Jun 19, 2019 In other words, it’s fairly easy to draw a clear path to the Flyers having less than $2.0 million of functional cap space to use on July 1. And that’s

assuming Provorov takes a sub-$7 million cap hit (far from a guarantee) Flush with cap space and operating under a mandate to rapidly improve on his coming deal, and that the Flyers choose to sign both Konecny and their roster, the Philadelphia Flyers appeared poised to pounce on July 1 Sanheim to short-term bridge deals to keep their cap hits down, rather — the official start of unrestricted free agency — and make a few eye- than paying them more on long-term contracts. Let’s say the Flyers end catching moves. up having to give each of them a bit more money, and Nicolas Aube- Kubel gets a sub-$1 million deal to serve as the 12th or 13th forward. Less than three weeks into June, though, it’s fair to wonder if they’ll be Boom — there goes your cap space. able to make any moves at all when the time comes. Assuming no more subtractions, the Flyers’ 2019-20 roster is starting to On Tuesday, general manager Chuck Fletcher followed up his acquisition take shape. of defenseman Matt Niskanen, rights-trade for center Kevin Hayes, and buyout of Andrew MacDonald by swapping a 2019 second-round pick Can the Flyers pull off more big moves? and a 2020 third-round pick for Sharks defenseman Justin Braun. A 32- But what about the dream of getting another top-nine winger so that year-old right-handed shot, Braun has been in the league since 2010-11, Ryan Hartman and/or Michael Raffl can help form one of the league’s spending his entire career with the Sharks, and largely functioning as a best fourth lines? What about the excitement of July 1? Could the Flyers second-pair blueliner. really be finished? Then, with the clock ticking toward midnight, Fletcher put the finishing The hard truth is that if they want to be done, they could probably call it a touches on the Hayes deal, locking up the 27-year-old pivot to a seven- summer simply by locking up a goalie and finalizing deals with their year, $50 million dollar contract with a $7.14 million cap hit, per TSN’s restricted free agents. In that scenario, the roster upgrades would be Bob McKenzie. Niskanen instead of Gudas, with Hayes and Braun added for nothing but With the Braun trade, Fletcher’s clear goal was to add even more depth futures and cap space. to the team’s defense corps, at the cost of two draft picks and $3.8 That said, there are paths toward making further adjustments to the million in salary cap space. As for Hayes, he fills the open second-line roster. But they would involve swapping players currently on the roster center spot, allowing Nolan Patrick to slot in more comfortably at 3C. for outside pieces. As a result of Tuesday’s moves, however, the Flyers find their flexibility As a result of the Braun acquisition, the one glaring possibility is Shayne from just a few weeks ago quickly disappearing. Whether Fletcher is Gostisbehere. Fletcher noted on Saturday that Philippe Myers has the zeroing in on his final roster — or if he plans to shake it up even more third-pair right-handed defenseman spot essentially saved for him, which with player-for-player deals — remains unknown, but one thing is clear: means that Braun (as an another righty shot) will almost certainly take up It’s no longer going to be easy to add pieces to this roster without shop in the top-4. That likely pushes Gostisbehere down to the No. 5 slot. sacrificing another. And it’s only June 19. Could he simply stay there? Absolutely. An intelligent coach could find a Flyers’ salary cap situation way to technically deploy Ghost on the third pair but end up giving him Anyone who visits CapFriendly.com — an invaluable resource — can the third- or fourth-most minutes on the team, accounting for power play see the Flyers have over $20 million in projected space, and assume that time and scattered shifts with players such as Provorov and Sanheim. they remain capable of targeting anyone they choose, even after trading That could be the plan, and it’s important to note that since the season for Braun. ended, Fletcher has mentioned Gostisbehere by name on multiple occasions as a key young piece of the Philadelphia blueline’s future. That’s not quite how it works anymore. Gostisbehere was also the first young defenseman named by Braun in his introductory conference call Tuesday when asked how much he knew So far, the Flyers have added about $15.511 million in cap commitments about the Flyers’ defense. this summer via the Niskanen/Gudas trade ($3.405 million), MacDonald buyout ($1.166 million), Braun trade ($3.8 million) and Hayes signing Still, it’s hard to escape the fact that $4.5 million is a bit pricey for a third- ($7.14 million). Here’s where the team currently sits (the cash figures pair defenseman, and there are two far-cheaper options in Robert Hagg below are in millions). and Samuel Morin sitting in the “regular healthy scratch” section who also shoot left-handed. In addition, most teams prefer to keep 14 forwards That doesn’t seem so bad at first glance. We’re still talking about a cap and seven defensemen on the final roster, not 13 and eight, as the Flyers ceiling guaranteed to end up above $80 million, and the Flyers haven’t would likely have to do assuming no more adjustments to the defense even crossed the $60 million threshold. However, take note of the yellow corps and not waiving any of their blueliners at the end of training camp. open spots — those signify places set aside for pending restricted free agents yet to be signed, and there are some big ones: Ivan Provorov, Considering the Flyers’ current cap projection, they’re not going to have Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny, to name a few. They’re not coming the space to add another impact forward unless it comes via a player-for- cheap. player trade that is either cap-neutral or actually sees the Flyers taking on a lesser commitment. And Gostisbehere is the one potential trade As placeholders, we’ll use the projections for their eventual contracts chip whose role could be easily filled — even if both Hagg and Morin from Evolving Wild’s helpful model. Now, let’s take a look at where that would qualify as dramatic downgrades in terms of ability — by a cheaper would put the Flyers. player already on the roster. Otherwise, the Flyers are looking at It makes things a bit tighter, easily clearing $75 million in total. But with someone like Hartman filling in on Line 3 until a prospect such as Morgan only two spots to fill and a projected $83 million cap ceiling, that means Frost, or Isaac Ratcliffe proves ready to make the jump. the Flyers would have over $5.9 million to spend on their backup/1B Tuesday’s moves don’t guarantee a Ghost trade, by any means. But it goalie and a third-line wing upgrade, right? seems more plausible than it did before. Perhaps not. Per TSN’s Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie, that $83 What does Braun bring to the table? million projection from December might end up being optimistic. Dreger noted some teams believe it may come in closer to $82 million; McKenzie The Braun trade, in all likelihood, is about bringing balance to the reported that the ceiling could end up even lower, possibly in the $81.5 defense corps. It balances out the handedness, giving the Flyers three million to $81.9 million range. That’s not a dramatic drop, but for a team lefties and three righties in their all-healthy starting lineup. It balances out the ages, giving them two established vets (Niskanen, Braun), two young It’s a fascinating question, and at the very least, it raises hope that Braun but moderately experienced guys (Provorov, Gostisbehere) and then a might not be as “cooked” as the stats imply at first glance. The Flyers few fresh faces (Sanheim, Myers, Morin). surely will be hoping that given a partner such as Provorov, Sanheim or Gostisbehere in more reasonable deployment strategies, Braun will It also balances out the defense stylistically. Braun is a classic defensive return to statistical usefulness over a full season. defenseman, who even by stats that don’t exactly smile with favor upon him, grades out as a legitimate shot and chance suppressor. The Hayes contract Philadelphia’s current blueline corps — Sanheim and Gostisbehere in particular — contains a few offense-first guys, and Braun theoretically From the minute that the Flyers announced their trade of a 2019 fifth- helps serve as a counterbalance — perhaps even as a partner to one of round pick to the Jets for the exclusive negotiating rights to Hayes, it was them. clear they would be aggressive in trying to add him to the roster.

But Braun isn’t a slam-dunk acquisition. In fact, there are a lot of Late Tuesday, it became apparent just how aggressive they would be. similarities between him and Niskanen — both are 32 and previously A $7.14 million cap hit is hefty for Hayes, as is the seven-year thrived in their roles (No. 2/3 defenseman for Niskanen, second-pair for commitment. But unlike Niskanen and Braun, whose worst-case- Braun), until cracks began to show two seasons ago and then things scenarios are that of negative contributors in their respective roles, continued in a downward direction in 2018-19. In fact, by basically every Hayes is a near-lock to be a good (if not great) player for the Flyers, 5-on-5 advanced metric that tries to tease out play-driving impact on particularly at 5-on-5. As we noted when the trade was made, Hayes has linemates, Braun was a downright disaster last season. scored like a top-sixer during each of his five NHL seasons when looking Metric Relative RelTM RAPM at 5-on-5 Points/60 minutes, and he’s been on average a slightly-above- break-even play-driver. This is a very useful player, who fills a clear Corsi -5.48% -4.48% -3.57 roster need for the Flyers.

Expected Goals -4.87% -4.87% -0.068 The price seems high. But Hayes was always going to get more than the six years and $36 million that Brock Nelson, an inferior player, received. This wasn’t a one-year issue, either — his even-strength metrics were When it became clear that Philadelphia was likely not his first choice, it also poor in 2017-18, the extent of his statistical drop-off was just raised the odds the Flyers would have to blow Hayes away to get him to masked by a career-high 33-point season. There’s real risk here that sign on the dotted line without going to market. That’s exactly what they Braun could in the midst of irreversible decline, and that the Flyers gave ended up doing. up legitimate assets to place that player in their top-4 for the majority of the season. Evolving Wild’s model actually views the deal as only a slight average annual value overpay considering a seven-year framework — their But there are some reasons for optimism. As noted, the stats that reflect projection saw such a term commitment coming in at a $6.70 million cap poorly on Braun in recent years also evaluate him as a strong shot and hit. Giving a seven-year term to a 27-year-old comes with a big risk, chance suppressor; they just show that he drags down offense creation considering the nature of the aging curve, and the Flyers very well might for his linemates even more. Yet Braun was rarely given the opportunity eventually regret the tail end of this contract. But with Matt Duchene’s to play alongside Erik Karlsson or Brent Burns — the true drivers of demands even higher (and his sights set on other locales), Joe Pavelski offense from the back end on the Sharks. Just 11.97 percent of his 5-on- an unlikely get and the 2C trade market looking frighteningly thin, the 5 minutes were spent alongside either one. Flyers had two realistic options: Overpay a bit to lock down a player they Instead, San Jose exclusively used Braun on a “shutdown” pair with liked, or go into 2019-20 hoping Patrick takes a substantial leap or Frost either Marc-Edouard Vlasic or Brenden Dillon, both of whom spent far blows everyone away in his first professional year. more time alongside San Jose’s “Big Two” (Vlasic received 32.04 percent Given the organization’s desire to quickly turn the team toward of his minutes with them, Dillon checked in at 48.12 percent). contention, it’s easy to see why they chose the former option.

This particular situation speaks to an inherent issue with “relative” metrics — if a blueline corps has two superstar defensemen, and one blueliner rarely gets to play with either, his metrics will likely look terrible. Does The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 that mean he is an awful player or that he was placed in situations where strong relative metrics were nearly impossible to achieve, since the superstars were always likely to outperform him? Add in the fact that Braun faced top-line competition unusually often without receiving extra minutes with top-line forward teammates, and it’s easy to see that Braun’s usage in 2018-19 was particularly murderous.

There’s one more cause for optimism, as well — while Braun’s 2018-19 metrics alongside Vlasic (his longtime partner) were poor, his work with Dillon actually bordered on stellar.

Braun Partner Minutes CF% (Relative) xGF% (Relative) w/Vlasic 555.50 47.27% (-9.28%) 47.30% (-7.51%) w/Dillon 537.30 55.68% (+1.10%) 54.89% (+1.48%)

It’s especially eye-opening when looking at Vlasic’s performance with his second-most frequent partner — Erik Karlsson. It’s not far off from Braun’s performance with Dillon, a far inferior blueliner to Karlsson.

Pairing Minutes CF% (Relative) xGF% (Relative)

Vlasic-Karlsson 220.52 58.21% (+2.96%) 55.77% (+1.91%)

Dillon-Braun 537.30 55.68% (+1.10%) 54.89% (+1.48%)

Might Braun’s statistical troubles mostly have been the result of a pairing with Vlasic that simply didn’t work anymore? It’s fair to point out that Braun spent 83.91 percent of his minutes in 2017-18 (another down season by the numbers) with Vlasic as well. Could it even be possible that Vlasic was the one dragging down their pairing and not Braun, since Vlasic’s numbers with maybe the best play-driving defenseman alive were only slightly better than Braun’s with a good-but-not-great Dillon? 1147584 Pittsburgh Penguins Rutherford said he considered moving Jack Johnson instead of Maatta, but it’s safe to assume finding a taker for the 32-year-old defenseman’s contract wouldn’t be simple.

Can Penguins reach their offseason goals without trading Phil Kessel? Bryan Rust could be moved, but he’s got the kind of speed and versatility the Penguins need more of, not less.

JONATHAN BOMBULIE The Penguins probably could overcome the loss of Nick Bjugstad fairly well, but he’s not stale. He just got to town in February. Wednesday, June 19, 2019 5:04 p.m. • Add it all up and throw in salary-cap concerns, and the conclusion becomes pretty obvious.

If the Pittsburgh Penguins had been able to trade winger Phil Kessel to The reason trading Kessel was the first thing on Rutherford’s to-do list the Minnesota Wild as general manager Jim Rutherford intended last this summer is because it’s the cleanest, easiest way for the Penguins to month, it would have revealed the message the team was sending about achieve the offseason goals they’ve set for themselves. its plans to bounce back from a disappointing finish to last season. For those same reasons, it will come as no surprise if he revisits the idea More hunger and hustle. Less defensive indifference and casualness and tries to take another crack at getting a Kessel deal done at the NHL with the puck. draft this weekend in Vancouver.

Trading Kessel would show being harder to play against, not scoring more goals, was how the team planned to chart its championship course once again. Tribune Review LOADED: 06.20.2019

The deal, of course, was waved off when Kessel exercised his no-trade clause. Rutherford subsequently said he’s no longer looking to move Kessel, and while many logically dismissed those comments as posturing, there’s a better than slim chance the Penguins start next season with No. 81 on the ice, just like he has been for the last 393 games, counting the regular season and playoffs.

It stands to reason, of course, the Penguins will be looking to make the same type of improvements even if they don’t trade Kessel. Can they achieve those goals with the popular 31-year-old still in the fold? If so, how?

• Trading Kessel would work to alleviate one of Rutherford’s greatest concerns about the current Penguins roster, and it’s a concern he first voiced back in November when he traded to the Los Angeles Kings, that the team had become stale and complacent.

Shipping Hagelin did nothing to shake off the perceived malaise, but perhaps cutting bait on a bigger fish like Kessel would have the desired effect.

If Kessel isn’t traded, the Penguins will have to find a similar spark from within.

“It’s still a concern,” Rutherford said. “It’s still a concern. You get to the point where you have success, and sometimes you just get too content. If we don’t make changes, then the group here has to change that, get that fight back to be able to compete the way we did in the playoffs when we were successful. And they’re able to do it.”

• Looking at things a little more pragmatically, trading Kessel would have removed a defensive liability from the Penguins lineup.

Last year, only two forwards on the team were on the ice for more even- strength goals against per 60 minutes, and one of them was Daniel Sprong. That’s not good defensive company to keep.

If the Penguins want to become stingier without trading Kessel, they’ll need to ask him to perform like he did in his first two seasons with the team. From 2015-17, Kessel was on the ice for fewer goals against per 60 minutes than Sidney Crosby and Matt Cullen. No reason he couldn’t revert to that form.

• While asking the locker room to play with more fire and Kessel to be more responsible aren’t unreasonable requests, it hardly seems like enough to affect real change in the team’s overall performance.

They are going to need a better plan than, ‘Try harder.” Personnel changes probably will be required.

Trading Olli Maatta to Chicago for Dominik Kahun and a fifth-round draft pick was simple enough. The Penguins had the depth on defense to withstand the loss, and the deal saved them $3 million in cap space.

Other potential trade waters will be more difficult to navigate.

There are plenty of problems with the idea of trading Evgeni Malkin or Kris Letang, not the least of which being they’ll leave massive Malkin- or Letang-sized holes in the roster. Plus, those moves would be a little more drastic than the “retooling” that Rutherford has promised. 1147585 Pittsburgh Penguins

5 names to remember at forward for the NHL Draft

JONATHAN BOMBULIE

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 5:24 p.m.

When scouts talk about this year’s NHL Draft being deep, they primarily are talking about forwards. It’s a talented crop headlined by a handful of stars from the U.S. National Team Development Program. That depth could cause an extremely talented player to drop to the Penguins at pick No. 21.

Here’s a look at five names to remember at forward:

1. Jack Hughes, 5-foot-10, 168 pounds, USNTDP: Fast and fearless, Hughes could end up being the greatest American-born player yet. Put up Lemieux-style numbers for the USNTDP last season (112 points in 50 games).

2. Kaapo Kakko, 6-2, 194, TPS (Finland): Dynamic, clutch scorer was so good for Finland at the World Championships he entered the top pick discussion for a while.

3. Cole Caufield, 5-7, 163, USNTDP: Scored 72 goals in 65 games, breaking team records for goals in a season (Auston Matthews) and a career (Phil Kessel). Picking him is a leap of faith, though, because he’s small and not particularly fast.

4. Vasili Podkolzin, 6-1, 190, SKA St. Petersburg (Russia): Shatters the Russian forward stereotype into bits with a high-motor, in-your-face aggressive style and a shooter’s mentality.

5. Peyton Krebs, 5-11, 180, Kootenay (WHL): Perhaps the top Canadian forward in the draft, Krebs is a great skater and two-way force. Problem is he tore his Achilles while training in June. Could his stock fall as a result?

Tribune Review LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147586 Pittsburgh Penguins

Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov tops Penguins’ Sidney Crosby in NHL MVP voting

JONATHAN BOMBULIE

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 10:25 p.m.

Coming into the NHL’s annual postseason awards ceremony Wednesday night, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby didn’t think he had a great shot at winning his third Hart Trophy as league MVP.

His assessment was right on the money.

Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov, who won the scoring title by 12 points after recording 41 goals and 87 assists, claimed the Hart Trophy for the first time. He received 164 of 171 first-place votes.

Crosby finished second in the voting, receiving three first-place votes. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid was third.

Crosby recorded the sixth 100-point season of his career and his first since 2013-14. In addition, his two-way play earned him consideration for the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward. He finished fourth in the balloting. St. Louis’ Ryan O’Reilly was the winner.

In other voting, Kris Letang finished in the top 10 in the running for the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman for the sixth time in his career. He was sixth behind winner Mark Giordano of Calgary.

Crosby, Phil Kessel and Matt Cullen received votes for the Lady Byng Trophy, awarded for gentlemanly play, which went to Florida’s Aleksander Barkov.

Defenseman Marcus Pettersson and newly acquired forward Dominik Kahun received votes in the balloting for the Calder Trophy, which is given to the rookie of the year. Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson was the winner.

Tribune Review LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147587 Pittsburgh Penguins Via USA Today, “Less than two months into his first entrepreneurial venture, Jack is ‘overwhelmed by orders’ for his hand-poured candles. The 23-year-old picked up the hobby while looking for something new First Call: Penguins rivals making moves; ‘He Hate Me’ is safe and creative to try during this offseason. He turned to Youtube tutorials and online articles for tips on how to make candles, then began experimenting with scents and dyes once he mastered the basics. Now, every candle he sells goes toward funding for community charity events.” TIM BENZ

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 10:06 a.m. Jack posted an Instagram story about his new venture, too.

Tribune Review LOADED: 06.20.2019 In Wednesday’s “First Call,” there’s news about two rivals of the Penguins. “He Hate Me” has been found. And Trevor Williams isn’t the only guy making a comeback Wednesday at PNC Park.

What are they up to?

The Flyers are making moves.

Philadelphia acquired San Jose Sharks defenseman Justin Braun in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft (No. 41) and a third-round pick in the 2020 draft.

Also, forward Kevin Hayes is close to signing a seven-year contract with Philly according to TSN. He had 55 points in 71 games with the Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers last year.

Now he may be staying in New York.

Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports that Lehner “would prefer to re-sign with the New York Islanders before he can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.”

The 27-year-old goalie is a Vezina Trophy candidate. Rosen writes that Lehner is “open to a short-term contract.”

Lehner yielded just six goals in the four-game sweep of the Pens.

Trevor Williams isn’t alone when it comes to making a return Wednesday.

The Pirates pitcher will throw against Detroit. It will be his first start since suffering an oblique injury May 16.

He’ll be opposed by Jordan Zimmermann of the Tigers, who is making a return from an even longer layoff. Zimmermann’s last appearance was April 26.

He is 1-3 in six career starts against the Pirates with a 4.76 ERA.

So far this season, Williams is 2-1 with 3.33 ERA. Zimmermann was 0-4 with an ERA of 5.93 before straining his elbow.

How long has it been for these two guys? Well, for perspective, the Pirates were 21-20 when Williams got hurt. Detroit was 12-12 when Zimmerman went down.

The two clubs are now a combined 58-83.

‘He Hate Me’ is safe

Rod Smart has been found.

The former NFL running back was reported missing Tuesday in South Carolina.

But the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday evening that he has been located and is safe.

No other details have been made public as of yet, but his family was worried that they hadn’t heard from him for a long time.

Smart played for the Panthers and Eagles in the NFL, but he was best known as “He Hate Me” from his days in the XFL.

Do you have a nice honeysuckle, by chance?

Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack is burning it up off the field.

Literally.

He’s launched a candle business. And as a certain opponent of his once said, business is boomin’.

“I always take baths with candles,” Jack told USA Today. “So I made my own little lavender candle. I lit it, and I was reading in the bath, and I was like, ‘Oh, OK. This candle’s actually all right.’” 1147588 Pittsburgh Penguins Armstrong was part of the Marian Hossa trade and skated for three other franchises before becoming a good analyst on TV.

Best pick in the post-expansion era? A bunch of really good players – Analysis: What can Penguins expect with No. 21 pick? and one heck of a coach – have gone 21st. Dennis Maruk, drafted by the California Golden Seals in 1975, scored the most goals (356) and points (878) of any player picked in that spot since 1968. Saku Koivu, the Entering this weekend’s NHL draft, the Penguins hold the 21st pick in the former Canadiens captain, was second with 832, followed by Bryan first round. A case can be made for them trading away another first- Smolinski, who scored 64 of his 651 career points here. Nick Boynton, rounder for more immediate help. But right now, it seems likely the Pat Flatley and Marco Sturm all had good careers as players. So did Joel Penguins will pick somebody. Quenneville, who later coached Chicago to three Stanley Cups. Tuukka Rask, who just helped the Bruins reach the final, was the top goalie If they do, what can they expect? Let’s take a look at recent draft history. among the three selected at No. 21. But — drumroll, please — we’ll give Thanks to the helpful tools over at HockeyReference.com, I pulled up the the nod here to , the former Oilers and Rangers star who won list of every player picked 21st in the post-expansion era, then zeroed in six Stanley Cups and was selected to seven All-Star games after going on the last 10. 21st in 1979. It’s hard to top that career.

What I found was that while there hasn’t been a stud selected there over the past decade, some really good players were picked shortly thereafter. Matt Vensel And when you look back over the past 50 years, the 21st pick has produced some gems. Post Gazette LOADED: 06.20.2019 First things first, here is the list of the last 10 guys to go 21st overall:

2018: Ryan Merkley, defenseman, San Jose Sharks

2017: Filip Chytil, forward, New York Rangers

2016: Julien Gauthier, forward, Carolina Hurricanes

2015: Colin White, forward, Ottawa Senators

2014: Robby Fabbri, forward, St. Louis Blues

2013: Frederik Gauthier, forward, Toronto Maple Leafs

2012: , forward, Calgary Flames

2011: Stefan Noesen, forward, Ottawa Senators

2010: Riley Sheahan, forward, Detroit Red Wings

2009: John Moore, defenseman, Columbus Blue Jackets

Who was the best of this bunch? White and Jankowski have done some things in their relatively young careers, and Fabri got off to a good start before injuries stalled his career. But Moore, I guess, has had the best career. For one, he is still in the league a decade later, which is noteworthy. After some rocky early years in Columbus, he has become a decent defender, albeit as a journeyman. But, yeah, none of the guys recently picked in this position should get you pumped.

Did anyone do anything right away? Chytil and Fabbri are the only two who did anything of note within two years of getting picked. It took Fabbri a year to crack the NHL, then he notched 18 goals and 37 points in 72 games as a rookie. Chytil made a nine-game cameo for the Rangers in the year after he was drafted. Last season, his second, he had 23 points and a minus-22 rating in 75 games.

Hey, are those Gauthier guys brothers? As far as I can tell, no. But Julien’s grandpa finished second in the Mr. Universe competition, which is pretty badass.

That Riley Sheahan guy sounds familiar… Yup, the former Penguins forward, who got traded to Florida in February, was picked in this slot. It took him three years to become a Red Wings regular. He scored 38 goals with 60 assists in 292 games before the Penguins acquired him. He had just 41 points in 122 games here.

Would have, could have, have, should have. Which teams picking 21st have experienced the most #FOMO for picking the wrong guy? The Red Wings could have had Capitals star Evgeny Kuznetsov but took Sheahan instead. The Senators opted for White when they could have had Brock Boeser. And the Blues might still be kicking themselves for taking Fabri over David Pastrnak, though considering they just beat Pastrnak’s Bruins in the Cup final, it’s probably not too hard.

Have the Penguins ever picked 21st? Thrice. They picked Dave Simpson in 1968, but he never made it to the NHL. Two years later, they took John Stewart — no, not the funny Jon Stewart — there and he scored four goals in 40 games spanning two seasons here. The eventual journeyman scored 58 goals in the NHL and another 15 in the WHA. And then there’s , who went 21st in 2001. It took him a few years to reach Pittsburgh, but once he did, he become a solid winger and a fan favorite. 1147589 Pittsburgh Penguins If Kessel returns to the Penguins next season — Rutherford said last week this is now likely — things could turn awkward. Or, as Foligno insisted, it could be a good thing for the Penguins.

Blue Jackets captain has some advice for Jim Rutherford The Blue Jackets played last season under the constant cloud of Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin playing in the final seasons of their respective contracts, knowing full well the stars likely weren’t returning. By Josh Yohe Blue Jackets management decided to go all in, loading up a roster that was likely to be dismantled. Jun 19, 2019 They reached the postseason and won a series for the first time in their

existence, shocking the Lightning in among the more startling first-round LAS VEGAS — Nick Foligno laughed at the idea of helping out the upsets in NHL history before finally bowing to the Bruins in six. Penguins with the interesting decisions that are hovering over their “I actually think playing in that situation was great for us,” Foligno said. summer. “Honestly, I do.” The Blue Jackets and the Penguins have developed quite the rivalry — So, it could be great for the Penguins if Kessel returns? albeit a largely one-sided one — in recent years, but the Columbus captain acknowledged he is aware of Jim Rutherford’s comments this “Yes,” Foligno said. “Now, you have to have a coach that’s going to offseason. Rutherford has considered major moves involving core address things the right way. Torts () handled it perfectly. Penguins. But you know, it can really be a rallying point for your team, dealing with that kind of drama. It’s fun to try and prove people wrong and show your Foligno’s advice? Don’t be a trader, Jim. resolve. It helped us excel as a group. It made us much closer, I’ll tell you “I don’t have too many opinions because it’s not my team,” Foligno said. that.” “But yeah, it’s definitely been kind of interesting to hear his take on Foligno, in fact, forecast that Kessel could have a big season if he returns things.” to the Penguins. Foligno then proceeded to offer his opinions on Rutherford’s comments “Stuff like this has a big impact on the guys that everyone is talking that Evgeni Malkin might not be part of the Penguins’ long-term plans about,” he said. “‘Hey, we’re still on this team. We want to prove and news that a trade was in place to send Phil Kessel to Minnesota. ourselves now more than ever.’ I’m telling you, it was a positive if you “It does surprise me,” Foligno said. “The way I look at it is pretty simple. handle things properly, if you just embrace it and let it bring you together. As long as you have Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel on It can make your hockey team so much better.” the same hockey team together, then you’re always going to be a threat to be a great team, and to be a championship team. That’s how I look at it. Those guys have been that good, and they still are that good, from the The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 standpoint of someone who plays against them a lot.”

Rutherford has stated recently that, while he’s not dangling Kris Letang and doesn’t intend on trading him, his place in Pittsburgh isn’t necessarily set in stone, either.

Foligno thinks dealing Letang would be a mistake.

“I’d throw Letang into that group with the other three,” Foligno continued. “What an incredible hockey player that guy is. He was as good as ever this season. I’ve been on the ice against him a lot over the years. Just knowing how great he is and knowing all the things that he’s had to overcome with injuries and health stuff, I hope people appreciate how great he is.”

The Penguins eliminated the Blue Jackets from the postseason in 2014 and 2017 and have essentially played the big brother role during Columbus’ two decades in the NHL. Foligno doesn’t think big brother is grandpa just yet.

He laughed at the idea of the Penguins no longer being a contender, even though they were swept in the first round by the Islanders in April.

“This league is hard,” he said. “But to me, if you still have world class players like them, then you’re still great and still a threat. And the thing about them is, they always get everyone’s best every time they’re in your building. It’s been like that for all of these years. And they’re still there every year. I think that says something about how great they are. It’s amazing, really, what they’ve done and the success they’ve had. I don’t view them as having slowed down at all. They’ve given us so many fits over the years. You still have to be at your best to beat them.”

Foligno believes the Penguins have set a standard that makes them vulnerable to unfair critiques, their past performance perhaps spoiling their supporters.

“Unfortunately they get talked about a lot because of their failures,” he said. “I don’t really know why that is. It’s a funny relationship the Penguins have with a lot of people. I mean, they haven’t really had that many failures, especially recently. They’ve won a lot of Cups. They’ve been great for so long and I still think they are.”

Other than geography, the Penguins and Blue Jackets haven’t had much in common over the years. However, Foligno can relate to something that the 2019-20 version of the Penguins may be forced to embrace. 1147590 Pittsburgh Penguins Nils Hoglander

Position: LW

Who makes sense for the Penguins at No. 21? Team: Rogle (SHL)

Birthdate: December 20, 2000

By Jesse Marshall Height: 5-foot-9

Jun 19, 2019 Weight: 185 pounds

Shoots: Left

The Penguins are looking at an opportunity to do something this Friday in I’ve seen Nils Hoglander do things with possession of the puck this the first round of the 2019 NHL entry draft that they haven’t done since season that have left me absolutely dumbfounded. It’s almost as if 2014: Hoglander is using some kind of magnetic ruse to keep the puck on his stick in improbable situations. Hoglander is an electrifying talent who has Make a pick in the first round. deft hands and an uncanny ability to fight through traffic and keep the The Penguins have made a selection on a Friday exactly once in the last puck on his stick against all odds. He’s creative in one-on-one situations six years; Kasperi Kapanen, now a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs and, although he does play with his head down too often for my liking at via the trade that brought Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh, was selected No. 22 times, his offensive skill set enables him to repeatedly test and exploit overall in the 2014 draft. Since then, the Penguins’ front office and weaknesses in the defense. There is such a thing as “too much,” and scouting department have tried to make the best of what is best Hoglander often teeters on that line. There are instances where making described as a handful of mid-draft picks. the safer play is the right play, and Hoglander pushes a bit too hard, but those are coachable aspects to his game. The things he can do in It’s the “win now” approach to pipeline development that makes it transition aren’t teachable at all, and that’s what makes him an intriguing anything but certain the Penguins will select a player at 21 overall this prospect. year. Rutherford’s phone has been busy with attempted trades of Phil Kessel and the recent trade of Olli Maatta. If a deal is to be had that Hoglander’s skating isn’t as much of an offensive weapon as his hands involves the Penguins first round pick, history tells us that it’ll be made. and puck-handling are. He’s a good skater who accelerates quickly and can adjust the flow of play with his edging and lateral mobility. He lacks With that disclaimer in mind, I wanted to take a closer look at some the true top end gear boasted by some of his mid-first round players that I’d consider to be fine additions to the Penguins’ counterparts. What he lacks in raw speed, he makes up for with his organizational depth. While projecting first round picks is as inexact of ability to stickhandle in a phone booth. Hoglander is difficult to contain science as there is, it’s reasonable to consider that all of these players once he gets moving and is erratic in almost every aspect of his game. have a real shot at being available when the Penguins step to the podium with the 21st overall pick. Hogland’s shot fits that erratic description. Mechanically speaking, it’s unconventionally fast, and his release is deceptive and unassuming. His Jakob Pelletier backhand got featured less and less as the year wore on, and I believe it is a weapon that wasn’t utilized enough. Hoglander’s season didn’t end Position: LW as he’d have hoped. His hot start faltered at the midpoint of the season Team: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) and he struggled to find the box score at critical points of the year. That being said, his raw talent is undeniable, and this season proved that he’s Birthdate: March 7, 2001 capable of playing against grown men in a professional league.

Height: 5-foot-9 Ryan Suzuki

Weight: 161 pounds Position: C

Shoots: Left Team: Barrie (OHL)

Jakob Pelletier is likely to fall to the Penguins’ range solely because of Birthdate: May 28, 2001 his size. That’s a real shame because he’s one of the more talented forwards in this draft class. Pelletier is constantly pressing the opposition Height: 6-foot in both the defensive and offensive zones. He uses his speed and strong Weight: 181 pounds first steps to close on puck carriers, forcing them into uncomfortable decisions. Over the course of a 60-minute game, you can see Pelletier Shoots: Left wear on the opposition. I started calling him “ghost” throughout the year because he has the ability to haunt you over the course of a game. I had the chance to do three mock drafts with different outlets this off- Defensemen have the tendency to begin to cough up pucks as a game season. In each case, I was representing the Penguins, and Ryan Suzuki wears on due to Pelletier’s presence on the forecheck. Defensively, I’ve fell right into my lap. Suzuki is a true on-ice general in the sense that his seen him frustrate opposing forwards by robbing them of time and space vision and puck distribution are among the elite of this draft class. Suzuki on a shift-by-shift basis. is the type of player that drives offense and elevates the players around him. His pass is the most lethal aspect of his game and he’s capable of If you think of this style of play within the scope of the Penguins throwing hard, accurate passes off the ice surface across long distances. organizational philosophy, it’s a match made in heaven. Mike Sullivan Suzuki is a tempo changer in that he’ll switch gears to slow down the would absolutely love to boast a defensively responsible forechecker like play while he surveys the ice for an open skating or passing lane. If Pelletier, especially one with some lethal offensive skills. Pelletier’s defenders afford him time or space to make a decision, he’ll often make strength isn’t just in hounding the puck and breaking up the play, it’s just them pay for it. He’s strong on the puck while he looks for these lanes as much about what he does afterward that makes all the difference. His and can shake defenders to buy himself an extra second or two to make ability to generate points off of turnovers is what makes him worth the a decision. investment. I don’t think enough gets made of Suzuki’s ability to dangle or create for Pelletier was a point-per-game player in his rookie CHL season. That’s himself. These are still strong elements to his game that often get lost in no small feat, regardless of what league he’s playing in. Pelletier’s the talk of his skating or puck distribution. Suzuki didn’t have a ton of shooting motion is difficult to track in that it’s fast and his hand motions talented teammates last season, and I think as the year wore on, he are deceptive and unassuming. He’s proven adept at handling the puck became more comfortable and willing to do the brunt of the work himself. in tight areas at a high rate of speed. He’s capable of running the half- Suzuki plays with his head up, and while his shot isn’t overwhelming in wall on a power-play unit as a pure shooter and gunning up ice in odd- any one aspect, it’s accurate in nature and bolstered by Suzuki’s heads man situations as the primary puck distributor, and he’s not out of place up style of play. in either situation. Considering that Pelletier plays such a responsible defensive game on top of all this, it’s easy to understand why passing on Suzuki’s skating is what I’d describe as upright and forward. He’s hard to him due to his size could be a big mistake. knock off of the puck due to his stride. Once he bears down, he keeps his upper body forward, enabling him to protect the puck easier and lean into goaltender to make the first move, allowing him to pick his spot from possession. He’s a fast skater but doesn’t exhibit a ton of creativity with there. Brink also excels at shooting off balance from one knee or it. It’s mostly a north-to-south style of puck carrying and skating. His awkward situations. His one-timer is crisp and seemingly immune to bad defensive game is unremarkable and is not deficient in any fashion I’ve angles. seen. It’s an area that has room for growth as he evolves to the professional game. At the very least, Suzuki possesses the ability to read While much of the focus gets put on Brink’s offensive skill set, not lanes defensively as well as he can find them offensively. I believe a lot enough gets made of his ability to shift into open areas and settle into of the criticism he catches from his purported lack of defense stems from scoring positions. In this sense, his size is a benefit. Brink gets to scoring his environment over anything else. areas and sneaks through traffic to make himself available for rebounds and scoring plays. I don’t get the impression Brink will struggle with Tobias Bjornfot continuing that at the professional level as I truly don’t believe his size will ultimately be a detriment to his ability to turn pro. Overall, the Position: D Penguins would be making a longer-term investment with Brink, but he Team: Djuargarden (J20/Superelit) would add a special element to the prospect pool in his ability to make plays and create scoring chances. Birthdate: April 6, 2001 Moritz Seider Height: 6-foot Position: D Weight: 203 pounds Team: Alder Mannheim (DEL) Shoots: Left Birthdate: April 6, 2001 The Penguins aren’t afraid to head across the pond to Sweden or Finland to make a splash in the draft. In fact, seven picks in the last three years Height: 6-foot-4 have been made directly out of Sweden or Finland. For that reason, Weight: 207 pounds Tobias Bjornfot makes a lot of sense for the Penguins. Bjornfot wouldn’t be considered a great reach here, and I’d go as far as to call him a Shoots: Right relatively safe pick. He’s a steady, unassuming defenseman who plays big minutes and skates about as well as anyone in this draft class. Full disclosure: I am a big Moritz Seider fan. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him contribute to Mannheim’s title run, and he’s matured into a Bjornfot does his best work in puck movement and puck distribution. He’s shutdown, puck-moving defenseman game by game. I also think Seider a bit of a “hot potato” defenseman in the sense that he never overthinks is the least likely to be available of any player on this list. As the year the play or puts himself in a poor position as a result of delayed decision wore on, Seider’s stock increased with every strong performance he put making. Once he has the puck, he’s either exploiting available lanes to up. It wouldn’t shock me if he didn’t make it out of the teens. skate it up ice himself or quickly distributing it to a teammate. He’s a defenseman that can get his team playing so much offense that he However, should he be available, he would provide a defensive presence doesn’t have to play defense as a result. in the organization that simply doesn’t exist at this time. Seider reminds me a lot of a more mobile version of Brian Dumoulin. He’s a jack of all Bjornfot’s skating is a lot of fun to watch. He takes one or two strides and trades defender who is a great skater for his size. My favorite part of he’s off to the races. He really powers down on the puck and bears into Seider’s game is his gap control and active stick. He really makes life possession. He’s effective at protecting it in traffic. Bjornfot also uses his difficult for defenders on the rush. He plays an aggressive game in his skating to work his way out of bad situations. He can create lanes by approach and isn’t afraid to use his body for leverage or checking. looping through the defensive zone protecting the puck and waiting for a regroup rather than forcing a bad play. Because of his size and Seider is more interested in making plays than he is just firing pucks from wingspan, Bjornfot is a nightmare to deal with as a puck-carrier. I the point. His creativity in getting the puck to the net or toward a scoring wouldn’t describe his game as inherently physical, but he can use his area is a valuable asset from the point. His skill set enables him to take size, especially when it comes to puck protection. big minutes in any situation. His role as a rookie in the DEL is reassuring given the amount of trust the coaching staff had in Seider for his age. Overall, Bjornfot’s defensive game is sound and unremarkable. This is a This experience makes Seider a short term investment, in my opinion. pick you make for puck movement and skating over everything else. His path to the NHL might be shorter than anyone else on this list. That’s That’s not to say that Bjornfot has deficiencies on the back end; it’s just a also one of the reasons he might be gone by the 21st overall pick. rather routine element to his game that is a sidecar to his offensive production and ability to impact the offense via the breakout.

Bobby Brink The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019

Position: LW

Team: Sioux City (USHL)

Birthdate: July 8, 2001

Height: 5-foot-8

Weight: 165 pounds

Shoots: Right

Bobby Brink is one of the biggest wild cards in this year’s draft class in that his ranking varies wildly from outlet to outlet. Personally, I have him at 19 overall, but I can see him going in the top 15 or falling outside of the first round completely. The latter would be silly considering that Brink was the best player in the USHL last season. The concerns that come with Brink are his size and his odd skating stride. I do agree that Brink’s stride has a choppy element to it that causes him a lot of hiccups in puck pursuit, but I also didn’t see it hamper him as he tore apart the USHL last season.

Brink’s best asset is his stickhandling and shot. I love the position of the puck as it leaves Brink’s stick. Brink positions the puck in an area of the blade (toward the toe) that perfectly matches his wrist motion to create a high-velocity shot with a lot of accuracy. Brink also exhibits a lot of patience in his approach to beating goaltenders and defensemen. He’ll position himself in a shooting posture and hold it to force the defender or 1147591 San Jose Sharks

NHL Awards tonight: Do Sharks have a chance?

By Curtis Pashelka | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group

PUBLISHED: June 19, 2019 at 2:29 pm | UPDATED: June 19, 2019 at 3:16 PM

Joe Thornton and Brent Burns of the Sharks are both finalists for individual NHL Awards that will be presented Wednesday from Las Vegas. Both, though, are facing some stiff competition.

Thornton is a finalist for the Masterton Trophy, awarded annually “to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.” Burns is a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman for the third time in four years. He was a finalist in 2016 and won the award in 2017.

Both awards are voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The NHL Awards show begins at 5 p.m. (PDT) on NBCSN.

Here’s a closer look at who Thornton and Burns are up against.

Masterton Trophy

Thornton is a Masterton finalist alongside goalie Robin Lehner of the New York Islanders and Nick Foligno of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Each of the prior two seasons, Thornton tore both his ACL and MCL in both his left knee (2017) and right knee (2018), and his rehabilitation work served as an inspiration to his teammates and coaches. The leader among active NHL players in career assists (1,065) and points (1,478) in 1,566 games played, Thornton finished his 21st NHL season with 51 points in 73 games.

Foligno had 35 points in 73 games, while simultaneously attending to health issues affecting two of his three young children.

Lehner, though, might be the favorite. He finished the season with a 25- 13-5 record and a .930 save percentage, as he and teammate Thomas Greiss won the William M. Jennings Trophy this season as the goaltenders on the team allowing the fewest regular-season goals. His career-best NHL season came after he revealed addiction and mental health issues in a self-penned article for The Athletic during training camp.

Predicted winner: Thornton has a strong case, but Lehner’s play, combined with his compelling story, likes makes him the choice.

Norris Trophy

Burns is a finalist alongside Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames and Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Burns led all NHL defensemen and established career highs with 67 assists and 83 points in 82 games this season. Burns’ point total was the most by a blueliner since 1995-96 when Brian Leetch had 85 points with the New York Rangers. Burns became the third defenseman in NHL history to lead his team in points for three consecutive seasons.

Hedman, who won the award last year, had 54 points in 70 games as the leader of the Lightning’s defense. Hedman led Tampa Bay defensemen in average time on ice (22:46) for the sixth consecutive season, and logged a +24 rating, tied for ninth among all League defensemen.

The award, though, likely belongs to Giordano, who, at 35, enjoyed his most prolific campaign.The Calgary captain posted career highs of 57 assists and 74 points in 78 games, ranking second among all NHL defensemen in scoring behind Burns. The Flames had their second-best regular season in franchise history, as Giordano topped all NHL skaters (defensemen and forwards) with a +39 rating.

Predicted winner: Giordano, likely by a big margin.

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NHL awards: Sharks' Joe Thornton misses out on first Masterton Trophy

By Marcus White

June 19, 2019 6:23 PM

Before Joe Thornton makes his return to the Sharks official by putting pen to paper, the veteran center missed out an adding another trophy to his collection.

The 39-year-old did not pick up the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy at Wednesday's 2019 NHL Awards as "the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey," with the award going to New York Islanders goaltender Robin Lehner.

The 2018-19 season marked Thornton's second consecutive campaign recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. He tore the ligaments in his right knee on Jan. 23, 2018, just over nine months after doing the same in his left knee.

Despite that, Thornton scored 51 points (16 goals, 35 assists) in 73 regular-season games during his 21st NHL season and became a fixture on the Sharks' third line. It was his 17th season with at least 50 points, tying him for 10th in NHL history with the most such seasons.

Lehner, 27, won 25 games with the Islanders and was second among NHL goalies (minimum of 10 games played) in save percentage (.930) and third in goals against average (2.13) in the best season of his career.

Before the season, Lehner wrote an article for The Athletic and revealed he had suicidal thoughts while battling drug and alcohol addiction. He wrote that he "was diagnosed bipolar 1 with manic phases" while underoing treatment in Arizona, and revealed his struggles in order to "help make a difference and help others the way I have been helped."

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Nick Foligno was the other finalist. Foligno, 31, scored 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in 73 games, missing time in November and March as two of his three children had separate health scares. He told NHL.com's Dan Rosen in a story this week that his nomination was "humbling and I appreciate it, but it's something that feels weird to me because I get to play a game for a living, and I've got a pretty good life considering all this stuff."

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NHL awards: Sharks' Brent Burns finishes second in Norris Trophy voting

By Marcus White

June 19, 2019 6:01 PM

Brent Burns made the medal stand, but he did not pick up his second career Norris Trophy on Wednesday.

Instead, Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano won his first at the 2019 NHL Awards in Las Vegas.

Burns, 34, scored 83 points (16 goals, 67 assists) in 82 games, setting a Sharks franchise record for points by a defenseman. He became the first blueliner to score at least 82 points in a season since Karlsson did so with the Ottawa Senators in 2015-16, and only the 48th in NHL history.

This marked the third time in the last four seasons that Burns was a finalist for the award, and he dressed for the occasion.

Burns finished second in the Professional Hockey Writers Association's balloting.

Giordano, 35, scored a career-high 74 points (17 goals, 57 assists) and led the Western Conference-leading Flames in ice time en route to being a first-time Norris finalist.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman was the other nominee. Hedman, 28, scored 54 points (12 goals, 42 assists) in 70 games, leading the loaded Lightning to a runaway President's Trophy win in a record-setting regular season.

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Corey Perry, Sharks nemesis, bought out by Ducks after 14 seasons

By Dalton Johnson

June 19, 2019 1:12 PM

Corey Perry will forever be a Sharks nemesis, but he's no longer in the same division as San Jose.

The Anaheim Ducks bought out Perry's contract on Wednesday. Perry spent 14 seasons as a Duck, where the winger was a two-time All-Star and winner of the 2010-11 Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's MVP.

"This is one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make in my 44 years in the NHL," Ducks executive vice president and general manager Bob Murray said in a team statement. "Corey gave everything to this franchise for 14 years, never giving an inch to his competitors. While his scoring touch is undeniable, his will to win became his greatest attribute."

Perry and the Sharks have quite the history. Last year in the first round of the 2018 playoffs, he put a dirty hit on Sharks winger Melker Karlsson that caused a big buzz.

Ever since Perry made his NHL debut in 2003, there's been bad blood between him and the Sharks. Perry has more penalty minutes against San Jose than any other team for his career, according to Hockey Reference. In his 14-year career, he also has more goals, points, and assists against the Sharks than all but one team -- the Coyotes.

Perry played in a career-low 31 games after undergoing knee surgeries before this past season. He only scored 10 points -- six goals and four assists -- as he turned 34 years old in May.

If Perry does play in the 2019-2020 season, he'll certainly still be on the Sharks' radar.

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Sharks free-agency decisions: Should defenseman Tim Heed stay or go?

By Chelena Goldman

June 19, 2019 12:13 PM

When it came to filling the void created by an injured Erik Karlsson, Tim Heed was often tasked with the job. The 28-year-old defenseman played a big role when the Sharks' blue line was riddled with injuries this past season, and put together the best regular-season campaign of his professional career.

Now, Heed is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Like everyone else on San Jose's long list of pending free agents, his future with the team isn't entirely clear.

Here's a look at why Tim Heed could still be playing for the Sharks next season, and why he could also be headed out the door.

Of the blueliners who came off the bench this past season, Heed was the most productive with 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 37 games played. He was also effective on the defensive side of the puck, ending the season with a plus-9 rating, which was tied for fourth best on the team with Timo Meier. WIth room to improve on last season, Heed could be a good option for San Jose,

Sharks' head coach Peter DeBoer was complimentary of Heed when he penciled him into the lineup on Dec. 23 for the first time in a month. In that game, Heed opened up the scoring for the Sharks with a power-play goal and DeBoer extended Heed's ice time as the game wore on. Heed even took a couple of shifts alongside Norris Trophy candidate Brent Burns.

“He’s worked awful hard off the ice and practicing in order to wait for these opportunities," DeBoer said of Heed at the time. "You never know how they’re going to come. Is it an injury? Suspension? He did a good job tonight.”

If the Sharks need someone to come off the bench in the future, Heed is a good candidate.

While having someone like Heed in San Jose's arsenal can be beneficial, the Sharks may still be looking to move him in an effort to free up cap space.

The Sharks have already started the process of freeing up cap space by trading Justin Braun to the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this week. There will likely be more trades to come before the market opens on July 1 since the Sharks have 20 pending free agents outside of Heed who still don't have contracts.

If San Jose needs to free up more room to sign their big-name UFAs, Heed could be sent to another team.

Heed showed last season he can rise to the occasion when called upon and seems to fit in well with various other members of San Jose's blue line. If the Sharks are able to keep him, there's room for him to grow and continue helping the defense out. But with the Sharks likely not done making trades to gain space under the cap, Heed could have already played his last game in San Jose.

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Why Patrick Marleau reunion with Sharks actually wouldn't be good idea

By Chelena Goldman

June 19, 2019 10:31 AM

It's the rumor built to pull at every Sharks fans' heartstrings: Patrick Marleau wants to return to San Jose.

The franchise's longest-tenured player and current Maple Leaf has been the subject of trade talk as Toronto battles to get far enough under the salary cap to sign young gun Mitch Marner to a new contract. Marleau, who is entering the final season of a three-year deal, reportedly put his Toronto home on the market and is ready to part ways with the Leafs.

There's one big catch, though: Marleau reportedly only will OK a move if it's back to the Sharks, the team with which he played for nearly two decades.

Of course, this would thrill Sharks fans. But the team isn't rolling out a red carpet for Marleau, and it shouldn't. In fact, bringing Marleau back wouldn't be in the Sharks' best interest. Fans might not want to hear it, but a Marleau-Sharks reunion isn't a good idea.

For starters, a team building for another run at the Stanley Cup shouldn't take on a player who's coming off a down season. Even though Marleau remains the Sharks' all-time leader in points and goals, he just finished a 37-point campaign, his only sub-40-point season since he was a rookie. By comparison, Joonas Donskoi also is coming off a 37-point season, and he was benched toward the end of the regular season for not producing.

Given the Sharks' biggest problem at the end of their playoff run was lack of production from their depth forwards, it wouldn't make sense to add a player who's on the decline.

Yes, even one as well-liked as Marleau.

Then there's the whole mess of how the Sharks would get Marleau back in San Jose in the first place. As SportsNet's reported Tuesday, a third team probably would have to acquire Marleau and buy out the rest of his contract so the Sharks could sign him at a price with which they are comfortable.

Keep in mind, the Sharks still have plenty of other contracts they need to settle ahead of free agency, and they're sitting pretty snug under the salary cap after making Erik Karlsson the NHL's highest-paid defenseman. If the Sharks want to keep Joe Pavelski from hitting the market or Timo Meier from becoming a restricted free agent -- just to name two of San Jose's 21-player list of free agents -- then adding more money to the mix would prevent them from doing that.

If anything, trying to bring Marleau back only would make San Jose's current situation worse.

At the end of the day, a team can't be sentimental when it comes to the business of hockey. If the Sharks were, they wouldn't have traded Justin Braun to the Flyers on Tuesday in order to free up cap space.

Marleau remains a fan favorite in San Jose, but that doesn't mean the Sharks should bring him back. Their goal remains to win a Stanley Cup, and this isn't a move that would position them to do that.

So until the day Marleau signs a one-day contract and retires in teal, a reunion probably isn't a great idea for the Sharks.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147597 St Louis Blues Kyrou made the Blues' opening-day roster and played 16 games for the big club with one goal and two assists. He spent the rest of the year with San Antonio. Even though he played in only 47 games for the Rampage, Blues updates: Shoulder injury for Tarasenko; surgery for Kyrou he finished third on the team in points with 16 goals and 27 assists.

If not for the injury, Kyrou would've been called up for the playoffs as one of the Blues "Black Aces" from San Antonio. Those players practiced, By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch usually after the regulars were done working, and got a sense of what playoff hockey is all about.

LAS VEGAS _ Remember that 10-minute stretch in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final when Vladimir Tarasenko was off the ice and was St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.20.2019 thought to have a skate issue?

Turns out he suffered a shoulder injury after getting bumped by a Boston player early in the second period. It affected him the rest of the series. He didn't miss any games, but missed some practices, and scored only one goal the rest of the series to finish with 11 postseason goals.

"He did bang up his shoulder," general manager Doug Armstrong said Tuesday. "Nothing too serious. He was able to play through it. As you could tell, as the playoffs go on, the morning skates are less-attended. We call it a maintenance day or whatever.

"All players are nursing injuries this time of year. Vladi was no different. 'O'Ry' (Ryan O'Reilly) played through a lot. (Alexander) Steen played through a lot. Tarasenko played through a lot. (Robert) Thomas had the wrist thing that he played through."

And Vince Dunn played through head and facial injuries.

"Again, our players are no different than the laundry list that Boston had," Armstrong said. "I think that prize at the end is worth any punishment you have to go through."

Armstrong said the Blues are still evaluating whether or not some players will need offseason surgery.

"We're trying to get everybody back from Vegas so they can get their medicals," Armstrong said with a laugh.

After a weekend of partying, most of the Blues left Las Vegas on Monday and Tuesday.

Coach Craig Berube said he never seriously doubted that Tarasenko would finish out the Boston series after the injury.

"Not really," Berube said. "He's tough and he wants to play. I thought that once he came in the next day and he said I'm fine, I'm good, I'm ready to go and all that, I wasn't too concerned with him."

It's unclear whether the injury was to the same shoulder that required surgery last offseason.

As for O'Reilly, he downplayed the rib injury that affected his shot and his ability to win faceoffs for a while during the postseason.

"I had a small crack in there (ribs)," he said. "There was a couple games where it bothered me a bit. But it wasn't as big of an injury as people think."

O'Reilly said the injury occurred against Dallas when he took absorbed a "weird" cross-check. He aggravated what he called "some other areas" later in the playoffs, but said he felt fine by the time the Cup Final started with the Bruins.

"The medical staff in St. Louis is outstanding," O'Reilly said. "There was a couple rough days but after that it was good. I didn't notice it at all in the finals."

One player that already has undergone surgery is one of the Blues' top prospects _ forward Jordan Kyrou. It was a kneecap issue, Armstrong confirmed.

"Jordan Kyrou is a player that we had high expectations for and did well this year," Armstrong said. "Got injured, had knee surgery. So he's healing up now and should be ready for (preseason) camp."

Kyrou, who turned 21 last month, won't participate in the Blues' developmental camp next week at Enterprise Center, but not because of the injury.

"He would've been past that anyway (if healthy)" Armstrong said. "At his age, he's been to enough of those." 1147598 St Louis Blues seen many crazy things take place since the Blues won the championship.

Had Hintz scored, key Blues would have faced harsher judgments. Fans Gordo: Blues' dream stayed alive thanks to Bouwmeester would have gone back to questioning captain ’s leadership ability and wondering what he could fetch in a trade.

Jeff Gordon Fans would have resumed asking if the Blues ever could win big with Vladimir Tarasenko as their top goal scorer. They would have gone back to complaining about Bouwmeester getting a contract for next season, when he turns 36, and whining about Colton Parayko’s lack of So here is a jarring question for local hockey fans to ponder as their post- physicality. celebration haze finally clears: The Cup triumph put them in a much different light. What if Roope Hintz had scored? What if the Dallas Stars had sent the Blues to another second-round defeat in the playoffs? The same goes for Maroon. He’s a playoff hero now, not the guy who scored just 10 goals for his hometown after scoring 44 on his previous How would we look at the players, coaches, management of that two seasons in Edmonton and New Jersey. franchise heading into this offseason? The same goes for Schwartz. He’s the clutch forward who scored 12 It’s worth considering because the Blues came within inches of losing times during the Cup run — with two hat tricks — and not the forward Game 7 of the Dallas series. They came thisclose to ending their playoff who scored just 11 goals during the regular season, 13 fewer than the run long before their Stanley Cup Final triumph and their days-long, year before. multi-city and highly interactive championship party. The same goes for Schenn. He’s is the guy who scored the critical Game (By the way, nobody will accuse these Blues of taking their title for 7 goal in the Final and threw big postseason body checks, and not the granted. They partied as if a meteor was 48 hours away from crashing guy who regressed from 70 points to 54 this season. into Earth and blowing the planet to smithereens. They held nothing back.) The Cup victory changed the view of management, too. General manager Doug Armstrong is a genius now, not the guy who burned Losing that second-round Game 7 would have brought a classic Blues through coaches, traded popular players and constructed team after heartache, because they dominated the Stars for the last two periods of team that fell short in postseason play. regulation play. They attacked in waves, outshooting Dallas 31-4 for those 40 minutes. To fully appreciate the magnitude of the Blues’ achievement, step back and ponder how you view the players, coaches and management now . . Our Town’s Ben Bishop, a jilted former Blue, made one ridiculous save . and how you would have regarded them after another a second-round after another to keep the game at 1-1. Of course he did! That’s the sort of playoff exit. thing former Blues do to this star-crossed franchise. What if Roope Hintz had scored? Then Hintz pounced on a loose puck in the neutral with a minute of regulation time left. He burst in on left wing, flying past Brayden Schenn. He drew out goaltender Jordan Binnington, then circled the cage for a wraparound shot into the wide-open net. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.20.2019

Victory was on his stickblade. The Stars appeared ready to take the lead, kill off the final seconds and deliver still another gut punch to Blues fans.

At the last possible second Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester reached in with his long arms to deflect the Hintz’s shot away from the goal line. Stars forward Mats Zuccarello raced in hoping for the tap-in conversion, but Blues forward Jaden Schwartz eliminated him with a body check.

Play went the other way, regulation time expired, the game went into one overtime and then another . . . and finally the Blues’ Pat Maroon ended the series by jabbing home a loose puck in double OT.

Such is the tiny margin between eternal glory and another exasperating defeat. There were many, many other moments that could have gone the wrong way, too. They didn’t, though, and the Blues eventually made history. But what if Hintz had scored?

Rather than joining a celebration for the ages, Blues fans would have returned their familiar lament: Same Old Blues, lifting hopes only to crash them. Once again they would have spent their early summer wallowing in self-pity.

Had Hintz scored, Craig Berube still would have earned the Blues’ coaching position on a more permanent basis. But the number of years and dollars would have been less than he is likely to earn now that he has Cup leverage.

Binnington was also due for a raise, even if he lost Game 7. His brilliant play rallied the Blues into the playoff bracket and carried them past the favored Winnipeg Jets in the first round.

He won that Game 7 against Dallas and eight more and now the numbers figured to be much different. Goaltender Matt Murray got a three-year, $11.25 million extension after winning the Cup as a Pittsburgh Penguins rookie, but Binnington is closer to unrestricted free agency.

Could he get $5 million per year? What about $6 million per year, buying into some unrestricted free agency years? That sounds crazy, but we’ve 1147599 St Louis Blues Wednesday “should be a fun, exciting night,” he said. “A great experience to have my family here. It’s the first time I get to meet a lot of the elite players in the league and getting to know everyone. Everyone’s Blues' party rolls on in Las Vegas; Binnington and O'Reilly up for NHL such good people. The hockey world’s incredible. All the hockey players awards are usually just great people to know, and welcoming, so it’s been fun.”

The only player in Blues history to win the Calder Trophy was Barret Jackman in 2002-03. By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch O’Reilly is up for two awards: the Lady Byng Trophy, which recognizes outstanding sportsmanship and outstanding play, and the Selke Trophy, which goes to the NHL’s best defensive forward. LAS VEGAS — Since that final buzzer last Wednesday night in Boston, it has been an incredible week for the Blues. (Featuring lots of beer O’Reilly won the Lady Byng in the 2013-14 season as a member of the consumption.) Amazingly, Jordan Binnington seems to remember all of it. Colorado Avalanche and was runner-up last season as a member of the Sabres. The Plane Ride Home: “We’re chillin’ in the air with the Stanley Cup and reading the names, and we’re drinking beer out of it,” Binnington said. “He’s a legend,” Binnington said of O’Reilly. “He’s a hockey player “This team is a lot of fun to be a part of. And we know how to celebrate. through and through. Incredible team guy. I wasn’t there for the first half So it’s something I’ll never forget.” of the year but the boys have flat-out said, without him . . . He just kept working and working and being positive, keeping quiet. And he kind of The Parade: “We didn’t really know what to expect really, and then five held the team together.” minutes in I just said: ‘We gotta get off this float and run around.’ You know?” The Blues’ Craig Berube is up for the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year ad Doug Armstrong is up for general manger of the year. (Yeah, we saw. Particularly those moments with Binnington and the Oakville High School marching band.) Armstrong might have the best chance to win among the Blues’ representatives, because voting for that award took place after two “They were giving me whatever — drums, trombone,” he said. “I nailed rounds of the playoffs. Voting for all the other awards occurred at the end the drums, and then I got the pompoms going. It was pretty cool. A lot of of the regular season, which might hurt Berube’s chances because he fun. didn’t take over for Mike Yeo until Nov. 19, nearly a quarter of the way “I was looking at my phone to see how many steps I got in that day. A lot into the season. of steps. Still recovering from that — 14,000-something. The city was The Blues have had four winners of the Jack Adams honor: Ken incredibly excited. People hanging from the parking garages.” Hitchcock (2011-12), Joel Quenneville (1999-2000), Brian Sutter (1990- Vegas, Baby: “Obviously, right from the parade, took a plane to Vegas 91) and Red Berenson (1980-81). and had some fun here,” he said. “Walking around in Vegas and people This is only the 10th season for the GM of the Year, and Armstrong won recognize you. We were going to clubs here and dinner reservations, and it previously (2011-12) with the Blues. the whole place is cheering and they’re playing ‘Gloria’ on the speakers. It’s pretty crazy. So we’re all just amazed at the support we have and how excited people are.” St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.20.2019 Most of the team left Las Vegas on Sunday and Monday. Binnington and Ryan O’Reilly still are here because they are finalists for various laurels at the NHL Awards show Wednesday at the Mandalay Bay resort.

Binnington said Monday was a “little rest day” for he and O’Reilly.

“Went for a nice dinner and now we’re slowing down,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun this past week. But now I got family coming in and we’ll spend some time with them. We got the awards (Wednesday), and then back to St. Louis and head back to Toronto.”

Binnington’s mother, stepfather, stepmother, father, two sisters as well as someone he referred to as “the girl” will all be in the audience Wednesday to see if Binnington wins the Calder Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year.

“The girl,” by the way, is Binnington’s girlfriend — Cristine Prosperi.

The other finalists for the Calder are Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson.

Pettersson is considered the favorite, but it should be noted that voting was conducted at the end of the regular season. Had the voting been conducted at the end of the playoffs, Binnington would be the heavy favorite. Binnington was unaware how the voting worked until informed by a reporter Tuesday.

“It’s just the way it goes, and just got to hope for the best in that case,” he said. “Going up against a couple talented young players, I’m sure they’re excited, also.”

Binnington’s case might also be hurt by the fact that he didn’t make his first start until early January — Jan. 7 to be exact, a shutout victory in Philadelphia.

“We’ll see,” Binnington said. “It is what it is. We just won the Cup — pretty happy about that. But the Calder would great. I think I had a decent amount of wins. So we’ll see.”

Binnington went 24-5-1 in the regular season, setting Blues franchise records for wins and shutouts (five). He led the NHL with a 1.89 goals- against average. 1147600 St Louis Blues

Hochman: 'It was magical.' STL's Patrick Maroon and family added local touch to Blues parade

Benjamin Hochman

Even if Patrick Maroon's job in life was a big rig driver — and not being the NHL's “Big Rig” — the Blues winning the Stanley Cup would've been a massive moment for him and his family. They're from St. Louis. They love the St. Louis Blues. Patrick's father father was an original season ticket holder. Years later, Patrick's father would take his three little boys to the games. They only had two seats — two boys in one seat, Patrick on dad's lap.

So, even days after the parade, it remains mind-bending that Patrick Maroon was on the St. Louis Blues — and helped them win their first Stanley Cup. Oh, and that the kid from Oakville scored two game-winning goals in the postseason, including the historic double-overtime series- winner against Dallas.

Seemingly every hour, my favorite memory from the Blues parade changes. Different Images pop into the forefront of my mind. Some of them might fade, but I'll never forget the Maroon family at last Saturday's parade. Bliss – in real time.

The parade was simultaneously for Patrick, for them and for their friends. And they were floating. And on a float! Well, actually, the Maroon family float was, fittingly, a blue big rig.

“It was magical,” Patrick's brother, Phil, said Tuesday. “Running the streets with Pat while watching the looks of happiness on every fans face was something I will never forget. The entire city came together. The fans were incredible, the way the players interacted with the fans was even more special. No way it gets much better than that.”

• Maroon carrying the Stanley Cup over to shrieking fans of all ages, who reached over a railing and screamed his name as if they were old acquaintances (some, actually, might've been old acquaintances).

• Maroon's fiancee, the St. Louisan Francesca Vangel, seated atop the truck, her feet dangling above the windshield. A fan tossed her a mini bottle of Fireball. She caught it like she was Isaac Bruce, and then downed it with intense glee.

• Maroon's son, 10-year-old Anthony, standing next to his father on Market Street as they hoisted the Cup together (later, Patrick told the Fox Sports Midwest telecast that Anthony was even signing autographs!).

• Maroon's parents on the float, his father seated and smiling as he held a granddaughter who was, inexplicably, asleep — surely wiped out from the surreal week.

From Phil: “My 4-year-old daughter wants to know when the next parade is. She said on the way home, 'Daddy, I really felt like a princess today.' It was so special for everyone in a different way.”

• Catching Maroon in his blue Blues jersey at a certain angle, as the red St Louis flag was flapping directly behind him.

• Maroon spotting and acknowledging the fans standing on the roof of the old Mike Shannon's.

• Maroon purposefully placing the Stanley Cup on top of a Rams rug, which someone creatively placed on the parade route to be stomped upon.

• And finally, Maroon bringing the Stanley Cup over to two older fans, seated in the front row on Market. It was Katie and Doug Brooking of Town and Country. Katie is 81. Doug is 89.

“It's fantastic, wonderful!” Katie said after they touched the Stanley Cup. “I think we're the oldest ones here today!”

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147601 St Louis Blues

Blues begin preseason games on Sept. 16

By Tom Timmermann St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Jun 18, 2019

The Blues will begin preseason play on Sept. 16, just three months from now, in the shortest offseason in club history.

The Blues announced their eight-game preseason schedule on Tuesday, which includes three home games at Enterprise Center, four road games and one neutral site game.

The Blues open with three road games, Sept. 16 at Dallas, Sept. 18 at Washington and Sept. 20 at Winnipeg in a rare preseason trip north of the border.

The first home game is Sept. 22 vs. Columbus, followed by one Sept. 24 vs. Dallas. On Sept. 26, they play Detroit in Calumet, Mich., in the game. The Blues are home the next day to face Washington, and then close the preseason at Columbus on Sept. 29.

The regular-season schedule will be released shortly.

The Blues haven't announced when training camp will start, but it's usually three days or so before the first preseason game, so figure somewhere around Sept. 13. The regular season will then begin the first week of October.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147602 St Louis Blues the events unfold in real time they’d be foolish to allow themselves to get outside themselves, to get ahead of the moment with “what ifs.” And so it’s the fans who most honestly recognize the feeling of being on that Bourne: For the Blues, Raptors and their fans, the effects of winning it all roller coaster during the ride on the way to the sweet release of can last a lifetime communal victory. These outcomes become tattoos on their sporting souls, ink which bleeds into through to the fabric of their self-Images.

That’s why these exciting title quests are so often viewed through fingers, By Justin Bourne as many can’t look away but don’t dare look at the biggest moments head-on. A theory I’ve heard espoused by Leafs GM Kyle Dubas is that Jun 19, 2019 “the farther you are from the action, the more difficult it is.” What that means is that for the players the pressure is, of course, very real. But they can tangibly effect the outcome that day. They can keep busy with There are no direct flights between Ted Stevens airport in Anchorage, preparation, prepare (distract?) their minds, they can get loose and focus Alaska, and La Guardia in New York; most might safely make that and when the puck drops or the basketball goes up, they can act. They assumption, but I own that esoteric piece of knowledge as a certainty. I can channel that energy towards moments that will affect the remainder became aware of this useless tidbit in 2006 when the New York Islanders of their lives. booked a flight for me from that northernmost U.S. state where I was attending University, to where I’d be watching my Dad, Bob Bourne, get A coach can direct their energy to game-related things, but they can’t inducted into their Hall of Fame. physically act, they can’t do it. The players have to and that can be hard. For a GM up in the pressbox, your work is done. In those moments Some twenty years prior to that, my Dad had played his last game with you’re helpless, knowing how all the randomness in sports affects your the club where he’d spent a dozen seasons, piling up enough goals and ability to even get a fair shake while wondering that even if you do, have assists to be deserving of the honour, but more importantly, he’d tell you, you built something good enough to reach the mountaintop? You’re piling up four Stanley Cups. To ask my Dad, or my Mom, or any of his Maximus the Gladiator waiting for the emperor to give the thumbs up or teammates or their wives or extended families, is to learn that those thumbs down on your (professional) life, only drawn out over a gut- Cups forever changed everything for them. Winning the Cup changed wrenching two-hour period. how they were treated by many, changed their future earning potentials, changed their legacies, and in all cases, affected the lives of their For fans, who aren’t just being judged professionally but on their children. Standing on a red carpet on the ice in Nassau Coliseum and personal, often life-long decision to invest time, money, emotions and witnessing the waves of still-emanating passion those Islanders fans had energy into a team, the helplessness is as real as the obsession with the for those teams all those years later is one of my fondest non-standard outcome. Have you seen the anxiety felt by the truest of fans, have you (marriage, child’s birth) life memories. maybe felt what I’m talking about? So many go through years of that agony only to be denied over and over that release-the-floodgates It’s probably worth noting that on that trip I spent time with a then-next- emotional moment that’s built up over – in a certain very recent case – a door neighbour from my childhood, one Brianna Gillies … née Bourne. half a century or more. And once you finally make it, man. Flags Fly It’s safe to say that my life experience has been just a little bit influenced Forever, as it’s said. They can’t take it from you, from history. by the success of some early 80’s Long Island-based hockey teams, and continues to be over 30 years removed from their last Cup. It’s not What’s interesting for the players who haven’t been there before – that impossible that someday some version of these words will be coming being every single Blues player and all the Raptors save for Kawhi from Fred VanVleet Jr., or Baby Tarasenko (Lord Stanislav, presumably). Leonard and Danny Green – is that winning at the highest level affords Winning titles affect where people and families end up for decades to the shoulder slumping release of a task truly completed in a way that come. doesn’t exist at other levels. I myself haven’t yet accomplished that biggest of goals (I’m not ruling that out just yet), but I’ve had it explained I’ve been uniquely positioned to see what these sporting victories mean to me thusly: when you win on the way to the major leagues, the benefits to the people who experience them, which goes beyond the players are still almost entirely geared towards your own self-interest. Nobody themselves, beyond the team staff or anyone else who may be has time to watch every young athlete play all the time at every level, so legitimately in line for a ring. I’m talking about the people who pay their the more your teams win, the more opportunities you have to get seen. money to watch games and buy gear and support the club through thick The bigger the games your teams get to, the better things go for each and thin. individual career. The titles you win on the way don’t affect quite as many supporters lives at the personal level, but mostly those in your immediate About 10 years ago my summer job was helping my Dad run the Hockey vicinity. When we’re talking about the biggest trophies in the major Greats Fantasy Camp in Kelowna, BC. That event consisted of a dozen sports, I’m told you feel that collective experience, that forever bond to ex-NHLers, usually about half of which were Hall of Famers, with whom the nth degree. fans could practice and play hockey with and against, golf with, houseboat with and just generally get to know on a more personal level At the highest levels, being a “winner” can certainly affect your future over a handful of days. The “this was worth it” moment for those who earnings, but it’s really the first time you stand atop the ladder without spent the money to attend was usually unlocked near the end of the night another rung to be reached. I was fortunate to be a part of the BCHL after about a flat of Okanagan Springs 1516 beer, long after the champion , where the quote that ran atop the inside of the organized events were over and the stories got so good most stopped dressing room was from Vince Lombardi. It read: “Any man’s finest hour, caring that the lines between fact and fiction had grown somewhat hazy. the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field In those moments though, learning lessons were really taught to the of battle – victorious.” It’s an awesome quote. But when you’re in the former players, lessons I happened to pick up via sheer proximity. They BCHL, there’s still just so many battles to be fought to get where you’re came in the stories from those most passionate fans and what those trying to go. You can’t just lay there on the field of battle victorious. It’s championships meant to them and their families and friends. Often they time to prepare for the next fight. For those holding the Stanley Cup, or seemed as invested in the outcomes of those pivotal moments as those the “Larry O.B.,” it’s truly the first time they can sit there and be done. It who were on the field of play. Sports “are just silly games,” as we often reminds me of a Russian proverb I was recently introduced to: flippantly say, but what’s silly is ignoring the lives that are lived within and around the games themselves. Relationships are formed and exist And so, the Blues and Raptors sit today, having raised their respective because of those games. Read basically anything written by our Blues’ trophies, having had their parades and they’re at last afforded a breath, a writer Jeremy Rutherford over the past month to get a sense for what a true inhale and exhale to enjoy while processing what they’ve just been title meant to some of those St. Louis fans, and to that city. through. Surely they’ve felt like dust swept up in a southwestern haboob, blowing swiftly over and through cities, leaving their unmistakable mark Here in Toronto, the ubiquitous sense of camaraderie and energy that’s on all they’ve passed, only now pausing as the breeze dies and they pervaded the city over the past month has been unlike any sporting vibe gently flit back down to earth. Much like being on a literal roller coaster, I’ve experienced before. Yes, the players get to reap the more direct there has to be a sense of “I’m not exactly sure what just happened, but I lifelong rewards of winning – the italics there still being an undersold and know it was fun.” under-comprehended factor for those pursuing titles (I wrote more on that here) – but they’re too busy being in the moments as they happen to That “not exactly sure what just happened” thing they’re likely thinking is acknowledge and embrace all the emotions around said moments. As surely aimed back at what just was, what just happened in the immediate past. They don’t yet realize that what just happened was a version of their own personal butterfly effect that may have altered the course of all their future events, and in many cases, those of their sons and daughters too. In the most roundabout of ways, they may have unknowingly set in motion a series of events that may lead their kids to their own pieces of esoteric knowledge, hopefully, more useful than the fact that there are no direct flights between Anchorage, Alaska, and the LaGuardia Airport in New York.

Things done changed for a lot of lives this past week, in a very special way.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147603 Tampa Bay Lightning

Awards are great, but what’s ahead really matters for Nikita Kucherov

By Martin Fennelly

Published 19 minutes ago

They handed Nikita Kucherov trophies Wednesday night in Las Vegas. It wasn’t the trophy, the Stanley Cup, the prize Kucherov and his Tampa Bay Lightning teammates still want, painfully so after that abrupt Hindenburg conclusion to what had been a record-setting hay ride.

But here’s to Kucherov winning the Hart Trophy as the most valuable player in the National Hockey League and the Ted Lindsay Award as the players’ MVP pick. He was nothing short of the best player in the game, in the world, in 2018-19. That his or his team’s best wasn’t enough didn’t matter Wednesday. That Kucherov wants more is what really matters.

On one level, this awards show, the Lightning all dressed up with nowhere else to go, seemed a bit out of place given the carnage that was its epic first-round playoff sweep at the hands of Johnny Torts and his Columbus Blue Jackets. The sweep included Kucherov’s no-show, and his frustration and petulance on display, that cheap hit and one-game suspension it brought during that series. Not the way to leave a season.

But Kucherov won the Hart and Ted Lindsay as well as the Art Ross Trophy for being the league’s scoring champion. In game shows, these are known as lovely parting gifts.

But this is a time to celebrate what Kucherov did and, more to the point, what might lie ahead.

Only two athletes in Tampa Bay’s major professional sports have ever been voted league MVP. No Bucs player has, though Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks were defensive MVPs. No Rays player has ever achieved it. Only the Lightning, namely Marty St. Louis and his magic in the franchise’s 2003-04 Cup season, and now Kucherov. That’s it. And that made Wednesday special.

This season, Tampa Bay fans witnessed performance art on a nearly nightly basis. No one was better than No. 86. Even now, it’s hard to see Kucherov like we saw Marty. Maybe it was Kucherov’s occasional silent way, maybe it was his Russian heritage, or maybe it was that he didn’t finish it all off with his game’s ultimate prize, all that he cared about anyway.

But his was a season that took your breath away. He scored 41 goals and had 128 points, the most ever for a Russian-born player, and don’t think that didn’t mean something to Kucherov.

He led the league in points, assists and power-play points. He shattered Lightning records. He had 38 multipoint games. Every time we looked up, he was doing something else, something better, something bigger. It was child’s play at times, no-look passes, breakaway talent on hockey’s greatest stage. He made everyone who played with him better.

Behind it all was a drive that didn’t quit. It was the same drive that propelled Kucherov from a kid who once was a healthy scratch in 2014 playoff games against Montreal into a major force in Lightning fortunes.

Kucherov turned 26 on Monday. It is all in front of him. He is coming off consecutive 100-point seasons, and there is no reason to believe that streak won’t grow. This might be the start of something we’ve never seen in this town, a superstar who comes with a growth chart.

It’s all about the next step for Kucherov. He and his teammates failed to punctuate a season that demanded an exclamation point. Kucherov dropped his guard and let immaturity into his head, and it left a bad picture in a lot of our heads. It raised the question: Is Kucherov going to be able to take the Lightning over the top?

He has the ability. He has the inner drive to grow. This team is counting on that. The window remains open. Now Kucherov has trophies, hardware. But what’s ahead is what matters. Kucherov knows that only one trophy matters. Lucky for Lightning fans, it’s the one he wants most.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147604 Tampa Bay Lightning The agent said Kucherov has a funny side and enjoys comedy. Milstein even described Kucherov as outgoing with his family and friends.

But mostly the 26-year-old’s life revolves around his family — wife NHL Awards: Nikita Kucherov wins Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP Anastasiya and son Max — and hockey. When he isn’t with his family, he’s working on his game.

By Diana C. Nearhos Just like any little kid trying to get better, Kucherov goes out to the garage to work on his stick skills. Unlike those kids, Kucherov has a Published Yesterday fancier setup to do so, with a fake rink instead of just a concrete floor.

Kucherov never ceases to impress BriseBois with his knowledge. He notices things such as what stick or even blade a player is using in Nikita Kucherov is the best hockey player in the world right now. addition to how the player did (or didn’t) make a play. That title has been thrown around a lot this season, but the Professional “He’s freakishly smart, especially when it comes to hockey,” BriseBois Hockey Writers Association and the National Hockey League Players said. “I always enjoy my conversations with him. He always picks up on Association and have voted and declared that he is. Kucherov won the little details that makes you go ‘hmm.’ And he’s right.” Hart Trophy (league MVP voted by the writers) and the Ted Lindsay Award (MVP voted by the players) Wednesday night at the NHL Awards BriseBois summed Kucherov up as “a super-sharp hockey mind and show in Las Vegas. freakishly driven to be the best.”

It seemed obvious Kucherov would win both awards. When your name is It seems to be working for him. linked with the likes of because of the season you had, you get awards.

To recap: Kucherov had 128 points, the most since Lemieux (161) and Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 06.20.2019 Jaromir Jagr (149) in 1995-96. His 87 assists were the most since Joe Thornton had 96 in 2005-06 and 92 the year after that. Kucherov demolished the Lightning record for points in a season and became the highest-scoring Russian-born NHL player.

(Takes breath)

Not too shabby for the 58th overall draft pick in 2011.

Kucherov is the first Hart winner who was selected outside of the first round since Marty St. Louis, who is the Lightning’s only other winner of the award. St. Louis went undrafted.

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois and Kucherov’s agent, Dan Milstein, agree that Kucherov wouldn’t have lasted until the second round if he had been playing in North America. Not even putting up 21 points in seven games at the Under-18 World Championship (the tournament record) just before the draft got him into the first round.

“We were very lucky,” BriseBois said. “If we knew what he was going to do, we wouldn’t have waited until the second round.”

Red Wings senior vice president Jimmy Devellano still can’t get over Detroit passing over Kucherov three times before the Lightning picked him.

Kucherov has turned himself from a good prospect — one who spent time in the AHL and was a healthy scratch in the 2014 playoffs — into the best player in the NHL this year.

He has done so through high standards and work ethic, but without giving much insight into the details.

Coach Jon Cooper frequently credits Kucherov with improving every year. He comes back each season better than the last. Yet, he doesn’t like to talk about his offseason regimen, though it’s stringent with very little down time. This year he took two weeks to visit friends and family in Russia after the Lightning’s first-round playoff sweep by the Blue Jackets, then returned to Tampa and got back to work.

Kucherov has the drive of someone out to prove everyone wrong. Maybe it’s being a second-round draft pick. Maybe it’s something else. Unlike 5- foot-8 St. Louis, Kucherov’s chip isn’t obvious.

He doesn’t like to share much of himself.

Kucherov might be the MVP we know the least about in any of the major sports in recent years. He is the unknown superstar.

Redditor Hockeystyle linked to an article mentioning Kucherov’s infant son with the comment, “Did I miss something or is this just like the time when Kucherov didn’t tell anyone he had gotten engaged/married?”

Fans would love to share in that news, but Kucherov doesn’t owe anyone entrance into his personal life.

“He’s not one to take the fame to his head, and that’s why you won’t see him,” Milstein said. “It’s not that he acts like that at home. To him, hockey is a serious business.” 1147605 Tampa Bay Lightning onstage to surprise him. Anderson was crying as Price handed him a signed jersey with a lengthy personal message and invited him to next year’s All-Star Game.

NHL Awards: Andrei Vasilevskiy wins Vezina for best goalie The best line of the night came from Islanders goalie Robin Lehner, in his acceptance speech for the Masterton Trophy (perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey): “I’m not afraid to say I’m By Diana C. Nearhos mentally ill, but that doesn’t mean I’m mentally weak.”

Published Yesterday Lehner has dealt with alcohol and pill addiction but has been sober for more than a year while also receiving treatment for mental-health issues.

Andrei Vasilevskiy made flashy saves look easy and stole wins as the Lightning ran away with the Presidents’ Trophy. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 06.20.2019 The goalie’s personal numbers weren’t on the same historic level, but they were more than enough to earn Vasilevskiy the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender at the NHL Awards show on Wednesday night in Las Vegas.

His win wasn’t a given, but the 24-year-old made a clear case for the Vezina in his regular season, putting up career numbers. He was sixth in save percentage (.925) and ninth in goals-against average (2.40). Perhaps more important, he backstopped the league’s best team in its historic 62-win regular season, finishing first in the league with 39 wins.

Vasilevskiy had high competition for the Vezina, including from former teammate and mentor Ben Bishop, now with the Stars, but finished with 90 percent of the first-place votes.

In his acceptance speech, Vasilevskiy thanked his family, teammates, coaches and trainers, the Lightning fans and the organization “for the opportunity to play for the best hockey club in the world.”

For his historic 128-point season, Nikita Kucherov won the Hart Trophy as league MVP, voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, and the Ted Lindsay Award, the MVP prize voted on by the players.

“It’s a huge night for me and my family,” Kucherov said afterward. “But the main thing is Stanley Cup. We want to make sure we work harder than we thought we did (this season). All these individual (awards), it’s obviously nice, but the main thing is Stanley Cup for me.

“When I came (to the United States), the main thing was just try and make the team. Now all my thoughts are just to win the Cup, and bring the Cup back to Tampa, because people deserve that. We’ve been playing good hockey, and I’m sure if we keep the team (together), we can bounce back.”

The Lightning had two other award finalists: Victor Hedman for the Norris Trophy (best defenseman) and Jon Cooper for the Jack Adams Award (coach of the year).

Hedman was surprised to be a finalist for the Norris, which was won by the Flames’ Mark Giordano. The Jack Adams went to the Islanders’ Barry Trotz, with Cooper coming in second.

The Lightning’s Anthony Cirelli finished sixth in votes for the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year) and was 11th in voting for the Selke Trophy (best defensive forward), getting one first-place vote. Brayden Point was ninth on the Selke list, also with one vote for first place, and got a couple of votes for Lady Byng (most gentlemanly player). Ryan McDonagh finished eighth in the Norris results.

Cirelli also made the NHL all-rookie team. Kucherov and Vasilevskiy made the All-Star first team and Hedman the second team.

Tampa Bay took hits in the opening monologue from host Kenan Thompson, who gave the “folks from Tampa” a shout out and recognized the Lightning’s 62 regular-season wins and the record-tying zero playoff wins.

“That’s what I like about them, win or lose, they set records,” he quipped.”

The night’s best moments had nothing to do with the Lightning.

Canadiens goalie Carey Price made an 11-year-old boy cry in the best way.

The much-watched video of Price’s meeting with Anderson Whitehead, whose mother died of cancer this year, won the fan choice award for best fan moment of the season. Anderson, a big Price fan, was invited onstage in Las Vegas for recognition. He then was told Price had a video message for him, but the supposed video cut off and Price appeared 1147606 Tampa Bay Lightning

NHL Awards: How Diana C. Nearhos voted

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published Yesterday

Nikita Kucherov earned the Hart Trophy. That vote was one of the easiest things I did this season.

As a member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, I vote for six awards as well as the all-star and all-rookie teams. Those winners, as well the other honors, will be revealed at tonight’s NHL Awards show (NBCSN, 8 p.m.).

Earlier in the season, I was less certain where I’d go with my Hart vote. Kucherov was good for sure, but was he MVP?

There is a difference between the most valuable player and the most outstanding player. A difference greater than the opinions of the players who vote on the Ted Lindsay and the writers who vote for the Hart Trophy.

The Hart should go to the player who makes the biggest difference to his team, not just the best player in the league. Kucherov was clearly the latter, but could he be the former in a team with this many stars?

As the season went on, the answer was a resounding yes.

Not only did Kucherov rack up the points at a historic rate, he also lifted the Lightning with him. Tampa Bay was better with Kucherov, for more than just the points he contributed.

Thus, the easy decision to vote for Kucherov for Hart.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147607 Tampa Bay Lightning $1,395,053 OR BELOW: NONE

$1,395,054-$2,113,716: 3RD

Why there’s optimism despite the slow pace in Brayden Point’s talks with $2,113,717-$4,227,437: 2ND Lightning $4,227,438-$6,341,152: 1ST, 3RD

$6,341,153-$8,454,871: 1ST, 2ND, 3RD By Joe Smith Jun 19, 2019 $8,454,872-$10,568,589:

2 1STS , 2ND, 3RD LAS VEGAS — Don’t expect a quick resolution to Brayden Point’s contract negotiations with the Lightning. OVER

It’s not because there is acrimony or there’s been some breakdown in $10,568,590+: 4 1STS talks between the two sides. While my guess is that Point would probably at least take a call if another There simply has been a natural slow play with most of the top-caliber team made one, Lightning fans shouldn’t worry. Point is expected to get restricted free agents this summer who, like Point, are looking for their a deal done and stay in Tampa Bay. first major paydays in the NHL. It just might not happen as quickly as you’d like.

Lightning GM Julien BriseBois has had several chats this offseason with Point’s camp, though they were considered to be more touching base than substantive in terms of talking numbers. That could pick up a bit at The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 this weekend’s NHL Draft in Vancouver, where BriseBois is expected to meet up with agent Gerry Johannson.

No fireworks are expected. Point’s goal all along has been to remain with the Lightning — and not sign a potential offer sheet from another team — and his camp remains optimistic a deal will get done. They’ve been open- minded regarding deals of several different terms, from the eight-year max to a five-year pact like Auston Matthews signed last season.

With the caveat that one call or conversation could speed things up, the sense is that it just may take a while. First of all, the Lightning need to continue sorting out how much cap space they have left, with Braydon Coburn’s signing Monday (two years, $3.4 million) giving them $76 million allotted to 18 players. There are rumblings that the salary cap could end up around $82 million or less, as opposed to the expected $83 million, which could impact a number of teams.

There also seems to be a waiting game going on here with RFAs like Toronto’s Mitch Marner, Vancouver’s Brock Boeser, Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine and Carolina’s Sebastian Aho, who is also represented by Johannson.

You get the sense that nobody wants to blink first and set the market for others. I’d imagine NHL teams with RFAs would love for Point to set the low bar and Marner the high bar — with the others falling in between.

But Point, a 41-goal scorer and the Lightning’s No. 1 center, is due a significant raise from his entry-level deal. We broke down what his next deal might look like earlier this offseason, with a prediction of a bridge deal in the $8 million AAV range. @EvolvingWild projected a five-year deal at $8.2 million AAV, or $9.1 million AAV over eight years.

The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn did a thorough analysis of what each high-profile RFA is worth, and while Point’s value is up there with the Marners of the world, the Lightning’s salary structure would likely bring his number in a little lower (as it is hard to see him passing Nikita Kucherov’s $9.5 million AAV, especially with Steven Stamkos at $8.5 million AAV).

The Lightning could try to hold firm like they did with Kucherov back in the summer of 2016. With Tampa Bay’s cap crunch continuing after signing Stamkos, Victor Hedman and Alex Killorn, they held to their bridge offer with Kucherov, who accepted a three-year deal with a $4.76 million AAV on the eve of the regular season. Kucherov didn’t want to sit out, nor did he want to play in the KHL in his native Russia. But like Point, Kucherov had no arbitration rights, so he took the best deal he could and bet on himself.

“I just wanted to play,” Kucherov said. “I didn’t want to stay at home.”

Kucherov is happy now as he’s starting an eight-year extension with a $9.5 million AAV, which makes him the highest-paid Tampa Bay player.

The added wrinkle this summer is the potential of offer sheets. They don’t happen often, especially with the high price tag for a team whose offer is accepted (four first rounders for an AAV of $10 million plus). There’s an interview period for restricted free agents that opens next week.

OFFER SHEET COMPENSATION HAS BEEN SET FOR 2019/20 1147608 Tampa Bay Lightning accomplished a lot, had size and athleticism. He had a great work ethic. People saw that potential. “I remember we bet on him sliding that year because we could have taken him at 10.”

With Andrei Vasilevskiy and ‘big brother’ Ben Bishop vying for Vezina, But Vasilevskiy, then still a teenager, needed time to develop. And revisiting a defining decision Tampa Bay needed a goalie. So former GM Steve Yzerman went and acquired Bishop from the Ottawa Senators at the deadline in the 2012-13 season, trading promising rookie Cory Conacher (who is now in the By Joe Smith Lightning system).

Jun 19, 2019 Bishop, having been in a battle for playing time in St. Louis, finally got his shot to earn his No. 1 job. And Bishop delivered in leading the Lightning

to the Stanley Cup Final in just his second year as Tampa Bay’s starter. LAS VEGAS — There was family all around Ben Bishop Tuesday But by then, Vasilevskiy had been called up as his backup. afternoon, the eve of the NHL Awards. Bishop had heard the hype about Vasilevskiy. He knew how everyone While Bishop, 32, was holding court with media a ballroom at the Encore felt about him. But as competitive as Bishop is, he was welcoming with At Wynn resort, the Stars goaltender’s parents — Ben and Cindy — were the kid who would probably end up taking his job. chilling in the plush outdoor pool. Bishop’s 1-year-old son, Ben, who is Bishop felt he was just paying it forward, having been helped by Blues already into soccer, was with his mom, Andrea. veterans Manny Legace. Chris Mason and Ty Conklin. Bishop was once But just across the ballroom was someone Bishop has called his “little the hype prospect, the third-rounder and hometown kid. They had shown brother”: Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. him the way and, as Bishop said, “You don’t forget that.”

For a few years, they shared the net with Tampa Bay. On Wednesday “The first time I came into the league, guys older than me took care of night, they will share the stage as Vezina Trophy finalists, along with the me,” Bishop said. “(Vasilevskiy) was really young when he came over. Islanders’ Robin Lehner. It’s crazy how he could barely speak English then and now he’s completely adapted to the culture and everything. He’s just a great guy Their paths were intertwined, with Vasilevskiy, 24, owing a lot to Bishop, and a great talent. Not only did I teach him some things, but he taught who groomed the young Russian to take his job. me also.”

“He was my teacher,” Vasilevskiy said. Tampa Bay goalie Ben Bishop (30) is congratulated by goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) in 2016 after the Lightning beat the Red Wings. (Kim “Maybe I taught him too many secrets — if he wins,” Bishop said, Klement / USA Today) laughing. Bishop joked that Vasilevskiy knew more English early on than the kid let When the Lightning traded Bishop, arguably the greatest goalie in on but would laugh at all the emojis Vasilevskiy would use in text franchise history, on Feb. 26, 2017, there were many reasons. The salary messages. Former Lightning backup Evgeni Nabokov, a fellow Russian, cap crunch for one, with Bishop due a new deal that summer. was a big help in Vasilevskiy’s rookie year adjusting to the transition to Vasilevskiy, the touted prospect, was eight years younger but ready to North American life, the language. But on the ice, Vasilevskiy would learn take over and — they hoped — lead the Lightning to future Cups. Tampa a lot by watching Bishop work in practice, prepare between starts, and — Bay would likely do the same thing 99 out of 100 times. But with Bishop most importantly — handle himself mentally under pressure. taking the Stars to Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals and carrying a $4.9 million AAV the next four seasons, it’s a decision worth “We were like one little goalie team,” Vasilevskiy once said. “He was my re-visiting. Vasilevskiy is due a mega-deal from his $3.5 million AAV as coach.” an RFA next summer. Bishop saw the potential in Vasilevskiy from the start — his relentless Vasilevskiy is deserving of his own accolades, boasting a rare blend of work ethic, his athleticism. He just needed to get more comfortable. As size, athleticism and determination. But Bishop helped pave the way, much as Bishop helped, he credited Vasilevskiy for accepting it. before getting out of the way. “One of the big things I don’t know if everyone understands — he was “A lot of guys would have just cut the kid out,” said Lighting goalie coach willing to learn,” Bishop said. “When you can be set in your ways Frantz Jean. “But it was the opposite. Bish’ kind of groomed him. He because you’ve been successful, he was open to learning new things. He became a mentor for him. When Vasy had tough nights, he was right was absorbing information and take it in bits and pieces. behind him, saying, ‘Don’t worry. Let’s get on the ice with Frantz and work on that.’ “I’d just tell him stuff and he’d be receptive. He wouldn’t shun you off, he’d be, ‘OK, OK.’ He’d absorb it and use it. It helped he had that open ‘It was a huge impact.” mind. That’s the way I’d do it.”

Best goalie prospect With Bishop considered one of the best in the league in terms of playing the puck, Vasilevskiy took notice, making a point to practice the craft The Lightning had been looking for an elusive No. 1 goalie for nearly a every summer in his Ottawa-based workouts. decade, ever since their only Cup-winning goalie Nikolai Khabibulin left for Chicago in free agency following the 2005 NHL lockout. There was “From when he first came in to what he does now, he’s one of the better the trade for Marc Denis, drafting of Riku Helenius. Who can forget the guys in the league at it,” Bishop said. “Just one of those guys that if he Antero Niitymaki and Anders Lindback days or Kari Ramo? Cagey sees something, he works on it and tries to perfect it.” veteran Dwayne Roloson lifted the Lightning to Game 7 of the 2011 Eastern Conference Final on his last legs, but that was just patching a First playoff start hole. When Bishop suffered a groin injury in the 2015 Stanley Cup final, it was Then came the 2012 NHL Draft, and one of the best goalie prospects in he who broke the news to Vasilevskiy that he’d get his first career playoff decades was available. Vasilevskiy, who drew comparisons to Russian start. legend Vladislav Tretiak, was there for the taking. But goalies, especially Bishop, who lifted the Lightning to the final with shutouts in Game 5 and Russian ones, weren’t typically taken in the first round. The Lightning 7 against the Rangers in the Eastern Conference final, went over went with defenseman Slater Koekkoek at 10, plucking Vasilevskiy with scouting reports he had on shooters. The same thing happened the their second pick. following year when Bishop went down with an ankle injury in Game 1 of Tampa Bay, with two picks in the first round that year (No. 10 and No. the conference final against Pittsburgh. It ended up being the last playoff 19), had a decision to make. game Bishop would start for Tampa Bay.

“We kind of bet on (Vasilevskiy) sliding,” GM Julien BriseBois said. “We That summer, Bishop thought he was close to being traded to Calgary at had him way higher on our list than (No. 17). Kudos to our scouts. I think the 2016 NHL Draft, something that wore on him the last time he was at throughout the hockey world, people knew he was a special prospect and the NHL Awards. But the deal was nixed, with the Flames instead going he had the potential to maybe be the best goalie in the world. He had with Brian Elliott. That limbo led to a bit of an awkward season with Bishop and Vasilevskiy as 1A and 1B.

Tampa Bay had a tough call to make. They were in danger of missing the playoffs and were facing a cap crunch, with some performance bonuses that would potentially carry over and hurt the next year’s budget. Bishop was due to be a free agent. At some point, you have to hand the net over to the protégé.

“We had to move some money out,” BriseBois said. “We knew we weren’t going to be able to have both Vasy and Ben Bishop beyond that season. So we had to move ‘Bish’ at the time because we decided Vasy was the goaltender for the future.”

BriseBois said the Lightning explored the goalie market leading up to the 2017 deadline. BriseBois called it a “niche market,” and at that time there was a very small list of teams that wanted a goalie and could absorb Bishop’s cap hit. With the Kings’ Jonathan Quick dealing with injuries down the stretch, the Lightning finally found a partner, swapping Bishop for backup goalie Peter Budaj and defense prospect Erik Cernak, who turned into a gem on the shutdown pair.

It was a bittersweet move for everyone. For Vasilevskiy, ho got his “dream” job but lost his mentor. For Bishop, who called Tampa his “second home.” That’s where he grew up as an NHL player, where he and his wife, Andrea, met and got married (at the Vinoy in St. Pete). Bishop had hoped to sign an extension with the Lightning, who might have been able to get him for the similar six-year, $4.9 AAV pact he got that summer of 2017.

It was the last year of Vasilevskiy’s entry-level deal, and he signed a three-year extension with a $3.5 million AAV that July.

“There’s always the ‘what-if’,” Bishop said. “For me, I’ve been in enough places where it’s easy not to look too far back. I enjoyed my time in Tampa, some of my best friends in hockey are there, and I continue to keep touch with a lot of them. It’s a great city, great team, great organization. I’ll always love Tampa, will always be a really close part of my heart. Had some good times.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t take that next step.”

Keeping in touch

Bishop and Vasilevsky have remained in touch since, checking in with text messages and voicemails.

Bishop had joined Vasilevskiy in a special club, becoming a first-time father last year with the birth of Ben. Bishop has marveled watching Vasilevskiy’s rise, and his spectacular saves like his behind-the-back snag of Anze Kopitar’s shot in 2018.

“Usually I’ll see one of his insane saves and say, ‘I told you so,'” Bishop joked. “I’m not surprised because I’ve seen it before.”

When Vasilevksiy broke Bishop’s record for career shutouts in mid- February (now at 18), he said it meant a lot because of the man who set it. This is Bishop’s third Vezina nomination, having finished third in 2014, second in 2016, both with Tampa Bay. The fact Vasilevskiy, a finalist for the second straight year, is now one of the best in the world is no surprise to Bishop.

“I could see it coming when he first came into the league,” Bishop said. “His work ethic is second to none. He’s got that drive. He’s got the skill set. He’s going to be one of the best in the world for the next 10 to 15 years.

“I’m just happy for him.”

Jean believes that, even though Bishop hasn’t been with Tampa Bay the last couple of seasons, he left a lingering influence on Vasilevskiy.

“As a young goalie, you come into an NHL dressing room and it’s a huge impact who is the goalie at that time,” Jean said. “As a No. 1 in the organization, if you get a guy that doesn’t have the right mindset, the right flair, the right competitive level, it can have a long-term impact on the younger guy coming in.

“That’s the standard he sees. Some guys will settle for that standard. To Bishop’s credit, he was outstanding grooming ‘Vasy’. He never saw him as a threat. Always saw himself as a mentor.”

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147609 Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews named NHL 20 video game cover athlete

Staff Report

By The Canadian Press

Wed., June 19, 2019

Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews will be on the cover of the EA Sports video game NHL 20.

He was named as the feature athlete Wednesday night at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.

“If you look at the long list of guys who have been on the cover, it’s pretty special company,” Matthews said.

Nashville Predators defenceman P.K. Subban was on the cover of NHL 19 and Edmonton Oilers star forward Connor McDavid was featured for NHL 18. Other cover athletes over the years have included Claude Giroux, Martin Brodeur, Eric Lindros and Mario Lemieux.

This year’s game introduces a ‘Signature Shots’ feature that replicate the most recognizable shot styles of some of the NHL’s top stars. Matthews’ half toe-drag wrist shot is included along with Subban’s slapshot windup and the Alex Ovechkin one-timer.

“It’s even more personalized now and relates even more to the individual,” Matthews said. “I think that’s a pretty cool feature.”

NHL 20 is available Sept. 13 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Toronto Star LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147610 Toronto Maple Leafs Jake Gardiner and Ron Hainsey in free agency. Is winning going to be even tougher?

“Every team kind of goes through that. Obviously, there’s a cap and you NHL 20's cover boy Auston Matthews opens up about Game 7 loss to have to work around it. But we have belief in this core and we want to Bruins and his struggles make the most of it, too, and just try to continue to grow as a team and as individuals. I think we have all the tools to get there. It’s just a matter of getting there.” Michael Traikos If not for injuries, we might be talking about you as a Rocket Richard June 19, 2019 9:23 PM EDT Trophy winner this year and possibly as a Hart Trophy finalist. Is it frustrating to have missed so much time (34 games the past two

seasons) and is there a way to prevent them? LAS VEGAS — Wearing a plain white T-shirt and black shorts with a “That’s kind of what I worked on all last summer. Just building that salmon-coloured ball cap turned backward on his head, Auston Matthews platform and just trying to prevent injuries. But sometimes you get in a stepped into Room 1506 at the Encore Hotel and smiled. vulnerable position and there’s nothing you can do about it.” On a coffee table was a copy of NHL 20, a video game that bore his Will load management ever be a thing in the NHL? likeness. “I think so. You see Kawhi Leonard and what it did for him. It’s kind of the “That’s so cool,” he said, picking it up. “It’s a big deal for me, for sure. I nature of being a hockey player, you want to play and that’s the attitude grew up playing the game and I still play it. You look at the lineup of of every guy that goes on the ice. But with sport science, there’s all these players who have been on the cover before and it’s some really things you can do to maximize yourself. I think it will eventually start to awesome company.” creep its way into hockey.” Getting the cover, which previously has gone to everyone from Sidney What do you think a full season of William Nylander is going to look like? Crosby and Alex Ovechkin to Patrick Kane and Connor McDavid, is the surest sign that you’ve made it in the NHL. Yet, while Matthews might be “I think he’s going to be great. He looked unbelievable in the worlds. I paid like a superstar — his five-year, $58.17-million contract kicks in next think he’s going to have a really good off-season, being in Sweden the season — he knows he hasn’t exactly done what all superstars are whole time and get his mind off things. It’s tough, just coming in like he supposed to do: Lead their team to a championship. did. He didn’t really get the benefit of the doubt because of the holdout and with how everything played out. Heck, he hasn’t even led the Toronto Maple Leafs out of the first round, a fact that he has no problems bringing up. “I talked about it when I was injured. It’s tough to come back. I’d been through training camp and had played 14 games before then. He steps in “The end result is, obviously, to win the Stanley Cup,” he said. “Until that, in December and you’re six months behind. It’s mental and physical, too. we really haven’t accomplished much.” Guys are in mid-season form. And with the whole contract thing, guys are In a one-on-one interview with Postmedia, Matthews talked about expecting him to be Willie Nylander and it’s just not the case when you everything from the pain of watching the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup haven’t played a game in six months, and we’re three months into the final and the pleasure of seeing millions of fans celebrate the Toronto season.” Raptors’ championship to what he expects from William Nylander next It looks like Patrick Marleau may have played his last game as a Maple season and why Cars 3 will always remind him of Patrick Marleau: Leaf. He struggled this year, but off the ice, how influential was he during The Raptors just won the NBA championship and celebrated with two- these past two years? million fans in Toronto. Do you allow yourself to think that in 12 months “He’s so important. I talk to him all the time. For myself, it’s really tough to there could be a Leafs parade? put into words. He’s just such a good human being. He’s so unselfish. “Yeah, of course. I think it was really good for us to see that. Just how Puts everyone above him. I could tell you a hundred stories where we go passionate the city was and how crazy it was during that run. And then to dinner and before we know it, he’s given his credit card to the waitress you saw the parade with how many people showed up. All the videos of when nobody was looking. He always took care of guys. how excited people were, I think that kind of gets us excited as players. “It didn’t matter if you were a veteran or a rookie, he treated everyone the It’s extra motivation, just because you see what it’s like and what it could same. No matter what happens, that relationship with him and Mitch isn’t be like if you accomplish that ultimate goal.” going to change. It’s going to suck not seeing him all the time and That being said, did it take you a while to get over the Game 7 loss to the spending time with him.” Bruins? You and Mitch got real close to him and his family. How did you guys “Yeah, it was pretty frustrating. It was kind of tough to watch the rest of initially hit it off? the playoffs and see that the team you lose to goes all the way to the “It was really weird. A couple of weeks into the season, I went to dinner Cup final. It’s always in your head, like, ‘What could have been?’ and came back to the hotel — and me and Mitch are roommates — and “I think it’s a learning experience and, for us, how hard it really is. It takes he was in our room with Mitch hanging out. We put on a movie and I a lot to really get to that next level and move on, not just the second remember it was Cars 3, so we watched Cars 3 and it was awesome … It round, but the third and to the final. It’s definitely a challenge. We became a thing every single road trip. We’d go out to dinner, go to our experienced three first-round exits with a team that continues to grow room and he’d come over and we’d order dessert from room service and and develop. It’s definitely a sour feeling. We were that close.” watch a movie.”

The theme of the playoffs was that skill and speed are great in the regular season, but come playoff time, it’s heavy hockey that wins Toronto Sun LOADED: 06.20.2019 championships. What does that mean for the Maple Leafs?

“I don’t know. You look at the teams that won in the past, I wouldn’t consider Chicago a heavy team. They had big bodies out there, but when it came down to it, their star players competed and came up big. I think that’s really the key to it. You look at Pittsburgh winning back-to-back and they didn’t have an enforcer. Their back end wasn’t big. Obviously, the league is a copycat league and we haven’t accomplished our goal yet. So we’ll see.”

With you and Mitch Marner no longer on entry-level contracts, change could be coming this summer. There’s already talk that Nikita Zaitsev and Patrick Marleau could be on their way out, in addition to possibly losing 1147611 Toronto Maple Leafs Zaitsev has five years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.5 million.

“Nobody is going to do them a favour on Zaitsev,” an NHL source said. Marner contract, possible Leafs trades and the draft on Dubas' plate this weekend And what to do with veteran forward Patrick Marleau, who never found the fountain of youth in the playoffs as coach Mike Babcock figured Marleau would? Does Dubas move William Nylander to clear up space? Terry Koshan Nazem Kadri? Connor Brown?

June 19, 2019 6:29 PM EDT Meanwhile, it’s possible the Leafs could come out of the weekend with another assistant coach following the departures of D.J. Smith (hired by the Ottawa Senators as head coach) and Jim Hiller (hired on Wednesday by the New York Islanders to be an assistant) from Babcock’s staff. NHL 20's cover boy Auston Matthews opens up about Game 7 loss to Bruins and ... The Leafs filled one vacancy in May with the hiring of Paul McFarland; two names that have been linked to Toronto to fill the remaining opening We remember bumping into agent Darren Ferris in the lobby of a Dallas are former NHL defenceman Jay McKee, the head coach of the hotel at the NHL draft last June. Kitchener Rangers, and Mike Vellucci, who recently coached the It’s not hard to recall the conversation that followed. Even a year before Charlotte Checkers to the Calder Cup title in the American Hockey one of Ferris’ top young clients, Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner, was to League. become a restricted free agent, the topic naturally turned to peering into The Leafs don’t have a first-round pick, yet, on Friday night. the future and what it could mean for Marner. We figure they will find other ways to make news in Vancouver. On that hot day in Texas, Ferris was hopeful, saying he didn’t anticipate negotiations being “difficult” with Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas and The newest members of the Maple Leafs organization won’t have to wait that he didn’t “anticipate a battle.” long to make a first impression.

Marner went on to have a superb season with the Leafs, leading the club The Leafs announced on Wednesday the details of their annual in scoring with 94 points (26 goals and 68 assists) while bringing fans out development camp, which opens on Monday at the Ford Performance of their seats at least once a game with his puckhandling wizardry. Centre with medicals and on-ice testing, followed by daily on-ice sessions. Along the way — Feb. 5, to be exact — the Leafs signed Auston Matthews to a five-year contract with an annual average value of The camp will end with a scrimmage on the morning of Saturday, June $11.634-million US. 29.

Ferris, it’s believed, is seeking for Marner a similar contract, at least The roster for the camp will be announced following the end of the 2019 where the AAV is concerned, to that of Matthews. In other words, the NHL draft, being held this Friday and Saturday at Rogers Arena in potential of a long summer regarding negotiations looms, and never mind Vancouver, as picks made this weekend will participate. where the talks could stand come the opening of training camp in September. Prospects will be split into two groups. Leafs director of player development Scott Pellerin will oversee camp, while new Leafs assistant We spoke to Ferris briefly on Wednesday afternoon. Regarding the coach Paul McFarland and coach Sheldon Keefe will run Marner negotiations with Dubas now, Ferris would only offer a polite, “No the on-ice drills. comment.” Of the players who finished the 2018-19 season with the Leafs, 14 If Ferris is able to convince Dubas that Matthews-type money is what his attended a Leafs development camp, including Auston Matthews, Mitch client deserves, the Leafs would become the only team in the NHL with Marner and Morgan Rielly. three players under contract with an AAV exceeding $11 million, as John Tavares signed for seven years and $77 million last July. A reminder that the Leafs don’t have a first-round pick this weekend, having traded it to the Los Angeles Kings in January as part of the As it stands now, only two other teams — the Los Angeles Kings (Drew package that brought defenceman Jake Muzzin to Toronto. Doughty at $11 million and Anze Kopitar at $10 million) and the Chicago Blackhawks (Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane at $10.5 million each) — Barring trades — general manager Kyle Dubas might find a way to move have two players who will have an AAV at or above $10 million next up — the Leafs will have seven picks, choosing at Nos. 53, 84, 115, 124, season. 146, 204 and 208.

Other than Matthews and Tavares, only three players — Doughty, Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers at $12.5 million and Erik Toronto Sun LOADED: 06.20.2019 Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks at $11.5 million — will have an AAV exceeding $11 million.

The Leafs, of course, are staring down major salary-cap issues, and now there is speculation the cap for the 2019-20 season might not hit the original estimation of $83 million.

This is not good news for Dubas, who needs every cent he can get. Toronto has in the range of $8 million of cap space. After Marner, forwards Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson, also restricted free agents, need to be signed.

The word from several NHL cities during the past few days is that trade talk is picking up considerably.

And taking into account the challenges that loom, we would expect Dubas to be in the thick of that talk. Dubas is scheduled to speak to reporters following GM meetings on Thursday, but to what extent he is forthcoming is to be determined.

The expectation is that Ferris and Dubas will speak again this weekend at the draft in Vancouver, and though the Marner situation remains the large priority for Dubas, other matters are at hand.

There’s a possibility that defenceman Nikita Zaitsev, who has asked for a trade, could be moved, but it’s unlikely to be an easy sell for Dubas. 1147612 Toronto Maple Leafs I’m sure there are some Leafs fans who are anxious with the Mitch Marner contract talks, like with the other high-profile RFAs this summer. You worried at all?

Q&A with Auston Matthews: ‘Everyone is pretty confident’ a Mitch Marner Not really. I think it’s just the unfortunate part of the business side of the deal gets done game. And when you play in Toronto it gets blown out of proportion. Mitch is an unbelievable player, but you look at the list of RFAs, and you hear Mitch all the time because it’s Toronto. You have Brayden Point, By Joe Smith Mikko Rantanen, Sebastian Aho, Matthew Tkachuk. You have so many guys who are restricted free agents and it’s the business side of the Jun 19, 2019 game. I think everybody is pretty confident something is going to get done. Then you can move on and focus on next season, focus on hockey. LAS VEGAS — Auston Matthews, a fashion aficionado, is pretty chill Wednesday afternoon while sitting back in a comfy chair in a 15th-floor Have you talked with Mitch about it, or helped, considering you’ve been suite at the Encore. through it already this year?

The Maple Leafs star is in town for the NHL Awards – not as a finalist, Not really. It’s the same thing with (William Nylander). Everyone is in but as the new cover boy for EA Sports NHL 20 video game. In a few different situations. We’ve talked through the last couple weeks and it’s hours, he’d trade his T-shirt, shorts and flip flops for a slick suit for the never been about hockey or contracts. It’s been about random stuff. It’s announcement on stage at the Mandalay-based event. just the way it goes and I’m confident something is going to get done and there will be a resolution, and we can put it all aside. But Matthews, 21, who has spent most of his offseason in his hometown of Scottsdale, Ariz, spent a few minutes with The Athletic to talk about his Being at the NHL Awards, as a fan yourself, what player in the league new venture, the sting of watching the team that eliminated the Leafs are you the most excited to watch? Which guy would you pay to see? reach the Stanley Cup final, Mitch Marner’s contract talks and the There are so many, it’s really tough to pick. The season (Lightning winger Raptors’ NBA title. Nikita) Kucherov had, anytime we played them, like 4-5 times a year, it’s I’m sure you’ve played EA NHL games growing up, what’s it like to be on fun. Not that you want to see him score on your, but he does some stuff the cover? on the ice that you’re like, ‘Jeez. That’s awesome stuff.’ It puts you on the edge of your seats. That’s pretty special. You look at the long list of guys who have been on the cover in the past, it’s amazing company. A pretty special thing. Patrick Kane was my favorite player growing up. (Him and Kucherov), they’re similar in a way where every time they touch the puck, something Lot of your teammates play? cool is going to happen. Those are the kind of guys that you get out of your seats. Both had unbelievable seasons. Oh yeah, we’re a pretty young group. Lot of us play video games. I cycle through playing NHL, Fortnite, but I love playing NHL. So it’s a pretty You try to pick up stuff that they do and apply that to your game. Some of special honor to be on the cover. the stuff (Kucherov) did last year was insane. Even against us. It’s like, ‘Did I just see that?’ So many guys on a given night, any team you watch, How has your summer been so far? there are so many star players on every team, they do stuff that makes It’s been great. Awesome. I’ve been back home enjoying time with you shake your head. friends and family, winding down from the season. I think once the Cup final ends, you ramp up the training and think about getting back on the ice and in the next couple weeks you’ll be in the meat of the summer. The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 How much of the playoffs did you watch?

A little bit. One of my best friends, we live together in the summer, played in the AHL the last couple years and he loves to throw on the playoffs while we’re at home cooking dinner. I don’t like to watch (the playoffs), but if it’s on, it’s hard not to. I’ll watch a couple games here and there. And the Cup final is on, you want to watch that, it’s pretty spectacular. It leaves a sour taste in your mouth in that situation because the team that ended up beating you is in the Cup final. You think, ‘What could have been?’ After the last three years getting knocked out in the first round, I don’t watch it much anymore.

So it particularly stings seeing the Bruins get that far?

It’s tough to watch because when the season ends, you’re trying to unwind but hockey is going on, and you want to be in it. You watch the Cup final and see the team that won it – it gives you chills. You want to be in that situation so badly. You see the same team you lost to in Game 7 make it here and it’s a what-could-have-been kind of thing. It definitely serves as extra motivation.

As well as watching the Raptors in the championship, that was amazing for Toronto and see how passionate, to see the streets flooded with fans, that serves as extra motivation.

You can probably imagine what it’d be like if the Leafs won the Cup

Oh yeah. I can see it.

What do you expect (GM Kyle Dubas) will do with the roster this summer?

There’s been a lot of changes, new coaches, I’m sure new players coming in. Whatever happens, happens. There has already been changes, there probably will be more. Being part of the organization, I’m curious to see what happens. You don’t really know how it shakes out. 1147613 Toronto Maple Leafs I very much doubt Edmonton wants to move Larsson given that their next-best right-shot defenceman is Matt Benning. But he’s also coming near the end of his contract, they have prospects on the way, and if they Mirtle and Willis: Are the Oilers and Maple Leafs good trading partners? can do something like move Darnell Nurse to the right side there’s suddenly a scenario where dealing Larsson for forward help makes some sense.

By James Mirtle and Jonathan Willis Mirtle: OK now maybe we’re getting somewhere. The end of the contract scenario is just fine by Toronto as a bridge to when some of their kids Jun 19, 2019 might be ready to step in and doesn’t commit them to anything long term.

I’m going to make this more of a blockbuster: Trade speculation between the Oilers and Maple Leafs goes back at Leafs: Kapanen + Zaitsev + a draft pick or prospect least as far as the trade deadline, and for good reason. Is there a big deal the two teams can agree on that makes sense for both sides? Our Oilers: Larsson + Manning James Mirtle and Jonathan Willis sat down to discuss the possibility. Who says no there? James Mirtle: OK so, I look at the Leafs needs, in terms of what they need to accomplish this offseason, and I look at the Oilers, and it feels Willis: That’s a tough one. Larsson obviously wasn’t worth Taylor Hall … like there’s a fit there. But can we negotiate a deal that makes sense for is Kasperi Kapanen too much of a tip of the scales in the other direction? both sides? What would that look like? Given that he’s 22, coming off a 20-goal season and under long-term team control, I think that’s something Edmonton would have to think I’m going to put Nikita Zaitsev out there and back away slowly … about

Jonathan Willis: I’ve always found the thought of a Zaitsev-to-Edmonton The other possibility here is that Edmonton doesn’t think as much of the deal interesting, because on the surface he doesn’t really fit what they idea of moving one of their left-shot D to the right side. Detroit did it a need. As much as they could use a second-pair RD, it’s so far down the bunch under Ken Holland, which is part of why I think it’s a realistic idea, list of priorities that I would have to think it’s a deal made in the pursuit of but in the event that they steadfastly refuse to deal Larsson, I can something the Oilers want much more: a scoring forward. imagine a scenario much like the one that kept coming up at the deadline – something built around Brown for Benning. Of which, of course, Toronto has several, though perhaps none so ideally suited to the Oilers as Kasperi Kapanen. Mirtle: And that deal is fine on both ends for sure. But it’s not nearly sexy enough to dedicate an entire story to – hence we’re digging deeper here Mirtle: Right – and I think that’s why perhaps there’s a fit there. The Leafs Young Willis. do have pieces to give on the wing, specifically right wing, and I think in the right situation they’d give those up. What’s it going to take to get Puljujarvi included?

If the offer is something like Zaitsev, Connor Brown and, say, a second- Willis: Not that much, I wouldn’t think. Puljujarvi clearly wants out of round pick, what does that earn from the Oilers? If you’re the GM, is Edmonton, and even with a new coach and new GM it wouldn’t be a there any scenario where that interests you? shock if there was some agreement on that point. Put it this way: if he was in the draft this year, I don’t think Edmonton takes him before the Willis: To some degree. The Oilers have a bunch of third line-ish right second round. wings, but they need so many forwards, as well as help on the PK, that Brown’s an interesting piece. I don’t know that he’s interesting enough to Mirtle: You have the Leafs attention … I’m sure Kyle Dubas would love to serve as the lynchpin of a Zaitsev trade, because as I see it a) he’s the take on a reclamation project like that. So there’s some additional value kind of talent Edmonton can probably get in free agency and b) Zaitsev’s there. probably overpaid by $1 million per year on a deal that’s two years too long. The second-round pick makes it interesting, but if I’m talking to At the end of the day, how likely do you think it is that the Leafs and Toronto and Zaitsev’s coming back I need a piece that’s hard to land Oilers find some common ground on something bigger than a Brown for otherwise. Benning deal in the next few weeks?

The X-factor there of course is that the market may rate Zaitsev more Willis: I think the odds of a deal going down with any given team are highly than I do. But if he’s the albatross, the sweetener needs to be always under 50 percent, unless there’s some compelling reason for something bigger than Brown. those two clubs to deal with each other. Toronto will have other options as it looks to open up cap space, Edmonton has other options as it looks Mirtle: Right – well that’s the thing. Maybe there *isn’t* a fit for Zaitsev at to upgrade its forwards, and the deal we discussed requires sacrifices on all there, if they’re rating him correctly. What if Toronto also took back a both ends. Maybe one chance in five? They are good fits for each other. poor contract, like Manning’s? But there is one player that Edmonton would definitely be intrigued by we I’m putting Garret Sparks into the deal, too, by the way. haven’t discussed: Nazem Kadri. How interested is Toronto in moving him, and is there any way they do it without getting a centre back? Willis: That’s more interesting because it helps ease the cap crunch this year. Edmonton has some space but so many needs that they have to be Mirtle: Well, they’d likely have to go get a centre elsewhere. But that’s a careful where they spend it. As for Sparks, the question there is whether good avenue to investigate – if they can get Larsson, and get rid of Edmonton understands what it has in Koskinen – he shouldn’t enter next Zaitsev, I can see Kadri being part of a conversation that makes sense. season as the team’s starter if they can help it. Clearing cap space is imperative for Toronto, and it’s one advantage Edmonton can use as leverage in these talks. If you’re bringing Sparks in, it’s a Koskinen/Sparks tandem, and I think the word for that is ‘yuck.’ I don’t think Kadri’s untouchable. They’ll just need an alternative plan for who is their 3C, and I don’t think it’ll be Nylander. Mirtle: I can see a scenario where Toronto can take back bad money, if it’s not overly onerous. They could buy out Manning’s deal and still come Willis: And the problem for the Oilers is that outside of Larsson they out ahead on cap space. probably don’t have the centrepiece Toronto needs to make a deal attractive. If Larsson’s on the table I’d have to think Kapanen takes What does a deal look like if Zaitsev isn’t involved? The Leafs would precedence over Kadri or someone like Andreas Johnsson given his age. desperately like to add someone like Larsson, but is there any scenario where that makes sense for the Oilers? Even if a Kapanen is in play? Do Mirtle: I’m not sure we really solved anything here. But it’s intriguing the they have enough on the back end to subtract a major piece to fix what idea of two Canadian teams, that have both been through ground-up ails them up front? rebuilds and are rivals of sorts, doing a big deal like this that potentially makes both teams better. Willis: I was going to bring up Larsson, because to me Zaitsev coming back actually makes the most sense as an adjunct to a Larsson-for- This is going to be a fascinating next couple of weeks for both franchises. forward scenario. Willis: It is that. Even if we don’t see a trade between these two teams, we might see the kinds of deal we’ve just discussed from both the Oilers and Leafs, just with other partners: Edmonton adding forwards, Toronto shedding money and shoring up the right side of its blueline.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147614 Toronto Maple Leafs missing a portion of the start of next season. His second goal is to win a Stanley Cup. The Raptors made him hungrier than ever for that. Watching former teammate lift it with the Blues did too.

‘It’s a different type of grind’: Zach Hyman finds new motivation in “I texted him after he won it. It’s pretty cool to see somebody you know challenging summer and you played with win it and to see his family on the ice with him. It was awesome actually, to watch him and think ‘I want to be there.’ You want to be there,” Hyman said. By Scott Wheeler “It’s more real when you see someone you know and you played with do Jun 19, 2019 it.”

Hyman has preoccupied himself with the authorship of his fourth children’s novel, the Head & Shoulders campaign that brought him to his When Gold State Warriors guard Klay Thompson fell to the floor and childhood Toronto rink on a summer afternoon armed with new sticks reached for his knee in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Zach Hyman turned to and advice for a group of young players, and the forthcoming Fortnite his fiancée and said: “That’s an ACL, I know where he’s been.” world cup, where his E11 gaming team will compete for millions of dollars And when Thompson came back into the game to shoot free throws, he in late July. told her he’d been there, too. In the aftermath of another first-round exit, he has thought about how to Hyman chose to watch the final game of the Raptors’ run to an NBA get back there a lot — sometimes too much. championship in bed. In fact, Hyman watched “almost every single game” “It’s tough. It’s awful. It sucks. I thought we were really in control of that from that same spot (though he attended a pair in person as well) series for the majority of it and then it just kind of got away from us at the because he was healing his own torn ACL. end,” he said. “I felt for him for sure,” Hyman said. “Everything in hockey is so close. Look at the Blues against Dallas in Hyman’s injury was atypical. Sure, he felt the pop and, yes, he crawled to Game 7 and Jamie Benn almost scored on a wraparound attempt that the bench in Game 4 of the Leafs’ first-round series against the Bruins. just missed and now St. Louis won that game and won the cup. If he did But then it quickly faded. Unlike most ACL tears, his knee didn’t flare up score, one inch away, St. Louis is out. Hockey, it’s weird. It’s different. and swell in the aftermath. You just have to give yourself a chance. St. Louis was the last-placed team halfway through the year and then they turned their whole year “It was weird. I was like, ‘fuck.’ And then I put weight on it and it was OK around and now they’re the Cup champs.” and I’d skate on it and it was OK so I was like, ‘maybe it’s alright’ and then I got it checked out after and it looked pretty similar to the other Once he’s back, he plans on taking notes from the Raptors. knee so we said, ‘we’ll see how it looks tomorrow,'” Hyman said. “The way they did it was really cool. You could see that they really played “I had pain but I thought it was just hyperextended and I didn’t want to get towards their strengths and they could put up points but they locked an MRI until after because we didn’t really have time and it didn’t seem down teams defensively and they played tough defence,” Hyman that bad. Everybody plays through pain in the playoffs so I just played finished. through it. And then afterwards I got the MRI and… it turned out to be “I always dream about what it can be and I got a taste of it from afar with torn. It happens.” the Raps and what they did and how amazing the city reacted and So there he was, laying in his bed for Game 6, doubly motivated: first to supported them.” get back healthy and second to experience himself what the Raptors were experiencing in that moment, when the buzzer sounded and they were champions. The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019

And there he was again on Monday, a lifelong fan who fell in love with the team thanks to Vince Carter, watching the entirety of the “long, long parade” from his bed as the Raptors paraded through the streets of his hometown, laughing to himself when teammate Nazem Kadri made an appearance on the broadcast to boast about it.

“The whole run has been incredible, just seeing the buzz around the city. It’s pretty awesome,” Hyman said.

“The Raptors run gave you the chills because it’s happening in your city, the city where you want to win a championship. So that was really cool.”

This summer has been filled with new experiences for Hyman.

The injury is the toughest he has ever faced. But Hyman, often the Leafs training camp iron man, is enjoying the new challenge. This summer, the notorious gym rat is actually spending more time working out than he ever has thanks to his rehab. After regularly consulting with his surgeon and doctors in the early days, he now spends time with a therapist almost every morning before working with a strength coach in the afternoons.

He has built a meticulous schedule for himself and laughs about the time he has spent working out his upper body.

“It’s a different type of grind. It’s way more methodical. It’s kind of cool to be honest, you learn about your body and you do things differently. When you’re healthy you just want to get stronger and push more weight and get to that next level and then once something happens and you get injured, it’s ‘how do I get better and how do I fix this?’ And then, well, you’re figuring out what your body needs to work on mechanically and going back to the basics and building it out from there,” Hyman said.

“It’s a process but you see big improvements week-to-week and that’s kind of cool.”

His first goal, is to get back stronger (something that is fairly common for professional athletes in the aftermath of surgery), even if that means 1147615 Vegas Golden Knights award-winning gentleman’s club once you’ve finished your successful Jeopardy run.” A red carpet walk and bottle service was involved.

Holzhauer won $2,464,216 in his 33 appearances, making him the SLS Las Vegas owner Alex Meruelo gets big OK from NHL’s Bettman second-highest money winner in “Jeopardy!” history behind only Ken Jennings, who won $2,522,700 in 75 episodes in 2004.

By John Katsilometes / Las Vegas Review-Journal His lifestyle, naturally, has changed. “Having to devote some time to all all the media requests, I guess is No. 1 and a big change is meeting charities to give them a little money to reach their goals,” he said, adding that his gambling career is sure to be curtailed. The Kats! Bureau at this writing its the 2019 NHL Awards show media center at Mandalay Bay Events Center, just after red carpet duty, where I “It’s kind of a slow season for work anyway, only baseball going right was able to ask Mark Stone of the Golden Knights, “Can you fan that?” now,” he said. “Plan A is still to go back when football season starts, and throw myself back into it. But some (charities) might require me to stop Speaking of his suit jacket, of course. The lining was laden with Golden gambling on sports as part of the agreement. I would have to make tough Knights logos. decisions about what to give and take.” More from the red-carpet scene, and elsewhere: More Solid-Stone fashion A good bet, man After showing off the team’s logo in his jacket lining Golden Knight Stone NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says SLS Las Vegas owner Alex noted his adjusted footwear. Mereulo’s history of running hotel-casinos in Nevada was a crucial selling “Yeah, I’m wearing sockless shoes, for the first time in my life,” he said, point as Mereulo was approved Wednesday to purchase majority interest glancing at his feet. “We didn’t have that option in Canada, with snow on in the Arizona Coyotes. the ground during most of the season. Coming to Vegas, I’ve adjusted to “I think the future is bright for the Coyotes in Arizona, because of Alex’s the ins and outs.” commitment to making things work well, to securing a proper home for Kenan of Lake L.V. the Coyotes in the greater Phoenix area,” Bettman said on the red carpet. “He has the expertise in turning businesses around, and the The longest-running cast member ever on “Saturday Night Live,” NHL resources to make it happen. We are excited to have him in the league.” Awards host Kenan Thompson recalled living in Lake Las Vegas from 2003-2007. “I was just starting on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in New York and Bettman pointed specifically to Mereulo’s stewardship of SLS Las Vegas was a California boy, but didn’t want to pay New York and California and also Grand Sierra in Reno. taxes at the same time.” “Clearly, if you can be licensed to own a casino operation in Nevada, Thompson has spent 16 years on “SNL,” and is also starring in a new you’re OK,” Bettman said. “He has two operations, one here and one in NBC sitcom, “The Kenan Show,” with shooting scheduled in the next Reno. We checked him out thoroughly, and we couldn’t be more pleased couple of months. He’s producing the “All That” reboot on Nickelodeon to have him joining us.” and is also a celebrity judge on the NBC comedy-competition show, No club for Hamm “Bring the Funny.”

St. Louis Blues devotee Jon Hamm, who has just finished filming “Top I asked Thompson about the busy comedy scene in Las Vegas, Gun: Maverick” with Tom Cruise, said his team’s Stanley Cup Final highlighted by traditionally formatted clubs operated by such big names victory has been a “nonstop ride.” Hamm grew up in St. Louis and has from network TV, Brad Garrett and Jimmy Kimmel. been dubbed a “Superfan” of the Blues. “You have to go where the people are, and they are in Las Vegas and But he missed the team’s party weekend at Omnia Nightclub at Caesars some of them want to laugh,” Thompson said. “They want to go to a Palace on Saturday night and at Wet Republic at MGM Grand on Sunday comedy club for a bunch of laughs. In New York we have the Comedy afternoon. Cellar. In L.A., same thing with the clubs there. I’m glad their doing it in Las Vegas. “Oh, I heard, I heard,” Hamm said. “I was not part of that. They all got in and got out before I came in. I was like, ‘Who’s still here!’ They said, Thompson has signed for a record 17th season on “SNL.” “I’m going to ‘Dude, we’re all gone!’ OK, I get it. Next time.” stay as long as I can.”

Hamm said working with Cruise was “amazing,” and that the “Top Gun” Carpet pageantry film forced him to groom for his role as a navy admiral. Two factoids about Miss Universe Catriona Gray of the Philippines: She “That movie was the reason I had to shave, actually, and I took a lot of rode the Manhattan Express at New York-New York the first time she heat about that on social media, but I had to because admirals in the visited Vegas, at age 11 or 12, and never watched hockey live until a Navy don’t have beards,” he said. “It comes out in 2020, in the summer. I month ago in New York. think people will be pretty stoked. I know I am, to see it.” “I am learning about hockey,” she said. “Most of my countrymen have He’s not Crazy never seen snow.”

“Jeopardy!” James Holzhauer has formally turned down Crazy Horse 3’s Miss USA Cheslie Kryst is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and is a big offer to host a victory party as he has ended his lucrative run on the Carolina Hurricanes fan. “We didn’t make it to the Finals, but we have a syndicated game show. lot of great seasons ahead of us.”

But hey, he had some fun with being invited. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 06.20.2019

“A couple things went through my mind. First was they’re going to get some free publicity when I make fun of them on social media, and second is that the ‘Jeopardy!’ demographic base skews to kind of older, more conservative people, and they’re going to have some comments,” Holzhauer said. “And, they certainly did on the comments section of Facebook. ‘No! James! Think of your family!’ “

Holzhauer emphasized, “I have no plans to take them up on their offer.”

On May 8, The Horse had offered to host a formal victory party. Holzhauer actually posted a screen-grab of an invitation from a Crazy Horse 3 rep, which read, “I’m reaching out on behalf of Crazy Horse 3 in Las Vegas — we would love to have your celebratory victory party at the 1147616 Vegas Golden Knights

Knights’ Mark Stone aced out by Ryan O’Reilly for Selke Trophy

By Ben Gotz / Las Vegas Review-Journal

When Las Vegas-based sports bettor, famed “Jeopardy!” contestant and Golden Knights fan James Holzhauer walked onstage at the Mandalay Bay Events Center to present the Frank J. Selke Trophy it looked like it might be Mark Stone’s night.

Alas, it was not meant to be for the Knights’ right wing.

Holzhauer read St. Louis Blues center Ryan O’Reilly’s name Wednesday at the NHL Awards and Stone settled for finishing second in the voting for the trophy that goes to the NHL’s best defensive forward. He performed better than any winger since Jere Lehtinen won the award in 2003 but couldn’t break his position’s drought.

Still, O’Reilly said Stone was a deserving runner-up.

“He dramatically affects the game,” O’Reilly said. “He’s extremely tough to play against. At both ends of the ice, he makes an impact. Obviously, the trend is to be a center’s award but he’s rightfully deserving to be there as well. He’s an amazing player.”

Stone, who the Knights acquired in a February trade, led the league in takeaways this season with 122 — 22 more than second-place Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers. But he had six fewer first- place votes and nine fewer second-place votes than fellow first-time finalist O’Reilly, who added to his trophy case after helping the Blues win the Stanley Cup on June 12 and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP.

“It’s a great cap off to an amazing week,” O’Reilly said. “I’m just kind of overwhelmed with everything going on.”

Las Vegas’ Jason Zucker won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, a humanitarian award. Zucker, a left wing with the Minnesota Wild, raised nearly $1.2 million with his wife Carly for the Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Studio at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.

The space allows children and their families to watch hockey games in an environment that simulates the experience of being at the arena and also serves as a broadcast studio. The money was raised through GIVE16 campaigns, named for Zucker’s jersey number.

“For me, I’ve mentioned it a lot before, I feel that this is a community award,” Zucker said. “It’s nothing that my wife or I or anyone can do on their own. It makes it really special to be able to share it with everybody.”

Other highlights included Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov winning the Hart Trophy (league MVP), 35-year-old Mark Giordano winning the Norris Trophy (best defenseman) and Lightning goaltender Andre Vasilevskiy winning the Vezina Trophy (best goalie).

Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury placed fourth in the Vezina voting, the highest finish of his career.

New York Islanders goaltender Robin Lehner also provided a stirring moment during his acceptance speech for the Masterton Trophy for “perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” Lehner penned a letter to The Athletic during training camp revealing he’s battled addiction and mental health issues.

“I’m not ashamed to say I’m mentally ill,” Lehner said onstage. “But that doesn’t mean I’m mentally weak.”

He hopes his story inspires people to be more open about discussing mental illness.

“Now I’m diagnosed and medicated and I’ve learned a tremendous amount on how to deal with my issues,” Lehner said. “I still have a lot to learn but it’s incredibly manageable. I think that’s why a lot of people need to take that first step (and seek help).”

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NHL moves closer to expansion of video review policy

By Ben Gotz / Las Vegas Review-Journal

The NHL moved one step closer to possibly expanding video replay Wednesday.

Commissioner Gary Bettman declined to discuss specifics, but the league’s Board of Governors approved proposals to change video reviews and other rules during a meeting in Las Vegas at Encore. Modifications to the review policy are expected to be addressed Thursday when NHL general managers meet in Vancouver ahead of the draft.

Bettman was optimistic changes would be made after the board discussed various possibilities to revamping replay following a postseason in which the league’s officiating came under fire for several missed and controversial non-reviewable calls.

“It seems that the constituent groups involved in this process are in sync,” Bettman said, referring to the general manager, Board of Governors and competition committee.

Any changes need a majority vote from the 31 general managers Thursday to move forward so the NHLPA’s Executive Board can work with the league on the language for each rule. The NHL/NHL Players Association Competition Committee proposed expanding video review on June 11.

“There will be a lot of specificity tomorrow,” said deputy commissioner Bill Daly.

“I don’t anticipate we’ll have a problem with the GMs,” Daly added.

Among the plays that sparked debate were Golden Knights center Cody Eakin’s major penalty in Game 7 of their first round playoff series against the San Jose Sharks. The call on Eakin, which helped the Sharks rally from a 3-0 deficit to win Game 7 5-4 in overtime, led to an apology from the NHL. The three referees in that game also didn’t work the remainder of the postseason.

Knights owner Bill Foley, one of the league’s governors, said in the aftermath he’d personally push for replay reform. Foley was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

Later in the postseason, the Colorado Avalanche had a game-tying goal against the Sharks taken away from them via a questionable offsides call that came from video review. And in the following round, the Sharks scored a game-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues thanks to a hand pass that wasn’t reviewable.

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SLS Las Vegas’ Alex Meruelo approved as owner of Arizona Coyotes

Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal June 19, 2019 - 2:17 PM

Billionaire entrepreneur Alex Meruelo, who owns the SLS Las Vegas on the Strip, was approved to become majority owner of the Arizona Coyotes, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday.

The sale of the franchise is expected to be completed in July. No terms of the deal were disclosed.

The Coyotes haven’t made the playoffs since 2011 and have been on shaky financial footing for years, filing for bankruptcy protection in 2009. They haven’t ranked higher than 28th in the league in attendance since the 2006-07 season and their home at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, isn’t considered ideal.

“I think there’s a hope we can crack that code,” deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. “That’s part of what made him an attractive potential owner.”

Meruelo has acquired failing companies and fixed them in the past, a formula he used for the Grand Sierra Resort and the SLS Las Vegas. Now the NHL is betting on him being able to provide a new stadium for the Coyotes and stabilize the franchise.

”I think this is an extraordinarily positive step for the Coyotes and their fans in Arizona,” Bettman said. “We also understand the importance of a new arena because Glendale is not viable long term.”

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St. Louis Blues fans collect $150K in Stanley Cup futures bets

By Todd Dewey Las Vegas Review-Journal

Sometimes it pays to bet with your heart.

It certainly paid off big for two St. Louis Blues fans who wagered on their hometown team at 250-1 odds in January at the Paris Las Vegas sportsbook to win the 2019 Stanley Cup.

The Blues had the NHL’s worst record when Scott Berry placed a $400 bet to win $100,000 and encouraged his friend, fellow St. Louis native Brandon Chapel, to make a $200 wager to win $50,000.

On Jan. 23, St. Louis embarked on a franchise-record 11-game winning streak to turn its season around. The Blues went on to beat the Boston Bruins in seven games in the Stanley Cup Final to win the first NHL title in the franchise’s 52-year history.

Berry and Chapel, virtual Blues brothers, returned to Paris Las Vegas on Tuesday to collect their winnings.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147620 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights Fleury, Reaves win NHL Fan Choice Awards

Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal

The Golden Knights earned some accolades the morning of the NHL Awards on Wednesday, with forward Ryan Reaves and goaltender Marc- Andre Fleury winning NHL Fan Choice Awards.

Reaves beat out three other finalists to win top hidden talent thanks to his high-pitched goal siren impression at practice. He earned 35 percent of the votes in the fan-driven contest, 10 percent more than second place.

The Ryan Reaves goal siren is BACK

 pic.twitter.com/bASCJ9Z2gi

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 18, 2018

Fleury won save of the year for his incredible glove stop on Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux during a 1-0 road win for the Knights on Oct. 13.

Fleury is having another unreal game. pic.twitter.com/CxfRQpeSI0

— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) October 13, 2018

He received 36 percent of the votes, narrowly beating out Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price. Thirty-three percent of the votes went to Price’s save on Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.

The NHL Awards begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Knights right wing Mark Stone is one of three finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy for best defensive forward.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147621 Vegas Golden Knights NHL Award winners

Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP): Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning

Golden Knights shut out of NHL Awards; Las Vegas product Zucker nabs James Norris Trophy (top defenseman): Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames honor Vezina Trophy (top goaltender): Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning

Calder Memorial Trophy (top rookie): Elias Pettersson, Vancouver By Justin Emerson Canucks

Frank J. Selke Trophy (best defensive forward): Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis Blues A Golden Knight may not have brought home any hardware at the NHL Awards, but Las Vegas didn’t go home empty-handed from the Mandalay Jack Adams Award (most outstanding coach): Barry Trotz, New York Bay Events Center on Wednesday. Islanders

Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker, who grew up in the valley, took General Manager of the Year: Don Sweeney, Boston Bruins home the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his work with a Minnesota children’s hospital. The award is given to the “player who best Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player voted on by players): Nikita exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (Most “gentlemanly” player): Aleksander “I’ve said this a bunch, but I never thought I’d be playing in Las Vegas,” Barkov, Florida Panthers Zucker said. “I never thought they’d get a team and can’t ever say I Bill Masterton Trophy (perseverance and dedication to hockey): Robin thought I’d win an NHL award in Las Vegas.” Lehner, New York Islanders

Zucker was born in California but moved to Las Vegas as a baby and King Clancy Trophy (humanitarian award): Jason Zucker, Minnesota Wild played with the youth team Las Vegas Outlaws. He honed his craft at local rinks before moving to eventually join the U.S. national team Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award: Wayne Simmonds, Nashville development program in Michigan, but said he hasn’t forgotten his time in Predators Las Vegas. Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award: Rico Phillips, Flint Inner-City Youth “I was always a kid growing up that loved to go to stick-and-pucks here at Hockey Program Las Vegas Ice Center and Sobe Ice Arena,” Zucker said. “Walking Art Ross Trophy* (scoring leader): Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning through the red carpet, there were kids that I remember skating with when I was a kid here, showing them some skating drills that my skating Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy* (goals leader): Alex Ovechkin, coach was showing me in Michigan, things like that. I was trying to bring Washington Capitals some of that knowledge back and show them.” William M. Jennings Trophy* (goalie who plays at least 25 games Zucker and his wife, Carly, this season completed the Zucker Family allowing the fewest goals): Robin Lehner/Thomas Greiss, New York Suite and Broadcast Studio at the University of Minnesota Masonic Islanders Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, which helps kids watch Wild games while simulating the arena atmosphere. Zucker and his family helped *determined at end of regular season raise $1.2 million for the space through his fundraising campaign Give16, LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 06.20.2019 after his jersey number.

The National Hockey League Foundation is donating $40,000 to a charity of Zucker’s choice for the trophy win.

Mark Stone was the Golden Knights’ lone finalist, and he finished second in the voting for the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward. St. Louis’ Ryan O’Reilly won, and Stone’s teammate William Karlsson had a third- and a fourth-place vote to finish 17th.

Stone, wearing a blue suit with Golden Knights logos on the lining, was the first winger to be a Selke finalist since New Jersey’s Jay Pandolfo in 2007. A winger has not won since Jere Lehtinen for Dallas in 2003. Stone has collected Selke votes five years in a row, including a sixth- place finish in 2017.

Centers have dominated the award historically, but O’Reilly said Stone being a winger shouldn’t disqualify him from winning.

“You see what he does on the ice — he dramatically affects the game and is extremely tough to play against. Both ends of the ice he makes an impact,” O’Reilly said. “Obviously, the trend is to be a center’s award, but he’s rightfully deserving to be there as well. He’s an amazing player, and I kind of said it before, but he’s one of those guys you admire watching, but playing against, it’s tough.”

Outside of Stone, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury had the best finish among Vegas players, scoring a fourth-place nod for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goalie. He had one first-place vote.

Stone finished 12th in the Hart Trophy race for league MVP, and Fleury finished tied for 17th.

The Golden Knights were well represented in the voting for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the league’s most “gentlemanly” player. After winning the award last year, Karlsson finished 28th, forward Alex Tuch finished 17th, center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare tied for 30th and Fleury finished 32nd of the 60 players that received votes.

George McPhee won last year’s General Manager of the Year award and received one second-place vote this year to finish 10th. 1147622 Vegas Golden Knights

Bettman: NHL board approves Coyotes sale, new arena needed

By Greg Beacham, Associated Press

Alex Meruelo was approved as the new majority owner of the Arizona Coyotes during the NHL's Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also reaffirmed the league's belief that the Coyotes need a downtown arena for the long-troubled franchise to have a future in Phoenix.

Andrew Barroway's sale of a majority stake in the Coyotes to Meruelo won't be closed until July, but the billionaire entrepreneur is approved to take charge of a team that has had several majority owners in the past two decades, including the NHL itself.

"I think (Meruelo) is committed to trying to get a new arena in the right location and making it work," Bettman said. "He is a person of substantial means, and he is very good, if you look at his career, in turning around businesses and making them successful. I think this is an extraordinarily positive step for the Coyotes and their fans in Arizona."

But the years of uncertainty for Coyotes fans are far from over.

Although the franchise couldn't leave Arizona anytime soon due to NHL rules prohibiting new owners from immediately applying for relocation, Bettman pointedly didn't rule out the long-term possibility.

"I'd rather not go there, because I'm not going to issue threats," Bettman said. "(Meruelo) has told us, including in his interview with the executive committee, that he very much likes Arizona. He wants to make it work there, and he's going to try very hard for that to be the case. Obviously, the club is not viable long-term in Glendale, but hopefully we don't get to that point."

Bettman says Meruelo shares the NHL's belief that the Coyotes must have a new, centrally located arena to replace the 15-year-old building in suburban Glendale currently known as Gila River Arena.

The Coyotes were 29th in attendance in the 31-team league last season, averaging 13,989 fans per game despite icing their most competitive team in several years. Getting out to Glendale on weeknights is a nightmare for most people in the Valley of the Sun, while the team hasn't helped with its years of tumult and losing records, including its current seven-season playoff drought.

While any relocation bid would still be years off, Houston and Quebec City are among a handful of markets that seem ready and eager for an NHL franchise. The Coyotes also are moving from the Pacific Division to the Central with the addition of the expansion Seattle franchise in 2021.

But the NHL and Meruelo are publicly committed to landing a new arena in Phoenix, the franchise's home since its relocation from Winnipeg in 1996.

"I think there's a hope that he can crack that code," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. "I think the combination of circumstances have conspired against that club for a long time now. They never seem to hit it at the right time. We're hoping that circumstances are better, and obviously hope that Mr. Meruelo comes in, and I know he's motivated about the market, so he maybe makes it work."

Bettman said the NHL won't set its salary cap for the upcoming season until the league has further discussions with the players' union.

The NHL also is considering unspecified rules changes and alterations to its video review policy, but they won't be announced until the league's general managers meet in Vancouver on Thursday ahead of the draft.

LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147623 Vegas Golden Knights being handed out. Thompson said he attends about five NHL Rangers games a year in New York.

A highlight came at the end when Jeopardy host Alex Trebek, fighting LVSportsBiz.com Goes 1-on-1 With NHL Commissioner Bettman Before pancreatic cancer, presented the MVP award after he received a NHL Awards Show Takes Over Mandalay Bay Events Center standing ovation.

The awards hanging out in the hallway at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

By Alan Snel LVSportsBiz.com LOADED: 06.20.2019

We chatted 1-on-1 with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Wednesday, with the commissioner saying the league was looking at expanding instant replay reviews even without the controversial five-minute major penalty against the Vegas Golden Knights that led to the Knights losing Game 7 in the postseason’s first round against the San Jose Sharks.

Bettman chatted after the NHL Board of Governors meeting at Encore where the board approved SLS Las Vegas owner Alex Meruello as the lead owner of the Arizona Coyotes. Bettman said Meruello will try and close the Coyotes purchase deal in July. Bettman said the National Hockey League wasn’t necessarily trying to be the first major sports team league in the Las Vegas market.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman

But Bettman said the league is glad it expanded to Las Vegas and praised the franchise for running a top-notch operation. And he acknowledged the Maloof brothers visited him to lobby for Las Vegas as a NHL market. Here’s our interview with Bettman before the awards show at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Before the awards show, Bettman strolled along a red carpet with a wide variety of NHL players, coaches and celebrities like Mr. Jeopardy/Las Vegas resident/sports gamer James Holzhauer, who noted the Golden Knights have more analytical data than he does for his sports betting.

Holzhauer also said Jeopardy’s lawyers told him to cool it on blending the Golden Knights logo (and the logo) into his name that was scrawled on his station on the TV game show. Holzhauer was known for his “Go Knights Go” sayings on the show.

Jeopardy star and Las Vegas sports bettor James Holzhauer

Bettman noted he does hear the boos — but that’s OK, he said, because all the team league commissioners gets booed and it’s a sign of relevance. Bettman also said that Meruelo’s business history was thoroughly checked out by the NHL (and by Nevada gaming officials too) and his owning of a hotel-casino and an NHL team in Arizona will not be a problem. Meruelo wants to work on the Coyotes’ arena issues, Bettman said.

The Golden Knights dominated the awards show in 2018, but this year only VGK forward Mark Stone was strolling the red carpet. It seems the Golden Knights-themed lining inside Stone’s suit was a popular topic, so he showed it off.

The NHL Awards Show has become a regular post-Stanley Cup playoffs event for Las Vegas, which is a host for the awards show under a multi- year deal with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). About 6,000 hockey fans were in the house.

Local VGK fans like Christopher Green and friends attended the awards show.

There was a top NHL gamer — or a video game player — named Top Shelf Cookie; the bearded Sharks defenseman Brent Burns in a military camouflage suit; and Islanders coach Barry Trotz who returned to Las Vegas where he won the Stanley Cup as the coach of the Washington Capitals, which defeated the Knights for the NHL title in 2018.

Trotz said he enjoyed a practice ritual of skating a lap around the ice to pump up his team.

Trotz won the coach of the year — here’s his post-award photo.

The awards show gave a chance for Golden Knights fans suffering hockey withdrawal to full the Mandalay Bay Events Center, which will be broken down immediately after the event to make way for a WNBA Las Vegas Aces game Thursday.

Saturday Night Live actor Kenan Thompson did a superb job hosting the awards show, goofing on everyone from game show host Steve Harvey to playing a made scientist explaining the buffet of NHL awards that were 1147624 Washington Capitals The same goes for San Jose, which re-signed two-time Norris Trophy- winning defenseman Erik Karlsson to a $92 million, 11-year contract and already cleared some room by dealing veteran blue liner Justin Braun to Follow the money: Salary cap could spawn NHL trade frenzy Philadelphia . The Sharks still have to re-sign impressive young forward Timo Meier and would love to bring back Joe Thornton and captain Joe Pavelski.

By Stephen Whyno - Associated Press - Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Of course, there’s only so much money to go around, which may force the Sharks to deal.

“Under a cap system, choices and decisions need to be made,” GM Matt Niskanen wasn’t totally shocked when the Washington Capitals Doug Wilson said. traded him to Philadelphia last week. The Flyers, on the other hand, took advantage of their vast cap space by One look at their salary cap picture explained it. acquiring Niskanen, Braun and the rights to center Kevin Hayes, who “I know what kind of situation Washington was in, so I knew there was a was signed Wednesday to a $50 million, seven-year contract . It was the possibility,” he said. next step in their evolution from a building team to a contender.

General managers say there is more trade chatter now than at any time “The past few years, the staff has worked hard to acquire as many young in recent years, and much of it has to do with a wide gap between the assets as possible and rebuild the foundation of the club,” general haves and have-nots across the NHL: A handful of teams know they will manager Chuck Fletcher said. “And at the right time, the idea has always be up against the salary cap ceiling and many others have plenty of room been to more aggressively add some veteran pieces, and we feel we’ve and can use it to take on bad contracts to get better. done that now.”

The salary cap was $79.5 million this past season, and there are fears Washington Times LOADED: 06.20.2019 that the new cap, which takes effect July 1, will be under the $83 million initial projection.

Still, the NHL trade market is heating up. Follow the money to see where it goes.

“One thing I think is really apparent is that there’s a commodity out there called the cap,” Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said. “I think that a lot of people are talking around those things as well. It’s an interesting dynamic this summer, so we’ll kind of see.”

Cheveldayoff’s Jets are on the selling side because they need to get new contracts done for budding star forwards Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor, and already have an established core signed to big-ticket deals. They traded defenseman Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers on Monday and aren’t done dealing.

The rebuilding Rangers are closer to the other end of the spectrum with almost $19 million in cap space to play with. They might be able to accelerate the climb back to the playoffs with some shrewd moves at the draft this weekend and beyond because they can spend to the cap and don’t need to win this year.

“Having cap space affords you conversations you couldn’t have before,” New York GM Jeff Gorton said. “We’re in conversations and we’re talking to teams about things that maybe three or four years ago we weren’t able to do. There’s a lot of different avenues to do this, and there’s a lot of conversations that go into it as far as eating money or spending money or what you have to do. But definitely having cap space … it’s a big weapon to have as we move forward in our rebuild.”

The New Jersey Devils are in a similar spot. They are expected to take American center Jack Hughes with the first overall pick Friday - leaving Finnish winger Kaapo Kakko for the Rangers second - and might be a No. 1 defenseman and a few other additions away from being playoff contenders again.

Might a trade for Nashville’s P.K. Subban fit for New Jersey? The Devils not only have more than $30 million in cap space but a surplus of young forwards and prospects that could make for an intriguing offer to the Predators, who look poised to shake things up after back-to-back early playoff exits.

Pittsburgh is among the contending teams that need to shed salary to be under the cap. The Penguins began that process by sending defenseman Olli Maatta to Chicago for young forward Dominik Kahun and a draft pick , and winger Phil Kessel would have been on the move to Minnesota had he not vetoed the trade.

GM Jim Rutherford said he’s “trying to retool” on the fly and won’t rule out trading someone like center Evgeni Malkin or defenseman Kris Letang.

“There’s been great players traded in this league, and if somebody comes along with a package that makes sense for the Penguins, we have to look at it,” Rutherford told 93.7-FM in Pittsburgh. “We’re not finished making changes. I would expect that there will be a couple more before training camp starts.” 1147625 Washington Capitals TRADE

Washington: Radko Gudas

5 things to know about the newest Capital Radko Gudas Philadelphia: Matt Niskanen

Niskanen plays tougher minutes, but has declined heavily and is much less effective in them than Gudas who arguably deserves a larger role. By J.J. Regan June 19, 2019 3:06 PM pic.twitter.com/GZJLUvYcmY

— dom luszczyszyn (@domluszczyszyn) June 14, 2019

Most fans know little about Radko Gudas other than the fact that he has Make no mistake, this was not a simple salary dump by Washington. a reputation for being a dirty player. Here are some facts to help you get Brian MacLellan very shrewdly freed up some cap space by bringing in a to know the newest Capital a little better. defenseman who can play at a level that is just as good if not better than 1. Gudas has been suspended four times in his career Niskanen can at this point.

First the bad news. Gudas has a lengthy suspension history and is one 4. Gudas has experience playing with Michal Kempny and Jakub Vrana hit away from getting a significant suspension from the Department of Gudas is from the Czech Republic and has some experience with some Player Safety. Here’s a look at all four of his suspensions: of his new Czech teammates. He and Kempny played on the U18 and 20 Dec. 2, 2015: Check to the head of Mike Zibanejad, suspended two Czech teams together. Gudas and Vrana were teammates over the games summer in the World Championships which Kempny could not participate in because he was injured. Oct. 10, 2016: Late check to the head of Austin Czarnik, suspended six games “I played with a lot of the guys throughout the years that I play in the league, but with Michal, I used to play on the national team (with him),” Nov. 19, 2017: Slash to the head of , suspended 10 Gudas said. “We're the same age. We played some important games games together in youth. And with Jakub, I know him from the world national team a little bit now and I think we hit it off pretty well. Looking forward to Feb. 20, 2019: High-stick to the head of Nikita Kucherov, suspended two work with them, too.” games 5. Gudas is family with former Cap Michal Neuvirth These plays are why Gudas has the reputation that he does. Neuvirth and girlfriend Karolina Gudasova had a baby girl in September Fans will want to compare Gudas with Tom Wilson, but really there is no 2017. As you can guess from Karolina’s last name, she is the sister of comparison here. If you watch these plays from Gudas they certainly Radko thus making him the uncle to their girl, Emilka. Now Gudas is seem much more intentional than anything Wilson does. officially Neuvirth’s brother-in-law after Neuvirth and Karolina were The good news is that Gudas is working on playing a cleaner game. married which led to hilariously random pictures like this.

“I worked on it in the summer and I thought I adjusted the game enough Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 to still be able to play physical, just not be a liability out there for me team,” Gudas told reporters in a conference call on Tuesday. “It's always something hard to adjust, but we still have to do it. It's our job. If you don't hurt the team that you're playing for while doing it, that's where you can find (the line) as a player.”

This is not just lip service as Gudas’ penalty numbers have gone in each of the past three seasons, going from 116 in 2015-16 to 93, to 83 to 63 in 2018-19.

2. Gudas has had two fights against the Caps

Gudas has not been shy about dropping the gloves in his career and has done so twice against Washington.

The first instance came back on Nov. 11, 2014 while he was playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning. A scrum broke out after barreled into goalie Ben Bishop and Gudas and Wilson became engaged leading to both players dropping the gloves.

The second fight came this past season. In a game between the Caps and Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 8, Gudas laid a big hit on Nic Dowd and Devante Smith-Pelly immediately came to his teammate’s defense. The fight was more of a tussle than anything else as neither player could get their hands free.

3. Gudas was voted as Philadelphia’s best defenseman in 2018-19

Now on to the good news. The Caps have actually gotten a good defenseman.

When it was announced that the Caps had traded Matt Niskanen for Gudas, the initial reaction was that Washington’s defense had gotten worse, but that was a necessary price to pay considering the team needed to clear cap space. That may not be the case.

Gudas had a very good 2018-19 season for the Flyers, so much so that he was given a team award as the most outstanding defenseman as voted on by sportswriters and broadcasters.

Did it help that pretty much everyone on Philadelphia’s blue line had a bad year? Yes, there is no denying that. Gudas is not the caliber player that he should be an NHL team’s best defenseman. But he is a lot better than most people give him credit for. 1147626 Washington Capitals But while the Capitals have solidified their blueline with the trade for Radko Gudas and have two young players – Jonas Siegenthaler and Christian Djoos – available to play the left side, it’s always nice to have a Free Agency Bracket: Brett Connolly vs. Brooks Orpik veteran there. Orpik might not want to play a limited No. 6/7 role even if Washington wants him back. And maybe the Capitals want to give those young players ice time. But Orpik won’t cost much more than they do. Do you bring him back? By Brian McNally June 19, 2019 2:39 PM Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019

It is almost time for NHL free agency to begin, and the Capitals certainly have needs to fill and a limited budget. Who would be the best fit? Who would be the best free agent target for Washington to pursue? That’s what NBC Sports Washington wants to find out!

Our experts got together and made a bracket of the 16 best free agent fits. The bracket is divided into four regions: Third line forward, fourth line forward, depth defenseman and Caps’ free agent. Now we want you to tell us who you want to see rocking the red next year!

Every weekday we will match two free agents up against one another and present a case for each player. Then you get to vote and decide who advances!

Check out today’s matchup:

Region: Capitals free agents

Brett Connolly vs. Brooks Orpik

2018-19 stats

Brett Connolly (27 years old): 81 games played with the Capitals, 22 goals, 24 assists, 46 points, 13:20 TOI

Playoffs: 7 games played with the Capitals, 2 goals, 0 assists, 4 points, 13:50 TOI

Brooks Orpik (38 years old): 53 games played with the Capitals, 2 goals, 7 assists, 9 points, 15:40 TOI

Playoffs: 7 games played with the Capitals, 1 goal, 1 assist, 18:12 TOI

Hockey-Graph contract projections

Brett Connolly: 3 years, $3,536,091 cap hit

Brooks Orpik: 1 year, $1,150,064 cap hit

The case for Brett Connolly

The Capitals have already re-signed one of their third-line free agents with Carl Hagelin’s new deal. Is there room left for Connolly? There is an argument to be made here. Connolly has made himself comfortable in Washington. He tied his career highs in goals twice (15) and then broke through with a career-best 22. And he is one of the league’s most productive players given his limited ice time.

There are just too many big names in front of Connolly to get him much power-play time. Those 22 goals wouldn’t be easy to replace and GM Brian MacLellan said scoring depth is a concern this offseason. If he is again willing to sacrifice role for a bump in pay and some security then maybe Connolly returns to a place he re-ignited his career. The talent is certainly there as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2010 draft and Connolly is headed into his age-27 season so a three or four-year deal takes care of his prime years.

It might be out of Washington’s hands anyway. Even if the Capitals want to keep him, other teams could use money AND ice time to entice Connolly. But can they strike gold again with another cheap third-line winger as they did with Connolly? That’s not easy to replicate. They could simply sign Connolly and take care of it, but the salary cap is tight.

The case for Brooks Orpik

A leader, a winner, a three-time Stanley Cup champion. Hard to measure what Brooks Orpik has done for the Capitals in his five years with the team. Did the Capitals overpay an aging defenseman when they signed Orpik before the 2014-15 season? Maybe. But it worked out for everyone even after last summer’s buyout and subsequent return. Orpik contributed again last season – though a knee injury limited him and bothered him most of the season. He even scored a game-winning overtime goal in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Some of this will depend on what Orpik wants to do. He said it would be later in the summer before he makes a firm decision on whether to play at age 39. 1147627 Washington Capitals

Max Scherzer was adamant Tuesday he would pitch for the Nats Wednesday night

By Todd Dybas June 19, 2019 12:16 PM

WASHINGTON -- Max Scherzer now owns blue, brown and black eyes.

Scherzer -- who has heterochromia, resulting in one blue and one brown eye -- also now has bruising under his right eye after fouling a practice bunt attempt into his face Tuesday. He left Nationals Park on Tuesday with a splint across his broken nose, a clean CT scan and adamant he would be pitching later Wednesday.

Whether Scherzer pitches the second game of a split day-night doubleheader Wednesday is to be determined. He was still asleep, which is normal for his game-day routine, when manager Davey Martinez spoke to reporters Wednesday morning at 11. So, the last the Nationals knew, the expectation was for Scherzer to be ready for Wednesday night.

“I am convinced right now Scherzer is going to pitch the second game, and we’ll go from there,” Martinez said.

The Nationals have not played baseball since Sunday. Patrick Corbin was supposed to start Monday and Tuesday before those games were snuffed out by rain following lengthy delays. Corbin started the first game on Wednesday.

If Scherzer cannot pitch the second, Erick Fedde or Austin Voth will. Voth was brought in from Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday to be the 26th man on the roster for the doubleheader. He had a laborious trip to get to the District: Voth left Fresno on a 6 a.m. flight with a connection in Salt Lake City. He missed it because his first flight was delayed by weather and mechanical problems. He was rerouted to Detroit -- which took him out of first class and put him into a middle seat in coach -- then eventually landed in Washington. His baseball bag made the whole journey. His personal bag did not.

The Nationals hope they don’t have to use Voth as a starter. He could fill three roles: relief in the first game, starter in the second or relief in the second. He is likely to pitch somehow Wednesday in order to protect the other bullpen members during a stretch of six games in five days (should Mother Nature finally relent).

So, the Nationals are waiting on a call from Scherzer to map everything out. He’s expected to ring the team’s head trainer, Paul Lessard when he arises. The team is concerned about possible breathing complications for Scherzer both prior to and while pitching after Scherzer left the stadium with a splint across his damaged nose on Wednesday. Martinez was not sure if his $210 million right-hander would wear the splint if he pitches in a game.

What the Nationals do know is they have run into another odd situation during a strange year. A bad start, a manager on the hot seat, a recent rally toward relevancy, then back-to-back rainouts against a key opponent with an ace’s broken nose mixed in. Several players wore black “Stay in the fight” T-shirts which were draped across their clubhouse chairs when they walked in Wednesday morning. That slogan applied to Scherzer’s mentality on Tuesday night.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147628 Washington Capitals The Caps traded this pick to Calgary as part of the Glencross deal. Calgary traded the pick to the Arizona Coyotes who selected forward Jens Looke. Looke spent the past two seasons in the AHL and signed a Looking back at the Capitals’ 2015 NHL Draft: There is a lot riding on Ilya contract in May to return to play for Timra IK in his native Sweden. His Samsonov NHL prospects look dim at this point.

93rd overall pick (fourth round): Acquired, traded

By J.J. Regan June 19, 2019 11:48 AM The Caps acquired this pick from the Arizona Coyotes at the 2014 trade deadline. They packaged it along with defenseman Jack Hillen to the Carolina Hurricanes for defenseman .

The NHL Draft takes place on June 21 and 22. The Capitals hold the Gleason was a rental with a limited role who did not pan out. He 25th overall pick and will be looking for future stars among all the hopeful averaged just 13:08 per game in the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs for prospects. Washington.

But just how successful has Washington been in finding those stars? Carolina did not fare much better in the trade as Hillen played only three How much value have the Caps found through the draft? games as a Hurricane. As for the pick, Carolina selected goalie Callum Booth who has been primarily an ECHL goalie since turning pro in 2017. NBC Sports Washington will be looking at how Washington has drafted over the last 10 years. Today’s draft: 2015 113th overall pick (fourth round): Traded

22nd overall pick (first round): Ilya Samsonov G This was the second pick the Caps gave the Rangers to move up and take Siegenthaler. New York used the pick to select forward Brad The Caps made Samsonov the first goalie taken in the draft by taking Morrison. The Rangers no longer own Morrison’s rights. him 22nd overall. He was the only goalie to go in the first round. 143rd overall pick (fifth round): Connor Hobbs D It is really hard to predict what will happen with goalies in the draft. For such important players, they are hard to project and a lot of teams elect Hobbs was known as an offensive defenseman in the WHL with the to take fliers on late-round goalies rather than bet the farm with a high . In his final season in juniors, he recorded 31 goals and 54 pick. Braden Holtby, for example, was a fourth-round pick. Washington, assists in 67 games. He has spent the past two seasons with the however, rolled the dice and went with Samsonov in the first round. where he has improved his defensive skill tremendously. The offense has tapered off, however, as it has been difficult for him to Samsonov’s numbers in the KHL were brilliant. His first season in North find the same kind of space in the AHL as he had to work with in the America got off to a rocky start in Hershey, but he played much better as WHL. the season went along and was dominant in the regular season by the end. Hobbs has a tremendous slap shot and you could see him being a third- pair NHL defenseman and power play specialist on the point if he can With Holtby entering the final year of his contract, this is a big year for find his offense at the professional level. Samsonov as well as he needs to prove he can take over as Washington’s starter by 2020. If not, the Caps are going to have to make 173rd overall pick (sixth round): Colby Williams D a difficult decision regarding his future with the organization. The Caps took Hobbs’ Regina teammate Williams in the following round. 52nd overall pick (second round): Traded Williams is a very smooth skater. That is about the only part of his game that is NHL caliber and he looks at this point to be an AHL player. The Caps traded this pick to the Calgary Flames for forward Curtis Glencross. Glencross was a rental who played 28 total games for 203rd overall pick (seventh round): Traded Washington in the 2014-15 season and 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs. He seemed like a good fit in the regular season with seven points, but his This pick was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in June 2014. Winnipeg took production disappeared in the playoffs where he tallied only one goal in forward Matteo Gennaro. He was signed to an AHL contract the Tucson 10 games. That season ended up being the final season of his NHL Roadrunners and in 2018-19, his first professional season, played in 58 career. AHL games.

The Flames traded this pick to the Boston Bruins as part of a package Takeaways that netted them defenseman Dougie Hamilton. Boston would select The success of this draft will be dependent on Samsonov, obviously. If defenseman Jeremy Lauzon with the pick. Lauzon played in 16 games the Caps found their next starter who can take over for Holtby, great. with the Bruins last season. With the Seattle expansion draft looming, however, Washington will need 57th overall pick (second round): Jonas Siegenthaler D to know by the end of the 2019-20 season if Samsonov is ready to take over. Otherwise, the team would be put into a position where it may have The Caps traded up in the second round to snag Siegenthaler, giving up to overpay to keep Holtby who is on the final year of his contract and their own fourth-round pick and a third-round pick from the Buffalo trade Samsonov. Sabres that they acquired at the 2015 trade deadline. This draft is also a good reminder of why it always makes sense to move Siegenthaler is a big-bodied, stay at home defenseman in the mold of up if there is a player you like. The Caps gave up a third and a fourth- Brooks Orpik, but is more mobile and a better puck-mover. He went back round pick to New York to take their pick and select Siegenthaler. and forth between the AHL and NHL last season. When he finally got a Washington got an NHL defenseman out of the deal, the Rangers got chance to get into the lineup in the playoffs, it took just one game before squat with their two extra picks. he was put on the top pair next to John Carlson. If a team sees NHL potential in a player and all it will take to move up in 62nd overall pick (third round): Acquired, traded the draft are two mid-round picks, take the deal.

Washington acquired this pick at the 2014 trade deadline from the Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo received Michal Neuvirth and Rostislav Klesla, who was acquired the day before. The Caps received Jaroslav Halak and the pick. Washington then traded this pick away to the New York Rangers to move up and grab Siegenthaler.

New York used the pick to select forward Robin Kovacs. Kovacs played the 2016-17 season in the AHL with the , but the Rangers terminated his contract prior to the 2017-18 season. He has been playing in the SHL ever since.

83rd overall pick (third round): Traded 1147629 Washington Capitals

Capitals' National Anthem singer Caleb Green auditions on America's Got Talent

By Caroline Brandt June 19, 2019 7:28 AM

If you've been to a Caps game, you've definitely heard the incredible voice of Caleb Green singing the National Anthem.

Behind his impassioned voice is an undeniable patriotism, as Green is a retired Master Sergeant of the United States Army.

Beloved by Caps fans, Green decided to take his talents to the biggest stage in the world: America's Got Talent (AGT).

"Voices of Service" is an acapella group comprised of Green and three other servicemen and woman that have found music as a way to provide music therapy to servicemen and women suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Tuesday night on AGT, Green and the "Voices of Service" delivered an incredible acapella rendition of Katy Perry's "Rise," resulting in a standing ovation from the crowd and a resounding "YES" from the judges to advance to Hollywood.

The Washington Capitals gave their own shout out to Green following his performance.

Amazing! Our super talented anthem singer @noazark151 with the @VoicesofService on @AGT! #ALLCAPS https://t.co/IYLVuvns2J

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 19, 2019

As did Capitals commentator, Craig Laughlin.

Caleb Green is "OUR" hero on ⁦@AGT⁩ ⁦@Capitals⁩ Congrats great job! pic.twitter.com/Rgdi6RusLF

— Craig Laughlin (@Laughlin18) June 19, 2019

America's Got Talent airs on NBC Tuesday nights at 8 p.m.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147630 Winnipeg Jets Stanley, a first-rounder in 2016, has taken strides to make the jump from the as well.

And a solid pipeline of blue-line prospects also includes 2017 second- A gem for the Jets at No. 20 round pick Dylan Samberg, who helped the University of Minnesota Friday's first-round NHL draft pool among deepest, most talented in many (Duluth) Bulldogs win back-to-back U.S. college championships and will years, longtime scout says return to school in the fall, and Johnny Kovacevic, selected one round after Samberg, who joined the in March after signing a two-year deal with Winnipeg.

By: Jason Bell Up front, Mason Appleton, who had 10 points in 36 games for the Jets last year, and Kristian Vesalainen, the club's first-round pick two years

ago, will likely be given every opportunity to make the 2019-20 roster. The Winnipeg Jets won’t be on the outside looking in Friday night. C.J. Suess, who had a fine 2018 training camp and solid start to the season with the Moose (eight goals in 26 games) before suffering a The inevitable split with stud defenceman Jacob Trouba returned season-ending upper-body injury in December, will look to bounce back, something that was once theirs and, undoubtedly, energized the club’s while 19-year-old Swedish centre David Gustafsson, a second-round pick amateur scouting staff in the process. Shipping Trouba to the New York last summer, just signed his first pro deal and will play for Moose coach Rangers earlier this week yielded fellow blue-liner Neal Pionk and, more Pascal Vincent. importantly, the 20th overall selection in the 2019 NHL Draft. JETS DRAFT PICKS The pick originally belonged to Winnipeg but was property of the Rangers following the Jets’ acquisition of centre Kevin Hayes at the February Round 1 — 20th overall (acquired from NY Rangers in the Jacob Trouba trade deadline. trade)

2019 NHL DRAFT 2nd round — 51st

Rogers Arena in Vancouver 3rd round — none (sent to Vegas at the 2017 expansion draft)

Round 1, Friday, 7 p.m. (Sportsnet) There aren't many blue-chippers after that, so Cheveldayoff and his scouting staff should have their eyes set on replenishing the Rounds 2-7, Saturday, noon. (Sportsnet) organization's forward depth. Winnipeg has four more picks to make Saturday — but the focus is on Friday night. The Jets will now be active participants on Day 1 in Vancouver, albeit with a late selection that likely won't produce an immediate roster player There are 10 sensational players in a tier well above where the Jets but should still garner a glitzy prospect. select, led by Jack Hughes, a centre with the U.S. under-18 National Team Development Program. It's a near certainty that he'll be headed to Earlier this week, an NHL scout with decades of experience monitoring New Jersey after the Devils make the first-overall pick. The Rangers are the progression of players across North America characterized this year's expected to take Finnish winger Kaapo Kakko at No. 2, and the Chicago draft class as "one of the most talented and deep in a long time, Blackhawks will then pick either defenceman Bowen Byram of the WHL's particularly at the forward position." Vancouver Giants or NTDP centre Alex Turcotte — the son of former And he assures Jets followers the Central Division squad will mine a gem Jets 1.0 forward Alfie Turcotte — at No. 3. at No. 20. Expect a pair of premier WHL centres, Kirby Dach of the Saskatoon "(General manager) Kevin Cheveldayoff is going to get a tremendous Blades and Dylan Cozens of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, to be long gone player with that pick. This is really good draft. Teams shouldn't be worried before the Jets get their turn, while a trio of American forwards, Trevor about the first round at all, because you're going to get a great player," Zegras, Cole Caufield and Matthew Boldy, along with Russian winger said the scout, who asked not to be named. "If you have the 20th pick, Vasily Podkolzin, will be strutting around the draft floor with other teams' you're laughing. It all depends what the Jets want on draft day. They jerseys pulled over their brand-new suits. probably want another forward, but I still think they take the best player From there, it's a guessing game, says our scout. "It's tough to get a possible." consensus when you get past nine or 10 picks this year. I would say ROUND 1 ORDER OF SELECTION around the 10th pick is when it starts to get muddy."

1. New Jersey But that didn't prevent him from listing some intriguing forwards that could be on the board when the Jets decision-makers are on the clock, with a 2. NY Rangers comment or two from the NHL bird-dog himself.

3. Chicago • Alex Newhook, C, 5-11, 195 pounds, Victoria (BCJL)

4. Colorado (from Ottawa) NHL Central Scouting has the product of St. Johns, N.L., ranked 13th among all North American skaters. Playing in the B.C. junior league — a 5. Los Angeles step below the WHL — he was a dominant performer with 38 goals in 53 As is his way, Cheveldayoff won't tip his hand on whether or not he's games and flashed his elite skating ability. Newhook has committed to working the phones to move up or down in the opening round. Boston College this fall.

A year ago, he and Mark Hillier, director of amateur scouting, were Scouting report: "He's not just fast, he's agile and can kill you off the absent from the podium in Round 1 after relinquishing their pick (29th) to rush." St. Louis for centre Paul Stastny. (The Blues later flipped the pick to the • Ryan Suzuki, C, 6-0, 176 pounds, Barrie (OHL) Toronto Maple Leafs, who chose defenceman Rasmus Sandin.) Two years ago, he watched his brother Nick get picked 13th overall by The prospect of sitting idly by for a second consecutive year didn’t befit a the Vegas Golden Knights and now it's his turn to grab the spotlight. Jets organization that banks on the draft-and-develop strategy. Ranked 18th among North American skaters, some teams have him There are intriguing decisions to be made at Rogers Arena as the Jets much higher on their lists because of his speed, creativity with the puck stockpile talented young players that come not only with the potential to and exceptional vision. But his defensive-zone coverage often gets lost in be impactful on the ice but also with several years of cost control, a must- the shuffle. have in the NHL's salary-cap era. If there's an area to shore up, it's the Scouting report: "His hockey sense it's elite but I still don't trust his Jets' forward depth — particularly at centre. commitment to defence. I have a funny feeling about him. I can see him Winnipeg already has defencemen Sami Niku, Tucker Poolman and dropping." Nelson Nogier — who have all spent time with the big club — knocking • Bobby Brink, RW, 5-8,165 pounds, Sioux City (USHL) on the door for full-time employment, while 6-7, 230-pound Logan Ranked 19th among North American skaters he's, as they say, • Thomas Harley, 6-2, 188, from Mississauga of the OHL, ranked 11th diminutive. And most scouts consider him to be an average skater, at among North American skaters) best. But he's also a dynamic offensive producer with tremendous hockey instincts. By the way, his middle name is Orr, as his dad was a • Cameron York, 5-11, 172, from the U.S. NTDP (ranked 12th among big fan of the Bruins' legendary defenceman. North American skaters)

Scouting report: "He's just all-around excellent. The skating is awkward • Moritz Seider, 6-3, 183 from Germany (ranked sixth among international but he gets there. And he can improve that stride. I don't think size is an skaters) issue for him. Enough smaller guys have had success in today's game." • Tobias Bjornfot, 6-0, 202 pounds from Sweden (ranked seventh among Halifax Mooseheads forward Raphael Lavoie international skaters)

• Raphael Lavoie, C, 6-4, 198 pounds, Halifax (QMJHL) • Lassi Thomson, 5-11, 190, from Kelowna of the WHL (ranked 15th among North American skaters). Ranked 20th among North American skaters, the Moosehead forward already has an NHL-ready frame but possesses surprisingly good Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 06.20.2019 mobility and has elite offensive skills. He fired 32 goals during the regular season and then went on a torrid pace in the postseason with 20 goals in 23 games.

Scouting report: "He's huge. But it's not just size with this kid, he's really, really good. Look out, he's got everything you want in a power forward."

• Philip Tomasino, C, 6-0, 183 pounds, Niagara (OHL)

Ranked 14th among North American skaters, the two-way middle man is, indeed, a complete package. He can produce, scoring 34 goals and 72 points in his second season with the IceDogs, and makes every move at a high rate of speed. He's also a proven shut-down centre in the OHL and a key penalty killer, strengthening the belief he commits to an all- around game.

Scouting report: "An absolute steal" if the Jets get to call his name at No. 20.

• Brayden Tracey, LW, 6-0, 177 pounds, Moose Jaw (WHL)

Things didn't come easily for Tracey early on in his inaugural WHL campaign, but he finished with 36 goals and 81 points and was named the league's rookie of the year. Midway through the year, he was ranked 73rd among North American skaters but rocketed up to 21st by mid-April.

Scouting report: "He would probably be projected as an early second- rounder, but if you wanted to step up to the plate, this guy's really good. He got better and better all year, and everyone was talking about him by the end."

LONGSHOTS

Hamilton Bulldogs' Arthur Kaliyev fails to get a shot past Regina Pats goaltender Max Paddock during third period of Memorial Cup action in Regina last year..

• Arthur Kaliyev, RW, 6-2, 190 pounds, Hamilton (OHL)

While he's ranked seventh among all North American skaters after he scored 51 goals and added 51 assists in 67 games for the Bulldogs, there a chance he could still be available at the 20th pick. There might be no more polarizing draft-eligible player out there. He's a gifted shooter and playmaker but has a reputation for shirking his defensive duties, and he lacks physicality.

Scouting report: "This is a guy who could go very high or really tumble. There's a risk there. But there could also be a big payoff."

• Peyton Krebs, C, 5-11, 180 pounds, Winnipeg (WHL)

As crazy as it sounds, the kid from Okotoks, Alta., — ranked 10th among North American skaters — just might still be there. After scoring 19 goals and adding 49 helpers in 68 games on a bad Kootenay team, he tore his Achilles while training earlier this month, an injury that might factor in to when he gets selected Friday. Winnipeggers will see a lot of Krebs with the Ice next year, once he's healed up.

Scouting report: "The sleeper in the draft is Krebs. And what's going to happen is some team's going to look at the injury and say, 'Well, we can't take him now. Let's hope we get a second chance at him.' But a team will step up and take him and they're going to get a gem. This guy, for me, is one of the best players in the draft."

MAYBE A 'D'?

The Jets will likely pick the best player available, regardless of position, and there could be some tantalizing defencemen available when it's Winnipeg's turn, according to our scouting expert: 1147631 Winnipeg Jets How the Jets sort things out on the back end in the coming weeks, either via trade or free agency, remains on the front burner for Cheveldayoff.

Although the Jets have expressed interest in bringing back Tyler Myers, More moves coming for Jets: Trouba deal just tip of iceberg he’s likely looking for a raise on the $5.5 million cap hit he carried on his last deal, so retaining his services seems unlikely.

Ken WiebeMore from Ken Wiebe Buying out the final year of Dmitry Kulikov’s contract remains a possibility, but in the prior eight seasons the Jets have only exercised that option once, on Mark Stuart during the summer of 2017.

VANCOUVER — Kevin Cheveldayoff isn’t going to have a lot of idle time Kulikov remains a serviceable blue-liner, but his $4.33 million deal is a bit on his hands this weekend at the 2019 NHL Draft. too high.

The general manager of the Winnipeg Jets got a head-start on Monday The Jets third pair of Myers and Kulikov combined to make north of $9 when he traded defenceman Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers for million last season and that number must be reduced dramatically, the 20th overall selection in 2019 and fellow blue-liner Neal Pionk. especially if it includes one of (or both of) Sami Niku and Tucker Poolman. The Jets are among the many teams dealing with salary-cap challenges this week and even after moving Trouba — who was likely to receive an The Jets also need to solidify things on the left point, where keeping arbitration award in the neighbourhood of $7 million and could look for pending UFA Ben Chiarot or pending restricted free agent Nathan between $8-to-8.5 million on a long-term deal — more moves are Beaulieu still makes sense — depending on salary and term. required. Up front, getting a new deal for versatile forward Andrew Copp is an Money could be even tighter if the cap is closer to $82 million than the important step for the Jets, though that might not happen before a trip to $83 million that was originally projected. arbitration.

That amount could seem miniscule to some, but for teams like the Jets, it Obviously, new long-term deals for pending restricted free agent wingers could lead to another trade or several. Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor remain a top priority for the Jets, though that market is probably going to move a bit slower — given how many You can bet the Jets are going to be in the thick of things when it comes star players in a similar situation are looking for big dollars. to the rumour mill on a number of fronts. And while neither Laine or Connor has arbitration rights, that won’t likely With resolution arriving for Trouba, where do the Jets turn their attention have much of an impact in negotiations. next? Laine already has three 30-plus goal seasons on his resume before the A number of things need to be taken care of and moving some additional age of 21 and Connor has two and is only 22. salary out this weekend. Goal scorers come at a premium and these two guys are going to get big It’s been said for quite some time that forward Mathieu Perreault is a raises, depending on how many years of unrestricted free agency the candidate to be shipped out. Jets end up purchasing. It’s not that the Jets have soured on Perreault, it’s just that his salary These deals are likely going to need a bit more time to marinate, but that ($4.125 million for this season and next) is a bit high for a guy who spent doesn’t mean the Jets won’t be active during the next few days. a good chunk of time on the fourth line last season. Otherwise, the Jets would have likely held off until Friday to finalize the Perreault is still a productive player who has the skill set to be used on deal for Trouba. the second line or third line and he’s a guy who spends time on the power play as well. Since they didn’t, the expectation is that Cheveldayoff has another move or two up his sleeve. Those things would make him an appealing option to teams who either need to get to the salary cap floor (Ottawa Senators) or teams like the Remaining pending unrestricted free agents for Winnipeg Jets (age) Carolina Hurricanes or Vancouver Canucks that are looking to add some scoring. D Ben Chiarot (28)

There has been plenty of trade buzz surrounding Nikolaj Ehlers, with a D Tyler Myers (29) TSN report this week suggesting the speedy Danish winger had been D Cam Schilling (30) offered to the Hurricanes for a right-handed shooting defenceman. F Brandon Tanev (27) Ehlers has 90 goals and 199 points in 298 NHL games through four seasons and he would likely have a long list of suitors. F Par Lindholm (27)

Just because the Jets are listening to offers on Ehlers doesn’t mean they Remaining pending restricted free agents for Winnipeg Jets (age) will necessarily deal him. G Eric Comrie (23)* As for the Hurricanes, the target for the Jets would have to be Brett Pesce, a right-handed shooting blue-liner who would be a perfect D Neal Pionk (23)* complement to Josh Morrissey on the top pairing. D Nathan Beaulieu (26)*

Pesce, who turns 25 in November, is under contract for five more D Nelson Nogier (23) seasons at a bargain rate of $4.025 million, which along with his ability as a shutdown defender makes him incredibly valuable to the Hurricanes. D Joe Morrow (26)*

That would represent nearly $2 million in cap savings for the Jets and D Jimmy Oligny (26) shore up things on the back end, though it would mean shipping out a RW Patrik Laine (21) guy with 30-plus goal potential who makes $6 million for the next six seasons in order to do so. LW Kyle Connor (22)

So unless a potential move for Ehlers yields a big return, him staying in F Andrew Copp (24)* the fold remains more than just a possibility. LW Marko Dano (24)* On an unrelated note, former Jet Kevin Hayes signed a seven-year, $50 million deal with the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday rather than test * Has arbitration rights the open market — so that provides an idea of what the cost of a second- Winnipeg Sun LOADED 06.20.2019 line centre can be in free agency. 1147632 Winnipeg Jets Just over a week ago, Robert Thomas, who was chosen 20th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, helped the St. Louis Blues capture the 2019 Stanley Cup.

Jets looking to restock the shelves: Trade back into first round provides Although a wrist injury prevented Thomas from suiting up in Game 7, he opportunity played an important role on the Blues third line throughout the stretch run and the playoffs and was also part of the power play as well.

Ken Wiebe Thomas is a natural centre but was used on the wing for much of the campaign.

His skill set was on display and his potential as a game-breaker is VANCOUVER — When it comes to first-round selections, the Winnipeg evident already and he just finished his rookie season in the NHL. Jets have mostly enjoyed success since the franchise relocated from Atlanta in 2011. When it comes to the 20th pick in 2019, about the only thing that seems close to certain is that the Jets are unlikely to draft a goalie there. Most of the guys chosen in the first 31 selections have either made a contribution or are progressing nicely — and yes, that includes There is a nice collection of centres, wingers and defencemen who could defenceman Logan Stanley, who is coming off a strong campaign as a make sense for the Jets. rookie pro with the Manitoba Moose. It won’t take much longer to find out who that player is going to be, but Kristian Vesalainen, the Jets’ most recent first-rounder, appeared in only it’s important to remember that player won’t likely be an NHL player or five NHL games last season before exercising an out-clause to return contributor until the 2020-21 season or perhaps even later. home to play in Finland, but he’s going to be on the opening-day roster To maximize the return in the deal for Jacob Trouba and given the this fall. challenges the Jets are going to face for the next few years as it relates After not having a first round pick in 2018, the Jets traded back into the to the salary cap, the pressure is on the scouting staff to find another first round on Monday night, re-acquiring the 20th overall selection — player who can step in and be an NHL regular. which they originally used as part of a package to obtain centre Kevin It’s not a new concept for a franchise known for drafting and developing Hayes — in the deal for defenceman Jacob Trouba. players.

When looking at the return, which also included pending restricted free But after trading those first-rounders in 2018 and 2019, replenishing the agent blue-liner Neal Pionk, it seems obvious the Jets made a first-round cupboards is more important than ever for the Jets — especially when pick a priority. you consider they have only four other picks during the final six rounds “We felt it was important for us to try to get back into the first round if on Saturday. there was an opportunity to do that,” Cheveldayoff said during a Recent history of 20th overall picks in the NHL Draft (amateur team at conference call earlier this week. “The coincidental side of it is it’s our time of draft, NHL career totals) pick. We wanted to try to get as high as we could. We were looking for something in return that would fit with our needs moving forward.” 2018, Los Angeles Kings, C Rasmus Kupari, Karpat, SM-Liiga, no NHL stats What was the appeal with the prospects that are expected to be available in the bottom third of the first round? 2017, St. Louis Blues, C Robert Thomas, London Knights, OHL, 70 GP, 9 G, 24 A, 33 P, 14 PIM “It’s a really interesting draft, once you get past the ones everybody’s talking about on the top end, I think it really spreads out,” said 2016, Detroit Red Wings, D Dennis Cholowski, Chilliwack Bruins, BCHL, Cheveldayoff. “There are players we’re going to see at 20 (that) we’re 52 GP, 7 G, 9 A, 16 P, 16 PIM going to have higher on our list. 2015, Minnesota Wild, C Joel Eriksson Ek, Farjestads BK Karlstad, “There could be teams that go in a direction of a forward or a SweHL, 148 GP, 16 G, 21 A, 47 P, 46 PIM defenceman, and when you get into the 20s, as we are, you have to expect the unexpected. Given the combines and how the list has fallen 2014, Chicago Blackhawks, C Nick Schmaltz, Green Bay Gamblers, out in our own estimation, we feel pretty confident we’re going to get a USHL, 179 GP, 34 G, 71 A, 105 P, 32 PIM pretty good player there.” 2013, Detroit Red Wings, RW Anthony Mantha, Val d’or Foreurs, Trying to figure out who that player might be for the Jets is difficult given QMJHL, 217 GP, 68 G, 67 A, 135 P, 137 PIM the team’s draft history. 2012, Philadelphia Flyers, C Scott Laughton, Oshawa Generals, OHL, Since 2011, the Jets haven’t really stuck to a pattern of which leagues 272 GP, 31 G, 48 A, 79 P, 146 PIM they prefer to choose from in the first round. 2011, Arizona Coyotes, D Connor Murphy, USNDP, USHL, 386 GP, 20 Of the nine guys the Jets have chosen in the first round since the G, 56 A, 76 P, 219 PIM franchise relocated from Atlanta, three players were from the USHL 2010, Pittsburgh Penguins, F Beau Bennett, Penticton Vees, BCHL, 200 (including two players from the United States National Development GP, 24 G, 40 A, 64 P, 52 PIM Team Program), two from Finland (one played in the SM-Liiga in Finland and the other played in the Swedish Hockey League), two from the 2009, New Jersey Devils, C Jacob Josefson, Djurgardens IF Stockholm, Ontario Hockey League, one from the Western Hockey League and one SHL, 315 GP, 20 G, 44 A, 64 P, 84 PIM from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. History of Winnipeg Jets first-round selections It’s cliché to say, but the Jets basically have stuck to the best player 2019, Pick traded to New York Rangers as part of package for C Kevin available mantra. Hayes, re-acquired along with D Neal Pionk for D Jacob Trouba Patrik Laine basically fell into the Jets lap after they moved up to No. 2 in 2018, Pick traded to St. Louis Blues as part of package for C Paul the NHL Draft Lottery in 2016. Stastny Other than that, there have been times when it seemed like the Jets went 2017, 24th overall, LW Kristian Vesalainen, Frolunda HC (SweHL), 5 GP, a little bit off the board with their pick and others when a guy ranked 0 G, 1 A, 1 P, 0 PIM higher by many of the pundits slipped down to them. 2016, 2nd overall, RW Patrik Laine, Tappara Tampere (SM-Liiga), 237 The NHL Draft remains an inexact science, but it’s a fallacy that the only GP, 110 G, 74 A, 184 P, 92 PIM players who make a big impact are taken in the top half. 2016, 18th overall, D Logan Stanley, Windsor Spitfires, OHL, No NHL There are value selections throughout and even recent history shows stats someone chosen 20th overall might not need long to jump into the NHL lineup. 2015, 17th overall, LW Kyle Connor, , USHL, 178 GP, 67 G, 61 A, 128 P, 38 PIM

2015, 25th overall, F Jack Roslovic, USNDP, USHL, 109 GP, 14 G, 14 A, 28 P, 6 PIM

2014, 9th overall, LW Nikolaj Ehlers, Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL, 298 GP, 90 G, 109 A, 199 P, 100 PIM

2013, 13th overall, D Josh Morrissey, Prince Albert Raiders, WHL, 223 GP, 19 G, 58, 77 P, 99 PIM

2012, 9th overall, D Jacob Trouba, USNDP, USHL, 408 GP, 42 G, 137 A, 179 P, 297 PIM

2011, 7th overall, C , Barrie Colts, OHL, 448 GP, 151 G, 220 A, 371 P, 180 PIM

2019 Winnipeg Jets draft picks

1st round, 20th overall (trade with New York Rangers to re-acquire their original pick)

2nd round, 51st overall

4th round, 113th overall

5th round, 134th overall (trade with Philadelphia Flyers)

5th round, 144th overall

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 06.20.2019 1147633 Winnipeg Jets If a young forward is traded: By trading Trouba for Pionk and the 20th overall pick in this Friday’s draft, Winnipeg has exposed a weakness on defence. Once the Jets sign all of their key contracts, including Pionk, Analyzing the Winnipeg Jets 2019-20 depth chart they are likely to be at or near the salary cap maximum. Can Winnipeg afford to enter the season with their current defensive depth chart? I don’t think so, nor do I think Cheveldayoff made the Trouba trade on Monday just to sit on his hands for the rest of the week. According to insiders like By Murat Ates Jun 19, 2019 Craig Custance and Frank Seravalli, Ehlers is the frontrunner to be shopped for defensive help but, in my opinion, Ehlers is exactly the sort of sell-low trade candidate that could burn the team that traded him. This is an early offseason look into the knowns and unknowns of the Winnipeg Jets depth chart. For now, these are hypotheticals but Winnipeg’s forward depth is mostly set. Kevin Cheveldayoff kicked off his exceptionally difficult offseason on Monday night by trading Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers. In Defencemen exchange, Winnipeg received Neal Pionk, the 20th overall pick in this Vying for spots: Tucker Poolman ($775,000), Logan Stanley ($863,333) weekend’s draft and a brand new list of question marks about the team’s depth heading into next season. Unrestricted free agents: Tyler Myers, Ben Chiarot

As presently constructed, Winnipeg is a forward-heavy and decidedly Notes: There’s no way around it: the Jets are in a tough spot with their imbalanced team. defence corps right now. Josh Morrissey and are worthy top pairing defencemen and Pionk is a shiny new acquisition but While I expect that Cheveldayoff will strive to address that imbalance — Winnipeg’s blue line, as presently constructed, is frightening. possibly as soon as this week — we know enough about the Jets roster and cap situation to start making some projections. Veteran coverage is not well-established. Nathan Beaulieu’s post- deadline numbers with Trouba were solid at a time that the rest of The Jets’ biggest strength remains up front, where 10 forwards are either Winnipeg’s defence struggled. He’ll likely earn the full-time job that signed or under team control as RFAs this summer. Their biggest eluded him during the playoffs. Pionk, as we discussed yesterday, is a weakness is on defence, especially after trading Trouba for Pionk, below average third pairing defender with offensive upside — his biggest coupled with the possible departure of Ben Chiarot and Tyler Myers as value to the Jets will be on the power play. Meanwhile, none of Dmitry unrestricted free agents. Cap space appears abundant but that is a myth. Kulikov, Joe Morrow or Sami Niku have shown they can carry a pairing. Winnipeg will almost certainly approach this season’s projected $83- million salary cap maximum and it will do so as soon as key RFAs like In short: this is a defence with a viable top pairing followed by a long Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor are signed. series of question marks.

Like we’ve been saying, Winnipeg is in tough this summer. Optimism comes in Niku earning a full-time NHL job — certainly, this depth chart helps his case — and the thought that a healthy Tucker Even though Winnipeg presently has 14 players under contract and Poolman could round out Winnipeg’s defence, considering the appealing almost $25 million in available cap space, any meaningful additions to bouns of being on a team friendly contract. Even with Trouba out and the team’s depth chart will have to see money going out as well as in. Pionk in, the Jets are set to approach the salary cap ceiling this season Finally: I will periodically update this post throughout the offseason as and every value contract helps. major transactions occur. Can the Jets re-sign Chiarot or Myers? Not as presently constructed — Forwards this is already a cap team. That said, Craig Custance reported that the Jets are shopping Perreault and Ehlers and, if a trade clears cap space, I Vying for spots: Mason Appleton ($741,667), Kristian Vesalainen think Chiarot is a plausible UFA signing for Winnipeg. Perhaps the Jets ($894,167), Marko Dano (RFA), Andrei Chibisov ($792,500) are inclined to have him reprise his second pairing role alongside Byfuglien. Meanwhile, I don’t expect the Jets to have cap space to re- Unrestricted free agents: Brandon Tanev, Par Lindholm, Matt Hendricks sign Myers — he’s a solid third pairing defenceman at 5-on-5 and a good Notes: Winnipeg’s biggest strength is its forward group where the depth power play contributor too but his $6 million projected salary is beyond chart is close to set. Winnipeg’s current budget.

Mark Scheifele is Winnipeg’s franchise centre. Kyle Connor, Nik Ehlers, At the minor league level, Poolman is the most NHL-ready. I expect that Blake Wheeler and Patrik Laine give the Jets plenty of top-end talent on Logan Stanley will get a long look in training camp this fall but can’t see its wings. Mathieu Perreault’s offence took a step back last season but him earning an NHL job. he can still impact possession while Jack Roslovic has a good case for Winnipeg’s best hope in the pipeline? Dylan Samberg, set to return to the an increase in minutes. Mason Appleton is the frontrunner to claim one of University of Minnesota-Duluth for a third season instead of turning pro. the three available jobs (assuming a roster of 13 forwards) while a combination of Kristian Vesalainen, Marko Dano and Andrei Chibisov — I think there is a good chance this depth chart improves — possibly as or a re-signed Brandon Tanev — will claim the others. soon as this week — at the cost of one of Winnipeg’s skilled forwards. Finally, it should be noted that Kulikov remains a buyout candidate. If the It’s possible that Tanev signs elsewhere or that the Jets take a longer Jets do go that route, it will save Winnipeg a much-needed $2.9 million look at Par Lindholm in his place but, by and large, Winnipeg’s biggest off the cap this season at the cost of $1.4 million in 2020-21. questions up front are more about line optimization than a search for quality players. Goalies

If Paul Maurice sticks with his status quo up front, then the lines will look Vying for spots: Eric Comrie (RFA), Mikhail Berdin ($758,333), Ken a lot like what I’ve displayed above — a simple ranking of 5-on-5 ice time Appleby (RFA) per game from 2018-19. Copp might bump Perreault to the fourth line but, otherwise, we’ve seen a lot of this lineup before. Unrestricted free agents: None

There are two ways we could see a major shift to this depth chart: Notes: The Jets NHL depth chart is essentially carved in stone for 2019- 20. None of Eric Comrie, Mikhail Berdin or Ken Appleby will steal a job If Maurice strays from the top-six/bottom-six tradition that he’s employed from Connor Hellebuyck or Laurent Brossoit. Still, there are some in recent years: There is an analytical case to be made for using questions in goal. Winnipeg’s lesser offensive talents like Perreault or Copp (who drive possession) alongside better finishers like Scheifele or Laine. It’s The Blues and Bruins succeeded with 1A/1B tandems last season, concerning that Connor/Scheifele/Wheeler could get outscored 29-23 leading Pierre LeBrun to believe other teams will follow suit. There’s while mostly backed by Morrissey/Trouba. They also finished the season some evidence that Winnipeg could benefit from this approach, too. With below 50 percent expected goals, as per Natural Stat Trick, and it’s time Hellebuyck’s .913 SV% outshone by Brossoit’s .925 SV%, there’s a case for a new look up front. for the Jets to balance their starting rotation more evenly than the 62-19- 1 split they employed with Hellebuyck, Brossoit and Comrie in 2018-19. Make no mistake — Hellebuyck is still Winnipeg’s No. 1 netminder — but if Brossoit keeps his level up, something closer to 55-25 may be in the cards. Personally, I think Hellebuyck is a good bet for a bounce-back season in 2019-20 but will need to keep his puck handling gaffes to a minimum. He’s been haunted by puck handling errors in consecutive playoffs now — first in Game 3 against Vegas, then in Game 2 this year against the Blues — but remains a good NHL goaltender under ordinary circumstances.

At the minor league level, Eric Comrie continued to be the organization’s favoured goaltender last season. You can see it in his NHL start, his 47 games played for the Manitoba Moose and the fact that both Mikhail Berdin and Ken Appleby split time between the Moose and Winnipeg’s ECHL affiliate, the Jacksonville Icemen. That said, he’s a trade candidate for two reasons: first, Winnipeg could use more draft picks and I’m under the impression that NHL teams kicked tires on him at the 2019 trade deadline and second, Comrie will need to pass through waivers to play in the AHL next season. There’s at least some possibility that Winnipeg could sign him and then lose him for nothing in their attempt to send him to the Moose.

In an ideal world, Winnipeg would continue to run Hellebuyck and Brossoit in the NHL while Comrie, Berdin and Appleby battled it out for minor league time. Comrie could be lost to waivers in September or traded before this week’s draft. Otherwise, it will be status quo in Winnipeg’s net next season.

Current cap hit: $57.6 million (roster size: 14 players)

Available cap space: $25.4 million

Estimated RFA costs: $25.0 million

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147634 Vancouver Canucks Canucks missed the playoffs, then-GM Dave Nonis pried Luongo loose from the Panthers for a package built around who, by then, was a spent force.

Playing NHL draft’s ‘what if?’ game usually drives Canucks’ fans crazy It was, inarguably, one of the greatest trades in franchise history and Luongo joined a team that featured emerging stars Daniel and , 22-year-old and a defence with Kevin Bieksa, Mattias Ed Willes Ohlund and Sami Salo.

Nonis, alas, wouldn’t be around to see that team develop. Under considerable pressure to make the playoffs that season, the young GM Opinion: What if the Canucks had taken Jagr instead of Nedved? While made a series of deals at the deadline that brought the Canucks’ backup we’re at it, what if they’d taken Keith Tkachuk or Marty Brodeur with the goalie Mika Noronen, and veteran blueliners Keith Carney, Eric Weinrich 19th pick in the same draft instead of Shawn Antoski? and Sean Brown. First a history lesson. Noronen and Carney both cost Nonis second-rounders, which was Before the 1990 draft in Vancouver, the Canucks had Czech forward unfortunate because sitting in the stands at Rogers Arena on draft day Jaromir Jagr at the top of their board, an opinion that was shared by a was the Vancouver Giants’ Milan Lucic who fell to Boston with the 50th number of other NHL teams. overall pick.

Unlike those other teams, the Canucks held the second pick in the draft Again, that happens to virtually every team and every draft. It just seems and with Quebec leaning toward power forward Owen Nolan as the first to happen more often to the Canucks. Think of what it would have meant overall selection, it appeared Jagr was destined for Vancouver. There to the franchise if they’d drafted an East Van kid. Think of the impact were, however, complicating factors. Lucic would have made on this team and this market. Think of how 2011 might have turned out. The young winger still had a year left on his contract with Kladno, his club team, and reportedly owed Czechoslovakia two years of military service. Just don’t think about it too long, it gets depressing. Canucks GM Pat Quinn, who was fresh from a battle with InterSport over Milan Lucic taunts Alex Burrows during Game Three of the 2011 NHL Russian players and Vladimir Krutov, was aware that, er, Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on June 6, 2011 in Boston, accommodations could be made to extract Jagr from his commitments. Massachusetts. But Quinn was unwilling to buy out Jagr’s military service. Instead, the Back in ’90, meanwhile, the Canucks took a Lucic-type player in Antoski Canucks selected Petr Nedved who, ironically, had defected from which is different than taking a Lucic. A 6-4, 234-pound power forward Czechoslovakia 1½ years earlier, and Jagr fell to Pittsburgh at No. 5 who scored 25 goals and had 201 penalty minutes in North Bay, Antoski where the Pens wrote the cheque for the Czech. was part of Quinn’s plan to beef up the Canucks. They also won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992 and Jagr Tkachuk, who scored 538 goals in his NHL career, checked that box as would play 1,733 NHL games while scoring 766 goals. well but he’d broken his ankle in his draft year. “Pat’s view was very clear,” said Brian Burke, then the Canucks’ director “It was an incomplete body of work,” Burke said of the Canuck’s view of of hockey operations. “We’re taking the best players and we’ll worry Tkachuk. about immigration later. But the two years scared him and he wasn’t going to buy off the Czech government.” Still, the news wasn’t all bad for the Canucks that day. Earlier, the NHL had ruled in their favour over Pavel Bure, a player they’d drafted in ’89. Petr Nedved scores for the Vancouver Canucks on March 17, 1991. Like Jagr, the Bure saga came with its own behind-the-scenes drama Vancouver Sun but, in the end, the Canucks landed the greatest player in franchise OK, this is an extreme version of that greatest of all draft games, what if? history with a sixth-round pick. But let’s play it anyway. Now, just think if they would have come out of that day with Bure, Jagr What if the Canucks had taken Jagr instead of Nedved? While we’re at it, and Tkachuk. what if they’d taken Keith Tkachuk or Marty Brodeur with the 19th pick in Told you this was a fun game. the same draft instead of Shawn Antoski? Vancouver Province: LOADED: 06.20.2019 Every hockey fan has played that game and it’s a special form of torture for Canucks’ fans. But when asked if he ever looked back on his various hits and misses in his three decades as an executive Burke, typically, is blunt.

“You can’t,” he said. “This isn’t like buying a car where you’re getting a finished product. There are a lot of things that have to align and even then you don’t really know. You’ll drive yourself crazy playing that game.”

Which, comes to think of it, explains a lot of things about Canucks’ fans.

This week will mark the third time Vancouver has hosted the NHL Entry Draft and, while each Canucks’ draft has been notable for its own reasons, the ’90 and ’06 congresses serve as a near-perfect microcosm of this franchise’s tormented history.

Both years the Canucks were on the verge of developing into a power. Both years they had notable successes on draft day. Both years should have represented the start of something big for the team and its supporters. Instead, both years are remembered for the lost opportunity.

As it happens there are parallels between the Canucks of 2019 and their predecessors from ’90 and ’06 and with GM Jim Benning going big-game hunting this weekend, this year’s draft has a chance to be remembered as another game-changing moment in the Canucks’ story.

You just hope it’s in the positive sense of the term this time.

The ’06 draft, for example, is remembered for a couple of reasons, not the least of which is the trade that brought Roberto Luongo to Vancouver from Florida. Following a disappointing 2005-06 campaign in which the 1147635 Vancouver Canucks way to the Stanley Cup, received 18 votes, while Dahlin received a solitary first-place vote.

Voters were asked to rank their top five selections for rookie of the year Elias Pettersson wins Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year on their ballots.

Pettersson is the second Canuck to win the Calder Trophy, after Bure. Patrick Johnston Brock Boeser was also a nominee last season, but finished second.

“I’m so happy right now,” Pettersson said, with emphasis.

Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks accepts the Calder Memorial Pettersson was also named to the NHL’s all-rookie team, along with Trophy awarded to the player selected as the most proficient in his first Binnington and Dahlin. year of competition during the 2019 NHL Awards at the Mandalay Bay Vancouver Province: LOADED: 06.20.2019 Events Center on June 19, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pettersson was the favourite to win the award.

Elias Pettersson has won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie.

The 20-year-old Swede thanked Canucks management and his teammates as part of his speech, which he delivered with the smooth confidence Vancouver fans and reporters have become accustomed to.

“You believed in me. It was my goal from day one to prove you right,” he said.

He also thanked his family for their support and their love.

He also made mention of the late Jason Botchford, the former Vancouver Province and The Athletic sportswriter who passed away last month.

“Thanks to everyone who voted for me. I’m pretty sure that includes Jason Botchford, who recently passed away. Jason was a great supporter in the Vancouver media and a great man,” he said.

Coming from a small town in northern Sweden, he admitted he was feeling serious nerves as he walked up to the stage.

“I was really nervous about my speech that I wouldn’t mess it up,” he said with a laugh. “It felt like my legs were shaking; I’ve never spoken in front of that many people.”

He said he was happy with his delivery. He also said that while he dreamed of playing in the NHL, he never thought he’d find himself winning awards.

“No, no,” he said. “Growing up I thought maybe I’d play in the NHL. I never thought I’d be up on stage at the NHL awards. But now I’m in Las Vegas; life’s amazing right now.”

Though he slowly revealed a bit of a flashy fashion sense as his rookie season progressed, on this sweltering evening in the Nevada desert — it was 40 degrees as the ceremony at the Mandalay Bay began — he wore a traditional black tuxedo; nothing fancy.

“It was easy,” he said of the choice. “I’m a rookie, I didn’t want to be cocky with my costume.”

He really felt it was important to honour Botchford’s passing.

“He was an awesome reporter. He was respected, someone I respected,” he said.

“He was so into hockey, I loved talking hockey with him. I loved to read his articles.”

It was a season to remember for Pettersson.

He set team rookie scoring records, surpassing assist and total points marks set by Hall of Famer Pavel Bure 27 years ago, making it a two- man race for the title of best-ever Canucks rookie.

He played 71 games in his rookie season, scoring 28 goals and added 38 assists for a total of 66 points. (Bure scored 34 goals and added 26 assists in his rookie campaign.)

Also nominated for the award, which is based on regular season play and voted on by selected members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, were the Buffalo Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin and St. Louis Blues’ Jordan Binnington.

Support for Pettersson among the 171 PHWA members who were asked to vote for the award was overwhelming: he received 151 first-place vote.

Binnington, who was a key player in the Blues’ worst-to-first surge over the second half of the season and of course through the playoffs, all the 1147636 Vancouver Canucks

Edler deal with Canucks close? Maybe, but no one’s commenting

Patrick Johnston

Reports say a deal with the veteran defenceman is close. Canucks GM Jim Benning is saying "not so fast."

Reports suggesting the Vancouver Canucks and Alex Edler have finalized a new contract appear to be premature, but that doesn’t mean a deal isn’t nearing completion.

Multiple reports came out Wednesday afternoon suggesting the NHL club and the soon-to-be free agent defenceman are on the verge of signing a three-year — or perhaps four-year — deal.

“Still working on it,” Canucks general manager Jim Benning said on the phone.

“Bad scoop,” he added in reference to reports the deal was already done.

Mark Stowe, Edler’s Point Roberts-based agent, was similarly tight-lipped about the situation.

“Can’t comment. Sorry,” he said over the phone.

Keeping quiet at this stage, with the draft at Rogers Arena just two days away, does make some dramatic sense; it would qualify as a big splash if Benning were able to announce Edler’s re-signing in front of a hometown crowd.

Reportedly, both parties have agreed a new contract won’t include a no- movement clause in at least the third year of the deal, which would mean the Canucks wouldn’t be required to protect him in the Seattle expansion draft, slated for 2021.

But if the deal does go three years, it would overlap with the first season of what are expected to be big second contracts for Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes.

Re-signing Edler has been a major priority for Benning, given the lack of depth his team has on the blue-line and the fact that Edler remains the team’s best defender, even at the age of 33.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147637 Vancouver Canucks 3. KEVIN BIEKSA

(151st overall, 2001)

Ben Kuzma: Canucks like most with history of draft home runs, strikeouts Kevin Bieksa jumps to redirect an Alex Burrows shot against the Calgary Flames in 2015.

Bieksa would fight anybody at any time. His toughness was legendary Ben Kuzma and his presence in the room and the community grew. But his toughest challenge was staying healthy. It affected his mobility but not his fire.

The polarizing Ryan Kesler had a 41-goal season and won a Selke A series of injuries — calf laceration, torn ankle tendons, fractured foot, Trophy with the Canucks. knee and groin ailments — contributed to his demise but not his drive. As the Canucks were about to be swept by San Jose in a first-round 2013 Every team has swung for the NHL draft fences. They know the scouting playoff series, he played the gamesmanship card in the morning skate. measuring stick for success in any year is three prospects actually making it to The Show — with your club or another — and two playing for He accused the Sharks of embellishment. It’s what he did best. Anything your club. to gain an edge. His goal (and bite) to propel the Canucks to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final will never be forgotten. Home runs and strikeouts. THE BIG STRIKE-OUTS Every team has swung for the NHL draft fences. They know the scouting measuring stick for success in any year is three prospects actually 1. PATRICK WHITE making it to The Show — with your club or another — and two playing for (25th overall, 2007) your club. Sounds simple. It’s not. Patrick White was a Minnesota hockey star and 2007 draft bust for the The Vancouver Canucks have had more than their fair share of first- Canucks. round whiffs — Dan Woodley (1986), Alek Stojanov (1991), Libor Polasek (1992), Josh Holden (1996), Nathan Smith (2000), Patrick White David Perron was the 26th pick that year and is a Stanley Cup champion (2007), Jordan Schroeder (2009), Nicklas Jensen (2011), Brendan with St. Louis. Gaunce (2012) and Hunter Shinkaruk (2013) — but there are also good- news stories and good years. As for the unknown White, his 18 high-school goals and eight in the USHL kept him off many scouting lists. He had just 27 goals in four The new millennium success bar for smart selections was set in 2004 seasons at the University of Minnesota and never played an NHL game. with Cory Schneider (28th), Alex Edler (91st), Mike Brown (159th) and (287th). The Canucks were widely lauded for 2017 picks He was shipped to San Jose in August 2009, along with Daniel Rahimi that included Elias Pettersson (fifth), Kole Lind (33rd), Jonah Gadjovich for Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich. White would play in Germany, (55th), Mike DiPietro (64th), Jack Rathbone (95th) and Petrus Palmu Slovakia, KHL, Austria, Sweden and had 11 goals in 40 games for Dijon (181st). of France in the 2016-17 season.

Only time will tell if the pro-transition struggles of Lind and Gadjovich will 2. NATHAN SMITH be overcome and that’s why we’re limiting our modern-day assessment (23rd overall, 2000) to 2000-2013. Nathan Smith skates during a pre-season game against the Mighty THE BIG HITTERS Ducks of Anaheim in 2005. Jeff Vinnick / PROVINCE

1. RYAN KESLER It looked like a 28-goal and 90-point season with Swift Current (WHL) (23rd overall, 2003) was going to be the stepping stone for the 6-2 centre to be part of the future. However, he only played four games for the Canucks and a knee Productive. Polarizing. Prickly. injury in his third season almost ended his career.

A 41-goal season and the Selke Trophy in 2011 proved the two-way Smith wasn’t re-signed and after stops in Pittsburgh and Minnesota, his centre could drive the opposition and the fan base crazy. He’s more NHL career would amount to 26 games and no points. remembered for wanting out of Vancouver because he wasn’t thrilled with the roster skill level. He was shipped to Anaheim five years ago and 3. NICKLAS JENSEN still hears a chorus of Rogers Arena boos. (2011, 29th overall)

Kesler’s five goals and 11 points in a six-game Western Conference Nicklas Jensen, left, playing for the Canucks in 2011. Steve Bosch / PNG quarterfinal series win over Nashville in 2011 was cheered. It was as close to dominance as you can get in a team environment. He also The big winger never played that way and never found his way. He was played hurt and often on one leg with recurring hip ailments. supposed to evolve into a top-six power forward but in 24 games with the Canuck over three seasons, the Dane had three goals and tried to In the 2011 conference final against San Jose, he suffered a torn labrum reinvent himself as a bottom-six winger at the 2015 training camp in and needed cortisone shots to keep playing and scored the tying goal in Prince George. the series clincher with 13.2 seconds left in regulation. In a Postmedia News project ranking of the 101 greatest Canucks, Kesler finished 10th. He never pushed the physical envelope and the only recourse was to trade the winger and a sixth-round pick to the New York Rangers the 2. CORY SCHNEIDER following year for Emerson Etem. Jensen would play just seven games (26th overall, 2004) for the Rangers and didn’t score. He extended his career in the KHL.

Cory Schneider plays against the Kings in 2012. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 06.20.2019

The long and winding road to stability in the crease had to work through Jason LaBarbera, Curtis Sanford and Andrew Raycroft before Roberto Luongo and Schneider became a dynamic duo. They combined to win the NHL’s Jennings Trophy in 2011 for fewest goals allowed, but money would become a bigger matter.

Their combined $9.3-million cap hit sparked a 2013 draft-day shocker. Schneider was traded to New Jersey for the ninth overall pick, which turned into Bo Horvat. The amiable and accountable Schneider had become the poster boy for everything right about the franchise. Younger, cheaper and with untapped potential, he was the one who got away and would supplant Martin Brodeur as the Devils’ starter. 1147638 Vancouver Canucks Matthew Boldy

Philip Broberg

Draftee Peyton Krebs checks skill, competitive, leadership draft boxes for Victor Soderstrom Canucks Today: Peyton Krebs

Coming next: Trevor Zegras Ben Kuzma Krebs was born in Calgary and the family relocated to Okotoks when he was four years old. He was first pick in the 2016 WHL bantam draft and a rookie 2017-18 season in which he had 54 points (17-37) in 67 games Peyton Krebs was captain of Canada's 2019 under-18 world tournament proved there was a future in the game. He instantly showed a willingness team. to adapt to any situation, play in any role and be better driven than older WHL centre had his mettle tested as captain of the struggling and players. relocating Kootenay Ice “Once I was able to play in the WHL at 16 and saw high (draft) picks and Some summations are cemented on the ice. Some are formed in the guys signed by the NHL, I knew I could play with these guys and I that I gym. can for sure play in the NHL,” stressed Krebs.

And some start from being a precocious little kid in the family basement Not that it was easy being captain in Kootenay of a sinking ship that had and turning the innocent rite-of-passage of pounding of pucks against the the second-worst WHL record with just 13 wins in 68 games. It prompted wall with his brothers into a wrestling mat and boxing ring. false rumours that Krebs wanted out and tested his mettle to be good in the room, on the bench and on the ice. It’s how Peyton Krebs started to solidify his stature of being bigger in drive than he is in stature at 5-11, 182 pounds. The versatile Western “There are a lot of struggles with it — mostly mentally,” he admitted. “You Hockey League forward is on the Vancouver Canucks’ draft radar with try your best and that’s the goal as a leader. But you always wish you the 10th overall selection Friday — if they don’t go down a different road could have done more. I just kept battling through and tried to have fun with the pick — for a lot of reasons. with it and keep a smile on my face because I was doing something I love. He was captain and a very good player on a very bad Kootenay Ice team this season. With a more competitive club, the creative centre would “When I’m in the NHL one day and I look back, I’m going to be thankful have rocketed past 68 points (19-49) in 64 games and moved up the for this year. I’m a better person and player for it. And leaving (Kootenay) draft ladder. never crossed my mind. The people and staff there are amazing people.”

If teams aren’t concerned by a partial tear of the Achilles tendon that Krebs was in Vancouver on June 10 and 11 for a second interview and to Krebs suffered in a 2-on-2 skating drill on June 4 that required surgery have his surgery assessed by the medical and training staff. The three days later — a skate blade sliced through a cut-resistant Kevlar consensus was there’s no reason for long-term concern because the sock — he might be off the board when Canucks general manager Jim prime prospect is probably years away from playing pro. Benning steps to the Rogers Arena stage. The prognosis for recovery is Vancouver Province: LOADED: 06.20.2019 good and he’s expected to resume skating in Winnipeg with the relocated Ice by October.

Krebs was also captain of Canada’s Under-18 world championship entry in Sweden last month and his relentless drive has drawn favourable comparisons to Conn Smythe Trophy winner Ryan O’Reilly and the bowling ball that is Brendan Gallagher.

Peyton Krebs checks a lot of competitive, leadership boxes for the Canucks. Kayle Neis / Saskatoon StarPhoenix

“He has the best work ethic of the entire draft,” an NHL scout said of the smooth-skating Krebs, who plays an aggressive and smart game. “His willingness to adapt to any situation and play against top guys is off the charts. He drives the bus.”

Those seeds were planted early by supportive and value-driven parents. And they were driven home with a slash or a punch by brothers Dakota, 20, and Drew, 16. The elbows would fly high in the family home in Okotoks, 45 kilometres south of Calgary, and so did the emotions.

“Oh, for sure,” recalled Krebs. “There were instances where we shot pucks in the basement and I can tell you that there were a few fights. We got the boxing gloves and had a couple of brawls, too. The parents didn’t like that much — but we did it.”

It had a lasting effect on Krebs. At the scouting combine in Buffalo earlier this month, he finished second in pull-ups with 15.

“I wish I could have got a couple more,” said Krebs. “Growing up, I went to Winners and bought a pull-up bar. It’s inside my door and I probably have to do some paint touch-ups. Every time I walked by, I’d do a pull-up and that helped out.”

Krebs benefited from a household with a no-drag policy. Greg and Cindy Krebs have small-town prairie values and their sporting plan was simple. They weren’t going to drag their kids to the diamond or the rink. However, if they displayed a passion for a pursuit, mom and dad were all in.

THE ‘5-at-10’ PROJECT

Ben Kuzma provides a perspective on prospects the Canucks are considering with the 10th-overall draft pick Friday. 1147639 Vancouver Canucks

Finally in play? Trade Tanev Club called for this years ago

Patrick Johnston

Chris Tanev would have been a heckuva trade chip a season or three ago.

Selling high or selling low?

Usually, you’d prefer the former. It brings the best return. Tougher to make work, though, because you need to find a buyer who agrees on the value you’re selling.

Sometimes selling low is all you’re left with, maybe because you overvalued the asset.

In the Canucks’ case, they’ve always been reluctant to move the top- notch defensive defenceman, but apparently that’s changed.

Accoring to TSN 1040’s Matt Sekeres, the Canucks are “shopping” Tanev.

I’m told the #Canucks are, indeed, shopping Tanev. His injury history may scare some teams, and his limited no-trade clause (8 teams he can block) further shallows the pool, but he is in play. https://t.co/yWikNd5qKy

— Matthew Sekeres (@mattsekeres) June 19, 2019

This feels like too little, too late. Tanev’s injury problems are well documented. He’s far from the player he once was — and other teams know this.

It makes the Canucks turning down offers at both last year’s draft and trade deadline feel foolish. At least one of those picks was a late first- round offer.

That’s remarkable, given Tanev has only once played more than 70 games in a season. He’s been a warrior but the damage has been adding up since almost the first day he stepped into the NHL.

It’s difficult to imagine Tanev drawing a first-round offer this year. As Jason Brough joked on Twitter Wednesday, Tanev is now more like the Bluesmobile at the end of the Blues Brothers than the vehicle Elwood impresses his brother with at the beginning of the 1980 comedy: “It’s got a cop motor, a 440-cubic-inch plant. It’s got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks. It’s a model made before catalytic converters so it’ll run good on regular gas.”

For years there was a Trade Tanev Club. They knew Tanev, a 2010 free- agent find by the Mike Gillis Canucks, wouldn’t last forever. They also knew the Canucks needed picks more than they needed a maybe- healthy-but-unlikely-to-be-for-much-longer Tanev.

The Trade Tanev Club may still take roll call from time to time, but membership knows the truth: Those doors have definitely fallen off the Tanevmobile.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147640 Websites — It is believed that Kevin Hayes had the likes of Columbus and Arizona — among a few other teams — on his target list for July 1 but now that’s history and who can blame him after getting a whopping $50 million over The Athletic / LeBrun Notebook: Right-handed defencemen on the move seven years to ink it up with the Flyers. It’s a rather hurtful blow for the plus trade and free agency rumblings Blue Jackets who are losing UFAs already including perhaps pending UFA star centre Matt Duchene, plus Hayes joins a Metropolitan rival to boot. Honestly if I was Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen, given the landscape, I might offer Duchene eight years and $10 million a year to By Pierre LeBrun Jun 19, 2019 see if he blinks. I mean, no other team can offer him eight years. Last I checked, $80 million is $80 million. It’s more than $70 million, you know? After Hayes signed for $7.14 million a year and winger Jeff Skinner for $9 Rasmus Ristolainen certainly isn’t the only right-handed blueliner million a year, no way Duchene is worth less than $9.5 million a year on potentially in play in what is shaping up to be a rather intriguing offseason the open market. that way. — The Arizona Coyotes continue to keep an eye on the Patrick Marleau We always hear how rarely you can acquire a top-four, right-handed situation. As I’ve tweeted before during the Cup final, they would make defenceman. that deal if the Maple Leafs added a “sweetener’’ to the mix. There are some who have speculated that it needs to be Kasperi Kapanen or Already the likes of Jacob Trouba, Justin Braun, Matt Niskanen and Andreas Johnsson but I’m told not it doesn’t necessarily have to be that Radko Gudas have been dealt. high a price. But something good to get Arizona to blink. Of course, as There’s the potential for P.K. Subban and Kris Letang to also move in we’ve always considered since the day he actually left San Jose, the idea what would be blockbuster moves, although both could also stay put. All of a reunion with the Sharks has been in the back of everyone’s mind all we know is that their respective teams are definitely listening on them. In along. Marleau still keeps a home there. He’s still tight with the core Letang’s case, while GM Jim Rutherford has been willing to listen this players on that team. They would welcome him back with open arms. But offseason, I think it would have to be a huge offer. He really likes the the cap-challenged Sharks are juggling a lot of balls right now, including player. But he’s also in a position where he’s trying to shake up his team their negotiations with pending UFA captain Joe Pavelski. For GM Doug a little so he has no choice but to listen. Wilson to be enticed, at the very least one assumes the Leafs would have to eat almost half of that remaining $6.25 million on Marleau’s deal. And what of Tyson Barrie? — Speaking of the Sharks, how about Joe Thornton using the NHL The emergence of exciting rookie Cale Makar in Colorado plus veteran Awards media availability in Las Vegas on Tuesday night to confirm his Erik Johnson makes it a crowded party on the right side of that defence intention to return for at least another season. I immediately texted him although they could certainly live with it for another year given that Makar when I saw the news and his answer was pure Jumbo: “Thinking I got is on an entry-level deal and still learning his craft after an impressive five more years left in me,” he said. late-season debut. Thornton, who turns 40 on July 2, has already stated he would only play But given that Barrie has one year left on his contract paying him $5.5 in San Jose if he returned, so none of this taking calls from other teams million, this would be the natural crossroads offseason for both the player like he did two years ago. Still, his agent brother John Thornton now has and organization. to hammer out a deal with GM Doug Wilson although nobody will be in a hurry. He’s not going anywhere. Are the Avs listening on Barrie? — The Panthers expect a decision soon from Roberto Luongo on his “Yes they are,” said an Eastern Conference team executive on future. He’s still under contract but Father Time has caught up to the Wednesday, which echoed what other sources around the league are former All-Star goalie. His hips have been an issue now for a bit. Can he saying. give it another go? And if he doesn’t, does he simply retire or does he Which doesn’t mean he’ll go anywhere. stay active and go on LTIR come the start of next season? The Vancouver Canucks would be up for some cap recapture penalties if he But depending on the quality of the offers, the Avs could use Barrie to does retire. fulfill an important offseason goal: finding more top-six offence to support their big line. — Lewis Gross declined comment when I reached him regarding his client Torey Krug, who is subject to much speculation in the Boston “Don’t see them getting that value in return unless it’s a forward in a media because he’s one year away from UFA and just had the playoffs of similar contractual situation,” said the same executive. his life. He’s earning $5.25 million on the cap next season then free. Unless of course, Barrie signs an extension with said new team as part of Bruins GM Don Sweeney made it clear at his season-ending news the process. conference that he wants him signed. My sense is that is what Gross also intends. But now to get it done. Erik Karlsson’s new contract has a That’s if he moves at all. But it certainly sounds possible. magnet effect on the D market whether teams like it or not. On the other side, the Bruins have a payroll culture setup. So where’s the sweet spot? Elsewhere: If UFA Jake Gardiner, let’s say, ends up with $7 million or $7.5 million a — Corey Perry was bought out Wednesday as we first speculated a few year July 1, where does that leave Krug? I can’t see Sweeney entering weeks ago might be the case. But the Ducks did try to trade him the season with Krug dangling on an expiring deal. The team loses beforehand. They were limited to about a half dozen teams as per leverage as time goes on next season. There needs to be an extension Perry’s control via his full no-move clause which is understandable from this summer or else Sweeney probably has to move him. That’s what his point of view. You don’t want to end up just anywhere. But once the other teams around the league expect anyway. Ducks were unable to find a fit, they bought him out but also did so while — Speaking of the Bruins, the expectation is that Sweeney will reach out releasing a slew of statements reflecting their respect for the former Hart to J.P. Barry this week in Vancouver, the agent for pending UFA Marcus Trophy winner. The reality is, this works out better for Perry because he’s Johansson, and see what it would take to retain his services. It’s a pretty a total UFA now and can control his own fate. At a rebate, the 34-year- simple conversation in my mind: he was a great fit on the Bruins after old winger might get recharged and deliver some decent quality under coming over at the trade deadline, why not stay where you’re happy? No the right fit. One little CBA wrinkle could entice teams, too. Because he question Johansson can earn more on the open market, the Bruins are missed 100 days through injury this past year, he’s eligible to sign a one- limited by their salary cap situation. So it will really come down to Barry year deal filled with bonuses. That could help teams navigate the cap and Johansson balancing fit versus money and hey, perhaps they can with him. Plus give him a year to reestablish himself. find both those things elsewhere, too.

Contenders might want him because he’s a proven winner. Younger — The Leafs and Canucks had a chat about Chris Tanev earlier this clubs might want him for his experience and leadership. season, before the trade deadline. I’m not sure it went very far at the “He’s appreciative of his time in Anaheim, he made a lot of friends in and time. But I wonder if Vancouver does decide to get more serious about outside of hockey there,” his agent Pat Morris said. “He grew up there in Nikita Zaitsev if those two names can’t be connected together in a larger many ways. He understands the business side of hockey. Time to start a package? I think Vancouver is aiming higher for its RHD, perhaps new chapter.” pending UFA Tyler Myers, or maybe a trade for Tyson Barrie? All I know is that Canucks GM Jim Benning is furiously working the phones looking for that on the right side of his defence.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147641 Websites It’s been reported that Vancouver has interest in Zegras, Krebs and Alex Newhook. I believe the Canucks are interested in Caufield. If Broberg gets to No. 10, I think this is his floor.

The Athletic / Pronman’s Mock Draft 2.0: How have trades impacted the Philadelphia: Matthew Boldy, LW, USNTDP-USHL 2019 NHL Draft? Philly has been a hard team to get information on. I’ve heard teams speculate Krebs and Boldy here, as well as Victor Soderstrom.

By Corey Pronman Jun 19, 2019 Minnesota: Vasili Podkolzin, RW, SKA-VHL

If the draft goes this way, I think Minnesota’s pick comes down to There have been some significant changes, starting in my top 3 and Podkolzin or goaltender Spencer Knight. I believe they like Knight, so if including the Rangers sending the Jets back the 20th overall pick, since Podkolzin goes before this slot, it could lead to the goalie landing with the my last mock draft on June 6. Wild.

This is my final projection for the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Florida: Moritz Seider, D, Mannheim-DEL barring any major piece of information I come across in the next couple Seider, Soderstrom and Thomas Harley are the names I’ve heard Florida days. is in on. Seider seems to be the name trending up the most among You can also check out my ranking of the draft-eligible players with teams I’m talking to; he may even go higher than this but I haven’t heard profiles of all the prospects. of a specific team attached to him higher than No. 13.

New Jersey: Jack Hughes, C, USNTDP-USHL Arizona: Arthur Kaliyev, RW, Hamilton-OHL

Every indication I’ve received is Hughes will be the Devils’ pick. There Teams have speculated Arizona is looking to talent up front and might be some minor debate by scouts with other teams about who is the particularly a goal-scorer such as Kaliyev. I believe, if Podkolzin gets this best prospect, but I believe Hughes in New Jersey’s guy. far, this is where he stops .

New York Rangers: Kaapo Kakko, RW, TPS-Liiga Montreal: Cam York, D, USNTDP-USHL

The Rangers will take whichever of Hughes or Kakko are left on the The names linked to the Habs are York, Lassi Thomson and Soderstrom, board, and I have not heard of them seriously considering another name. to a lesser degree. I’ve also heard Jackson Lacombe linked to them, but that might be more of a second-round target. If Caufield somehow gets Chicago: Bowen Byram, D, Vancouver-WHL this far, I think this is his floor, but otherwise I think the Habs are taking a defenseman. I’m pretty sure my mock will come apart at this pick because I have not been able to nail down Chicago’s preference at all. I’ve heard from Colorado: Spencer Knight, G, USNTDP-USHL sources who say it will for sure be Byram, sources who say it will for sure be Alex Turcotte and the same for Kirby Dach. Knight feels like a logical landing spot for the Avs given their need for a top goalie prospect and how high the NHL scouting industry is right now Colorado: Alex Turcotte, C, USNTDP-USHL on Knight. If Turcotte goes No. 3, though, and the Avs get Byram at No. 4, they might not be as likely to add a goalie instead of a center like Alex The buzz coming out of Colorado is the Avs want to add a top center Newhook or Ryan Suzuki. talent into their organization. They are high on Turcotte and I believe, if Byram goes No. 3, Turcotte’s their guy. If Turcotte goes No. 3, though, I Vegas: Alex Newhook, C, Victoria-BCHL don’t think it’s a guarantee they select Byram, even if that would be the guy I slot to them. I’ve heard they are very high on Dach and Trevor I’ve heard from more teams that have Newhook top 10 than outside the Zegras. top 15, so him getting to No. 17 is not a guarantee. I could see Suzuki as Vegas’ pick if Newhook is gone by this point. Los Angeles: Kirby Dach, C, Saskatoon-WHL Dallas: Victor Soderstrom, D, Brynas-SHL I have heard Dach and Dylan Cozens as the players the Kings are debating. I think it will be Dach for the upside, but sources are split on I’ve heard from a source who claimed there’s no way Soderstrom gets which of the two will be the pick for L.A. past Dallas. I’ve also heard from another source there’s no way Raphael Lavoie gets past Dallas. Nobody told me what happens if both are there! Detroit: Dylan Cozens, C, Lethbridge-WHL Soderstrom seems to be a stronger rumor and there’s more momentum for him generally, so I think that’s the safer bet. Detroit has been linked to Dach, Cozens and Vasili Podkolzin. I heard Zegras during the months of April and May, but less so lately. I don’t Ottawa: Thomas Harley, D, Mississauga-OHL think Dach gets past the Wings. Ottawa’s system has high-end prospects at each position except goalie Buffalo: Trevor Zegras, C, USNTDP-USHL (but it has some talent there, too), so best player available is the best route, and Harley is the best player available in the industry at this point. I have heard Cozens and Zegras as the two names rumored to the Knight could be a good landing spot if he manages to get to No. 19. Sabres, depending on how the top six goes. Teams have speculated the preference is in that order. Winnipeg: Ville Heinola, D, Luukko-Liiga

Edmonton: Philip Broberg, D, AIK-Allsvenskan It’s not a typical Jets pick, as they have opted for more size in recent years, but the rationale for Heinola is that they haven’t used a true high I think the top seven picks will be the top prospects selected even if I pick on a puck-moving defenseman in a few years. Lavoie and Harley, if don’t get the order 100 percent right. Pick No. 8 is where the uncertainty available, would be more par for the course if the Jets stick to their more starts. Broberg has been the name rumored to the Oilers for the past few recent drafting trends. weeks even though his name slid a little in the industry the past few months. I’ve heard the Oilers are interested in Cozens here too in case Pittsburgh: Tobias Bjornfot, D, Djuargarden-J20 SuperElit Podkolzin goes to Detroit and Zegras to Buffalo. The Penguins need everything, be it forward or defense, in the pipeline, Anaheim: Peyton Krebs, C, Winnipeg-WHL so the most talented player should be their pick. Teams have speculated they are in on the two European defensemen in Bjornfot and Heinola. I know Anaheim was interested in a lot of the Western kids like Dach, Bjornfot has some momentum right now following his strong U18s; I’ve Cozens and Krebs. I had Krebs pegged here but the partially torn heard of a few teams slotting him in the top 20. Achilles injury may scare off the Ducks. I will still slot him here because teams don’t think it will impact his game in any way. If he’s not their pick, Los Angeles: Bobby Brink, RW, Sioux City-USHL I think they go with Matthew Boldy. If Cozens gets this far, I think this is his floor. Brink to the Kings was speculated by some other teams. It would be a pick against their typical drafting tendencies for size, though. Vancouver: Cole Caufield, RW, USNTDP-USHL New York Islanders: Philip Tomasino, C, Niagara-OHL

I had Tomasino mocked at No. 20 to the Rangers in my previous mock (and that would have been my pick again prior to the Jacob Trouba trade) so as a result of the trade, Tomasino gets to No. 23. He ticks a lot of boxes in terms of the skill the Islanders look for and what they need in a top center.

Nashville: Ryan Suzuki, C, Barrie-OHL

Nashville has a thin system and is in need of talent, particularly help down the middle for the farm system. If Tomasino and Suzuki are there at No. 23, I think it would make the Predators’ lives simple.

Washington: Raphael Lavoie, RW, Halifax-QMJHL

Lavoie could go earlier than this, but if he gets this far, Washington would likely be happy. Lavoie has appeal as a late 2000 birth date with one year left of junior who could be two years away to help extend the contending window of a team like Washington – or Pittsburgh earlier.

Calgary: Matthew Robertson, D, Edmonton-WHL

The name I’ve heard with Calgary the most is the big rearguard from the Oil Kings. There’s a part of me that wonders if it’s legit, given how many young defensemen are already in the Flames’ system, but at this point of the draft, there are never firm rumors. I’ve also heard Brayden Tracey mentioned here.

Tampa Bay: Jakob Pelletier, LW, Moncton-QMJHL

Pelletier and Tracey are the two names I’ve heard speculated as Tampa’s pick. I think, looking at their system, they could really use a puck-moving defenseman like Thomson or Ryan Johnson, but I haven’t heard any defensemen mentioned to the Bolts.

Carolina: Nils Hoglander, LW, Rogle-SHL

Tom Dundon has made it clear he wants to draft a forward in the first round, and he wants that player to deliver some fun. Hoglander is very fun, and a forward, so he checks off those boxes.

Anaheim: Ryan Johnson, D, Sioux Falls-USHL

Johnson to the Ducks is something I’ve heard for about a month, which I’m not sure is an actual team interest rather than people pushing a human-interest story as he’s a local California kid. Regardless, he ended his season very well and I’ve heard teams with higher draft slots have interest in him.

Boston: Jayden Struble, D, St. Sebastian’s School-U.S. High School

Struble to the Bruins and, in general, in the first round was a rumor that emerged in the past few weeks, but I do hear there’s serious momentum for him right now in this range of the draft.

Buffalo: Lassi Thomson, D, Kelowna-WHL

Teams have speculated the Sabres would have interest in adding skill on the back end given their organizational need, which Thomson would be the best player in fit and talent. I’ve also heard teams speculate their interest in Heinola.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147642 Websites He’s a large part of what makes that line go, but it’s worth noting he’s second fiddle on offence and is arguably the weakest link defensively.

Rantanen is a terrific player, and will continue to get better, but he The Athletic / By the numbers: Evaluating the stacked crop of restricted appears to be one whose market value is likely inflated by his point free agents and what they’re worth totals, which aren’t as impressive in context. I’m not sure he’s a player worthy of earning $10 million in the current market landscape… yet. On a max deal, he will likely become that player, but I don’t believe the By Dom Luszczyszyn Jun 19, 2019 Avalanche should be paying for that yet. According to his projected value of 2.6 wins, a figure between $8-to-8.5 million would be more palatable.

Projected Contract: $10.0M x 8 years It’s hard to recall a restricted free agency landscape that has been as loaded with talent as this summer’s looks to be. There’s been a changing Perhaps surprisingly, the other player slated to earn eight figures per of the guard in recent NHL seasons with youth taking the league by season is Aho. In a smaller market like Carolina, it’s difficult to see him storm, and now it’s time for those kids to get paid. getting $10 million per year, but it’s worthy of discussion given the season he just had. Teams have always had most of the leverage when it came to restricted free agency, but that’s beginning to change and this summer could see He had his strongest season to date playing 20 minutes per night and an even larger shift toward player power with the talent set to hit the earning 83 points in 82 games. His 5-on-5 scoring rate over the last two market. There’s an argument to be made that those players will deserve seasons is slightly higher than Rantanen’s at 2.17, and that’s without even more than they’re getting. nearly as much help. He did all that while being a strong two-way presence at centre – his first NHL season at the position full-time – According to Evolving Hockey’s contract projection model, this summer’s putting up a 56 percent expected goals share for the Hurricanes. He’s crop of restricted free agents features 12 players (eight forwards, four one of the strongest drivers of team offence in the league and is both a defencemen) projected to earn a cap hit north of $6.5 million with some gifted scorer and play-maker. of those players making a strong case for eight figures per season. Most importantly though, Aho is the face of the franchise and Carolina’s Those are big dollar amounts, especially this early in a player’s career. most valuable player. He was a major catalyst in the team’s surprise Big money deals are reserved for the best-of-the-best at this age, and season and deserves a hefty contract as a result. At 3.4 wins, he’s right this year features what is likely an unprecedented amount of on-ice value in line with the two best RFAs available here in a tier of their own. Over a deserving of such a financial commitment. max deal, Aho deserves around $9.3 million per season – anything How much will they get and how much do they deserve is the big around there would be fair game. Something tells me it won’t take that question now. The former will be handled by Evolving Hockey’s contract much to retain his services, and his deal could end up being a steal projections, which are based on a litany of factors described here (and I’d relative to the rest of the market. Over the next seven seasons, Aho definitely encourage reading the write-up as it details the model very projects to be one of the 10 most valuable players in the NHL. well). The latter will be handled by my model (which now incorporates Projected Contract: $9.8M x 8 years expected goals and has undergone some changes to give more credit for defence), based on how much a player’s projected value is worth relative It seems the entirety of this year’s restricted free agency buzz (and offer- to those very same contract projections. sheet speculation for that matter) has centred around Marner despite comparable talent surrounding him and other teams dealing with similar Here’s what to expect from this year’s stacked restricted free agency cap crunches to Toronto. That’s the power of the Toronto Media Machine field, and whether it will be worth it for next season and beyond. that has put Marner mania into overdrive. (All cap hit and salary projections are based on a 2019-20 starting point At the moment, my model considers Marner to be the second strongest of $83 million) player of this restricted free agent class behind Brayden Point, but more Forwards valuable overall because of the one year age difference which sees Marner worth 0.7 projected wins more over the next eight seasons. Given Projected Contract: $10.1M x 8 years the variance and uncertainty involved in forecasting that far out, that margin is splitting hairs and there’s a good case to be made for either According to Evolving Hockey’s contract model, the biggest RFA contract player for best of class. from this summer is slated to go to Mikko Rantanen as one of two players expected to net a deal north of $10 million. The model is agnostic Marner’s biggest asset is his playmaking which is nearly unrivalled. The to team situations and contexts – it is meant as a barometer of the only players projected to be stronger at generating assists are Nikita marketplace. In a free market, perhaps that’s what Rantanen would get Kucherov, Connor McDavid and Blake Wheeler; Marner’s ability to drive after back-to-back point-per-game seasons, especially last season a power play is a large part of his high standing here. Marner is also top playing at a 96-point pace. In Colorado though, it all comes back to 10 at driving play offensively – though that’s behind three other Leafs Nathan MacKinnon. including both of his linemates. Defensively he’s weak, but that’s true of most of his teammates and he’s still an excellent player despite that. Obviously, Rantanen will end up earning more than MacKinnon’s $6.3 million per season, but how much more is what’s up for debate and that So what’s that worth? Our Ian Tulloch already wrote a comprehensive internal structure does play a role. The other thing to consider in that vein piece about what Marner should make and settled in between $9.1-to-9.7 is how much of Rantanen’s success hinges on playing a bulk of his million over six-to-eight years. Jeff Veillette wrote a thorough breakdown minutes with MacKinnon, the team’s best and most important player. in early May that’s worth reading as well and figured something in the low When playing with MacKinnon over the last two seasons, Rantanen has $9 million range was fair game. At an average projected value of 3.5 wins earned 75 points in 1,937 minutes together (2.32 points-per-60), but in over the next eight seasons my model figures Marner is worth $9.6 400 minutes apart has just seven (1.13 points-per-60) at 5-on-5. million. That’s also roughly where Evolving Hockey’s contract model stands as well at $9.8 million over eight years (and lower with less term). That’s not the best sign for Rantanen’s production, though that is in a Basically, anything under $10 million is fair game, anything else would be small sample and the team’s lack of depth outside its stars should be an over-payment given the current RFA market. considered. But even without that caveat, it should also be noted that much of Rantanen’s lofty production comes via increased opportunity That shouldn’t be difficult to agree with, especially if Kucherov and Mark with a heavy dosage of minutes, especially on the power play. At 5-on-5, Stone, two wingers stronger than Marner, signed UFA deals (Kucherov his 2.13 points-per-60 ranks 58th over the last two seasons. Top line was one year away) for $9.5 million. Patrick Kane, a player Marner is worthy, of course, but not exactly superstar-calibre. often favourably compared to, signed for 11.1 percent of the cap in his second contract. That’s equal to $9.2 million per year this summer. That’s part of the reason my model considers him to be a borderline elite talent (the cutoff is 2.95 wins), especially since much of his value comes Everything points to a contract in the ballpark of $9-to-10 million, except via his production which carries some question marks. In terms of two- for posturing from the Marner camp suggesting he deserves similar way play, Rantanen’s impact looks to be only average. Again, on offence money to Auston Matthews, the Leafs’ face of the franchise who plays it’s MacKinnon carrying the load, and on defence it’s Gabriel Landeskog. centre and scores more goals – two qualities that often earn a bigger paycheque. That’s part of negotiating, and the Leafs likely can’t afford to or a step toward puck-possession becoming a more prominent lose this battle. We’ll see which side blinks first. marketplace commodity.

Projected Contract: $8.2M x 5 years Projected Contract: $7.2M x 7 years

With all the talk about Marner, it seems people are forgetting that he’s This contract is going to be a problem. Laine was the second overall pick arguably not even the best player looking for a new deal. That would be in 2016 and already has 110 goals in 237 games for his NHL career, the Point who out-scored Marner last season while being a better goal-scorer sixth most of any player in the league over the last three seasons. He’s and a much stronger two-way presence. With Tampa Bay in a similar cap the NHL’s premier sharp-shooter and scoring goals earns the big bucks crunch to Toronto, it seems strange that Point isn’t the subject of similar in this league. offer sheet speculation. The issue then is the fact that Laine doesn’t really do anything else and Last year saw Point on a meteoric rise to stardom in the eyes of casual his most recent season is far from inspiring. He was good in 2017-18 with fans, and much of it had to do with earning a spot next to Kucherov on 44 goals and 70 points, but slowed down to just 30 goals and 20 assists the Lightning’s top line as well as a spot on the team’s top power play en in 2018-19 while looking like one of the league’s weakest defensive route to a 92-point season. Opportunity is everything when it comes to players. That’s more admissible when he’s scoring at an elite rate, but production and Point had a great one in Tampa Bay, leading to a career there’s no guarantee he gets back to that level. He doesn’t drive play on high in points. He was just as good the year prior in a two-way role, but offence either and also isn’t much of a playmaker compared to other elite points carry more caché on the market and that’s why Point is now in a offensive stars. position to earn big money. But he scores goals and at the tender age of 21 is likely to improve in the Unlike Ranatnen, there’s much less concern about what playing next to a many facets of his game that need improving on. Is that worth a 7×7 superstar scorer is doing to Point’s numbers. At 5-on-5, he’s at 2.55 contract as projected? No, arguably not. It’s a gamble as to whether points-per-60 with Kucherov in 1,107 minutes, and 2.51 in 1,196 minutes Laine can bounce back and become less of a defensive liability and a without him over the past two seasons. In that time frame, he’s 10th in deal that should give both sides pause with the risk involved. the league overall thanks to being one of the league’s most gifted goal scorers. For the Jets, the one-dimensional aspect to his game is a worthy concern. It’s why he’s worth only 1.6 wins of value going into next season Point is the real deal and it’s no coincidence that Tampa Bay’s power while his contemporaries contribute much more. A player of that value play went from converting on 23.9 percent of its opportunities in 2017-18 with RFA status should be looking at something closer to $5.7 million per to 28.2 in 2018-19 with Point seeing nearly an extra minute of man- season, making $7 million a substantial overpayment. If Laine doesn’t advantage time per game. What likely won’t be replicated there though is improve the rest of his game, the contract could be a sour pill to swallow, Point scoring on 39 percent of his shots on the power play, and that gives despite his immense goal-scoring talent. It’s why my model doesn’t reason for caution. Given the talent he possesses and everything else he believe he’s a top line talent, and it seems even his coach agrees with does consistently well, I’d be less worried, even with impending that assessment considering he averaged 17:14 per game last season. regression in that area. At 5-on-5, his 13 minutes per game ranked 149th among forwards. Being a defensive liability seriously hindered his usage. All that makes him a bargain at what Evolving Hockey projects: $8.2 million per year on a five-year deal, though that moves up to $9.1 million But it’s that singular goal-scoring talent that makes Laine such a on an eight-year deal. My model figures that around $9.5 million is more tantalizing player. He can be more than he’s shown. Much more. And in fair, whether that’s on a five-year or eight-year deal. that sense, it doesn’t make sense for him to sign a long-term deal either when the league’s elite talents are starting to make much more than $7 What Tampa Bay has in their favour is an established contract structure million per season. with the rest of their stars that should diminish what Point can feasibly get from the team. Kucherov set the bar at $9.5 million last season (he It’s the rare case where a bridge deal might make the most sense. For deserves something closer to $12-to-13 million), and even though Point Laine, it’s a chance to bet on himself. For the Jets, it’s a chance for their arguably deserves something similar, it seems unlikely he’ll get it. most dynamic player to prove he can be more than a one-trick pony, not to mention the cap savings afforded that will help deal with two other Projected Contract: $8.0M x 6 years players on this list.

Over the last three seasons, Tkachuk’s 7.6 Corsi RAPM ranks eighth in Projected Contract: $7.0M x 7 years the league among forwards, making him one of the NHL’s premier play- drivers. He’s a puck-possession force and last year he added an elite Getting Boeser locked up long term is critical for the Canucks as a few scoring touch, notching 77 points in 80 games while playing under 18 more seasons next to Elias Pettersson could see his value dramatically minutes per game. Add a ’s edge to his game, and Tkachuk looks rise. like the next Brad Marchand in the making. He’s quickly becoming one of the league’s most valuable players. He’s a guy that Calgary needs to lock Like Laine, Boeser’s main claim to fame at the moment is a terrific shot up long term. used to score a lot of goals, and the two have some of the league’s best shooting impacts in terms of turning expected goals into actual goals. What’s interesting about Tkachuk though, is how different his on-ice Where they differ is that there’s a bit more to Boeser’s game to believe impacts look depending on the unit of measurement. By Corsi, he’s a he’s worth a 7×7 contract as projected, as my model has him worth $6.9 beast, but not so much by expected goals where his impact of plus-0.23 million per season. “only” ranks 65th. Still top line calibre, but not nearly as elite as he looks while using Corsi. It’s for that reason that Tkachuk was one of the players Once again, it comes down to two-way play. Boeser is no prize pig in hurt most by my model’s switch from Corsi to expected goals. either end, looking slightly below average by expected goals on offence and defence, but even that is a marked improvement over Laine who He still looks strong here though and of all the top end restricted free looks well below average in both categories. Laine has more pedigree agents, Tkachuk projects to be the strongest defensively. All that matters and potential, but in terms of what the two have shown to date, it’s easier because driving play is what makes Tkachuk special, and it’s something to like Boeser’s game shown so far and what Evolving Hockey has teams usually haven’t had to pay for. The added production from 2018- projected for him is a fair deal for both sides. 19 puts a wrinkle in that as he’s set to earn much more as a result, but arguably not as much as he’s worth – especially if he sees a boost in ice- Projected Contract: $6.9M x 6 years time. His 17:36 per game last year pales in comparison to other near Think the Jets have just one offensive star with defensive issues who point-per-game players as only three others (Phil Kessel, Alex DeBrincat, needs a new contract? Think again, because a lot of the problems that Teuvo Teravainen) scored more than 75 points while playing fewer than the team faces with Laine it does so as well with Connor. Over the last 18 minutes per night last season. three seasons, Laine has the 17th worst expected goals against impact My model believes Tkachuk is worth a contract north of $8.5 million per according to Evolving Hockey’s RAPM model at plus-0.23 expected season and it’ll be fascinating to see whether he actually ends up in that goals allowed, but Connor isn’t far behind in 36th last at plus-0.18. The ballpark – a well-deserved dollar amount for what he brings to the table, effect manifests on the scoresheet too and both players are viewed as but one that might look peculiar based on how the market usually equally weak in their own end by my model. operates. Tkachuk’s contract will either be two things: A bargain based on the on-ice value Tkachuk provides that teams don’t generally pay for, What Connor has going for him over Laine is that he’s stronger second worst and below break-even at 49.2 percent thanks to a 2.46 offensively, both in producing and play-driving, which is what makes him expected goals against rate that was a team worst. worth half a win more according to my model. That doesn’t absolve his poor defence, and he’s been a hindrance in that regard on the top line, That leaves some doubt as to whether he can be used as a true top but it does make him more valuable than Laine. His current on-ice value pairing defenseman – one that plays against the opposition’s best on a probably isn’t worth his projected contract either, but he’s a bit closer nightly basis and deserves a contract that pays $7 million annually over a than Laine is with $6.9 million only being a slight overpayment to the $6.3 lengthy term. That’s what’s projected of him, but I’m not sure I see it after million my model feels he’s worth. his performance in 2018-19.

Defence Given his prior two seasons and his age, there’s every belief that Werenski can bounce back to be a top tier defenseman and if that’s the Projected Contract: $7.3M x 5 years defenseman Columbus is getting than he’s worth every cent of a 7×7 contract. Werenski has a very high ceiling and is just 22. After last Is Trouba a number one defenseman? That’s the question the Rangers season there’s no guarantee that’s what Columbus is getting though, now need to ask before any long-term, big-money commitment is meaning some caution is warranted. considered, and right now it feels like the answer to that is no. With Trouba being 25, if he’s not that already it’s unlikely he becomes one. Projected Contract: $6.7M x 6 years

Trouba is definitely a top pair defender (and should remain one for the Eating minutes is one of the biggest factors for defensemen getting paid, majority of any lengthy extension), a gifted puck-mover who drives and it looks like Provorov will be a beneficiary of that as a result. Only offence well. His defensive results are lacking, but overall he’s a net five defensemen averaged more ice-time than Provorov’s 25:07 last positive which is impressive given he plays shutdown minutes. Still, there season. are players who achieve stronger results in a similar role – like the next defender on this list. What he did in those minutes was far less inspiring. Being able to play a lot of minutes matters for defensemen, but actually being effective in Last year saw Trouba earn a career-high 50 points which likely inflates those minutes should carry some weight. Provorov played as much as a his asking price, but that was mostly due to an inflated power play point top defenseman last season, but rarely looked the part. rate that was triple his usual per-60 rate. That might be a mirage or it might mean Trouba tapped into some hidden power play quarterback His impact on expected goals was sub-standard at both ends of the ice value and the answer as to which is which would dictate what he’s worth. and was better than only Robert Hagg among Flyers’ defenders. Play- Considering he’s adept at moving the puck and creating offence, the driving is Provorov’s largest weakness and grades out below average, latter wouldn’t be surprising and a spot on the Rangers top power play even when in comparison to other number one defenders tasked with will make him more valuable. equally difficult minutes.

As it stands now, Trouba is probably a bit overrated given what he It was a stark drop-off to the season prior where it seemed like Provorov provides, but he is a steady presence on the blue line and that’s a was on his way to becoming one of the game’s next great defensemen. valuable commodity. That he’s one year away from unrestricted free That trajectory is still on the table for the 22-year old, but last season’s agency only increases the salary he can command, though it feels like effort was discouraging. the $7.3 million he’s projected for would likely be a small overpayment. What hurts Provorov is a lack of support from capable partners as his With the talent he possesses though, it might be one worth making. worst seasons were spent glued to a player the Flyers just bought out, Projected Contract: $7.3M x 6 years and a rookie likely playing over his head. His best – and only time being a positive contributor towards Philadelphia’s chance share – was next to Very few defensemen in the league are as well-rounded as McAvoy Shayne Gostisbehere in 2017-18. already is at age 21. Based on the things my model values, McAvoy’s only shortcoming is his penchant for taking more penalties than he draws Who Provorov plays with seems to matter a lot in regards to his results, (a projected minus-10 penalty differential), and even that can be viewed making his situation a tricky one. I’d be wary of any hefty commitment to as a plus as he plays the game with an edge on the backend. He eats a player who doesn’t seem capable of driving his own pair, but recognize minutes, he puts up points, he plays tough minutes, and he drives play at that he hasn’t been put in the best position to succeed either. both ends of the ice – what more can you ask for? He’s only going to get Right now, Provorov is a borderline number two defensemen according better over the next five seasons. to my model and a contract upwards of $7 million would be a substantial At a projected value of 2.2 wins, my model considers McAvoy to be an overpayment for his services. But it’s hard to gauge what Provorov really elite defenseman as one of the 15 best in hockey and the path to being is, and there’s still a chance he can grow into being a top flight top 10 or even top five isn’t out of reach considering the age of those defensemen, even if he probably isn’t that right now. A bridge deal might ahead of him. He should reach top ten by 2020-21, and top five two be the best option. years after that. Over the next seven seasons, only three other defenders The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 are expected to provide more total value (Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, and John Klingberg) and from 2024 onwards no other defensemen rates higher. He’s on track to be a very special player.

There’s likely some concern that playing with Zdeno Chara plays a role in all of that, but it’s worth noting that McAvoy’s numbers are stronger away from Chara (61 percent expected goal rate without him compared to 55 percent with).

McAvoy is the real deal, and all that means an expected cap hit north of $7 million based on Evolving Hockey’s contract projections, one that looks to be fair market value based on what he’s projected to bring to the table on the ice.

Projected Contract: $7.0M x 7 years

After his first two seasons it sure looked like Werenski was well on his way to becoming one of the league’s best offensive defensemen, but he fell off dramatically in his third season leaving some room for concern about where Werenski currently stands.

There’s no denying that Werenski is strong on the power play, offensively gifted and an excellent puck-mover, but he struggled immensely in his own end last season. In his first two seasons, Werenski had the best expected goals rate among blueliners on the Jackets at 52.7 percent, providing decent value at both ends of the ice. Last season he was 1147643 Websites One of the biggest stories heading into the 2019 offseason is the number of high-quality of the RFAs who still haven’t signed. That list includes names like Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen, Sebastien Aho and Brayden The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: Five lessons from the 2018 offseason Point, and has resulted in the usual speculation that this will finally be the that could help teams in 2019 year we see an offer sheet.

Time will tell on that one, although history suggests we shouldn’t get our hopes up. But there’s another lesson here. All of this year’s big RFAs By Sean McIndoe Jun 19, 2019 were eligible to sign extensions last summer, starting on July 1. And none of them did.

That’s at least a little bit new. In past years, young stars either signed Hey, remember when the Blues and Bruins were playing hockey? Me their first big extensions in the first few days they could (Connor McDavid neither. The summer is here, we’ve already had a big trade and a major in 2017, Sidney Crosby in 2007, Evgeni Malkin in 2008) or at least before re-signing and it’s all systems go on the offseason. Let’s get wild. the season started (Jack Eichel in 2017, Tyler Seguin in 2012). A few But what kind of wild? The good kind? The bad kind? The hopeless kind? waited until midway through the season before their deal expired, That’s what remains to be seen. Every offseason has its own flavor and including Alexander Ovechkin in 2008, Patrick Kane and Jonathan we’re not sure what this one will look like quite yet. Maybe we’ll see a ton Toews in 2009 and Auston Matthews this year. It certainly wasn’t of trades. Maybe GMs will focus on free agency instead. Maybe we’ll see unheard of for very good players to make it to restricted free agency, a offer sheets and holdouts and blockbusters or maybe we’ll get none of list that includes Nikita Kucherov, Mark Scheifele and Johnny Gaudreau. those things. But in general, if a team had a young franchise player, they made sure they were locked up early. Time will tell. But while every offseason is different, that doesn’t mean we should just ignore what’s happened in the past. Recent history can offer Not anymore. That feels like a trend that’s being driven more by the some important lessons on what to expect and how best to handle the players than the teams, as the hockey world comes to understand the scenarios we may see develop. Today, let’s look back at five key lessons value of a young star in his prime. The days of getting a star’s early-20s from the 2018 offseason and how they might apply to what’s going to at a discount and then spending big on their 30s are fading (although happen over the next few weeks and months. maybe not as quickly as it should be).

The lesson: The draft isn’t the only time for big trades There’s always a risk in turning down a big extension in a sport where serious injuries can happen and there will always be players who prefer It’s become conventional wisdom in the hockey world that the days security and stability to maximizing their payday. But in at least a few of around the NHL draft make for the best time for blockbuster trades. The last summer’s cases, you have to figure that waiting an extra year is rest of the year, we constantly hear about how trading is too hard for going to put significantly more money in the player’s pocket. Marner had these poor GMs, who have to deal with a salary cap and analytics and a huge year next to John Tavares and Point broke through as a no-trade clauses that they handed out. The deadline isn’t what it used to legitimate star. They probably don’t regret not getting a deal done early, be, you can’t do anything at all earlier in the season and nobody wants to although their teams sure might. make a move at training camp. But the draft? That’s the one place you can get things done because all the league’s GMs are together in one Who could learn it: It might feel early to start talking about the RFA class building and they almost all have cap room to work with. of 2020, but they’re just a few weeks away from being eligible to sign extensions. Big names coming off entry-level deals next year include And for years, that was all pretty much true. Pick a big offseason trade – Thomas Chabot, Mathew Barzal, Nico Hischier, Alex DeBrincat, Pierre- Hall for Larsson, Subban for Weber, Kessel to the Penguins, Drouin for Luc Dubois and Clayton Keller. Other RFAs include Andrei Vasilevskiy, Sergachev – and chances are it happened either at the draft or in the Max Domi and Matt Murray. The lesson for those players may be to take days immediately after. By the time we got into July, the window for big their time and to bet on themselves, while their teams might want to look deals had closed. at the RFA chaos of this summer and push hard to lock their guys into a deal right now. But last year, that didn’t happen. Draft week was actually remarkably quiet on the trading front, with only the Max Domi/Alex Galchenyuk deal The lesson: Be careful on July 1, but maybe not all that careful? on June 15 making any real waves in the days leading up to the draft and the five-player Flames/Hurricanes deal going down on the draft floor. For years, I’ve been preaching the same sermon to NHL GMs: Just take There were a handful of smaller deals, including Philipp Grubauer and the first few days of free agency off. Unplug the phone. Get off of email. Mike Hoffman (twice), but that was about it. Go sit in a sensory deprivation chamber and crawl back out in 48 hours or so. Because almost everything that happens immediately after free That left several big names still on the block, including Ryan O’Reilly, Jeff agency opens ends up being a disaster. Skinner, Max Pacioretty and Erik Karlsson. All four would be dealt, but those trades were spread out over the course of the summer. O’Reilly David Clarkson. Milan Lucic. Dave Bolland. Loui Eriksson. Ville Leino. went first, on July 1, largely because that was the last day the Sabres David Backes. Andrew Ladd. Anything the Rangers have ever done. Go could move him before having to pay a $7.5 million bonus. Skinner on down the list and it’s just one mistake after another. Some of them are waited until August. And Pacioretty and Karlsson made it all the way to still being felt today. Start frantically working the phones on July 1 and September before their teams finally pulled the trigger. you wind up with a roster that looks like this.

The results were mixed. The returns on Karlsson and Skinner were And then last year rolled around and the results were … not terrible? viewed as underwhelming at the time. The O’Reilly deal seemed OK for They weren’t great. You had signings like or Jack Johnson both teams, although it hasn’t aged well for Buffalo. And many of us that were too expensive or too long or both. But the John Tavares thought the Habs did surprisingly well on a player they all but had to signing, pricey as it was, has worked out fine through one year. Paul move. The lesson here isn’t that waiting is the best play, at least in all Stastny too. James van Riemsdyk was good when he was healthy. Tyler cases. But it’s an option and maybe a better one than we usually think. Bozak called his shot. Even some of the signings we all pointed and Who could learn it: Any GM with a big-name player who could be moved. laughed at, like Leo Komarov, ended up OK in year one. And even guys That list could include David Poile (Subban again, or Kyle Turris), Kyle like Cam Ward and Valtteri Filppula were just one-year deals. Dubas (Nazem Kadri) and Jim Rutherford (pretty much everyone). The only July 1 signing that really ended up being indefensible was Ideally, they might prefer to make those sorts of moves before the draft, probably Ilya Kovalchuk and even that was only for three years. The like Kevin Cheveldayoff just did with Jacob Trouba, since that allows you worst of the week was James Neal, which came a few days in. That one to nail down your cap situation ahead of free agency and you don’t have really was bad, but we’ve seen years where it wouldn’t have cracked the to wait a year to use any picks you acquire. But if the offers aren’t there, top five. or the situation still feels unsettled, then waiting is a valid option. It might even work out for the better. Where were the Clarkson-level disasters? Where were the broken-down power wingers on the wrong side of 30 getting seven-year deals? It’s The lesson: RFAs aren’t in any rush to sign extensions anymore possible that NHL GMs are learning. This is, needless to say, very frustrating for those of us who write those Who could learn it: Nobody, shouts Sergei Bobrovsky’s agent while mandatory “Winners and Losers” columns on July 2 and need to have furiously trying to delete those last few paragraphs. some GMs to kick around. It might also be bad news for the UFA class of 2019. But it’s good news for fans and for the teams who are somewhat But the lesson is worth watching for any teams that need goaltending this less likely to destroy their own cap situations with silly moves that they’ll summer. And as it turns out, that list includes the Islanders and almost instantly regret. Hurricanes again, as Lehner, Mrzak and McElhinney are all headed for UFA status. Those teams would probably like to bring them back, but at Either that or last year was a temporary blip and things are about to get what cost and for how many years? That’s where things get tricky. crazy again. We can always hope. Other teams with opening include the Blue Jackets, Flames, Hawks and Who could learn it: The agents for big-name UFAs like Artemi Panarin, Flyers (for a veteran backup to Carter Hart). With the usual glut of Matt Duchene, Joe Pavelski and others. There’s still plenty of money out veterans on the market, the smart move here might be to hold off and do there, but you guys might have to work for it instead of just putting your some discount shopping in mid to late summer, rather than focusing on phone line on mute and laughing while some flustered GM negotiates one must-have player who’ll cost you more on July 1. against himself. You know, as long as you pick the right guy, since being wrong might The lesson: It can be worth it to gamble on a rookie coach cost you your job. No pressure, NHL GMs.

NHL teams can be weird about rookie coaches. Some years, they prefer The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 to play it safe, recycling the same old names at the expense of fresh eyes. Other years, the trend shifts in the opposite direction and it’s the new guys getting all the jobs.

Last year was one of the new guy years; of six head coaches hired in the offseason, four had never coached in the NHL before. Barry Trotz and Bill Peters both had plenty of experience, but none of Jim Montgomery, Rod Brind’Amour, David Quinn or Todd Reirden had ever been head coaches at the NHL level. And Quinn and Montgomery were both brand new to the league entirely.

All in all, the new guys did reasonably well. Reirden and the Caps won the Metro, only to lose to Brind’Amour and the Hurricanes on their way to the Eastern final. Montgomery got the Stars within an overtime goal of the Western final. Only Quinn missed the playoffs and the rebuilding Rangers seem happy with the job he’s doing.

There you go. Hire new guys – they’re younger, cheaper and can give your team a fresh new direction.

Who could learn it: Well … nobody, really. Not anymore. Now that the Ducks have finally remembered that they were supposed to have hired Dallas Eakins two months ago, there aren’t any openings left. (Unless you count the Blues. Which we totally are.)

And how did the new guys do in this year’s round of hiring? Not great. Of the six coaches hired this offseason, only one – Ottawa’s D.J. Smith – is getting his first job. The rest are veterans, including three guys with over 1,000 games under their belt in Joel Quenneville, Alain Vigneault and Dave Tippett.

As we said, these things go in cycles. But at least last year’s rookie crop can offer some hope to Senators fans who may be skeptical about Smith. And everyone else can start scouting rookie coaches for the wave of early-season firings that are sure to come now that the Blues have shown us that it’s the path to a Cup.

The lesson: Goalies don’t have to be expensive to save your season

Goaltending is a strange part of the roster. It’s by far the most important position on any given night. But it’s also the one with the least predictability and the slimmest margins between the best and worst. The very best deserve to make a ton of money. But who’ll be the best in any given year? Nobody seems to know. We just saw a team win a Cup with an ECHL also-ran who turned into Ken Dryden, so your guess is as good as mine.

NHL teams tend to be all over the map. But last year, two teams went cheap-ish on short-term deals to remake their goaltending situation and reaped a windfall for it. The Islanders were able to lure Robin Lehner out of Buffalo with a one-year deal that paid him just $1.5 million and he combined with Thomas Griess to win the Jennings. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes landed UFA Petr Mrazek and waiver pickup Curtis McElhinney for just over $4 million combined, finally solidifying a position that had haunted them for years.

The approach didn’t work for everyone; the Sabres rolled the dice on Carter Hutton, and while he was OK, he didn’t come close to his St. Louis numbers. The Hawks’ Cam Ward experiment was a failure. And the Wings didn’t get as much as they hoped from Jonathan Bernier.

Still, even the deals that didn’t work were at least cheap enough that they can’t be called disasters. Going bargain hunting on goaltending certainly isn’t foolproof, but as the Islanders and Hurricanes reminded us, it can be low-risk, high-reward. 1147644 Websites As one may have guessed, Clarke’s best weapon is his shot. It’s arguably top 10 in the entire draft class. Clarke can pick corners from distance with a combination of power and release speed few can match The Athletic / Brown: Five CHL sleeper prospects for the 2019 NHL Draft in major junior. He often rotates his blade during the release of a shot to mask his placement, and he can shoot directly out of a stickhandle and in stride.

By Mitch Brown Jun 19, 2019 With instincts to match his shooting prowess, Clarke has the makeup of a 50-plus goal scorer in the OHL. Watch this subtle read to get open here.

Rather than continue to drive the net, he ditches speed and cuts across The Tampa Bay Lightning received significant contributions from later- to shake off the defender. The return feed is far behind Clarke, but he round picks on their historic regular season. But each of these players matches to receive it anyway, and then convert it. followed such different paths. Brayden Point (No. 79 in 2014) was Clarke’s also a creative player, from his multiple lacrosse-style goals: already a top junior scorer but was tiny and an average skater. Within three seasons, he was already a 40-point scorer in the NHL. Ondrej Palat There are legitimate reasons why Clarke is far from a unanimous top-62 was passed over twice in the draft before hearing his name called in pick. First, his game is relatively average outside of his shot. This chart, 2011, then scored 59 points in 2014. from a sample of 10 games, shows Clarke’s results in six categories among 571 CHL forwards in standard deviation form. The goal of this piece is to identify five CHL players, generally placed near the bottom or entirely omitted from major rankings, who could The chart suggests that, yes, Clarke is above average at getting scoring quickly outplay their ranking. chances. However, he’s roughly average in every other facet, including setting up his teammates (xA1/60), transition (exit, entry, and transition To do so, I studied countless hours of film and built up a database of success) and backchecking (NZD Involv.). manually-tracked data that I’ll refer to throughout the piece. My focus is on players who stand out in one or more skills, particularly offensive skills Second, Clarke’s skating is quite average, too. His stride is a bit wide, like playmaking and shooting. leading to average top-speed and a shaky first few strides.

Henrik Rybinski – LW, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) While teams haven’t shied away from taking prospects with shooting as their best trait, rarely is it their only trait. And that’s the concern with A trade from Medicine Hat to Seattle with a stopover in the BCHL has Clarke. He’s certainly skilled enough to have a larger impact in transition kept Henrik Rybinski mostly an unknown for this year’s draft class. It and passing, but those skills hinge on his ability to improve his skating. probably shouldn’t be that way. With Seattle, Rybinski scored 35 points in 33 games, an equal or higher point-per-game pace than Kirby Dach, Artemi Kniazev – LD, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) Dylan Cozens, and Peyton Krebs. That’s right; this little-discussed winger scored comparably to three potential top-10 picks. OK, this one might be cheating a bit. Artemi Kniazev isn’t that much of an unknown to those who follow major junior closely. He was the top In a sample of 571 CHL forwards, Rybinski’s Expected Primary Assists defender on an exciting, but youthful Chicoutimi squad. He scored 34 per 60 scored in the 95th percentile, comparable to Dach and Krebs, points in 55 games, which landed him seventh in points per game among once again. While Rybinski lacks the passing skill of those mentioned first-time draft-eligible defenders in the CHL. above two, he has a unique way of creating. On any given night, Kniazev’s skill can pull fans out of their seats. He’s It starts with what Rybinski does away from the puck. He’s a part-patient, part-explosive, waiting for the perfect opportunity to blow forechecking machine, landing in the 98th percentile in steals on the past a defender to set up a chance. Here’s a play that he’s always trying: forecheck per 60. Once recovering possession, Rybinski immediately a fake wrister followed by a burst down low once the defender sets his turns the steal into offence. feet to block the shot.

Watch how Rybinski recovers this puck. The carrier makes a fake, but While it’s Kniazev’s constant motion and two-step separation speed that Rybinski doesn’t fall for it. Instead of reaching in for the puck do the damage, he’s a deft passer, too. In a 13-game sample, Kniazev’s immediately, Rybinski leads with his feet then follows through his hips, Expected Primary Assists per 60 was in the 97th of 317 CHL defenders, trapping the carrier’s stick along the boards. comparable or better than many top blueline prospects including Evan Bouchard, Ty Smith, Nicolas Beaudin and Josh Brook. Despite a slender frame, Rybinski consistently wins battles against larger opponents behind the goal and in the corners. He excels with a strong Although not a significant shooting threat from the point, Kniazev can foundation: Attack sticks, follow through with the body, and immediately beat goaltenders from range. The main issues are getting closer to the separate. Once gaining a bit of space, he turns to the slot to once again net and getting shots through. Using his skating to open up shooting weaponize the low-percentage areas. It’s a simple detail, but an example lanes in the same way that he does for passes will undoubtedly improve of Rybinski’s steady offensive habits. this.

Scoring in just eighth percentile in shots per 60, Rybinski isn’t much of a In a couple of months, Kniazev went from Chicoutimi’s weak link at shooter. It’s not just a lack of shooting will, as he’s a mediocre shooter defending its blueline to arguably its best. His footwork is precise, without much power behind his shot. He does, however, show a bringing speed through pivots. While he could stand to be more willingness to drive the net, occasionally with a flash of high-end skill. aggressive at breaking up plays, his closing speed makes up for any mistakes. He led Chicoutimi’s blueline in forced dump-ins, and recovered Part of why Rybinski is on this list is simply a lack of exposure. He joined the most, too. Seattle after their marquee prospect, Dillon Hamaliuk was injured. Otherwise, I just can’t quite figure out why Rybinski doesn’t get much Of course, there are legitimate reasons why Kniazev isn’t a top-62 lock. consideration for the draft. While his lack of shooting and truly dynamic For every highlight-reel end-to-end rush, there’s a failed clearing attempt skills are also concerns, I think his vision, pace, and relentlessness make or a missed pass at the first sign of pressure. In an 11-game sample, him one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects on Day 2. Kniazev’s Controlled Exit Percentage with pressure and relative to team was among the worst for a first-time draft-eligible defender. Graeme Clarke – LW, Ottawa 67’s (OHL) For all those games where Kniazev looks as skilled as a Bowen Byram or Once a top prospect in minor midget, Graeme Clarke hasn’t quite lived Thomas Harley, he has multiple games where he’s forcing plays or up to the hype in the OHL. Twenty-three goals in 55 games might not aimlessly wandering. Inconsistency is expected for players at this age, seem all that impressive; however, he played a third-line role on a deep but Kniazev’s game-to-game variance is notably significant. 67’s team. In 5-on-5 goals per 60 minutes, Clarke finished in the 86th percentile of OHL forwards. Xavier Simoneau – LW, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)

There’s nothing that suggests it was a fluke, either. Clarke converted his There are a lot of different ways to describe Xavier Simoneau: High-end shots to goals on a league average rate for his level of scorer, while his playmaker, non-stop pest, crushing bodychecker. He is, without a doubt, Expected Goals per 60 (at 5-on-5) lands him in the 84th percentile of 571 one of the QMJHL’s most exciting players. He was the ideal secondary CHL forwards. scorer on an explosive Drummondville squad, racking up 57 points in 55 games and leaving a trail of destruction on the ice after every shift. Simoneau was the league leader in Expected Primary Assists per 60, But it’s tricky to ignore the skill and ignore how he’s always right on the ahead of Nick Suzuki, Cody Glass, and well, just about every other star cusp of making special plays. CHLer. If I doubled the sample size from seven to 14 and he failed to complete a single pass, he’d still score in the 90th percentile. Seriously. The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019

Like many playmakers, Simoneau has a “spot” where he’s most comfortable passing: The boards, in between the top of the circle and goal line. From this position, Simoneau consistently finds his teammates waiting on the other side of the slot. He can make the pass after evading a check on his strong side:

Or send a backhand saucer pass through traffic after manipulating the defenders. His backhand passing ability is among the very best in the draft class, right up there with top prospects like Trevor Zegras and Matt Boldy.

Simoneau isn’t afraid to drive the puck to the net, but he’s not a finisher or distance shooter at this stage. He also isn’t a particularly skilled or capable puck carrier through the neutral zone, although his role might’ve had an impact.

While Simoneau does have his limitations, he brings defensive awareness and non-stop energy. His physicality and motor seem to annoy just about everyone on the ice, including the officials, who slapped him with 34 minor penalties in 57 games this season. Sure, he is bringing someone with him to the box often, that’s a lot of penalty minutes for one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers.

Now if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering, “Why isn’t this guy a possible first-round pick?” Well, he’s short (5-foot-7), and unless a player has exceptional skill at that size (see: Cole Caufield), there’s going to a significant aversion to draft him. Additionally, his stride is short and choppy and his first three steps are mostly ineffective as a result.

Combine those two issues with a lack of high-end production and there’s a genuine chance that a top playmaker in the draft class goes undrafted. In which case, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him selected as a re-entry or signed in a few years if his skating and production improve.

Matvei Guskov – LW, London Knights (OHL)

In September, Matvei Guskov landed inside Bob McKenzie’s top-20 draft-eligible players. Now, just days away from the draft, I’ve heard Guskov and “do not draft” in the same sentence. While the lustre has worn off, I still think he’s worth a draft pick.

On paper, Guskov has the five-tool skill set. He’s 6-foot-1 with the ability to turn the corner on defenders. He’s an above-average shooter, playmaker and handler and can bring some defensive value. However, he’s never all of these at the same time. Most of the time, he’s just one or even none.

The skill, especially the stickhandling ability and the offensive feel, allow Guskov to split defences and score with precision. The way he sets up his dangles is so purposeful and precise, extending his reach out wide and dipping a shoulder to get the defender to crossover. Then, he cuts back in and keeps the puck just out of their reach.

Given that Guskov’s so successful on these flashy moves, it’s surprising that he attempts them so infrequently. It’s shocking that rather than use his handling and speed in transition, he tries controlled entries (opposed to dump-ins) just 45 percent of the time, 10 percent below the London Knights’ average for forwards.

Guskov’s a versatile, dangerous shooter with a knack for getting to scoring areas. He can fish pucks out from traffic and fire, set up defenders for screens off the rush, and turn passes out of his wheelhouse into one-time scoring chances. In a 12-game sample, he scored in the 89th percentile in Expected Goals per 60, driven by his ability to get individual chances around the blue paint.

Then, there’s Guskov’s playmaking ability. He finds his teammates around the goal, particularly from the corners or behind the net after battling for possession. But too often his passes are too far behind his target, trying to pass where they were, rather than where they’re going. When the passes work, they’re glimpses into a creative, budding playmaking mind.

Twelve goals and 18 points in 59 games aren’t remotely impressive, though. Players who score that infrequently in their draft year rarely make the NHL. Perhaps he was just a bit unlucky when it came to production and his role decreased in the second half. The odds aren’t in his favour. 1147645 Websites Maritimes, the U.S. and Europe. Included in the group are two scouts who serve as director of amateur scouting for their respective NHL teams. Answers were edited for style, length and clarity, and not every The Athletic / NHL Scouts Poll 2019: Hughes vs. Kakko, blue-chip scout addressed every question. centres, small snipers and a first round goalie This draft has been lauded in terms of depth of talent — do you agree? Where do you see the talent dropping off?

By Sunaya Sapurji Jun 19, 2019 I agree the depth of talent runs deep this season. I feel it goes well into the second round.

The top end (talent) in Ontario is fine but it drops off quickly and is thin. One of the fun parts of compiling this list every year is to look back and see how our selection of NHL scouts have performed with the benefit of I think the high end is good, but I don’t see this being a draft that is great hindsight. across the board in all the different regions and areas.

I first started doing this poll back in 2014 and it has become one of my I hear this every year. It drops in the late second. favourite annual projects. Here at The Athletic, the poll is only in its third It’s a very good draft. I see a gap after the top two and then again after incarnation so it’s way too early (and probably unfair) to judge some 10 or 11. There’s a bit of a drop-off around 25 or so. results, but still fun nonetheless. It drops at three, but deep going well into the second. If you’re interested, here’s the poll from 2018 and the one from 2017. Not all of the NHL scouts participating are the same year-to-year, but it It drops off at three, 12-15, and 28-ish. should give you a general idea of their thoughts heading into those drafts. It is certainly a deep draft this year. Even though teams seem to be drafting off the same list in recent years, there should still be consensus, Forward Jack Hughes from the U.S. National Team Development quality players available well into Round 3. Program continues to be the consensus top pick for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft this week in Vancouver. Having said that though, the gap between In your estimation how good are the blue-chip centres in this class and Hughes and Finnish winger Kaapo Kakko has closed significantly who has the biggest ceiling outside of Hughes? according to the experts. Here are a few excerpts from our scouts: Lots of good centres in the draft at the top end, Kirby Dach (Saskatoon “Hughes and Kakko play two different styles but both have very good skill Blades, WHL) to me is one player with a very high ceiling. sets,” said one director of amateur scouting. “I believe the two are closer Kirby Dach. A really good group of centres. than most people think.” Trevor Zegras (U.S. U18, NTDP), I think 10 years down the road people “I think they are very close,” said another NHL scout. “I think that Hughes will look back and see who was taken before him and just wonder. may be a little more flashy at this time. You can make excuses about the worlds, but one of them was excellent while one of them struggled.” It’s a solid group and for me outside of Hughes, it would be Trevor Zegras. “Hughes is more talented but (they’re) very close in terms of NHL projection,” said a third scout. They are excellent and in abundance this year. If I had to pick one I’d take Trevor Zegras. “I think they are pretty close but talent-wise I give Hughes the edge,” said yet another scout. “He is the better skater, has better speed and his I would go with Alex Turcotte (U.S. U18, NTDP) and/or Trevor Zegras in hands are also at least as good, soft and quick as Kakko. Kakko is terms of ceiling. If Turcotte proves not to be a band-aid, he can become a physically stronger and looks like a man already. Kakko is 100 percent high-end two-way player. Zegras has shown excellent things with more NHL-ready while I think Hughes might be a slightly better player when ice time and I love his shot and grit. they’re both 25 years old.” It’s been a few years since a goalie was taken in the first round, where do Hughes, much like 2020 projected top pick Alexis Lafreniere, has been you think Spencer Knight will be selected? on the radar for a very long time with multitudes of viewings. I’ve often He will be selected in the first round, likely between 20-25. wondered if there’s ever a concern about “over scouting” and parsing a prospect to the nth degree. As a 15-year-old exceptional status player in Spencer Knight (U.S. U18, NTDP) looks like a first round name but you the OHL, John Tavares, for example, had his game dissected to the point never know who is in the market for a goalie that high on their depth where it was a wonder he could even skate by the time the 2009 draft chart. came around. He could be a mid-to-late first-round pick. “I am of the opinion that you never can see a prospect enough,” said one longtime NHL scout. “I think generally as an industry we could see these His size, athletic ability, technical skills and skating are all top-notch. players more. I really don’t think you can see enough because the Rebound-control could improve but I would take him in the first round — players are always changing and evolving and if you can get a longer maybe not 10-20 but 20-30. window of evaluation on these guys it really helps. Somewhere between 7-15. “With groupthink and ratings sometimes we need extra looks to challenge First round, starting at 15. what we think we are supposed to be seeing.” Later stages of the first – quite possibly by a team with multiple picks in And the nitpicking happens with everyone, not just the players on the top Round 1. of the draft board. Is Cole Caufield Alex DeBrincat 2.0 — how do they compare? “In our rooms we do that with players from every round,” said the scout on the kind of prospect dissection that happens in team meetings. “(It’s) Cole Caufield (U.S. U18, NTDP) and DeBrincat are like two peas in a just a little more focused on the top players, when it truthfully happens pod but I feel Caufield is a little better skater at the same age. throughout the draft.” At the same age Alex seemed to be more developed physically. He was This project originally started because — as mentioned in the past — I’m short, but thick and strong on his skates. I think Caufield has a little more not a scout, nor do I pretend to be one. Unlike our Corey Pronman or the all-around offensive ability, but might take a little longer. NHL scouts featured here, I’m not scouring the planet watching prospects in person at tournaments or in various league games. It was I think DeBrincat’s success with Chicago helps Caufield in the draft. If also a good way to find out about prospects from outside my purview in you’re just 5-foot-7 you better score like hell and that’s exactly what the CHL. Caufield did. He’s even more speedy than DeBrincat and has a helluva shot. As always, The Athletic canvassed eight NHL scouts to get their thoughts on the 2019 draft class. In keeping with tradition, the scouts are based in Yes, it’s a good comparison. different territories covering Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec and the Caulfield is an elite shooter, but I think DeBrincat has a more complete Arthur Kaliyev (LW, Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL). There are some questions game. about his play away from the puck. Might be the best shooter available.

Lots of similarities. Caufield has the shot and scoring prowess of Arthur Kaliyev (LW, Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL). DeBrincat, but plays a more complete all-around game at the same. He’s an excellent prospect. Raphael Lavoie (C, Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL).

The Leafs are selecting in the second round with the 53rd pick — what Cam York (D, U.S. U18, NTDP). calibre of prospect should be available to them at that point? In your estimation who is the most NHL-ready player in the draft?

They will get an NHL player who will able to contribute in 2-3 years. Kaapo Kakko (RW, TPS, Liiga).

The Leafs should definitely get a decent prospect at 53. I think the depth The most NHL-ready for me is Kakko. He has the size and experience of in the draft goes beyond that pick. Teams with multiple second-round playing with the men already in the Finnish league. picks should do well. Kakko, he’s already showed that at the worlds. Who cares! Let Kyle Dubas and the boys worry about that. Seriously, I think it will be a mixed bag at that point. There should be some guys that It’s clearly Kakko. will play a lot of NHL games in that range and some that might be picked Kaapo Kakko. and then not signed. Just don’t like the depth of the draft. Kaapo Kakko. Maybe Frölunda scorer Samuel Fagemo (LW, Frölunda, SHL). He’s 2000 born, but undrafted at this point. He took a huge step and might be Kaapo Kakko. available with the 53rd pick. In my book he’s a bottom-half second- rounder and I like him. Kaapo Kakko.

They’re not getting your boy Moritz Seider (D, Eagles, The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 DEL) at 53 if that’s what you’re asking.

Hopefully not a good one.

They should still be able to get a quality player at 53, although it is a year where you’d like to have a first-round pick, or at least multiple seconds.

Is there a player you think is rated lower in the NHL rankings than he should be? I.e. Sleeper pick

Ethan Keppen (LW, Flint Firebirds, OHL). He was productive on a bad Flint team. Put him on a playoff team and he gets more notice.

Possible sleeper for me that no one really talks about may be Domenick Fensore (D, U.S. U18, NTDP). A possible Torey Krug down the road?

Victor Soderstrom (D, Brynas, SHL).

Ryan Johnson (D, Sioux Falls, USHL).

Nathan Legare (RW, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL).

In a lot of rankings Vasili Podkolzin (RW, SKA, VHL) is a bit too low for me. His potential is very close to Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko. He showed flashes of excellence early on in this season but in later international tournaments he faded away a bit. Still, I like him a lot, on my personal list he’s a “shaky” third-overall pick. He plays with energy, grit, passion, has good skills and he is a tough guy.

Which player do you think has the greatest potential to end up as a bust?

Arthur Kaliyev (LW, Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL). His production has raised expectations, don’t know if his game will translate at the next level. He won’t get the space he gets now at the pro level.

Arthur Kaliyev (LW, Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL).

Vasili Podkolzin (RW, SKA, VHL).

Alex Vlasic (D, U.S. U18, NTDP). I think he gets the NTDP benefit of the doubt, just a bigger guy.

Jayden Struble (D, St. Sebastian’s, MA-High School).

From the projected first-rounders it’s Spencer Knight (G, U.S. U18, NTDP). History tells us that predicting goalie futures is very tricky.

Brett Leason (RW, Prince Albert Raiders, WHL).

Every year someone expected to go high falls down the draft list – who’s that player for you this year?

Ryan Suzuki (C, Barrie Colts, OHL) has fallen victim to that already.

Ryan Suzuki (C, Barrie Colts, OHL).

Vasili Podkolzin (RW, SKA, VHL).

Vasili Podkolzin (RW, SKA, VHL) because of the combination of not playing very well later in the season and being a Russian — if there are other question marks, as there are with Podkolzin, the KHL factor still cashes in. 1147646 Websites Treliving: I remember years ago, when I was in Phoenix, Kyle Clifford went No. 35. The guy we drafted next was a guy by the name of Chris Brown. We wanted (Clifford) in the spot. We had the pick later. … I don’t The Athletic / Execs unplugged: Behind the scenes on the NHL Draft get hopeful anymore. Usually, more often than not, your dreams are floor dashed.

McPhee: One year, we nailed the first three picks. We got (Marcus) Johansson in the first round. (Dmitry) Orlov in the second round and Craig Custance Jun 19, 2019 Cody Eakin in the third round. We felt really good that those guys would be there and we’d get them and we did. Cody Eakin we thought would

have gone earlier. But Kenny Holland was a pick or two behind us in The buildup to the draft is great. The trade talk. The mock drafts. The each round and he came up to me after the third round and said, ‘Every debate over who should go first. But, for an NHL general manager, time we go to take a guy, you take him right in front of us.’ And I said, there’s nothing quite like being on the floor while the draft is live. ‘Funny you should say that because I told our guys in September that we should start drafting like Detroit.’ “It’s always an intense moment because you have to get it right. It’s your lifeblood,” said Vegas hockey operations president George McPhee, who Holland: I know there’s guys that all of a sudden ‘Bang!’ they go right has a long record of draft success. “It’s critical that you do these things directly in front of you. You can tell the team, you’re sitting at that table right. It’s intense, some people are nervous.” and they’re sitting at that table and the way it works is they submit their pick and it goes on the computer and it goes. You can tell they’re sort of There’s a lot on the line. There’s also a ton of preparation that goes into gathering up and doing their announcement. It has to go to the league, it. To help lift the curtain on all of it, we asked for perspective from four the league has to say, ‘OK, Carolina, you’re on the board and you’re up draft veterans: McPhee, Oilers GM Ken Holland, Canucks GM Jim next.’ You’re getting ready and they’re spouting out the name you were Benning and Flames GM Brad Treliving getting ready to spout out. It happens to everybody.

This is a glimpse into life on the NHL draft floor through their eyes: When a Player Slips

Debates at the Table McPhee: There are drafts where the guy does slip to you and you feel great about it. There are other times when the guys you liked are gone. Treliving: I say to our guys, ‘We need to have the fist fight before we get They’re just gone. That’s a difficult position to be in. to the table.’ Treliving: Recently, with (Juuso) Valimaki. … We were picking No. 16 (in Benning: Usually, the debating and the fighting and the arguing goes on 2017), I think. We had two players in our ledge there that we were in the (scouting) meetings. When you get to the actual draft floor, you’ve looking at. It gets to pick 14 and (Cal Foote) comes off the board and got the player in mind you want. Usually, you have a list in order. we’re like, ‘We’re getting one of our guys.’ We had two players. Vegas Sometimes you’ll go off your list, but for the most part, you stick to the had the 15th pick and they took one (Erik Brannstrom) and we took the list. other one. Holland: The way we did it in Detroit, we found it was too hard to go from Benning: Quinn Hughes – we got him at seven. Now, there’s all the guys 1-250 and order them. So we would do our top 45. You work off your list who predict the order of the draft, you included. So there’s all these guys and then you’ve got a Europe list, a Western list, etc. after you go off out there doing these mock drafts. … Quinn Hughes, he’s going three, your overall list. (The initial list) might get you to the third round. four, five (on the mock drafts) and we pick seven. There’s no way he’ll Treliving: As you get into later rounds, you have a group of players for a end up in our lap. As he started falling, he ends up in our lap. spot. There’s always, sometimes depending on what you’ve done earlier Treliving: If one of these guys drops, you’ve hopefully run through those and taking the best player – if there’s a tie you may look at certain needs. scenarios so that when the bell goes off you’re ready to react to it. It’s If you’ve drafted five defensemen, you may look at a certain position. usually not a lot of, ‘Shit, now what?’ You’ve probably done something Holland: If you’ve drafted defenseman, defenseman, defenseman, you’re wrong if that’s the response. probably not going to take a defenseman again. So maybe the next best Benning: Sometimes what happens is a player starts falling and all of a player on your West list is a defenseman and you’re going to pass on him sudden you start second-guessing yourself. What if he falls into our lap? because you’ve already taken too many defensemen. Decisions you’ve What don’t we know about this player that everybody else knows? Why is made earlier in the draft have to impact you a little bit later in the draft. this guy falling? The one is (Filip) Forsberg. We had him rated second Treliving: You don’t want to learn new information on the floor. You and Washington ended up getting him at 11. That was like ‘Whoa, what’s shouldn’t be saying all of a sudden, ‘By the way, he can cure cancer, I going on here?’ don’t know if I told you that.’ As you get closer to, we’re 5-6 picks away McPhee: Our guys were pretty adamant about taking him. The issue was and here’s the grouping of our players for this pick, let’s reinforce their we weren’t expecting him to be there and we were concerned about what traits. it might do with our pick at 16 because we wanted to make sure we got Benning: You’re always excited that there is three or four names left (Tom) Wilson. So when Forsberg slipped and it came down to us, we had when you’re going to pick and you hope your guy is going to be there. If to have a discussion about, ‘OK, we’re pretty confident if we took this he is there, you think you’re the luckiest team on the draft floor. Whether other guy, Wilson would still be there at 16.’ he turns out to be a good player or not, for that moment, you think you Holland: The year we took Joe Murphy, we got Adam Graves at 22. Mr. got the guy you wanted. ‘Can’t believe he fell to us, right?’ That’s kind of (Alex) Davidson was the Eastern scout for the Red Wings and he must the way it goes. As you get into the fourth, fifth, sixth rounds, it’s more the have been high 60s, early 70s (years old). He liked him. It goes 16 … 17 area guys have more say if they have a real good feel for a certain guy. … 18 and we were all excited to get Adam Graves at 22. Treliving: I know Terry Doran, who does the OHL for us, was very very Benning: You show up at the draft and all of a sudden (a player) starts passionate about Andrew Mangiapane who we took in the sixth round (in falling. Then, it’s almost like, ‘There’s no way he’s going to make it to our 2015). … He was very bullish on Mangiapane. He knew what his pick.’ Then you’re ecstatic that the guy you want when you show up, you deficiencies were but really believed he was a real skilled kid, a real actually get. We’ve been lucky that way the last couple years. Even competitive kid and you want guys who are strong in their convictions – Brock Boeser’s year, we picked 23, we had him rated high. … You do not stubborn and just pushing their guys, but these are the guys who things the right way and everything happens for a reason and it turned have seen a lot who fits with our criteria and who is the best player on the out alright for us. board. That one stands out. The Art of Drafting and Trading Losing a Target Treliving: You usually go into the draft, a lot of scenarios are framed – McPhee: It happened once for us where a team moved up and took a who may be looking to move down, who may be looking to move up and guy right in front of us and everybody thought it was the guy we wanted you have an idea of prices. Then everything is fluid on the floor. That’s and it wasn’t. I remember we were taking some grief over it but that’s not what these weeks before the draft are all about. who we were going to take. But we should have taken him. In retrospect, the team that moved in front of us to get a guy was right about the guy. Holland: There is the odd time (a trade) happens at the table. From mid to late May through the combine, that’s when you’re working the phones. I’m going to talk to all the managers in the game.

Treliving: You’re talking to a team to have an idea of what they want to do and then it’s still fluid. Somebody drops but they don’t expect to or vice versa, their guy is gone, you have an idea who may want to do something. Your cheat sheet that you have has a lot of scenarios built into it in terms of discussions that you’ve had. A lot of stuff takes place on the floor because it’s dependent on who is gone.

McPhee: It isn’t very often that a name comes out of the blue right before you’re picking in terms of a player (being available). Those things are discussed beforehand. With picks and moving picks around, that happens all the time.

Treliving: (Travis) Hamonic was a draft day deal. (Dougie) Hamilton was a draft day deal. You’re always managing that. You keep it a little bit separate. To me, you want your amateur guys focused on the draft and getting everything in the right slot and get your board in the right order.

McPhee: One draft, we traded our first round pick for (in 2011). We were in the 20s someplace but we had had that discussion right before the draft and decided – we wanted to get to the pick to see what was there and Stan Bowman wanted to do it right away. We either had to do that or it probably wasn’t going to happen.

The way we saw the draft was it drops off pretty quickly, if a top guy didn’t fall, we probably weren’t going to get a game-changer, an elite player. So we went ahead and made the move. When you make that kind of move, you sweat it out for the next two and a half hours – if a good guy did fall, you would be disappointed. As it turned out, some of the players we were really interested in did not fall and so it was a good move for our club. Troy Brouwer stepped into our lineup and was a good player for us.

Holland: The deal I made with Arizona – Jakob Chychrun for Filip Hronek and Dennis Cholowski – I had lots of conversations leading up to the NHL Draft. I was trying to move (Pavel) Datsyuk’s money. I had five or six teams interested, a couple teams wanted me to give assets for them to take him off our hands. I didn’t want to give up any assets. Ultimately I had a number of conversations with Johnny Chayka.

He called me about pick eight or pick nine: ‘If somebody falls, we have a player or two we like.’ I said, ‘Let’s touch base around 12 or 13.’ Then as you start to go 12, 13, 14, some of those players we liked were dropping off the board. I called him at 15, and he said, ‘We have to wait one more pick.’ I said, ‘Is the guy still on the board?’ He said, ‘He’s still on the board.’

I don’t know it’s Chychrun. Minnesota is beside us and getting ready. I said to Chuck Fletcher, ‘Who are you taking? He said, (Luke) Kunin, and so I got on the phone (with Chayka) and said, ’Is Kunin your guy?’ He said, ‘No Kunin is not our guy.’ I said, ‘Minnesota is taking Kunin.’ He said, ‘If they’re taking Kunin, we’ve got a deal.’ … It worked out good. We freed up money, they got a player they liked and certainly we liked him too. It worked out good.

Treliving: Hey, the draft is a great time. It’s all about excitement and new hope and you’re introducing new players to the organization. To me, the bread and butter is your amateur staff and they’ve dug in hard and spent a year, two years watching these guys. It’s gratifying for them when they’re able to select one. To me, once you’re on the clock, it’s a culmination of a lot of people’s work and efforts.

McPhee: It’s a big moment. It’s a moment that can change the course of your franchise for the next 10 years.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147647 Websites show the commitment that is necessary, and by Christmas you could be the No. 1 right-winger in Edmonton.

"You’re just 21. This is the last place you’ll ever play that has as much Sportsnet.ca / Jesse Puljujarvi tells Oilers: 'Trade me or I’ll play in invested in you as the Oilers have. Which, you’ll learn one day, is Europe' important."

Would the kid listen? Maybe, maybe not.

Mark Spector | @sportsnetspec June 19, 2019, 6:36 PM The truth wouldn’t hurt though. And that isn’t always what players always hear from those closest to them.

EDMONTON — Jesse Puljujarvi will not play another game for the Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.20.2019 Edmonton Oilers, according to his agent Markus Lehto.

If the Oilers don’t trade him within the National Hockey League, he will play in Europe next fall.

"If he doesn’t get traded," Lehto confirmed, "he will play in Europe next year. He will not play in Edmonton."

The Oilers have until Monday to issue a qualifying offer to Puljujarvi, 21, in order to retain his NHL rights. Puljujarvi will refrain from accepting that offer until he has been traded, as a contracted NHL player cannot sign in Europe.

If a trade to another NHL team cannot be consummated — and if it has not happened by end of day Saturday, that is unlikely — Puljujarvi is considered free to sign with any European club. There has been interest from more than one KHL team, according to Lehto, with Puljujarvi expected to favour (in Helsinki), or the Finnish Elite League club Karpat, near his family in Oulu.

How does that news sound to Oilers general manager Ken Holland?

"At the end of the day, if you can do a deal that makes sense for the Edmonton Oilers, you do it," said Holland, who spoke on Wednesday morning with Lehto. "If you can’t, you go over (to Europe) and watch him play, and hopefully he scores a lot of goals over there."

Holland is in Vancouver at the NHL Draft and will fully explore the trade options for the No. 4 overall pick in 2016. Puljujarvi has 17 goals and 37 points in 139 NHL games, and is coming off surgery on both hips. He is skating and expected to be fully ready for the coming season.

That’s the news on the Puljujarvi front. Now, the opinion:

The language barrier has kept us from getting to really know the young man, but considering what he’s gone through, he always had a smile and a hello — more than you can say for some players. He seems like a good kid who wants to succeed, but we’re not sure he knows how to succeed in the NHL quite yet.

He does not have NHL hockey sense or, by all accounts, the drive necessary to succeed at this level, though that possibly could be learned.

It is Lehto’s job to advise the player, but if I sat down next to Puljujarvi, this is what I’d say:

"Jesse, there isn’t a team that wants you to succeed more than the Oilers. They’ve got a high draft pick and a piece of their reputation invested in you. Sure, they mishandled your career by not letting you spend enough time in AHL Bakersfield. But, truth be told, you and your agent didn’t want to go there either, right?

"You haven’t played much with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, or on the powerplay, but in the NHL you earn those prime spots. They don’t just get handed to you because of where you were drafted, most times.

"Here’s what you should do: Have your agent negotiate a fair two-year deal with the new GM, Ken Holland. He’s an honest guy, and he’s saying you’ll get a full season on the third line, and a chance to learn how to play the NHL game under the new coach, Dave Tippett.

"The Oilers are very lean on goal-scoring right-wingers. There probably isn’t a team in the league with a combination of better centremen and open spots on their flanks.

"Have Lehto get a handshake deal with Holland that, if we don’t like the way the 2019-20 season goes, he’ll trade you next summer. That way, he can say he tried to develop you, but the previous GM drafted you and it just wasn’t working.

"Give it one more year, take some of the blame for your slow development, then go out and prove you are a player. Score some goals, 1147648 Websites “Thanks to everyone who voted for me. I’m pretty sure that includes Jason Botchford, who recently passed away. Jason was a great supporter in the Vancouver media and a great man,” Pettersson said.

Sportsnet.ca / NHL Awards Takeaways: Price surprise steals show, The franchise centre elaborated off-stage and was so overcome, he had Kucherov cleans up to pause and wipe away tears (watch below).

“I don’t know where to start,” Pettersson said. “He was a great reporter in Luke Fox | June 20, 2019, 1:04 AM Vancouver. Then when I heard the news about him passing away… I’m getting sad right now… it was tough. He was a great man. He was loved by everyone, respected by everyone.”

Killer one-liners, a pass-the-Kleenex cameo, a three-trophy sweep, a Giordano wins in a landslide Norris landslide, a poignant speech, and hockey’s first trophy acceptance while managing a hamburger (what up with that?) — the 2019 NHL In the gala’s most lopsided victory, Mark Giordano’s career season was Awards had a little bit of everything. acknowledged with an eye-popping 96 per cent of the first-place votes for the Norris Trophy. Here are the 12 highlights from hockey’s annual Las Vegas gala, which struck a smart balance between playful and poignant. “Let’s keep this going. I feel young. I feel fresh,” said the 35-year-old.

Carey Price delivers show-stealing surprise Giordano became the first Flame to ever win the award. An incredible feat for a player who was never drafted into the OHL or the NHL. Anderson Whitehead, who lost his mother to cancer and shared an emotional moment with Carey Price after a morning skate this season, Norris Trophy, first-place votes: was invited onstage partway through the ceremonies for a special video Mark Giordano – 165 message from his idol. John Carlson – 3 The Montreal Canadiens goaltender abruptly cut his video short, however, and strolled onstage to surprise his young fan in-person, Brent Burns – 2 presenting Anderson with a crisp new Habs sweater and a personal invite to next winter’s all-star game in St. Louis. Victor Hedman – 1

Overcome, Anderson broke down in tears, trembling, and Price gently — luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) June 20, 2019 comforted the kid. Barkov zings Panthers fan base

“Everything’s OK. Everything’s OK, Everything’s great,” the mic picked up We’ll let it slide in light of the fact he won a trophy for exhibiting Price telling him, before turning to the crowd. “How about a round of gentlemanly conduct, but Aleksander Barkov threw a quick jab at his own applause for the young man here?” Panthers fan base when he went up to accept the Lady Byng.

I’m not crying, you’re crying. “We have more fans from Finland than from Florida here,” Barkov Great to see how many people this game touches. The last segment quipped. of the awards was amazing. Makes me proud to be a part of it. Well done Zing! @NHL A whopping 60 players received Lady Byng votes, with 17 different — (@bookerT2116) June 20, 2019 players earning at least one first-place vote.

Robin Lehner uses platform to make a point The award traditionally ends up in the hands of a forward, so it’s worth New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner showed the world what he can noting that Toronto’s Morgan Rielly, the highest-ranking defenceman, did do once he sought help — posting a franchise record .930 save finish fourth overall. percentage and raking a Vezina nomination and William Jennings Trophy The Vegas Golden Knights (Alex Tuch, Nate Schmidt, William Karlsson, in the process. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Marc-Andre Fleury) and the seldom-penalized Lehner, the writers’ easy choice for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, Maple Leafs (Rielly, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, delivered the best speech of the evening. Tyler Ennis) were well-represented in this category, with five players garnering votes. “I’m not ashamed to say I’m mentally ill. But that doesn’t mean mentally weak,” Lehner proclaimed. “We’ve got to end the stigma.” Matthews, Subban give a nod to Raptors

Bravo. Before NHL 19 coverboy P.K. Subban announced his successor, he made sure to congratulate his hometown Toronto Raptors on their Kenan Thompson scorches Lightning championship.

“And for the last time, no, I am not one of the Subbans.” Auston Matthews, the video game’s new face, also gave his thoughts on the Raps’ parade to The Canadian Press earlier in the day. With that opening line, the Saturday Night Live star set a tone that, yes, the fun level of the NHL Awards can be enhanced with the right host. “I think for us as players, it’s a little extra motivation for next season just to see what could be if we end up accomplishing that ultimate goal,” Thompson, 41, comes by his hockey roots honestly, earning his Matthews said. “To see the excitement, the madness, the streets the breakthrough acting role by firing knucklepucks as Russ Tyler in the night they won it, the parade and everything, it was just craziness.” second and third installments of The Mighty Ducks franchise. In other very important breaking news: NHL 20 includes the Storm Surge. The league went host-free in 2018, but Thompson was a welcome addition, keeping the mood light and, mostly, cringe-free. He busted out Kucherov cleans up his hilarious Steve Harvey impression, reunited with Good Burger pal Kel, and roasted the Tampa Bay Lightning with the best joke of the night: In addition to his Art Ross victory as the league’s highest scorer, Nikita Kucherov scooped the Ted Lindsay Award (snuffing out Connor Petterssson shouts out Botch McDavid’s bid for a threepeat) from his peers and the Hart Trophy, as voted by the writers in a rout (164 of 171 first-place votes) and presented Accepting the Calder Trophy after routing runner-up Jordan Binnington by Alec Trebek. by a first-place vote count of 151-18, Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson made sure to shoutout the late, great Canucks beat reporter Jason Botchford Kucherov crowded his podium with three gigantic mementoes of the most from the dais. productive offensive season we’ve seen since 1995-96.

This is the first time in NHL history that all three Hart Trophy finalists did not win a playoff game — Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) June 19, 2019

McDavid is a fashion maven

Although he was named centre of the First All-Star Team, Connor McDavid missed out on the major awards for the first time in three years.

But the Edmonton Oilers superstar did take home our unofficial award for Most Unique Wardrobe Choice. McDavid’s nifty skate-lace belt edged out Brent Burns’s camouflage suit, the same one he wore when he took a gazelle to prom.

Selke results in closest race

What a week for Ryan O’Reilly, who can now add a Selke Trophy alongside his Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup ring.

Of all the votes, the one for best defensive forward was the tightest, with O’Reilly (1,001 points) edging out Golden Knights winger Mark Stone (881) by a mere six first-place votes. Perennial contender Patrice Bergeron (809) and Hart finalist Sidney Crosby (736) weren’t far behind.

GM Don Waddell receives most first-place votes, finishes third

Eleven general managers received GM of the Year votes, including one (Montreal’s Marc Bergevin) whose club failed to make the playoffs.

In an interesting twist, Carolina’s Don Waddell actually received more first-place votes than his peers (nine) but finished third to winner Don Sweeney and runner-up Doug Armstrong (eight apiece).

Whereas Sweeney and Armstrong spent years building up to 2018-19’s success, Waddell inherited a roster largely assembled by predecessor Ron Francis.

Trotz balances burger with Jack Adams

“I’m a little distracted with a burger in my hand here,” said Islanders bench boss Barry Trotz as he was handed his second Jack Adams Award while already palming a delicious ground-beef sandwich.

The burger moment reinforced Trotz’s everyman persona while honouring his ability to do what no other man probably could.

The coach essentially got fired after winning a Stanley Cup in Washington and then guided his new club, the Islanders, to a 23-point improvement over 2017-18 despite losing their best talent to free agency.

Trotz’s victory over 62-win Jon Cooper reinforces the theory that the Jack Adams goes to the coach who exceeds expectations and does the most with the least.

With the win, Trotz joins an exclusive club. Only he, Pat Burns, Pat Quinn, , Jacques Lemaire and John Tortorella have captured the Jack Adams with two different teams.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147649 Websites 2018-19 salary cap hit: $6 million

Bargaining chips: Best UFA centre under 30. Seven 20-goal, 50-point seasons. Gold medallist for Team Canada at Winter Olympics, world Sportsnet.ca / NHL's Top 12 UFAs of 2019: Latest rumours, reports championships (twice), and World Cup. Coming off career-best 31-goal, 70-point campaign. Point per game in 2019 playoffs.

Luke Fox | June 19, 2019, 7:20 PM The latest: “It’s a situation of constant information-gathering whenever you’re in a contract year,” Duchene told me at training camp.

“Johnny [Tavares] is a good friend of mine. We’ve come up together: Did John Tavares and his $77-million sweepstakes open his UFA same agent, same trainer, same equipment company, same draft, same followers’ eyes for what might be possible if you peek beyond the everything. It’s a guy I’m very familiar with and have a really good curtain? relationship with. I thought he handled the situation with extreme class and respect for everyone involved. I definitely took notes.” The summer of 2019 could deliver no shortage of star power, as a two- time Vezina winner, a Calder winner, a finalist for three major 2018-19 Duchene played so well in his walk year that he silenced those who trophies, and a few clubs’ top scorers are all racing toward July 1’s open questioned his abilities as a playoff performer. His July 1 suitors will be market. plentiful, and centre Kevin Hayes’ handsome deal with the Flyers should only jack up his price. Big shakeups and monster paydays are on the horizon, and off-season buyouts have added a few familiar names to the list. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported that Ottawa offered an eight-year, $64-million extension to Duchene prior to his deadline trade to While recent big tickets awarded to Erik Karlsson ($11 million AAV), Jeff Columbus. Duchene should fetch at least that much from the Blue Skinner ($9 million) and Kevin Hayes ($7.14 million) scratch some key Jackets or another franchise. names off the board, those paydays only increase the worth of an extremely Columbus-heavy UFA class. 3. Sergei Bobrovsky

Here’s a look at the NHL’s Top 12 unrestricted free agents of 2019 and Age on July 1: 30 the freshest rumours surrounding their futures. Position: Goaltender 1. Artemi Panarin 2018-19 salary cap hit: $7.425 million Age on July 1: 27 Bargaining chips: Two-time Vezina Trophy winner. Franchise record- Position: Left wing holder for most wins, best goals-against average and save percentage in a season. Gold medallist for Team Russia at world championships. Bona 2018-19 salary cap hit: $6 million fide No. 1 goalie. Bargaining chips: Led all Blue Jackets in assists (59), points (87), game- The latest: “I don’t like to do any games, any mind games,” Goalie Bob winners (eight) and power-play points (18). Now leads in playoff scoring. said at the outset of camp. “After last season, I told the situation to the Memorably beat out Connor McDavid for the 2016 Calder Trophy. management of the Blue Jackets, so they know everything. They know Crushed back-to-back 80-point seasons in Columbus after starting his my plans for the season. They know my plans for the future. They know NHL career with back-to-back 70-point seasons in Chicago. Magician on everything.” ice. Bobrovsky endured an up-and-down season. His save percentage (.913) The latest: Panarin is leaving Columbus for the open market — and a was his lowest in a healthy season since he came to Columbus from bigger city with a larger Russian community — on July 1. Philadelphia seven years ago. Having never won a playoff series, Columbus was loath to trade its top In mid-December, NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes (who shares an scorer heading into the stretch run, as brassy GM Jarmo Kekalainen agent with Bobrovsky, Paul Theofanous) labelled the situation untenable. risked losing an elite talent for nothing. “Based on what I’m told from the Bobrovsky camp, and not Sergei The whole city pitched in on the “Keep Panarin” campaign. Columbus- himself, this relationship has really deteriorated,” Weekes said. based High Bank Distillery took out a billboard offering him free booze for life if he re-signs. The front-running Panthers, Islanders, Flames and Hurricanes should be among the teams interested when Bobrovsky hits the open market. “I say it’s harder for me to keep talking about my free agency because I see how people want me to stay in Columbus, and it’s harder,” Panarin His asking price come July 1 has been said to be in the ballpark of $10 told reporters in February. million per season.

“But it’s my life. We only have one life and I want to, like… it’s 10 per cent The goaltender finally got over his post-season woes, backstopping the of my life, seven or eight years, you know? I want to stay happy every Jackets to a sweep over Tampa — the first series victory in franchise day and I want to see more options.” history. Then he immediately put his Columbus condo up for sale.

The Florida Panthers — the presumed front-runner here — have cleared Panarin switched agents to Theofaneous in the first week of February, cap space and hired coach Joel Quenneville (a Panarin fan) to make a leading some to believe the Russian Blue Jackets could be a package splash in July. The Rangers, Blackhawks, Avalanche and Kings are also deal. rumoured to be in the hunt. Cam Atkinson was candid today when asked about the Panarin and “Seriously, guys, I don’t have a team. Not one team where I want to go,” Bobrovsky contract situations. Panarin said. “But I have many teams. We’ll see what happens in the summer, but right now I don’t know what I want. "Everyone’s different. I love it here. I started playing my career here. I want to finish it here. So, everyone’s different. So, that’s all I can say “I’m ready for that situation. I know in the summer how hard that will be about that.” pic.twitter.com/cv95vVoBYp for me. I’m ready. Still positive.” — Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 4, 2019 Panarin was reportedly seeking a deal worth $10 million to $11 million per season prior to the start of the playoffs. 4. Joe Pavelski

Bread Man gets paid. Age on July 1: 34

2. Matt Duchene Position: Centre / Right wing

Age on July 1: 28 2018-19 salary cap hit: $6 million

Position: Centre Bargaining chips: Most goals per game (38 in 74) among all impending UFAs. One of the world’s best tippers. Equally effective as a wing or a centre. Olympic silver medallist for Team USA. Ten 20-goal seasons and The latest: Gardiner, a Minnesota native, enjoys being a Maple Leaf, and running. Captain America. Won’t be slowed by head staples. despite his defensive lapses — which can be magnified — the Leafs are high on Gardiner. Coach Mike Babcock trusts him. GM Kyle Dubas has The latest: After a slight production dip in 2017-18, “Little Joe” over- described Gardiner as “a key part” of the club. delivered in his platform year, to the point where we’d have him a few spots higher on this list if he wasn’t going to enter 2019-20 at the age of But! 35. Forwards are supposed to decline then, right? He’s due a major raise and would likely need to take a significant That appeared to be GM Doug Wilson’s logic when he shelled out big “hometown” discount to remain a Leaf. RFA Mitch Marner is GM Kyle bucks to Evander Kane and made certain to lock up the younger Logan Dubas’s No. 1 priority, and with left-shot prospect Calle Rosen already Couture last summer but played the wait-and-see approach with earning a new deal, lefty Travis Dermott progressing well, and lefty Jake Pavelski. Muzzin acquired in January, it’s nearly impossible to envision Gardiner getting properly compensated in Toronto. In September, agent Dan Plante described extension talks as “nonexistent” to The Athletic‘s Kevin Kurz. “We would like [Gardiner] to be here. It’s not as simple as it sounds,” Dubas said. “You only have a certain amount that you can divvy up, and Complicating matters for the captain’s future within the Sharks’ financial it’s trying to make that all work and keep our team on the right path puzzle is Karlsson’s monster extension and breakout forward Timo moving forward.” Meier’s RFA status. Joonas Donskoi and Kevin Labanc also need raises, and UFA Joe Thornton announced he wants back too. Unless Dubas can pull a rabbit out of his salary cap, Gardiner walks. During Toronto’s locker cleanout, the player got emotional speaking as if There is zero reason to believe Pavelski and the Sharks wish to part it was his last public appearance as a Leaf. ways, and Wilson said this week that a deal is still possible, but simple math makes this tricky. That Gardiner’s back ailed him during the post-season and he considered surgery should serve as a yellow flag for pursuant teams. Pavelski wants term on his next deal, which may prove to be a hurdle in San Jose. Rumours have linked the Wisconsin native to Chicago if he “For certain players, a top-four position on the Canucks could be a good reaches free agency. spot,” Gardiner’s agent, J.P. Barry, told Sportsnet 650 on Friday. “Vancouver’s definitely one of the teams that’s gonna be in the mix, and I would NOT assume that this means the Sharks will re-sign Joe we’ll see. I mean, they have to step up. Pavelski now. As I’ve said before, there’s no reason to believe they are even close at this point. Does it make it more likely? Sure. But is it a slam “Free agency’s a moving target. You got these trades moving, and we dunk? Absolutely not. could arrive at the draft and Vancouver’s got two new defencemen so they’re out of the picture. But obviously it’s a team that has some — Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) June 18, 2019 opportunity in the top four, so they’re definitely going to be on the list.”

5. Tyler Myers The Chicago Blackhawks are another club rumoured to be interested in Age on July 1: 29 Gardiner.

Position: Defence Sportsnet’s Starting Lineup

2018-19 salary cap hit: $5.5 million NHL super-agent J.P. Barry: Vancouver in mix for Gardiner, Myers

Bargaining chips: The most attractive and highest-producing under-30 June 14 2019 UFA defenceman remaining once Karlsson signed. Logs more than 20 Audio Player minutes nightly. Solid power-play option. Big body. Shoots right. Your browser does not support the audio element. The latest: Myers is one member of a long list of Jets who are headed to free agency and looking for a raise: Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor, Ben 7. Anders Lee Chiarot, Brandon Tanev… Age on July 1: 28 “We have some tough decisions to make this summer, a lot of them,” GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said following his player exit meetings. “This year, Position: Left wing there’s certainly going to be some changes.” 2018-19 salary cap hit: $3.75 million

"I would love to start conversations with Chev if they're open to it." Bargaining chips: Three consecutive 50-point seasons. Led all 2018-19 Tyler Myers on UFA status. Islanders in goals (28), game-winners (five) and shots (204). Strong — Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) April 22, 2019 defensively and a stud on the power play. Inherited captaincy once Tavares departed. In his prime. Myers will have a bevy of suitors to choose from. Vancouver, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Montreal are among the speculated clubs The latest: The way Lee has performed this season should put to rest the with interest. faulty notion that he’d been riding Tavares’s coattails.

That Cheveldayoff traded Jacob Trouba to the Rangers this week — and Do the Islanders risk losing their captain for nothing two summers in a is listening to trade offers for winger Nikolaj Ehlers — frees up some row, or is an extension in the works? salary space on the back end, so don’t rule the Jets out just yet. “We’re not at a point right now where things need to be said either way. J.P Barry's firm represents UFA D Tyler Myers and Jake Gariner : "I The conversations [with GM Lou Lamoriello] have been good, and I’m think the #Canucks will definitely be 1 of the teams in the mix but they looking forward to continuing those and we’ll go from there.” Lee told could make 2 trades for 2 defenseman next week. They have opportunity Newsday mid-season. in the top 4, it's a team that definitely will be on the list." “There is a different feeling here and that just comes with all the changes — Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) June 14, 2019 made and the way Barry [Trotz, head coach] and Lou have taken over.”

6. Jake Gardiner Lamoriello entered the off-season with a number of decisions to make up front. He already re-upped and Brock Nelson, and Valtteri Age on July 1: 28 Filppula is also set to hit the open market. Lee — the top priority and currently one of the NHL’s biggest bargains — won’t be cheap. Position: Defence Term is the major sticking point. 2018-19 salary cap hit: $4.05 million “Things are still good,” Lee told Newsday on Feb. 17. “There’s nothing to Bargaining chips: Solid power-play quarterback. Excellent skater and be worried about at this point. It still needs to get done and all that stuff. passer. A 50-point defender when healthy. Still managed 30 points and a But there’s nothing that’s worried from either side. Status quo.” plus-19 rating in 2018-19 despite a serious back injury and reduced power-play opportunity. The player believes he will remain an Islander long-term, and even with “I know the team knows where I stand, and I just hope something works the Nelson and Eberle extensions, Lamoriello has the cap space to make out.” it happen. Lamoriello does have Lehner’s battery mate, Thomas Greiss, under #Isles captain Anders Lee, an impending UFA, said his agent, Neil contract for 2019-20, but would need to strengthen his crease if he allows Sheehy, and Lou Lamoriello had a "lot of conversations" all season. Lehner to walk.

"People know how I feel about this place. Right now Lou and Neil are Not the ending we wanted. I’m so proud of this group. This going to figure that out and that side of things will take when they come." organization has a bright future! From the bottom of my heart me and my family want to thank the islanders fans for the great support. Never — Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) May 6, 2019 gonna forget this year of my life. Good luck too Carolina. Great team.

#Isles Lou Lamoriello said he wants to be able to re-sign Anders Lee — Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) May 4, 2019 and Robin Lehner. 10. Alexander Edler Obviously no guarantees with that Age on July 1: 33 — Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) May 6, 2019 Position: Defence One name to keep an eye on for the Blackhawks when free agency begins…Anders Lee. I’m told his preference is to return to NYI, but might 2018-19 salary cap hit: $5 million be looking for more term that they’re willing to offer. Bargaining chips: 800-plus games of NHL experience. Contributes to — Jay Zawaski (@JayZawaski670) June 18, 2019 both special teams. Led all Canucks in average ice time (24:34). Plus-3 defender on a minus-29 club. Quiet leader. Twelve consecutive 20-point 8. Anton Stralman seasons. Despite age and injuries, coming off his most productive Age on July 1: 32 season (34 points) in seven seasons.

Position: Defence The latest: Term and expansion-draft protection appeared to be the sticking points in a potential re-signing of Edler, who reportedly is looking 2018-19 salary cap hit: $4.5 million for a three-year commitment (minimum) from the only NHL team he’s known. The Canucks have been linked in rumours to just about every Bargaining chips: Reliable, top-four defenceman with 700-plus games of defenceman on the market (Jake Gardiner, Tyler Myers), and an under- experience and two trips to the Cup Final under his belt. World pressure Jim Benning is eager to improve his blue line and get his club championships gold medallist for Team Sweden. A minutes horse back to the dance. content to stay at home and kill penalties. A plus defender eight years running. Edler flexed his no-trade clause at the deadline, when serious contract extension negotiations were started but failed to bear fruit. From the The latest: Some might place Vancouver’s Alex Edler in this spot, but we club’s perspective, age and recent injuries — Edler strained an MCL and believe Stralman’s understated talents get overshadowed by the brand suffered a concussion this past season — give cause for pause. names (Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh) on Tampa’s blue line. (Plus, he’s younger than Edler.) Stralman is a trusted, smart right shot who “I’ve been fortunate to sign before the last year of my deals before,” Edler does all the things coaches love and plays the type of game that could told reporters as the Canucks’ campaign ended. “That hasn’t happened age well. Which is why he did not get traded ahead of Tampa’s playoffs. this time, but it doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen.”

But as much as Tampa loves him, Stralman is the priciest of three Bolts’ Benning told Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre Tuesday that he’s still striving for D-men on expiring deals (Braydon Coburn was re-signed on June 18; an extension. Dan Girardi is 35), and the cap-tight club has to pay RFA Brayden Point first and foremost. “Alex is our first choice, and we’re still hopeful to get something done there that makes sense. Where it ends up? I don’t know, but we’re still Injuries and the emergence of young defencemen of the future cost trying to figure it out,” Benning said. Stralman to miss 35 games this season. As solid as his reputation has been, it levelled off in 2018-19. A fresh start could do wonders here. “He’s a big part of our group and a big part of our team. It would be a big hole. We’ve been working hard to figure out a way to get him back, but We like Toronto as a potential destination, but Stralman’s suitors will be we also have to do things the right way because we have these good plentiful, especially if he waits for the Gardiner and Myers dominos to fall. young players and if they continue to get better, we’re going to have to pay them in a couple of years.” Anton Stralman plans to return to states this week to participate in UFA interview window, per agent Marc Levine. Doesn’t mean Hearing VAN and Edler closing in on three-year deal that will not #TBLightning is out of it, but no deal up to this date so veteran have a clause preventing him from being exposed in the expansion draft defenseman can explore his options. — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 19, 2019 — Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) June 17, 2019 11. Gustav Nyquist 9. Robin Lehner Age on July 1: 29 Age on July 1: 27 Position: Right wing / Left wing Position: Goaltender 2018-19 salary cap hit: $4.75 million 2018-19 salary cap hit: $4 million Bargaining chips: Coming off back-to-back 20-goal seasons and first- Bargaining chips: Career-best 25 wins, six shutouts and .930 save ever 60-point campaign. Extremely durable — has only missed six percentage in regular season, the latter a franchise record. Improved to a games in past six seasons. 500 games of NHL experience. Excellent .936 save percentage in post-season. Backstopped Isles to first playoff complementary scorer who can boost a power play and play with pace. series victory in three years. Gambled on himself last summer and Solid possession metrics. Skilled playmaker. overdelivered on his one-year contract. William Jennings Trophy co- winner. Finalist for the Vezina and Bill Masterton trophies. The latest: By signing Karlsson to an $88-million whopper, Sharks GM Doug Wilson has limited funds available to take care of UFA Joes The latest: Lehner has been effusive in his happiness with his situation Thornton and Pavelski and RFAs Timo Meier and Kevin Lebanc. Nyquist, on the Island but is also in search of some stability after making good on a deadline rental from Detroit, would appear to be of low priority at this a one-year prove-it deal and bouncing between three franchises over the point — especially considering he mustered just one goal (plus a healthy past five seasons. 10 assists) in the Sharks’ 20-game playoff run.

“I like the people there. I love my teammates. I love the organization. So Wilson traded defenceman Justin Braun to the Flyers for picks this week obviously I want to be back,” Lehner told reporters at the NHL Awards in order to clear more cap space, and yet we expect Nyquist to get Tuesday. He added that he’d be open to a short-term or long-term option. (over?)paid on the open market by a team hungry for secondary scoring. New Oilers GM Ken Holland knows the player well, and Edmonton needs wingers with finish. Nashville and Montreal are also desperate for goals.

12. Ryan Dzingel

Age on July 1: 27

Position: Centre / wing

2018-19 salary cap hit: $1.8 million

Bargaining chips: Increased his production every year since breaking into the league in 2015-16. Back-to-back 20-goal, 40-point campaigns. Versatile, speedy forward who can play any position up front. Younger than some of the other high-scoring wingers in the class (Zuccarello, Simmonds, Johnasson).

The latest: Dzingel’s healthy-scratching by John Tortorella during the Blue Jackets’ playoff run may have harmed his standing slightly, or at least reinforced the theory that he’s unwilling to pay a physical price for his goals, but he’s a late bloomer whose most productive days might still lie ahead.

Prior to being traded to Columbus from Ottawa at the deadline, Dzingel reportedly turned down a five-year extension offer worth in excess of $20 million. His free agency has flown under the radar in both Ottawa and Columbus due to higher-profile UFA teammates, but Dzingel could represent a nice value buy for clubs unable to afford the bigger fish available this summer.

A comparable Dzingel could use is Jordan Eberle, who inked a five-year, $27.5-million deal to remain an Islander. Eberle is a more proven commodity, but Dzingel is younger and put up significantly more goals (28-19) and points (56-37) in 2018-19.

They don’t have cap space so it likely won’t happen, but Ryan Dzingel to Edmonton makes a ton of sense this summer.

They need fast, skilled wingers who can compliment their C’s which is pretty much what Dzingel is.

— Alex M (@nhlsensandstuff) June 10, 2019

More notable UFAs of 2019: Mats Zuccarello, Wayne Simmonds, Corey Perry, Micheal Ferland, Semyon Varlamov, Joe Thornton, Brian Boyle, Jason Pominville, Joonas Donskoi, Jason Spezza, Marcus Johansson, Valtteri Filppula, Derick Brassard, Justin Williams, Ron Hainsey, Patrick Maroon, Cam Talbot, Mike Smith, Marc Methot, Deryk Engelland, Thomas Vanek, , Brett Connolly, Dion Phaneuf, Alex Chiasson, Andrew MacDonald, Colin Wilson, Ben Lovejoy

“I’ll probably play another ten years. We’ll wait and see, but I’m thinking five to ten right now. I got nothing else going on.”

Jumbo Joe. Legend. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/KFm3mlox1v

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 18, 2019

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147650 Websites Bowen Byram, D, Vancouver Giants: Hands down the best defenceman available. Byram led all CHL bluliners with 26 goals in the regular season and he led the entire league with 26 playoff points. His game is Sportsnet.ca / 2019 NHL Mock Draft: Predicting a turbulent first round multifaceted and he can drive play from the back-end.

5. L.A. KINGS

Sam Cosentino June 19, 2019, 11:39 AM Kirby Dach, C, Saskatoon Blades: This is a package that doesn’t come along often. A player with size, skating ability and excellent vision who will benefit by shooting more and taking it to the net consistently.

Trying to figure out this year’s draft has been a next to impossible task. 6. DETROIT RED WINGS While there is great certainty as to the first two players and their destinations, things really start to get interesting with the third pick. Alex Turcotte, C, USNTDP: A well-rounded player who missed some time due to injuries this season. When healthy and at his best, Turcotte You could make a case for any one of a half dozen players to be taken displays the best two-way game of anyone in the draft class. NHL by Chicago. Bowen Byram is the best defenceman available, but connections are a nice bonus. Chicago has depth in young defencemen. Alex Turcotte has ties to Chicago and has been lauded for playing a two-way game with a bit of 7. BUFFALO SABRES bite. Then there’s the WHL duo of big right shot centres Kirby Dach and Cole Caufield, RW, USNTDP: The best pure sniper available will have a Dylan Cozens. great mentor in Jeff Skinner. Caufield is anxious to prove he belongs in But hang on, how about the all-around play of Vasily Podkolzin? Is his the conversation with Alex DeBrincat. Isn’t seen at the rink without a two-year KHL contractual obligation too big a hurdle? And last but not smile on his face. least, the gifted playmaker Trevor Zegras. Those are the things that have A weekly deep dive into the biggest hockey news in the world with hosts been bandied about in Chicago’s pre-draft meetings. A few of the teams Elliotte Friedman and . New episodes every Thursday. picking behind the Blackhawks have had similar conversations. Colorado and L.A. both have multiple first round picks, so does that impact their 8. EDMONTON OILERS strategy? Philip Broberg, D, AIK (Allsvenskan, Sweden): Fascinating year where he Overall, this draft class presents a wide variety of options to NHL teams. entered the Hlinka-Gretzky Tournament as a nobody, then left as a top There is high-end talent at centre, starting with the USNTDP trio of Jack 10 pick. Went into relative anonymity, but then made the world juniors. Hughes, Turcotte and Zegras. Then there’s the WHL trio of Dach, Got sick, but rebounded with a world-class performance at the U18 Cozens and Peyton Krebs. If you want scoring from the wing, look no worlds to bring him back to top 10 prominence. further than Cole Caufield or Matthew Boldy. 9. ANAHEIM DUCKS The class of defencemen rounded out nicely in the second half. Byram separated himself from the pack. Philip Broberg re-emerged at the U18 Dylan Cozens, C, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL): Seems to have slipped worlds. The European trio of Victor Soderstrom, Ville Heinola snd Tobias slightly, but the overall body of work is impressive. A 6-foot-3 right shot Bjornfot present similar, safe, on-ice packages. Then there’s a few high- with blazing speed, Cozens could make this pick look genius down the octane offensive defencemen in Cam York and Thomas Harley. A new road. German sensation, Moritz Seider, has entered the fray in the middle of 10. VANCOUVER CANUCKS Round 1. Peyton Krebs, C, Kootenay Ice (WHL): Battled several elements during And finally, there’s a couple of wildcards other than Podkolzin. Where the season and is now challenged with recovering from an Achilles does Hamilton’s Arthur Kaliyev end up? How about Halifax’s Raphael tendon issue he hurt while training. The injury is not enough to slow the Lavoie? USNTDP’s Spencer Knight throws a goaltender into the mix, so roll and keep this character player out of the top 10. how will his presence impact the top half of the first round? 11. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS One final note on this draft. In all my conversations, I haven’t seen such a wide variety of players eligible to go between 22 and 60. Usually, it’s safe Vasily Podkolzin, RW, Neva St. Petersburg (VHL, Russia): With the to say that between picks 25 and 40 you have a certain degree of Hlinka-Gretzky performance in his pocket, he excelled at the World variance. That variance is exponentially different for the 2019 draft class. Junior A Challenge to the point where he couldn’t be denied a spot on Because of this anomaly, we may see trade-back scenarios present the world junior team. He was trusted with all the difficult responsibilities themselves towards the end of the first round. by a Russian coach (Valery Bragin) who rarely leans on his younger players at the WJC. There are no holes in Podkolzin’s game. But, there is In the meantime, here’s how we predict the first round will shake down. “the contract.” He’s signed to a KHL deal for another two seasons.

Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen go deep on pucks with a mix of facts and 12. MINNESOTA WILD fun, leaning on a varied group of hockey voices to give their take on the country’s most beloved game. Matthew Boldy, LW, USNTDP: Boldy has great hands for a big man (6- foot-2, 192 pounds). He can score goals, but does equally as good a job 1. NEW JERSEY DEVILS preventing them. Scouts will always lean towards a skill package that Jack Hughes, C, USNTDP: Family connection to Ray Shero not comes in bigger sizes. withstanding, Hughes is the most dynamic player this draft class has to 13. FLORIDA PANTHERS offer. He’s an elite skater with sixth-sense vision and makes those around him better. Spencer Knight, G, USNTDP: Taking a goalie this high is a major league gamble, but Knight looks to be the once-in-a-decade 2. NY RANGERS Luongo/Fleury/Price/Vasilevskiy.

Kaapo Kakko, RW, TPS (Liiga): Great consolation prize at No. 2 with the Spencer Knight is pretty ridiculous. When you’re watching the player who is most NHL-ready. Kakko’s Liiga numbers for first-year draft USNTDP you can’t help but notice his incredible talent. eligibles compare favourably to the likes of Mikko Rantanen, Aleksander Barkov and Patrik Laine. He had a 1.51 GAA and a .936 SV% in 6 games at this year’s U18 tournament in Sweden. pic.twitter.com/E7CTfNQOPf 3. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS — Evan (@Shattenkirk) June 16, 2019 Trevor Zegras, C, USNTDP: This pick has been rumoured to go a number of ways, and the latest name to gain traction is Zegras. A well 14. ARIZONA COYOTES above average playmaking centre, Zegras comes to the table with Arthur Kaliyev, RW, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL): A team that appreciates confidence and swagger. the numbers will point to the list of first-year draft eligibles who scored 50 4. COLORADO AVALANCHE or more goals in the OHL. That list includes Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Jeff Skinner and DeBrincat. Kaliyev totalled 51 goals and 102 training. There’s more to his game than just point producing. He uses points in 67 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs. awareness and a good stick to disrupt the breakout, strip pucks in neutral ice and will block shots in the d-zone. 15. MONTREAL CANADIENS 26. CALGARY FLAMES Moritz Seider, D, Mannheim (DEL): Amazing ability to adjust his game depending on the competition. Against men, he displays a safer, more Connor McMichael, C, London Knights (OHL): Future goal scoring is efficient style. Within his peer group, he’s a leader and a producer. addressed with a player who can do it in a multitude of ways. A return to Seider’s stock elevated through both the physical testing and interview the London Knights developmental program is a nice insurance policy for processes at the Draft Combine. a player who showed some inconsistency.

Moritz Seider, who won a title with Mannheim in the DEL and made 27. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING Germany's senior national team, said he met with all 31 teams this week. Also open to play wherever he can get the most minutes next season, Samuel Poulin, RW, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL): A tireless worker which includes staying in Mannheim if he and NHL team feels that's best. who may not possess the high-end offensive ability to play on a top line, but will play a pro-style game with a big engine. A great post-season run — Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) June 1, 2019 with Sherbrooke helped him to maintain his position as a first-round pick.

16. COLORADO AVALANCHE 28. CAROLINA HURRICANES

Philip Tomasino, RW, Niagara IceDogs (OHL): With Knight gone and a Simon Holmstrom, RW, HV71 (SuperElit, Sweden Junior): The promise defenceman taken earlier in the first round, the Avs add a highly skilled not to take a defenceman ends up well. Plagued by injuries, it was tough forward to the mix. Tomasino is an excellent skater who proved his to get consistent viewings until the U18 worlds. His play there reminded versatility by playing mostly on the wing. The hallmark to his game is his scouts why he was so highly thought of at the start of the scouting ability to produce at even strength. season. If there’s no carryover from the injuries, this pick has home-run potential. 17. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 29. ANAHEIM DUCKS Cam York, D, USNTDP: The void left by the departure of Erik Brannstrom is filled here with a similar player. York can break the puck Lassi Thomson, D, (WHL): The scouting world is not out, play first-unit PP and do it all without sacrificing solid defensive play. happy with his decision to return home to play pro next season as opposed to playing on a Memorial Cup team. In any event, the key 18. DALLAS STARS elements to his game include blazing speed, especially exiting from Ryan Suzuki, C, Barrie Colts (OHL): Another great skater with elusive behind his own goal, and a bomb of a shot. Will play with bite when edge work, Suzuki can control the pace of play with his smarts and required. distribution abilities. He gets into trouble by not shooting enough or 30. BOSTON BRUINS getting to the middle of the ice often enough. John Beecher, C, USNTDP: Is a lock to play because he doesn’t have to 19. OTTAWA SENATORS score in order to be effective. A speed-burner, who can be an effective Alex Newhook, C, Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL): Two amazing years in Tier II PK player at the next level. The offensive ceiling may not be high, but capped with a standout performance at the U18 worlds has solidified his there are too many things in his game to not like him as a player. place inside the top 20. A player who’s so loaded with character that a 31. BUFFALO SABRES team may jump to pursue him earlier. Bobby Brink, RW, Sioux City (USHL): The debate rages between size 20. WINNIPEG JETS and skating ability versus hockey sense and finish for the 5-foot-8, 165- Victor Soderstrom, D, Brynas (SHL, Sweden): Right shot defenceman pounder. Numbers are numbers, though, and his are unparalleled at his who exhibits a safe, all-around game. Being a younger, smaller player (6- age in the USHL. foot, 183 pounds) who played most of his games against men, he Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.20.2019 focused on a more sound defensive game. Loaded with leadership qualities.

21. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Raphael Lavoie, C/RW Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL): There comes a point where a team will look to address either an organizational need, or stick to its guns by taking the best player available. On his best nights, Lavoie can take over a game, but the pick does come with some trepidation.

22. L.A. KINGS

Thomas Harley, D, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL): Took the opportunity to play an offensive game to heart in Mississauga. There are some deficiencies defensively, but a big man (6-foot-3, 192 pounds) who can skate and shows a knack for producing offence is hard to find.

23. NY ISLANDERS

Ville Heinola, D, Lukko (Liiga): An all-around defender who adjusted quickly to playing top-four minutes in a difficult league, some of which were on his off-side. Heinola is quick to process his options, yet executes with patience and poise.

24. NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Matthew Robertson, D, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL): The Preds have a knack for drafting defencemen, and Robertson is an interesting pick in that he’s still trying to establish his identity as a player. If there’s an organization who can help him figure it out, it’s Nashville.

25. WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Brett Leason, RW, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL): Despite being 20 years old, Leason still has a high ceiling because of a lack of hockey-specific 1147651 Websites Bogosian, 28, has one year left on his contract ($5,142,857 cap hit, but $6 million in dollars owed), while Ristolainen, 24, has three years left at $5.4 million per.

Sportsnet.ca / NHL rumour roundup: Canucks kicking tires on Sabres Dhaliwal also suggested the Canucks could put feelers out for Nikolay defencemen? Goldobin, but he expects the team to tender a qualifying offer to the pending RFA.

Mike Johnston | June 19, 2019, 4:20 PM Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy adds Benning isn’t looking to part with draft picks and would be shocked if he moved the 10th-overall pick.

SENS AND CECI READY TO SPLIT? The season is over, the St. Louis Blues are Stanley Cup champions and hardware is about to be handed out at the NHL Awards, but there’s no The Ottawa Senators are hoping to hit the reset button after a disastrous time for hockey fans to sit back and relax. 2018-19 campaign.

The 2019 NHL Draft begins Friday with free agency right around the Defenceman Cody Ceci is a restricted free agent and Sens GM Pierre corner and, as we’ve seen in recent days, general managers around the Dorion has been in contact with his agent discussing both shorter and league are keeping busy with trades, contract extensions, buyouts and longer deals, but Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen reports Dorion is much more to come. “seriously exploring the trade market” for the 25-year-old.

During a conference call after signing Erik Karlsson to an extension HURRICANES WILLING TO SWAP DEFENCEMAN FOR FORWARD Monday, San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson told reporters: “There’s been The Carolina Hurricanes were a terrific puck possession team this past more conversation and communication between GMs in the last month season but only put up middle-of-the-pack offensive numbers with a than maybe ever since I’ve been a GM.” below average power play, so GM Don Waddell is hoping to be active on Is it mostly smoke with little fire? Or is this off-season shaping up to be the draft floor later this week. one to remember? Carolina has depth on defence that could possibly be leveraged to add a Complicating matters are the rumblings that the salary cap ceiling might quality forward. not be quite as high in 2019-20 as teams expected it would be. “It’s one of the things that if it’s the right type of forward, we might look at With that in mind, here’s some of the latest trade buzz from around the it,” Waddell told Tom Gulitti of NHL.com. “If not, if we don’t do anything in league. the next week, then maybe it’s through free agency.”

‘NOT EASY’ FOR CROSBY TO HEAR PENGUINS TRADE TALK Dougie Hamilton, Jaccob Slavin, Justin Faulk, Calvin de Haan, Brett Pesce and Trevor van Riemsdyk make up the Hurricanes blue line at the Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang aren’t likely to be traded this summer, moment. Faulk is the only one in the bunch who has a modified no-trade however Penguins GM Jim Rutherford wouldn’t describe either player as clause. untouchable during a recent interview with radio station 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. Rutherford also said he’s “not actively looking to trade” Phil TOREY KRUG STAYING IN BOSTON? Kessel but would mull any legitimate offer that comes his way – as any As he gets set to enter the final year of his contract, Torey Krug’s name competent GM would. was briefly circulating on the rumour mill.

“There’s been great players traded in this league,” Rutherford said earlier If you’re a Bruins fan who wants to keep Krug, this response from Don this week. “If somebody comes along with a package that makes sense Sweeney should ease your nerves: for the Penguins, we have to look at it.” “If somebody blew us away, every player has to be looked at in that way,” All the hypothetical situations and conjecture can be fun for fans and the Bruins GM told reporters earlier this week. “When you’re an pundits at this time on the hockey calendar, but it can be downright organization, you just have to, you’re doing a disservice if you don’t. But stressful for players involved in trade rumblings and their teammates. it would take a pretty unique opportunity for us to part with Torey. We Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was asked about the rumours think he’s a big part of the fabric of our group. He’s kind of that next wave surrounding his team. of leadership that we talk about.”

“I don’t think you can get caught up in the chatter too much, but I think it’s Krug ranks 10th in scoring among defencemen since the start of the definitely tough, especially when you are talking about guys who have 2013-14 season with 286 points in 459 games. been involved with the team for a really long time,” Crosby said. “It’s not Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.20.2019 easy to hear those rumours, but that being said, we all have to be professional about it and find a way to make sure we’re ready and we’re better next year.”

The Penguins currently have more than $55 million committed to players through the 2021-22 season – and that’s after trading Olli Maatta who has three years left on his contract with an AAV of more than $4 million.

“We were getting ourselves to a point where we might have been in a little [salary cap] trouble,” Rutherford told Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “It was going to be either [Jack] Johnson or Maatta to open up the necessary cap space and open up the logjam at defence. And as it turned out, it ended up being Olli.”

Rutherford has consistently been one of the most aggressive GMs in hockey so the Pens in all probability aren’t done making moves.

CANUCKS KICKING TIRES ON SABRES DEFENDERS

Bolstering the blue line is priority No. 1 for Jim Benning and his Vancouver Canucks. They’re expected to target Jake Gardiner and Tyler Myers if those two pending UFAs make it to the open market, while the team is also working to extend Alex Edler.

If the Canucks decide to explore trade options to upgrade the back end, Buffalo GM Jason Botterill might be receiving a call since Rick Dhaliwal of Sportsnet 650 is hearing the Canucks could be interested in either Rasmus Ristolainen or Zach Bogosian – both big, right-shot defencemen. 1147652 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Kakko trails Hughes on odds for No. 1 pick ahead of NHL Draft

OddsShark Staff June 19, 2019, 10:41 PM

Kaapo Kakko has enjoyed a spectacular season, winning gold with Team Finland at the world juniors and the world championship, and putting up 38 points in 45 games in his rookie year with TPS Turku.

However, Kakko trails Jack Hughes on the odds to be the first overall selection at Friday night’s NHL Draft, with the American forward a -1200 favourite on that betting prop at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.

Listed among potential first-round picks by NHL Central Scouting at the start of this season, Kakko wasted no time cementing his position as the No. 2 prospect, and sports +600 odds of being selected first overall at the NHL Draft on Friday night.

But Kakko has failed to unseat Hughes, who racked up a combined 160 points in 74 games this past season with the U.S. National Team Development Program.

With Hughes leading the way, the USNTDP is expected to be well represented at this year’s draft, with the odds of OVER 7.5 members of the team being taken in the first round sitting at a short -130. As well, OVER 10.5 total Americans taken in the first round is at -125 on those 2019 NHL Draft odds.

Meanwhile, the total number of Canadians expected to go among the top 31 selections sits at 12.5. But with just 10 Canadians going in the first round a year ago, the odds of UNDER 12.5 Canadians being taken in the first round are listed as the favourite at -130 on those NHL odds.

The CHL’s influence on the first round is also expected to remain on the decline. Just 13 CHL players were taken in the first round a year ago, a major step back from just five years earlier, when 22 of the top 30 selections came from Canada’s major junior hockey leagues.

The rest of the world is again favoured to outpace the CHL this time around, with solid -130 odds of having the greater number of first-round picks. However, the WHL looks to be on pace to be the best represented of the CHL, with -125 odds of seeing OVER 5.5 players go in the first round, well ahead of last year, when just two WHL players cracked the top 31 picks.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147653 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Anaheim Ducks buy out remainder of Corey Perry's contract

Sportsnet Staff | June 19, 2019, 11:52 AM

The Anaheim Ducks have bought out the contract of veteran winger Corey Perry, the team announced Wednesday.

Perry had 10 points in 31 games of an injury-plagued 2018-19 campaign. He underwent surgery after tearing his meniscus and injuring a ligament in his right knee before a pre-season game, but returned to the Ducks’ lineup in February.

“This is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my 44 years in the NHL. Corey gave everything to this franchise for 14 years, never giving an inch to his competitors. While his scoring touch is undeniable, his will to win became his greatest attribute,” said Anaheim’s executive vice-president and general manager Bob Murray in a press release.

“We thank Corey for everything he’s meant to the Ducks organization. No matter what he elects to do from here, Corey, his wife, Blakeny and his son, Griffin, will always be part of the Ducks family.”

The former Hart Memorial Trophy winner was the team’s highest-paid player with two years left on his eight-year contract at $8.625 million.

He spent 14 years in Anaheim, collecting 776 points across 988 games.

Perry, 34, made four all-star teams, capturing the Hart and the Maurice Richard Trophy after his 50-goal, 98-point season in 2010-11.

The native of Peterborough, Ont., is also one of 29 Canadian members of the Triple Goal Club, having won a Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007, Olympic gold medals (2010 and 2014) and a world championship gold medal (2016).

“On behalf of the entire Ducks organization, we want to thank Corey Perry for his tremendous contributions to the franchise. For many years, Corey has epitomized what it means to be a Duck, playing an aggressive, relentless game while being a compassionate and giving member of the Orange County community,” said Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli.

“While today is a difficult day, we celebrate and recognize Corey’s outstanding Ducks career. He played the most games by any player in club history and is the only Hart Trophy winner in the history of the franchise. He represented the Ducks at four NHL all-star games, and of course, played a pivotal role on the 2007 Stanley Cup champion team.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147654 Websites Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek): Moritz Seider. For the second year in a row we’ll see a German player selected in the first round (St. Louis picked Dominik Bokk last year) but unlike recent German first-rounders (Bokk Sportsnet.ca / NHL Draft Insider Roundtable: Which prospect do you find and before him Leon Draisaitl) Seider will be drafted from a German club most intriguing? team. It’s really a tip of the hat to the development program Mannheim has put together led by skills coach Pertti Hasanen who had previously worked with the New Jersey Devils. Mannheim management refer to Seider as “The Diamond”. Sportsnet Staff | June 19, 2019, 2:04 PM Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC): Podkolzin. By all accounts, a

supremely talented player. It will take a GM secure in his future to select Heading towards the NHL Draft, a panel of three Sportsnet Insiders — someone who won’t be available for two years. Sam Cosentino, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman — were asked for their The Playbook thoughts on some players in the 2019 class and where some noticeable trends at the draft will go from here. Chris Peters: 'I don't think the Podkolzin risk is as big as it seems'

1. At which pick does the draft really start? June 19 2019

Sam Cosentino: The draft starts at three. I fully expect Alex Turcotte, Audio Player Bowen Byram and Kirby Dach to be the next three players selected after Hughes and Kakko, not necessarily in that order. Vasily Podkolzin is the Your browser does not support the audio element. big question mark. In my opinion, he’s the next-best player available and 3. Which team is most likely to make a blockbuster trade over draft if I were a GM I would take him at three. For teams picking early in weekend, and why? Round 1, they’re hoping to get a player who can step into the NHL sooner than Podkolzin’s two-year KHL contract will allow. There is great Sam Cosentino: There are three teams I think will be in play for a big debate amongst teams as to who the next-best available player is after trade. the top two. San Jose is in an interesting spot along their perennial line of success. Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek): The draft starts at three where the Hawks have They don’t have a first-round pick, but I do think they would like to get in a big decision to make. We know Hughes and Kakko will be off the board the mix. There may be an option for them to retool on the fly, but getting when Stan Bowman hits the stage in Vancouver and scouts wonder if into Round 1 would be paramount to making that happen. he’ll take the best defenceman in Byram despite the fact the Hawks have used their last three first-round picks on blueliners. Or, will he nudge I think Colorado is an interesting team. With two first-round picks, and towards Turcotte whose game has been compared to Jonathan Toews? two third-round picks, they do have some ammunition to acquire a player Or do they try to move down and pick up another asset in the process? who can help them next year, with the option to continue stockpiling talent. Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC): It is three. Depending on who you believe, Chicago is looking at Dach or Turcotte. Not as much at Byram. Toronto is another team that I can see trying to make something happen Around this time, everybody lies, so you can’t say for sure. But Chicago’s with one of the forwards on their current roster. Without a first-round pick, decision really gets things started. the Maple Leafs may be able to make some noise.

Reach Deep Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek): I think there are a few teams looking to shake things up. Philadelphia has indicated their first-rounder is in play and, Blackhawks hold the keys at number 3 overall pick outside of a few players, they are open for business as their march back to playoff status continues. They’ve already made the Kevin Hayes and June 17 2019 Matt Niskanen deals, they’ve bought a player out (Andrew MacDonald) Audio Player and nobody thinks Chuck Fletcher is close to done.

Your browser does not support the audio element. Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC): There’s a good-sized list. To make it more fun for Canadian fans, I will say Toronto and Vancouver. 2. Outside of Hughes and Kakko, which draft prospect are you most intrigued by, either because of something in his game, or general A weekly deep dive into the biggest hockey news in the world with hosts uncertainty around where he could get picked? Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek. New episodes every Thursday.

Sam Cosentino: There are four players I’m most interested to see where 4. The Edmonton Oilers picked first four times in six years and now New they wind up. Podkolzin is the first player. Pure talent, drive, compete Jersey is picking first twice in three years. Do you think this will have him amongst the top five for me all day. His KHL contract and the encourage the league to change its draft lottery rules again any time ‘Russian factor’ likely make him a value pick lower than he should go. I soon, and, what would your ideal rules be for the draft lottery? do think Chicago is in play for him at No. 3 and so is Detroit at No. 6. But Sam Cosentino: I’m not a huge fan of the lottery system at all. I believe I have a strange feeling he’ll end up just outside of the top 10, and I think there’s enough checks and balances inherent in the system that make an that will be a steal. old-school draft order plausible. Worst regular season team picks first, Arthur Kaliyev is the next-most interesting player. I’ve seen a lot of him second-worst picks second and so on. and there are many layers to that onion. Based on numbers alone, he If the league is worried about teams tanking, introduce fines that will sits in elite OHL company with Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Alex deter them from doing so. Not just monetarily, but loss of first-round picks DeBrincat and Jeff Skinner after a 51-goal season. Kaliyev no doubt has for three straight years if it’s proven a team tanked to move lower in the some indifference in his game, but when he’s on he’s an underrated standings. I also believe that weaker teams get hurt so much on the playmaker and he skates better than people give him credit for. The business side that sustaining long-term mediocrity is not really an option. combine didn’t do him any favours, but when it comes to pure goal- I don’t think teams just outside the playoffs should have any chance of scoring ability, he’s amongst the top three in this draft class. moving up into the top seven or eight picks.

Raphael Lavoie is another player I’ve seen a lot of. I loved his playoffs Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek): From what I understand if the Oilers won the and Memorial Cup. He does have some inner drive that hasn’t been clear lottery again there would have been a change. That obviously didn’t in all viewings. He does suffer from the late-birthday, over-scouting happen, but the Devils are very much creeping into Oilers territory at the syndrome, where people have had an additional year to pick apart his lottery here. game. He does a lot of things well and when he’s engaged, he can be absolutely dominant. Personally, the intrigue and excitement generated by the Crosby draft in 2005 had no rival and that made all teams eligible to win first overall. I Spencer Knight is also intriguing as I’m a guy who prefers never to take a love the idea of doing that every year. Sure, you can weight it slightly goalie in Round 1. But, we do have four teams with multiple first-round heavier for non-playoff teams, I’m fine with that, but I still like the idea of picks, and we do have teams that need to improve at that position, even every team having a shot. if the wait is three-to-five years. Knight will go in Round 1, but where? Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC): I’m pro-lottery. I like that this format does not reward tanking. There’s a risk in not trying to win.

5. In 2016, a record number of American-born players were taken in the first round of the NHL Draft. This year could set a record for number of first-rounders taken out of the USNTDP. Meantime, last year was a weak one for the WHL with only two players taken in the first round, while this year could be light on QMJHL talent in Round 1 and the OHL may not see a player taken within the top 10 for the first time since 1986. Should this be considered the new normal, or do these just happen to be strong years for the USA?

Sam Cosentino: The US has been on a steady upward trajectory for the last decade and there are no signs of their developmental system slowing down. This year will be a bit of an anomaly — the USNTDP will set records — and we may see the most US born players ever taken in a single draft, but that is the cyclical nature of the draft.

The population of the United States dictates percentages are bound to rise, especially as the game grows in non-traditional markets. We’ve seen big strides in California and Arizona. Texas and Florida are coming. The success of these states largely depends on players retiring there, and then coaching their kids who’ve grown up in those areas. St. Louis and Chicago are two great examples.

Centralization has worked well for the US, especially with the program’s ability to give other players a shot at the Hlinka-Gretzky and World Junior A Challenge. I don’t see centralization ever happening in Canada, but we’re already starting to experience a shift in what’s happening at the grass-roots level in both countries. Skill development is key and the Americans are doing a great job at it at the lower levels of minor hockey. Canadians emphasize winning way too much at the younger levels, where systems are being employed, coaches are being paid ridiculous amounts and the elite have the resources to introduce specific skill training at too young an age.

The OHL is usually steady. Although this projects to be a bit of a down year, I do think there’s a big rebound year ahead with the 2002-born draft class. The WHL has experienced the opposite, with last year being a down year, and this year being a banner crop. The QMJHL is typically steady with some influx of European players and this year is no different.

Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek): If you don’t think USA Hockey is and will continue to be a force in hockey and specifically at the draft, you’re fooling yourself. America is interested in hockey all over the country and they have the population and resources to compete with any country. You see it at every international tournament, too. The USA is always in the conversation to win gold at every age level and that’s not about to stop anytime soon nor is it just a lucky cycle right now. And here’s the scary part for the rest of the world: where once the best American athletes chose sports like football, basketball, track, etc., they are now starting to choose hockey. Good luck rest of the world.

Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC): I think it’s a year-to-year thing. When Commissioner Bettman took over, there was a mandate and desire to extend the footprint across the US. That is reflected in players coming from California, Texas and Arizona. Canada is still a strong creator of talent. If anything worries me, it’s Europe — particularly countries like Slovakia.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147655 Websites “We also have to keep in mind that in two years, Petey and Hughes and (goalie Thatcher) Demko are all going to need new deals. We’ve got to be a little bit careful about what we do now.”

Sportsnet.ca / Canucks search for blue line help before draft as market Benning is right to be careful, but there is an opportunity here for the heats up Canucks. Decent defencemen are getting traded for returns that are relatively modest. The market is accessible. Free agency, by contrast, looks more than ever like a minefield after the inflationary $92-million Iain MacIntyre | June 19, 2019, 8:40 AM contract the San Jose Sharks just gave potential UFA defenceman Erik Karlsson, which was followed by the Philadelphia Flyers’s $50-million

contract for 20-goal scorer Kevin Hayes. VANCOUVER – In the past few days, National Hockey League Benning may be able to sign a top-six winger on July 1. But for the one or defencemen Jacob Trouba, Olli Maatta, Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun two defencemen the Canucks also require to seriously push for a playoff have been traded, and not one of them is coming to help the Vancouver spot next season, during the franchise’s 50th anniversary, Benning must Canucks. go on the trade market. Either the Canucks weren’t interested – doubtful given the team’s needs He said he has never experienced in his career in hockey as much on the blue line – or they lacked the expendable assets or allure to the league-wide trade discussion leading up to the draft as what is occurring players involved to make a trade happen. in the NHL this week. As Friday’s entry draft here at Rogers Arena approaches, Canucks “Whether it’s concerning the draft or trying to change the look of their general manager Jim Benning continues to look for at least one top-four teams, I think that’s true,” he said of the sheer mass of trade chatter. “I’ve defenceman while knowing there’s an increasing possibility he will talked to every team in the league in the last week.” require two if No. 1 blueliner Alexander Edler remains unsigned and leaves as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. With the No. 10 draft pick on Friday, Benning said he has been getting calls – not just making them – about moving up or down in the first round. The elephants in the room are multiplying. But if he had to guess, does he make the 10th pick on Friday? “I’m not going to comment on other teams’ deals or players,” Benning told Sportsnet on Tuesday. “Alex is our first choice, and we’re still hopeful “I can’t answer that.” to get something done there that makes sense. Where it ends up? I don’t know, but we’re still trying to figure it out. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.20.2019

“He’s a big part of our group and a big part of our team. It would be a big hole. We’ve been working hard to figure out a way to get him back, but we also have to do things the right way because we have these good young players and if they continue to get better, we’re going to have to pay them in a couple of years.”

The biggest obstacle to a new deal for Edler is term.

The career Canuck would be among the most coveted defencemen available in free agency and could command a four- or five-year deal on the open market.

He might play another four or five years in Vancouver, too, but not on one contract. As Benning indicated, the team is wary of committing big dollars long-term to a 33-year-old when Vancouver’s two best prospects in a generation, centre Elias Pettersson and defenceman Quinn Hughes, will be coming out of their entry-level contracts in two years.

Benning is also trying to lock up restricted free agent Brock Boeser to a long-term deal that could be worth $8 million per season.

The best news for the Canucks so far this week is that the NHL, to placate naive complaints by players about escrow clawbacks on their paycheques, may agree with the NHL Players’ Association to reduce next season’s salary cap below the $83 million commissioner Gary Bettman projected last December.

This possibility exacerbates problems for cap-strapped teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs. But it strengthens the bargaining position of the Canucks, who according to capfriendly.com have $30.5 million available (based on an $83-million upper limit) for next season.

Benning can afford to take on a bad contract or two as the cost of acquiring a player or draft pick the Canucks really want. But they can only do it for the next two years.

This window nicely dovetails with expectations, as reported by Elliotte Friedman, that the salary cap may remain tight through 2020-21, after which a new television deal with NBC for U.S. network rights that include an expansion team in Seattle could significantly boost payrolls three seasons from now.

The Canucks have never leveraged their cap space to make a trade with a team under duress, but Benning said he’s looking at doing so.

“We have cap space to look at those kinds of deals,” he said. “But we’re like everybody else: once we attend to our business and sign our own RFAs and try to get Edler on a new contract, that cap space can go pretty fast, too. We’ll see where it ends up here in the next couple of weeks. 1147656 Websites compiling a .887 save percentage – and was granted an “indefinite personal leave of absence” in February.

The Hurricanes are now wrestling with whether to buy Darling out of the TSN.CA / Lehner cherishes Masterton nomination after incredible final two years of his contract. comeback With the help of the NHL/NHLPA substance abuse program – which Lehner again credited with his success on Tuesday – and a front-and- Frank Seravalli centre public approach to his challenge, Lehner is confident he can remain with the Islanders for years to come.

“I’m just looking forward to getting a deal done,” Lehner said. “It’s been a LAS VEGAS - Robin Lehner can be recognized as the best player at his great experience, a great year. The year in itself has been special, all of position in the best league in the world on Wednesday, but there is one the small accolades.” award that means more to him than the Vezina Trophy. Lehner and partner Thomas Greiss already share the William M. “The Masterton,” Lehner said, without hesitation. Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals against this season. Some more hardware is likely on the way. That would be the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association to the NHL player who best “That will be icing on the cake,” Trotz said. “If you ask him, the award has exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication already been given. He’s got his family back and his life back. He’s got to hockey. his own career back. He’s got all of those things that are really meaningful. The rest are just symbols.” The New York Islanders goalie is a finalist for both the Vezina and Masterton at the NHL Awards show at Mandalay Bay Events Center, TSN.CA LOADED: 06.20.2019 hosted by Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson.

“Both are fun, but the Masterton means a lot more to me and my wife and my kids,” Lehner said. “Just being nominated for that award is huge for me and my family. I think it’s huge for everyone that’s been supporting me, too.”

No goaltender has ever won the Masterton and Vezina in the same season, but no goaltender has ever had quite the bounce-back season Lehner did.

Last September, Lehner put it all on the table. He detailed his battle with substance and alcohol abuse and thoughts of suicide in an incredibly moving first-person piece. That was before training camp had even opened.

Then Lehner put it all together on the ice, helping the Islanders go from worst to first in goals against and finishing second (.930) in save percentage to only Dallas’ Ben Bishop in 46 appearances. The Islanders swept the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round in a season in which most pundits picked them to miss the playoffs.

Lehner was a big part of what Barry Trotz said was one of his most fulfilling years coaching, which came on the heels of winning the Stanley Cup with Washington last June.

“All of the stuff we did on the ice, that’s entertainment. That’s not real life,” Trotz said Tuesday. “I’m so proud of Robin. The stuff I’m really proud about is he was able to stay on track in his own personal life, fighting his own demons.”

Trotz said he rode over to Tuesday’s media availability in Vegas with Lehner and could “just see the determination in him” to want to continue to speak about his struggles.

“Because he’s not the only guy in the league [with those struggles],” Trotz said. “Sometimes guys are afraid to speak out. To me, it showed strength in what he did. That strength he showed coming out and declaring it when he did, he’s determined to make this something that other players can benefit from and learn from, and also give him strength to beat his own demons.”

For Lehner, it remains a daily fight.

“He hasn’t beat it,” Trotz said of Lehner. “It’s a lifelong thing.”

Lehner, 27, is a pending unrestricted free agent for the second summer in a row. He made $1.5 million last season and is due a sizeable raise. His first sober season produced incredible results, but he freely admits his sobriety is the question mark in negotiations with the Islanders.

“I really want to stay. I think they want me to stay, so it shouldn’t be a big issue,” Lehner said. “But I’m a little bit of a special case, being one year – or about 14 or 15 months – sober right now. It’s not easy.”

The Islanders don’t have to look far for a cautionary tale.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed goaltender Scott Darling to a four-year, $16.6 million deal in 2017 after his public substance abuse battle. Darling has struggled mightily in his 51 starts over two seasons in Carolina – 1147657 Websites

USA TODAY / Carey Price reprises emotional moment with Anderson Whitehead at NHL Awards show

Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Published 11:52 p.m. ET June 19, 2019 | Updated 11:55 p.m. ET June 19, 2019

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price hugging a grief-stricken Anderson Whitehead was already an emotional moment that went viral this season.

The two repeated that Wednesday night in a surprise moment at the NHL Awards show in Las Vegas.

It was one of three emotional moments that stood out in a night full of presentations and jokes.

Whitehead, 11, had lost his mother, Laura, to cancer, in November and she had tried to arrange to have her son meet the goalie, his idol, but wasn't able to before her death. The boy's aunt, Tammy Whitehead, finally made it happen and Price gave the boy two signed sticks and a big hug.

That won the NHL's feel-good moment of the year and Anderson was invited up on the stage. Price appeared in a video to talk about how special their moment had been but stopped midstream and walked out onto the stage to embrace the boy again.

Carey Price comes out to surprise Anderson Whitehead at the NHL Awards pic.twitter.com/pPuUhJ9q50

— The Render (@TheRenderMedia) June 20, 2019

Anderson was in tears again and Price gave him a Canadiens jersey and an invitation to the All-Star Game.

New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner got big applause after winning the Masterton Trophy for perseverance. He said during training camp that he had gone for treatment for depression, anxiety and addictions and had also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

He said his decision to get treatment was life-changing for him. He signed a one-year deal with the Islanders, got a shutout in his first game back, picked up 25 wins and also was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as top goalie. Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilievsky won that award.

Lehner took his moment on the stage to address mental illness.

"We have to keep pushing forward. We have to end the stigma," he said. "I'm not ashamed to say I'm mentally ill, but that doesn't mean I'm mentally weak."

If anyone deserves a standing ovation, it's Alex Trebek! @Jeopardy#NHLAwardspic.twitter.com/Q8n7moabSx

— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) June 20, 2019

The final moment was when Alex Trebek, the host of "Jeopardy!", came onto the stage to present the Hart Trophy to Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov.

"As you all know growing up in Canada, you realize very early on that hockey is in your DNA," said Trebek, who is being treated for pancreatic cancer.

Trebek also received a standing ovation.

USA TODAY LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147658 Websites

USA TODAY / Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov is voted MVP of the NHL at awards show

Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Published 10:19 p.m. ET June 19, 2019 | Updated 11:58 p.m. ET June 19, 2019

The Tampa Bay Lightning couldn't add to their record-tying number of regular-season wins, but their 62-win regular season was enough for them to win three trophies at the NHL Awards show Wednesday night.

Forward Nikita Kucherov, who ran away with the scoring race, won the Hart Trophy as league MVP. His 128 points were the most in the league since 1995-96 and 12 more than runner-up Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.

He also won the Ted Lindsay Award as MVP voted by his fellow players.

Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov poses with the Hart Trophy and the other awards he won this season.

Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (39 wins) picked up the Vezina Trophy.

The Lightning, who were swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round, also had coach Jon Cooper and defenseman Victor Hedman as awards finalists, but those two fell short in voting.

Also from the night in Las Vegas:

-St. Louis Blues forward Ryan O'Reilly added to his Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy by winning the Frank Selke Trophy as top defensive forward. "It's been a heck of a week," he said.

-Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano won the Norris Trophy at 35. He finished second among defensemen with 74 points in 78 games and had a defense-best plus 39 rating. "Let's keep this going," he said. "I feel young. I feel fresh."

-New York Islanders coach Barry Trotz captured the Jack Adams Award after leading his team to the second-best record in the Metropolitan Division despite the loss of John Tavares to free agency.

-Islanders goalie Robin Lehner, who picked up 25 wins this season after getting treatment for depression and addictions, won the Masterton Trophy for perseverance.

-Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson, the runaway rookie scoring leader, won the Calder Trophy.

-Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov, who had 96 points and eight penalty minutes, won the Lady Byng Trophy for gentlemanly play.

-Don Sweeney, whose Boston Bruins reached the Stanley Cup Final, was named general manager of the year.

-Nashville Predators forward Wayne Simmonds won the Mark Messier Leadership Award and Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker won the King Clancy Trophy for humanitarian work. Rico Phillips, who founded the Flint Inner City Youth Program, won the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award.

USA TODAY LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147659 Websites

USA TODAY / Flyers keep Kevin Hayes from free agency with seven- year, $50 million deal

Dave Isaac, NHL writer Published 2:22 p.m. ET June 19, 2019

Kevin Hayes had five goals and 13 points in 20 games with the Winnipeg Jets this season after a trade deadline deal with the New York Rangers.

The trade was a gamble because the Flyers didn’t really know if anything would come to fruition and maybe the draft pick they gave up, teenager whose life will change Saturday afternoon, will become a real player. To Winnipeg went a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft and the Flyers got about three weeks of negotiating time with pending free agent center Kevin Hayes.

They almost ran out of runway and certainly paid a premium to ensure they didn’t. General manager Chuck Fletcher needed 16 days to make sure Hayes didn’t get to free agency, or at least this Sunday when other teams could start negotiating with him.

Wednesday morning the Flyers signed Hayes to a seven-year, $50 million contract.

"We are very happy to sign Kevin to a long term contract," Fletcher said in a press release. "He plays a smart, two-way game and is just entering the prime of his career. Kevin will add size and skill to our line-up."

Hayes, 27, will likely be the Flyers’ second-line center next season, making them very strong down the middle.

At least for now.

Sean Couturier is the definitive No. 1 at center and 20-year-old Nolan Patrick and pending restricted free agent Scott Laughton are also shoo ins for the roster. If the Flyers decide that adding Hayes gives them a surplus, perhaps one of Patrick or Laughton become available for a trade down the road.

In signing Hayes, the Flyers get a big center (6-foot-4, 216 pounds) who plays very well defensively and scored a career-high 25 goals in the 2017-18 season with the New York Rangers under Alain Vigneault, who is now the Flyers’ bench boss. Hayes, a Dorchester, Massachusetts native, had 19 goals and a career-high 55 points this season between 51 games for the Rangers and 20 for the Jets, but never seemed fully comfortable after moving to Winnipeg at the trade deadline.

Hayes’ signing marks the latest move in what has been a busy week for Fletcher. Friday, Fletcher traded Radko Gudas to Washington for Matt Niskanen, Saturday he started the process of buying out Andrew MacDonald’s final year on his contract and Tuesday afternoon he traded two picks to San Jose for Sharks defenseman Justin Braun. Hayes’ play in his own end lends to the theme Fletcher seems to be going for.

“I do think the biggest concern we still have is we gave up 3.4 goals per game,” Fletcher said at the end of the Flyers’ season. “We gave up more than 80 goals than the New York Islanders. Over a goal a game more than the New York Islanders. I think we were 29th in goals-against. You have no chance of making the playoffs if you give up that many goals.”

Even as a forward, Hayes should be able to help in that regard. He was on the right side of the shot-attempt battle this season in 71 games between the Rangers and Winnipeg Jets at plus-26. In Philadelphia, he’ll also be expected to score with some talented wingers. Claude Giroux, James van Riemsdyk, Travis Konecny and Jake Voracek are all wingers who played mostly on the top two lines this season.

Hayes’ $7.14 million salary-cap hit takes a chunk out of Fletcher’s wallet and he still has plenty more to spend. He’ll need a goalie to play in tandem with Carter Hart and to re-sign RFAs Konecny, Travis Sanheim, Justin Bailey, Ryan Hartman and top defenseman Ivan Provorov.

After signing Hayes, there’s $22.86 million of cap space left, according to CapFriendly.com, based on a projected ceiling of $83 million. The official cap for next season should be announced this week.

USA TODAY LOADED: 06.20.2019 1147660 Websites 18. Dallas Stars: Left wing Alex Newhook (Canada) 5-10/192. Can be a Jake Guentzel-style scorer. He also has sharp passing skills.

19. Ottawa Senators (from Columbus Blue Jackets): Right wing Raphael USA TODAY / NHL mock draft: Expect a heavy U.S. presence at the Lavoie (Canada), 6-4/200. He’s a big winger with a wide body and a start of the first round quality scoring touch.

20. Winnipeg Jets (from New York Rangers): Center Philip Tomasino Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Published 8:00 a.m. ET June 19, 2019 (Canada), 6-0/185. Uses blazing speed to create breakaways and scoring chances.

21. Pittsburgh Penguins: Defenseman Victor Soderstrom (Sweden), 6- USA TODAY Sports hockey columnist Kevin Allen's mock draft 2.0 going 0/182. He’s an exceptional skater and an impressive puck handler. Will into Friday's first round in Vancouver: eventually quarterback a power play.

1. New Jersey Devils: Center Jack Hughes (USA), 5-10, 170. Hughes will 22. Los Angeles Kings (from Toronto Maple Leafs): Right wing Bobby have a Patrick Kane-like impact in the NHL. He's dynamic, fast and Brink (USA), 5-8/165. The Minnetonka, Minnesota, native scored 35 creative. goals in 43 games for Sioux City in the United States Hockey League. He has the shot and a knack for getting open. 2. New York Rangers: Center/wing Kaapo Kakko (Finland), 6-2, 194. Broke Aleksander Barkov’s record for most goals by an NHL draft-eligible 23. New York Islanders: Defenseman Ville Heinola (Finland), 6-0/180. He player in the Finnish League. He had 22 goals in 45 games for TPS seems to be above average in every facet of the game. Plays a safe, Turku playing against Finland’s pros. effective style.

3. Chicago Blackhawks: Center Alex Turcotte (USA), 5-11, 185. 24. Nashville Predators: Center Ryan Suzuki (Canada), 6-0/180. He’s a Possesses the speed, playmaking ability and savvy to be a scoring-line superb playmaker who can control the pace of the game with the puck on center in the NHL. He’s a noteworthy two-way player. his stick.

Jack Hughes, projected to go No. 1 overall in the NHL draft, averaged 25. Washington Capitals: Left wing Egor Afanasyev (Russia), 6-4/201. 2.24 points a game for the U.S. National Team Development Program. He had 27 goals and 62 points in 58 games for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL. 4. Colorado Avalanche (from Ottawa Senators): Right wing Cole Caufield (USA), 5-7, 162. He's the best pure scorer in the draft. He had 72 goals 26. Calgary Flames: Forward Samuel Poulin (Canada), 6-1/208. He in 64 games with the U.S. under-18 team. projects to be a second-line power forward. He’s the son of former NHL player Patrick Poulin 5. Los Angeles Kings: Defenseman Bowen Byram (Canada), 6-1, 185. Best offensive defenseman in the draft. Plays with a swagger. Had 26 27. Tampa Bay Lightning: Defenseman Tobias Bjornfot (Sweden), 6- goals and 71 points in the Western Hockey League. 0/195. He’s a composed puck mover who can make the home run pass up the middle. 6. Detroit Red Wings: Center Kirby Dach (Canada), 6-4, 200. Ranked No. 3 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's final 28. Carolina Hurricanes: Center Connor McMichael (Canada), 6-0/182. rankings. Had 25 goals and 73 points in 62 games in the WHL. McMichael totaled 36 goals and 72 points for the London Knights in the OHL. Has an instinctive scoring touch. 7. Buffalo Sabres: Right wing Vasili Podkolzin (Russia), 6-1, 190. Impressive shot. Sharp passer. Will power his way to the net. Will be a 29. Anaheim Ducks (from Buffalo Sabres via San Jose Sharks): top-line performer in the NHL. Under contract with the Kontinental Defenseman Matthew Robertson (Canada), 6-3/200. Projects to be a top Hockey League for two more seasons. four defenseman with strong one-on-one defending skills.

8. Edmonton Oilers: Center Dylan Cozens (Canada), 6-3, 180. Can 30. Boston Bruins: Right wing/left wing Nils Hoglander (Sweden), 5- contribute physical play as well as offense. He had 34 goals and 84 10/190. Lightning quick. Creative. Often dazzling. He has a wow factor. points in 68 WHL games. 31. Buffalo Sabres (from St. Louis Blues): Defenseman Alex Vlasic 9. Anaheim Ducks: Left wing Matthew Boldy (USA), 6-1, 187. Committed (USA) 6-6/200. The NTDP standout is projected to land in the second to Boston College. He had 33 goals and 81 points in 64 games for the round on some lists, but his combination of size and skill might be too USA Hockey NTDP Under-18 team this season. good to pass up at the bottom of the first round.

10. Vancouver Canucks: Center Trevor Zegras (USA), 6-0, 170. Headed USA TODAY LOADED: 06.20.2019 to Boston University. Smart, gifted offensive catalyst. In 60 games for the NTDP, he had 26 goals, 72 points and 94 penalty minutes

11. Philadelphia Flyers: Right wing Arthur Kaliyev (Canada), 6-2, 185. Born on Staten Island, New York, Kaliyev posted 51 goals and 102 points in the Ontario Hockey League.

12. Minnesota Wild: Goalie Spencer Knight (USA), 6-3, 190. Has committed to Boston College. Viewed as a franchise goalie.

13. Florida Panthers: Defenseman Thomas Harley (Canada), 6-3, 190. Skates impressively and moves the puck with flair. Had 11 goals and 58 points in the OHL.

14. Arizona Coyotes: Center Peyton Krebs (Canada), 5-11, 180. Plays with overflowing passion and energy. Had 68 points in 64 WHL games.

15. Montreal Canadiens: Defenseman Cam York (USA), 5-11/175. Has a puck-moving game that fits well into the NHL’s new up-tempo style. Makes smart decisions with the puck.

16. Colorado Avalanche: Defenseman Philip Broberg (Sweden), 6-3/200. Scouts are projecting he will be a top-pairing defenseman who will have an impact in all three zones.

17. Vegas Golden Knights: Defenseman Moritz Seider (Germany), 6- 3/210. Everyone loves him because he is comfortable defending against skilled forwards. He’s a poised shutdown guy with size, mobility and decent puck skills.